Articles Tagged "find a home"

If your kitchen is due for a makeover, it's important to know that a kitchen update doesn't need to be costly or time-consuming to be effective. Our real estate agents suggest these simple tricks to update your kitchen. 

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So many of the beautiful Rockingham County homes for sale have impressive entryways. Often, this is one of the features that captivates potential buyers. However, if your entryway is cold and sterile, it can have the opposite effect - detracting from your home's overall appeal. 

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Our REALTORS® at Old Dominion Realty WORK to help you find a home where you will be truly happy. A lot of factors go into that: The community, the amenities, and your finances.

The financial decisions you make when you're first looking for a home will stick with you for years to come. With that in mind, you have to go into the process with accurate information.

Your real estate agent will help you make the right choices in the market. Only you, however, can figure out the facts about your own household finances that you're sure to need.

Every major investment or purchase starts with one thing: A budget.

And buying a home is no exception.

A budget is a very useful tool for maintaining your financial health. However, most people get by with a simple budget. To get ready for buying a home, you should dive deep into the details.

That's the best way to prevent surprises later!

Let's look at how to build a budget that will support your home buying goals.

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When you think about tinsel, mistletoe, and candles all aglow, do you envision yourself decking the halls in a different home? If you're daydreaming about Harrisonburg homes for sale as you plan your holiday shopping, it's time to add "New Home" to the top of your Christmas wish list.

Our real estate agents enjoy sharing their biggest house-hunting secret: The year-end holiday season is one of the best times to buy a home. Here are a few reasons why.

1. You'll Be the Center of Attention
   Many buyers begin abandoning their home searches as their children return to school. Before the holidays arrive, they get caught up in annual activities and seasonal celebrations. The local real estate market slows down even more as potential buyers begin shopping, cooking, and preparing for the upcoming holidays. All those missing house hunters clear the way for you and other serious holiday homebuyers. You can relax, take your time, and view homes without having to navigate a crowd. Real estate agents have more available time to spend with you as well. They'll do their best to meet your demands and help you negotiate your home deal. 
   
   

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Anyone who has shopped for a home knows what it's like to spend countless hours dreaming about your ideal home, scouring every online listing in your area, and attending open houses to get an up-close look at your favorite properties.

These can all be fun activities when you're working to buy a house, and they also present valuable learning opportunities that will help you find the right deal for your needs. But is it still worth it to attend an open house, even if you're not ready to purchase? Our REALTORS® are here to explain why with five reasons to attend an open house even if you're not planning to buy.

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Harrisonburg Community Spirit this Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Harrisonburg residents are finding more than enough ways to fill their calendars. With the holidays swiftly approaching, it's an excellent time to make memories and spend quality time with your loved ones. Our city makes it simple, and you'll find ample opportunities between now and the end of the year to celebrate. Here are six things to love about Harrisonburg at Christmas.

1. Shop Local – Downtown Harrisonburg, VA is a treasure trove of shops. There's nothing like finding one-of-a-kind items or supporting locally-owned businesses while finding the perfect gifts for friends and family. Find ethical, fair-trade clothing at Green Hummingbird, outdoor accessories and gear at Walkabout Outfitter, or the perfect read at Downtown Books. Downtown Harrisonburg is home to over 45 unique shops. When you're done, take a break at one of the incredible eateries that Harrisonburg is known for—after all, the downtown was designated the first culinary district in Virginia.
2. Make your Own Gifts – Another way to create lasting memories this holiday season is to make a gift. Harrisonburg has a few places that allow you to put your personal stamp on Christmas. Head to Larkin Arts to design your own wrapping paper (or to give the gift of art classes), or get the creative juices flowing at You Made It. If you prefer making holiday décor, visit the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum for their annual Festive Greens workshop on December 9th.
3. Moonlight Carriage Rides – A beloved tradition in December in Harrisonburg is the Moonlight Holiday Carriage Rides. If you aren't able to get a reservation in time, individual walk-up rides may be available the day of. If you can't make it this December, there is always the full moon summer rides, or next year.
4. Holiday Cultural Entertainment – It wouldn't be Christmas without carols and dance. Harrisonburg offers many opportunities to enjoy holiday entertainment. Two excellent options are the Rockingham Ballet Theatre's performance of the Nutcracker December 19th and 20th, and the Nothin' Fancy Holiday Show that will delight Bluegrass lovers at the Court Square Theater on the 12th.
5. Christmas Tree Adventures – Start a family tradition that will last for years to come. There is nothing like the fresh scent of a recently cut Christmas tree to get you excited about the holidays. Harrisonburg has several tree farms nearby to choose from, and each has its own appeal. Try the Evergreen Tree Farm, The ELF Christmas Tree Farm, or Ostlund Christmas Tree Farm.
6. First Night Harrisonburg – The holiday season isn't officially over until after New Year's Eve, and Harrisonburg, VA knows how to celebrate in style. First Night Harrisonburg is an all-inclusive event that brings together the community for live music, art, family-fun, and fireworks. It's one of Harrisonburg's most beloved annual events.

About Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA is a dynamic community that offers residents an ideal location, four beautiful seasons, a wide variety of activities, and a rich lifestyle and culture. The eclectic city is full of year-round opportunities that make it an interesting place to live. You can enjoy the bustle of a thriving downtown, but still get the sense of a close-knit community. Overall, Harrisonburg is an idyllic place to call home for the holidays, and the rest of the year as well.

If you're interested in making Harrisonburg your home, contact us at Old Dominion Realty today. Our knowledgeable team of REALTORS® can help you find your dream home this Christmas.

Happily Ever After in Charlottesville VA

Happy days are here again ... at least in Charlottesville, VA.  A study by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research named Charlottesville, VA as the country's happiest place to live. Known as the home of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville elevates what Americans expect from a typical college town. 

Happiness is in its History 

At the core of Charlottesville, VA's culture and history lies a simple promise: the right to pursue happiness. One of the country's most presidential towns, three presidents:  Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison, have called Charlottesville home. Thomas Jefferson's role as a Charlottesville resident is particularly important to the city's history.  Jefferson served as the third president of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence, and architect for his Charlottesville's home, Monticello, as well as the University of Virginia.

A Unique College Town 

The University of Virginia, designed by Jefferson, attracts many residents to Charlottesville, VA. Named by Time Magazine as one of America's Best College Towns, Charlottesville residents thrive here long after their college years. The town's vibrant downtown echoes the stately beauty of this southern college campus. From live music to top eateries, you'll find something to do no matter your interests. Chances are, you'll make a smart, new friend while exploring. Adding to its southern charm, Time Magazine ranks Charlottesville No. 1 in Intelligence and Number 24 in Friendliness. 

Get Lost in Charlottesville's Art 

Charlottesville, VA's Downtown Mall cements the area as a prime arts and entertainment destination. From its roots as the birthplace for the Dave Matthews Band to the big-name musical acts highlighting venue marquees, Charlottesville's live music scene will surely put a pep in your step. 

Music shares its spotlight with the town's artistic roots. Georgia O'Keefe rediscovered her love of painting at the University of Virginia. Discover your own love of the arts at the many art galleries and museums surrounding the town.
 

Your Favorite Eats 

If people come for the history, the University and the art, the food may just be the reason they stay. Wine Enthusiast names Charlottesville one of America's Top 5 Foodie Cities. Experience new restaurants and uncover your favorite eats. After all, what brings more happiness than sharing a plate of delicious food with family and friends? Throughout C-ville, you can dine on any number of dishes from traditional southern at the Pasture Q to inventive, farm-fresh, chef-created dishes at Brookville. 

Virginia is for Lovers ... and Wine

Grape roots run as deep as presidential history in Charlottesville, VA. A vision of Mr. Jefferson, the Monticello Wine Trail offers more than 30 wineries in a 30-mile radius, including labels by Dave Matthews and Donald Trump. Discover your bliss, and its perfect wine pairing. |

Experience Mountain Living in Charlottesville

In addition to the great food and wine, Charlottesville is surrounded by beautiful, breathtaking scenery. Need to clear your mind? Simply hop in the car for a Sunday drive. Surrounding Charlottesville lies quaint farmland, forests and the kind of countryside views that make you take a deep breath and relax. 

