We’ve all been there. One day, you look around your house, and there’s just So. Much. Stuff. Stuff in boxes, stuff on the walls, stuff in the corners—just…stuff. If you’re gearing up to sell your home, you’re going to have to deal with all that accumulated clutter eventually. Luckily, there are plenty of simple strategies for getting the job done!
Arm yourself for the Crusade Against the Clutter, and use these top tips to transform your home before selling.
Start Early
If you aren’t prepared, things can quickly get overwhelming. After all, you’re not only getting your home ready to sell, but you’re also packing things up, finding a new home, and dealing with your finances. It makes sense that decluttering your home isn’t first on your list, but it’s one of the most important steps!
Before you list your home, you want the space to be ready to wow buyers from the second they walk through the door. If you kick off your decluttering months in advance, you’ll be in much better shape come listing time.
Expand Your Storage
For many people, clutter accumulates simply because they don’t know what they actually have. An easy way to fix this issue and make your home more organized is by coming up with an intentional storage solution.
Hit the store and pick up some sliding storage and plastic tubs, then label each unit and keep it stored anyway until needed. That way, you’ll know exactly what you have and where it is. Never worry about misplaced holiday decorations or a surplus of school supplies ever again! Plus, a lot of your stuff will already be neatly packed away come moving time.
Take It Little by Little
Decluttering can be a long process, filling up nights and weekends and free time—especially if you put it off until the last minute. Luckily, if you start ahead of time, you’ll have the luxury of taking it little by little. And not just one room at a time—we mean really little, like an hour or two hours spent on just the kitchen cabinets or bedroom closets.
You can even make it fun! Get everybody in the house together and play a game of 12-12-12. The rules are simple: walk through the house and find 12 items you want to keep, 12 items you want to get rid of, and 12 items you want to sell/donate. You’d be surprised how quickly you can reduce your clutter after a few rounds, and it only takes a couple of minutes!
Make it FAST
For the last tip, we’ve gotten the inside scoop from professional organizer, Peter Walsh. Walsh says that decluttering is as simple as remembering this short acronym:
Fixa time. Plan ahead, and find a time that works for everyone in the house—and make attendance mandatory!
Anything not used in twelve months. If you haven’t used it in a year, then you probably don’t need it. Ask yourself a few questions: Do I need it? Is it valuable to me? Is it worth the space it’s taking up? If no, then kick it to the curb.
Someone else’s stuff. Still have that borrowed tupperware? Give it back. Holding onto things that family members have left behind? Send it their way. If it’s not yours, find a new home for it!
Trash. It’s easy to get sentimental and hold onto things that are well past their expiration date (metaphorically speaking). Don’t be afraid to take the plunge—and maybe even go overboard—and trash some of your older belongings. If you don’t want to go full in and trash it, then you can always donate it to a good cause.
Get Your Home Ready to Sell
Decluttering is just one small step in the selling journey—albeit a fairly time-consuming one. Luckily, we’re here to help you carry the load! Give us a call to learn a few more tips for getting rid of your clutter and staging your home for success.
In the meantime, feel free to explore our additional selling resources, like our neighborhood sold report and Comparative Market Analysis, and let us know when you’re ready to get started!
61 Active Homes for Sale 55 Homes Under Contract 186 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.
(Data as of August 14, 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 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 July, 2019 the statistics are as follows: A total of 35 homes were sold, all of them were standard sales. 10 homes sold between $175-250K, 15 sold between $250-350K, and 10 sold for over $350,000. Additionally, 5 lots were sold between $19,000 and $29,900.
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.
Join us at 712 Stuart St in Locust Grove, Virginia 22508 on Friday, August 16 for a “Sip & See” event. You may enjoy some cheese and wine while enjoying our newly listed home at 712 Stuart St. It will be open from 5PM – 7PM. Please join us for a wonderful event!
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.
This spectacular transitional home welcomes you in! From the stately facade to the stunning, open floor plan interior bursting with upgraded finishes, you will be wowed! The gleaming hardwoods greet you at the door and take you through much of the first level of fine living, where you’ll appreciate a main level bedroom and Jack and Jill bath that also opens to the hallway. The fabulous staircase leads to the luxurious master suite and two other generously sized bedrooms. And then you can let your imagination run with the areas you can create in the unfinished lower level!
