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VOL. 29 NO. 44 n NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E C H A R L O T T E S V I L L E A R E A A S S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LT O R S ®
FREE
A PUBLICATION OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Charlottesville Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Augusta
Working from
HOME:
How to Make the Most of
YOUR SPACE BY MARILYN PRIBUS
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
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EAN FAULCONER INC. MCLFarm, Estate and Residential Brokers NELLYSFORD
FARMINGTON
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1954 Milton Grigg 8 bedroom residence on over 2.5 acres. Fronting the 17th fairway in Farmington, offering a quality-built home, gorgeous setting, and prime location only minutes to UVA and Downtown. MLS#606911 $4,950,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
A RETREAT FOR ALL SEASONS! Enjoy fresh air, sunshine and total privacy from this splendid mountain home offering distant Blue Ridge Mountain views across the Rockfish Valley. Sited on over 14 acres, the home is flooded with natural light and showcases a spacious living room with 25’ beamed ceiling, custom ironwork, 2-story wall of windows, striking stone fireplace, 4 BR, and 4.5 BA. Wonderful outdoor spaces. Convenient to Wintergreen, Rt. 151 wineries and restaurants, Waynesboro, and Charlottesville. MLS#610115 $995,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
ASHCROFT
Stunning mountain views abound throughout this bright, spacious, 4-bedroom residence. Privately tucked on 2.26 acres adjoining common space. Located minutes from Pantops, UVA, and all Charlottesville has to offer. MLS#607638 $1,145,000 Charlotte Dammann, 434.981.1250
VERULAM FARM
Landmark estate just west of University of Virginia on 500 acres. Classic home of the highest standards with elegant spaces, 5 bedroom suites, formal gardens, pool, cottage, event barn, and bold mountain views all create a one-of-a-kind offering. MLS#597954 Andrew Middleditch, 434.981.1410
SUNNYSIDE
Remarkably large parcel located convenient to Charlottesville and UVA. Exceptional Blue Ridge views, charming farm house (in need of restoration). Under VOF easement but with divisions into already predetermined parcels. MLS#585228 $4,400,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
OAKLAND FARM
663Âą acre working farm dating from circa 1767 in Deep Run Hunt Country with over a mile frontage on the Willis River in Cumberland County. Character-rich, 5-bedroom main home, circa 1740 guest cottage, barns, and other outbuildings. MLS#549952 $2,595,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
WHITE OAK FARM
Situated amongst stately and mature oaks is this picturesque and peaceful 45+ acre equestrian and/or cattle farm close to Charlottesville. Fully renovated and maintained with views of rolling meadow, professional riding arena, pond, and mature forest. MLS#601428 $1,875,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
GLENMORE
Entertain poolside from this impeccably-maintained 6-BR home. Renovated kitchen open to inviting family room with stone FP. 1st & 2nd floor master suites. Whole-house generator. Great lot with level, manicured lawn and lovely landscaping. MLS#609496 $1,125,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
RIVANDALE FARM
An oasis of tranquility & fine country living within 20 miles of Charlottesville. Magnificent 177 acres privately situated in Somerset Estate Region, featuring c. 1901 classic Virginia farmhouse, completely remodeled & updated to create a comfortable & elegant, 4-bedroom & 4.5-bath home. Covered & screened porches, open terraces, large gunite pool, & expertly landscaped gardens. Improvements include 12-stall stable, 2 detached garages, barn & sheds, all land fenced for animals. MLS#609244 $3,795,000 Jim Faulconer,434.981.0076 rivandaleva.com
AVENTADOR
Magnificent Georgian home with over 10,000 finished square feet, 6 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half baths, main-level master, eat-in kitchen. Guest home, and 296+ acres with panoramic pastoral and mountain views. MLS#602894 $4,750,000 Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076
503 Faulconer Drive| Charlottesville | VA 22903 | office: 434.295.1131 | email: homes@mcleanfaulconer.com
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WALNUT HILLS
RICHMOND
Nearly two acres in the City of Richmond on desirable Rothesay Circle with potential river views. Open woodland with mature hardwoods and small fields. Minutes from Carytown, James River Park, and downtown. MLS#2031412 $449,000 Philip Reed, 804.833.8325
SOMERSET
Circa 1856, 4-BR, 3-BA home on 4+ acres fronting the scenic Rapidan River and adjacent to other large historic farms and estates in Orange County. Located 30 minutes to Charlottesville, 60 minutes to Richmond, and 90 minutes to DC. MLS#596560 $845,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
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HISTORIC Georgian Revival mansion built circa 1878 by Gov. James Kemper on 373 splendid acres, guest cottage, and a complement of farm buildings. Long frontage on Rapidan River. MLS#574009 $3,490,000 Will Faulconer, 434.987.9455 www.WalnutHillsVa.com
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
EAN FAULCONER INC. MCLFarm, Estate and Residential Brokers
FRAY’S GRANT
Ten fabulous home sites mostly in beautiful hardwoods, gently rolling and PRICED BELOW TAX ASSESSMENTS! Two lots have 21 acres each, private settings and frontage on the Rivanna River. Ten minutes to airport, excellent shopping. Call Jim Faulconer, 434.981.0076 for pricing.
