Imagine, after weeks of searching, that you’ve finally found your dream home. It’s in the perfect location with the right features and exactly the amount of space you need. But after requesting more information, your agent informs you that there are already several offers made on the house. How do you stand out in a busy market and snag your dream home?
When buyers are looking to make a lasting impression on sellers, they often opt to submit a letter to the seller. In fact, a recent study found that buyers who submitted letters were 9% more likely to have their offer accepted.
A Buyer’s Letter can work both with you and against you, so it’s important to understand what they are and when you should use one.
What is a Buyer’s Letter?
A Buyer’s Letter is pretty much what it sounds like — a letter written by the buyer for the seller in order to stand out in a busy market. The letter is your chance to make a case for why you should get the home over other buyers.
Many people opt to write about how they envision their lives in the home, how well they would take care of it, how much owning this specific home would mean to them, and similar sentiments.
You might also use this space to talk yourself up, bringing up steady finances, your down payment, and job security — things geared towards making the seller confident in choosing you.
Advantages of a Buyer’s Letter
A Buyer’s Letter sets you apart from the crowd and makes you more than just an offer on a sheet of paper — it allows you to connect with the seller on a personal level. In a constantly growing and changing market, being able to stand out or connect puts you a big step ahead of other buyers.
Is the home close to a golf course? Does the seller have bikes in their garage? Are there signs of pets in the home? If you notice you have common interests, including them in the Buyer’s Letter can elevate your standing.
When you choose to forgo a Buyer’s Letter, you miss out on the chance to advocate for yourself, which can go a long way in the seller’s final decision.
Disadvantages of a Buyer’s Letter
While there are plenty of pros to using a Buyer’s Letter, there are also pitfalls to consider. Making your case is great, but it does give the seller leverage. If you really love the house as much as you say, then what’s to stop the seller from raising the asking price?
Maybe the seller accepts your offer, and you move to the home inspection stage. If issues turn up, then the seller might refuse to make costly repairs, assuming that you’ll buy the house no matter what.
Another unexpected con of a buyer’s letter? It can be tricky for sellers to navigate around discrimination issues. If a seller picks a buyer of a certain race, religion, gender, or family status instead of another, they could face backlash. Be aware of this when writing your letter so as to not put the seller in an uncomfortable position.
Need Help Standing Out?
If you’re kicking off the home-buying process and need help standing out, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you secure your dream home, and answer any and all of your questions in the process.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
What an opportunity! This pristine, corner unit in sought-after Olympus is ready for you to move in and start enjoying the convenience of the spectacular location! Property boasts three bedrooms, a modern kitchen and wonderful evening views from the abundant windows and your private balconies! Not to mention, two private parking spaces near the elevator! Condo fee includes the parking fee, electric, water and sewer! Hurry, this one will not last long!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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 inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was evident in Lake of the Woods in 2018, as listings were down 13.9% over those in 2017. 234 sales were reported in our MLS in 2018, down from 294 in 2017 (a 19.6% decrease). New construction accounted for 11 of the 234 sales. The median sold price increased 4.56% year over year from $239,000 to $249,900.
Of the 234 total sales in 2018, only 15, or 6.4%, were either short sales or foreclosures.
At the height of the distressed real estate market in 2010, a whopping 43% of all sales were either short sales or foreclosures.
So let’s look at our steady growth over the past five years:
In 2014, the median sold price was $219,450, with 193 homes selling. Only 11.9% were distressed. Average days on market was 92.
In 2015, the total sales climbed to 247, with 15% being distressed. The total sales represented almost a 30% gain over 2014, and the median sales price dropped to $210,000.
In 2016, the market was quite flat compared to 2015 in regards to total sales, which held at 243 with a decrease in distressed sales to 11.1%. However, 2016 saw the median price jump to $225000, a healthy 7.1% increase.
In 2017, there were 294 total sales, a whopping 21.1% increase over 2016 with only 5.8% being distressed. The median sales price climbed to $239,000.
Average days on the market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, has steadily declined from 92 days in 2014 to 76 in 2018.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2014-December 31, 2018, 177 lots exchanged, with 55 occurring in 2018.
New Construction has been climbing, as well. 2014 realized 18 new construction starts; in 2015, there were 41; in 2016, there were 28; in 2017, there were 30; and in 2018, there were 34.
In 2019, according to Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the National Association of Realtors, mortgage rates are expected to increase at a much slower pace than that in 2018. So far in 2019, they have actually decreased from the 4th quarter of 2018.
The prognosis for 2019 is excellent! In many areas of the country, inventory is rising. In LOW, there are 62 homes active on the market as of 1/26/2019. Last year in January, there were 55. More stable rates and more inventory should propel us to experience healthy sales and appreciation.
**All statistics have been obtained from BrightMLS, our local MLS, except for new construction starts, which were obtained from LOWA.
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.
Due to renovations being made in the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse, the free AARP tax preparation site has been moved to the COMMUNITY CENTER.
The AARP Tax Aide program is to provide free tax preparation for low-to-moderate income families and individuals whose returns are within the scope of AARP volunteer training.
AARP Membership is not required to use this free service that is being offered.
