Category Archives: Real Estate

10 Things Buyers Need To Know In A Seller’s Market

When you’re making an investment of any sort, there’s one thing more important than just securing all the funds you need. You also need to do enough research to make sure you’re going to end up making a truly informed decision. And in this regard, real estate investments are no different. Especially if you’re a buyer in a seller’s market – you need to have all the right data and info. And that’s precisely what we’re going to talk about here!

Working With A Proper Realtor

If you’re buying in a seller’s market, before you actually present an offer to your seller of choice; you want to have all the right information. And in order to do that, you need to have the right representation while you’re buying a property. If you’re facing a steep seller’s market, a good real estate agent will make all the difference in the world. For example, they’ll be able to ask all the right questions when talking to the seller’s agent and figure out all of the activity on the home that you need to know about.

Doing Research In A Timely Manner

When you’re buying a home and moving there, you need to do everything you can in regards to making your relocation less expensive than it needs to be. And that means doing all the prerequisite research; not just on the specific property, but on the market in general. Once you’ve gotten the sense of the kind of home you want, or even the preferred neighborhoods that you have in mind; you should start learning all you can about them. This is another thing your real estate agent will be good at, so finding one early on is important.

An informed decision is the only good one!

Separating Needs And Wants

One of the realities of buyers in a seller’s market is pure and simple – you’ll need to get your priorities in order. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a vacation home or a house you’ll primarily be living in. You still need to forego a couple of your less urgent wants and focus on what you truly require. So, a few compromises on the home’s condition, the local amenities, or the location will simply have to happen in a seller’s market; coming to terms with this reality is good for you.

Stay Within Budget

A seller’s market is, as the name suggests – one where, to paraphrase the old adage, buyers can’t be choosers. With this in mind, you need to say goodbye to the idea of presenting low-ball offers to your sellers. Find a price range you’re completely comfortable with, and make sure you stay within it. If you’re hoping that the seller might drop their listed price down to something more acceptable for you; that isn’t one of the smart things to do in a demand-heavy market where sellers have their pick.

Don’t let your chase for a dream home make you unrealistic!

Scheduling Flexibility

Before you can find a good moving company like bluebellmovingandstorage.com to help you out with your relocation to a new home; you will need to do everything in your power to make sure you can nab the right property. And that means one thing – flexibility! You need to learn of the seller’s time schedule and adjust yourself accordingly.

Usually, it’s useful to learn why the seller in question is moving away; that’ll be a great hint in terms of your closing date. If they’re looking to leave in a hurry, they may want someone who can deal with a quick closing date. On the other hand, they may require extra time to relocate. If there are other buyers you’re competing with (and in a seller’s market, there usually are), this will net you bonus points with the seller. Never underestimate goodwill as a factor!

More Cash Upfront

This isn’t something you can always influence, depending on your budget and personal finances. But generally speaking, a seller’s market reasonably favors people who can offer a larger amount of earnest money. This will, logically, pique the seller’s interest in negotiating with you. When sellers have favorable market conditions and receive lots of offers, a big deposit could be what makes the crucial difference.

Having more cash to offer will differentiate you from the rest of the buyers!

Get Personal

Depending on the seller in question, including some humanity and emotion into the equation could also be the deciding factor. For example, you could write up a letter that you’ll include with the purchase offer, in order for the seller to know your personal reasons for buying the home. Try to become friendly with them through the letter as well – for instance, complimenting their home decor or well-kept outdoors.

Remember – many of the sellers still like the home that they’re selling. That’s why they’d also like for the home to go to someone who’s going to love it just as much!

Look For Potential

As we’ve mentioned above, a seller’s market does demand a certain level of compromise from a buyer. That’s why you shouldn’t take any home at face value; try to find the promise and potential within a good property. Perhaps you’ll be able to change a currently unfavorable layout later on?

Don’t Overdo Due Diligence

So far, we’ve talked quite a lot about the importance of making an informed decision. However, you should bear the other side of the coin in mind as well. Remember – real estate markets are a dynamic place. In certain situations, sellers will use the “other people are making offers” ploy as a tactic to get you to panic and agree to a less favorable price. Bear in mind though, that in a seller’s market, this is sometimes truly the case. You need to strike a careful balance between due diligence and overthinking, or the perfect home may slip away!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Beautiful Home with Massive Sq Footage in Lake of the Woods, VA! 200 Sand Trap Lane Now SOLD!!

