Archives: October 2020

Gorgeous Home With 3 Acres of land in Unionville, VA! 26257 Stonesiffer Lane Now SOLD!!

Welcome to the country with this beautiful home on 3+ private acres. You are welcomed by a cherry tree lined driveway, and amazing front porch to sit and enjoy the sunrise! Once inside you will love the gleaming hardwood floors and spacious light filled living room. The kitchen is perfect with plenty of counter space for cooking and baking, and you will love the upgraded stainless steel appliances. The owner’s suite is spacious with an en-suite bath featuring a double vanity and a huge walk in closet. The light filled, unfinished, walk out basement is roughed in for a future bath and is ready for you to finish for additional living space. Relax on your deck and enjoy the sunset, your favorite beverage, and let nature serenade you. Pick raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries without even leaving your yard. If nature is what you crave and space is what you desire this is the one! For more information on 26257 Stonesiffer Lane, Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern 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

Absolutely Stunning Home With Screened Porch in Lake of the Woods, VA! 321 Stratford Circle Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 321 Stratford Circle! This meticulous, move in ready home will wow you! You are greeted by the stone accents and beautiful landscaping when you arrive. Once inside, you will love the great room with cathedral ceilings and floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The kitchen is inviting with stainless steel appliances, pantry, breakfast bar, and is sure to please. You’ll be impressed by the incredible owner’s suite with dramatic double door entry, tray ceilings, and beautiful en-suite bath. The lower level boasts a 4th bedroom (not to code), family room with electric fireplace, kitchenette, and full bath. Need more finished space in the future? The expansive lower level storage room can provide just that when you are ready! Relaxing on your screened porch while enjoying the sounds of nature may become a favorite pastime. Or perhaps you’ll also enjoy the yard to garden, entertain, or create your own oasis! Proximity to Ramsay Beach and the back gate make this one, the one! Get your lake life started today! For more information on 321 Stratford Circle, 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 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.

Orange County Fallapalooza Autumn Virtual Festival Photo & Video Contest!

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that they will be hosting a photo and video entry contest From October 9th – November 27th! Entries must consist of a favorite photo/video of a business, location or destination within Orange County. For the photo entry, you will also need to include two sentences explaining your photo. The video entry should be no longer than two minutes, and should include commentary by the person taking the video.

A winner will be announced each week on Friday, and each winner will receive a $10 gift card from an Orange County Chamber of Commerce business member.

The grand prize winner will receive four tickets to the Orange Uncorked Wine Festival occurring on May 1st & 2nd, 2021. If the winner is under the age of $21, they will receive a $50 gift card.

The grand prize winner will also recieve accolades in the Orange County Review, on www.orangevachamber.com as well as all social media pages.

All content recieved will be the property of the Chamber, and will be used in marketing materials online and printed collateral materials. Rules for the photo and video contest can be found on www.orangevachamber.com

Contestants may submit their photo/video entries to: Occcexec@gmail.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern 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

Gorgeous Home With Oversized Garage in Aquia Harbour! 2403 Harpoon Drive Now SOLD!!

You will absolutely fall in love with 2403 Harpoon Drive! This beautiful, well maintained home is move in ready! Once inside you will love the natural light that flows through the home, the open floor plan that is versatile for home office or classroom. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel/black appliances with the perfect cooking triangle. The owner’s suite is spacious with a luxury en-suite bath. Imagine quiet evenings on the deck sipping your favorite beverage, reading a book or enjoying cookouts and spending time with family and friends. The oversized two car garage is another bonus to this already amazing home. You will love all the amenities that Aquia Harbour has to offer with 2 pools, clubhouse, amazing lake, marina, golf and so much more. For more information on 2403 Harpoon Drive, Click Here!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern 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

Helpful Tips For Showing Your Home to Potential Buyers

Buying a house is a significant endeavor, but selling one is also a considerable process. Everything from new real estate trends to knowing if you should hire an agent or not can have an impact on your sale. Another point to keep in mind is that presentation matters. To make the best possible impression, check out these tips for showing your home to potential buyers.

Real estate showing

A real estate showing is an opportunity to show the buyers the strengths of your property. For a buyer, it is one of the crucial moments upon which they will base their final decision. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why sight-unseen sales are so rare. Buyers will come to look around your property, and you need to make an effort to show them why they should buy it. If you present your home in the best light, it’ll be easier for buyers to imagine themselves living there, and this is sometimes all that matters. Since these sales are significant and should be based on logic, sometimes a feeling or a hunch can push the buyer in a particular direction.