CABIN AT TURTLE CREEK
Beautiful country home set on 39.6 private acres. The house is nestled amongst lovely mature gardens and overlooks 4-acre lake to expansive Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Property features a welldesigned home and 1-BR guest house. MLS#606913 $3,875,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN TRAIL
378-acre sanctuary perched on top of Walnut Mountain in the heart of Keswick. Protected by a conservation easement with mature forest and Blue Ridge Mountain views. Well located and ideal for hunting, hiking, or a private retreat. MLS#608351 $1,400,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
COBHAM
CRAWFORD’S KNOB NATURAL AREA PRESERVE
29+ acres in Keswick offers great potential for private estate with multiple homesite locations or business ventures! Includes beautiful barn perched on knoll. Property being sold complete with farm equipment and livestock! MLS#606017 $945,000 Steve McLean,434.981.1863
LAKE ALBEMARLE ROAD
Partially wooded 2+ acre residential building lot with elevated home site in Western Albemarle within 15 minutes of the city limits. Meriwether Lewis School District! Great location near several local vineyards, wineries, and Farmington Hunt Country! MLS#598534 $98,500 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
1422 High Mountain Acres: an opportunity to own a Nature Preserve protected in perpetuity, a chance to purchase and hold wilderness, and to leave it largely unaltered. MLS#608893 $1,900,000 Will Carr, 434.981.3065
JACKS SHOP ROAD
155+ acres, level to gently rolling mature pine forest with long frontage on the Rapidan River. Excellent for retreat or permanent residence. Views, long road frontage, and privacy. Convenient to Madison, Ruckersville, and Charlottesville. MLS#572541 $1,068,600 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
503 Faulconer Drive| Charlottesville | VA 22903 | office: 434.295.1131 | email: homes@mcleanfaulconer.com
WWW.MCLEANFAULCONER.COM
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
GILBERT STATION ROAD
Wonderfully private, 67-acre tract of land approximately 11 miles north of Charlottesville in Barboursville. Mostly wooded with a creek and road frontage. Tremendous views. MLS#552156 $565,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
BELLAIR
Beautifully constructed, circa 1953 brick home on private 1-acre lot in desirable Bellair and Liberty Hills. Beautiful mature landscaping surrounds the home. Convenient, close-in location minutes west of the city limits. More acreage available. MLS#601140 $595,000 Steve McLean, 434.981.1863
REAL ESTATE NEWS
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CAAR Homes Sales Report 3rd Quarter 2020 Market Report Key Takeaways Economic Conditions • In the Charlottesville region, economic conditions improved in the 3rd quarter, with the regional unemployment rate falling steadily. • Consumer confidence in the economy plummeted in August but rebounded again in September. • Mortgage rates remained at historically low levels throughout the 3rd quarter; rates will likely remain low well into 2021. Housing Market Conditions • Sales activity in the CAAR regional housing market rebounded in the summer following a slowdown in the spring. There were 1,447 sales across the CAAR region in the 3rd quarter, which is a 10% increase from a year ago, a gain of 133 sales. • Home prices continue to climb throughout the CAAR footprint. The region’s 3rd quarter median sales price was $326,900, up 7% from last year. • The inventory of homes for sale in the CAAR market remains persistently low and continues to shrink rapidly. There were 925 active listings at the end of the 3rd quarter, down 47% from a year ago.
