Buying a home is an exciting—and often stressful—process. While the closing represents the end of your negotiations with the seller and officially transfers ownership to you as the buyer, there are still several steps to take in order to make your new home truly your own. Here is a checklist of some of the most important things you can do to ensure a smooth process when moving into a new home:
Transfer utilities to your name. In order to be able to begin enjoying your new home as soon as you move in, it’s necessary to ensure that the utilities, including electric, water, gas, and garbage collection, are up and running in advance. To avoid any delays, contact your utility companies a few weeks before your move-in date and have all accounts transferred to your name. In addition, ensure that internet and cable (if applicable) are set up in your new home.
Update your mailing address. To avoid missing a bill or other important piece of mail, be sure to update your address with the post office, your bank, credit card companies, insurance agencies, and anyone else who may try to contact you by mail.
Change the locks. Once the sale has closed and you’re the official owner of your new home, one of the most important ways to ensure your security is to have the locks changed—after all, you never know how many spare keys the previous owners had, or to whom they may have given copies.
Hire professional cleaners. Even if your new home is in great condition, hiring professionals to do a deep cleaning can help ensure that each room is sparkling, sanitary, and ready for you to make it your own.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
2 3/4″-thick slices country bread
1 medium zucchini or summer squash, halved
1/2 large red onion, cut into 4 wedges
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
4 c. diced mixed tomatoes (such as heirloom, vine-ripened, cherry, and grape)
1 c. cubed fresh mozzarella
1/2 c. packed fresh basil leaves, torn into bite-size pieces
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Directions:
Heat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Brush bread, zucchini, and onion all over with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill bread and veggies until bread is lightly charred and toasted, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, and zucchini and onion are lightly charred and crisp-tender, 3 minutes per side.
Transfer grilled bread, zucchini, and onion to a work surface. Rub garlic on both cut sides of the bread, then let everything cool slightly.
Cut bread into bite-size cubes, thinly slice zucchini crosswise, and chop onion.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil and the vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Add bread cubes, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Toss to combine and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
As the season of backyard barbecues and lounging by the pool, it’s important to keep your yard in prime condition during the summer. At the same time, you’ll probably want to spend less time maintaining your yard and more time actually enjoying it.
To help you achieve that balance, here are some quick and easy tips for keeping your yard looking its best this summer:
Gather the necessary supplies, including those needed for your comfort. One of the most dreaded aspects of doing yard work during the summer is contending with the heat and insects. Therefore, before you get started, gather all the supplies you think you’ll need, including bug spray, sunscreen, durable gloves, and large trash bags. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks to head indoors or take a dip in the pool in order to avoid becoming overheated.
Set a schedule for lawn care. Even with its constant demands, maintaining a healthy lawn is far easier than having to start from scratch if your lawn dies. To ease the burden of lawn maintenance, it may help to create (and stick to) a schedule for when you’re going to mow, water, and apply fertilizers and weed control products. As an alternative, you might consider getting rid of all or some of your lawn and replacing it with something that requires less maintenance. The options are endless, ranging from artificial turf to patio space to gardens that may include herbs, fruits and vegetables, or succulents.
Stay ahead of pest control. Once you’ve achieved the perfectly manicured lawn or garden, the last thing you’d want is for moles, groundhogs, and other pests to destroy it. Preventative measures will depend on the specific critters that pose a threat to your yard, but may include applying repellants or installing fencing around certain plants. And don’t forget to take steps to ward off insects that could be a risk for humans, such as ticks or mosquitoes (which may carry West Nile virus). For mosquitoes, be sure to remove any sources of standing water; for ticks, consider planting deer-resistant plants, which will help keep away deer and the dangerous ticks they sometimes carry.
