New construction homes can have hidden costs, which is why you have to pay attention to the details when deciding on a new build.
When touring model homes, always ask the builder about what’s standard and what’s considered an upgraded feature with additional costs.
Buy on your terms and work with our team to navigate the ins and outs of purchasing the new construction home of your dreams!
Don’t Mistake “New Construction” with “All-Inclusive”
There are many advantages of buying a new construction home—low-maintenance living, brand-new appliances, and minimal repair costs are just a few. Plus, a new build provides a blank slate for buyers to begin making sweet new memories!
While buyers should be excited about all these benefits, they should also be aware of the potential hidden costs associated with purchasing a new build. We’re here to ensure you know exactly what is included in the overall cost of your new construction home.
Protect yourself before there’s a problem
Just like an existing home, a brand-new home can have hidden issues that could require repairs. Something as simple as inadequate plumbing or roofing could result in sizable amounts of damage—this is why you have to protect yourself by being proactive in the home-buying process. All builders have their own nuances, which is why you should take the time to research different options before deciding on the right one. If you want some tried and true recommendations, your agent can provide valuable insight. Every home, including new builds, should be checked by an independent home inspector who isn’t affiliated with the builder.
Before you commit to purchasing a new build, make sure to read the fine print of the home warranty. You may have to rely on your warranty if any issues arise that aren’t covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy. And remember, not every warranty is the same, so it’s important to determine exactly what your warranty covers and the length of the coverage.
Stay true to your non-negotiables
Newly-built homes aren’t guaranteed to include all the necessities, so you need to know what to expect from a standard model. It’s quite common for new builds to come without certain interior items, such as appliances and window treatments, plus exterior fencing and landscaping.
Before you make an offer, talk to your builder with your agent present and ask about the features included in your future home. Everything from drawer handles to light fixtures could cost extra, so be sure to compile a list of non-negotiables to budget for things you can’t live without.
Don’t be duped by the mesmerizing model home
The model homes you’ll tour often have all the available upgrades the builder offers—we’re talking gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and open-concept floor plans with beautiful hardwood flooring. However, these top-level features could cost you thousands of dollars more than the builder’s grade basics.
You can work with your agent to figure out which features are included in the standard model’s base price. Be sure to focus on what originally made you fall in love with the property, not all the bells and whistles you see in the showy model. When contemplating which upgrades are worth the cost, think about the home’s future resale value—will the upgrades increase your return on investment and appeal to a variety of buyers? This is a prime opportunity to lean on your agent’s expertise to determine which upgrades will add the most value to your home.
Ready to Buy a New Build?
When you buy a new construction home, you always want to have a trusted real estate agent by your side. Remember, the builder’s sales agent has the builder’s best interest in mind—not yours. We have the new construction experience needed to guide you through the negotiation process and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Contact us to learn more about new construction properties in the area, and we’ll get the ball rolling on buying your new home today!
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.
Our real estate expertise goes far beyond just buying or selling your home—you can rely on us for quality resources before and after you’ve moved.
Whether you’re searching for the best local handyman, a notary, or something else entirely, you can trust our vetted providers to get the job done.
If you ever need a real estate recommendation—today or years down the road—just give us a call for personalized advice!
Unlock Our Exclusive Real Estate Recommendations
We like to consider ourselves real estate experts, and we love being able to share our knowledge with you! Throughout our years of working in the housing market, we’ve formed deep relationships with not only our clients, but with local trusted businesses, too. We’ve vetted these vendors ourselves so that you don’t have to play the costly game of trial and error.
Need some personalized recommendations or strategic advice? Here’s how your agent can serve you even after you’ve moved.
Sellers, we don’t stop at “SOLD”
When we say we’re by your side every step of the way, we mean it—which means our services never stop at “SOLD!” Whether we’ve just listed your home or already sold it, we know there’s always more work to be done. Seemingly small details go a long way in making a house a home. We’ve worked with the best professional landscapers, painters, and cleaners in the area—all contacts you need to put the finishing touches on your space.
We consider our clients to be one of our own, which means our exclusive buying and selling resources are always available to you. At any time, you can see if your home value has increased using our free estimator or jumpstart the buying process after you sell with our advanced search tool. Our real estate professionals have gained invaluable experience in working with our clients, so we try to return the favor whenever possible by providing in-depth insight.
