Latest News

The Harrisonburg, VA Real Estate market is complex and diverse.  If you are considering buying property in Harrisonburg, it is wise to research the housing market: Harrisonburg Virginia is near the cities and towns of Bridgewater, Dayton, Massanutten, Mount Crawford [more]

I have read several articles over the past weeks that are all saying good things about the improvement in the real estate market in general, but also locally here in Harrisonburg, Staunton and the Greater Shenandoah Valley.  In fact, the [more]

Recent Articles
Past Articles
Jeremy Litwiller
Mortgage Payment Calculator
Mortgage Amount:
Mortgage Payback Period (in years):
Interest Rate (%):
Mortgage Payment

  1. Harrisonburg VA Real Estate Market

    The Harrisonburg, VA Real Estate market is complex and diverse.  If you are considering buying property in Harrisonburg, it is wise to research the housing market:

    Harrisonburg Virginia is near the cities and towns of Bridgewater, Dayton, Massanutten, Mount Crawford and Weyers Cave and is a suburban community of 45,704 people. Viewing some statistics related to the Real estate market sees the average age of residential homes is 23 years and they are apportioned as 35% owned and 55% rental, with 8% remaining unoccupied.

    About fifty percent of this population travels distances of twelve miles or more to work. Indications are that 76% of their occupations could be regarded as being “white collar” and the like jobs, with the balance of the work force holding “blue collar” designated occupations. Average household incomes in Harrisonburg are $37,132, with forty percent of residents being married. Those families with children have been recorded as contributing to 22% of all households. The real estate situation in Harrisonburg shows that homes were sold in the previous year at an average price of $170,000.

    Residents of Harrisonburg are generally satisfied with existing amenities and their developing environment. The “downtown” area has been regenerated significantly in the last four or five years, with regular appearance of newly constructed shops, restaurant, condo-homes and the like. This has naturally added to the value of real estate in general. Family members are able to walk safely around the city, to downtown areas and library. Harrisonburg boasts an intriguing assortment of traditional suburban neighborhoods and homes. There is a college community that, although only in residence for about six months, provides impetus and entertainment with free concerts for the permanent residents.

    Harrisonburg is recognized as being racially diverse, with all races accepted for their own ethnic identities. There are a variety of heritage festivals during the spring and summer. Every fall, there is a significant international festival, in celebration of the various cultures represented in the community. On any day of the week, this diversity is also recognized, when strolling through shopping centers. Different languages may be heard, from Spanish, French to Russian. This adds to the inherent multi-cultural atmosphere that forms part of life in Harrisonburg. Arts and culture are well represented and attended, with an art and music community, which includes an annual Bach Festival and a downtown celebration by local artists.

    Outside the city, the area is rural and even pastoral. Although you may consider investing in real estate, located in the farming country, you would in effect, still be only about a short drive from the nearest mall, which could be considered as having the best of both worlds! As comparisons, Harrisonburg is relatively smaller than Charlottesville, with the general impression being, that it is quieter and offers better living economy. Staunton, offers a variety of arts and entertainment. They include the only replication in the world of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Theatre; home of the American Shakespeare Company.

    Choosing to buy real estate in Harrisonburg is an investment not only in property, but in a lifestyle. Surrounded by rural countryside and farmlands, but with arts, culture and modern day living within walking distance, whether you are starting family life or seeking retirement, this could be regarded as the ideal solution!

    Harrisonburg Real Estate, Real Estate News

  2. Is it Real Estate Recovery

    I have read several articles over the past weeks that are all saying good things about the improvement in the real estate market in general, but also locally here in Harrisonburg, Staunton and the Greater Shenandoah Valley.  In fact, the National Association of Home Builders just came out with their top 100 list of housing markets throughout the country that are “showing signs of improving economic health”.  Guess what….Harrisonburg was the first Virginia city to make the list.  I personally think that’s a pretty good sign that we live in a great part of the country and are doing better than most.  Here’s a link if you’d like to read more:  NAHB REPORT.

    Several sources are actually predicting that Real Estate prices will soon begin to climb.  A chief economist for PNC Financial Services is expecting prices to start climbing in 2013….that’s not too far away.  With mortgage rates at record lows and home prices considered by many to be at the bottom, there hasn’t been a better time in quite a while to buy a home.  However, if you’re not quite ready, don’t worry.  Most analysts (myself included) aren’t predicting huge price increases.  The gains should be modest, but it still will be great to see values on the rise again!

    One headline in the USA Today recently stated that “Home Prices will rise 4% per year for the next 5 years.”  This was based on research done by Fiserv.  They predict that prices will stabilize by the end of the summer and then begin climbing for the next several years.  CoreLogic, another market researcher, said that prices were up 0.6% overall in the US in March as compared to February.  While that may not seem like much, it was the first such increase since last summer.

