Articles Tagged "farm property"

Home is where the heart is — and it's the compassion, honesty, and integrity that's inside our hearts that truly brings us together as a united community. Our REALTORS® at Old Dominion Realty believe that home is more than a place where we live. It's a place where our food, our children and our community grows. It's a space where we come together to support each other and pass along our values. Home is where we give back to our community and our local farmlands are vital resources that foster the growth of each and every one of us.

Farming is the largest private industry in the state. There are over 45,000 farms within state lines that give back to our communities and our planet. Farming is also a personally rewarding experience, as many of the Virginia farms currently operating are small, manageable spaces that farmers tend to for enjoyment rather than generating their primary income.

There are numerous ways that farming helps our community grow in every sense of the word. Large and small farms alike make substantial positive impacts in our daily lives, often affecting us in ways we're unaware of.

• Farms create jobs for our community.
  Whether it's tending to the soil, harvesting the crop or selling the goods at the market, every farm creates occupational opportunities for the men and women of our community.
  
  
• Farms also stimulate our economy.
  Just as they provide jobs, local farmers also stimulate our local economy by encouraging us to keep our income flowing within our region. Proceeds from every local purchase are more likely to be reinvested into the community compared to money spent at corporations or chains.
  
  
• Farmers educate us about food culture and agriculture.
  Knowing where our food comes from is the first step to understanding the importance of sustainable, local food systems. By educating us on how and why certain foods are grown, we gain the knowledge needed to make everyday decisions that positively impact our environment.
  
  
• Local farms reduce carbon emissions.
  Urban agriculture keeps our cycle of food within the community. Instead of selecting mass-produced foods that often result in increased industrial pollution, choosing to do business with local farms cuts down on fossil fuel usage.
  
  
• Local foods nourish our community.
  Across the country, many adults and children do not get the nutrition they need from quality foods. Locally grown foods preserve biodiversity and food security which enables the community to get the nutrition their bodies desperately need.

We invite you to visit one of these area farms to show your appreciation, gratitude and learn more about how these farms are helping our community grow year after year.

• Back Home on the Farm Adventures — 2915 Willow Run Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22802
  A fun-filled farm hosting family-friendly events throughout the year.
  
  
• Harrisonburg Farmer's Market — 228 S. Liberty St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  Stop by the Turner Pavilion and meet many of our local producers who bring fresh food to the market each week.
  
  
• White Oak Lavender Farm — 2644 Cross Keys Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  A farm specializing in lavender plants and products, you can pick your own plants or choose from their wide variety of lavender goods.

For help finding a home in one of the Virginia or West Virginia communities we represent, contact us today.

From Miniature Golf to PGA

Golf is referred to as a "gentleman's game," but today the whole family can join in the fun. Spend the summer perfecting your short game and giving kids your best putt-putt tips at these top golf courses near Harrisonburg homes for sale.

• Lakeview Golf Club - 4101 Shen Lake Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  How popular is Lakeview Golf Club? Its Lake Course was included in the 2018 list of top 25 courses in Virginia from Golf Advisor. Lakeview's trio of 9-hole courses, including Peak and Mountain, were designed by three separate architects to provide different golfing experiences. Spend a rainy day improving your game at one of the club's two HD simulator bays. Individual, couple, family and student annual memberships are available and each includes a range plan. 
  
  
• The Club at Ironwood - 62 Country Club Circle, Staunton, VA 24401
  With its 18-hole championship golf course and a full selection of amenities, The Club at Ironwood is a perfect place to spend the day with family, friends or out-of-town visitors. Get a nice workout on the golf course or tennis courts, then cool off in the junior Olympic pool before relaxing over dinner and drinks at the restaurant. The Club is in close proximity to Staunton homes for sale, creating a welcome sense of community among the members.
  
  
• Heritage Oaks Golf Course - 680 Garbers Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  Heritage Oaks Golf Course bills itself as "The Friendliest Course in the Valley." It seems golfers agree, as they have voted this par-70 municipal course "Best of the Valley" in the Daily News Record's annual poll eight years in a row. Heritage Oaks is open to guests of all ages, who will be pleasantly challenged regardless of skill level. You're likely to have an audience comprised of some of the 85+ species of birds who call Heritage Oaks home. 
  
