Homes For Sale Charlottesville VA

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Eco-Friendly Home Updates That Save You Green

Each year, Americans save billions of dollars by employing energy-saving measures and investing in energy-efficient homes. Some upgrades — like Energy Star appliances, new hot water heaters, or geothermal pumps — can be pricey upfront, but there are plenty of small, inexpensive updates that will make a big difference in your budget over time. Here are some places to start.

Go low-flow

Thousands of gallons of water go down the drain every day. Toilet flushing and showering are the two biggest culprits. One solution is to upgrade your home’s plumbing fixtures so you use less water to accomplish the same task.

Low-flow fixtures, which are both inexpensive and easy to install, can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50 percent, and save you up to $145 a year, according to Energy Star.

Insulate, insulate, insulate

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient insulation is one of the quickest energy payback projects you can undertake. If your house doesn’t have enough insulation (and many homes don’t, especially those built before 1980), bringing it up to current standards will not only make it more comfortable all year long, but you’ll save money — anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on your heating and cooling bills.

Consult the Department of Energy’s ZIP code specific recommendations for the right amount of insulation for your climate.

Use compact fluorescent light bulbs

Yes, fluorescent bulbs are more expensive that regular bulbs, but each bulb can save up to $40 over the lifetime of the bulb, and they last 10 times longer than conventional bulbs.

Install a programmable thermostat

Did you know that the average household spends about $2,000 annually on energy bills, and that close to half that figure can be attributed to heating and cooling?

Enter the programmable thermostat. When used properly (don’t be intimidated!), this little gadget, which you reset when you’re asleep or away from your home, can pay for itself in a matter of months. Annually, you’re looking at saving up to $150 or more.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

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Monday, April 20, 2015

Demi Moore Asks $75M for Penthouse on Central Park West

Demi Moore is finally ready to let go of the penthouse on Central Park West that she and ex Bruce Willis bought in 1990, the year “Ghost” came out.

“I’m spending the majority of my time in my other homes, and this apartment is too magnificent not to be lived in full time,” Moore told The New York Times.

She’s asking $75 million for the 7,000-square-foot triplex, plus a two-bedroom apartment on the lobby level. The monthly maintenance fees for both apartments equal $21,186.

The ultra-luxury 5 bedroom, 7.5-bath home sits atop one of the towers of the famous San Remo building where Steven Spielberg, Diane Keaton and Dustin Hoffman have lived.

A private elevator vestibule leads to a double-height foyer, beyond which is a 36-by-22-foot living room, a dining room, kitchen, breakfast room and library. On the second level are 5 bedrooms plus a staff room, and the third level features an entertainment room, kitchen and guest loft.

The entertainment room leads to 1,500 square feet of terraces with sweeping views of the city and Central Park.

Moore and Willis renovated the home with a Southwestern Mission motif, the Times reported, including cherry wood and “bold” new windows.

The listing agent is Adam D. Modlin of The Modlin Group.

And while you’re still in a “Ghost” frame of mind, check out the listing for the apartment where Moore and Patrick Swayze made pottery hot.

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Mike Myers Lists Soho Duplex for $16.95M

The well-behaved man who brought us “Austin Powers” and “Wayne’s World” is looking to more than double his money on a Soho penthouse he bought for almost $8 million in 2007, the year he voiced the lovable green ogre in “Shrek the Third.”

Mike Myers is asking $16.95 million for a 4,204-square-foot duplex. His listing agent, Leonard Steinberg of Compass, told The Wall Street Journal the actor chose the home for its 14-foot ceilings, and because the building is one floor higher than most surrounding structures, giving the penthouse sweeping views.

Set atop a boutique condo building with a 24-hour doorman, the penthouse boasts a large living room with a fireplace at one end and a wall of custom-crafted bookshelves at the other. The adjoining kitchen features maple and aluminum cabinets and stone counter tops.

On the same floor is a library that could be used as a formal dining room, with a balcony overlooking a courtyard. A huge skylight illuminates a centrally located staircase that leads to a rooftop terrace.

Rather than an underground lair, there’s a lower level with a master suite, plus two more bedrooms. The place is filled with white oak floors and sound from a Crestron sound system.

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Eviction 101: What’s Legal, What’s Not, and Your Rights as a Tenant

By Stephanie Reid, Avvo attorney and NakedLaw contributor

There it is: the dreaded eviction notice, taped not-so-subtly across the front door of your home. Getting an eviction notice may seem like the end of the world at first, but renters do have tenant rights that can help resolve the issue or change the landlord’s decision.

Unfortunately, not every eviction is avoidable: Landlords have rights, too, and obligations to uphold the value of the property and the safety of all other tenants.

Here’s a look at what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to the eviction process.

