Homes For Sale Charlottesville VA

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

How Much Home for $350,000?

What does a $350,000 home look like? The image that pops into your head likely depends on where you live.

A San Franciscan may be hard-pressed to imagine even the smallest condo being sold for that price. But an Atlanta resident might have a variety of homes in mind, from the impeccably decorated bungalow down the street to the ritzy condo downtown.

Whether you’re searching for a smaller space in a big city or a bigger space in a quiet neighborhood, you have some great options. Check out the following 10 listings, all located in metropolitan locales across the country and priced at approximately $350,000.

Oakland, CA

2757 Parker Ave, Oakland, CA
For sale: $340,000

Featuring a kitchen worthy of any culinary adventure, this remodeled 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is ready for cocktail parties and holiday dinners.

See more homes for sale in Oakland.

Memphis, TN

2344 Wood Bridge Cv, Memphis, TN
For sale: $345,000

Boasting major curb appeal with its storybook façade and setting, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a sight to behold.

See more Memphis homes for sale.

Philadelphia, PA

605 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA
For sale: $335,000

A modern kitchen, hardwood floors, and patio/garden area make this elegant, 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse a prime spot for entertaining guests.

See more homes listed in Philadelphia.

Minneapolis, MN

4745 Blaisdell Ave, Minneapolis, MN
For sale: $349,900

In addition to boasting a stunning interior, this fully renovated, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has a large, fenced backyard - perfect for kiddos and/or pets.

See more homes listed in Minneapolis.

Boston, MA

143 Forest Hills St UNIT 2, Boston, MA
For sale: $339,000

French doors open to a sunlit living room, flowing seamlessly into a bright dining room. This 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo also boasts a large kitchen, hardwood floors, and two porches.

See more Boston homes for sale.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

732 SW 13th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL
For sale: $350,000

Nestled in a historic neighborhood, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers desirable, tranquil living with tile floors, a modern kitchen, and a huge backyard.

See more homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale.

Seattle, WA

12054 Hiram Pl NE, Seattle, WA
For sale: $350,000

In addition to being located across the street from a city park, this 3-bedroom, 2.25-bathroom townhome has a large yard with gardening potential, making this an ideal home for outdoor enthusiasts.

See more Seattle homes for sale.

Oklahoma City, OK

1229 NW 11th St, Oklahoma City, OK
For sale: $349,900

Loaded with luxe amenities like crown molding, high-end contemporary fixtures, and spa-like bathrooms, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home’s interior is magazine-worthy.

See more homes for sale in Oklahoma City.

Albuquerque, NM

6815 Tamarisk Pl NW, Albuquerque, NM
For sale: $339,000

Capturing the essence of the Southwest, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home features warm desert tones, beamed ceilings, and an adobe fireplace.

See more homes listed in Albuquerque.

Austin, TX

11213 Mckinney Spring Dr, Austin, TX
For sale: $339,900

With the Brushy Creek trailhead within walking distance and access to neighborhood pools, sports courts, and social activities, this 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is ready for family fun.

See more homes for sale in Austin.

Related:

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/how-much-home-for-350000-182373/
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Goodbye, Summer ... Hello, Savings

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, it’s time to think about hunkering down and putting some money in your pocket to make up for what you spent over the past few months at the beach, in restaurants, and on vacation.

Here are some easy, painless ways to pay yourself first.

Round up mortgage payments

If you’ve already refinanced your home or don’t qualify for a refinance, you may wonder what else you can do to save on your mortgage payment, which is likely your biggest household expense.

Why not round up your monthly payments? For example, say your monthly mortgage payment is $954.83. If you round up by an extra $45.17 to $1,000 per month, you’ll pay off your debt two years and five months early. For further inspiration, run your own numbers using an online mortgage calculator.

Get your employer match

Personal savings rates were up last year from 4.6 percent to 5.5 percent, according to data from financial research firm Hearts and Wallets. But new research shows that a smaller portion of savings were stashed in employer-sponsored plans.

Last year, 25 percent of employees failed to collect their full employer match, leaving an average $1,300 on the table (or $24 billion a year), according to Financial Engines, a 401(k) advisory firm. Don’t leave this “free money” on the table.

Personalize your savings accounts

Research shows that those who label their savings accounts with specific goals put away 31 percent more money than those who don’t. These results suggest that assigning meaningful names like “anniversary trip,” “dream home” or “vacation fund” makes your goals seem tangible.

Share resources

Don’t need a car all the time? Only want to use a bike every now and then? Want a vacation property but can’t afford it by yourself? These days, you can share all sorts of goods and services - from power tools to personal trainers - for savings all around.

Boost your credit score

Of all the painless ways to save money, improving your credit score is arguably the most important. From home and car loans to credit cards and auto insurance, a good credit score can save you a bundle - possibly tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, over a lifetime.

