Charlottesville Music Scene


Charlottesville MusicCharlottesville is often touted for having a big city-in-a-small town vibe. That is to say it offers up metropolitan amenities without sacrificing a local atmosphere. Nothing demonstrates this duality better than the thriving music scene, in which a plethora of venues—ranging from gritty, 100 person dives to massive arenas like John Paul Jones Arena and Scott Stadium—attracts and maintains a diverse roster of young, up-and-coming musicians, seasoned veterans, and everything in between. Imagine a night on the Downtown Mall, going to see nationally touring acts like the Alabama Shakes, Beck or Snoop Dogg at the spacious, outdoor nTelos Wire Pavilion. After the show, you might hear a lumbering upright bass or the mellow croon of an alto sax and pop into the premier jazz spot, Miller’s, where Charlottesville’s own Dave Matthews used to bartend before he hit it big. Between the John Paul Jones Arena and Scott Stadium (UVA’s basketball and football venues respectively), you will be able to see a number of true legends; acts like Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac are never more than a few miles away. Cville’s location—about an hour away from Richmond and a couple hours from Washington, D.C.—affords it the luxury of attention from both big and burgeoning musical acts. You get the option to see amazing acts without compromising the ability to go to sleep before 2am.

Like folk music? Check out the soothing stylings of Devon Sproule or the relaxed thump of the Sally Rose Band. Venues like Garage across from Lee Park or the Whiskey Jar during the day are ideal venues for this type of music. For acoustic music with a harder edge, check out Hound Dog Hill, playin’ a mix of bluegrass standards, Appalachian fiddle tunes and originals or the incredible Love Canon who play all your favorite 80s tunes re-interpreted with traditional bluegrass instrumentation. If you prefer a more modern sound, stop by the Main Street Annex: bands like the Astronomers offer up searing leads and full harmonies. The jangly, reverb-laden guitar sounds of White Laces blend modern rock with 90s nostalgia, and Two Ton Trapezoid combines round, mellow trumpet, smooth electric piano, distorted, riffy guitar and earnest vocals into an extra-planetary affair. There are plenty of places that offer up straight-ahead rock and roll…pop by places like Rapture or Durty Nelly’s. The soaring vocals and intuitive songwriting of Erin Lunsford and her group Erin and the Wildfire have been a Charlottesville mainstay for years. Lunsford and her tight, bluesy rhythm section have even graced the stage of Lockn Music Festival (about half an hour away in the beautiful Nelson County). Hard rock heroes Rooster Blood pioneer the genre of psychedelic funkgrass through infectious grooves and ripping leads. And finally, Charlottesville’s jazz scene is no joke. Miller’s boasts tenorman Jeff Decker and guitarist Mike Rosensky who play their driving, straight-ahead brand of hard bop every Wednesday night and trumpeter John D’earth, whose multi-faceted group has featured just about every horn player in Charlottesville at one time or another. The drummer from this group fronts Butcher Brown, the new cats who meld jazz sensibilities with funk rhythms and open-ended improvisation. The ville truly has something for everyone.

Virginia Ranked #1 Best State in Which to Retire

If you’ve lived in Virginia a while, you’ve probably known this all along. But for those unfamiliar with or thinking about moving to the Old Dominion, know this: Virginia has been rated the best state in the country for retirees. This retirement index, compiled by the financial firm LPL Research, evaluates a state’s “retirability” based on the following six factors that are weighted differently:

1. Financial (35%): cost of living, median household income, private sector retirement assets, state pension funds relative to pension obligations/tax burden
2. Healthcare (20%): Access to, cost of. Healthcare expenditures and % of 45-64 covered by health insurance
3. Housing (15%): Home ownership rate, median home price list/rent list price, nursing home costs
4. Community Quality of Life (10%): # of heating days, % of home foreclosures, % of people with over 60 minute commutes, % of people living in poverty, violent crimes per 100,000 people
5. Employment and Education (10%): % of 45-64 year olds with college degrees, % of employees with health insurance
6. Wellness (10%): life expectancy, % of adults over 18 who are physically active, who are smokers, who are obese

Virginia was ranked 1st in community quality of life, 5th in financial, 10th in employment and education and 1st overall. So let’s take a look at the things that prospective retirees consider when choosing a place to relocate, and what makes Virginia a good fit.