Lawful reasons for eviction

When you first moved in, you (hopefully) signed a lease agreement with the landlord. At a minimum, the lease should contain the payment terms and effective lease dates. Most likely, it also contains a broad list of prohibited acts that could lead to an eviction, such as:

Failure to pay rent on time
Criminal activity or drug use
Assaulting or threatening other residents
Damage to the unit or common areas
Failure to abide by property guidelines or restrictions
Subletting without written permission
Having a pet
Exceeding the number of approved tenants
Smoking in the unit

Your agreement may also include opportunities to correct the problems if they come up.

Unlawful reasons for eviction

Your landlord cannot evict you just because he “feels like it.” Your lease is a binding legal document, and it’s only legal to evict you if you have broken the terms of the agreement.

Discrimination is forbidden in the housing industry, and the Fair Housing Act strictly forbids any housing decision based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or the presence of children. If you believe that discrimination has anything to do with why you’re being evicted, you should report the landlord to your state’s housing department immediately.

A landlord also cannot evict a tenant, or refuse to rent to them in the first place, based on a tenant’s disability or reliance upon a service animal — even if the property has a no-pets policy. A landlord must agree to make reasonable accommodations for the renter, including a wheelchair accessible housing unit or common areas designed to accommodate disabilities.

Proper eviction procedures

Time. Sticking a note on your door saying “Get Out” does not count as legal eviction protocol. Proper notice must be given, usually 30 or 60 days before the eviction date. In some states, a three-day eviction notice may be allowed if the tenant has committed an egregious act, such as assault or domestic violence, or failed to pay rent.
Details. An eviction notice does not always have to state the reason for the eviction, but some cities may require this. The eviction notice must properly identify the tenant, the unit in question, the contact person responsible for the unit — usually the landlord — and that person’s address. If the eviction has to do with non-payment of rent, the notice must include a valid address where rent may be sent.
Process. Under the U.S. Constitution, you’re entitled to due process of the law if you lose a fundamental right, including public or private housing. Telling a tenant verbally, giving the message to a mutual friend, or assuming he knows it’s time to leave will not cut it under the law. The tenant must be served the notice in person, sent the notice in the mail, or presented with the notice on the front door of the unit.

How to keep your home

It’s not impossible to remedy the problem or appeal an illegal eviction. In most cases, there is a way to fix the issue and avoid losing your housing.

Pay your rent. If the eviction is based on unpaid rent, the landlord must give you an opportunity to pay the entire outstanding balance on or before the final eviction date, which should be clearly stated in the eviction notice.
Fix or pay for damage. If the eviction is based on damage to the property, many jurisdictions allow the tenant to immediately repair or pay for the damage.
Appeal an illegal eviction. For residents of private housing units, an appeal is probably not available, but you may be able to pursue civil legal action if the landlord doesn’t follow your state’s proper eviction procedures. If you live in public housing, it might be possible to appeal an eviction, particularly if you think you’re being evicted illegally. In many states, pro bono fair housing lawyers are available to help renters defend against unlawful evictions and remain in their homes. Visit the U.S. Department of Housing website to see a directory of your state’s housing authority and resources.
Talk to a lawyer. If you have questions about your situation, you can consult a landlord/tenant lawyer for free in Avvo’s legal Q&A forum, where most questions are answered by a lawyer within 12 hours. If you would prefer immediate and confidential advice, you can use the $39 fixed-fee Avvo Advisor service to speak to a lawyer on the phone, right away.

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Advice for Buyers and Sellers in a Buyers’ Market

When there is an abundance of homes for sale in a particular market, buyers and sellers both need to adapt their strategies. Here’s how to proceed from either side of the transaction in a buyers’ market.

How to sell in a buyers’ market

It’s not impossible to sell a home in a buyers’ market. For the right price and the right house in the right condition, there will always be a buyer. But the home’s true value may not be in line with the seller’s expectations. Most sellers refuse to believe the reality of a buyers’ market, and a struggle ensues.

If you need to sell your home in a buyers’ market, you must put your best foot forward from the start. Only the most serious of sellers should list their homes for sale in a down market.

Why? If you don’t need to move, but would just like to, then you aren’t a motivated seller. This means you probably won’t be pricing your home in line with recent comparable sales. It is likely to sit on the market for a long time, creating a big stain on your home and your listing. When it does come time to get serious, buyers will discount you.

Be a seller, not a lister

The better option is to stay in the home as long as you can, and wait to list it until you are really ready and motivated to sell it. At that point, it’s imperative that you price the home correctly from the start. Also, make the necessary cosmetic improvements: clean, clear and declutter to get the home in its best possible condition.

Following this path will ensure your home sells in a timely manner. And you will ultimately net more, having held out, than if you listed the home and had a series of price reductions over a one-year period. Of course, many sellers want to list and see what happens. But living in your home while it’s on the market gets tiring. It will never show well after those first few weeks, and many sellers give up trying to present their home well. The better option is to wait it out until the market turns around.

How to buy a home in a buyers’ market

Being a buyer in a buyers’ market is a rare treat. You have the pick of the litter, lots of options and time on your side. But it does come with risks.

