As more of us become aware of the fact that we might have too much stuff laying around, decluttering has gone from an occasional chore to a lifestyle trend. This is a positive shift, especially given the global problems caused by waste, but it can be difficult to know how to go about it.
The facts are, a less cluttered house can reduce your stress and lead to a happier life according to clinical psychologist Jaime Zuckerman. Not only is it good for your mental health, it can also be good for your wallet as decluttering and taking care of cleaning and tidying projects can actually increase your home appraisal.
Some people call in “decluttering experts,” but the truth is that unless you have a hoarding situation on your hands, you don’t need this service. Courtesy of The Licata Group, here are some tips for how you can minimize and declutter on your own.
Thinking of purchasing or selling a property? The Licata Group can help you navigate the Lake of the Woods housing market. Call us today at (540) 388-2541.
Pick a Decluttering Strategy
If you don’t know where to start with decluttering, there are many existing strategies you can use. These range from the now-famous KonMari method of sorting and decluttering possessions to the Minimalist Game, where you get rid of an increasing number of things based on the day of the month. Pick one that seems doable for you, and you may find the structure of a defined method helps you actually follow through.
Make Plans for Getting Rid of Stuff
What do you do with the bags of stuff you’ve decided to get rid of? Whether you’re going to the recycling center or a charity, know exactly when, where, and how you’ll tackle things. Alternatively, arrange a pick-up from an organization that offers that service.
Additionally, if you have any large, bulky items you no longer need, consider hiring junk haulers to properly dispose of them. In addition to appliances, professional removal services will handle things like mattresses, carpeting, and furniture. What’s more, they’ll make sure these items end up where they belong, whether it’s a junkyard or a local recycling center.
Hack Your Storage Space
Some of us aren’t blessed with a lot of storage space, even post-declutter. Luckily, there are organization hacks to help you with every room in the house. Use under-bed space in the bedroom, invest in furniture and decor that doubles as storage (such as trunks and ottomans), and use narrow spaces (like the one between your fridge and cabinet) to install vertical storage. And if you want to spruce up those shelves and drawers, use removable wallpaper, which you can find in a number of modern looks. This is also a good solution since it’s easy to swap out designs whenever the mood strikes you.
Set Up a Cleaning Schedule
Now that your home is looking tidy and clutter-free, it’s time to keep it clean. Set a regular cleaning schedule — and then stick to it. For some, this could mean setting aside Sunday mornings for cleaning; for others, a weekly schedule with a couple of small daily tasks is easier. Just make sure it fits with your routine and you can actually picture yourself doing it.
Control Your Buying
According to the Atlantic, Americans bought an average of 66 garments in 2017. Are spending habits like these part of why you had to declutter in the first place? If so, you need to re-evaluate this, or you will end up with a cluttered closet again in a matter of months.
You don’t have to go full minimalist or swear to never buy anything again, but you can learn to buy less stuff. Buy good-quality items that last longer, remove temptations like email mailing lists and free delivery subscriptions, and buy only items that you have a planned, concrete use for.
The act of decluttering itself can be fun and exhilarating. It feels great to see a home that feels cleaner, tidier, and more relaxing. Realistically, the hardest part is keeping things that way. The secret to effective decluttering is not to approach it as a one-time exercise, but as a gradual change in your consumer and home maintenance habits. Over time, you will start to value the long-term comfort and ease of a clutter-free home over the intense (but brief) rush of buying and acquiring new stuff.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, 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
Join us every Tuesday at 11 AM EST on our Facebook page for Licata Live,
where you can ask questions to different members of our team every week!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, 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
What better way to celebrate Spring than to hold a car show at Lake Anna! Pleasants Landing at Lake Anna is proud to present the Love the Lake Car Show Contest on May 2nd from 10 AM – 3 PM at 349 Pleasant Landing Road in Bumpass, VA! Cars will be judged and grouped in the following categories: Classic, Custom, Sports, and People’s Choice with prizes being awarded. If you’ve been itching to take your car to a show, then be sure to not miss this one! For more information, 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
Grab your clubs and mugs, because its time for the 2019 Schutzenfest at the 9th annual October Festival in Lake of the Woods; hosted by the LOW Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League! Please join The Licata Group at the LOW Woods Center on Saturday, October 19th for a day full of German food, beer and and their very own Oompah Band! Golf will start at 9:00 AM, and will be a nine hole scramble. Food and drinks will be served from 11:00 AM-5:30 PM, and the LOWnBROW’s Oompah band will play from 1pm-5 PM.
The fun doesn’t stop there, as there will be plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy; including a moon bounce for the kids, corn bag toss, horseshoes and more! Sign up for golf will be at the Pro Shop, and is $35 per person. This exciting event is being hosted by the LOW Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League to benefit the LOW Swim Club. This is going to be one event that you don’t want to miss! For more information, be sure to click here. We hope to see you there!
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.
The
first rule in home selling is to know your typical buyer. What most buyers would want to have in their homes is what
will eventually sell it. How soon – this depends on how well it fits their
needs. While you can’t fulfill everybody’s wishes, some features make your home
sell faster than others.