The New York Times cites a report which estimates that as many as “57% of baby boomers say they plan to move into a new home in retirement” (Hanon ). It makes sense; this is a brand new phase of your life, and the circumstances that made your old home ideal may no longer be in play. The things you wanted in a locale in your 20s and 30s are not the same things you need out of your residence now. Of those 57% surveyed, 39% said they wanted to relocate to a small town or rural community. There are many offerings in Virginia, from the sprawling central Virginia estates in Albemarle or Orange counties, to the small-town feel of homes in Charlottesville.

Weather is among the top considerations for people looking for a suitable retirement destination. This is one of the reasons why older people tend to settle down in the southern and western states. Compared to humid places like Florida, Virginia’s climate is pretty mild. The summers can be hot but they aren’t brutal, and are often interspersed with breezy days. The winters aren’t brutal, colder than some of our neighbors to the south but nowhere near the frigid temperatures of the northern states.

There are also numerous things to do throughout Virginia. Nelson County’s Crabtree Falls, for example boasts the highest vertical drop east of the Mississippi. Its first overlook runs along a low-key paved trail for hikers of varying experience, and there are more challenging hikes as well. From slow, meandering drives amidst the scenic vistas and pastoral landscapes of the Blue Ridge Parkway to the thriving, hollows of the Shenandoah National Park, there are so many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of this state.

The real estate taxes in Virginia vary by county but are comparatively low. The state and local taxes end up being about 5.3%, a little more for the localities that make up Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. The cost of living gets higher as you move closer north, but you could do a lot worse than Virginia. The median value for a home is about $230,000.

The unemployment rate is also pretty low in Virginia: 4.8%. At first it may sound counterintuitive to think about working in the place where you’re going to retire. But many retirees, current and future say they plan to work during retirement. Merrill Lynch published a study which states that “47 % of today’s retirees say they either have worked or plan to work during their retirement years. Moreover, the number of retirees who work will escalate in the years ahead, with 72% of pre-retirees age 50+ now saying that their ideal retirement includes work in some capacity” (Merrill Lynch). This doesn’t necessarily mean getting a 9-5 and commuting. Even if the work is unpaid/on a volunteer basis, being employed has been linked with a greater sense of well-being. “Work gives us a sense of purpose, feeling connected and needed. It makes us feel relevant. It’s hard to pin a precise paycheck to that, but it’s real.”

Moreover, it keeps our minds sharper. Researchers from the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the University of Michigan published a study showing that cognitive performance levels decline faster in countries that have younger retirement ages” (Hanon 2) . You don’t just have to work. You can also learn more. Were you to find a nice small farm in central Virginia, or a home around Charlottesville, you could make use of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Virginia. You could also take advantage of the seasonal job market, getting an easygoing gig during the summer while all the students are out of town. Did we mention Virginia was ranked 10th in LPL’s employment and education category?

So there you have it. The experts agree that for people planning to retire, Virginia is your best bet. Relocating here affords you warm weather, reasonably priced homes, and a bounty of natural splendors. You can foster your continued growth through a variety of channels: working, volunteering or going back to school. The pace of life is very malleable. The pace of life here moves with you. If you want seclusion and privacy, you could get a small farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; there are several nice offerings available in Nelson, Greene, Madison and Albemarle Counties. If you want a thriving community of various ages and backgrounds, consider a home in Charlottesville, where live music, theatre and sports are close at hand. The only thing you need is an appreciation for natural beauty and a thirst to make the most of out life. After all, Virginia is for lovers.

Biking in Charlottesville

The phrase “it’s like riding a bike,” is surprisingly apt. It’s hard to forget what is for many of us the first foray into freedom, the unbridled pleasure of taking the training wheels off and zooming down a hill with abandon. For a lot of people it’s one of the first truly autonomous actions; something you don’t need mom and dad to do for you once you’ve got it down. For many people (this writer included) it is a fundamental, primary means of transportation that costs much less than an automobile, both from monetary and environmental standards. Since the 19th century, riding bicycles has been a viable option for transportation, recreation and fitness. Charlottesville / Albemarle County was recently recognized as a “Bicycle Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists. The LAB is a non-profit organization founded in 1880 to promote cycling (for fun, exercise an transportation) through advocacy and education. It is probably the largest community of cyclists in the country, so you know Charlottesville is up to some good. Land in Albemarle county, the lush sprawl and rolling pastures of the central Virginia countryside, is ideal for mountain biking, but there are many good road trails too. Let’s explore the many ways in which Charlottesville—both the governmental heads and the people themselves—work to build an accessible home for the folks on two wheels.