This Beautiful home boasts size with a whopping 3800 sqft. As you walk in you will love the open, bright floor plan with gleaming hardwood floors. Looking for that kitchen to really entertain in? This is the one with a large island, oodles of cabinet and counter space. Enjoy your corner gas fireplace for those cool nights. The master suite features his and her walk in closets, a gorgeous on suite bathroom with double vanity, separate shower and a soaking tub to soak the day away. Enjoy a beverage of your choice on the screened in porch or enjoy sitting on the beautiful stamped concrete patio with a view of the golf course. The finished basement offers the perfect oasis for your guests with a large light filled bedroom, family room, game room and full bath. For more information about this listing, 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.

February 2020 Lake of the Woods Market Statistics

In February, 16 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
2 sold between $130-200,000;
1 sold between $200-250,000;
7 sold between $250-300,000; 5 sold between $300-400,000;
1 sold at $600,000.

66 Active Listings for Sale
48 Homes Under Contract
33 Homes Sold since January 1, 2020.

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.

Picture-Perfect Home in Lake of the Woods, VA! 509 Mt. Pleasant Now SOLD!!

The brick accents welcome you to this Custom Built Home. Once you enter, you are greeted by gleaming hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, fine finishes, and a sought-after open floor plan! The ample windows and skylights allow the sun to shine in this well-maintained, move in ready Lake of the Woods home. Your Master Suite offers an amazing sitting room with access to the deck that overlooks the landscaped yard. A large bonus room over the garage would make a great office or game room. The sun room is so inviting to relax. You can enjoy relaxing on your spacious deck.

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.

Absolutely Gorgeous Home in Culpeper, VA! 2041 Magnolia Circle Now SOLD!!

Welcome home to this spectacular colonial home in Magnolia Green! This beautiful Rome model built in 2015 welcomes you with fantastic curb appeal, a charming front porch and stone accents. From the stunning open floor plan to the upgraded finishes, you will be wowed. The gleaming hardwood floors greet you at the door and take you throughout much of the first level of this home including a large gourmet kitchen and sun room. For more info about this listing, be sure to Click Here!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, 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

New Construction in Lake of the Woods! 113 Washington St Now SOLD!!

You’ll love the open floor plan and fine finishes in this new construction rambler! Featuring a chef’s kitchen, split floor plan, and cozy corner fireplace, you’ve found your dream home! Relaxing with family and friends in the interior open spaces or outside on the screened porch or deck will create great memories of lake living! A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want! For more information about this listing, 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.

Build in Lake of the Woods! 100 Cavern Ct LOT Now SOLD!!!

Start drawing up the plans for your new build and let’s get this lake life started! Build your dream home here on this fantastic lot located near the back gate and within walking distance to some great fishing! For more information about this listing, 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.

February Open House Extravaganza on Sunday, 2/23 From 12-2PM and 2:30-4:30PM in Lake of the Woods!

Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of excitement, because we’ll be showing off 7 Amazing homes in Lake of the Woods, including our 3 newest listings! We’ll have the first 4 homes shown from 12PM-2PM, and the remaining 3 from 2:30PM-4:30PM. This is a great opportunity to see some of the best available homes that Lake of the Woods has to offer! For more information about each listing, be sure to click on the property names below! See you there!

12:00-2:00 PM:

310 Happy Creek Road, Priced at $419,900

206 Edgemont Lane, Priced at $254,900

404 Wilderness Road, Priced at $433,900

104 Cedar Court, Priced at $274,900

2:30-4:30 PM:

308 Wilderness Road, Priced at $334,900

1010 Eastover Parkway, Priced at $379,900

111 Fairway Drive, Priced at $279,900

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.

Best Neighborhoods in Orange County VA for Young Couples

Orange County Virginia is a very nice place to live, judging by the opinion of a vast number of people. It has a lot to offer and yet it has succeeded in keeping a slow, stress-free, and peaceful lifestyle. If you and your significant other are looking for a place to settle down and make a future, we can help you choose among the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples. You will enjoy immensely and have an opportunity to do some fun things once your move to Orange County is complete.

What makes a neighborhood a good choice for young couples?

