Articles Tagged "build a house"

Harrisonburg, lovingly called Rocktown or The Friendly City by locals, has earned its reputation as a home for foodies, arts and culture aficionados, and history buffs. Located in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Harrisonburg is the perfect combination of city and rural living. 

If you're in the process of searching Harrisonburg homes for sale, and you're questioning about whether to buy or build a home, our real estate agents are proud to say we've helped clients buy existing homes and lots for over 50 years.  Harrisonburg has a number of subdivisions with lots ready to build your dream home.  We're here to introduce you to the Highland Park neighborhood.

Harrisonburg Living: The Highland Park Neighborhood

The Highland Park subdivision in Harrisonburg is no exception with its convenient location on the outskirts of Harrisonburg on its beautiful lots. An ideal site for building a home, Highland Park has been around for more than two decades and offers its residents a welcoming neighborhood feel with plenty of mature trees and a softly rolling landscape. The neighborhood has easy access to shopping, schools, and other popular amenities like the Lakeview Golf Course, Shenandoah Lake, and Sentra RMH Hospital. 

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Use Your Tax Refund for Your Down Payment

If your tax return is burning a hole in your pocket, there are endless ways you could spend it. Sure, you could go on vacation, or splurge on that latest gadget you've had your eye on, but there's a better option.

If you've been dreaming of finally becoming a homeowner, your tax refund could offer a real opportunity. Our REALTORS® have a few ideas on how you could use your refund to make home ownership a reality once and for all.

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Here Are Some Things to Know About Buying a Home "As Is"  

When most people see the words "as is" in a real estate ad, they act as if the words are a red flag warning them against checking out the property. While there have been times when a house sold "as is" has turned into a dud, you shouldn't dismiss the property without first learning more about it. Sometimes "as is" property's turn out to be a good deal.

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Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

July and August are hot summer months for swimming, barbeques, and vacations.  Did you know more break-ins occur during July and August too? Keep your home safe and secure while you are away this summer with these ten tips for home security from Old Dominion Realty.  Knowing your home is well-secured and under proper care allows you to simply relax and enjoy your time away.

#1 Secure Doors and Windows

While it may sound silly, but an unlocked door or window is a common entry source for potential burglars. Secure all your exterior doors with a deadbolt at least one-inch thick.  Install locks on all your windows.  Prevent your sliding glass door from being broken into by placing a metal bar in the bottom sliding track and secure the opposite end against the door jam on a diagonal.  Of course, remember to lock your doors and windows before leaving for vacation.

#2 Employ Your Neighbors

Your neighbors are often a great line of defense when it comes to home security.  Ask your neighbor to help while you are away.  Neighbors can hold a spare key and alarm codes for emergencies, keep an eye on your home, pick up your mail or newspapers, and water your plants.

#3 Hire a Pet Sitter

Keeping your pets at home under the care of a pet sitter or a house sitter may increase home security. A sitter helps make it look lived in and helps your pets stay secure in their own environment.  Also, dogs act as a natural burglar deterrent when they bark alerting neighbors to intruders.

#4 Maintain A Lived In Look

It is important to make your home appear lived in while you are on vacation. If you are not using a house sitter or employing the help of a neighbor, there are additional home security measures to follow. Install timers to turn on the lights, televisions, and radios.  Invite your neighbors to park in your driveway.  Allow your A/C to run on its lowest setting or use a programmable thermostat to switch it on and off throughout the day.

#5 Stop the Mail

Contact your local Post Office to stop mail delivery while you are away.

#6 Think Socially

In today's digital world, we often post our plans online without a second thought.  Avoid mentioning your vacation plans on social media.  After all, you do not want to advertise a vulnerability in your home security.

#7 Use Your Alarm

Your alarm is a key tool in home security.  Make sure it is set before leaving and make your monitoring company aware you will be out of town.

#8 Windows and Blinds

Closing all your blinds and curtains could indicate you are away from home.  Keep things looking normal by positioning window treatments as you normally do during the day.

#9 Don't Forget the Lawn

An unkempt lawn is a key sign that your home is unoccupied.  Keep your home safe by hiring someone to take care of the yard while you are on vacation.

#10 Unplug Your Garage Door

Don't forget to unplug your electronic garage door opener before leaving for vacation.  This makes it difficult for a burglar to use a universal remote to enter your home.  Unplug electronic devices--like the television--to protect them from power surges.

Old Dominion Realty for Homes in Virginia and West Virginia

Contact Old Dominion Realty to find homes for sale in eastern West Virginia and the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

LOVE Letters from Harrisonburg

Virginia's state slogan, "Virginia is for Lovers" was adopted in 1969.  Its "love theme" continues today as seen in communities throughout the state embracing the Virginia Tourism Corporation's LOVEworks campaign.  The campaign was originally created to prove that "love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation" by having giant "LOVE" artworks appear up at various locations throughout the state.  During the summer of 2012, Virginia cities and tourist destinations joined the campaign creating LOVEworks exhibitions in their communities.