 

Charlottesville Community

The city of Charlottesville proper is only 10.4mi2; in other words very accessible to the cycling community as far as transportation goes. There aren’t many places in town that you can’t go, especially once you’ve been biking long enough and get used to some of the hillier parts of the city. The mix of road/city and mountain bike trails has fostered a strong community here, comparable to our neighbors to the east in Richmond. Bicycling truly is a viable option for getting around. All the city buses (both Charlottesville Area Transit and University of Virginia transit systems) come equipped with two bike racks so you can bike to bus stops, take the bus to places that are a little less convenient, and get back on the bike when you get there. Bike Charlottesville is one of many groups that rally the cycling community for events like group bike rides and information about topics relevant to people on two wheels. Cycling is something the local government takes pretty seriously too. Albemarle County and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission take cycling into consideration in many of their planning policies, and there have been a few collaborative efforts to make the town more bike-friendly. Take for example the Cville Bike mApp. The Charlottesville-Albemarle Metropolitan Planning Organization, Charlottesville City, Albemarle County, and UVa came together to develop a cycle route mapping app. Cyclists from all over the county uploaded their daily routes, mapping their paths with help of the app. Staff took all of this raw data and analyzed it, drawing conclusions as to what parts of town were most and least bike-accessible, the places cyclists couldn’t get to, crowded bicycle corridors etc. UVa has also successfully implemented a BikeShare program, the likes of which you may have seen in many more metropolitan areas like New York City or the District of Columbia. This is a pretty inclusive system that does not require UVa affiliation. Create a membership, register, choose your payment plan and you can pick up/drop off your bike at any of the designated areas around town. It helps to democratize the process of biking. Not everyone can afford a bike, and not everyone needs one all the time either. This way if you wanted to join some friends every now and then on a casual bike ride, you’d be able to. This is good for people who enjoy biking but aren’t sure if regular biking is for them. If the kids have been clamoring on about getting a new mountain bike, you can let them try out the BikeShare program for a month before you decide to take the plunge. It’s also a great way to get to know the surrounding area. Rumor has it that Richmond is working on one as well, trying to get it up and running by the start of the UCI Road World Championships, which begin September 19 of this year and lasts until the 27th.

 

The Charlottesville Area Mountain Biking Club (CAMBC) is a chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association. They strive to promote and publicize the litany of accessible trails in and around Charlottesville while at the same time emphasizing the importance of trail safety and responsible use. They put on events that foster a sense of camaraderie and solidarity among two-wheel enthusiasts. Earlier in the year, they threw a party on the property of the Devil’s Backbone brewery in nearby Nelson County, raising $1350 for the trails while enjoying beer, music, bacon, eggs and some solid biking tips. People celebrated with bonfires and campout. This club is yet another example of the thriving cyclist community in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. It’s also a wealth of information for anyone who wants to know more about the available trails in the area.

 

If you’re a seasoned biker who is new to town, or a novice biker and native Charlottesville-dweller, there are a few places around town to meet like-minded individuals and administer care to your iron horse. Blue Wheel Bicycles has been servicing a community of Charlottesville cyclists for about 40 years now, first at their location on Elliewood Avenue and then the Ix Building in downtown Cville since 2006. The owners Roger Friend and Scott Paisley are both award-winning cyclists who know just about everything there is to know about the practice and they are open six days a week, until 6pm (except on Saturdays). Community Bikes is a non-profit organization over on Avon Street, near the Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville. The entire operation is powered through funding from private individuals and organizations and rife with enthusiastic volunteers who just genuinely love bicycles. They work with Virginia Organizing to promote environmentally-sound transportation (foot power!), and recycling bikes. Their community-oriented approach is supplemented by programs that are open to the public. These range from events like bike rodeos for children and bicycle repair and maintenance workshops where you can learn the best way to care for and maintain your wheels. They even offer Open Shop time, in which patrons can come through and use the shop’s resources, including one of three repair stands. All they ask is a small fee, perfectly understandable coming from a non-profit organization with barely any employees and a highly sustainable model.

 

Charlottesville Bike Trails

The mix of road and mountain trails in Charlottesville attracts a variety of cyclists, both natives and people from other land in central Virginia. Here we’ll take a look at some great places to ride bicycles in the areas around Charlottesville.