New homeowners, you’re not done with us yet
We loved helping you find your dream home so much that we want to keep working with you—and honestly, we think we’re going to need each other! Homeownership is a huge investment, so you want your new place to be in tip-top shape at all times.
First things first, it’s important to change your locks when you move into your home, since you don’t know who might have a copy of your keys. Don’t know of a local locksmith? Don’t worry, we’ll open some doors for you! Don’t let a household repair linger just because you don’t know a trusted provider who can get the job done. Whether you’re looking for a handyman to lend a helping hand on a home project or need repairs for your HVAC, you can count on our personalized recommendations for the most reliable providers in the area!
And for when you’ve been watching (maybe too much) HGTV…
We get it, watching Fixer Upper makes you want to DIY your entire home, especially if you’re thinking about listing soon or just moved in. But for when you’re not in the mood to do it all yourself, we’ve got contacts for everything from new light fixtures to full-on home renovations. Our desire for you to live in your dream home doesn’t stop when you sign the closing documents, and we will always be available to help with any home improvements.
Want Access to Our Preferred Vendors?
Working with a top-notch real estate agent means you’ve gained a partner for life. So when anything comes up in your buying, selling, or homeownership journey, just give us a call!
Whether you’re at the beginning of the selling process or have already bought your dream home, you can always rely on us to connect you with the area’s best vendors. Contact us today for any recommendations you may need—and don’t forget, we’re locals too, and we love to catch up with our clients!
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.
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
As the nation gets ready to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, the LOW Veterans Club will provide an impressive outside ceremony honoring those individuals who have died on military active duty during service to their country. The approximately one-hour event starting at noon at the flagpole in front of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse will feature several ways of recognizing those individuals who paid the ultimate price of their lives for their country.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 because it was a day to decorate the graves of lost loved ones. Subsequently the name was changed to Memorial Day and was declared to be a national holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
LOW residents and their guests are invited to witness the true meaning of Memorial Day. Some of the patriotic events include proper raising and lowering of the American Flag, reading of the names of the LOW veterans who died in 2020, description of the historic meaning of Memorial Day, and the presentation of the wreath. Also, newly assigned LOW Veterans Club bugler, Tom Ackman, is a member of the “Buglers Across America” will perform taps.
In the spirit and intent of honoring fallen armed forces personnel the LOW Veterans Club recommends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) a nonprofit organization that funded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC. VVMF has created an In Memory plaque which contains names of the Vietnam veterans who have lost their lives as a result of their service in Vietnam.
Veterans so honored who have succumbed to: Exposure to Agent Orange; PTSD/Suicide; Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease, and Parkinson ’s disease. For more information contact VVMF at InMemory@vvmf.org.
For further information about the LOW Veterans Club and its activities, please contact club president Mike Ferguson at 571-972-5313 or email him at colmferguson@msn.com.
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.
Many of us have fallen in love with the art that Van Gogh brought into this world, and now you’ll have the opportunity to experience it like never before! The Van Gogh Immersive Experience will be coming to Washington DC this summer! The experience consists of a 20,000 sq ft light and sound spectacular which features two-story projections of the most compelling work by the famed artist. This 360 degree spectacular allows you to encounter the sheer brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists.
The experience is digital and hands-free to promote proper social distancing so that a multitude of families and friends alike can enjoy this wonderful opportunity. Stretching from floor to ceiling, the experience includes separate galleries that tell his life, journey, technique and of course, display his beautiful atwork in a way never seen before.
The Immersive Experience also features a Virtual Reality interactive, which will guide you on journey through “A day in the life of the Artist.” Here, you’ll walk alongside Van Gogh during this visually rich journey as you discover the inspiration that lies behind eight of his iconic works, including: Starry Night and Vincent’s Bedroom at Arles.
Tickets for the Van Gogh: Immersive Experience will go on sale Friday, March 5th, 2021, and we highly encourage you to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! For more information, you can visit the official website by clicking 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
The continued inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was clearly evident in Lake of the Woods again in 2020. Listings decreased by 11.6%, from 397 in 2019 to 351 in 2020, while closed sales were up 4% from 301 to 313. New construction accounted for 34 of the 313 sales. The median sold price increased a healthy 7.87% year over year from $270000 to $291,250 in 2020.
