For The Denise Ramey Team
Yes — conditions are improving for buyers, with more inventory than previous years and opportunities appearing in several price ranges.
While demand remains strong, the pace has stabilized compared to 2021–2023. Buyers now have slightly more negotiating room and a broader selection of homes, especially in Crozet, Earlysville, and northern Albemarle.
The typical single-family home in the City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County generally ranges from the mid-$400s to mid-$600s, depending on the neighborhood.
Crozet, Ivy, and Western Albemarle trend higher because of schools and mountain-view communities, while northern Albemarle and parts of Waynesboro offer more affordability.
Yes — Crozet is one of the most popular areas in Central Virginia because of schools, trails, mountain views, and family-friendly neighborhoods like Old Trail.
Homes here hold value extremely well, making it a strong long-term investment.
Crozet, Ivy, Glenmore, Earlysville, Forest Lakes, and Dunlora are top choices for families.
These areas offer strong schools, parks, community pools, and convenient commutes to UVA and Downtown.
Fry’s Spring, Johnson Village, Rugby, North Downtown, Belmont, and Forest Lakes.
These areas offer a quick commute, great walkability, or easy access to Route 29.
Competitive — but not impossible.
Homes in popular school districts may still receive multiple offers. However, buyers have more time and options than they did in the post-COVID boom.
Many buyers put 3–10 percent down, not the traditional 20 percent.
Programs vary; your lender can tailor options including FHA, VA, USDA, and physician loans (common for UVA employees).
Plan on 2–5 percent of the purchase price.
This includes lender fees, taxes, inspections, title insurance, and prepaid escrows.
Yes — pre-approval gives you a clear budget and strengthens your offer.
In competitive markets like ours, sellers often require buyers to include a pre-approval letter with the offer.
Yes — many lenders accept signed employment contracts.
UVA and major local employers commonly provide documentation that lenders recognize.
Most loans require a score of 620 or higher.
FHA and VA loans may allow lower scores; conventional loans reward top-tier scores with better rates.
Yes — certain USDA and VA loans offer 0 percent down.
USDA applies to rural areas (parts of Crozet, Earlysville, and Greene County). VA loans are an excellent option for eligible veterans.
Taxes are relatively moderate compared to much of the East Coast.
Rates vary by city vs county — Albemarle County generally runs lower than the City of Charlottesville.
Our team guides you fully through each stage.
Most buyers close in 30–45 days after their offer is accepted.
Cash purchases often close in as little as 10–14 days.
Yes — especially in a competitive market.
Your agent represents your interests, negotiates on your behalf, explains contracts, and helps you avoid costly mistakes. Seller’s agents legally work for the seller, not you.
This is negotiable and it can cost you for a buyer’s agent – in some cases, the seller pays compensation to the buyer’s agent as part of the negations but it is not a given like it used to be.
Our team will explain scenarios clearly depending on your needs and the specific home.
Yes — we help many relocation clients purchase from afar.
Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, digital contracts, and remote closings make the process seamless.
There’s no magic number — but most buyers tour 4–10 properties.
Your agent helps you focus on areas that match your lifestyle, commute, and budget.
The best offer isn’t always the highest.
Sellers may consider price, closing date, contingencies, lender strength, and buyer flexibility.
Home inspection, radon test, pest/termite, and well/septic if applicable.
Homes in the country may also require water testing, septic inspections, and well yield documentation.
Yes — absolutely.
Pre-drywall and final inspections are recommended to ensure quality during every phase.
Buyers, sellers, and agents work together to renegotiate or adjust terms.
Options include seller concessions, price adjustments, or supplying additional borrower funds.
Inspections are negotiable.
You may request repairs, credits, or walk away depending on contingencies.
Generally light compared to major cities, but Route 29, Pantops, and 250 West can get busy during rush hours.
Crozet buyers often prioritize proximity to I-64 for easier commuting.
About 1 hour from Richmond, 2½ hours from D.C., and just over an hour from Harrisonburg or Staunton.
This makes it ideal for remote professionals or hybrid schedules.
Yes — especially Downtown, Belmont, UVA Grounds, and parts of Fry’s Spring.
Other areas are more suburban with scenic trails and parks.
Albemarle County schools are highly rated and frequently draw relocation buyers.
Western Albemarle High School, Meriwether Lewis, Brownsville, and Henley are top choices.
Crozet, Ivy, Afton, North Garden, and parts of Earlysville.
Communities like Old Trail and Western Ridge offer exceptional Blue Ridge views.
Yes — options include Dunlora Forest, The Gleason, Branchlands, and parts of Old Trail.
These appeal to retirees, downsizers, and second-home buyers.
Yes — Crozet, Glenmore, and northern Albemarle have the most inventory.
Our team regularly works with regional builders and can guide pricing, upgrades, and timelines.
Yes — the on-site rep represents the builder, not you.
Your agent protects your interests, negotiates incentives, and helps evaluate upgrades vs. resale value.
Typically 6–12 months.
Weather, materials, and builder schedules can affect timelines.
It depends on market conditions, recent sales, and seller motivation.
We analyze data to help you write a strong yet smart offer.
Yes — common ones include inspection, appraisal, and financing.
Your agent will help you weigh risk vs. reward depending on competitiveness.
A deposit (usually 1–3 percent) that shows you’re serious.
It’s credited back to you at closing.
Absolutely — we specialize in relocation.
Virtual tours, area guidance, and neighborhood matching are key parts of our service.
Spring and fall offer the most choices; winter may offer better deals.
In Charlottesville, inventory peaks in late spring and again in early fall.
Your agent will coordinate all showings based on your availability.
We also provide video walkthroughs for remote buyers.
Your agent will match your lifestyle, commute, school needs, and budget to the right areas.
We also share local guides and insider community knowledge.
Looking to buy a home in Charlottesville, Crozet, or Central Virginia? The Denise Ramey Team is here to guide you every step of the way with expert market knowledge, neighborhood insight, and award-winning service.
*Select images on this website are the property of their respective copyright owner J. Beeler. These images are used for educational, informational, and/or illustrative purposes only.