The tax preparations will begin being held on Fridays and Saturdays from February 1st through April 13th. Appointments are required. Please call 540-268-8837 to schedule yours today!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
We LOVE supporting the local animal shelter and we hope you will too!
You can support the Local Orange County Humane Society by ADOPTING a pet or DONATING an item. You will be entered to win 2 tickets to the MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY at the INN at WILLOW GROVE. We have the LAST TWO tickets available! The shelter currently needs: BLEACH, TOYS, CAT LITTER, LAUNDRY SOAP, CANNED CAT & DOG FOOD, BLANKETS or a MONETARY donation is accepted as well. If you donate or adopt a pet in February PLEASE LET THE SHELTER KNOW YOU WANT TO BE ENTERED INTO OUR CONTEST! Be sure to provide your name, phone number and email address!
Winner will be chosen Friday, MARCH 1st, 2019!
Thank you for supporting your local animal shelter!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
In Lake of the Woods for January, 2019 the statistics are as follows: A total of 16 homes were sold, all of them were standard sales. Two homes sold for under $175K, eight homes sold between $175-250K, five sold between $250-350K, and one sold that was over $350,000. Additionally, two lots were sold at $24,000 and $35,000.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods, VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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 company planning to develop a solar farm here in Locust Grove will be holding a second public meeting on the project tomorrow, Tuesday January 29th at 5:30pm at the Wilderness Branch Library.
A 400-acre 62-megawatt solar farm has been proposed for Locust Grove along Route 20 (less than a mile west of Locust Grove Primary and Elementary Schools). Citizens now have until January 30th to submit any comments or concerts. This is part of a mandatory 30-day public review period, allowing time for the public who may be affected by the construction, to voice their opinions. This 400-acres of 630 acres that Cypress Creek Renewable owns, would be this county’s first large-scale solar farm. Before Cypress Creek can begin construction on this project later this year and begin operations in 2020, the Virginia DEQ (VA Department of Environmental Quality) must review the company’s Permit by Rule application (400 pages). There are 15 total requirements that must be met including a $12,000 application fee paid by the developer.
You can review Cypress Creek’s Permit by Rule application online or at the Wilderness Public Library. Development coordinator, Haley Larabee proposes that this operation will produce enough clean and renewable energy to power about 10,000 single family homes. And what about the real estate market? Larabee says, “studies by our appraiser have shown that there’s no negative effect on the property value of surrounding uses.”
We are not alone here in Locust Grove, Cypress Creek Renewables has similar projects in Henrico and Halifax. Learn more about the solar matter here.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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 Kid Expo is coming to Fredericksburg Expo Center for the 6th year on Saturday, February 9th from 10AM – 5pm and Sunday, February 10th from 11AM – 4PM. Adults will be $8 at the door, Kids aged 4 – 12 will be $3 at the door and kids 3 & under are free.
This is a great opportunity for parents and children to come and explore new adventures and opportunities. Learn about new sports clubs and learning centers for children, as well as health and nutrition options, local day cares, schools, camps, and so much more.
This is a great opportunity to get involved with your child(ren) and get to know what they like to do and what activities are out there for them to try and keep them active!
There will be many children activities they can participate in including: inflatables, face painting, Fredericksburg’s largest indoor sandbox, fire safety, chance to meet police & fire heroes, a petting zoo and many other activities to try.
For more information or to purchase your tickets in advance please visit: Fredericksburg Kids Expo.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
If you are thinking of selling within the next 18 months, this is where you need to be on March 9th!
There will be many local vendors that are there to help you! We have a trusted lender attending, professional photographer, and a home inspector, just to name a few. We want to provide you access to all the resources you will need to sell your home for the most money in the least amount of time.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions not only to the listing agent, but also the vendors that will be presenting.
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a hassle and we want to make sure you have all the information you need so you know what to expect!
Please join: Licata Group on Saturday, March 9th from 11am – 1pm at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse in Locust Grove.
RSVP by March 4th by email: jane@licatagroup.com or phone 540-388-2541.
Reserve your spot today!!!
Light refreshments will be served.
See you there!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Imagine, after weeks of searching, that you’ve finally found your dream home. It’s in the perfect location with the right features and exactly the amount of space you need. But after requesting more information, your agent informs you that there are already several offers made on the house. How do you stand out in a busy market and snag your dream home?
A Buyer’s Letter is pretty much what it sounds like — a letter written by the buyer for the seller in order to stand out in a busy market. The letter is your chance to make a case for why you should get the home over other buyers. 
A Buyer’s Letter sets you apart from the crowd and makes you more than just an offer on a sheet of paper — it allows you to connect with the seller on a personal level. In a constantly growing and changing market, being able to stand out or connect puts you a big step ahead of other buyers.
While there are plenty of pros to using a Buyer’s Letter, there are also pitfalls to consider. Making your case is great, but it does give the seller leverage. If you really love the house as much as you say, then what’s to stop the seller from raising the asking price? 
The inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was evident in Lake of the Woods in 2018, as listings were down 13.9% over those in 2017. 234 sales were reported in our MLS in 2018, down from 294 in 2017 (a 19.6% decrease). New construction accounted for 11 of the 234 sales. The median sold price increased 4.56% year over year from $239,000 to $249,900.
We LOVE supporting the local animal shelter and we hope you will too!