Welcome to Charlottesville Virginia!
Where you will feel right at home!

CHARLES
McDONALD
434.981.1585

July 2009 Charlottesville Newsletter

Message from Charles

The activity around the Charlottesville area is still fantastic. Actually about 50% of my current contracts are new construction. I am building with clients in Crozet, Albemarle, Greene and even Louisa. Who says the market is slow?

I wanted to share this note I received this morning from one of my buyer clients (now friends) regarding a recent trip to Charlottesville:

Charles, We wanted to thank you for your time, insight and support during our visit. It’s understandable how people spend some time in C-Ville and end up not leaving. It combines a scenic, bucolic lifestyle with nearby areas of activity through the schools and downtown providing an attractive combination. This along with the school system, recreational programs and general cost of housing provide an overall great quality of life for families. Chuck and Nancy

We also have a couple of new listings that are near NGIC (National Ground Intelligent Center), located just north of Charlottesville. If you are looking in this area, check out my site at NGIC Real Estate.

Below are some of my recent blog posts that you may find interesting. Remember: comments are welcome. By the way, are you reading my Charlottesville Real Estate Blog?

As always if you need anything or have any questions about our market, drop me an email or call me anytime.

Charles

A Few Recent Posts:

Should we consider building? Some Sellers make me Laugh NGIC new listing in low 200's JUST LISTED

should we consider building?

I love new construction. The whole process, from breaking ground to handing my clients the key at closing. Many agents do not really enjoy new construction because it can take 9 months to a year (or longer) to get to the closing table. But it is the process that I really enjoy, not the closing…

Charlottesville new construction

(above photo is a new home for one of my clients, currently being built…the views are amazing)

Many times a client will not find the perfect home or location when looking for Charlottesville VA real estate. So it is not uncommon for us to talk about new construction. About 50% of my current contracts are new construction and I am talking with builders and looking at land every week.

So I may ask the question, should we consider building?

The answer is often wrapped around schedule. If a client has the time, new construction may be the best option.

Let’s talk!

Some sellers make me laugh

I have been on a little trip and one of my associates and I were just talking on the cell phone about Buyer Agent Bonuses while I was driving through Tennessee…

We both agreed that it is ridiculous to offer a "Bonus" to an agent that is already getting a commission. Why not just lower the price…

So here is where it got funny… I got back to my computer (I bring it with me of course) and the very NEXT email I get says….

DON’T MISS OUT ON MORE GREAT SELLING BONUSES!

I just had to laugh!

The funny part is that the agent sending this is a good agent and knows that these things are gimmicks and that the reality is that the price of the homes should just be lowered or give a credit back to the buyers…

My associate and I in Charlottesville Agreed that Real Estate "Bonuses" should just go back to the buyer….

No more games….Please….

Are you relocating to NGIC?

Did you know there are great values in the low 200’s?

Check out this listing:

NGIC Real Estate

Spacious & inviting one level home with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Large open & level fenced-in back yard on a corner lot with a great deck/patio area & privately screened hot tub. Living room has a vaulted ceiling and W/B fireplace.