Localism: Charlottesville's Forest Lakes

I am ready for Christmas now!!!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:52:35 -0600

Well Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and for some reason I really want to start decorating for Christmas Now!!!

Well, I am not ready to get the tree yet, but just the outdoor lights and reindeer!

We have visitors coming and my family is against me.

Granny is now 86 years young and she says "It is wrong to decorate until after Thanksgiving"

My wife just look at me like I am crazy!

There is a chill in the air that makes it feel like Christmas to me....

The only one's who are with me at decorating early are my kids! Who would have guesses? lol

Well I am getting started today, even if I just pull things into the garage....

So what about you, do you wait until after Thanksgiving? Dec 1^st? or the day after Halloween???

What is your rule?

Whatever your rules are I really hope that this year you have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Thanks-Giving is 2 words!

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:29:29 -0600

This year in Charlottesville, Thanksgiving will be a little quite. Our closest family has moved to New Orleans so it will just be us. We will be inviting some friend to join us this year! There will be Turkey and Pumpkin Pie but the best thing is to have loved ones around during the holiday!

Many times we forget how fortunate we are to live in such a wonderful place, to have family and friends, good food and shelter. We are truly blessed and this time of year we feel it more because the holidays bring it out in us.

If you can find it in your heart this year, please look to someone who is not as fortunate as you are and offer them a kind word or some of your time.

A donation to a local charity is always a great idea and you should consider that too, but how about stopping by a retirement community? There are a lot of folks there that never get a visitor. Or a visit to a hospital or even a phone call to someone who you know is lonely.

I truly feel blessed to live in such a wonderful community like Charlottesville and I know you do too! Share that good feeling with others.

Make "giving" a part of your game plan this year and next, you will be rewarded a thousand fold!

Remember the name of this holiday is Thanksgiving!

That is 2 words, Thanks and Giving!!!

Remember the "Giving"!!!

What happened to Halloween?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 08:06:43 -0500

I may be opening up a can of worms, but it would not be the first time! (((What a Tangled Web We Weave!)))

Our schools (may be your schools too) have changed the Halloween Party to a "Harvest Festival".

You know that all those years growing up "Halloween" has really just corrupted me for life!

I understand that this is a "politically correct" (or in-correct) thing to do (is it really a Church and State issue?). We have to be sensitive to others...yada yada yada...

How many people know the origins of Halloween?

Well, I did not know the origins so I looked it up. Here is a link, it is very interesting.

The History of Halloween

So are there really that many people that even know the "All Saints Day" has anything to do with Halloween?

I say let our kids be kids and have some fun.

Next thing they will be changing the "Valentines Day" to "Friendship Afternoon" and ok, now I am getting ridiculous!

Oh, wait, they are going after Valentines Day too.... St. Valentine... But that is a different story!

HARVEST FESTIVAL vs HALLOWEEN...GIVE ME A BREAK!!!

Up Up and Away!!!

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:26:55 -0500

One of the grand things around Charlottesville is seeing the Hot Air Balloons
(almost anytime of the year).

Yesterday I stopped and got these 3 photos of the Boar's Head Balloon just over my head:

Touring Charlottesville by Hot Air Balloon is an excellent way to see the area. If you want to see Charlottesville Real Estate with a Top Buyers Agent, Contact me and either myself or one of my exceptional associates will be able meet with you!

About The Author

Charles McDonald, Associate Broker at RE/MAX Assured Properties and dedicated Buyers Agent is the author of this blog, and several other sites on the Internet. Charles and his team of experts in the Charlottesville area are always available to help you with your Real Estate needs. Call our team anytime at 434-981-1585 or to search for homes visit: Charlottesville Real Estate

Charlottesville Real Estate-Forest Lakes October Up-Date

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 13:22:34 -0500

I love living in Forest Lakes, I think it's one of the nicest places to live in, and around, Chsrlottesville, Va.

1. Contoured landscape hides the fact that you are in a large development with over 1500 homes! Trees, hills, lakes, and manicured landscaping. Add a hot air balloon flying overhead at least twice a week!

2. Self contained schools with bus transit.

3. Basketball courts, volleyball nets, tennis courts, 2 pools (one with a water slide!), work-out facilities, baseball and soccer fields, and miles of trails for biking/running/walking.

4. Easy access to downtown, shopping, Washington, DC, or east and west on I-64.

5. Hundreds of kids--it seems like we live in a child migration zone with everyday herds of 'em ambling around the neighborhood.

So I wanted to keep you up with the real state trends in this Charlottesville suburb called Forest Lakes.