What Buyers Want
You
don’t have to get inside your buyer’s mind. Luckily, tips for selling a home are numerous and easy to find. They are based on surveys
and statistics and are usually related to a specific market. While steam ovens
and floor heating may be a good add-on to an upscale home, those upgrades
simply won’t pay off for most sellers. What the majority of people want is a
reliable, good-looking, practical, comfortable, and affordable home. The
most common features that would make your home sell faster are
Curb Appeal
Ample Storage Space
Sufficient Bedrooms
Eat-in Kitchen
Fresh Paint
Energy-efficient Appliances & Windows
Off-road Parking
Renovated Bathrooms
Hardwood Floors
Modern Lighting
Start With Entrance
The first step to boost the appeal would be to declutter your home, which also applies to your yard if you have it. If the exterior of your house is impressive enough, only then the prospective buyer will come inside and check the rest. To sell your home faster, you need to show to your buyer that you took good care of your home. Nothing shouts good maintenance like a neat exterior.
Outstanding curb appeal will make your home sell faster
You
might not have enough space for a garden, however, even a small secluded patio
with a pair of garden chairs or loungers and potted plants can create the feel
of a cozy getaway that most new homeowners look for.
Room for the things
There
aren’t many who can say that they have too much storage space. Those who need
extra storage simply call Verified Movers
and rent a storage facility but there is another option. With the help of
experts, it is possible to create extra storage and exploit otherwise
underutilized space. Additional space for belongings is especially important to
families with kids because they have plenty of useful things they don’t want to
dispose of even if they’re used only occasionally.
Walk-in pantry
In case there is enough extra space, usually 5×5 feet, creating a walk-in pantry in the kitchen is a big bonus. Non-perishables stored at the arms reach is something most would prefer. Even more so because they can save on the deals of bulk purchases. Walk-in pantries are affordable add-ons highly appreciated by families.
A kitchen with a walk-in pantry is a great asset
Walk-in closet
On
the other hand, walk-in closets are added to master bedrooms and are perfect
for empty-nesters in love with neatly organized apparel, jewelry, and
accessories. This feature can be made as a part of the existing bedroom or
placed in a separate, smaller room. Organizers and many shelving units are
worth their price. Walk-in closets are perfect for couples who share storage
space and are highly ranked among other features.
That extra bedroom
Nothing
attracts buyers more than a cozy extra bedroom. A guest bedroom is best suited
for loft space. After all, having a new bedroom in the attic is much better
than blocking the garage. If you opt for the renovation of your loft space,
consider adding a new small bathroom or at least a WC.
Hearth of your home
Making an eat-in kitchen would leave a good impression on families with children. Resurfacing cabinets and repainting walls is the least you can do to make your kitchen more attractive. A new trend and a highly popular and affordable one is adding lighting under cabinets. The effect is to give your kitchen depth and visually make the ceiling higher.
There
is nothing as attractive as new appliances so the first and most important on
the list should be a fridge. Prospective buyers are impressed with spacious and
clean refrigerators as this is the appliance they will use the most.
A new coat
The
most affordable and yet the best investment is fresh paint. Repainting your
walls and ceilings and adding a new coat on the outside leaves a good first
impression. Natural lighting is one of the most beneficial features a home
could have. Bright walls that reflect natural light will make space visually
larger and have a good psychological effect on visitors. If you wish to
attract buyers moving to Virginia from another state, for example, you should stick to neutral colors, appealing
to many.
Energy-efficient walls, windows, and appliances
If nothing else makes people care about the environment it’s the savings they secure by installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation to their walls and purchasing energy star rated appliances. Any of these features would greatly appeal to millennials. They are both environmentally and financially conscious. Keeping the heat inside will help them keep their cool, too.
Room for your car
It is difficult to imagine getting anywhere without a car nowadays and having an (at least one) parking slot is a big asset to a home. If your garage space has been repurposed, make sure that you keep at least one off-road parking slot.
One of the first things buyers ask the real estate agents is if there’s a garage/parking space available. You too might need to hire a lawyer or a real estate agent if you’re buying a new property at the same time you’re selling. A garage can serve as additional storage and as such is indispensable.
Fresh & Clean
A
tidy and crisp bathroom is a feature no one is immune to, and refurbishing one
is a must. A bathroom is perhaps the only room in the house that is easy to
look luxurious and impressive with a relatively small investment.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are durable and lasting and as a feature, they appeal to everybody. And why not; they are easy to maintain and keep clean.
Interior and exterior lighting
Modern exterior lighting is an add-on that sets your house apart. While an exterior illumination boosts your curb appeal, interior lighting is an affordable feature that will make your home sell faster.
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.
You’ll love the incredible amount of space provided in this stunning home boasting a cozy electric fireplace, new flooring, paint, and appliances! If you feel like venturing out, Lake of the Woods will not disappoint! 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, waterskiing, 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 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 the low $100,000s 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 why I love Lake of the Woods! For more info about the property, be sure to 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.