 

Observatory Hill is owned by UVa. It’s off of Alderman Road by the group of residential buildings considered the “new dorms.” This is one of Charlottesville’s most vigorous trails, probably not for the faint of heart. It is a pretty exciting one too; the trails lap each other all over the mountain, intersecting in a such a way as to make it possible for people to ride up and down the mountain several times without repeating the same trails over and over again.

 

There’s also Preddy Creek, a much newer set of trails, northeast of the City of Charlottesville in Albemarle County. Apparently these trails span 571 acres of wilderness with a little over 8 miles of trails that are utilized for a variety of pursuits including hiking, horseback riding, and of course mountain biking. This set of trails is brand new, so there are still components that are under construction. For now, there is a very good beginner loop that’s pretty accessible to people just starting out. It also has some quick turns between trees and steep descents to make it interesting for the more intermediate among us. Check back up on Preddy Creek though, because new and exciting things are happening over there. People are working on some expert trails with engineered attributes like elevated bridges and rock gardens, courtesy of the kind, community-minded folks at the aforementioned Charlottesville Area Mountain Biking Club!

Walnut Creek is an awesome park that takes advantage of the beauty of property in Albemarle County. It spans 525 acres, 45 of which are water acres. There’s a huge lake for kayaking, swimming and fishing. You can rent canoes or BYOB (bring your own boat, assuming it’s Coast Guard-approved). It also might be the areas only legitimate disc golf operation; 18 holes! The 15 miles of bike trails are fairly challenging for a new cyclist, but will definitely get you in shape and make the hills in town seem like a joke. It’s a narrower singletrack with errant loose rocks and gnarly roots. You can link up several different trails to make your own custom loop or follow the beaten path, but be prepared for a workout! For a park rife with so many resources, Walnut Creek’s admission is relatively cheap: $3 for Albemarle County residents and $4.50 for everyone else. You can also scoop a yearly pass.

 

Bicycle Route 76, also called the TransAmerica Route is enormous. It spans the state of Virginia from east to west and actually stretches from the Midwest (Missouri) to Yorktown, VA. It connects to the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, then to Garth Road, White Hall, Crozet, and then up to Afton Mountain. Serious cyclists could spend a few days on the journey with a tent, sleeping bag and provisions. You get rewarded by 25 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, amidst awe-inspiring visions of the bucolic majesty of central Virginia’s mountain and pasture ranges.

 

The Rivanna Trail (also known as the RTF) is a sprawling trail that circumnavigates Charlottesville at watershed areas of the Rivanna. Its website offers an interactive map where you can plot your journey and plan it out in style. You can get onto the trail from East Market Street, right onto Riverside Avenue and into the Riverview Park, where the trails are fairly easygoing and non-committal. Great for all ages. This is by Long Street or Richmond Road, where you’d get into Pantops from the city. Here there are trails with hard-surfaces that take you up and around, over to the Free Bridge area. There are several entrances in town, from Park Street to Hydraulic and other places off of Emmet Street, to 5th Street extended, Fontaine, Old Ivy Road. The trail even stretches all the way to the Quarry Park, an impressive ~20 miles! Keep in mind that although parts of RTF are pretty accessible, there are spots that should not be attempted by less-than-experienced cyclists. We’re talking about roots and rocks, exposed rock cliffs and other tricky things. Use discretion when deciding which trails are for you; the RTF has so much to offer. Don’t forget to consult the interactive map or ask an experienced cyclist.

 

As you can see, Charlottesville is a great place for cyclists of all levels!

Guide to Selling Your Home

Beautiful_Kitchen_CharlottesvilleYou don’t need us to tell you that selling your home is a monumental decision. Not only do you have to think about finding somewhere else to live, you’ve got to tie up loose ends at your current residence, make sure your potential new dwelling has all the necessary amenities, and convince your kids that they will indeed make friends at the new school. It’s not exactly a relaxing process and, chances are if you’ve found your way to this posting, you’ve probably already decided to sell your place. We here at Gayle Harvey Real Estate have put together this guide full of helpful things to keep in mind.

