Here are a few posts from my CHARLOTTESVILLE REAL ESTATE BLOG:

Can an AGENT sell anywhere in the State?

The answer is YES, But should they?

To me the correct answer is that an agent should sell where they are the expert.

I am licensed to Sell Real Estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia but that does not mean, I will sell homes anywhere in Virginia.

I will only sell homes in my area and specifically where I am an expert.

I recently had a conversation with a prospect (who had been looking and working with an agent from a different area, about 3 hours from Charlottesville) who asked me to help them look at some homes in my area. They went on to tell me that had been talking (no buyer broker relationship) with an agent from a different area.

Now they wanted to look near Charlottesville and they asked if I could assist them.

"Sure I can, but I do not want to step on any toes, so please inform the other agent that if you buy with me, I will be representing you."

Then I get the call, that the other agent told the prospect, that the agent can help them in my area too. I have seen this before and the prospect felt like they should at least try the other agent (they felt obligated).

I said to the prospect "I hope it works out for you, but if it does not please feel free to call me anytime".

Now had the agent thought about this, they could easily have gotten a referral fee from me. They would not have to drive 3 hours, setup appointments with homes (since they do not have access to our MLS) which will be interesting. Drive around several counties, that they do not even know. Not to mention help negotiate a deal when they do not really know our market.

More important is that the agent (in my opinion) is NOT acting in the best interest of the customer/client. This goes right back to our "code of ethics". see link: http://www.realtor.org/mempolweb.nsf/pages/code

I am afraid, since the market is tighter, that some agents are forgetting they have a duty to their clients and are acting in their own best interests….

When I have a client, who wants to buy in Richmond or Alexandria Virginia, I would not only be a fool not to use a referral agent, I would not be acting in my clients best interests.

(NOTE: These are my opinions, but I feel very strongly about them)

Swimming at Old Trail Pool!

December 21st, 2007 by Charles

Soon you will be able to Swim at the new Old Trail Pool!

The plans are underway and if all goes well we will have a pool by Memorial Day 2008.

With 8 lanes, a deep end and a section that will have a beach access it is bound to be a hit! The location is overlooking the 35 acre Old Trail Park, right down from the town center!

I have mentioned Old Trail before, I have several clients there, including a home under construction with a client. It is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge mountains in Crozet about 15 minutes to Charlottesville.

I also own a investment property there as I see the value in the area!

When you come to visit me in Albemarle County Virginia, let’s take the short drive to Old Trail!

Your Agent in Charlottesville
Charles McDonald

Estate in Ivy (Charlottesville) Virginia

How about building your own fine Estate close to Charlottesville. This is an example of a recent build by European Homes in Glenmore. Imagine building this anywhere in the county of Albemarle!!!

We have areas within 15 minutes of the Hospital (for Doctors) and about 12 minutes to the University of Virginia (for Professors).

More Gems in Charlottesville!

This week I was our showing land in and around Charlottesville (Albemarle, Fluvanna and Nelson Counties). When showing land I not only go out in my truck, but I also wear my mud boots because we are going to walk some interesting property lines.

Well on this journey we came across a home that was picture perfect and so I thought you might like to see it:

If you look at the wreaths on the windows it will give you an idea of the size of this Estate.

This is one area that rarely has homes that come on the market. These are large parcels of land and there is a barn that I have seen several times that is amazing! This photo does not do it justice:

I hope that you can see the detail of this barn, it is amazing!!!

There was a little pond that we drove by that was so inviting, I wanted you to see it:

You see when we go out looking for land or homes in the Charlottesville area, we are going to run across some un-expected gems!

Looking forward to our next tour!

Your agent in Charlottesville
Charles McDonald