Prioritize pruning and weeding. In most areas, the warm temperatures and rains of the summer months can cause yards to quickly become overgrown. While regular pruning and weeding may seem like a hassle, it will help plants stay healthy and keep your yard looking beautiful. Another important task, particularly during the summer, is to trim dead tree limbs, as they could pose a threat to your home during storms and strong winds.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
If you enjoy singing and dancing and not afraid of sharing the stage, consider auditioning for the Lake of the Woods Player’s Club’s upcoming performance of Scrooge, the Musical! The book, music and lyrics were written by Leslie Bricusse, and this play will be Directed by Barbara Cochran. They are looking for cast members for children 8 and up for this show! Prepare for auditions being held for two days only: Sunday, August 21st from 2pm – 5pm and Monday, August 22nd from 7pm – 9pm. They will be held at the Lake of the Woods Community Center located at 110 Sweetbriar Park Rd in Lake of the Woods, VA. *Lake of the Woods is a gated community, if you live outside of LOW, please email: ditzlerva@gmail.com with your name and that you are planning to audition so your name can be provided to security, you may be asked for ID to enter.* For the complete list of characters details available and parts, visit the lowplayers.org/auditions. There is also an audition form that must be completed and submitted. Performances are scheduled for: November 11, 12, 18, 19 at 7:30PM and November 13 and 20th at 2pm.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Discover your new lifestyle in this one level Lake of the Woods home! The wide circular driveway and two car garage provides ample space for family and guests. Step inside this beautifully maintained home, with a dramatic open family room, gorgeous stone gas fireplace, and lovely wood built-ins. Prepare feasts with ease in the generous kitchen with plenty of storage and bright eat-in area. Live in royalty in the vast primary bedroom suite, with soaking tub to ease away the day. The backyard with a screened in porch invites your imagination for new outdoor living ideas and peaceful enjoyment. Come envision your new beginning while it’s still available!
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteer your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience what’s to love in Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Even though it’s a cliché, first impressions matter a lot in real estate. Yes, some purchasers may require a few days to mull it over. But, for the most part, buyers are smitten with a house the minute they pull up to its driveway and see it for themselves. Appraisers will also value your home mostly by the first look. So, you’ll definitely want the landscape to look great. Also, according to statistics, now could be the best time to sell – and you’d want to do it for top dollar. So, here are some curb appeal ideas to add value to your home.
1# Make it sophisticated
When it comes to house sales, properties with elaborate landscaping—such as curving bed lines and huge island plants—tend to get a higher price tag, according to real estate stats. The landscapes with huge deciduous, evergreen and annual color plants sold better than those without these types of plant materials. Planting beds, according to experts at orangemover.com, are an affordable and low-lift option to add aesthetic interest, texture, and color. You may use them to make your lawn seem fuller even when the grass is well cut and trimmed.
2# Make it green
You can’t go wrong if you have trees in your yard. In addition to providing shade and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, trees will add value to your exterior. Trees also have a way of making a house seem more like home. They provide a feeling of continuity between a home and its surroundings as well as a connection between the people who live there and their surroundings. The best way to choose a tree is to think about the function it will serve. Deciduous trees are a good pick if you want additional shade in the summertime. When the trees lose their leaves in the winter, they allow some light into your yard. In addition, they may possibly save you money on your utility bills!
A big tree will provide not only you shade but also privacy on hot summer days
3# Rock your exterior design with some rocks
Adding a low-maintenance focal point to your yard is easy with a beautiful rock bed. Tossing random rocks, on the other hand, is a bad idea. If you want a traditional “rock” aesthetic but don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for a 400-square-foot area, consider using decomposed granite or trap rock. Also, avoid using limestone since it decomposes fast and turns into debris. If you decide on bigger individual stones, seek smooth and spherical ones. These will endure longer and generate less unpleasant, gritty rock-garden waste that weeds enjoy.
4# Fiberglass doors are one of the best curb appeal ideas to add value to your home
When it comes time to put your house on the market, a fiberglass front door might help you recuperate some of your investment. There are also other advantages. They’re more energy-efficient than traditional wooden front doors, just like steel ones. In contrast, steel doors are prone to rust and corrosion over time and will not look good, no matter how good your home staging is. With fiberglass, you won’t have to worry about unattractive dents and corrosion.
5# Decking made of composite material is a big yes
Wooden decks are beautiful, but maintaining their waterproof qualities demands a lot of time and effort. Composite decking, on the other hand, has a long warranty. It requires no sealing, staining, replacement of rotting boards, or danger of termites, extending the life of the deck and saving you thousands of dollars over the course of its existence. Composite decking comes in three varieties:
Polyethylene-based
Polypropylene ones
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
6# Make sure your landscape reflects the design of your house
How can you get the most out of your landscaping dollars? It’s about making sure your landscaping truly compliments your home’s design. Craftsman-style homes should be given basic and traditional landscaping, such as a bed of vividly colored flowers or well-structured shrubs. If you want your house to be called a breathtaking home in the market, modern additions like koi ponds and lavish fountains that appear as if they belong in Caesar’s Palace should be avoided at all costs.