Feel like venturing out? 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, waterskiing, 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 $100,000 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! For more info, Click Here!
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.
Spectacular golf course home with views of the 11th hole yet still offering privacy, a well manicured lawn and 2 levels of finished living space PLUS an entire unfinished basement with bath rough-in. So many extra features make this home stand out such as the touch faucets, the tank-less hot water heater, and in line floor heaters. Wait until you see the spa-like master bath, the soaring ceilings in the main living area and so much more. This property has been well maintained with a new roof, all new floors, fresh paint, new appliances and more. It truly is like buying a brand new home! Don’t wait, this one won’t last long!
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.
Situated perfectly on the 13th hole and offering privacy, this like-new, one level home boasts a long view of Lake of the Wood’s lush PGA Golf Course. It’s an absolute golfer’s dream, fully equipped with a run in shed for your golf cart! Whether you head out on the course every day or not, the views alone are breathtaking!
You won’t be disappointed with the luxurious lifestyle of this community! 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, waterskiing, 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 $100,000 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 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 buying residential or commercial real estate, it is in your
best interest to score the best deal. After all, that’s what negotiation
tactics and offers are for. These days, there’s an increase in second-home
purchases throughout the whole nation, but especially in Virginia. This
means that by buying a property in Virginia you are also making a great
financial investment. With homes that can meet a wide range of
budgets, you are diving into a pool of opportunities – but how to know which is
the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – use the tips below the
maximize your investment and save money along the way.
Buying a property in Virginia starts online
Nowadays, searches of any kind begin on the internet. In the end, isn’t that
how you ended up on this page? There’s no doubt that buying property is
a financial reality check. From fees and interest rates to the
mortgage process, you need to research each step before making the final
decision. Gather any property information you can on the
property market. Housing apps and property listing sites like Zillow and Tulia
will get you an idea of the market so they are worth checking out. Who
knows, maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for sooner than you anticipated?
Found a potential buy but want to dig deeper? Then you’ll be glad to know
that there are various research tools at your disposal. Before
buying a property in Virginia, check the Multiple Listing Service database to
find zoning, maps, and ownership. On Tulia, you have extra features where you
can find out about school and crime statistics or median home values for a
specific area. Google away!
Hire a real estate agent
If you’re a first-time buyer, chances are you don’t know home
buying terminology or the overall process. Unfortunately, the
Internet can only do so much. In the end, it’s always best to place your trust
in someone who has much more experience in the trade. A good real
estate agent will save you not only money but time and nerves as well.
In this way, you won’t have to be tangled up in the process as much, as your
agent will ensure it goes smoothly.
Realtors can also help you find other professionals who will assist you in
the home buying process, like mortgage brokers and home inspectors. They can
even refer you to good moving companies like Premium Q Moving and Storage Boston
that will help you during the moving phase. The question is – how do
you find a good realtor? It’s best to stay off the internet and ask
for referrals from people you trust. If this is not an option, check
customer reviews of real estate agents on property listing sites.
Don’t forget to check if they are licensed at the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation License Search.
Get Loan Quotes from Multiple Lenders
A word of advice: Do not accept the first offer that your mortgage
lender makes! Interest rates will vary, as different lenders may quote
you different prices. For example, the average 30-year mortgage rate in
Virginia is currently 4.14%. However, it can vary more than half a percent,
which translates to around 60$ a month – you do the math. That’s why it’s
recommended you get loan quotes from at least 3-4 different mortgage
companies when buying a property in Virginia. Be aware that lenders
charge various other fees for processing a mortgage, loan origination fee, loan
application fees, etc. You will be able to see exactly what you’re paying for
in the loan estimate, so use it to help you negotiate lower fees and rates. If
you’re buying a house, choose one of Virginia first-time homebuyers
program. These programs are designed to help you and lighten your
financial burden.
Pick timing and location wisely
Let’s say you want to buy
a vacation home in Virginia. Now, predicting the market isn’t easy.