Key Trends Dashboard, CAAR Economy • 5.4% | Is the August-2020 unemployment rate in the CAAR footprint, which is down from July-2020 • 2.81% | Is the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate during the 2nd week of October 2020, which is down 0.88 percentage points from a year ago Housing Market • 133|More home sales in the CAAR footprint in Q3-2020 compared to last year
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
• 7% | Percent change in median sales price in the CAAR region in Q3-2020 compared to a year ago • $112| Million dollars more in total sold volume in the CAAR footprint in Q3-2020 compared to last year • -47% | Percent change in active listings at the end of Q3-2020 in the CAAR market compared to a year ago • 2.5| Months of supply in the CAAR footprint in Q3-2020, which is down from a year ago
Economic Overview The national economy improved in the 3rd quarter of 2020, though there are some signs of uncertainty in the recovery. The U.S. economy gained jobs for five consecutive months and the national unemployment rate fell to 7.9%
in September. Economic conditions in Virginia are somewhat better than they are nationally. The Commonwealth has added jobs consistently for four consecutive months, with 68,000 jobs gained in August. Even with these gains, there are still about 212,000 fewer jobs in Virginia this year compared to a year ago. Full recovery of the jobs lost this spring is still a long way off. Like the rest of the Commonwealth, the Charlottesville region has seen economic conditions improve in the 3rd quarter. The regional unemployment rate was 5.4% in August, falling from 7.7% and 7.2% in June and July, respectively. While unemployment remains elevated in the Charlottesville area, the decline in the region’s unemployment rate is a positive sign. New residential construction activity increased during the summer. In August 2020, there were permits issued for 99 residential units, which is down from last August. However, the number of permits issued over the summer increased compared to the spring. In June, July, and August, there was a total of 291 permits issued for new residential construction. More than three-quarters of the new units permitted were singlefamily homes, with just 72 permits for townhome/multi-family units over those three months. Measures of consumer confidence reflect the ongoing uncertainty in the economic recovery. The consumer confidence indices for the South Atlantic region (which includes Virginia) plummeted in August before rebounding in September. The measure of confidence in the present economic situation was 99.6 and the future consumer confidence index was 98.8 in September. A consumer confidence index of 100 or more indicates individuals feel optimistic about economic conditions. During the 3rd quarter, historically low mortgage rates have continued to spur refinance and purchase activity and sustain confidence in the for-sale housing market. The average 30-year fixedrate mortgage rate has been below 3% throughout August and September. The pace of mortgage applications slowed slightly at the end of the summer, likely due to a lack of inventory.
Housing Market Overview After a sluggish spring, the CAAR regional housing market rebounded during the summer months. Sales activity rose in many local markets in the area in the 3rd quarter, which covers the months of July, August, and September. September was by far the busiest month of the quarter in the CAAR footprint as sales activity surged, a reflection of pent-up demand in the
market. Home prices continue to climb throughout the region, driven largely by the low supply of homes that are for sale in the area. This persistent supply shortage continues to be a major factor in the health of the overall market, as many eager buyers could be unable to find a home in their price range. While the supply remains low and prices are climbing, very attractive interest rates will help to keep financing costs down.
Sales Following a slow spring, sales activity in the CAAR housing market rebounded during the summer. There were 1,447 sales overall in the 3rd quarter throughout the CAAR footprint, 10% more sales than a year ago, which is an increase of 133 sales. The number of sales increased in all 3 months of this quarter (July, August, and September). September, in particular, was a very strong month for sales in the region. The jump in sales this quarter likely reflects some buyers who paused their home searches during the early months of the ongoing pandemic and who decided to resume the buying process over the summer. The total sales statewide jumped
up 17% in the 3rd quarter compared to last year, which reflects a widespread rebound in housing markets around the Commonwealth.
Sales Prices Home prices are rising steadily in the CAAR footprint, a signal of continued demand in the market and a low inventory of homes that are available. At $326,900, the 3rd quarter median sales price in the CAAR region is 7% higher than it was a year ago, which is a gain of $21,900. Price growth has been consistent for several years in the CAAR housing market; the median sales price in the region is now about $67,000 higher than it was in the 3rd quarter 5 years ago. The median sales price in Virginia climbed 10% in the 3rd quarter compared to last year.
Sold Volume The increased sales activity and rising home prices across the region led to a large gain in total sold dollar volume this quarter in the CAAR housing market. There was approximately $592.9 million of sold volume across the region in the 3rd quarter, surging up 23% from a year
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Farm, Estate and Residential Brokers 503 Faulconer Drive ∙ Charlottesville ∙ VA ∙ 22903
OLD TRAIL DRIVE
MOVE-IN READY! SPACIOUS! UPGRADES AND IMPROVEMENTS! Opportunity to be part of the Old Trail Village community at a great value. Looks deceivingly small from the outside yet there’s over 5,000 sq. ft. expertly designed to fit a variety of needs and wants. Onelevel living with the option to create two master suites or master with a den/office. Energy efficient (HERS rating 49), custom 6” Castilian Walnut floors, deep seated front porch, large rooms, sizable closets & a floor plan perfect for entertaining. Terrace level offers 5th bed, full bath & 3 common areas...office, exercise, craft or game room.The choice is yours! Please see list of improvements in docs. Owner is RE Agent $622,000
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
EAN FAULCONER INC. MCLFarm, Estate and Residential Brokers
CRESTWOOD DRIVE
A beautiful, west facing, residence in Charlottesville’s premier independent living community. This 2 bedroom 2 bath home is one of the larger units with 1,981 square feet. A 20’ wall of windows overlooks a manicured lawn and out to the Blue Ridge. Large, formal dining room (could be a family room) as well as a den. Fabulous common areas on each floor. Amenities include: indoor pool, work out rooms, library, ping pong and billiards room. Guest quarters for overnight guests. Basement level garage and storage room. $480,000
The months of supply is calculated by taking the average monthly sales over the preceding 12-month period and dividing it by the inventory of active listings. In most housing markets, a supply below 6 months tends to favor sellers rather than buyers.
