We all know the Fredericksburg Expo and Conference center is on its A-game when it comes to organizing events. It doesn’t stop at the FXBG Kids Fest event this February 11th-12th, 2023. Doors will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and 10am – 3 pm on Sunday. As presented on their website, this event is about celebrating the kids. For the kiddos, it will be like a second birthday of the year. Pack them up and bring them over to the FXBG Kids Fest, where they get to unload all their extra energy and make you the #1 person in their world, even if it’s for one day. Kid’s tickets are $5 each, while general admission for adults is $8. There are additional fees for select activities once inside the venue. For more information about this event and to purchase tickets, visit 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 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, but what about Taco and Beer Saturday? The FXBG Taco & Beer Festival will be taking place at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13th, from 11 am to 4 pm. For a small fee of $40.00 per person, you will receive unlimited crafted beer samples and two taco vouchers to use at some of the best restaurants and food trucks in the NOVA area. Live music will be setting the mood, and people will be competitive on the lawn games, checking out other vendors, or hanging out at the Margarita Bar. The event supports the Frederikson Outreach Coalition helping to fund child education and assist in youth sports. For more information about this event or to purchase tickets, 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 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Date night doesn’t have to be just for couples. How about a date night for the whole family? The Lake of the Woods Pools and Community Activities Committee is hosting Family Date Night at the Clubhouse Saturday, February 18th, 2023 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Reservations are required for this event, so click here to reserve your spot now! The cost per adult is $15.95, children under 10 is $10.95, and children under 3 eat free. The menu consists of a starter salad and garlic bread sticks; followed by entree options of penne or bow tie pasta with your choice of marinara sauce and meatballs, or alfredo sauce with chicken, porcini mushroom ravioli in a sherry cream sauce with a side of seasonal vegetable medley, and cookies and brownies for dessert. So come hungry and ready to grace each other’s presence with a bountiful of laughter.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Calling all kids! Are you bummed because you haven’t seen or felt the snow yet this year? Well, you still can! Stop by the FredNat Stadium and be part of the snowball games on February 18, 2023, at 3 pm. The cost to join is $3 per person or $5 for two. You must pre-register at fxbgparks.com. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. So sign up and enjoy a round of snowball games. From snowball fights, snowball chin races, and snowball cup tower knockdowns, there will be plenty of fun for all.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The continued inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was clearly evident in Lake of the Woods again in 2022. This inventory shortage, along with rocketing interest rates and inflation concerns in the second half of the year, definitely changed the course of the 2022 real estate market. Closed sales decreased approximately 24% from 358 to 272. New construction accounted for 31 of the 272 sales. The median sold price increased 11.39% year over year from $336,500 to $375,950 in 2022.
Now let’s look at the past five years:
In 2019, 301 homes sold, which was a 28.63% increase over 2018. The median sales price rose to $270,000. In 2020, we realized a 4% gain in home sales over 2019, with a total of 313 selling. 2021 showed a gain in sales at 358, and the median sold price increased almost 16% to $337,500, up from $291,250 in 2020. And then came the mixed bag 2022 market: closed sales fell by more than 24%, while the median sold price rose by 11.39%.
Average days on the market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, had steadily decreased from 76 in 2018 to 16 in 2021…yet in 2022, it rose to 23, more evidence of a changing market.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2022, a total of 172 lots sold: 45 in 2018; 41 in 2019; 49 in 2020; 24 in 2021; and only 13 in 2022. There simply are very few lots left in LOW.
Of the MLS sales reported in 2018-2022, new construction numbers have varied. 2018 saw 11 new construction homes sales; 2019 realized 31; 2020 sales jumped to 41; 2021 ended at 37; and 2022 saw new construction sales dip to only 13.
Again, there aren’t many lots left in LOW, which, of course, will impact new construction sales in the future.
Another notable statistic is the dramatic rise in average sold price to original list price ratio. It had steadily risen from 96.4% in 2018 to 100.9% in 2021, with 2022 showing a slight decrease at 100.3%.
According to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association at this time last year, mortgage rates were expected to rise and end 2022 in the 3.75-4% range for a 30-year fixed. As we experienced, they were wrong! Interest rates rose at a higher trajectory than ever before in the history of mortgage rates being documented. The current forecast is for rates to stabilize and then start a slow decline. It is anticipated that stabilization in interest rates and more confidence should bring buyers back into the market who “paused” due to all of the uncertainty.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Calling all wine lovers! The Virginia Governor’s Cup is happening Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Richmond’s Main Street Station, and you are encouraged to join! Tickets are now available for purchase. Click here to take advantage of this exclusive taste-testing opportunity of the best wines and ciders that all of Virginia offers.
