Archives: February 2021

Stunning Home For Sale in Orange, VA! 20233 Mountain Track Road Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 20233 Mountain Track Rd! If privacy is what you crave then this beautiful home is the one! Perfectly situated on two acres where you can watch the deer graze and the birds sing. Once inside you will love all the new flooring and spacious light-filled living room with a fireplace to keep you warm on those cold nights. The kitchen is perfect with plenty of counter space for cooking and baking, and you will love the breakfast bar and dining area. The owner’s suite is spacious with multiple closets, an en-suite bath boasting double vanities, a soaking tub to melt the day away, and a separate shower. Enjoy sitting on your deck taking in all the sounds of nature and grateful for all the privacy. Plus the detached oversized 1 car garage and two-car carport are a bonus making this home in the country the one! For more information on 20233 Mountain Track Road, 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

Home Features That Millennial Homebuyers Desire

Millennial homebuyers approach home purchases very differently from their parents and grandparents. A modern generation is busy, environmentally conscious, and tech-minded. However, some current housing preferences echo past generations, such as updated bathrooms and kitchens. Still, they have many other features on their priorities list. Here are the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Low maintenance

Nowadays, people are busier than ever before, so they don’t want to spend their free time keeping up with home issues. More and more millennial homebuyers are looking for homes that require little or no maintenance and home amenities that are quick, efficient, and long-lasting. Popular low maintenance materials are hardwood floors, granite countertops, etc. This generation requires something that looks modern and something easy to wipe up and mop down quickly. Many millennials are families with young children, so they need something convenient more than anything else. They will look for a new roof, new windows, and high-efficiency HVAC systems.

Updated kitchen and bath

Brand-new fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom are essential for millennial homebuyers. Many of them have limited budgets, so their savings will go towards a down payment and furniture. That’s why home updates are critical to them. They need a sense of comfort, but they also opt for “trendy” designs. A kitchen that fits a millennial’s needs is stylish and updated with integrated appliances. Two sinks, lots of cabinets, and a big kitchen island for food preparation and serving will catch the eyes of modern homebuyers.

Renovated kitchens and bathrooms not only catch the eye of a young homebuyer, but they are also among features that make the home sell faster, in case they decide to do it later.

Renovated kitchen and bathroom are among the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Modern and smart amenities

Millennials look for tech-savvy homes and high-functioning amenities, such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Home automation and voice devices pique their interest. They are a generation that grew up with technology, and it will always be an integral part of their lives, integrated into their homes. The ability to interact with a home from a smartphone is becoming common. Automated security, smart heating and cooling, and smart lights are among the home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Energy efficiency

Millennial homebuyers focus on environmental sustainability and decreasing energy costs. That’s why green homes are so popular among modern homebuyers. Energy-efficient features are very important for an environmentally conscious generation. A Home with energy-efficient appliances, double-paned windows, LED lights and a programmable thermostat is something they wish for. They are ready to pay more because they know energy-efficient features save their money in the long run. They will eventually save a lot on utility bills.

Home office

Working from home is increasingly common, so working from the kitchen table is not good or a long-term solution. Millennial homebuyers seek designated office space, where they can be concentrated on work tasks, away from any household distractions. Professional couples who make a living from the home list a home office among their top priorities. Even if the homebuyers don’t work from home, in the well-connected world we live in, it’s good to have a nice and comfy place to sit and focus on daily chores or just relax. Some prefer to play computer games, some will pay the bills online, and everybody writes emails and video chats with their friends. That’s why a home office is a crucial part of what young professionals are looking for in a house.

A home office should also have enough adequate outlets to power up necessary mobile devices. Good wireless service and the internet are an absolute must when it comes to home features that millennial homebuyers want.

Millennial homebuyers seek designated office space as more and more people work from home.

Open concept

In recent years open spaces have become prevalent features – a kitchen well-connected with other areas instead of a formal dining room. Modern home buyers want to cook, socialize and watch TV or listen to music, all at the same time. An open concept is a trend that will continue to be popular for generations to come because of the modern way of living. Open spaces encourage family gatherings and entertaining; they are both social and practical.

Laundry Rooms

Millennials wish to have a separate, well-defined laundry room, with some shelving or a folding table. No more stumbling over piles of laundry. Home laundry is one of the top home features for 2021.

Storage matters

Millennials are looking for separate storage spaces, such as:

  • Spacious closets
  • A spacious garage
  • A walk-in pantry

Rooms need to have space for some creativity and expansion; they need to be multi-functional. If a millennial is not satisfied with current home conditions and has enough money for some updates, they will decide to do some basic renovations to make a new home more up to their needs and lifestyle. If the house doesn’t have as much storage space as it should, a homebuyer may decide to make some changes. 