Days on Market
The Virginia REALTORS® (VR) association is the largest professional trade association in Virginia, representing nearly 34,000 REALTORS® engaged in the residential and commercial real estate business. The Virginia REALTORS® association serves as the advocate for homeownership and private property rights and represents the interests of real estate professionals and property owners in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Homes that sold in the CAAR footprint during the 3rd quarter were on the market an average of 2 months (60 days), which is about a week longer (+8 days) than at this time last year. This is the 2nd straight quarter with an increase in this metric; however, overall, the average days on market has been trending downward for several years in the region. Statewide, homes sold in 39 days, on average, during the 3rd quarter, which is 5 days faster than last year.
Inventory
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About VR
Annie Gould Gallery
About CAAR The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® (CAAR) represents more than 1,300 real estate professionals in Charlottesville and Albemarle and the surrounding areas of Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. If you have a question about today’s market, contact a REALTOR® today using mycaar.com for residential properties and cvcmls.com for commercial properties. NOTE: The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
A unique art gallery located in the heart of Historic Downtown Gordonsville. Offering an assortment of works by local artists as well as those from throughout the country. 109 S. Main Street, Gordonsville, VA • (540) 832-6352 anniegouldgallery
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
The supply shortage continues to be a major factor in the CAAR housing market. There were 925 active listings on the market at the end of the 3rd quarter, a 47% drop from a year ago, which is 831 fewer active listings. Similar inventory trends are prevalent in other regional housing markets in the Commonwealth. There continues to be strong demand in the CAAR market as evidenced by growing sales activity. However, the persistent shortage of active listings could be dampening sales totals in some local areas if buyers in those markets are unable to find homes in their price range or homes that fit their needs. The overall supply of active listings in Virginia at the end of the 3rd quarter was 39% lower than a year ago. There was about 2.5 months of supply at the end of the 3rd quarter in the CAAR footprint, down from 4.7 months a year ago. This is the largest supply drop in the CAAR footprint in more than 5 years.
CALL SHARON
Over 25 years of Real Estate experience. email: callsharon.today@yahoo.com cell: 434.981.7200 REAL ESTATE NEWS
ago, an increase of $112.1 million. This represents the largest quarterly sold volume gain for the region’s housing market of any quarter in more than 5 years. The significant increase of sold volume this quarter indicates that some of the pentup demand from the slow spring has now been absorbed into the market.
NOMINATE
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
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BUY ANDSell SELL CVILLE Buy and Cville Team is honored to rep your selling needs in the Cha Working from home has neverbuying felt more or luxurious! Come visit our updated homes available in Charlotesville City, the University Counties! area Surrounding
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Connect: Buy REMAX Rea Come visit: RE/MAX Call: 434-981 RE/MAX Realty Buy and Se Connect: REMAX Buy Rea Come visit: Call: 434-981
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Private Farmland
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Hickory Cabinets
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Candice van der Linde, Blue Ridge
$795,000
Candice van der Linde, Realtor
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Candice vanCandice der Linde, van derRealtor Linde, Realtor @Candice_Realtor Blinds 1476 Mt. Olivet Rd Dyke, VA Candice
Candice van der Linde, Realtor
We Work Hard to Make it Look Easy for You! Cynthia Hash
Associate Broker & Team Leader
Candice van der Linde, Realtor
@Candice
434-337-3216@Can Integrity & Service is Our Motto! Candice van der Linde, Realtor
Each office independently owned & operated. Keller Williams Realty 434-220-2200 Licensed to sell real estate in the Commonwealth of VA. If you have a relationship with another Realtor, this isn't a solicitation.
Candice van der Linde, Realtor
@Candice
FOREC L O S U R E November
19
AUCTION
Thur, Nov.19 at 12:30PM
Thursday
16275 Patrick Henry Highway This amazing property is just minutes from Devil's Backbone, Bold Rock Cidery, Blue Toad, Wintergreen, the Farmer's market and all of the shopping, services and restaurants in Nellysford. With 116 acres, the possibilities are endless. Lovely post and beam home with a new deck for fantastic outdoor living. Handsome rock chimney, 2 gorgeous stone fireplaces, renovated kitchen, hardwood floors in the living area and BRs, spacious new master suite, 3 BR and 3.5 BA. 2-car garage, charming 1 BR, 1 BA log cabin (as is), large shop/storage building, barn, shed, stocked pond, streams and mountain views. Perfect for hunting and hiking. Many more building sites including a stunning mountaintop spot. Generous logging estimate. Fiber optic internet! This is a great investment in a very popular and growing area. $1,149,000
Franklin Co.
