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.
A perfect place for your dream home, this lot is close to the members only back gate. You will enjoy the privacy of this wooded lot. There are only a few lots left in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods which offers so many choices: play golf, jump in the lake, swim at the pool, work out at the fitness center, or dine at the clubhouse overlooking the pristine lakes. A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or 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 high-$200,000s 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!
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 homeworth?” 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.
Welcome to 102 Monument Road! If you love spacious living, you will love this home! The entry welcomes you into the expansive living room which boasts built-in book shelves, cabinets and a unique stand alone wood burning fire place, an impressive space! Beautiful French doors lead you into a den with another cozy brick, wood burning fireplace. Enjoy preparing meals in the galley style kitchen with gleaming granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. With four bedrooms, you will have plenty of accommodating space. Step outside into the sweeping deck with a large table and chairs, a platform pergola to surely impress your guests as you provide so many spots for entertainment and relaxation. There’s even a workshop/man cave/she-space to escape to with a/c and heat. You could also enjoy a short walk to Cornwallis beach.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
First-time home-sellers need an accurate value before listing.
Sellers need to make smart choices on repairs and staging.
Offers are evaluated on multiple factors, not just price.
The three most common questions first-time sellers ask our real estate team.
It’s common to be overwhelmed by the number of questions you inevitably run into when you’re selling your home. Does the doorbell work? Are the exterior colors suitable for today’s market? Am I getting what my home is worth? From marketing the house to negotiating a fair market price and making repairs, here are some of the most common questions sellers ask us and some helpful strategies you can utilize when selling your home.
Question 1: How do I know what my home is worth?
Ultimately, a home is worth what someone will pay for it. However, there are three values attributed to any home currently on the market:
What the seller thinks it’s worth.
What the buyer assumes it’s worth.
What a professional appraiser will think it’s worth.
One of the most critical aspects of selling your home is quickly getting those three numbers to align. Most real estate agents freely perform a comparative market analysis of home values to establish a property’s value to determine a selling price. They look at factors such as square footage, construction quality, condition of the home and neighborhood, design, and floor plan, plus all of the neighborhood’s features, like transportation availability, nearby shopping, and area schools.
Question 2: How do I get my home ready to sell?
Nearly all home purchase contracts include an inspection clause. This term is a buyer contingency that allows buyers to back out of the deal if numerous defects present themselves or negotiate their repair.
The trick to getting your home ready for the market is not to overspend on pre-sale improvements, especially if few houses are on the market with many buyers willing to pay almost any price. On the other hand, making such investments is the only way to stage and sell your house, even in a market that favors sellers.
Here are some quick highlights of expected home improvements and staging tips that every homeowner should have on their checklist going into negotiations:
Make sure that your roof is up-to-date; this will get you the highest return on your investment.
Fix any maintenance issues, such as leaks, plumbing problems, drafts, rusty areas, squeaky floorboards, mold, or mildew well before buyers can find them.
Applying a fresh coat of paint will make rooms look brand-new!
Polishing lighting fixtures and upgrading light bulbs is an inexpensive way to make a home look newer and brighter.
Less clutter helps a home look larger inside, so remove extra objects or furniture to give your home a more spacious feel.
Question 3: How do I pick the right offer on my home?
While seeing a bid over-asking price will make your heart race, it’s best to take a deep breath and consider the whole picture. Buyers include contingencies, like inspection, financing, and appraisal, in their offers. The fewer contingencies, the better it is for the seller.
You can consider an all-cash offer to eliminate the risk of contingencies. Anywhere from a quarter to a third of home sales now are cash offers, depending on the market, so this is more common than you may think!
What’s your next step after your home sells? The closing timeline can influence choosing your best offer—perhaps you’re in a hurry to move into your new place, or you need some extra time to finish packing. There’s always a lot to consider, and each seller’s needs are different.
The ultimate question: what are my net proceeds?
