Archives: November 2019

2021 Vision: The Top Home Features You Can Expect to See Next Year

With a new year comes new trends, and you can expect a number of home design shake-ups both big and small.

Here are the top home features that are sure to be priorities for buyers in 2021!

Separate Laundry Rooms

A person carrying knitted blankets.

It might be a little unexpected, but laundry rooms were one of the most highly sought-after home features of the year, with a whopping 91% of buyers saying they’re essential. Many people also prefer the laundry room to be on the ground floor and sectioned off from the rest of the home.

In 2021, you can expect to see buyers continue to gravitate toward homes with designated laundry rooms—try brainstorming ways to bring more focus to yours!

Industrial Designs

An Edison bulb hanging in an industrial space.

The rustic farmhouse motif was certainly popular in 2019, but it doesn’t quite have the staying power of an industrial design. Next year, you’ll continue to see buyer’s seek out interior design elements like artisanal light fixtures, copper and metal hardware, concrete accents, and exposed brick.

Homes that already have these components incorporated will be a major plus—and while it’s a little tough to add brick walls and concrete accents if you don’t have them, there are other simple ways to industrialize your space!

Storage Space

A drawer filled with t-shirts.

As more and more buyers start moving towards smaller homes, efficient storage solutions become a high priority. In 2021, you can expect buyers to be on the hunt for homes that showcase their storage potential.

Built-in shelves along the wall, storage under the stairs, walk-in pantries—no matter your square footage, every inch counts. If you’re a seller, you can also use this to your advantage, staging your home in a way that emphasizes its efficient use of space. Think: a few extra storage cubes in your laundry room, a new shelving unit on an underused wall, or roll-out cubbies under your bed.

Green Features 

A light bulb sitting in green grass.

According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, green features have shot up to become one of the most sought-after features in a new home. In particular, over half of the survey respondents would invest nearly $10,000 for green features that would save them money, such as ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and windows, improved insulation, and efficient lighting. Other priorities included bettering the air quality in the home with things like dehumidification systems and electronic air cleaners.

If you’re planning to sell next year and have a little extra money to work with, consider making upgrades that’ll appeal to your buyers’ wallet.

Natural Finishes

A brick wall.

Next year, we’ll start seeing a move toward more unique homes, and nothing sets your space apart from the rest like natural features, including river rock, reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and steel accents. These elements don’t necessarily have to come with the home even—staging your space with a rustic wood bookcase or a contemporary geode end table will do the trick.

If you’re preparing your place for a showing or just need a few cohesive decorating tips, sprinkling plants and greenery can help balance out the heaviness of these natural elements.

Pastel Colors

A white chair in front of a Millenial Pink wall.

While 2019 may have been a year of bold colors, 2021 will usher in a muted era. Pastel shades like the popular Millennial Pink, Neo Mint, and Buxton Blue will be giving interiors a softer aura, reminiscent of 1970s-era home trends.

Additionally, accent walls have started slipping in favor, replaced instead by more strategic splashes of color, like painted doors and cabinets, two-tone walls, and accent furniture pieces.

Don’t Fall Behind in the Latest Real Estate Trends

Each year brings new fads to the real estate world, and keeping up with them plays a major role in impressing buyers. Need a little help staying in the know? We’ve got you covered! Follow along with our blog for the latest updates, and check out our specialized resources for all of your buying and selling needs.

Have a few more questions? We’re just a phone call away.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Take a Ride on the LOW Holiday Express on December 3rd! LOW Residents Only

Get ready to do some shopping! The LOW Holiday Express will be exclusively taking residents of Lake of the Woods to visit Downtown Fredericksburg only on Tuesday, December 3rd! Ride in style in the holiday limo bus, as you enjoy perks such as wine tastings, lunch specials, discounts, give-a-ways, swag bags and more! The bus will depart from the Clubhouse parking lot at 9 AM, and will return at 3 PM (Arrive home by 4 PM). Round-trip bus fair is only $20.00 per person. A credit card is required to reserve a spot, and cash payments will be collected on the day of the event. Call 540-374-0443 to sign up today! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

3rd Annual Turkey Bowl on Saturday, 11/9 at Lakeside Title & Escrow!

Lakeside Title is hosting its 3rd Annual Turkey Bowl to benefit the Wilderness Food Pantry on Saturday 11/9 from 11 AM – 3 PM at the Lakeside Title & Escrow parking lot! Enjoy face painting, a moon bounce, raffles with amazing prizes, a cake walk, music and much more! Make sure to participate in the bake sale, and pick up some delectable goodies! Don’t forget to enter in the Turkey Bowl for a chance to win your Thanksgiving turkey, or your choice from a selection of baked goods. This is a perfect opportunity to spend some time with the community, and help raise money for those in need. If you would like to learn more, or find out how you can help donate good, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

market stats lake of the woods virginia 22508

October 2019 Market Statistics

In October, 24 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
2 sold under $200,000; 6 sold between $200-250,000;
10 sold between $250-300,000; 3 sold between $300-400,000;
1 sold between $400-550,000; 2 sold above $750,000.

64 Active Listings for Sale
36 Homes Under Contract
263 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

Downtown Culpeper Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 24th!

Ready for the holiday season? Downtown Culpeper sure is! Be there on Sunday, November 24 from NOON to 5:00 PM for the Downtown Culpeper Open House, hosted by Culpeper Renaissance Inc.! This is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping, as you’re sure to find the perfect gift! You’ll find a number of specialty stores that are available, including delectable chocolates, gorgeous clothing and of course plenty of toys for the little ones (if they’ve been good this year) and much more! Make sure to stay for the Tree Lighting from 5:10 – 5:30 PM. Join your fellow Culpeper community in bringing in the holiday season! For more information about this event, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Riverside Center for the Performing Arts Proudly Presents: Annie!