Beautiful 40 Acre Country Estate Home, 5-Car Garage, Pool, Shop, Greenhouse 195 Coopers Mountain Rd Martinsville, VA
5,942 Sq.Ft. 4BR 5BA Home
Heated Pool w/ Water Fall
5-Car Garage
50x80 Shop
INCREDIBLE 40 ACRE ESTATE • Franklin County Tax Map #:1200004801A • Beautiful rural setting • Packed with some amazing features! • The incredible home offers 5,942 sq.ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths • Large master suite with fireplace, walk-in closet, private deck, and luxurious bath • Spacious living room with vaulted, exposed beam ceiling and rock fireplace • Large, eat-in kitchen perfect for entertaining • 12x20 attached greenhouse • Full generator back up • Incredible outdoor area with heated pool, waterfall, diving board, pool house, full bath, and loads of deck space • Extensive landscaping and lighting • 5-car garage w/ storage • 50x80 heated shop with (2) drive-in doors, restroom, and office • 20x60 commercial greenhouse w/ generator backup • Restored log cabin • Several storage barns • Gazebo over small creek • Plenty of open fields for horses or livestock • 4-board fenced road frontage • Wrought iron gated entrance • Paved drive • Tax assessed at $804,500
Greenhouse
www.MountainAreaRealty.com 2788 Rockfish Valley Highway • Nellysford, VA 22958
TRF
AUCTIONS
Torrence, Read, & Forehand
TERMS: 10% deposit. Closing on or about 30 days. 5% buyer’s premium. Complete terms online.
TRFAuctions.com 434-847-7741 101 Annjo Court, Forest, VA 24551 | VAAF501
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
AGENT ON SITE • Sun 11/1 from 1-3PM • Wed 11/4 from 3-5PM • Sun 11/8 from 1-3PM • Thu 11/12 from 3-5PM • Sun 11/15 from 1-3PM • Sale Day at 11:30AM • Private showing other times by appointment DIRECTIONS: From Rocky Mount, US-220S 8mi to LEFT on Muddy Fork (618). 5mi to LEFT on Coopers Mountain Rd. 1/4mi on left. REAL ESTATE AGENTS: 2% commission available.
(434) 361-2440
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Four Elements Farm in Nelson County
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
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Working from
FEATURE
HOME:
How to Make the Most of
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
YOUR SPACE
M
ore and more people are working from home, either full or part time. Whether you are exiled from your usual place of business by COVID-19 or you are a home-based entrepreneur, working in your home can be a recipe for frustration if you aren’t prepared. “There is a change in the way people have to work and survive,” declares Candice Van der Linde, Owner of Buy and Sell Cville, adding “there’s a general change in our concept of lifestyle. “The mindset used to be that home was where you go when you are done working,” she says. “Now many people
BY MARILYN PRIBUS
have to stay home to work and the enjoyment of home life has been dramatically altered. Mental health professionals are pointing out that having identifiable areas for schooling, a home office, and get-away-from-me space is necessary for wellbeing.” Take, for example, Sara Dahl, a teacher at Western Albemarle High School, who is now instructing from a home office. “Add to that,” she says, “facilitating the twins’ learning schedule (first-graders now studying in the front room with all toys removed), and trying to keep our ninth-grader on track but also giving him room to take responsibility in his upstairs bedroom.” Plus her husband working from home many days. Whew!
Dahl is an all-too-typical example of today’s families. For many people a home office has become a priority. It’s simply not efficient to hide out with your laptop on a folding chair in the bedroom or to Zoom from the dining room table with family life flowing past in the background. (And maybe the dog barking. And barking.) The answer, of course, is to create an effective workspace, but that’s not always easy.
Where can I Create an Office? The perfect answer is a spare bedroom, although these are rare in many homes today. To make it work as a guest room as well, use a desk that can be closed to
conceal your computer, file cabinets that can double as bedside tables, and a wall bed which, when folded up, shows nothing but a decorative panel or painting. An alternative is to use a portion of your living room, dining room, or kitchen. There may be a laundry nook or space under a staircase if you have more than a single story. Consider differentiating the area with folding screens, free-standing bookshelves or constructed partitions to lend privacy. Even a walk-in closet or storage room can serve. A skylight or light tube brightens a windowless space, scaleddown furnishings can make it appear less cramped, and the door can be shut outside of working hours.