Enjoy coffee on the screened porch of this fabulously renovated home conveniently situated by the front gate and Clubhouse/beach/fitness cente. The new hardwood floors, granite counter tops, appliances, and fresh paint will wow you! You’ll appreciate the expansive first floor master bedroom with a large walk-in closet. Feel like venturing out, Lake of the Woods will not disappoint! 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, waterskiing, 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 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 $100,000 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 why I love Lake of the Woods! For more info, be sure to 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.
Entertain in grand style in this amazing home! All wood floors on main level, with an entry level family room. Cathedral ceilings in living room with an all brick gas fireplace. The master bedroom has french doors leading to deck. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning looking out to the golf course. 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, waterskiing, 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 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 the mid-$100,000 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 why I love Lake of the Woods! For more info, be sure to 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.
Want to check out some of the homes in Lake of the Woods? Come to our open houses this Saturday! We’ll be showing off three beautiful homes, and are looking forward to helping you get your lake life started!
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.
One of the most crucial traits that any successful real estate investor must possess is the ability to spot a good opportunity. And in a market as volatile as real estate is these days; that’s not always easy. Keeping your hand on the pulse of the latest real estate development trends is a complicated thing. But there is one strategy that is always consistent in its success: becoming a student landlord.
Obviously, most landlords don’t feel comfortable renting to people who have probably never lived by themselvesin their lives; which is certainly correct. But despite such legitimate concerns, if you invest in a university-adjacent property, you could actually net quite a tidy profit. On average, a house that’s near a college campus can give you profits almost 40% higher than the same house in a different neighborhood. That’s precisely why we’ve prepared a guide for you right here!
The Benefits of Investing in Student Housing
Let’s face it – millions of brand-new students enroll in universities each year, all over the country. That’s why college towns are actually one of the most certain real estate investments when it comes to residential rental properties. You’ll never lack demand, as campuses will provide a source of new tenantswhenever you need them. And all of that competition will drive rents higher, which is great for property owners.
So, if you’re looking to shore up your retirement strategy and expand your portfolio as a real estate investor, this is a great opportunity for all that and some neat passive income that doesn’t require much input past the initial investment. Andif you’re an investor who can’t boast with a huge marketing budget, all the better! Being a student landlord means your tenants will basically find you.
This is a good idea for people who want to sell their home in a college area and move somewhere else as well – a great way to enter the real estate game! Just calculate your moving expenses in advance, and use the remainder of your disposable income to spruce up the place. You’ll soon have college tenants knocking on your door. And then, instead of selling your home, you’ll have a constant influx of steady profit.
Rental Demand
So, just how good is the demand when it comes to rentals in college towns? The official statistics show that you definitely won’t be wrong in renting out student housing, from that perspective. Two years ago, The College Board published a study dealing with the average life of an undergraduate student. And one of the interesting pieces of information is the fact that almost 45% of students don’t live on campus. Obviously, these numbers slightly differ between private and public universities, with more people living on campus in private universities.
So, before you decide to sell your propertyfor a tidy profit, consider renting it out long-term to college students, gaining a respectable source of steady income in the process. And if you’re scared that this trend of high demand in college areas will change over time, you can rest easy! Earlier studies show that this is a trend that has been one of the most consistent ones in the entire real estate industry, even throughout the mortgage crisis of 2008!
Sure, rental demand in college towns sees tiny fluctuations throughout the academic year, but college towns still produce a consistent stream of housing demand; not just from students, but from the accompanying staff and professors.This makes such areas extremely attractive for mid-range investors.
High Rental Yield
There are quite a few reasons why real estate investors are attracted to such a rental niche, but the main one is simply that it pays consistently. With the constant high demand in mind, it’s no wonder that college rental properties don’t have problems generating quite a steady cash flow for their owners, at least compared to traditional rental properties. A lot of students simply choose to search for housing off-campus, as living on campus can prove to be even more costly than renting a home.
You can predict a sizable return on investment compared to traditional rental investments! /alt: A graph representing rental finances.
As a study from relevant industry sources shows, real estate owners who decide to invest their resourcesin a student housing property can actually hope for a return on investment that’s bigger than 10%. To give you some perspective on that – many real estate owners and investors believe that a return on investment that’s higher than 5% is a pretty sweet deal.
Tenant Expectations
One of the toughest things with residential rental properties is managing tenant expectations. But when your tenants are students, that isn’t too big of an issue. Remember – most of these people haven’t lived by themselves anywhere before, or they have just lived in a dorm room. So, especially since these are mostly young people, they don’t expect the condition of the property to be as pristine as a suburban family that’s renting out the place might. You can save quite a bit of money on the property investment alone. Trust us, the quality of the flooring and the perfection of the paint job isn’t something you’ll have to think about when you’re renting out to students.
Tenant expectations are much lower when they are students! /alt: A student reading a book in a library.
Conclusion
As you can conclude, renting to students is not such a daunting proposition as it first seems. Sure, you need to be prepared to deal with younger tenants, but the constantly top-tier demand and solid return on investment you can achieve is definitely a tantalizing idea.
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.