Your favorite orphan is coming to town! Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present “Annie” starting November 10th! Follow along as sweet little orphan Annie attempts to find her real mom and dad, with the help of good old Daddy Warbucks. In addition, Famous star Sally Struthers will be reprising her role from the 20th Anniversary Annie Broadway revival as Miss Hannigan! Be sure to reserve your tickets, as this is surely an opportunity that you don’t want to miss! For more information, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Children’s Christmas Tree Lighting in Fredericksburg on Saturday, 11/16!

Are you ready to light the tree? Be at Hurkamp Park in Fredericksburg for the annual Children’s Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 16 from 4 PM – 6 PM! Bring your kids to meet Santa as well as some other fun characters, spend time making holiday crafts and enjoy listening to your favorite holiday songs and more! Make sure to stay for the reading of The Night Before Christmas! This is a free public event, hosted by the Fredericksburg, Virginia Economic Development & Tourism, as well as Fredericksburg Park, Recreation & Events! We hope you’ll be there! For information about this event, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Christmas on the Farm at Higgins Hills Farm on Saturday, November 30th!

Ready for some winter fun down on the farm? Higgins Hills Farm is proudly hosting “Christmas on the farm” on Saturday, November 30th from 10 AM – 4 PM, presented by BC Photography and Higgins Hills Farm! Enjoy a winter wonderland filled with fun, food, prizes and more! Admission is $5.00 per car, which includes access to the free petting farm, games, children’s activities! Get your picture taken with jolly old Saint Nick, and/or the Grinch himself! A Coffee & Hot Cocoa bar is available for $3.00, as well as $5.00 pony rides! Gourmet popcorn and hotdogs will also be available to snack on! Start your holiday season off right, and visit Higgins Hills Farm in Culpeper, VA! For more info, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Opening Night for Zoo Lights at the National Zoo Happening on 11/29!

Lions and tigers and bears and lights! The Smithsonian National Zoological Park will have its opening night for Zoo Lights starting Friday 11/29 from 5 pm – 9 pm, hosted by Washington DC History & Culture! This free event will include live musical performances, winter treats and makes for the perfect opportunity to do some holiday shopping! Watch as everyone’s favorite zoo is transformed by over 500,000 environmentally friendly lights into a spectacular winter wonderland! Admission is free, and the lights will remain until January 1st! Guests are encouraged to take public transportation into the event. Don’t miss out on this night full of lights, music and animals! For more info, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website www.licatagroup.com

Helpful Tips for Selling Your Home during the Busy Holiday Season

Get ready to hang the lights, deck the halls, and spread some cheer—the holiday season is almost here! Juggling the holidays along with a home sale might be sound impossible (or at the very least, stressful), but we’re here to help you find the best way to balance both.

Here are our top 4 tips for navigating your home sale during the holiday season!

Use Decor to Your Advantage

Snowmen and twinkling lights set up as holiday decor for home sellers.

You don’t have to go all out with holiday decor, but a little seasonal warmth sprinkled here and there goes a long way! Hang some white lights along the staircase, add a wreath to the front door, and string some garland along the mantel. If you do opt for a tree, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t crowd the room—perhaps even consider a tabletop version.

Bonus tip: scent is the sense most closely tied to memory, so use that to your advantage to appeal to buyer nostalgia! Bake some cookies beforehand, warm up a pot of cider, or light a few seasonally scented candles.

Be Flexible with Showings

A welcome sign hanging outside of a home being sold.

While you’ll probably have a busy schedule over the next month or two, you should make sure it doesn’t affect your availability for buyers too much. One of the biggest reasons people hold off on selling during the holidays is because they can’t be around to prepare their home…but intentionally making room in your schedule will make the whole process much simpler!

If you usually host a holiday party, consider asking a friend or relative to step in for you. If you’re traveling, try not to be gone for too long, and make it clear to your agent and any potential buyers when you’ll be back.

Work with a Home Stager (or Get Tips from Your Agent)

A modern coffee table decorated by a home stager.

If you either: A.) really don’t have time to stage or B.) don’t want to take any risks on your home not looking its best, then working with a qualified home stager is a great option! You might be skeptical, but home stagers have been specially trained and certified to optimize your space with the right decor and furniture—which often leads to faster and more profitable sales.

It’ll also take one more stressful task off of your plate, giving you more time to plan for the upcoming festivities. If you want a few recommendations for home stagers, just give us a call. Of course, we can always do a walkthrough of your home and offer personalized tips and DIY projects, if you’d prefer that!

Practice Smart Marketing

Two women meeting over a marketing plan for holiday home sellers.

Marketing a home is the key to reeling in the right buyer. It’s even more important during the holiday season, since fewer—but more serious—buyers are on the hunt. That’s where working with an agent really comes in handy! You can sit back, relax, and plan for the holidays, while we take care of getting the word out about your home through our comprehensive marketing resources, including our website, social media platforms, local advertising, professional contacts, and more.

And, of course, we’ll crunch the numbers and do the research to ensure that your home is priced at the best number for your interests.

List Your Home this Holiday Season

Balancing a home sale and the holidays can be stressful…but not if you work with a professional! Enlist our help, and we’ll be around to carry some of your workload, reduce your stress, and sell your home for top dollar—and answer any and all of your questions along the way. Ready to list your home? We’re just a phone call away!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com