I Need More Room
Now Where did I Put That? A key factor in having a home office is organization. This means you can easily retrieve stored items—files, blueprints, catalogs, reports and such. Good general storage in your dwelling is also important, because it can often open up space for an office. If your system is slapdash—a pile for everything and everything in its pile—it can be worse than having no system at all. You can store things either out-inthe-open or hidden. Plain-sight storage, such as shelves of books or displays of collectibles, calls for attractive products. A combination of closed and open shelving is ideal. Open shelves can display items or be stocked with containers or baskets in bright or neutral shades to enhance home décor. This type of storage can be built-in or be a combination of freestanding shelves and cupboards which can be rearranged as your needs change. A shelf installed a foot below the ceiling all around the room can also provide perches for books, souvenirs, collections or other seldom-used items. Out-of-sight storage can be far more economical. For example, an excellent way to increase closet space is with closet systems that can include drawers; short hanging space for blouses, shirts and pants; a long space for dresses; shelves for shoes and folded garments; and decorative hooks for ties, purses and scarves. An office closet might use the shelving to store files, ledgers, and general supplies like paper, ink cartridges, and such. This could also be the place for a wireless printer to free up desk space. Closet systems can be custom built— either as new construction or retrofitted—or be a DIY project assembled from a
myriad of choices at home-improvement stores. Selections range from fine woods to more economical materials and are often customizable. A variety of sizes and configurations can be rearranged for extra versatility. Another clever idea, if you have a multi-level home, involves staircases and the spaces underneath them. This area can be styled as an area of shelving and cabinet space or a system of roll-out shelving which can be faced to match the wall while providing effective space as deep as the stair case is wide. With a bit of deft carpentry, stair risers can conceal drawers. Some bookworms even replace risers with shallow bookshelves for a whimsical and practical décor accent. For cellars, attics, or garages, employ air-tight containers which keep out humidity and varmints. See-through containers are a bonus and come in a great variety of sizes and shapes. If you will be using the bins on shelves, be sure to check the dimensions. An essential factor: A well-kept list of where items are stored so you can find a business contract from ten years ago, tax records from 2017, or the electric blanket controls stored away last spring and needed now. A white board or bulletin board on a wall or a box of index cards serves well. The List is just the start. It’s also important to label your bins, baskets, and boxes because if you’re not clear about what goes where, things are likely to become a real jumble. Remember Dahl, the high school teacher from home? She says a label maker has been a life saver. “How did I not know about this before?” she says. “I have a ton of storage bins and bookshelves for all my kids’ learning supplies and my own teaching materials. I got a DYNO label-maker from Amazon and it makes it almost
fun.” Yeah, almost. You could also use shipping or address labels from an office supply store. Print them with an easy-to-read font, then peel and stick on your containers. Another practical way to label large bins or boxes is to use masking tape which pulls off just about any surface easily if it needs to be replaced and is thrifty. Finally, when storing items long-term, be sure to label the top, the front, and at least two sides, so the information will be visible, even if your containers get shifted around.
Tax Considerations While this home office information is presented for general guidance, remember tax situations differ from person to person. It’s always wise to consult a tax professional. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a reputation for close scrutiny of homeoffice tax deductions, so keep impeccable records. Still, you have no obligation to pay more taxes than required. The IRS spells out home-office regulations in Publication 587 which is available at www.irs.gov. Your office, with minor exceptions, must be your principal place of business used regularly and exclusively for your business. Unfortunately this means working from home rather than in your regular office does not qualify, even if required by your employer. Self-employment earnings are reported on Schedule C and Form 8829 addresses the home office. A percentage of some Schedule A-deductible items including mortgage interest and property taxes are deducted on 8829 in proportion to the business area of your home. (Tax software will do this for you.) While this doesn’t change your overall deductions— if indeed you itemize rather than using the standard deduction—it can lower your Schedule C income which in turn reduces your Social Security and Medicare taxes. In addition, some ordinarily non-deductible items such as utilities, rent, or repairs to the property may be deductible—again in proportion to the area of your home office. Homeowners may depreciate the home-office area although this can lead to tax complications if you sell the property.
For many people a home office has become a priority. It’s simply not efficient to hide out with your laptop on a folding chair in the bedroom or to Zoom from the dining room table with family life flowing past in the background. (And maybe the dog barking. And barking.)
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
Marilyn Pribus and her husband live in Albemarle County near Charlottesville. Her most important organizational strategy is The List of where things have been stashed. To ensure she does not lose The List, it’s tacked to the big bulletin board in her home office.