Ensure that you’re aware of the experience that your potential buyers are going through as soon as they enter your home. Follow these tips to make their experience more memorable.

A living room.
This is the right time to make an impression.

Small renovations

Should you renovate your home, or should you sell it as is? This is a common question people ask themselves when selling their home. They don’t want to go through a home renovation project if it doesn’t pay off, and that’s something everyone can understand. However, keep in mind that sometimes you don’t have to do a major renovation to make a big difference. Before you start, create a step by step plan and stick to it. This will help you not spend more on your renovations than you’ve initially planned.

Touch-ups and repainting

If you have carpet flooring in your home, you don’t have to swap it for hardwood. However, as the carpets are likely to show signs of aging, you can shampoo or change them. Repainting will also freshen up your home, and it’s not too big of an investment. Bold color choices are not the best option here, as not everyone likes them. Even with neutral colors, one, two, or three colors are more than enough for the entire home.

Another good thing to do is to replace old fixtures. Door handles and light switches are inexpensive but can make a big difference. And while you don’t pay attention to these details anymore, be sure that most potential buyers will.

Take care of the exterior

The lawn is one of the first things the buyers notice when they enter your property. Ensure your lawn is well manicured and that the exterior will not contradict the experience the buyers will have inside your home. This means that your front porch or stoop should be clean, as well as the walkway. If you have some plants or flowers, they show that you regularly take care of them. You can use fertilizer to revive a tired lawn, and if bushes need some cutting, take care of that before you start showing your house.

Manicured lawn and a house.
The exterior is just as important.

Clean your house

You might’ve come to realize that a ‘clean house’ is not the same for everyone. If you’re not hiring a professional cleaning company, ensure that your home is clean, even for a germaphobe’s standards. Viewing a messy and dirty home leaves a terrible impression, even though it’s not too hard to clean a house after buying. Knowing its importance, you should make sure that your home is in tip-top share for as long as it’s on the market. This means that you’ll have to clean it even in-between showings. Even more so, having in mind that it’s not a good idea to ask potential buyers to take their shoes off at the door.

Clear the clutter

Remove any unnecessary items to create a minimalist look. You want your home to look larger and to be easy to walk through. This means that it’s better to remove any personal items, like photos, mementos, or valuables. But, having in mind that you probably still haven’t contacted the professionals found at Verified Movers to transport your belongings, it can be hard finding the right place for them at this point. You can put these extra items in bins and assign each room or a family member a container. But, be careful about valuables and ensure they’re somewhere safe.

Tuck away cords and remove unnecessary decorative elements. If an item is in sight, make sure it serves a purpose. Pillowcases, artwork, or candles can emphasize a particular part of a room and remove focus from other areas. With this in mind, use these tricks wisely and sparingly.

A well-lit bedroom.
A well-lit space looks more inviting.

Comfortable temperature

Make sure that the temperature in your home is at an optimal level so that you can create a welcoming atmosphere. An airless environment on a hot day or a cold house on a cold day will make the buyers uncomfortable. It will also leave them wondering if the cooling or heating systems are working, no matter what you say.

It doesn’t end with showing your home to potential buyers

It’s good to prepare for the process of showing your house to potential buyers. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t end here, especially if you have multiple offers. Knowing how to handle getting multiple offers on your home is also part of this process. It’s good to know what details you should consider to make a favorable decision and choose the right offer.

Saying goodbye

There is no reason not to say goodbye the right way. You can put a small note thanking buyers for coming and put it in a candy bowl on their way out. If a buyer needs time to evaluate and think, don’t follow them and describe additional amenities or features.

Thank you notes and cookies, a way to say goodbye after showing your home to potential buyers.
A thank you note is a good way to say goodbye.

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern 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

Photos used: 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-center-table-584399/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-bed-bedroom-comfort-545034/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/architecture-clouds-daylight-driveway-259588/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/thank-you-text-2072168/

Stunning Home with Spacious Kitchen in Lake of the Woods! 107 Federal Rd Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 107 Federal Rd in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods, close to the front gate and the one of the many parks. Once inside, you will love the light filled family room, spacious kitchen with oodles of cabinets, granite countertops, breakfast bar, and a large dining area. The main level also boasts the owner’s suite, which is gracious in size, and an incredible en-suite bathroom boasting double vanity and an amazing tiled shower. You’ll also find another bedroom and full bath. The upper level boasts two more bedrooms, a full bath, an office, plus additional flex space which will sure to please. The deck, located off of the kitchen, leads to a private back yard perfect for gardening and enjoying outdoor activities. For more information on 107 Federal Road, 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 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.