Harrisonburg, VA located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley is one of those local communities.  Number 27 on the LOVEworks list, Harrisonburg exhibits a love for their community with its own LOVEworks sculpture. The artists behind LOVEworks Harrisonburg, Nicole Martorana, Jeff Guinn, and Mike Herr, spent four months designing and creating their own labor or love for Harrisonburg. 

About LOVEworks

The mission of LOVEworks is to showcase the strengths of the communities and tourist destinations in which they reside. Each letter in the word "love" provides an interactive, educational representation defining their individual city's characteristics.

Harrisonburg, VA is known for its diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, agricultural heritage, large number of outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant arts scene.  Each letter represents one of Harrisonburg's four focus areas.

What LOVE Means in Harrisonburg VA

Harrisonburg's LOVEworks exhibit rests on a base of bluestone; the same material used in many signature buildings throughout Harrisonburg.  Plaques describing the exhibit, theme, materials used and their local significance as well as the names of local artists who designed the sculpture and contributing community partners are on display with the LOVEworks exhibit.

• The "L" in Harrisonburg's LOVEworks sculpture represents the city's cultural diversity. Using collages that represent ethnic heritage and cultural backgrounds of people throughout the community, the letter is covered in textiles, flags, maps, jewelry and more.
• Artists represented the city's agricultural heritage with the letter "O". The letter is covered in local wood featuring etchings by local artist Brady Schwendeman which highlights agricultural scenes.
• Outdoor recreation is a vital part of life in Harrisonburg, VA, and this is highlighted by the "V" on the art piece. The "V" is constructed entirely from bicycle parts, and the orange color of the letter highlights the popularity of hunting and fishing in the area.
• Finally, the "E" touches on community significance, and has whiteboard and magnetic board on which the local community can contribute to the art. People who live in Harrisonburg can post their own artwork, and on First Fridays in downtown Harrisonburg, featured local artists will use the "E" to showcase their own work.

LOVEworks - Part of a Vibrant, Reviving Downtown

Harrisonburg, VA is working hard to grow and revitalize its downtown. The Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance plans regular events and supports local businesses to breathe life back into the historic, charming downtown region, making it a place where people love to live, work, shop and play. Their efforts are working, and with events like First Fridays and regularly highlighting local artists and businesses, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is seeing the city come to life.

This is a great time to live in Harrisonburg, and LOVEworks is just one of example of ways the local community comes together to grow their city. If you are looking for a home in Harrisonburg, VA, Old Dominion Realty is ready to help. With headquarters in Harrisonburg, VA, the real estate team at Old Dominion Realty are your area experts. Come and discover Harrisonburg for yourself, and let Old Dominion Realty help you find homes for sale in Harrisonburg, VA.

Buying vs. Building Your Home - Which is Right for You?

Old Dominion Realty has been working with home buyers and home sellers since 1962. Many home buyers have opted to buy an existing home while others have decided to build a new one.

Both of these options have their own benefits and drawbacks, and making the choice is not always easy. As you weigh your options, here are some things to consider.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home

Buying a home carries several benefits, including:

• Better Value - You can negotiate a price on the home, and you will almost always pay less for the same amount of square footage if you buy.
• Established Neighborhood - Buying a home means you have the chance to see the character of the neighborhood and the neighbors before you buy.
• Complete Landscaping - Established homes have mature landscaping.
• More Convenient - When you buy a home, you don't have to make as many decisions about the features of the home, and you can usually move in within two months.

Buying a home has its drawbacks as well. Some of these include:

• Fewer features in the home are brand new.
• Some items will need to be cleaned or replaced.
• The floor plan may be outdated and less open.
• The home may need renovation or remodeling to make it modern or in line with your needs.

Pros and Cons of Building a Home

Building a home is a second option to consider when pursuing home ownership. The benefits of building include:

• Everything is New - Everything in the home, from the carpeting to the light fixtures, is brand new.
• Energy Efficient - New materials and improved standards mean newly built homes are more energy efficient.
• Less Immediate Maintenance - You won't have to deal with immediate maintenance needs from an older structure.
• Comfortable New Communities - While the neighborhood may not be established, it likely does have modern amenities, like sidewalks and playgrounds, common in new subdivision.
• More Personalization - You can choose everything, from the color of the paint to the type of lighting fixtures, when you build.

Buying also has its drawbacks, which include:

• Higher potential cost, with hidden costs and surprises and additional fees for upgrades.
• Noise of construction of nearby houses after you move in.
• Longer time commitment, as building can take up to seven months on average.

Which Makes the Most Sense?

Neither option is a bad choice, so the truth is that you will have to decide for yourself whether buying or building makes sense in light of your goals, budget, and desires. So how can you decide? First, make a list of what is most important to you in a home, then compare your options in your price range. This will help you determine which option in your area is the best fit for your needs.

Whether you decide to buy an existing home or build a new home having a real estate agent on your side is important. Old Dominion Realty serves the people of Virginia and West Virginia, offering real estate services focused on the needs of buyers.

Old Dominion Realty has a history working with local many builders like Landmark Home Builders Inc., Milstead Construction, Valley Renovators, Inc., and W. Boutros and Co., Inc. Contact Old Dominion Realty for help determining if buying or building is the right for you.