As a Lake of the Woods resident since 2008 (as a weekender and a full time resident), I’d like to share my journey to the Lake. My husband, John, and I were interested in finding the perfect location for a second/vacation home. Initially, we were open to looking at a beach location, as well as a lake. We began searching in the summer of 2007 through the spring of 2008 for our getaway.
We decided fairly early on that the beach just wasn’t for us because of distance from Northern Virginia and lack of activity during “non-peak season,” we began focusing on the lakes in the area. Having made the trek to Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, and Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, something wasn’t “perfect” for us regarding each location. Lake Anna was too busy for us, and Smith Mountain Lake and Deep Creek Lake were both too far for us to enjoy a home regularly, and we also didn’t care for how few conveniences were located close by (ie, grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, etc).
Then we remembered having visited Lake of the Woods years ago, when we had been a guest of a friend. After our first house-hunting visit to the lake in early spring of 2008, we knew where we wanted to be. Lake of the Woods, as a gated, secured community, gave us peace of mind as weekenders. The community offered us close proximity (1 hr 15 min from Reston), tons of conveniences, as we residents are supported by a grocery store, pharmacy, gas stations, cleaners, nail salons, automotive services, doctors, a library, a post office, many restaurants, and a brand new elementary school-all within 2 1/2 miles of the gates), over 50 clubs and organizations in which to participate, a fabulous clubhouse overlooking the lake that serves excellent food, and a clear, pristine lake!! Oh…did I mention the PGA golf course and equestrian center within the community?? And the Community Center, and the non-denominational Church within the gates? Or the walking trails? And what about the wildlife!
We purchased our home in June of 2008, and after that first year (52 weekends), we realized that we had been to our home at Lake of the Woods 51 of those 52 weekends! That’s when we decided that the “allure of the lake” was just too great to resist and made the change from weekenders to full-time residents!
Call me today at 540/735-7998 for a boat and car tour!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Aerial Tour of Lake of the Woods! By Pat Licata REALTOR
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 homeworth?” 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The LOW Lioness Lions Club is sponsoring a Mardi Gras Dinner Dance at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. This awesome event starts sharply at 6pm with cocktails, followed by dinner at 7pm with your musical entertainment, The Reunion Band closing out the event from 8pm to 11pm. There will be a silent auction and 50/50 raffle held, with the total cost of this event at $60 per person. Purchase tickets here starting February 5th.
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
There are many concerns that might discourage you from purchasing property during winter. You might be worried about what the weather conditions would mean for your move. You might want to wait for the peak house selling season. After all, if most people buy during that period, there must be something to it, right? Or you might want to take advantage of the sleepy season to rest. However, to truly know whether or not you should go for buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you need to be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of the process.
Much less competition vs. fewer houses on the market
When buying a house during winter in Virginia, it is essential to know you are doing so at the peak of the off-season. This means that the housing market will be much less vibrant than it otherwise would be. Now, looking to buy a home, this can certainly be an advantage! Fewer competitors mean you will not have to deal with an exhausting rush to get at the best properties before someone else snatches them up. Unfortunately, not everything is ideal. The sellers know that the peak season is the best time to offload their property, so most will choose not to put up their homes for sale during winter, which results in a smaller selection of available homes.
It is easier to find excellent movers vs. it is harder to move
Of course, an important part of the process is moving into your new home. Here, too, you are in luck regarding the available resources. Even if you are moving long-distance, hiring movers with ample experience won’t be a problem, and you will organize your entire relocation quickly and easily. Due to the housing market being in a lull, movers will generally be more relaxed and have far more open schedules. Yet, it does mean having to tackle the wintry conditions to get your move done. Winters in Virginia might not be as severe as they can get elsewhere, but the temperatures and snow are still nothing to sneeze at. You will need to be extra careful to ensure all of your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
You will have to deal with hazardous road conditions when buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
More time to get things done vs. moving at an awkward time
Winter typically means winter holidays and having plenty of time off work to get everything done. This means that you can get tons done during this period, especially if you take the time to make a plan of action in advance. And at a leisurely pace, too! You wouldn’t need to rush from work to realtor to home, where you’d be making tons of last-minute calls. On the other hand, this can be a somewhat awkward time of year to move. Work and school are only starting to get into the swing of things. Finding a job can be more difficult if you are moving long-distance. And your kids would have to jump into a new school just as things are getting serious.
If buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you will be able to take time off the purchase to distress and have fun with the family.
Realtors are more available vs. things tend to go slowly
Finding a good real estate agent is a nightmare during the peak seasons for the housing market, whether you are looking to sell your old home or buy a new one. So, being able to have your pick of the best realtors can be a serious boon for your house-hunting efforts. Unfortunately, if you are hoping your top-of-the-line real estate agent will help you get the whole ordeal done within an instant, you would be disappointed. The housing market in the off-season tends to make everything go much more slowly, which can be a good thing! Still, if you are in a rush, you might find yourself feeling frustrated.
Prices of real estate are lower vs. less likely to find homes with newer amenities
Due to less competition and things going more slowly, the prices of real estate during this period are typically much lower. After all, prices can be artificially inflated when multiple people compete over a single property. If someone wants it badly enough, they might be willing to pay well over what is reasonable. So, the prices during winter can make you feel like you are getting away with a steal. The moving experts from Fairfax Transfer and Storage note that moving prices are also lower during this season! And yet, sellers know this fact as well. This means that those in possession of particularly valuable pieces of real estate, or those whose homes boast top amenities, tend to hold off on selling until the peak season comes around.
Ascertaining the condition of houses is easier vs. the weather makes viewing more difficult
A tricky part of going house hunting during peak housing market seasons is that good weather makes it hard to tell whether houses are actually in good condition. After all, both mold and water damage can be covered up with relatively low expenses without treating the root cause. On the other hand, doing your viewing during the peak of the winter season makes it much more likely for you to detect problems with the homes you like. It is hard to cover up issues if the roof is leaking right in front of prospective buyers! Still, the cold weather and the way holidays affect real estate can make it more challenging to schedule and attend viewings. It is harder to feel motivated to snoop around when you feel like you are freezing.
Knowing how well the property can withstand the cold is one of the best things about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
Final word
Now that you know more about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, it is up to you to decide whether this would be the right time for you to make a move. Just remember to carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding, and you will be just fine!
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Join us today as we discuss buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter so you can decide whether you want to take advantage of the season or wait.
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Even in a seller’s market, it pays more to be mindful of how you present your home—and color is a key component!
This year is all about earthy greens, fun pastel blues and yellows, and smart neutrals to really create a sense of comfort.
Have fun with DIY projects and go hunting for unique antiques to transform traditional rooms into flexible spaces!
Home Buyers Are Searching for Comfort and Versatility
Even though 2022 is predicted to remain a seller’s market, a little effort upfront will go a long way towards closing. You don’t need to do a major renovation to bring modern trends and styles into your home, regardless of its age. Clean, neat, and orderly homes certainly help, but the right color palette can really add some extra oomph.
Here are three of the leading staging trends and top color palettes that can help add value to your home and bring in bids.
Invite the outside in through shades of green
After a tumultuous few years, 2022’s trends are focused on self-care and comfort, which are reflected in soothing color schemes. The right colors can bring a sense of belonging into your home. With an overall emphasis on wellness, it’s no surprise that homeowners are falling for hues that are reminiscent of the outdoors.
Earthy, organic palettes provide balance and a breath of fresh air. Green is easy on the eyes, inspiring, and provides a sense of security and belonging. Colorful kitchen cabinets are a relatively quick paint project and very on-trend for 2022. Herbaceous colors such as sage, mint, and thyme tie in perfectly to the gastronomic heart of a home.
Potted plants bring a sense of vitality into a space, and certain varieties help clean the air so prospective buyers will truly breathe easy. To break up the green, try a soft peach or light apricot. They’re calm, straightforward colors that evoke shelter and stability. Bonus: green plants pop when paired with these more subtle shades of orange.
Bright blue and yellow pastels are perfect for flexible spaces
3 bedrooms, 3 baths and…where’s the office? The classroom? The gym? COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and play—and what we look for in a home. Gone are the stringent definitions of a room’s purpose according to the blueprint. Extra bedrooms are now learning centers, the dining room is for quality time with friends, and the basement is the best hot yoga studio in town.