The simplest way to improve your credit score? Pay your bills on time.

Related:

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.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/goodbye-summer-hello-savings-182394/
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Looking to Buy? Home Values are Dropping in These Markets

The U.S. housing market hit bottom at the end of 2011, beginning a long and steady recovery. Every month since then, home values have been rising - quickly at first, and then more slowly over the past year.

In July, for the first time in more than 3.5 years, home values fell slightly, according to Zillow’s July Real Estate Market Reports. The month-over-month dip is consistent with the national trend. Most U.S. housing markets have been leveling off, returning to normal after a few years of rapid recovery. The gradual slowing and tiny decline is healthy, Zillow’s economists say, compared to the bubble burst that led to the Great Recession.

The slowing is great news for buyers, who have been losing ground to rising prices for years. Here are nine markets where homes are losing value - even if it’s just a little.

Washington, D.C. Homes declined in the nation’s capital by 0.5 percent between June and July, and they’re down 0.7 percent from a year ago.
Cincinnati, OH. Homes in Cincinnati were also down in July, 0.5 percent month-over-month, but up 1 percent year-over-year.
Baltimore, MD. Baltimore homes lost 0.3 percent of their value between June and July, and are down 0.6 percent over the past year.
Phoenix, AZ. Phoenix lost 0.2 percent of its home value between June and July, but is still up 4 percent for the year.
Sacramento, CA. Home values in Sacramento are up 5 percent year-over-year, but falling ever-so-slightly on a monthly basis, down 0.1 percent.
Minneapolis, MN. Homes are down 0.1 percent in Minneapolis on a monthly basis, and up 2.6 percent annually.
Boston, MA. Home value growth has slowed considerably over the past year in Boston, and now is falling on a monthly basis, down 0.1 percent.

Want to learn more about this trend? Check out Zillow Research.

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from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/markets-where-home-values-dropping-182313/
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Monday, August 24, 2015

Marc Anthony Lists Second California Mansion

Marc Anthony appears to be shaking those hips right out of California.

Fresh on the heels of launching a Miami-based entertainment firm, the King of Salsa wants $4.35 million for a mansion in Tarzana he bought just seven months ago for $4.125 million, Variety reports. Anthony sold a home in nearby Encino earlier this year.

The newly listed Tarzana mansion has a New England look but with California views and dimensions. The home spans 6,500 square feet, and boasts a four-car garage.

Its 5 bedrooms and 7 baths include a master suite with a private terrace and an expansive closet. Relaxing should be easy in the master bath’s clawfoot bathtub, which is topped by a crystal chandelier.

An entertainment-focused backyard includes a pool, spa, fire pit and bar with a built-in grill and an outdoor refrigerator.

The listing agent is Maggie Oreck of RE/MAX Estates.

Related:

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/marc-anthony-lists-tarzana-ca-182325/
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First-Time Home Buyer's Guide to Making an Offer

After months, maybe even years, of looking at homes online, going to open houses and stalking listing data, the time has come. You’ve fallen for a home, and you’re ready to make your first offer. It can be scary, but it’s exciting at the same time.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you throw your home-buying hat in the ring for the first time.

Have confidence in your search experience

Keep in mind that when it comes to making an offer, there is no single right answer and no “exact” price or terms for a home you covet. As a savvy buyer, you’ve got the market knowledge and experience it takes to analyze the deal. Believe in yourself.

Take what you’ve learned, partner with a great agent, and trust your judgment. Think about the homes you’ve toured and open houses you’ve attended, and you will naturally start to see where your home of choice fits in the context of the market.

Learn all you can before deciding on your offer

If you are ready to pull the trigger, first find out what the story is with the listing. In order to come up with the best offer, you’ll need to know how long the home has been on the market, if there are other offers on the table currently, and if there’s a specific day the sellers will review the offers.

You can uncover a lot by learning about the seller. Find out why they’re selling and what their motivations are. Pull all that information together and then mesh it with comparable homes’ sales data.

Reviewing comps is crucial

Your agent should send you the last six months of recent sales data to review and compare. These “comps” tell about the most recent market and what current buyers/sellers have agreed on for a sale price.

Look at the pending sales first and see if your agent can uncover some information about those transactions. You want to ask about the number of offers they received or a ballpark selling price. The pending sales represent the most up-to-date market statistics. Ask your agent what his opinion of the home’s value is and start to mull over this information.

Give your lender a heads up

Your lender should be on speed dial at this point. Let her know you plan to make an offer on the home. Not only will you need a pre-approval letter with your offer, but you will want an update on mortgage rates and products, since these change daily.