There are few buyers and lots of inventory for a reason. Perhaps the economy is down, credit is hard to get, or your local market is slow (and it could get worse). It’s hard to time the market, but often maverick buyers do fine in the long run.

When you first get into the market, do your research. Understand pricing across the different towns, neighborhoods, and school districts. Buying in a buyers’ market just might afford you the opportunity to get into the best area. Once you’re in, you’re in. It may not be possible to get into the best area six months or a year later.

Once you’ve identified the location or locations you prefer, hit the ground running. Check out the existing inventory. In a buyers’ market, there tend to be many homes for sale, and they may sit on the market for six months to a year.

Know upfront that not all sellers are created equal. Some simply list their homes for sale but are not serious, motivated sellers. Don’t waste your time on them. If you find a seller who’s just not that into your offer, make your best and final offer, and move on.

Identify the motivated sellers

If you are a true bargain hunter and value is more important than the home’s floor plan, location or lot size, identify the most motivated seller. Often this is the person whose listing has been sitting around forever. Work with your real estate agent, find out why the seller is selling and what their motivation is.

The seller’s agent can be a great source of information. When you find a motivated seller, make a low offer but make it clean. Complete your inspections quickly, get fully approved for a loan, and make the timeframes fast. A foolproof offer, even if low, will motivate a seller to bite the bullet and move on.

Look for the value add

Markets will turn around eventually. Buying in a slow market all but ensures you some equity once things take a turn. And that is a great feeling.

But take it one step further. Identify a home in a down market that needs some work, and you have an additional layer of value add or equity. While you don’t need to find a total fixer-upper, be open to a kitchen or bathroom renovation. These renovations will add value, and you can make the home yours, instead of buying someone else’s choices.

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Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Zillow.

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Pete Carroll Sells Seattle Lakefront Home

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll received $6.1 million this spring for a Seattle lakefront property he and his wife, Glena, bought less than a year ago, property records show.

The off-market deal was first reported by the Puget Sound Business Journal.

Carroll, who signed a contract extension last year that lasts through the 2016 football season, still owns homes in his native California — in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Rolling Hills.

The 3,860-square-foot home he sold on Seattle’s Lake Washington boasts 75 feet of private, west-facing waterfront with stunning sunset views. It features a small sandy beach, a deep moorage dock and a detached guest suite.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2015

What $225,000 Buys You in 10 Cities

When house shopping on a budget, finding well-designed 1-bedroom homes located in metropolitan areas can be fairly easy. But what about homes that can accommodate a growing family?

Folks searching for such homes need not sacrifice affordability or design. The following homes, located in 10 metropolitan cities across the country, all have 3 or more bedrooms and are priced at approximately $225,000.

Raleigh, NC

5417 Alafia Ct, Raleigh, NC

For sale: $218,900

This 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home has received beautiful updates, including gleaming hardwood floors upon entry and granite counter tops in the kitchen and all bathrooms.

See more homes listed in Raleigh.

Boise, ID

10295 W Dover Heights Ct, Boise, ID

For sale: $200,000

Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers desirable features, such as granite counter tops and stainless steel kitchen appliances, in a tranquil setting.

See more homes for sale in Boise.

Minneapolis, MN

4300 Elliot Ave, Minneapolis, MN

For sale: $224,900

This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom bungalow blends vintage allure with modern updates seamlessly. Its cozy, enclosed front porch will become your new favorite morning coffee spot.

See more Minneapolis homes for sale.

Mobile, AL

56 S Hallett St, Mobile, AL

For sale: $225,000

Built in 1902, this remarkable 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home oozes historic charm. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, an exquisite stairway, and a whimsical backyard are among the many features that give this home character.

See more homes listed in Mobile.

Columbus, OH

1456 Newell Ct, Columbus, OH

For sale: $218,900

Looking for a home with stellar schools? This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has assigned schools with a GreatSchools.org rating of 8-out-of-10 and above.

See more listings in Columbus.

Philadelphia, PA

554 Fairthorne Ave, Philadelphia, PA

For sale: $223,000

Located on a peaceful “no outlet” street, this 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers privacy. Updates throughout the home include fresh paint and finished hardwood flooring.

See more Philadelphia homes for sale.

Salem, OR

5530 Bryce St SE, Salem, OR

For sale: $214,900

This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has an open concept kitchen, dining and living room area with vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors. The fenced backyard features a spacious deck.

See more homes listed in Salem.

Tampa, FL

9324 Huntington Park Way, Tampa, FL

For sale: $210,000

Golfers will enjoy this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, located in a gated golf community. Highlights of this home include a designer entertainment center and large windows that allow in an abundance of natural light.

See more homes listed in Tampa.

Wichita, KS

2215 N Hathway Cir, Wichita, KS

For sale: $219,900

This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has received numerous updates throughout, including new flooring, lighting, cabinets, and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

See more Wichita homes for sale.