If you are shopping for a mortgage in today’s volatile mortgage market, it is a good idea to lock in the interest rate and loan costs.  In the first half of 2008 interest rates ranged from 5.48% in January to 6.45% recently.  The purpose of a rate lock is to protect a home buyer from rising interest rates by guaranteeing the interest rate that your mortgage will have.  Otherwise, by the time your purchase has closed if rates have risen, a buyer could end up with a mortgage payment that they could not afford.  since the lock is for a specific period of time, usually from 15 to 60 days, it is necessary to be sure that your home purchase can close within that time period.
For a more in depth article read Mortgage Rate Locks Become Crucial in Realty Times.

If you would like information on the Central Virginia real estate market, I would be glad to assist you.

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There are several counties that make up the Central Virginia region: Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, Greene, Orange, Nelson and Buckingham.

Albemarle County is located in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The county has a rich historical legacy featuring Ash Lawn-Highland the home of James Monroe and Monticello the home of Thomas Jefferson among others.  There are many cultural and outdoor activities to choose from.

Charlottesville is an independent city surrounded by Albemarle County.  The University of Virginia, which was founded by Thomas Jefferson is located there and is the largest employer.  The city has been rated by many publications as one of the best places to live in the United States.  The heart of downtown is the pedestrian mall which is the site of specialty shops and many restaurants, art galleries and outdoor cafes.

Fluvanna County located to the east of Albemarle is an area that is seeing rapid growth while keeping a rural feel.  It includes the gated community of Lake Monticello which includes a large lake and golf course.  The main town is historic Palmyra.

Louisa County is a largely rural, agricultural area with only 10% of its land currently developed.  The Green Springs area sports scenic vistas of rolling hills in a historic preservation district.  The town of Louisa, located 35 miles from Charlottesville and Mineral are the county’s two incorporated towns.

Greene County located to the north of Albemarle is still mostly agricultural, but has been seeing a lot of growth recently.  The towns of Ruckersville and Standardsville are included.

Orange County is an area of farms and rolling countryside.  Montpelier, the home of James Madison is a historic destination.  The towns of Gordonsville and Orange are located in the county.

Nelson County which is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains contains part of the George Washington Forest and parts of the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway.  The Wintergreen Resort, containg ski slopes and a golf course is located in the county and is a prime destination.

Buckingham County which is just across the James River from Albemarle is a rural area that is increasingly becoming known in the region by homebuyers looking for affordable property.  The incorporated town of Dillwyn is located in the county.

If you are looking for real estate in Central Virginia, you have a lot of areas to choose from.  There is sure to be a home in one that suits
your lifestyle.

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The government of Albemarle County is going green, and hopes to save money and reduce the county’s carbon footprint at the same time.  Albemarle County is located in Central Virginia surrounding the town of Charlottesville.

All new county buildings to be constructed will meet stricter energy standards, beginning with the new Crozet Library.  In addition since 2003, the county has bought new hybrid vehicles. 

Albemarle County has set a goal of reducing internal energy use by 30% by 2012, and has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050.

Read more.

For information on life and real estate in Albemarle County and neighboring Charlottesville, Virginia contact:

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
434 960-0161
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleRealEstateTalk.com

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For several months this spring the Virginia Horse Journal had an ongoing discussion about whether there is a recession in the Virginia Horse Industry.  One of the points that everyone agreed on was that the rising cost of gas was having an impact on horse ownership.  Due to an increase in transportation costs prices of feed and supplies are going up.  We will see an increase in the cost of hay this year in the Charlottesville, Virginia and Albemarle County area due to the higher price of fuel to run the tractors and hay making equipment.  Luckily so far this summer we have had ample rainfall; so we should be able to buy hay locally and not need to incur the added expense of shipping hay in from other states.

Many stables are seeing customers cutting back on extras.  They are taking fewer lessons and going to fewer horseshows.  The stable owners are forced to raise shipping fees which also results in a smaller number of  cllients who are able to afford showing.  Unfortunately it is a no win situation as stable owners will either need to raise board or cut back on services.  It looks like we will need to tighten our belts for a little while until the Virginia horse industry rides out the next few months before it can rebound as it always does.

In the meantime, if you are thinking of buying a farm, it may be the perfect opportunity to get the price of a lifetime.  Buying or selling, I would be happy to talk with you about the Central Virginia and Albemarle County real estate market.

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
         434 960-0161       
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleRealEstateTalk.com

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407 Country Creek Way, Palmyra, Virginia
4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, 2,575 finished sq ft, built in 2007, $379,000

New home on a large 2.66 acre lot in Fluvanna County"s Fox Hollow community.  This new home with an open floor plan features the advantages of one floor living.  First floor master suite and an additional bedroom and full bath on the first floor.  The second floor has another bedroom, half bath, and finished bonus room.  The screened porch and large rear deck provide the perfect setting for outdoor entertaining.  Some of the home’s special features include granite counters, stainless appliances and hardwood floors plus a two car garage.

For more information on this home or on other homes in Charlottesville and the Central Virginia area contact:
Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES, NHD
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, Virginia
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleRealEstateTalk.com

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