Gorgeous Home in Lake of the Woods! 305 Harrison Circle Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 305 Harrison Circle in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods, where you can enjoy the inviting front porch of your new home. This home is located near the member only back gate, walking distance to the beach and park! Once inside, you will love the light filled family room with gleaming hardwood floors and beautiful fireplace. The upgraded kitchen with oodles of cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a built in coffee station. A spacious formal dining room, which could be used as flex space for an office/classroom completes the lower level. The upper level boasts the primary bedroom with en-suite bath, two more bedrooms and another full bath. The back yard is perfect for gardening and enjoying outdoor activities as well as the spacious front yard. For more information on 305 Harrison Circle, 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 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.

September 2020 Lake of the Woods Real Estate Stats

In September, 34 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
1 sold between $130-200,000;
7 sold between $200-249,000;
9 sold between $249,900-299,000;
11 sold between $300-400,000;
2 sold between $400-500,000;
2 sold between $500-600,000;
1 sold between $700-899,000;
1 sold over $900,000.

22 Active Listings for Sale
46 Homes Under Contract
241 Homes Sold since January 1, 2020.

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.

What Increasing Home Prices Mean for Today’s Buyers and Sellers

To say that 2020 has been a bit of a whirlwind would be an understatement. And as we get closer to the end of the year, many buyers and sellers are wondering if it makes financial sense to enter the market. Although the warmer months are typically considered the best time to move, buyer demand continues to surge into fall, while the available supply of homes just keeps dwindling. This has caused home prices to skyrocket to one of their highest points ever.

Need some advice before breaking into today’s competitive housing market? We have a few details to consider before making any big decisions.

Buying or Selling Soon? Here’s How Rising Home Prices Will Affect Your Move

Real estate has always been about supply and demand. For example, during the housing market crash of 2008, home prices plummeted partially because of low buyer interest. Today, though, we’re seeing the opposite—prices are increasing due to waning supply and rock-bottom mortgage interest rates.

This is fantastic news for anyone looking to sell their home and cash out on their hard-earned equity. Buyers, on the other hand, may have to do more to stand out from the competition.

Why have home values increased?

Increasing home values

Even amidst a pandemic and national recession, buying a home is still a top priority for many Americans. In fact, according to a newly released report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of existing home sales reached a 14-year high this August. A similar report by Bloomberg states that if current demand holds strong, we could run out of housing inventory in around three months.

Wondering why so many people are clamoring to buy this year? Even in the face of rising home prices, low mortgage rates have enticed buyers to make a move. While record-shattering rates have helped to expand purchasing power, this intense desire for homeownership has caused prices to jump by a whopping 8.2% year-over-year.

Buyers can take advantage of lower interest rates to afford a more expensive home

Family buying a home

If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, you’ll need to be prepared to navigate a cutthroat market. Ever since rates started decreasing in late 2019, more and more buyers have decided to start searching for a home. Unfortunately, this means you could get caught in a bidding war or might have to make some compromises to secure a place of your own.

Although prices have soared dramatically since last year, buying a home is still an attainable goal. In fact, when mortgage rates sunk below 3% this summer, buyers found themselves with an extra $15,000 in purchasing power.

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by today’s market, you’re not alone—and reaching out to an agent can help you get the answers you need. Consider contacting a real estate professional before you start looking for homes. They can provide the expertise you need to find your perfect place!

Sellers should expect to sell quickly and for top dollar

Today’s sellers are in a better position than ever before. Nationally, the housing market has struggled to keep pace with buyer demand for the last few years, but this deficiency has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. By listing now, you could take advantage of fierce rivalry amongst buyers, high home prices, and low competition from other sellers.

Despite the ongoing recession, home prices have actually climbed throughout most of 2020. Between May and July, existing properties appreciated in value by a whopping 2%, which is the highest month-by-month increase in three decades. If you’ve lived in your home for at least a few years, you could be sitting on six figures of equity.

Even if you aren’t interested in selling, there’s never been a better time to check on your house’s current value. A top-rated local agent should be able to perform a full home analysis and tell you how much you could sell for if you listed today. 

Bottom Line: Now Is the Time to Talk with an Agent

Buying a home

Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling your home, you shouldn’t wait to connect with an agent who has plenty of experience in your desired area. They can help you keep up with today’s ever-changing market and answer any questions you might have.

Not quite ready to move? It’s still worth talking with an agent about your current home’s value, especially as we continue to see such dramatic price increases!

Ready to Take Your Next Steps?

No matter what your real estate needs might be, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today and let us know what we can do for you. We can even conduct a comparative market analysis on your home to see how much equity you’ve gained over time!