Sometimes, just a bed of vividly colored flowers makes all the magic.
7# Make your front yard look simple yet trendy
We’ve already mentioned the importance of greenery in the presentation. But, we picked up a few more sneaky tricks from professional movers. It is important to keep up with trends in order to boost your home value, and the trend right now dictates that ‘less is more. What does that actually mean in terms of front yard remodeling? It is important to add some greenery to your presentation, but it’s also important to pick only a few different kinds that will look good together. The other key to success is to pick wisely and choose the kinds of plants that don’t need too much maintenance. That way, you’ll save money and make trendy and harmonious curb appeal.
8# Light it up—but functionally
As a reward for your efforts, ensure you can always see the results of your hard work. Landscape lighting will draw attention to your home’s architectural elements and most eye-catching vegetation. In addition, the project is very cost-effective and easy to implement. Also, who doesn’t like a good and functional light show in their yard? Smart lighting will surely add to your home’s value. If you really want to go all-in, you can make adjustable lighting that will be able to tone it down and allow a buyer to enjoy star gazing under Virginia’s sky.
If you put some creativity in, you can make an exceptional exterior design with simple light bulbs.
Bottom line
So, there you have it—a ticket to a better home sale. If you apply at least two of these curb appeal ideas to add value to your home, you’ll be on a great path to a good deal. Even if some of these are inapplicable to your situation, be smart and adjust. The most important thing is to think like a buyer. When you see all the flaws clearly, you can focus on fixing them. Just then, there will be a great reward in money return.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
3115 Lakeview Pkwy, WATERFRONT LOT for Sale Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508
AMAZING SUNSETS AND A HOME BUILT JUST FOR YOU! There are not often lots available on the big lake at Lake of the Woods and this one is a gem. Enjoy spectacular sunsets from a new lake home, designed and built for you, in this fun and friendly gated community. This large wooded lot on large lake offers 64 feet of beautiful water frontage and a spectacular view, with plenty of room for you to build a large house. Boat, kayak, peddle-boat, jet ski, and swim right from your lakeside. You can also enjoy community beaches, clubhouse, golf course, 2 pools, equestrian center, multiple parks and playgrounds and other great amenities. If you enjoy history and hiking, you can visit Wilderness Battlefield trials just across the street and the many historic sites and hikes in the Locust Grove area. ABOUT LAKE OF THE WOODS: Lake of the Woods is a gated community with two lakes. A large 550-acre main lake and a smaller 35-acre lake (often called “The Fishing Lake”). This beautiful lot is on the main, large lake. Lake of the Woods amenities includes a USGA golf course with pro shop and cafe, a large clubhouse with multiple decks, 2 kid-friendly pools, a fitness center, an equestrian center, multiple parks and playgrounds, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, soccer and baseball fields, campgrounds, community center, community theater group, a fire and rescue company, and a church.
You can enjoy boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, and taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal or cocktails with friends. You can relax and enjoy the serenity of the lake or, if you like a little more activity, LOW also has many ways to meet people and join in the fun, including more than 40 clubs. Sports, water skiing, card playing mahjongg, book groups, games, theater, and more. Something for everyone. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes and, with homes ranging from the $100,000s to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents and weekenders. TOURS: Please come see for yourself! We will gladly give you a tour by boat and by car so that you can see everything Lake of the Woods has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
With home values continuing to rise, what are the best options to maximize your equity gains?
Now might be the perfect time to tap into your equity for a vacation home or investment property.
Don’t delay—contact us and put your home equity gains to work for you!
Homeowners Have Historic Equity Gains
It’s no secret that home equity values are at historic highs right now. Surging home prices have caused tappable equity to set a record in 2021, hitting $9.9 trillion, mortgage technology and data firm Black Knight Inc reports. The firm also noted that the average mortgage holder has $185,000 in tappable equity.
For current homeowners, these recent gains are tremendous and mean all your hard work has paid off. Of course, the big question in many homeowners’ minds now is: what should I do with the equity I’ve gained? So if you’ve been calculating your equity gains and wondering what the best thing to do with them is, let’s explore some ways you could maximize your equity growth.