 The good news is that it’s a pretty good time to sell. According to Time Magazine*, housing prices have increased, more people are looking into/able to buy, and interest rates are still low, creating incentive for potential buyers. This is especially true for real estate in Charlottesville and other areas; with several recent accolades celebrating food, culture and overall living, homes in Charlottesville and other property around central Virginia have more demand than they seen for quite awhile. Let’s get started with some important things to keep in mind before or as you put your home on the market. Presentation is obviously important, and it spans a variety of senses (from the look, lighting and feel of the place to the way it smells), areas (in/outside your home) and times. As soon as you know you want to sell, start thinking about some of these things.

Cleaning up and depersonalizing
Who’s cleaning the house? It depends on your needs and the current state of the house. If you’ve got a few empty rooms once inhabited by college-age kids, you may be able to handle most of the cleaning yourself. As important as actual cleanliness is your commitment to reducing clutter and accumulation. It’s tough to say goodbye to some our long-standing possessions, especially during a move. Owning a home is a testament to stability and structure, and when you’re selling it and trying to limit the number of things you take with you, it speaks to an ephemeral transience which informs the human experience. Consider hiring a professional organizer with whom you can consult as to what to take, what to toss, and what to do with the things you choose to leave behind. You should make a concerted effort to depersonalize your home, especially when interested parties are coming by to see it. Think about removing some of the personal touches; photos of the family, Christmas stockings, banners and tapestries. Potential buyers don’t want to live in a world of your experiences; they want a blank canvas, something onto which they can project their hopes, passions, and humanity. People want to “see themselves” in the space. Think about this when painting too…use neutral colors and steer clear of expressive, “loud” colors like yellow and purple. It’s easier for someone to envision his or her self in a place with muter, unobtrusive colors. You may get people who like the purple, but they’d probably paint it purple themselves either way. 

Long-term improvements

If you’re still in the planning stages, now’s the time to start thinking about long-term steps. Investigate funky smells and any errant damp patches around the house, especially if the smells are sort of musty. It could be mold or mildew. Sometimes it’s not particularly difficult for you to get rid of yourself; some good detergent and a bit of cleaning should take care of it. You might also consider a humidifier for patches of moisture around the house. But if you come across a concentrated area of mold over 10 square feet, you should probably seek professional assistance.   Look for water issues in your bathroom as well. A squishy floor requires immediate attention and will definitely cost you some money off the asking price, some potential attention from buyers, or both. It could be something as simple as a toilet pan with a leak, or the damage could be more foundational. Either way, you ought to nip it in the bud way before the open house rolls around. Make sure there aren’t any excessive cracks in the foundation (we’re talking 1/8 of an inch or bigger) because that could mean the structural integrity of the home requires attention from an engineer. Also pay close attention to the baseboards, corners and crevices in your house. You’d probably know whether or not you had a full-blown infestation, but roaches and mice don’t need huge spaces to slip by unnoticed. Be on the lookout for termite wings near windowsills as well as little holes or traces of sawdust on the baseboards (carpenter ants). The roof is another very important consideration. If you’ve got extra time and or money, consider a re-shingling job. The age of the roof is definitely something to think about when looking into a new house, and for good reason. It’ll run you at least a few thousand depending on what type of shingles you use. Laminated shingles are the best but also the most expensive. If the roof appears to be faulty or even just old and worn, buyers could try to leverage it into subtracting money off of your asking price, and sometimes this will outweigh the cost of repairing the roof yourself.

1-kitchenbKitchen and bathrooms are important

You may think you’re in the process of selling a house, but in actuality you’re selling a kitchen (and in some cases a master bathroom). It sort of makes sense; the kitchen is probably the room that will attract the highest volume of traffic. It’s also one of the only unique rooms in the house (there are multiple bedrooms, bathrooms etc.) You want your whole house to look good of course, but make sure your kitchen is in tip-top shape for potential buyers. However, we don’t necessarily advise breaking the bank to accomplish this. If you drop thousands of dollars on long-term improvements, it’s not certain that you’ll make that money back. Start off with the more cost-effective repairs and additions. The effect will still go a long way towards winning over potential buyers. We’re talking about things like leaky faucets, shaky light fixtures, and loose drawers. Replacing the cabinets isn’t too pricy and goes a long way towards revitalizing your kitchen and giving it a fresh look. However if the hardware in your kitchen is a little outdated and you have some money to spend, you might think about replacing an appliance or two. Carting that old musty fridge away and replacing it with an ice-making stainless steel behemoth will make buyers think that the rest of the kitchen is at least up to that standard.