Because the real estate market is continually changing, and market fluctuations affect property values, your list price, sale price, and closing costs must be based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. To find out the current value of your home, contact our team today! Selling your home is a team effort that yields more success with the help of the most qualified and skilled realtors.
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.
Please join the Licata Group at Clearwater Fire-Grill on Thursday, February 24th to help raise funds to provide a specialized service dog for a very special boy, Charlie Wright, a Lake of the Woods resident. ALL DAY at Clearwater on Thursday, February 24th, 10% of ALL food and beverage purchases will be donated to Charlie’s cause. Visit Clearwater after 6pm on this day and you may receive the pleasure of having a Licata Group team member serve you! Stay ’til 8pm and you can participate or egg your friends on to join in singing on the karaoke machine. Clearwater Fire-Grill located at 4276 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove Virginia 22508, specializes in delicious, traditional American cuisine and is locally owned and operated by a Lake of the Woods resident. If you are unable to attend but would like to show your support, please consider donating to their GoFundMe page, here.
This event is organized and sponsored by The Licata Group EXP Realty LLC and Clearwater Fire-Grille.
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.
The Licata Group team with the assistance of LOW Fire and Rescue 29 will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 30th from 11 AM – 2PM! Just in time for the end of tax season, so salsa on over and safely and securely shred your documents! The Shred-it truck will be located within the Food Lion parking lot across from the Lake of the Woods front gate, near our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive (between AT&T and CVS). Donations are encouraged but not required, as all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. Fire and Rescue will be on-site assisting! We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! The Orange County Animal shelter will be present with adoptable animals. Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare.
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
Starting your life together as a young couple is highly exciting and romantic. Going house-hunting, choosing a place to live, and decorating your new home are all the steps to building your new life. One of the sweetest tasks here is selecting a location for your new home. Virginia attracts many new residents each year, so you won’t go wrong if you choose to call it home, too. Here are the most romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia.
Top reasons for moving to Orange County, VA
For those who are still hesitant about their location choice, we’ve got some helpful info that might convince you to move to Virginia. Orange County is one of many counties in this state, but it’s undoubtedly one of the favorites among new residents. People move here for different reasons:
A family-friendly lifestyle is encouraged in Orange County, which is why many young couples decide to start their families here;
Nature – beautiful scenery ensures there’s always something to do, so people regularly engage in different outdoor activities;
Education – Virginia belongs to the top 10 most educated states. Education has a high priority here, so if you’re moving with kids, you can be sure they will have the opportunity to learn;
Four seasons – in Virginia, you can experience four distinct seasons and enjoy each of them to the fullest. Summers are hot and humid, and summer months are pretty busy with tourists. On the other hand, winters can be pretty cold and harsh, but they offer various winter activities.
If this was enough to convince you to move to Orange County, just make sure you do everything it takes to have the relocation that goes according to plan. Even when moving locally, a reliable moving team, safe packing, and on-time preparations are a must.
Virginia has a lot to offer – explore your options carefully.
New home in Virginia – the most romantic towns to live in Orange County
We’ve got some excellent news for young couples looking for a new home. There are several romantic towns you can choose from!
Orange
Let’s start with the seat of Orange County, the place where most people start their search. Historical buildings surrounded by beautiful nature make this place one of the most romantic towns to live in Orange County. Orange is also one of the most popular places in the state, as its natural resources support various industries and create many job opportunities.
Gordonsville
This place is a perfect example of a romantic small town that’s most suitable for those looking for a place to raise a family. Most residents own their homes here, and you can enjoy an authentic suburban feel. The charming streets of Gordonsville make the town quite romantic – red-brick buildings with colorful details, many flowers, and old-style street lights are everywhere. You will enjoy taking a walk and visiting some of the galleries and quaint shops, finishing the night at one of the super romantic restaurants. Also, there are a couple of wineries nearby, which can be a perfect way to spend a romantic weekend. The place is popular among tourists, but many also decide to move here and call Gordonsville home.