First, a round-up of Charlottesville real estate sales in the past 3 months (Forest Lakes only):

July Sold Property Analysis

Address List Price Sold Price DOM % Chg SP/Sqft

3136 RIDGEFIELD RD     $339,000         $321,000               7                    5.3%            $160.66
2668 KENDALWOOD LN $484,500         $438,000             467                  9.6%            $122.65

Total Averages              $411,750         $379,500             237                  7.5%            $141.66

August Sold Property Analysis

Address                        List Price         Sold Price              DOM               % Chg              SP/Sqft

2030 LEYLAND DR          $349,900         $330,000              18                   5.7%            $149.46
2628 FERNLEAF RD        $399,000         $385,000              70                   3.5%            $233.47
1979 SHADYBROOK TRL $459,000         $440,000             121                  4.1%             $163.45
2565 KENDALWOOD LN $490,000         $480,000               9                    2.0%            $88.89

Total Averages              $424,475         $408,750              54                   3.8%             $158.82

September Sold Property Analysis

Address List Price Sold Price DOM % Chg SP/Sqft

3061 AMBERFIELD TRL   $409,900          $410,000             110                 -0.0%            $170.8
33374 TURNBERRY CIR $574,950          $617,391               63                 -7.4%           $181.43
3117 EDGEWATER DR $765,000          $725,000             212                  5.2%            $146.02

Total Averages $583,283 $584,130 128 4.2% $166.09

Currently 16 properties for sale in Forest Lakes.

Lowest Price Highest Price Average Price Avg Price/Sqft

$259,900 $579,500 $368,487 $171

*(This does NOT include condos)*

I've put the MLS notes as descriptors. If you want to see MY take on some of these, or to see if they made my Top 10 Best/Worst Home Buys In Charlottesville, GoTo: Top 10 List

1. 3133 RIDGEFIELD RD $259,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $1,559 cash at closing.

This wonderful truly affordable home in coveted Forest Lakes North allows you to relax.The house is ready to move into - absolutely great condition.Dramtic beautiful location on cul-de-sac. A one-level home with an open floorplan. Immediate occupancy.

2. 1744 WINTERBERRY CT $279,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $1,679 cash at closing.

Beautiful home in Forest Lakes North! This home is in immaculate condition. Features include gorgeous hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout and a cozy breakfast nook. This home is on a private lot on a cul-de-sac. The large backyard is fenced and includes a storage shed. A gate leads to miles of walking trails. The home also features a large screened-in back porch that your family will enjoy all Spring, Summer and Fall. Forest Lakes boasts two swimming pools a fitness center & tennis courts.

3. 1166 RUSTIC WILLOW LN $299,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate =$1,799 cash at closing.

Open floor plan, 9'ceilngs on 1st floor, 2-story foyer, tray ceilings in DR & MBR. Cheerful, sunny interior. Great Room has FP w/built-in TV cabinet above. Hdwd. floors on most of main level, 1st floor Master BR w/adj. luxury bath-dbl.vanities & garden tub, 3 BRs up, 1 is the bonus room over garage(might also be used as playroom,studio,etc.) Custom window shades, security system. Back yard fenced, has shed.Lawn maintenance provided by HOA. Near new shp.Ctr. & NGIC.

4. 3209 TIMBERWOOD PKWY $324,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $1,949 cash at closing.

Freshly painted and ready for you to move in you will find this two story Colonial in the north section of Forest Lakes. There are two attics for your storage. There is a wonderful garden spot already started for you. The Sellers are offering $5,000 in closing costs with an acceptable offer. They have found another home and are very motivated to move.

5. 2013 LOCKE LN $329,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $1,979 cash at closing.

Set on a quiet cul-de-sac in Forest Lakes North. Beautiful, updated 4 br(all on 2nd floor), 2.5 bath home. LR w/bay window, lovely DR, FR w/wood burning f/p, built-in bookcases,eat-in kitchen w/huge deck, fenced yard, plus rec room, office, patio, storage,lovely slate walkway, freshly painted,new carpet upstairs. Extensive landscaping w/mature trees.PLUS: ALL NEW: Fisher/Paykel W/D, HeatPump, paved drive,full light kitchen door,Refrig,light fixtures,& faucets.Walk to pool,tennis, GREAT SCHOOLS!

6. 1969 HEATHER GLEN RD $345,000 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $2,070 cash at closing.

Adorable, one owner Cape Cod on a cul-de-sac, with first floor master bedroom. In excellent condition- family room,/dining room combo, 2 fireplaces, large storage area, rec room in lower walk out area, 2 car garage. Improvements include new heat pump, gas furnace (dual fuel high energy saver system) dishwasher & carpet. Excellent value in great neighborhood.