The same goes for the bathrooms. Assuming they’re free of the aforementioned water damage, there are still a couple of things you can do to spruce them up. Make sure all the faucets are working and check to see if every sink and bathtub drains quickly. If not, grab some Drano, lye or a plumber’s snake if you prefer to work without chemicals. Replace the shower curtains and, if necessary, any shower and toilet mats you have. Getting a brand new toilet is relatively inexpensive (a few hundred dollars). Consider changing the light fixtures to give the room a brighter appearance, and maybe re-grout the tiles as well.

Open Houses and Showings

Up until now, we’ve been discussing improvements and techniques that are more long-term. Here we’ll go over things to keep in mind in the days leading up to an open house. You should be ready to show a house at any time. Treat every day like it’s an open house. When you get a call from your broker last minute at 6:30 pm, the interested party at the other end of the transaction is probably fed up with the houses s/he has seen. This isn’t a hard and fast rule of course, but a person just starting out a house search is looking at scheduled open houses and making appointments. Spur of the moment showings indicate that the buyer is trying very hard to find a place and hasn’t quite succeeded yet. So the house should always be show-ready.

 Start by tidying up the exterior; make sure it looks inviting. An unappealing exterior loses a sale the same way a beautiful kitchen makes one. Fix any cracks in the siding, refurbish the brick, and think about power washing driveways and front steps. Repainting the front door could be a good move as well, so long as the updated paintjob doesn’t make it clash with the rest of the façade. In fact, there are many places inside the house where a fresh coat would go a long way…identify these areas and remember to keep the colors muted. Keep the lawn freshly mowed, trim the hedges, and patch up any fencing. These are things the new owners could easily do, but they are a reflection of you and your upkeep of the house.

 Lighting is also crucial in this regard. If you have ample natural light, open up the windows or draw the blinds to showcase that. If there’s not so much natural light, get new light bulbs with higher wattage, more transparent lampshades…anything. You want it to be bright and inviting in your house. Try to avoid drawing attention to dark corners. Move furniture around to maximize floor space. You want to display the most efficient utilizations of the floor plan and you definitely don’t want buyers to think it’s cramped. No one ever complains that a house has too much room. If your closets are bulging, take half of the clothes out and stash them so the closets look bigger. Make sure all the closets are on track too. It’s a quick fix, and shaky closets, like loose doorknobs and leaky faucets just give the impression that the house hasn’t been well maintained. They’re all quick fixes for the people who may end up moving in, but they’ll just contribute to negative impressions of the house.

 Avoid any strong smells during this period. Save that delicious chicken tikka masala recipe for the new place; we advise against pungent aromas at open houses, even if they’re savory and appetizing. It goes back to that blank canvas thing. People may also assume that those smells come with the house. For this reason, we’d also suggest treating your lovable Doberman to doggy vacation for a week or two. Not only may you intimidate people who aren’t comfortable around pets, the smell and dander may detract from the first impression. You can’t be sure which of your potential buyers has a negative association with the smell of kitty litter. Fish are okay. Use discretion when decided whether or not to take your terrarium somewhere else, but if you’ve got snakes you may want to let a friend borrow them. Remember, a first impression is likely to be the only impression; the people coming by your place are looking at comparable properties. They’re roughly the same price range and will have many overlapping features, so the only things a potential buyer has to differentiate (besides the objective specs and asking prices) these homes are the experiences that they take. A lot of people will have freshly baked bread or cookies somewhere in the house. Cookies. You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who doesn’t like cookies, although they’re out there. While we’re on the subject of food, think about crafting a light, generally accessible menu for the open house. You’re not opening up a restaurant, given. But a carafe of pinot noir with some camembert or fontina cheeses, some salami? You’re cultivating an atmosphere. A bouquet of flowers at the entrance is a nice touch as well.

 This may go without saying, but sweep up and wipe down surfaces before any open house. Make sure the bathroom and kitchen are spotless. When sweeping up, pay special attention to the baseboards and the corners. Wipe the dust off fan blades. Make sure the dishes are clean and the sink is empty. Pretty much hide any evidence that a) you actually use any of the appliances b) you even live in the house at all. Because soon, you won’t. Someone else will be, and hopefully they’ll be writing you a nice check as well.

 

*http://time.com/money/3629800/housing-outlook-2015/

House Payment with an Adjustable Rate Comparison

If you have a high house payment, that doesn’t mean your home is more valuable, it may indicate that your mortgage rate is higher than it has to be.

