Sell your home faster with these easy repair and design tips
Minor improvements can make a big difference
Contact us to sell your home for top dollar in 2023
Thinking about selling your home in 2023? Your property’s interior and exterior look and feel have a direct impact on the final sale price of your home. Investing in minor improvements such as paint, flooring, or furniture creates an inviting atmosphere and draws potential buyers. Before you list your home, try these proven tips to help get you every penny your home is worth!
Remove extra clutter in your home
A home free of clutter can help potential buyers see the true beauty in your space. Not only does removing the clutter make viewing easier, but a clean room shows that you take care of your home. Removing items blocking walkways or other essential areas allows buyers to better imagine their furniture and possessions in each room. Decluttering also helps you keep organized as you move out, simplifying the packing process. Don’t let unnecessary objects get in the way of potential buyers seeing how great your space is!
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way
Neutral colors make a home appear clean, open, and inviting, so painting the walls in a neutral shade is a must for anyone getting ready to sell their property. Neutral colors help buyers envision the space as their own – allowing them to mentally plan how they’ll use the rooms in their new home. Plain colors can also make furniture and other decorations stand out, so they don’t have to worry about adjusting pieces to match what was already on the walls. Utilizing neutral colors will give potential buyers an idea of how a room would look if decorated with their own style and personality.
Entice homebuyers as soon as they arrive
Increasing your home’s curb appeal is an easy and satisfying way to give your living space a fresh look. By tidying up the yard and enhancing the house’s exterior, you can create an inviting atmosphere that potential buyers will love coming home to. Taking care of the lawn can be as simple as mowing regularly or adding potted plants and foliage that match your decor style. Paying extra attention to specific details, like painting the front door, can help your property stand out nicely. An easy and inexpensive option to add instant curb appeal is to have your house power-washed. With just a little effort, you can craft a stunning outdoor environment that will draw admirers far and wide.
Let’s Discuss Your Real Estate Goals
If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2023, right now is the best time to start getting ready. Contact our team to discuss your real estate goals so we can help you build a smart strategy for selling. Our team has the local experience you need and backs our advice with the latest market data for your neighborhood to help you get top dollar for your 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.
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.
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.
Learn more about 208 Fairfax including price, here. Learn more about 507 Cornwallis including price, here. Learn more about 218 Creekside including price, here. Learn more about 1011 Eastover including the price, here. Learn more about 300 Battlefield including price, here. Learn more about 631 Harrison including price, here. Learn more about the Lake of the Woods Community, here!
Outside of the Lake Open Houses:
Learn more about 13205 Fox Gate, Spotsylvania VA 22553 including price, here. Learn more about 5416 Silver Maple, Fredericksburg VA 22407 including price, here.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, or Northern Virginia 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Amazing location in the Falls at Lees Parke community, and absolutely priced to sell! Perfect, well kept home will not stay on the market long! Owners have replaced & upgraded everything! All door hardware, all flooring except hardwood in family room, new patio and steps, fenced yard, basement has full egress windows and rough in for full bathroom. Roof, HVAC, water heater, kitchen appliances are all less than 18 months old. Unfinished basement the size of the house with tons of potential! This is one not to miss!! Amenities include a community center, swimming pool, athletic courts, and 5 miles of walking trails. Community schools, Patriot Park and the Ron Rosner Spotsylvania Y. M. C. A. aquatics and fitness center are minutes away from Lee’s Parke. The Spotsylvania Virginia Railway Express commuter train station, Medical Campus are all near Lee’s Parke.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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
Welcome to 1230 Thomas Jefferson Place! A wonderfully maintained corner townhouse is full of bright windows for amazing natural lighting. The very bright kitchen features a bay window and spacious counter space. The living room has access to the quaint, private back deck to enjoy all the birds and wildlife. The upper level homes all three bedrooms and a full bath. Very roomy and quiet retreat spaces. Close to everything in south Stafford or near by little town of Fredericksburg, this well kept home is one not to miss!
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.
Welcome to 11 Basalt Drive! If you are looking for a home with private access to Lake Moony, this is the one! Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout this 5 bedroom home. Full of natural light, you will breeze through each room with ease. This home has room to spare, from the large bedrooms, to the basement rec room, to the backyard where you can take in all the wonder nature provides. Comfortable and sizeable, your family & friends will love making memories with you. The full basement with a kitchenette has a walk-out to the expansive backyard on the beautiful stone pathway as you make your way to the lake. Lake life here couldn’t be better! This one is sure to go FAST!
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.
Perfect downtown location across from Old Mill Park. Just over a mile down the road to the commuter rail, across the street from the Fredericksburg Foot Trail. This charming home is looking for new owners, fenced in rear yard, driveway and street side parking are available.