Before renovations, renting a storage unit is an excellent option to keep their belongings out of the way. No matter how minor the remodel, it will imply some dirty work and require clear space. So, they can simplify the process by doing this. While their items lay safely in a secured storage unit, the renovation process can go smoothly and stress-free.

Outdoor spaces

Functional outdoor living spaces rate high on the homebuyer’s priorities list. A simple patio may not be enough for a modern generation’s needs. Today’s homebuyers wish to have a pool, outdoor fireplace, comfy lounge chairs, and even a cozy hammock where they can take an afternoon nap or read a good book. This trend is popular both for the cities with mild weather as it is for those who have only a few precious summer months.

Homebuyers want to have functional outdoor living space for relaxing with their friends and family.

Pet-friendly home

A large number of millennials own at least one dog or a cat. They are looking for houses with backyards, sturdy fencing, and shade trees where their pets will be happy.

Enough space for a family

At the top of most millennials’ list of must-haves, you will also find – enough space for starting a family. They want their home to be comfortable, safe, and kid-friendly.

Dealbreakers

There are few dealbreakers for millennials when it comes to buying a home. Those are usually the features that come with the risk of needing more cash to fix later. A list of dealbreakers includes leaky roofs, foundation issues, or mold, pest, and insect infections. That’s why a home inspection is crucial to make the right choice when buying a home.

Conclusion

Home features that millennial homebuyers want are essential to the real estate industry. So, when marketing your home to millennials, think about all these factors. Understanding homebuyers’ needs may significantly help someone sell the house quickly, which is in everybody’s interest.

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

Image Sources:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-and-gray-painted-house-in-front-of-road-1396122/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-coffee-desk-working-5155218/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-plates-on-table-238377/

3 Reasons All Buyers and Sellers Should Use Listing Alerts

Key takeaways:

  • Listing alerts send new homes straight to your inbox as soon as they hit the MLS, and they’re the easiest way to keep up with the competitive market.
  • Listing alerts aren’t just useful for buyers—they can also help sellers stay up-to-date on other current and sold properties in their neighborhood.
  • Signing up for listing alerts only takes a minute, and you can always contact us to schedule a tour if you see a property you love!

Why Every Buyer and Seller Should Sign Up for Listing Alerts

Today’s real estate market is more fast-paced than ever—in fact, it’s not uncommon for a home to sell above asking price not long after it’s listed. So if you’re serious about buying, you need a to-the-minute resource to help you stay ahead of the competition.

This is where listing alerts come in handy. Just use our fully customizable filters to narrow down your search, and you’ll receive an email right when a home matching your criteria hits the market. And if you’re thinking about selling, you can also use listing alerts to scope out the competition in your neighborhood. 

Want to learn even more about the benefits of signing up for listing alerts? Here are three additional perks that every buyer and seller should know about.  

You’ll immediately see listings that match your criteria

Couple searching for a home online

Your home is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, which means it’s okay to be a little picky. Our listing alerts can be customized to your exact parameters, so you’ll know as soon as the right property becomes available. Take a look at our easy-to-use search tool to get started—we have filters for price, size, neighborhood, and even specific home features!  

You can create a portfolio of your favorite homes

Couple using a tablet to search for a home

When you sign up for our listing alerts, we’ll automatically create a personalized property organizer to help you keep track of all your favorite homes. Not only is this feature easy to use, it also allows you to save the listings you want to see in-person. You can even use your property organizer to schedule a showing, take a virtual tour from the comfort of your couch, or get in touch with a local agent for more information.

Sellers can keep up with sold listings, too

Recently sold home

If you’re like most buyers, you probably have an existing home you need to sell before you make a move. That’s why we designed our listing alerts to work with both active and sold homes. All you have to do is set your desired criteria, and we’ll send over listings right when they go under contract.

Wondering how listing alerts benefit you as a seller? By scoping out sold homes in your neighborhood, you’ll get a better idea of how fast and how much your home could sell for—you might even pick up some staging tips along the way, too. As if that isn’t enough, you can also browse other current listings to get a better idea of your competition!

Get the Latest Homes Sent Straight to Your Inbox!

Ready to sign up for listing alerts? We’re here to help! Contact us today to set up your first alert—we’d be happy to guide you through the process if you have any questions. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling soon, drop us a line for even more helpful information. We’re always here to lend our expertise.

 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

Beautiful Home in Lake of the Woods Overlooking the 18th Hole in Lake of the Woods! 111 Fairway Drive Now SOLD!