Lake of the Woods
Located at the east of Orange County, Lake of the Woods is a census-designated place that has become quite popular in recent years. The fact that it’s located on the lake makes the place genuinely romantic. But, locals love it for its rural feel, safe and family-friendly environment, and excellent public schools. The population is just above 8,000, making it easy to make friends and feel at home. There’s so much to do here – golfing, beach activities, fishing, kayaking, etc.
Imagine living near a lake. Romantic sunsets could become your everyday reality.
Moving to Orange County, VA
Once you choose a new home, you will need to start planning your move. Begin by creating a unique timeline. It will help you keep track of your progress and prevent you from forgetting or missing something. You’ll be more organized and therefore more successful.
Picking a suitable moving team is never easy. You will trust your household to strangers, so they need to be professional, reliable, and experienced. The pros at A2B Moving and Storage recommend hiring someone who already has a lot of experience with relocations in Virginia. Local pros usually have more affordable rates and know the fastest and safest ways to deliver your items.
It’s essential to take packing seriously. If you are organized, you’ll have a much faster and more efficient move. Firstly, remove all the things that are just eating up the space: all the clutter, unused items, broken and outdated pieces. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to pack and how many moving supplies you need.
Label your items according to the room they belong in. This is particularly important for those moving in to a big home. Write on each box what’s inside it and where it should go. Your movers will then put them in the fitting room, making the unpacking process easier for you.
Finally, pack the essentials separately. You probably won’t have the energy and time to unpack everything on your first night in your new home. Make sure you’ve got everything you need in one separate box—pack basic toiletries, sheets and pajamas, chargers, etc.
Building a family in one of the most romantic towns to live in Orange County is a dream come true for many people.
Romance in Virginia
Choosing one of the romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia, is an excellent idea. However, the romance and spark of your relationship don’t depend on it. Choose a place where you can start building new memories together and watch your new life unfold!
Meta description: Couples looking for a place to start a family – explore the most romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia for your new 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 contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to 209 Elm St! You will be in awe from the minute you arrive, you are welcomed by stone accents and a front porch to relax with your favorite beverage. Once inside the excitement just continues with an incredible gourmet kitchen boasting island, stainless steel appliances, granite, and all the amenities of the perfect chef’s kitchen. Everyday life and entertaining will be a breeze with the openness of the main level. The owner’s suite is elegant and features a luxurious en-suite bath, a perfect retreat from the daily grind. The third-floor host more bedrooms and a full bath to comfortably accommodate friends and family. Find your way to the finished basement for more deluxe space to entertain in the rec room and home gym! So many possibilities in this well-kept home! Elegant outdoor entertainment will be a breeze with the spacious deck and lower-level patio. Exterior security cameras in front and back of the home for peace of mind. But to add more to this already extravagant home is the rare opportunity to own a new home with solar panels installed and saving you money and giving you tax credits. Why wait for new construction when this incredible home was brand new in 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 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.
Welcome to 625 Mt. Pleasant Dr! This immaculate, updated, and well-maintained home in Lake of the Woods truly has it all. From the moment you arrive, you will love the inviting curb appeal, circular driveway, and front porch. Upon entering, you are greeted by gleaming hardwood floors, fine finishes, and a sought-after open floor plan. The ample windows in the living room allow the sun to shine in and provide so much natural light. This expansive chef’s kitchen features a breakfast bar, granite countertops, backsplash, skylights, and upgraded stainless-steel appliances. In addition, the open concept style leads into the formal dining room with a fireplace for embracing that romantic dinner you’re planning. An etched glass door opens into a mini bar area, perfect for all your entertainment needs! The owner’s suite is spacious, with French doors to the living room and offers an en-suite bath featuring two separate sink vanities, a walk-in beautifully tiled shower, a luxurious soaking tub. Perfect place to unwind and relax. Heading to the beautiful back yard, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the privacy, as this is sure to become one of your favorite spots. Not to be overlooked, this house has a whole house generator for peace of mind.
Lake of the Woods, a private, gated, secured community, offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