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 in a seller’s market, you may still need to reduce your price
Consider if you’ve tried everything else before a price reduction
Make sure to seek the advice of your trusted realtor–we’ve seen it all before!
Even in a competitive seller’s market like the one we’re in right now, listing your home for the right price is key. Don’t count on a bidding war happening to get the price you want! Let’s take a look at what you should do before listing your home, indicators that your home is priced too high, and the strategies you can use to make the price right.
How Do I Figure Out the Right Price?
When home prices are rising quickly, low appraisals can affect your listing price. With year-over-year home prices up 17% on average nationwide in 2021—with some markets seeing as much as 35% increases—the appraisal you receive may not reflect other recent asking prices in your area.
Your experienced real estate agent will use data from the local MLS and consider other homes in your neighborhood and what they sold for recently. They’ll also consider tax data, your property’s previous sale price, and even micro market trends. Working with an agent in such a fluid, dynamic market is essential to getting the price right.
Since your largest pool of buyers often finds your home within the first 21 days of listing, try to list your home at the right price from the start. If you’re not seeing the offers you thought you would, make an adjustment quickly before the initial interest fades away.
If the first week of listing your home isn’t resulting in offers, especially in a market this hot, that’s a red flag your home is overpriced. However, if you’re getting offers, and they just aren’t meeting your listing price, it’s a good sign you’re in line with the market and may need a small decrease.
How Do I Know When to Lower the Price?
It’s exciting to list your home in such a historic market, but moving too fast and forgetting the basics can hurt your chances of success. Work with your real estate agent to market your home. This includes cleaning and decluttering your home, staging rooms, taking attractive photos, and communicating the value of the property in the listing.
Rely on the most recent data to find the sweet spot for price. You’ll want to consider homes recently sold within a mile or two of your home, especially ones with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms and square footage within 20% of your home that closed within the last 90 days.
If all of that is said and done and you’re not receiving any offers, you may need to lower the price. Even in a seller’s market, selling over asking or enjoying a bidding war for a higher price is not guaranteed. Make sure you know the lowest price you’re willing to accept before you list your home, so making a change won’t feel like taking a loss.
When it comes to finding the new price, there are a few things to consider. While the general advice is to lower anywhere from 0.5% to upwards of 3%, you also want to pay attention to your price bracket and what buyers are searching for. If lowering your price brings you down from $410,000 to $398,000, that will open up your home to a new pool of buyers searching for homes under $400,000.
Price Your Home Right from the Start
Real estate is a continual learning process, and it takes effort to figure out the right price. That’s why you should work with our experienced, trusted team to get started out right! Contact us today to find the true value of your home based on the most recent, up-to-date, micro-economic data available. Our team is here to help you sell your home for top dollar.
We all hope for a career that will take us places. Sometimes that could be Orange County, Virginia. Exciting as that is, packing up your life and moving your family can also be stressful — after all, there are a lot of things you’ll need to organize and plan for.
A relocation package from your employers can help, but the rest is up to you. A checklist can be an invaluable tool to keep you on top of things. The Licata Group presents some key tasks you’ll need to remember to make your career relocation easy, beginning up to two months before your moving date.
Visit Your New Hometown
While it’s good to know what to expect, a visit to your new location and office can also offer insight on what to prepare for. It also offers a great opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, who can probably offer invaluable advice for your move. If you have children, you may also be looking to scout out new schools before your move. A visit beforehand can give you an idea of which area you want to search for accommodation.
Plan Your Finances
With a new salary, you might not expect to find a change in their cost of living, so it’s always good to be prepared before relocating. Websites such as Payscale can help you compare the costs of supermarket goods, restaurants, gas, and medical bills.
Message boards and Facebook groups are also a great place to get unbiased and up-to-date information from fellow residents (and to make friends with your potential neighbors).
If you need to sign up for a new banking service, make sure you have an easy way to access and transfer your current funds.
Secure Your New Home
Whether you’re relocating for a set period of time or for the unforeseeable future, it is advisable to consider renting a house before purchasing one so that you have the chance to familiarize yourself with the environment and other housing options.
Schedule the Move
If you need to buy airplane tickets for you and your family, buying tickets ahead of time is still the cheapest option for tickets. Depending on how many belongings you’ll be taking, you may also need to book a reputable moving company available on your moving date. Compare moving companies to see which fits within your budget and provides the most suitable insurance coverage options to protect your belongings.
Save all your travel and moving receipts in one handy location, such as a Google Drive, particularly if you will be claiming reimbursement from your employer.
Personalize Your Checklist
Use this information to compile your own checklist that includes important dates and information. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and use services that can help you find the home of your dreams in Lake of the Woods. After all, it’s not your career that takes you places — it’s all you.
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.