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Five Tips for the First-Time Land Buyer

Maury River scene with rocks, trees, reflections

Work with a Local Land Specialist

Are you a first-time land buyer? An investor looking to diversify your holdings to include land? Whatever your situation, you’ll have extra expertise on your side when working with one of Lexington Real Estate Connection’s local land specialists.

Most of our agents have years of experience working with buyers and sellers of rural property. Two of our agents, Rick Alford and Glenn Parks, are also Accredited Land Consultants (ALCs). As members of the REALTORS(R) Land Institute, ALCs are among the most educated land professionals in the market. Buying rural property is different than purchasing a home in town, and ALCs leverage their in-depth understanding and extensive networks to help you navigate the land-buying process.

TOP FIVE TIPS for the first-time land buyer

(1)  Contact a REALTOR(R) that specializes in rural land to help guide and advise you during the search and purchase process. There can be numerous potential pitfalls, and a knowledgeable land specialist will help you navigate through them.

(2)  Make a list of your intended uses for the land. Is it for rural living, development, timberland investment, farming, or recreation? A mix of uses? For recreational/hunting properties, what are your preferred game species? Different areas of Virginia offer diverse types of hunting.

(3)  Do the math! Consider your budget to help focus on property location, size, and price. Contact a local lender to understand the available financing options.

(4)  Share your information with your REALTOR(R) at the first meeting. This will help them locate specific property types and locations that meet your financial and intended use needs. It will also save time by culling properties that may look good on paper, but don’t really fit the bill.

(5)  Once an acceptable property is under contract, let your REALTOR(R) work for you to help ensure a smooth closing and transfer of title.

For more tips and information about the current market for rural land, connect with one of our land specialists!  To get started, call us at 540.463.2016.

Just Listed! Under Contract in 4 Days!

A cheerful pop of color invites you in to this contemporary home at 96 Skyhigh Lane, located on nearly 3/4 acre in Rockbridge County’s Meadowview neighborhood.  Meadowview offers neighborly walks, a 7-acre green space, and a short drive to Lexington, colleges, shopping, and more.

With three bedrooms, two baths, a spacious living room, and an open plan, the sunny home provides one-level living, plus a full ready-to-finish basement that opens out to the fenced backyard. The vaulted living room has sliding doors to the elevated rear deck, which affords privacy and fine views. The stylish eat-in kitchen has stainless appliances, Corian countertops, and a breakfast bar, plus its own set of sliding glass doors to the deck. Options for both formal and informal dining, and plenty of storage (or room to expand) on the lower level.

Listing presented by Natalie Shulkin (540) 570-2000 and Rick Alford (540) 460-3372.

For complete listing info, click on this link:  96 Skyhigh Lane, Lexington VA  24450 LINK TO LISTING

 

RATS Mystery Tour 2020 Fundraiser — Clue #5!

RATS Mystery Tour 2020 Clue #5

Lexington Real Estate Connection is pleased to be serving as a Mystery Tour Guide for the inaugural Mystery Tour 2020 fundraiser, taking place during the month of August, for Rockbridge Area Transportation Services (RATS)!  We have Clue # 5 of ???

For more information about participating in Mystery Tour 2020, or to learn more about the mission and operation of RATS, please see their website at:

www.rockbridgetransportation.org

 

 

 

Lexington Named a “Virginia Small Town To LOVE”

best virginia small townWe think Lexington is the best Virginia small town and it seems that people across the state agree! The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Official Travel Blog named Lexington to the list of 22 Virginia Small Towns You’re Going To LOVEThese 22 Virginia destinations were selected for their small town charm, historic attractions, great restaurants, and friendly local residents. Lexington, VA was noted for its “exceptional concentration of museums, art galleries, and other cultural and outdoor offerings.” 

Reasons we think Lexington is the best Virginia small town:

  • Art galleries such as Nelson Gallery and Artists in Cahoots
  • Amazing live music at the Lime Kiln Theater
  • Three local colleges: Washington & Lee University, VMI, and Southern Virginia University
  • Hiking trails such as House Mountain, Brushy Hills and the Chessie Trail
  • Historic attractions
  • Locally-owned restaurants such as the Southern Inn and the Red Hen
  • Mountain views
  • Downtown shopping at stores like Walkabout Outfitter
  • Fun community events such as the July 4th Balloon Rally and the annual Christmas Parade

These are just a few of the reasons we think Lexington is the best Virginia small town. Lexington Real Estate Connection’s agents love living and working in the Lexington area. Come talk to us about making it your new hometown!

New Year, New Company Name: Lexington Real Estate Connection

Announcing Lexington Real Estate Connection!

Lexington Real Estate Connection

Lexington Real Estate Connection’s agents and staff. Front Row: Lori Sadler, Rick Alford, Paula Martin. 2nd Row: Leigh Stoddard, Natalie Shulkin, Suzanne Berlin, Steve Martin, Carolyn Kuper. 3rd Row: Michael Lonegan, Woody Sadler, Jeff Black.

After 21 years (and counting) of providing real estate services at 31 S. Main St., our business continues to thrive on the relationships developed and services provided. It’s our privilege to be there for you during times of transition, such as family expansion, employment, retirement, downsizing, or simply following your dreams. We value the quality personal and professional connections we’ve created, and the sense of community we cherish in this beautiful river valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains.