Welcome to 111 Fairway Drive, located close to the main gate and overlooking the 18th hole will make this the one. You’ll love the gleaming hardwood floors, open floor plan, and updated finishes! The living room flows effortlessly into the dining room boasting a cozy fireplace and built-ins. Imagine an upgraded kitchen that provides room to spread out. The spacious and inviting owners suite with updated en-suite bath is sure to delight. Additionally, there is flex space that will make a perfect office, classroom, or craft room. That is not all… you will enjoy relaxing the days away in the sunroom, screened porch, or deck while enjoying the view. If you’re in the mood for a great breakfast or lunch, Fareways Cafe is just a few steps away as well as the Golf Pro Shop.  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 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.

Thinking About Starting a Business and Relocating? Here’s What to Keep in Mind

There are so many incredible aspects to working in the modern era, and one of them is the simplicity of setting up a  home-based business. Running your own business has numerous advantages, but it can also require some changes, such as relocating to a bigger home. If you are set on starting a business but your place isn’t suitable for both living and working, expert real estate agency The Licata Group offers a few things to keep in mind.

Moving to Accommodate Your Business

Starting your business and moving at the same time is no joke; however, it is doable. It will take energy, time, and money, but what will help you the most is significant planning ahead of time and a checklist to keep you on track. 

What Goes Into Home Buying

Before planning to buy a new home, it’s crucial to check your credit score to see what you can and cannot afford. The next step is working with a professional from The Licata Group who can help you with the process to figure out what type of house will fit your needs.

The home-hunting process can be daunting, especially when you’re also starting a business, but it is essential to keep a few things in mind, such as finding out which location will be ideal for your new clients. You should also make a list of aspects you want in your house, such as a workspace or a garage, to allow your business to function at its maximum – both for now and in the future – and enable you to live comfortably while running a startup.

Once you’ve found the right home, make an offer and schedule the inspection to ensure the house doesn’t have any underlying issues. What you need to do next is secure your financing, get a homeowners’ insurance policy, close the sale, transfer your information to the new place, and move in.

Whether you decide to use a moving company or handle everything yourself, set up a budget for this process to keep yourself on track financially. If you’ve decided on a DIY move, make a point to stay organized by packing room by room, labeling your inventory, and finding cheap packing supplies. Sorting your stuff first when relocating will help you tremendously and allow you to get working sooner than later.

Starting a Successful Business in a Bigger House

Today, more people are starting businesses, and they are doing it from the comfort of their homes. Still, not all states allow this, so make sure you research your state’s regulations to avoid mistakes and make your business legal.

To lead your small business to success, look for gaps in the market – this means you need to find a need that’s not met in the industry and fill it by delivering more than expected. You must then choose a business structure and put together a business plan. Your business should also have an online presence, so look for cost-effective marketing tactics, such as using social media and email to make you and your services known.

To start most businesses – depending on the service or product you plan to offer – you don’t necessarily need a degree; however, having a master’s certification can gain you some leverage, such as higher pay, a broader network, and increased credibility. If you find that you need to boost your business acumen, consider enrolling in an online degree program that doesn’t cramp your ability to run your business at the same time. 

Starting a home-based business is attractive for many because it offers a work-life balance. While moving to a bigger home to accommodate a new business may seem lofty for some, it is the best decision you can make if you consider the costs, future profits and choose the right property.

When you’re ready to find the perfect home, connect with a professional from The Licata Group to find the perfect Home. Call today to begin your house hunting journey! 540-388-2541

 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

Image Source: Pexels

Fabulous Home For Sale in Broadlands, VA! 21468 Glebe View Drive Now SOLD!!

Welcome to pristine 21468 Glebe View Drive, an elegant and stately home in sought after Broadlands, where pride of ownership throughout is most evident! You will be delighted when you arrive by the curb appeal and lush yard…and that’s just the beginning of how fabulous this home really is. As you enter, you immediately notice the two story foyer with sweeping staircase and gleaming hardwood floors. Perfectly situated off the foyer is a formal living room with ample windows, creating a bright and airy feel that flows so effortlessly into the formal dining room, separated by stunning architecture. The gourmet kitchen shines with upgraded stainless steel appliances, granite counters, a large island, and eat in area.

You will be wowed by the gracious family room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The study/office completes the main level with french doors, and plenty of light. The owner’s suite is one of grandeur with it’s generous size, walk in closet and tray ceiling. Luxurious best describes the owner’s bath with soaking tub, vanities, and you will feel like you are at a spa. The upper level boasts three additional bedrooms and another full bath. Entering the lower level, you will be impressed by the recessed lighting and abundance of windows that create the main level feel. The incredible bar with no expense spared, family room and game area will make entertaining a breeze. Your spectacular expansive deck open to a beautiful tree lined yard. These will be favorite spots for entertaining or relaxing! Again…welcome home! For more information on 21468 Glebe View 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

Planning Commission For Solar SUP Opens Public Hearing For Project On 2/4/2021

Redfish Solar Partners has applied for a special use permit for plans involving the construction of a renewable energy facility on 96.6 acres of land currently zoned as agricultural land on Catharpin Road in Locust Grove.