Old Dominion Realty for Homes in Charlottesville VA

With so much to offer its residents, it's no wonder Charlottesville is America's Happiest Place. Find a home in Charlottesville, VA  with the help of an Old Dominion Realty real estate agent. Contact Old Dominion Realty today to begin the search for your dream home. 

Staunton: An Ideal City for Virginia Living

Staunton, VA is one of the Best Small Towns in America.  Named by Smithsonian.com as one of the 20 Best Small Towns in America, Staunton's rich history, unique city-manager government model, and historic landmark buildings that still stand today combine to make it a gem in the Shenandoah Valley. Newcomers to Staunton quickly realize why this community is an ideal choice for Virginia living.

Living Life in an Award-Winning City

For those who choose to live life in Staunton, VA the city offers the chance to live in a city that has won numerous awards. In addition to being named in the Smithsonian List, in 2014 alone the community was named one of "America's Favorite Mountain Towns" by Travel + Leisure, one of the "Top 10 Idyllic and Historic Main Streets Across the USA" by USA Today and one of "America's Best Main Streets" by Fodor's.

Something to Do for Everyone

Staunton, VA may be a small town, but it is packed with things to do. Whether your interests are in the outdoors or the arts, you will find something to match.

For the outdoor lovers, the community's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains is ideal. Take the time to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the fall, and drink in the natural beauty of the region. Betsy Bell Wilderness Park, located within Staunton, is a favorite with mountain climbers, runners and bikers.

Families will find the community is bursting with activities and interesting attractions. A favorite place for an outing is Staunton's Gypsy Hill Park. The 214-acre park has a public golf course as well as sports courts for most major sports. It also has playgrounds, a lake, a public swimming pool and a miniature train. The gymnasium and sports courts often host youth sports leagues.

The arts also reign supreme in the community of Staunton. Take in a Shakespearian play at the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Playhouse, the only re-creation of Shakespeare's indoor theater in the world. Downtown Staunton has five different art galleries for you to explore as well. If you prefer a more modern twist on the arts, head to the Oak Grove Theater for live music and drama performances in all genres.

Staunton, VA also celebrates its heritage through a number of museums and historic sites. The Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, for instance, is an outdoor living history exhibit highlighting the life of America's earliest immigrants. Staunton is also home to the Camera Heritage Museum, the country's largest camera museum, and the Antique Fire Engine Museum, home to a 1911 Robinson Chemical Fire Engine that has been completely restored.

Upcoming Events in Staunton

In addition to these regular attractions, Staunton has its share of seasonal events. Spring is a great time to discover the community! Not only are the mountains coming alive with life and flowers, but this is also the time that many local events start.

On April 4 the Staunton/Augusta Farmer's Market opens for the season. From 10 to noon on April 4 is the annual Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt, held at Montgomery Hall Park. On April 18, head to Sunspots Pavilion and Byers Street for the family-friendly Earth Day Staunton.

Moving to Staunton, VA

If a move to Staunton, VA is in your future, contact Old Dominion Realty for help finding homes for sale in Staunton, VA.

Ana Marie Estates, a Signature Community by W. Boutros & Co.

Peaceful settings, walking trails, spring-fed ponds, and seven generous acres of green space make Ana Marie Estates an ideal location for you and your family to call home.

Located in Waynesboro, Virginia, Ana Marie Estates has gorgeous mountain views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with winding roads that run naturally along the contours of the area's rolling hills.  Ana Marie Estates is a signature community developed by W. Boutros & Co. 

About Ana Marie Estates' Developer and Builder

W. Boutros &. Co. joined the Shenandoah Valley real estate community in 1984 founding their business on a commitment to providing new home buyers with high-quality, value-added homes. After building several hundred homes and developing three successful residential communities, Boutros' son and daughter joined him in the family business. With a strong work ethic and commitment for integrity, W. Boutros & Co. continues today as an innovator in the real estate development and new home construction industry.