This event keeps on giving. Not only will you have the opportunity to taste the stellar wines of Virginia, but you will be delighted to know that some local chefs will also be there to share their Haute cuisines. While sampling all of VA the V Foundation will be hosting a silent auction with all proceeds going toward cancer research.
One of the toughest and most strict competitions in the US, hosted by the Virginia Wineries Association, Virginia Vineyards Association, and the Virginia Wine Board; this Virginia Governor’s Cup isn’t taken lightly. Each wine will be scored on a 100-point scale by appearance, aroma, and flavor. The process starts in the preliminary round over a course of 10 days. Seven judges will have the opportunity to taste each wine knowing only the category of the wine or the grape used. The judges will drop the lowest score and average the total for the overall score. Then in the final round taking about 3 days, 12 judges will sample all the winners from the preliminary round. The 12 highest-ranked wines will be named the “Governor’s Cup Case.” The wine with the highest score will be deemed the Govern’s Cup winner.
What do the scores mean by numbers?
100-95 Classic: Among the best in the WHOLE WORLD 94-90 Outstanding: Superior Character and Style 89-85 Very Good: A wine with special quality 84-80 Good: A well-made wine of good quality 79-75 Average: Drinkable wine may have minor flaws 74> Not Recommended (NR) or No Score (NS)
Gold Metal goes to 90-100 Silver Metal goes to 85-89 Bronze Metal goes to 80-84
Don’t miss out on this premier event! Secure your tickets now, 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 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
It’s that time of year again. Mardi Gras, a French word meaning “Fat Tuesday” is reflecting on the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before Lenten sacrifices and fasting. The exciting carnival-like tradition varies from city to city and the Lake of the Woods celebration will kick off on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 from 6 pm – 11 pm. Sponsored by the LOW Lioness Lions Club, festivities will take place at the Lake of the Woods clubhouse. Tickets go on sale starting February 11, 2023, for $65 per person and can be purchased at lowlioness.org. All proceeds will support the Lioness Lions Foundation, Inc. which services our community. Live music by Reunion Band is sure to kick the party off right at 8pm. Cocktails are to start being served at 6 pm, with dinner at 7, followed by a silent auction. To spice up the evening’s event, be sure to partake in the 50/50 raffle or “Best of Raffles.” So, mark your calendars. This event will be one you won’t forget.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Are you a fan of Forged in Fire? Have you ever wanted to forge your own Blacksmith Knife? If so, come join in on this perfect opportunity to learn traditional methods of forging and how to properly heat treat and temper your creation.
Hosted by 19Hands (http://www.19hands.org), the Blacksmith Knife class will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, located at Black Horse Forge, 29 Utah Place, Fredericksburg Virginia 22405. All are welcome to attend with proceeds going toward helping veterans and first responders. This will be a great way to give back to your community and have fun while doing it. Sign up and learn more about what this event entails by clicking, 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 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
There’s goods news on the horizon in 2023 for home buyers and sellers
Look for shifts when it comes to home prices, inventory, and interest rates
Make a smart move by contacting us today to plan and strategize!
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in an era of unprecedented milestones in the housing market. From the lowest interest rates in history to record amounts of equity, the last few years in the real estate market were anything but ordinary. However, as economies work on finding a middle ground, homebuyers and sellers can look forward to a much more familiar market in 2023. Let’s take a look at what we expect to see this year, so you can start thinking ahead to make your move.
Expect a bright spring for the national real estate market
The current inflationary pressures are expected to ease, especially by the spring of 2023. Millennials are continuing to enter the housing market—many for the first time. According to Bankrate, interest rates are forecast to come down nearly two percentage points from the recent high of 7.12% to a more standard 5.25% by the end of this year. This will help fuel movement among homebuyers. And, the recent string of the housing market favoring sellers will start to wane, as slight price adjustments and an increase in inventory bring balance.
What homebuyers can expect from this year’s market
Inflationary pressures are expected to ease, especially by the spring of 2023. Millennials are continuing to enter the housing market—many for the first time. Interest rates are expected to come down nearly two percentage points from the recent high of 7.12% to a more standard 5.25% by the end of this year, according to Bankrate. This will help fuel movement among homebuyers, who are also enjoying a strong job market. Despite high-profile layoffs (primarily in the technology sector) making the news, the overall unemployment rate is expected to stay at a low 3.6%.