    Locally, here in Harrisonburg, VA,  there is also some good news.  So far this year, the volume of home sales is up about 2% as compared to this time last year.  Average sales prices during the same period have also increased a little over 1% as compared to 2011.  Another key piece of data to consider is that inventory levels are down about 15% over the last 12 months which is great.  Normally this time of year we expect to see an increase in inventory levels due to the “Spring/Summer Market”.  Probably due in large part to the exceptionally warm winter, we have seen a steady increase in activity over several months.  This increase is not just in new listings, but also in contracts and sales.

    So, what does all this mean?  Well, in my opinion, it appears to be a good time to get off the fence if you’re thinking about buying a home.  I personally have just put a new home under contract here in Harrisonburg, so I try to practice what I preach.  I can’t see mortgage rates getting any lower, and honestly don’t believe they can stay this low for much longer.  No one really knows if we’re at the “bottom” yet in terms of pricing, but there are certainly plenty of analysts and experts saying that we are.  If you add this to the fact that everywhere you turn there are predictions and evidence of rising rent prices, it may just be a good time to buy that home.

    I’d certainly be happy to help with that purchase or sale, so don’t hesitate to call or email anytime to discuss your Real Estate needs here in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and the Greater Shenandoah Valley.

     

     

     

     

    Real Estate News

  3. More positive Real Estate News

    There continues to be more and more news out there that things are looking up in the real estate market here in Harrisonburg, Staunton, Virginia, and the country as a whole.  A couple weeks ago, we all heard Warren Buffett come out and say:

    “If I had a way of buying a couple hundred thousand single-family homes I would load up on them.“

    Another one of his comments that was quite positive was:

    “If I knew where I was going to want to live the next five or 10 years I would buy a home and I’d finance it with a 30-year mortgage… It’s a terrific deal.”

     

    While that’s all well and good from a very well known and successful investor, more and more sources are starting to chime in with the same advice.  Here is last week’s cover of Barron’s magazine:

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Corelogic is telling us that there is more right with Virginia’s housing than is wrong with it.  Some reasons they cite are that Virginia has one of the lowest rates of delinquency or foreclosure in the country, we have the 11th lowest unemployment rate in the country (6.2%), and our poverty level is low and median income is high.

     

    Whether or not you agree with this, many of the signs seem to be pointing to the fact that now is a great time to buy, and with the current uptick we’re experiencing here in the Shenandoah Valley, it’s a pretty good time to sell too!

     

     

     

    Real Estate News

  4. Thoughts for selling Real Estate in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and the Shenandoah Valley

    You may have decided that selling your home is almost impossible in our current Real Estate Market.  There is no doubt that today’s real estate market in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and the greater Shenandoah Valley can feel daunting, but the fact is that homes sold yesterday, more will sell today and even more will sell each and every day from now until the end of the year.

    It is totally within your power to guarantee that your house will sell even in the current market. 

    One Real Estate expert suggests we look at the simplicity of the famous Serenity Prayer and apply it to selling a home in today’s real estate market.

    “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

    The first challenge is to accept the things you cannot change:

    The two main reasons that the housing prices have softened are first, due the current lackluster economy and second, due to the large inventory of foreclosures and short sales.  As a Harrisonburg or Staunton Homeowner there is no way for you to impact either of those two situations. The best minds in the country are struggling to discover solutions.

    The second challenge is to have the courage to change the things you can:

    There is not a vacuum of buyers in the market. There is a vacuum of homes a buyer in today’s market will purchase.  For example: could you sell your home today for $1? … $1,000 … $10,000? Of course you could.  There are plenty of buyers in the market for a home they consider priced correctly.  You have to decide what the correct price is for your home if you truly want to sell.  If you want your house sold, you must list it at a price a buyer will pay for it.  Here is the key…..you can’t hope for a buyer from 2006 but rather have to focus on today’s buyer who has plenty of homes from which to choose.

    It will take courage to sit down with me and honestly attempt to determine the true value of your home.   I won’t tell always tell you what you want to hear, but rather what you need to hear.  If you want to sell, you must have that courage.

    The third challenge is to have wisdom to know the difference:

    We all realize that the economic situation will take some time to correct. If we want to wait for prices to return to 2006 levels, we will probably have to wait for 5-7 years or more by some predictions.  The last numbers I saw predicted 2025 before we see 2005-2006 price levels here in the Shenandoah Valley.  What that essentially means is that no one really knows…..

    Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether the extra money you would get from the sale is worth that wait. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

    This is where your wisdom must kick in. You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

    The basis of this article was written by a real estate guru whom I enjoy reading.  I subscribe to his blog and thought this was worth sharing.  I just sold my own home in Harrisonburg and it made me look in the mirror when it came to pricing.  Maybe it will help you sell your Staunton Home, Harrisonburg Home, or other Real Estate in the Shenandoah Valley.

    Real Estate NewsTags: , , , , |

  5. Staunton VA Real Estate

    Why Invest in Staunton VA Real Estate?

    Why should you look into some Staunton real estate, in the lovely Shenandoah Valley of Virginia?