When choosing a place to live, young couples should follow certain criteria that will rule their final decision. Their needs and preferences are, understandably, significantly different from those of retirees, college students or graduates, for example. To be perceived as one of the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples, here are the features a neighborhood has to possess:

  • To be affordable. – Although there are, of course, young couples who can afford a considerably high standard of living, it is much more probable for them to prefer affordable neighborhoods where the costs of living are lower.
  • To have a strong job market. – Numerous job opportunities are an important factor for everybody, not only young couples. If they cannot find a job easily or earn an income they would like to, they opt for relocation and settling down in another city.
  • To be safe. – Safety is one of the most critical features you can expect from a neighborhood. Since young couples mostly consider starting a family in the near future, this is also yet another reason why safety is important.
  • To have a lot of amenities. – We all know very well that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, right? Hence, young couples like engaging in various activities once they find some free time after work. Luckily, Orange County VA has it all. Whether they are nature lovers, thrill-seekers, or even partygoers, they will find something to enjoy in this area.

Our choice of the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples

Once we have defined what young couples value most when choosing a place to live, we can suggest a few neighborhoods in this area they might like. Even organizing a long-distance relocation is the sacrifice worth making if you find exactly what you are looking for right here. You will soon realize that Orange County VA has the reputation of one of the most livable and pleasant places to live in the USA for a very good reason.

Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is a perfect choice for everybody regardless of their age or marital status. Its home to two very beautiful lakes that give plenty of options for recreational activity, and make a nice alternative than driving to the beach. The unemployment rate here is low since there are numerous job opportunities. As safety is one of the key features to look for, we will stress that the gated community prides itself on keeping all the residents safe with the help of their own security that patrol the streets on a regular basis.

There are a lot of things to see and do here, enjoying the various amenities to spending time in nature. If you have a dog, Lake of the Woods should be your first choice, since the place is genuinely dog-friendly. Here you’ll find substantially sized dog park within the neighborhood that is properly secured for both you and your pet to enjoy.

Young couples who are looking for a place to settle down permanently and start a family soon should seriously consider Lake of the Woods. It is a community that’s centered around each other, as well as in a wonderful school district.

Lastly, there are no short supply of activities to keep you entertained, as community driven clubs and events are constantly occurring with new ones sprouting up on a regular basis. At Lake of the Woods, you’re sure to find a place that truly feels like a forever home.

The Town of Gordonsville

Gordonsville is a small charming town with a lot of small shops and cafes. Although it is usually preferred by those who decide to buy a home in Virginia after retirement,  the situation has recently started to change. A very low crime rate and a lot of outdoor amenities attract all those nature lovers and people who live a healthy lifestyle.

The unemployment rate here tends to be on the higher side when compared to the national average, but the vicinity of some bigger towns increases the number of job opportunities due to short commute time. Also, the cost of living is around the national average, so we can say that living in Gordonsville is a good option for young couples.

The Town of Orange

As you might assume, Orange is the seat of Orange County. It has scored an increase in population in recent years as more and more people, young couples included, are desperately trying to run away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. The cost of living here is a bit on the pricey side. On the other hand, safety, numerous amenities, and excellent educational facilities are a big plus.

What young couples also like here are nice cafes and restaurants with a warm, friendly atmosphere. They can enjoy a night out, entertain themselves, and still avoid the turbulence of big cities.

Final words on the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples

Living in Orange County VA is appealing for a great number of people. The County offers all a person needs – to earn a substantial income, have a nice, spacious home, get a good education, and enjoy various leisure activities. While some neighborhoods are a better choice than othres, whatever neighborhood you choose, you will not make a mistake. They are very similar and each and one of them has a distinctive charm that young couples will like.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, 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

WATERFRONT! 542 Harrison Cir., Lake of the Woods, VA Now SOLD!!!

WATERFRONT! 542 Harrison Cir., Lake of the Woods, VA By Pat Licata REALTOR
The stunning architecture of this stately waterfront boasting 115 ft of shoreline will wow you! Located in a serene area of the lake with gourmet kitchen, an incredible outdoor living space and an exceptional sun-room with views, you’ll relax the days away. Enjoy the Lake of the Woods lifestyle: clubhouse, walking trails, equestrian center, golf course, fitness center, and much more! **NOTE: Pool & Spa shown in video below HAVE been REMOVED** For more information about this property, Click Here!

Enjoy the lake of the Woods lifestyle: jump in the pool, play a round of golf, trail ride from the stables, savor a meal at the clubhouse overlooking pristine lake,  and much more!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.