Of the 313 total sales reported in 2020, only 8, or 2 1/2%, were either short sales or foreclosures. At the height of the distressed real estate market in 2010, a whopping 43% of all sales were either short sales or foreclosures.
Now let’s look at our steady growth over the past five years:
In 2017, there were 291 total sales, a whopping 21.7% increase over 2016 at 239. The median sales price climbed to $239,000.
In 2018, 234 homes sold, which was an 8% decrease from 2017. The median sales price rose to $249,900. In 2019, we realized a 28.63% gain in homes over 2018, with a total of 301 selling.
Average Days on the Market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, has steadily declined from 117 in 2016 to 37 in 2020.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2016-Decemeber 31, 2020, a total of 196 lots sold: 24 in 2016; 37 in 2017; 45 in 2018, 41 in 2019; and 49 in 2020. There simply are very few lots left in LOW.
New construction has been climbing, as well. 2016 realized 28 new construction starts; in 2017, there were 30; in 2018, there were 34; in 2019, there were 48; and there were a whopping 66 new starts in 2020.
Another notable statistic is the dramatic rise in average sold price to original list price ratio. It has steadily risen from 93.9% in 2016 to 99.2% in 2020.
According to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage rates were expected to stay within the 3.7-3.9% range in 2020. Interestingly, rates were surely seen well below those numbers. As of today, it’s possible to obtain a 15-year fixed rate below 2%, with the 30-year rate below 3%. Financial experts are expecting another year of low interest rates.
The prognosis for 2021, as it was in 2020, is excellent! In LOW, there are 9 homes active on the market as of 1/14/2021. In January of 2019, there were 57. Low, stable rates and hopefully more inventory should propel us to experience another year of healthy sales and appreciation.
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
In May, 19 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 1 sold between $130-200,000; 7 sold between $200-249,000; 7 sold between $250-299,000; 4 sold between $300-400,000;
44 Active Listings for Sale 61 Homes Under Contract 93 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.
What better way to celebrate springtime than the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! This year’s festival will span across four weeks, beginning on Friday March 20th and ending on April 12th! During this time, there will be several different events that will be going on, starting off with the Pink Tie Party on March 20th, which features live music, an open bar, a live performance by WHITE OUT TOKYO who were the World of Dance Champions, and a truly amazing silent auction! The opening ceremony will officially kick everything on the 21st during the opening weekend. On March 28th, thousands of kites will take to the skies at the Blossom Kite Festival! Starting at 10AM at the grounds of the Washington Monument, novices and professionals alike will test their skills in through various competitions and demonstrations. You can bring your own kites or purchase them at the event. Kids can create their own at the activity station and fly them on the public field.
Make sure you’re at Constitution Avenue on April 4th from 10AM – 12PM for the National Cherry Blossom Parade! With marching bands, elaborate floats, giant helium balloons and performers marching down the street, it’s sure to be a spectacle that you don’t want to miss!
Lastly, be sure to be at Water St SE for Petalpalooza on April 11th! From 1PM – 9PM, you’ll enjoy a day full of live music and numerous engaging activities that are sure to be fun for the whole family! This is a celebration of art, music, and each other and will conclude with a spectacular firework show set to music. This yearly celebration is loved by all, and you’re sure to have an amazing time at any and all events! Make sure to save each date, as the Cherry Blossoms won’t last forever!
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
Returning for its 6th year, the annual Ice Yards event will be happening on Saturday, February 1st from 1PM-5PM in Washington DC! Here you’ll enjoy popular Icy cocktails and local brews as you spend your time at the only adult-friendly winter wonderland in DC! Participate in ice games and interactive ice activities while you enjoy live music, axe throwing, inflatable jousting, live ice carving and an attempt at DC’s largest group Shotski! Tickets are only $10 and include (1) beer or wine upon entry. Guests can also take part in the “Polar Plunge” to help raise money for the Special Olympics DC! For more information about this event, be sure to Click Here!
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