What homesellers can expect from this year’s market
While the Fannie Mae Home Price Index (FNM-HPI) expects home prices to decline this year—it’s only by a modest 1.5%. While a “decline” can sound disappointing, since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the median home listing price is up 27%, adding more than $9 trillion to the total value of the US housing market. And, despite the recent dip in home values, homeowners that purchased before February 2020 are still up an average of $92,000 in equity, according to real estate experts Black Knight. This provides homesellers with some flexibility in the listing price, allowing for a faster sale if you’re willing to price your home competitively. It’s important to keep the last several years in perspective in order to maximize those returns and put your investment to work for you.
Talk With Us About Your Real Estate Goals
While the real estate market is always in shift, ultimately, buying or selling a home is more about what’s right for your lifestyle each year. And with a more egalitarian market expected in 2023, both homebuyers and sellers can expect to make beneficial deals. The best way to get started is to contact us. Our team has experienced countless shifts in the market, and we’re backed by the latest data in your local area to help you find your dream 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 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Orange County is an area any dog owner will love living in. But which places in Orange County are the best for you and your best friend? Dogs will love living in a place that’s near a forest and away from all the noise big cities have. However, there are a couple of places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners where you can have the best of both worlds. You will keep your pet happy while at the same time living near all the amenities you will ever need. Whichever of the following places you decide to relocate to, you will not go wrong with your choice.
Orange is one of the best places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners
Although this town has a small population, it will not disappoint you. A tight-knit community makes Orange an excellent place to relocate to. As a dog owner, you will easily find other dog owners to connect with. The people in Orange are very welcoming to newcomers. You will feel at home very soon after relocating. The town of Orange features many vast, open spaces where you can take your dog out for a run. That includes not only parks but also forests. If you wish to spend some time outside without your dog, you must visit a couple of places. In the surrounding area, you will find farms, vineyards, and gardens that you can spend a day exploring. With all these things in mind, this town is worth considering as a potential new home for you and your best friend.
Lake of the Woods
One of the best and top-rated places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners has to be Lake of the Woods. This community has the largest population of all the towns in Orange County. In Lake of the Woods, you will have everything you need as a dog owner. This location is excellent as you will never be bored with so many different things to do. In Lake of the Woods, you get everything you can find in a big town, but you still stay near nature. So, if you are outgoing, this is the best choice for you. On the weekends, you can take your dog for a swim, a long walk, or even camp together. All in all, Lake of the Woods is a choice no one can go wrong with.
Your dog will appreciate spending a lot of time in nature.
Locust Grove
However, if you are looking to move away from the crowds and find a peaceful place for yourself and your dog, Locust Grove may be the right choice. In this small Orange County town, you can stay away from the busy lifestyle and just spend time doing outdoor activities. You will be able to give your dog the life they deserve. In Locust Grove, you can find great houses with large backyards. This affordable Virginia real estate is perfect for dog owners, especially if you have more than one dog. If you’re moving to Locust Grove, but your home is not move-in ready, don’t worry. Experts from A2B Moving and Storage advise you to put your things into storage until you finish setting up your new home. Also, you can find a temporary home for you and your dog until the move-in day arrives.
Gordonsville is another excellent choice for dog owners
As someone who loves animals, you will also love living in the town of Gordonsville in Orange County. In Gordonsville, you can go horseback riding at one of the farms or equestrian centers. Gordonsville is in Orange County, just at the border with Louisa County. So you will have easy access to the amenities in both counties. This place is perfect if you love taking your dog on camping trips. The stunning forests and available campgrounds nearby will give you and your pet a chance to spend a lot of time in nature. You can help your dog stay healthy by taking them for long walks in Gordonsville. As a bonus, you will also be able to live a healthy lifestyle once you relocate to Gordonsville.
You can spend time in Orange County by going camping with your dog.
Moving to Orange County with pets
Finding that perfect Virginia home and finally receiving the keys is one of the best feelings in the world. However, being faced with a long-distance relocation can take away some of the excitement. There are so many different things to do before the moving day arrives. And relocating with pets can be even more difficult. They won’t understand what’s happening, especially if this is your first time relocating with your dog. That’s why organizing and taking things slow are the keys to a successful relocation with any pet. When it comes to successfully relocating with pets, it’s all about preparing well.
Take your time when you pack for the move. That will lower the chances of your dog stressing out during packing. If you wish to move with the help of professional movers, it may be best to leave your dog with a professional pet sitter or a friend they know. You can pick up your dog once the movers take your things to your new Virginia home. Your dog will probably be confused to see your things gone, but at least they won’t be stressed from meeting too many strangers. All this will help them through the process and make any long-distance relocation easier. Once they arrive at their new home, they will need some time to adjust. But, with the great nature, Orange County has, this confusing period will be over in no time.
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.
