Many see this month as the “depth of winter” in our part of Virginia, and the temperatures would corroborate that assessment.

However, February is the month of many cultural celebrations: from Chinese New Year to Valentine’s Day, there’s more reasons to party in February than you might think.

Speaking of assessments: Albemarle County residents and property owners got confirmation that they have made a solid investment; property values in Albemarle County have gone up an average of 29.8 percent in only two years.

County officials say the property value hike is indicative of the strong real estate market in the area. They caution, however, that residents’ actual assessments may vary widely from that number. Real estate tax bills, reflecting the new assessments, will be mailed in April.

Anyone who has enjoyed the quality of life in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area, whether as a newcomer or as a long-time resident, knows that this valuation increase is part of our healthy market; amid national buzz about a “correction” in the housing market, it is great to get yet one more assurance that our real estate investment was a wise decision.