From the time you applied for pre-approval until now, there could have been a massive shift in rates or a new product that could benefit you. For all you know, you can afford more, or that bonus you received last month could mean a higher down payment and qualifying for a better product.

Discuss terms

In addition to price, you will need to decide on terms. How long will you take for your inspections? Do you want to close quickly or take a longer time? Will you need an appraisal and loan contingency? How long should that be?

The terms of your offer can make or break your deal. If the seller wants a quick close, and you can do it, give it to them. If you are competing with a cash offer, make your loan terms foolproof. Marry all of the data from above and take your best shot.

Remember, there will be other houses

Rarely does a buyer score the first house they offer on. And it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. There will be other homes for sale.

People change jobs, get divorced, move closer to family, have children or pass away. All of these things can result in a home sale or purchase.

Have faith that another home will come along in the future. There’s no rush, and you should never buy real estate overnight. Have fun, and learn from each offer you make.

Related:

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.

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/guide-to-making-a-home-offer-182315/
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Rock Like Neil Young on His Big Island Estate for $24.5M

It could be the old man was lookin’ at his life. Or just looking at Mother Nature too little.

Either way, Neil Young is letting go of his Big Island estate - but rockin’ in his Hawaiian world won’t be free.

Listed for $24.5 million, the acreage sits between two bays. “It’s one of the most exceptional properties on the Kohala Coast,” said listing agent Carrie Nicholson of Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers. “It’s right off a well-known surf break and a beautiful, white sand beach.”

The property boasts 830 feet of ocean frontage and encompasses a beach house with 5 bedrooms and 4 baths, plus two 2-bedroom guest cottages, two greenhouses and a pool house.

Snorkel in secluded Kiele Bay on the south side of the home, or enjoy lush views from the estate’s spacious verandas.

A host of tropical trees grow on the estate, producing lemons, papayas, pomelos, mangoes and a variety of coconuts.

Photos courtesy of Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers

Related:

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/neil-young-big-island-estate-182270/
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New Orleans Bounce-Back: 10 Homes Built After Katrina

It was a decade ago this week that the levees failed in New Orleans, and Hurricane Katrina became the one of deadliest storms in U.S. history.

The beloved city struggled mightily in the aftermath, against the flooding and the bureaucracy, and the mangled and rotting houses.

Ten years on, there are signs of hope and renewal, including homes on the market that were built after the cataclysm.

West End

6032 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $495,000

A new construction home with a flair for history, this listing features a large front porch, hardwood floors and a Jacuzzi tub.

See more listings in New Orleans’ West End.

Touro

3727 Constance St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $675,000

A newly built home just one block from Magazine Street, this home features a master suite with a soaking tub, extra-large shower and a walk-in closet. The floors are made from reclaimed heart of pine.

See more homes for sale in Touro.

Lakeview

6480 Louisville St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $499,000

High ceilings, a covered back porch and an enormous walk-in closet make this 2011 home special. The attic was designed to allow space for two more bedrooms and a bath.

Check out more homes on the market in Lakeview.

Central City

2045 Chippewa St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $325,000

This newly built home features hardwood floors, high ceilings and spacious closets.

Check out more homes on the market in Central City.

Holly Grove

8725 Belfast St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $179,000

This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers an open floor plan and a laundry/mud room that leads to a large raised deck.

Check out more homes on the market in Holly Grove.

Lower Ninth Ward

5201 N Galvez St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $127,500

The hard-hit Ninth Ward is rebuilding, too, with homes like this one, which is being marketed as great for tenants or owner occupancy.

See more homes for sale in the Lower Ninth Ward.

Milneburg

2726 Athis St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $124,900

Built in 2007 on a deep lot, this raised home features wooden floors in the living room and carpet in the 4 bedrooms. Its location provides easy access to universities and highways.

View more listings in Milneburg.

West End

6601 Fleur De Lis Dr, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $410,000

This newly constructed home boasts a breakfast room with bay windows, covered front and back porches and a large master suite with bay windows, wood floors and two closets.

See more homes for sale in the West End.

Navarre

882 Homedale St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $539,000

Built two years ago with lots of character touches, this home includes reclaimed heart of pine flooring, 1-foot baseboards, encased frame windows and a master bedroom that accesses a private balcony.

View more homes on the market in Navarre.

Lakeview

5934 Vicksburg St, New Orleans, LA
For sale: $580,000

Luxury touches abound in this 2,529-square-foot home, including high ceilings, hardwood floors, crown molding and clawfoot bathtubs. There are three fireplaces, a walk-in master closet and a courtyard with a gas fire pit.

Check out what else is for sale in Lakeview.

Related:

from Zillow Blog - Real Estate Market Stats, Celebrity Real Estate, and Zillow News http://www.zillow.com/blog/new-orleans-homes-after-katrina-182218/
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