    Well, Staunton is renowned for its historic architecture that comprises five National Historic Districts. Visitors exploring Staunton by foot are always amazed at their experience-imagine if you could do such exploring whenever you urge hits you. In the downtown area, you’ll find more than a hundred one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

    You’ll find the Blackfriars’ Playhouse, which is the one and only re-creation in the world of Shakespeare’s famous indoor theater. You’ll also find the Frontier Culture Museum, which is a living history museum consisting of four working farms that brings to life the daily lives of the Shenandoah Valley’s early settlers.

    Call Valley Farms and Land today on 540-421-8293

    Staunton real estate is a great investment in today’s troubled real estate market. Staunton’s location and quality of life mean that real estate owned here is not going to become terribly devalued by a down market.

    Imagine making your home in a charming town of just 25,000 cultured and upstanding souls where each day you can view the beautiful Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Imagine living in a place where the summers are long, where there’s skiing in the winter, where there’s enchanting Victorian architecture, and where you are never far from some of the oldest and most important historical sites and places in the United States, easily accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Now that’s a smart investment.

    Staunton real estate is not just about residential homes. There is also plenty of commercial real estate available for your business endeavors. The commercial atmosphere of Staunton is rich. If you’ve been looking for a place to set up shop, operate as an artist, or run your own bed and breakfast, Staunton has what you’re looking for. You can find lovely residential homes at anywhere from $150,000 to over $2 million. There’s beautiful land for sale, too, upon which you can build the home of your dreams.

    Get yourself some Staunton real estate for residential or commercial reasons and surround yourself with natural beauty, with history, and with culture. You’ll always be able to visit the famed Trinity Episcopal Church in the downtown area at 214 W Beverly Street and take a tour of some of the most gorgeous stained glass windows you’ve ever seen, a dozen of which were put in by Tiffany and Company. The church was built in the early 20th century. The Tiffany windows display fantastic depth and texture. Other windows are rich with fine detail and geometric structure. At will, you can tour the town that in 2002 was given the prestigious Great American Main Street Award. On any given day in downtown Staunton, you have a chance of finding yourself serenaded by street musicians. Walk downtown in Staunton in the good old summertime and come upon an impromptu dance recital performed by people from the Staunton Performing Arts Center.

    Owning Staunton real estate is a great way to elevate your life. If you want the perfect blend of culture and nature, the old and the new, check out living and doing business in Staunton, Virginia.

    Staunton Real Estate & Shenandoah Valley Realtor
    Call Jeremy Litwiller on 540-421-8293

    Staunton Real EstateTags: , , , , , |

  6. Harrisonburg Real Estate

    Tips for Locating the Perfect Harrisonburg Real Estate

    Located in the Shenandoah Valley region, Harrisonburg, Virginia offers its residents beautiful scenery, friendly neighbors and easy access to a wide array of shopping, dining and historical establishments.

    If you are in the process of moving to Harrisonburg, Virginia or are already a current resident of Harrisonburg and looking to buy a new home within the city, there are some things you should keep in mind along the way.  The following tips will help you to locate the most ideal Harrisonburg real estate and get the best deal in the process.

    Call Jeremy Litwiller on 540-421-8293 for all your Real Estate Needs

    Have an Idea as to the Size of the Desired Home

    Before you start searching for Harrisonburg real estate, try to have an idea as to the size of the desired home.  For example, consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms you would need in addition to the preferable square footage of the home.  Knowing the size of the home and the number of beds/baths prior to starting the search will help you and your real estate agent narrow down the option and not waste time looking at properties which simply won’t fit your needs.

    Consider the Schools If You Have Children

    Another important factor to keep in mind when looking for Harrisonburg real estate relates to the school districts, if you have children in the family.  Finding a home in an ideal school district is very important and will often dictate where you buy a house in the Harrisonburg area.  You can look online to see which homes fall within the individual school districts and/or ask your real estate agent what school your children would go to if you chose a particular home in the area.

    Contemplate a Desired Price Range

    It is also a good idea to know what price range you are hoping to stay within when it comes to buying a home in Harrisonburg, Virginia.  Homes can be found in a variety of price ranges with regard to Harrisonburg real estate so you want to have a general idea regarding sale price so that your options can be tailored to the homes which fit within your budget.

    Be Flexible With Your Requirements

    Some home buyers have strict guidelines when it comes to purchasing a new home.  They know exactly what they want in a house and what they do not want as it relates to their home purchase.  However, this may narrow down your options too much and you want to be as flexible as possible with your home buying requirements.  This will enable you to consider all options and you may find that a house you originally would not have looked at to begin with turns out to be your dream home.

    With all of the wonderful Harrisonburg real estate options available to prospective home buyers these days, it is easy to see how one would have a number of excellent choices when searching for a new home in Harrisonburg.  By keeping the aforementioned tips in mind while looking at potential homes, you will find that the end result will be the purchase of the perfect home in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

    Call Valley Farms and Land today on 540-421-8293
    Harrisonburg Real Estate & Shenandoah Valley Realtor

    Harrisonburg Real EstateTags: , , , , |