  
• Mulligan's Golf Center - 141 Carpenter Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  When you visit a center named after a do-over golf shot, you know you're in for a good time. Mulligan's Golf Center boasts the only 18-hole miniature golf course in Harrisonburg. Enjoy unlimited play for only $10 for adults and $8 for kids ages 5-12. Looking for a unique party venue? The adjacent 864 square-foot pavilion can be rented for birthdays, reunions and other special events, either as-is or with a selection of golf and food packages.
  
  
• Waynesboro Golf and Games - 2296 Jefferson Highway, Waynesboro, VA 22980
  Kids sometimes have short attention spans, so give them some variety at Waynesboro Golf and Games. In addition to a recently refurbished 18-hole miniature golf course, the center features a clubhouse with concessions and arcade games. Be sure to check out the amazing 60-in-1 arcade cabinet where you can play 80s classics such as Centipede, Donkey Kong, and Galaga for only 25 cents. After a day of viewing Waynesboro homes for sale, stop in at 8:30 Friday and Saturday evenings from June through August for night golf with super-bright LED balls.
  
  
• Westover Park Disc Golf Course - 305 S. Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  Is traditional golf a bit too leisurely for you? Pump it up with a round or two at Westover Park Disc Golf Course. Disc golf is a mash-up of golf and Frisbee in which you navigate the 21-hole course using a disc instead of a ball. Expand your circle of friends by participating in doubles and bag tag tournaments during summer months.

There are always exciting activities to be found around Harrisonburg. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty and let our real estate agents help you find or sell your Harrisonburg home.

Ever dreamt of buying a farm? Here's a guide of things to consider before buying farmland.

So, you've been dreaming of moving to the country. Whether you want to become a professional farmer or have a passion for living in the country and growing your own produce, buying agricultural land can be a complex process.  Here is a guide for things to consider before buying a farm.

1.  Define Your Goals.

You want to become a farmer and buy land in the country.  Each person has their own reasons why they want to own or work on a farm.   Before going down the path of actually buying agricultural real estate, ask yourself these questions to help determine your goals:

• Do you want to own a farm and make a living as a professional farmer?
• Do you want to become a "weekend" farmer and grow produce for your family's needs?
• Are you looking for a real estate investment?

2.  Find the Right Location.

Finding the right piece of real estate goes along with defining your goals.  If you want to buy a working farm, determine where the nearest market for selling your produce is located.  Make sure the neighborhood suits you and the type of farming you want to do. 

If your plan is to live in the country enjoying a quieter, simpler lifestyle, then buying farm property away from a larger community might be for you.

Old Dominion Realty specializes in farm and rural properties in our local marketplace.  We can help you find the right location for you in the Virginia and West Virginia real estate markets.

3.  Find the Right REALTOR®.

Find a real estate agent with experience in helping customers buy and sell farm property.  Our team of REALTORS® in the Virginia and West Virginia real estate markets has the knowledge and experience you need to buy farm and rural properties.  They have expert knowledge about zoning, easements and details like soil type and water rights to help guide your decision.

4.  Understand your financial needs.

You'll need to understand your financial needs and budget to pay for and run your farm.  Cash buyers can compare their available amount of money with the price of the land they wish to buy.  If you need to finance a portion of the purchase price, find a lender experienced in financing farm properties.

5.  Zoning.

Zoning for agricultural property is in place to restrict non-farm uses of land.  The use of land, minimum farm size, and non-farm use buildings on the property can be determined by local zoning laws.  Working with experienced REALTORS® who have a knowledge of selling farm property will help you understand your limitations for use before you buy.

6.  Know what's included with your real estate purchase.

It is important for all parties involved to understand what is included with the purchase before the transaction is completed.  Buying farm equipment, building fences, gates and structures can be expensive.  A detailed list of everything included with the purchase needs to be a part of the contract.

7.  Water.

When searching for the perfect farm, its water supply is an essential resource to consider.  Are there streams, ponds or rivers on the property?  Is there standing water?  Find out more about water quality standards by visiting your state's Department of Health or Department of Natural Resources web site.  Learn how to take a water sample and where to send it for testing.

8.  Soil.

Whether or not land can be farmed is determined primarily by soil type.  Know your soil limitations before buying farm land.  To learn about your potential property's soil limitations, visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) web site and search the farm's site address.  Take a soil sample and send to a nearby soil-testing to test the soil for nutrients and deficiencies.

Buying a farm can be a complex process. However, if you work with the right real estate team, owning a farm can be a rewarding experience.  Contact our team at Old Dominion Realty today.