With homes becoming more functional spaces, the colors need to be comfortable and calm. Warm, soft yellows add a sense of sunshine to any room. To avoid veering into neon highlighter territory, go for pastel shades of chamomile or buttermilk to bring optimism and cheer without any glare.
The home isn’t quite as intimate as it once was now that we invite everyone from coworkers to teachers into our homes via video call—so now, you can create a space that shows buyers you understand their need to impress. While dark blues are the trademark of the corporate world, lighter hues like mist and sky reign over the residential realm.
Reclaimed materials stand out against strong neutrals
With the world so different from what we’ve previously known, there’s a newfound value in nostalgia. Luckily, second-hand furniture not only evokes warm feelings of remembrance, but also ties into the movement to go green.
With supply chain complications still affecting the marketplace, there’s a resurgence of interest in using reclaimed materials as an anchor piece. Many second-hand stores offer refurbished pieces, painting over lackluster patinas with bold color palettes, geometric patterns, or ombre. You can always go the DIY route, too—but with more than enough to do to get your home ready, buying rehabbed pieces is a huge time-saver.
Go with neutrals for the rest of the room to show off a bold find. Beige may sound boring, but it brings connotations of dependability. In these ever-changing times, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to go back to basics once in a while. Plus, with varieties such as ecru, stone, and taupe, there’s nothing basic about this perennial staple.
Use Our Staging Tips for a Top-Dollar Home Sale
It takes thought and effort to bring your home to its full potential, so you can sell at the highest possible price. We’re ready to do a walkthrough and offer suggestions on how you can get prepared to sell. We have the experience and know what buyers want. Contact us today and let us know how we can help prepare your home for a top-dollar sale!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to 124 Saylers Creek in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods! You’ll love the location close to the pool, parks, and Community Center! Upon entering, the light-filled living room with soaring, beamed ceilings and a stone gas fireplace for those chilly nights will wow you. The kitchen boasts all the amenities and a dining area with access to the sunroom. The sought after split bedroom design will delight with the owner’s suite boasting an en-suite bath, and walk in closet. Relax in the sunroom overlooking your private, level backyard perfect for gardening, and enjoying outdoor activities. This home also features a two-car detached garage that would be perfect for a workshop.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water-skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents… Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from the mid-$200,000s to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, and weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to 210 Meadowview Lane! You’ll love the value that this awesome house, located near the front gate and golf course, provides! Once inside, you are greeted by gleaming hardwood floors in living room and a kitchen that boasts beautiful cabinetry and a beautiful view from the window. The living room leads to the spacious dining room that includes a gas fireplace and built-ins. You will love the expansive main level owner’s suite with en-suite bath. Upstairs, you’ll find two more bedrooms and another full bath that are sure to please. Located on an oversized lot with a level backyard that is perfect for gardening and/or a play area.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550-acre main lake and a 35-acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water-skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from the mid-$100,000s to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
When you finally decide to start your own business, you want everything to go the right way. However, startup costs can be staggering, so many people are opting to run their businesses from home. A home-based business comes with many benefits, including that you’ll not need to worry about costs like rent.
Before starting the business, you need to research to understand the realities around the industry. The fact is that your neighborhood could factor in determining different parameters for the business, including the parking situation, when you’re open, and the things you can deal in. Here are things to keep in mind.
Not Having a Business Plan
Starting any business without a plan is a big mistake. You need a business plan to guide you in your decision-making, as this is a document that defines your direction.
Put in the effort to plan your business and state the intended objectives.
If you’re unsure where to begin, look at free business plan templates, which cover different sections, including company description, marketing plan, and product and services.
In addition to writing a good business plan, you also need to register an LLC, which offers you tax benefits and ensures you have limited liability.
Not Choosing a Neighborhood Zoned for Business
The neighborhood you choose to host your business can dictate business atmosphere, foot traffic, and long-term success for the business.
Finding the ideal location means considering the right qualities to consider. In some places, you’re not allowed to run a business from a residential property.
Lack of Enough Business Capital
One of the challenges you must overcome when starting a small business is access to capital.
If you don’t have capital, the business will not attract potential financiers or investors.
You need to demonstrate you can pay back the loan or give the potential for your investors to get a good return.
Low capital will affect ongoing business operations and can jeopardize your ability to cover day-to-day operations.