Although fixed rates are currently low, you might consider looking into an adjustable rate mortgage.  Depending on how long you plan to own your home, an ARM may provide the lowest cost of ownership. 

There are different types of ARMs. One type, an FHA ARM, features a maximum rate change of 1% during one period and the maximum lifetime cap of 5% over the initial rate.

The chart below shows an example of a 30 year mortgage with a five year fixed rate that can adjust every one year after that, based on independent indexes.  The payment on the adjustable is $153.48 lower for the first five years/60 payments.  The lower interest rate loans amortize faster than higher interest rate loans.  The ARM in the example below has a lower unpaid balance of $4,239 at the end of the first five years.

At the end of the first period, the total savings on the ARM is $13,477.  The breakeven point for this loan would be 8.5 years. If the borrow felt they would sell the home prior to this point, the housing cost for this ARM would be lower, even if the mortgage rate increased to the maximum level at each adjustment period.

Always consult with a trusted mortgage professional to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of varying programs.  You can also contact one of our agents to help guide you as well. 

For more information, visit:  www.freddiemac.com/pmms

Are you ready to buy a home?

are you ready2.png

Don’t think twice! Are you thinking about buying a home, but keep delaying your decision?  You may want to reconsider based on the conditions of today’s market and the potential for the future market.

Today’s rental market has seen an increase to the point where it’s significantly less expensive to own than to rent.  The monthly cost of housing can be lower, even after repairs are factored into the comparison, as interest rates are low, principal accumulation due to amortization, as well as appreciation and tax savings from owning your home.

The Federal Reserve recently announced that they intend to start increasing the rates.  Experts are agreeing that an increase in interest rates is an inevitable conclusion. With that said, a $300,000 home today could be considerably more a year from now.   If you have a down payment of 20%, prices increase by 3%, interest rates increase by .5%, the principal and interest payment at 3.625% would be $1,094.52 for 30 years compared to $1,198.05 at 4.125%.

Here’s something to ponder when thinking about postponing a long term decision to buy a home.  If you wait too long and the rates go up, can you afford that increased amount in a monthly payment because you weren’t ready to make a decision?  Do you want to continue paying rent when you could put that money towards the equity of your own home? 

 

The Empty Nest

It’s just too big for us now!  At one time, the large home was perfect, but lifestyles change, kids grow up and move out on their own.  The house doesn’t seem to fit the family needs anymore.  So maybe downsizing to a smaller home will meet this new empty nest lifestyle.

You may ask, why do I want to downsize and what are the benefits to a smaller home?  Here is a list to consider:  

  • It’s easier to maintain both inside and out so there’s not as much to house clean or lawn to mow
  • Convenience of a single level  for simple living
  • Lower utilities, property taxes, and  insurance
  • Possibly more energy efficient  and lower maintenance

How about the financial benefits from the equity in your larger home?  Here is a list of possible ways to utilize the money:

  • Invest for your retirement income
  • Buy that second home
  • Travel to those places you’ve longed to visit
  • Invest in an education for your children or yourself
  • Set aside a nest egg to cover unexpected expenses
  • Tax-free money? Your profit, in most cases, will be tax-free up to the exclusion limits set by the IRS.

The empty nest lifestyle is a big life change, and there will be expenses associated with selling your home and buying a new one.  Make sure you take the time to review the potential benefits and outcomes of downsizing to a smaller home.  If you have questions, contact Gayle Harvey Real Estate to find out what your current home is worth. We will also help you find the right home for the next stage of your life. 

The Most Popular Trends in Kitchen and Bathroom Design

If you’re thinking about updating your home, kitchens and bathrooms still top the list as the most popular construction renovations.  According to Residential Architect, they have identified some of the latest trends in kitchen and bathroom design.

It’s not just about cooking! Kitchens are becoming the central hub of the family home.  Yes, kitchens are where you store and prepare food, but kitchens are also being used for family gathering, entertaining family and friends, and for everyday living.  How many of you have a computer, phone chargers, or some type of technology in your kitchen?  You need to have easy accessibility to that recipe you saw on-line, or that “honey, please stop by the store and pick up…” for those missing ingredients.

For 2014, Residential Architect found LED lighting to be the most popular feature in a kitchen.  This feature is followed by computer areas with recharging stations, large pantry spaces, upper-end appliances, double islands, adaptability/universal design, and drinking water filtration systems.