We’re excited to announce a transition of our own: As of January 1, 2016, our office name has changed to Lexington Real Estate Connection! The new name reflects exactly who and what we are – a group of local real estate agents with strong connections to our community, who create connections for buyers and sellers.

Our strong commitment to our clients, and our love for and knowledge of the Lexington area, are the core reasons we consistently rank among the top real estate agencies in the region. Moving away from corporate affiliation strengthens local investment and ownership, allowing us leeway to customize your real estate experience.

What does this mean for our clients? A future in which we’ll have the flexibility to direct our resources and employ emerging technologies, combined with our market knowledge and experience, to provide the best outcome for clients and customers. The agents and personnel you know and trust will continue their full commitment to the agency and listing agreements in place. Plus, we’ll bring renewed energy to the process of ensuring you are prepared to make informed decisions about buying or selling real estate.

As we celebrate the beginning of a new year, we are especially grateful for your business, and look forward to providing you with the service, knowledge and expertise you have come to expect. Call me with any questions, and please stop by the office to see the new look and feel we’re creating.

Happy New Year!

Rick Alford, Owner/Broker

Lexington Real Estate Connection

Our new logo!

Lexington named one of the “10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns in Virginia”

Lexington named one of Virginia's most charming and beautiful townsDisclaimer: We are totally biased on this topic. We don’t need any top 10 lists, polls or surveys to know that Lexington, VA is a charming town. All you have to do is take a stroll down historic Main Street or take a carriage ride on a summer evening – Lexington, VA practically oozes charm!

However, it’s gratifying to see that visitors also recognize that Lexington is a special place. This tiny city of just over 7,000 people could easily be overlooked by busy travel writers/bloggers. We were so pleased to see that OnlyInYourState.com placed Lexington in the #5 spot on their list of the “10 Most Beautiful, Charming Towns in Virginia.” Lexington was ranked among the likes of Staunton, Occoquan, Warrenton and Chincoteague, Virginia. (All of which are ridiculously charming.) Read more

Top Tips for Buying Recreational or Hunting Land in Virginia

Recreational land for sale in Bath County Virginia

We live in a time of technology, change and urban sprawl. While I certainly enjoy my iPhone and the occasional trip to Target, I cringe whenever I see a rolling pasture or peaceful forest give way to a parking lot, chain restaurant or subdivision. Fortunately, you can still find mature trees, abundant wildlife and unspoiled land in places such as Rockbridge County, Bath County and Alleghany County, Virginia. Recreational and hunting land in Virginia feels worlds away from bustling cities yet it’s only a 3 or 4 hour drive away from several metro areas.

But hold up! Buying recreational or hunting land in Virginia can be a very different experience than buying a typical single family home. Asking the right questions can make all the difference. We’ve compiled this list to help you find the perfect piece of land for your needs (and to help you avoid unwelcome surprises down the road).  Read more

An AGA Makes This Rockbridge County House a Home…

Lexington, VA kitchen | AGA cooker

Update: Please note that this particular Lexington, VA home is no longer for sale. Contact Carolyn Kuper, Lexington Real Estate Connection Agent, at 540-463-2016 if you’re interested in similar properties. 

Afternoon tea, hunting dogs, double-decker buses, the stiff upper lip… All quite British. An AGA cooker could also be included in the list. The timeless design and utility of AGAs has made them a “must have” for proper English homes. (It’s also a favorite of celebrities such as Paul McCartney, Jamie Oliver, and the Duchess of Cornwall.) While AGAs are still beloved by tasteful Brits, the brand can now be found in kitchens throughout the world – including right here in Rockbridge County, VA!

The spacious kitchen at 180 Moores School Lane looks like it could be the set for a TV cooking show. Read more

Pic of the Day: A Stunning Look at Fairfield, VA

Scenic view in Fairfield, Virginia

Fairfield, VA is a lovely and historic part of Rockbridge County, VA. Located halfway between Lexington and Staunton, Fairfield is an ideal place to call home if you dream of a contented rural lifestyle yet need easy access to major interstates and cities.

RE/MAX Town & Country real estate agents are extremely knowledgeable about this part of Rockbridge County. Contact us today to learn about homes and land for sale in Fairfield, VA.

RE/MAX Town & Country
(540) 463-7629

 

Lime Kiln’s 2015 Music Lineup Announced!

Live music is awesome, right? Now imagine incredibly talented musicians performing in an ethereal outdoor venue with an enthusiastic and engaged audience cheering them on. Well, that’s Lexington, VA’s Lime Kiln Theater!

Once an abandoned lime quarry near Downtown Lexington, the outdoor theater is lovingly maintained by an active board of directors and a group of dedicated volunteers. The 2014 season was a resounding success; six of the seven summer shows were totally sold out. The performances draw visitors from across the country but you’ll see plenty of local Lexington/Rockbridge residents in the audience. People of all ages and musical tastes feel welcome and have a great time. Food and beer is available for purchase and many people tailgate in the parking lot prior to the shows.

The 2015 lineup was recently announced and tickets are already going fast. The season will kickoff with a performance by Chatham County Line and Mandolin Orange on May 22nd. Perennial favorites such as The Seldom Scene and Love Canon are also on the schedule. If you need further convincing of how cool the 2015 season is likely to be, check out photos from last summer’s performances at www.limekilntheater.org.

See you at The Kiln this summer!

2014 performance at The Lime Kiln Theater in Lexington, VA