The Orange County Planning Commission will hold an open, public hearing on the SUP at its Feb. 4 meeting, and will continue to accept written comments until Tuesday, February 23rd.

The company suggests the project will have a minuscule impact on county services, and infrastructure including emergency services, schools roads, water, and sewer.

The application, which is nearly 100 pages long, suggests that the project would not be producing noise, dust, or vibration, have a limited environmental impact and have little to no impact on traffic, and would not present safety hazards to surrounding properties. Currently, there are no buildings on the parcel and none have been proposed.

If the operation is approved, the applicants suggest that the project will end up generating “about 10,290 megawatt-hours of clean renewable electricity each year, which is equivalent to 840 homes’ energy use for one year, 1,572 passenger vehicles driven for one year, and 7,276 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.”

In the past few weeks, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has continued to discuss solar farms during the “board comment” portion of the meeting, including concerns over the proposed project and one in the neighboring county of Spotsylvania that originally spawned the Orange board to file suit.

Any written comments that are sent to the planning commission should be no more than 500 words and remain on a single sheet of paper. Comments can be submitted by mail to Sandra Thornton, 128 W. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960; or by email to sthornton@orangecountyva.gov. All comments must be received no later than noon on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Application materials can be viewed at orangecountyva.gov. For more information, call (540) 672-4347 or email zoning@orangecountyva.gov.

 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

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Use Zillow to Search for a Home

Key takeaways:

  • For years, Zillow has been one of the most popular real estate sites for buyers, sellers, and daydreamers—but it might not be the most reliable option for serious house hunters.
  • If you want to shop the hottest deals and see homes before they hit the market, it’s better to work with a local agent.
  • Need help finding the perfect home? Reach out to us today to get a head start on your search!

Why Zillow Isn’t the Best Option for Serious Homebuyers

We’ve all probably spent more time than we care to admit scrolling through listings on Zillow. While this popular real estate website might be good for daydreaming, it’s not always the best resource for buyers who are searching seriously for a home. In fact, according to a report by the Washington Post, some of Zillow’s “listings” aren’t actually on the market at all, and they could potentially contain inaccurate information.

Looking to stay ahead of the competition in today’s fast-paced market? Here’s why you should work with a local agent instead…and maybe even avoid Zillow altogether.

Zillow doesn’t always list Coming Soon or Pre-MLS homes

Coming soon home

Did you know that some homes are sold before they officially go on the market? If you’ve ever searched for listings online, you’ve likely seen at least a few properties labeled “Coming Soon.” This means they aren’t available for showings, but you can still make an offer and purchase them sight unseen. Sellers can take things a step further by advertising their home as “Pre-MLS,” which means the house might not even make it online before going under contract.

Because these types of homes don’t usually stay on the market for long, there’s a good chance they won’t be on Zillow. And if they are, they could already be sold by the time you see them! If you want to see homes before everybody else, your best bet is to ask your agent—they’ll be able to show you local listings that you can’t always find on national real estate sites.

Zillow’s information is often inaccurate

Searching for a home on a tablet

One of Zillow’s biggest (and most infamous) claims to fame is the “Zestimate”—an algorithm-based guess of a home’s potential selling price. While the company asserts that most Zestimates fall within 10% of a home’s actual market value, that 10% can be a difference of tens of thousands of dollars.

Some buyers use Zestimates to determine how much they should offer for a home, but this isn’t a surefire way to score a great deal. Because Zillow relies on government records and user-reported data, their Zestimates aren’t always as accurate as you might expect.

For example, if a property has undergone recent renovations or has incorrect property tax records, Zillow could price it higher or lower than what it’s really worth. Although Zestimates sometimes take into account a home’s condition, location, or other unique features, the evaluation process is entirely automated—and that could lead to even more inaccuracies.

If you ever have any questions about how much a home is worth, your agent will be able to offer more personalized (and reliable!) advice.

Real estate agents have better local connections

Real estate agent helping a couple

Countless home buyers start their search on Zillow simply because it’s one of the biggest real estate websites out there. While Zillow does have a broad reach, it lacks the personal touch and local expertise you get from working with a real estate agent in your area.

Real estate agents know the market better than anyone else, which means they can help you gauge whether or not a listing is priced fairly. In fact, many agents offer customized search tools that can give you a better perspective on homes for sale in your target area. And if you team up with a well-connected agent, they might even be aware of off-market properties you won’t see on Zillow.

Only Buy with the Best

Real estate has and always will be a hyper-local industry. So if you’re thinking about buying a home soon, we’d love to offer you a better experience than you’ll have on Zillow. Take a look at our handy search tool to start browsing the latest listings, and let us know if anything catches your eye. You can even sign up for customized listing alerts to get properties sent straight to your inbox!

 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