When it comes to bathroom designs, Residential Architect found the most popular features to be LED lighting, door less showers, as well as adaptability/universal design.

So if you’re contemplating a renovation to your home, consider the current trends in both kitchen and bathroom designs.

Choosing a Paint Color to Create the Right Mood

Can color really affect your mood?  Paint is an inexpensive and easy way to personalize and update your home.  Choosing the right color is more than just selecting the first color that pleases you.  Many design experts and psychologists have found that taking the time to choose a color combination that’s pleasing to your eyes and home will affect your overall mood. The color combination you pick can create a soothing and relaxing environment, or a lively and an energetic one.  In choosing a color for each room of your home, you need to step back and think about the mood you want to create for that area. Do you want the room to be active, tranquil, or neutral?

Light colors will make a room seem larger, brighter and more airy.  Whereas dark colors tend to make a room appear more intimate, sophisticated and warm.  Let’s talk about colors and the affects they have on the mood in your home.

Blue, the color of the sky, is said to create a calm, serene, tranquil spa-like atmosphere.  Soft blues tend to lower stress and promote a restful sleep. Blue is often used in bedrooms and bathrooms.  Make sure to balance the blue with warmer accents.  Too much blue can overpower a room and create a stark and cold environment.  Try a lighter shade to create a calming effect for you and your family.

Yellow, the color of the sun, is said to promote happiness and create a more welcoming bright environment.   Yellow is best used sparingly as not to overwhelm family or guests. Yellow is often used in kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms.

Green, the color of nature…and money, is considered a restful calming color suitable for any room in the house.  Green works to bring the color of nature into your home, as well as create a new and fresh inspirational mood.

Purple, the color relative to royalty, is rich, regal, more formal and dramatic and brings a sense of sophistication to a room. Darker purples stimulate the creative mind and promote a feeling of luxury. Whereas lighter purples, such as lavender, create a restful mood.

Orange, “go hoos”, is not often used as a main color in a home.  Orange tends to be used on an accent wall or as an accent color to brighten a home. Orange is said to evoke the mood of excitement, creativity, and energy.  The color orange would work well in an exercise room.

Neutrals, the basics, such as white, black, gray and brown, are very flexible.  Neutral colors can be used alone with bright accent colors thrown in, or as an accent color to compliment a bright color.  Small doses of black can also give rooms a sense of depth. 

So when you decide to paint your home, take a step back and think about the purpose of that room and the mood you are trying to create for your family and guests.  Do you want a calm and relaxing mood, a creative mood, or an energetic and socializing mood?  Choosing a color is very personal and the decision should be made based on you, your family, and your lifestyle needs.  Once you make a decision about the mood, pick a color, whether it’s blue, red, green, orange, purple, yellow, or neutral. Your next step is to get your hands on a color wheel (you can go online or visit your local home improvement or paint store) and determine which shade creates the right mood. Finally, go buy your paint and start creating that mood.  Initially, you might want to buy a sample portion, go home and paint an area, look at it for a few days and see how it affects your mood.  If that color doesn’t work for you, the good thing about paint is that you can easily change it.  On the other hand, if the color you chose creates the mood you want, then go ahead have fun and paint away.  Now, sit back and enjoy the fresh and new atmosphere you’ve created in your home.

 

Finding the Right Mortgage Lender

Obtaining a mortgage for your new home is not about picking the first person or company you find on the web or call. Selecting the right mortgage lender is essential. The mortgage lender should make you feel confident that he/she will work with you to find the best loan to fit your mortgage needs.  It’s important to find a full-time professional who specializes in residential loans and is familiar with local conditions, values, and practices. A loan officer experienced in putting together unusual transactions is also beneficial.

Here are a few questions to help you select the right loan officer.

  1. What percentage of your business is FHA & VA compared to conventional mortgages and how long have you been doing them?
  2. What percentage of your loans close on time according to the sales contracts?
  3. Will my credit score affect my interest rate?
  4. Will you help me select the best loan product for me regardless of your commission?
  5. Are there prepayment penalties on any of the loans we’re considering?
  6. Are there any restrictions on refinancing any of the loans we’re considering?
  7. When is my loan rate locked-in? Is there a charge for that?
  8. Is your loan underwriting in-house?

Ask your real estate professional to recommend a few trusted lenders.