The Idea behind Ana Marie Estates

Lillian Boutros, Old Dominion Realty REALTOR® and Ana Marie Estates Representative talked about how the community originated.  "It all started with the land. Almost 300 rolling acres with mountain views, peaceful settings, spring fed ponds, and generous acres of Green space suggested how the community should evolve, thus the plan for Ana Marie Estates emerged naturally. The vision was clear: to create a destination where natural features, manmade amenities and neighborhood activities would bring family and friends together like no other community in the Waynesboro area." commented Ms. Boutros.

"In addition to developing the real estate subdivision itself, we also serve as the community's home builder.  Our homes' floorplans are designed with one purpose: 'real living for today's modern families.' Let me explain:  We've incorporated 'smart space' design into our plans using larger kitchen, open family rooms, nine foot ceilings, and more windows to give our new home buyers more natural light and a more useful space for their families."

W. Boutros & Co. has several different home collections from which new home buyers may choose or to use as a starting point for their custom-designed homes.  The few samples of their home collections include:

The Joss

The Hinton

The Pierre

For more information about Ana Marie Estates, email Old Dominion Realty real estate agent, Lillian Boutros or call her at 540-910-0300.

Buying a second home (or vacation home) can be a very smart decision if you have the financial means to do so. However, owning multiple houses is also a huge financial commitment. You must make several important considerations if you want to successfully choose and purchase another home.

What Kind Of Vacation Home Will You Buy

People commonly buy a second home as a rental property, an investment to sell later, or a vacation home. When buying a second home it is important to know what you will use it for because the home's purpose will influence the place that your new home is located. For example, if you are buying property to be used as a vacation home, you will want to choose a property in an enjoyable location. On the other hand, if you want to choose an investment property, you should choose one that is in an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Understand The Tax Implications of Owning a Second Home

When you buy a second home you are subject to several different kinds of taxes. Nolo reports that people buying a second home will not only have to pay property taxes, they also have to pay income tax. Be sure to consider the local taxes in the place that you are buying a home so that you are prepared to deal with these costs.

Protect Your Home

Owning property that you do not live in full-time means that you have to invest in keeping your home safe from harm and damage. You should decide as soon as possible what kind of protection you want to get for your home. Getting a home alarm system, regular home inspections, and hazard insurance are all important parts of keeping your home safe from both burglary and damage from the forces of nature.

Thinking about these three concerns when buying a home is very important. There are plenty of other factors to consider depending on where you are buying a second home and how far along in the process you are. If you have any questions about buying a second home, contact the real estate specialists at Old Dominion Realty to get them answered.

Old Dominion Realty recently underwent a "makeover."

With the goal of giving customers an easier-to-use, more up-to-date website experience, Old Dominion Realty redesigned its Property Search and Search Results features.

Jessica Phillips, Old Dominion Realty Marketing and Technology Director, commented, "We are constantly researching new technologies to help our customers find homes in the local Virginia and West Virginia real estate areas."

"We think the time we spent redesigning this portion of our website was well worth it.  Our changes make the search cleaner and easier to use.  Our results page features now include:  three ways to view property -- List View, List View with Map, and Gallery View; the ability to scroll through and browse home images from the search results page, and an enhanced photo viewing system to view larger, more detailed images of the home."

"Our online marketing partner, Delta Media Group, has provided us with some of the most robust real estate technology in the industry today."

Old Dominion Realty's new real estate search is compatible on tablets, especially the iPad. This compatibility also includes this photo browser on the search results.

In addition to its new property search results feature and photo viewer, Old Dominion Realty has recently added property videos onto many of their website's property listing pages.  Old Dominion's videos allow home buyers to "tour" a home online before actually scheduling an appointment.

Ms. Phillips commented, "Our goal is to always serve our customers in the best way possible.  Our recent site enhancements along with the live webinars scheduled throughout this year were done to make the home buying and home selling process easier for our customers.  Old Dominion Realty is built on integrity with proven results."