7. 1853 STEEPLECHASE RUN $345,000 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $2,070 cash at closing.

NEW hardwood floors in foyer and dining room, NEW carpet in family and living rooms. Bright eat-in kitchen opens to family room w/built-in bookcases around fireplace. Basement play room and workshop. FENCED backyard. Great schools. Save gas - WALK to everthing - shopping, pool, tennis, day-care, soccer & playground.

8. 2190 TIMBER MDWS $358,588 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $1,434 cash at closing.

Reduced Again!! This elegant home is located in Forest Lakes a short distance from the lakes, pool & tennis club. It boasts an eat-in kitchen with pantry and all new appliances. The kitchen is attached to both the great room & dining room, which is great for entertaining or relaxing with the family. Upstairs you will find a large master bedroom with two closets, new ceiling fan, attached master bathroom with jet soaking tub, separate shower and vanity. The landscaping is perfectly maintained.

9. 1864 AMBERFIELD DR $359,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $ 2,159 $cash at closing.

Welcome Home to Charlottesville conveniences without the city feel. Completely Updated and ready to move into. This home is located in sought after Forest Lakes you have a community within a community. Forest Lakes has two large swim/tennis clubhouses with all the amenities, lakes, walking/biking paths, etc. 15 Minutes to UVA! Come Home to Vacation! Low HOA dues too! Call for details. Purchaser will receive 8 day 7 night Hawaiian Lodging Accomodation Certificate upon Closing.

10. 2195 TIMBER MEADOWS $359,900 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $2,159 cash at closing.

Price Reduction on well maintained Colonial with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on private cul-du-sac lot in Forest Lakes North. Partially finished basement for future expansion. Open, light, Kitchen/Family Room combination for great entertaining flow. Private first floor home office. Substantial usable storage space. You will want to visit toappreciate.

11. 1916 BECKER LN $395,000 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $2,370 cash at closing.

5bedrooms with large family room, eat-in kitchen, rear deck, new wood flooring in DR,LR & Family Room, new tile floor in kitchen, breakfast nook, all bathrooms. New carpet upper and lower floors, 2-car garage with workbench area, many appliances to convey.A full range of neighborhood amenities including lakes,trails,tennis & swimming. Convenient location to airport, upscale retail & grocery shopping, excellent choice of restuarants.

12. 2726 JASMINE TERRACE $419,000 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $ 2,514 cash at closing.

Wonderful Forest Lakes home that has been very lightly lived in. The generously sized family room with fireplace is open to the kitchen & features abundant windows. The large rear deck extends that living space to the outdoors. The master suite has a vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, & private bath with whirlpool tub. The basement includes a finished rec room & an oversized 2 car garage. Enjoy the Forest Lakes amenities w/ swimming, tennis, exercise room, ball fields, & extensive walking trails.

13. 1622 PURPLE SAGE CT $429,500 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $2,577 cash at closing.

Experience the best of living in this spacious Colonial situated on a quiet cul-de-sac lot! You'll be amazed by the amount of privacy the partially-wooded rear yard allows. Inside you'll find formal and informal areas, beautiful hardwood flooring,Oak built-ins surrounding the Family Room Gas Fireplace,Spacious Kitchen open to the Family Room, Large Living and Dining Rooms, Luxury Master Bedroom Suite, Finished Lower Level with Full Bath and Attached Two-Car Garage.

14. 1440 BIRCHCREST LN $525,000 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $3,150 cash at closing.

So many features in this one of a kind home: generous first floor master suite, double height great room with loft, airy eat-in kitchen w/bartop and double pantry, dining room with chair rail, family/sunroom, upgraded ceiling fans, wood slat blinds, rear deck overlooks sunny lawn, dual heat pump, CAT5 wiring, tons of storage in attic and basement, on cul-de-sac, backs up to wooded HOA property. This lovingly maintained home is currently being painted on the interior so you can move right in!

15. 309 PLEASANT PL 579,500 and you'd get my 20% Buyer Rebate = $3,477 cash at closing.

You need to see this yard & the home shows like a model. Large home on private cul-de-sac on prime lot in desirable Forest Lakes Subdivision; very level, backs to woods & common area. Full walkout basement mostly finished w/ bedroom, full bath, large rec room w/fire place & tons of storage. Finished bonus room upstairs w/closet can be 6th bedroom or multi purpose room. Large Master w/ sitting area, vaulted ceilings whirlpool tub & more. Awesome family community & the amenities are endless!

I welcome comments, critique, and/or questions.

Feel free to call and leave a message, or e-mail me:

434-220-2228

Fulton@kw.com

A thousand and one thanks for reading!