But what if you could save thousands of dollars if you knew when exactly to buy
it? If you don’t rush and are flexible enough, the best way to save money on a
good deal is to buy property around the holidays or in
January. Most people selling their homes at that time are doing so only because
it’s urgent. With the right negotiation tactic, you can use this to your
advantage and lower the price.
Another one of great
strategies for house hunting is picking the location. If you’re
planning to purchase property in the northern part of Virginia, you need to act
quickly. Since this is the most populated region of the state, you’ll have more
competition which means the prices will increase. On the other hand, you can pick
more affordable places. Houses in Richmond or Portsmouth tend to be
below the median value for properties in the state – check them out!
Negotiate for the Best Possible Price
All the advice in the world will be for nothing if this part of the process
isn’t done correctly. When it comes to negotiations, you either make it or
break it, so it’s best to let your real estate agent do the talking.
Since he has an understanding of the property market, he’ll be able to point
out all the shortcomings that you might not have noticed. Also,
have him help you write your offer letter. It’s important that
you personalize your interest in the house so that you stand out among other
potential buyers. Don’t mention any of the shortcomings, as it
can only be a deal-breaker. Instead, try to appeal to the seller
by mentioning the particulars that you know about him. For example, is that his
childhood home? Then make a connection and comment on how great your kids would
have it growing up there too.
In conclusion, buying a property in Virginia is a great financial investment if you buy it for the right price. Getting that price, however, depends on many factors. Trust in the expertise of your real estate agent to get you through the process and you’ll soon be enjoying in your new Virginia home!
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.
Don’t miss Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry, Directed by David Schubert.
Alfred Hitchock’s trademark of spies, murder and love are featured in this 1940’s radio broadcast style play. This play is a triple feature of the master of suspense’s earlier films: The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps. This live performance will be complete with vintage commercials recreating a daring train chase, a serial killer’s ominous presence and would not be complete without a “devastating explosion” through the magic of live sound effects and musical numbers!
Featured Showtimes and Locations: Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18th at 7PM at the Jewell Box (201A North Main St, Culpeper VA 22701). Saturday, August 24th and Sunday, August 25th at 3pm at the Prince Michel Winery (154 Winery Ln, Leon VA 22725, Barrel Room).
Tickets will be $15 per person at each performance location or tickets may be purchased online, here.
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.
Small Business Spotlight brought to you by: Virginia SBDC Central Virginia
Kathy Judge and Gerilee Hundt both love books and have spent their lives reading, editing, cataloging and dealing with books – so opening their own bookstore seemed like the next logical step. Bound2please Books opened in February 2019 in Orange, VA. The shop is 500 square feet filled with nearly 3,000 general interest titles and has a primary mission: to offer a place to gather, to share thoughts and stories and to keep conversation percolating in this electronic age.
Most of the inventory consists of gently used titles in very good condition – which customers have appreciated – along with the store’s prices and variety. In the first six months, the store has already hosted several author visits – with the next, on Fri, Aug 23 at 5:30, featuring Lynn Coffey, author of the Backwoods series. B2plz Books has also made the space available for book clubs (Science Fiction gathering monthly), knitting (Tuesdays at 6:30), open mic poetry, game nights, and the occasional string band rehearsal! According to Judge, “The ship is sailing relatively smoothly so far, and we’re blessed with some wind in our sails.”
Grand Opening
Bound2please Books began its relationship withSBDCby attending a digital marketing workshop, and later opted for one-on-one counseling, again focusing primarily on marketing. The staff is now working to increase its customer count through digital marketing and can be found via Google, Facebook and Instagram. Select titles from the store are available through their B2plz eBay store.
Gerilee (Lithgow) Hundt!
Owner, Kathy Judge
Judge and Hundt’s love of books shows through, they have worked hard and had fun thinking of genres to curate – from science and philosophy to fables and fairy tales. “Bound2please Books is the kind of bookshop I’ve always wanted to spend time in, browsing the shelves, finding a comfortable place to sit and leaf through volumes that catch my eye,” comments Hundt.
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.