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FEATURE
The major complaint about home offices is space—there’s never enough. Remember that while your space doesn’t all have to be in the same place, it’s more efficient if it is. Here are some pointers: • A professionally furnished office will make you feel more business-like. For inspiration, plug “home office” plus “design ideas” into a search engine. Among the 20+ million hits you’re sure to find some clever suggestions to pique your imagination. • Your most important furniture is a desk chair that fits. “Test-drive” several and don’t skimp. You can be thrifty on other items. Create a “built-in” desk from a plank atop file cabinets. Check out garage and estate sales, discount warehouses, or Craigslist. Consider floor models or “as-is” items. • Have excellent lighting for your work surfaces. • These days, a good Zoom set-up is essential. Arrange appropriate lighting with flattering illumination to show your face clearly (but without glare) and no bright windows or lights behind you to cast you in shadow. • Go up the walls for storage above and even below the desk. Fit slender shelves behind a door. Opt for modular units that can be transported and reconfigured in case you move. • Choose a desk and file units on castors so they can be stored out of the way.
Fold-up tables can supply the necessary work surfaces.
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
Some people convert a garage, patio, porch or attic. This often entails building permits, inspections during construction, and considerable expense since you may need to install windows, wallboard, heat, air conditioning, and electrical wiring. Take, for example, REALTOR ® Kelly Ceppa with Nest Realty in Charlottesville, who found an unusual space for a home office. “There was originally a building permit for a whole-house renovation,” she explains. “I decided at the last minute to build out the space under the roof that originally was just going to be unfinished attic space. “It was common even before COVID for REALTORS® to have a home office,” she continues, “and now with the pandemic, I’m so glad I’d already invested in making a nice home office space. It overlooks Monticello and Mount Alto and reminds me every day why I love to live in Charlottesville.” Caveat: It’s smart to create a home office, studio, or workroom such that it can easily be converted by a subsequent buyer who wants to use the space differently.
HOME SALES STATS
Are you in Search of Office Space? Check out the COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Feature in next week’s
ENDING THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1, 2020 THERE WERE 117 SALES IN THE 11 COUNTY AND CITY AREAS
Real Estate Weekly
CAAR
NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
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n 40 were in Albemarle with an average price of $658,863 n 13 were in Charlottesville with an average price of $427,255 n 11 were in Fluvanna with an average price of $292,729 n 9 were in Greene with an average price of $363,611 n 13 were in Louisa with an average price of $386,053 n 1 was in Madison with a price of $215,000 n 16 were in Nelson with an average price of $349,463 n 3 were in Orange with an average price of $1,295,433 n 5 were in Staunton with an average price of $341,590 n 6 were in Waynesboro with an average price of $229,043
HOMES SOLD
Call 434.817.9330 to find out how to advertise YOUR Commercial Listing!
THE 2747 JASMINE TERRACE FOREST LAKES SOUTH
321 6TH STREET FIFEVILLE
172 JEFFERSON DRIVE LAKE MONTICELLO
Staff:
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Celeste Smucker • editor@caarrew.com
MARKETING SERVICES Beth Wood beth@caarrew.com • 434.817.9330
165 BOBWHITE COURT SPRING CREEK
246 LAUREL SPRINGS DR NELLYSFORD
28431 MOREL WAY ORANGE
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Note: Real estate tax information gathered from local government Web sites and is believed but not guaranteed to be accurate as of publication date. Towns may assess real estate taxes in addition to those charged by each county.)
CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE
GREENE COUNTY
CITY OF STAUNTON
LOUISA COUNTY
www.charlottesville.org Real estate tax rate: $.95 per $100 www.staunton.va.us Real estate tax rate: $.95 per $100
CITY OF WAYNESBORO
www.waynesboro.va.us Real estate tax rate: $.90 per $100
ALBEMARLE COUNTY
www.albemarle.org Real estate tax rate: $.854 per $100
FLUVANNA COUNTY
www.co.fluvanna.va.us Real estate tax rate: $.925 per $100
www.gcva.us Real estate tax rate: $.775 per $100 www.louisacounty.com Real estate tax rate: $.72 per $100
MADISON COUNTY
www.madisonco.virginia.gov Real estate tax rate: $.68 per $100
NELSON COUNTY
www.nelsoncounty.com Real estate tax rate: $.72 per $100
Faith Gibson ads@c-ville.com • 434.817.2749 xt. 25
DESIGNER
CAAR
Tracy Federico designer@c-ville.com
The REAL ESTATE WEEKLY is published weekly by the CAAR Real Estate Weekly, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Charlottesville Area Association of RealtoRs®, Inc. Copyright All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. All advertising published in the REAL ESTATE WEEKLY is believed to be truthful and accurate. No advertising will be published in the Real Estate Weekly if it is known to be inaccurate or untruthful, but this publication does not warrant, nor is it liable for, the accuracy or truthfulness of the advertising placed within this publication. Neither the CAAR Real Estate Weekly, Inc., nor its corporate parent, the Charlottesville Area Association of RealtoRs®, Inc., assume any responsibility and shall have no liability whatsoever for errors, including without limitation, typographical errors or omissions in the REAL ESTATE WEEKLY. Any reference made to the CAAR Real Estate Weekly, Inc. or the Charlottesville Area Association of RealtoRs®, Inc. is not to be construed as making any representation, warranty, or guarantee by the corporations concerning the information on properties advertised in the REAL ESTATE WEEKLY. The content of all ads contained herein are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. The opinions and statements contained in advertising or elsewhere in this publication are those of the authors of such opinions and are not necessarily those of the CAAR Real Estate Weekly, Inc., or the Charlottesville Area Association of RealtoRs®. the CAAR Real Estate Weekly, Inc. reserves the right to edit or refuse any advertising it deems inappropriate or misleading. No advertising will be published in the Real Estate Weekly if it is known to be inaccurate or untruthful. Every effort has been made to assure accuracy, but this publication does not warrant, nor is it liable for the advertising placed within this publication. This publication will not accept advertising that refers to or attempts to establish fees or rates of commissions charged for services rendered. Information on advertising placement may be obtained by calling 434-817-9330. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” Virginia Fair Housing Law also makes it illegal to discriminate because of elderliness (age 55 and over). We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. CAAR Real Estate Weekly Is printed on 100% recycled paper
ORANGE COUNTY
www.nelsoncounty.com Real estate tax rate: $.804 per $100
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11 NOVEMBER 4 - NOVEMBER 10, 2020 ISSUE 2944
Live life in full color. Encourage and accept diversity in your neighborhood and community. It will promote a greater sense of engagement, better prepare your children for the global community they will inhabit‌give us all a richer life. To better understand how neighborhood diversity will benefit you and your family, please log onto www.ARicherLife.org.
Piedmont Housing Alliance’s Fair Housing Program 434-817-2436
CAAR REAL ESTATE WEEKLY WWW.CAAR.COM
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act
919 CLUB DRIVE, KESWICK ESTATE, GOLF FRONT Albemarle County 3 BR/2.5 Baths, 5395 F/600 UF Sq Ft Detached Executive Home Office, 1817 Fin Sq Ft
EXQUISITE HOME in PRISTINE CONDITION, located on 3rd Fairway of NEW GOLF COURSE designed by PETE DYE, in esteemed GATED COMMUNITY of Keswick Estate. Includes State-of-the-Art Detached EXECUTIVE HOME OFFICE. SPACIOUS one-level formal & informal living, inside & out. Major RENOVATIONS between 2016-18 by BOB PAXTON of DGP ARCHITECTS (see attached Renovations List). DELUXE KITCHEN w/DEN has WET BAR & beverage frigs. Lovely MILLWORK! 1st floor MASTER SUITE w/large built-in wardrobes & CUSTOM LOFT DRESSING AREA. TWO LARGE BEDROOMS w/shared Full Bath on 2nd Floor. EXECUTIVE HOME OFFICE w/2 private offices, Conf Rm/ Library, Kitchen, Half Bath & 2nd floor BONUS RM/STUDIO w/full bath. Connected to home by BREEZEWAY w/private parking.
MLS# 610450
$2,500,000
Len Mailloux, CRS Associate Broker
2216 Ivy Road, Suite 210 • Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cell: 434-981-1972 O: 434-984-7404 lenmailloux@earthlink.net
Situated On 38.7 Acres On Outskirts Of The Town Of Stanardsville, Greene County, Just Off Rt. 33 Business 200 MAPLE CREEK ROAD L I T T L E B E L MON T, C I RC A . 1 8 5 0 Possible development opportunity - property is zoned residential and public water and sewer are available. Also could be used for Bed & Breakfast. Cottage is being renovated and could be possible rental. There are beautiful mountain views and the location offers quick and easy access to Charlottesville Airport and 2 hours to Washington, DC. Restored historic brick farmhouse, hardwood floors, high ceilings, 4 BR, 2 1/2B, LR, DR, Kitchen, FR, & Sunroom. A wonderful example of 19th century architecture. Could accommodate many types of farming with rolling and fenced pasture, hayfields, wooded areas and meandering creek. Numerous outbuildings for: workshop and storage, events, motorhome, equipment, tool & garden sheds. MLS# 604868 $975,000
HERRING AUCTION & REALTY PEGGY DETTOR Realtor nanniepeggy45@gmail.com • 434-242-1481 78 MAIN ST. | P.O. BOX 387 | STANARDSVILLE, VA. 22973