Renovations, Repairs, and Restoration
With the current equity built up in your home, you can borrow against it by taking out a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) and using that money for whatever you want. While homeowners commonly borrow against their equity to fund renovations or repairs, you can take out a home equity loan to use for any goal you have in mind. But if your home desperately needs a new roof, windows, newer energy-efficient appliances, or even an addition, tapping into your equity to make that happen is warranted. And with recent drops in lumber costs, this may be an ideal time to get that extra space you’ve been dreaming of.
There’s also the option to do a cash-out refinance. With a regular refinance, you typically borrow the exact amount you owe on your mortgage. However, with a cash-out refinance, you borrow more than your remaining mortgage balance and receive a check for the difference. And as with a home equity loan or HELOC, you can use that money for any purpose you choose.
Purchase a Second Property
According to CoreLogic, nationally, home prices increased 19.1% between January 2021 and January 2022, which has been fantastic news for current homeowners. Equity gains don’t just benefit those looking to sell their homes to walk away with a substantial profit. If you don’t have plans to sell your home in the near term, having a lot of equity in it affords you plenty of different options to put that money to good use.
Consider using your existing equity to buy the vacation home you’ve been dreaming of, or to purchase income-producing real estate that may generate passive income and possibly lower your monthly costs, or other investment assets. Until recently, financing a vacation home was the same as financing a primary residence. But the Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced increases to upfront fees for second-home loans that took effect on April 1, 2022. As a result, homeowners have been encouraged to tap equity from their primary residence to pay for their secondary property.
Make a Smart Move
Your decision on what to do with your equity gains depends upon your financial situation and long-term real estate goals. So as you’re watching your equity grow and wondering how to put that money to good use, having a trusted, experienced real estate team behind you is your best first step to figuring that out. You’ll rest easy knowing that we’ve seen the ups and downs of the market over the years, so contact us today to discuss your options!
Welcome to 35400 Gosling Lane in the quiet Wilderness Shores community! In this bright and well-maintained 2005 home, you will enjoy all the open plan features of a new construction home inside this spacious 3-level, 4 bedroom 3 bathroom family home. The spacious family room, dining room, and kitchen will surely be the favorite place to gather. Plenty of counter space and the vast kitchen island will satisfy the chef and admiring helpers. The roomy bedrooms in the upper level offer quiet, peaceful retreats, and the sizeable primary suite provides all the necessary space for privacy and space. Avoid the waiting and all the add-ons and construction traffic! The beautifully landscaped partially fenced private yard with a deck is yours to enjoy this summer. The huge “blank canvas” basement is already roughed in for a full ensuite bathroom and with a full egress window will allow for a legal 5th bedroom and plenty of storage space. Stop in and look no further!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
216 madison cir, waterfront for sale lake of the woods virginia 22508
Imagine the lifestyle you’ll experience and the memories you’ll create in this fantastic 3500+ sq ft waterfront home featuring amazing main lake views, spectacular sunsets, and ample room for large gatherings! Almost every room enjoys the water views, and most offer direct outdoor access! As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the private setting and circular driveway that will accommodate many guests! Step inside, and you’ll be wowed by the expansive windows, doors, and beamed, cathedral-ceilinged great room accentuating the main lake views and incredible floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace to warm those chilly evenings. The kitchen provides all the amenities with stainless steel appliances, upgraded countertops and an island, and leads to the generously sized screened porch for early morning coffee or simply relaxing. The main level is completed by two bedrooms (one of which would make a perfect office space with a wet bar), a full bath, and a laundry area. Ascending the stairs to the upper level, you’ll find the large primary bedroom providing lake views with en suite bath and an additional bedroom and full bath. The lower level Is sure to please! Descending the stairs, you are greeted by a huge family room with bar area and conveying pool table that accesses the concrete patio for outdoor enjoyment. The lower level also boasts two bedrooms with patio access, as well as a full bath with a sauna! Of course, the water frontage is spectacular! Swim from your dock, launch your canoe or kayak, hop on your boat for a day of fun, or simply bask in the sun waterside from your own private oasis! Let’s get this lake life started!
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, including an amazing Independence Day fireworks display that will wow you! Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, tennis, pickleball, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience what’s to love in Lake of the Woods!