To get business capital, first, determine the amount you’ll need, seek venture capital, or apply for a small business loan.
Not Doing Market Research
While the business idea may work anyway, if you want the business to succeed, you should invest some time in market research.
The factor to focus on is market demand for the product or service you want to offer, so determine current demand and future potential for your services or products.
Not Taking Time Off
As a home-based business owner, you might be tempted to work all the time. This mistake can mean you don’t have a proper professional space that compels you to respect professional routines.
It’s important to get the support of your family and ensure they understand the idea of working from home.
While it sounds odd, this is a real problem, which could affect your productivity. Plan your day with office hours in mind to avoid fatigue due to overworking.
Conclusion
Starting a home-based business takes a different process because of the environment in which you run the business. Avoid these common pitfalls that could make it more difficult to achieve your goals when running your business from home. Learn about the market and don’t interfere with your professional schedule.
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to the waterfront lifestyle that 128 Green Spring Rd delivers! If expansive, unobstructed main lake views, spectacular sunsets, 164 feet of deep water, and a private beach are what you crave, then you will fall in love! Relax and soak in the sun or entertain on your own deck, patio, or dock! Bring your boat and all of your water toys, except for a catamaran which conveys, and start living the lake life! The home, offering over 3100+ finished square feet, is a one-of-a-kind mid-century modern design, located near the front gate. It boasts amazing views from almost every window, an open floor plan, a living room with a wood-burning fireplace, dining area, kitchen, laundry area, and a wall of windows that boast the most captivating views of the lake in all seasons and a perfect location for experiencing the phenomenal Independence Day fireworks display! The owner’s suite provides deck access and is complemented by an attached en-suite bath! Two additional bedrooms that also feature sliders to the deck and another full bath comprise the main level. The lower level consists of a family room with floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace, three additional bedrooms (all with sliders offering patio access and amazing views of course), a full bath, as well as a kitchenette area. Combine all of these features with plenty of storage space, flex space, and a two-car garage, and you’ve found your perfect place at the lake! Just imagine the memories you will make at this incredible waterfront home!
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water-skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents… Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Orange County, Virginia’s restaurant week returns during the week of January 21st through 30th. What is restaurant week, anyway? Typically, the local county restaurants will provide a special menu for the week with a selection of their favorite dining options, for a pre-fixed price. Usually, menus will be a 3 or 4-course meal, so you can try a variety of options from their menu, including an appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert. The restaurants will announce on their websites if they are participating and show off their special menus, as well as on the Orange County Chamber of Commerce website. This is our favorite time of the year because it’s a great way to try those locally owned eateries we’ve been driving by and seeing around town! For the complete and updated list of restaurants participating, please check here. Support our local Orange County businesses and communities and grab your friends and family and start planning your restaurant week itinerary! Where will you start first?
ALL ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANTS are encouraged to participate!!! Call 540-672-5316 or email occcexec@gmail.com if you’re a restaurant owner and would like to participate. This event is brought to our community by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce!
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 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, 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
0 sold between $130-199,999; 0 sold between $200-249,999; 4 sold between $250,000-299,999; 9 sold between $300-349,999; 7 sold between $350,000-399,999; 2 sold between $400-499,999; 0 sold between $500,000-$999,999; 1 sold over $1,000,000!
18 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 25 Homes Under Contract 359 Homes Sold since January 1, 2021.
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 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, 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
There are certain things the holidays are suitable for. They tend to bring out the best in us. It’s a time for family, sharing, all those warm moments that tend to be forgotten about under the sometimes grueling regime of everyday life. However, they might not be the best for some other things. For one, the holidays don’t seem to have a favorable stance towards your weight loss program. They also seem to adversely impact the contents of your wallet. What we want to know is how do the holidays affect real estate? Is it wise to place a delightful one-story ranch with a fully furnished basement under the Christmas tree, or is it best left for warmer days? For the TLDR readers out there, the answer is yes. For those who don’t know the acronym or want a little more insight, let’s take a closer look together!
Caroling or Shopping
There are plenty of Christmas holiday activities to try in Virginia, and buying or selling a house is one of them! If you delve a little deeper into human behavior, you understand why the holidays are an interesting time. On the one hand, many people will be partaking in the holidays themselves. So, instead of looking at open homes, they will be caroling. I use this as a simple example to express the differences that will emerge in the way people act. Most people will enjoy the time-off and use it to unwind. However, a smaller but rather dedicated contingent of well-motivated individuals will not cease with their prior activities. They will continue to look for that perfect home. Serious sellers will keep their properties listed and welcome all new offers. Why would they choose to do this? Because they know the score. Less competition means a jollier time for those involved. No bidding wars and smaller chances of losing the offer. Most statistics point to the fact that demand wanes right before and during the holidays. You have one guess as to when it spikes again. Using that little pocket of calm to your advantage seems prudent.
Look at it this way, whilst all these people are partying in temporary tents on Key Beach Part, you could be finding your permanent dream home
Serious Offers Only Please
How many times have we seen this written in any kind of advertisement? So many times that it has lost all meaning. Of course, you are looking for a serious offer; nobody wants to waste their time. If only you could do that for the house you are trying to sell. The spring and summer have a jam-packed inventory, with all kinds of properties on sale. It makes sense, too; there are plenty of buyers out there. The problem is, some of them are just perusing. Going to open houses, weighing their options, maybe even killing time. Not an ideal scenario. Now go back to what we touched upon in the previous section. During the holidays, you only have serious buyers and sellers. Anybody willing to forego holiday laziness (a term I just coined, not to be understood as anything derogatory, but presenting well-deserved rest) means they are on a mission. If you are looking at a condo while the wind is blowing and the rain is falling, you are seriously considering buying it. Therefore, listing your home with a reliable company during the holidays could be the right thing to do! If sellers are accommodating enough to show you their property and are not selling it during the ‘prime’ season, it means they really need to sell.
The spring is more appealing, but the holiday season offers hidden incentives that could tip the scales in your favor!
Low Temperatures, Low Interest Rates
I’ll start by saying this isn’t a guarantee. There are no certainties when it comes to economics, finances, love, lucky numbers on a lottery ticket, and pretty much life in general. Still, all we can do is look at trends and hedge our bets accordingly. Don’t worry; there is some science behind all of this. As always, all the headings are somewhat interlinked. It is a sort of holiday domino effect if you will. Holidays and colder weather mean people, by and large, postpone their house-hunting activities. This leads to a decrease in demand. Therefore, fewer loans are being taken out. As financial business declines, it’s time for those all-important incentives. Interest rates are lowered, financing becomes more favorable, and those still in the game are suddenly privy to a nice little monetary advantage. You can use those savings to call up Allstate Moving and Storage, and they’ll have you in your new home before you can say ‘pumpkin pie’!
Do the Holidays Affect Real Estate? Let’s See What Taxes Have to Say
Believe it or not, there are tax benefits to be had as we start to round off the year. Let’s say it together – this is not a guarantee. A lot depends on your financial situation. However, if you itemize deductions when you purchase a home, you could be able to save some money. Mortgage interest rates and property taxes, to name just some, could be deductible. If the house is not being bought for the sole purpose of being a home you will live in, but rather an investment asset where you will run a business, further deductions could be possible. This is a little hidden nugget that the holiday season offers.
Take Advantage of the Pretty
There is an almost indirect effect of the holidays on the real estate market. Just think about your interior. We tend to tidy up, put up beautiful decorations, and make a cozy atmosphere. One that is warm and welcoming. Almost as if you had purposefully prepared your home for an open house showing. How fortunate.
Furthermore, you can take steps to make your home even more enticing. With the interior taken care of, if you planned a little ahead, the exterior could be attractive as well. After all, this is the first thing buyers see, and first impressions are essential. If you improve the curb appeal of your Virginia home through the applications of affordable projects, there is no way any buyer will be able to resist!
Do the holidays affect real estate? If you use the charm of the holidays to make your home as inviting and cozy as possible, they do!
Happy Holidays and Happy House Hunting!
To summarize, do the holidays affect real estate? Yes, yes, they do. Nothing has changed there. It’s just about a few nuances and understanding why this is so that you can utilize this to your advantage. After all, skipping one holiday really is worth it if it ensures you can celebrate the next twenty in your dream home. So put down that eggnog and search for the ideal home – you’ll be glad you did it!
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 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, 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.
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