The historic Memorial Hall in Gordonsville, VA is being transformed into Champion Ice House! Champion Brewing Company, a very popular brewery in Charlottesville, VA, is partnering with Craig Hartman, owner and chef of BBQ Exchange to bring you this very exciting addition to Gordonsville! Expected to open in spring of 2021, Champion Ice House is looking to create that same spark that captivated the residents and visitors in Charlottesville, with Craig Hartman focusing on Southern fried chicken as the signature flagship dish!
With years of combined experience and a desire to provide high-quality food and drinks in a historical part of the area, Champion Ice House is poised to go down in history as one of the go-to restaurants in Gordonsville!
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
After a turbulent 2020, many homeowners are holding out until spring to list their properties.
Though spring is usually the busiest season for real estate, now is the time to take advantage of high prices, low interest rates, and skyrocketing demand for homes.
Not sure when to list? Get in touch with us today to explore your options!
Here’s Why Sellers Should Capitalize on 2021’s Hot Winter Housing Market
It’s safe to say that 2020 was a challenging year, both in real estate and for the world as a whole. And as we celebrate new beginnings, many homeowners are pondering a move at some point during 2021. Traditionally, spring is considered the best time of year to sell a home—but thanks to a number of factors, this is no longer the case.
Still not sure if now is the right time to move? Here’s why you shouldn’t wait any longer to put your home on the market.
You won’t have much competition
If you haven’t seen as many “For Sale” signs in your neighborhood recently, you’re not alone. According to the National Association of Realtors, available inventory has plummeted by nearly 40% over the last few months, which is fantastic news for today’s sellers.
Dwindling supply and high buyer demand will put your home in the spotlight if you decide to list this winter, and it means you’ll be in the driver’s seat during negotiations. Because there are fewer homes on the market right now, you also won’t have to compete with other sellers waiting to move in the spring.
Interest rates are still low
Interest rates reached record lows in 2020, which tempted many buyers to enter the market even amidst a pandemic. In November, rates actually dipped below 2.3%—that’s the lowest they’ve been in recorded history!
Most experts believe interest rates won’t spike during 2021, but we’ll probably see some slight increases as the economy continues to bounce back. Listing your home before rates go up comes with a lot of benefits, and it might even be the smartest financial decision you ever make.
Low interest rates help drive buyer demand and make homeownership more affordable. As a seller, that means you’ll draw in a larger audience of financially-qualified buyers and maybe even sell faster than you expect. If you plan on buying another home, you’ll be able to secure a great rate, too.
Home prices keep rising
If you’ve lived in your current home for more than a few years, now could be the perfect time to sell and cash in on your equity. In a recent study, the National Association of Realtors found that home prices have increased by a whopping 13.4% since 2019. In 2021, prices are expected to increase by 8%—and in 2022, that projection drops to just 5%.
While it may be tempting to “time” your sale to get the best possible price, selling your home when you know the market is doing well is a surefire way to yield an impressive profit. And if you’re ever curious about how much your home is worth right now, you can always ask your agent for a free home valuation.
The market could change before spring
As the market continues to recover, it’s still hard to know what will happen in 2021—after all, nobody predicted last year’s pandemic and economic collapse! Most experts aren’t expecting another sudden crash, but that doesn’t mean you should wait until spring to list your home.
Right now, we’re seeing a record amount of home sales, as well as a surprising number of motivated winter buyers. So if you want to be smart about your move, it makes sense to sell sooner rather than later.
Get the Most Out of Your Home Sale
If you’re thinking about selling your home this winter, contact us today at (540) 388-2541 to get started. We have plenty of resources to guide you through every step of the process, and we can even help you buy your next home after you sell.
Want to know how much home prices have risen in your neighborhood? Be sure to ask about our complimentary home value assessment!
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
At the Licata Group, we truly pride ourselves in our Customer Service. In 2020 we received a total 102 NEW reviews from our wonderful clients, bringing us to a grand total of 238 reviews and counting!
At the beginning of the year, we made a pledge to donate $5 for each review received, bringing our total donation to $510. We want to continue to “Give Where We Live” and contribute to our local community, so a total of: $255 was donated to the local Wilderness Food Pantry and $255 donated to the Orange County Animal Shelter. We are continuing our promise of donating $5 per each new review in 2021 and hope to donate more next year!!
If we have ever had the pleasure of working together in helping you buy or sell real estate, and you would like to share your experience – we would love to hear from you!! Click here to leave The Licata Group a review! If you would like to see what some of our past clients have said about us, be sure to check out our review page! We look forward to another prosperous year in helping you with all your real estate needs!
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
Welcome home to 129 Parliament Street in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods! You’ll love the location within walking distance of the pool, park, and Community Center! Upon entering, the light-filled living room with soaring ceilings and a brick fireplace for those chilly nights will wow you. The kitchen boasts upgraded appliances, breakfast bar and a large dining area with access to the deck. Off the deck you’ll find a private, level back yard perfect for gardening and enjoying outdoor activities. The main level also offers the owner’s bedroom, full bath and laundry. The upper level features a loft which is open to the living room below. This would make an awesome office or craft room, and it would be perfect as a virtual learning area. There’s even a private deck off of the loft! The upper level features two additional bedrooms and a full bath. For more information on 129 Parliament Street, 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.
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.
In December, 25 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 1 sold between $130-199,000; 4 sold between $200-249,000; 8 sold between $249,900-299,000; 8 sold between $300-399,000; 3 sold between $400-599,000; 1 home sold over $1,000,000!
13 Active Listings for Sale 42 Homes Under Contract 315 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.
Have you been wanting to check out the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA? From January 13th – 17th, you’ll be able to visit FOR FREE! This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the garden at your leisure. Advanced tickets and masks are required, and the garden is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10AM – 5PM. During this time, the garden Cafe and Tea Room will be closed. 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
Looking to give your sweetheart something truly sweet for Valentine’s Day? Then head to The Estate at White Hall Vineyards on January 30th to get your hands on some hot chocolate bombs! With this being the vineyard’s first event of 2021, they are excited to have you come down to pick up some holiday sweets! From 1PM – 4PM, you’ll get the opportunity to check out some new flavors, as well as his and her gift sets, sets for the kids, and a various selection of flavors as singles! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out some of the great wine that they offer! Start your Valentine’s Day off right with this wonderful shopping experience! For more information on this event, 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
If you have to describe it in just a word, many would say that Orange County, VA, is outstanding. It’s a great place to live, work, and enjoy every moment of free time relaxing in nature. In essence, there is beautiful scenery throughout the county, but also many historically rich locations. If you need a place far from the city crowds, you will find plenty of that in Orange County for sure. Far from all the bustle but close enough to benefit from modern amenities. This is why many homebuyers are moving to Orange County, VA, searching for a more quiet life. And when you add affordable costs and low taxes into the combination, it speaks for itself. Today, we will explore some of the most common reasons people are deciding to live in this beautiful area.
Several reasons homebuyers are moving to Orange County, VA
People have different reasons for purchasing a home. While it’s not always an easy decision, financial situation and quality of life are some of the main ones. But, finding the right community where you will enjoy and feel safe without spending a fortune can be challenging. However, this is precisely what many cities and towns in Orange County, VA offer. Overall, there are numerous appealing benefits Orange County can provide to its residents. From the quiet way of life to an excellent education to access to work. These are the reasons why it’s an immensely popular housing market. So, if you have the opportunity, you should seize it.
Discovering Orange County
Many people discover how beautiful Orange County is by mere occasion. Plenty of today’s residents were simple tourists passing by, but once they saw how convenient it is to live here, they decided to relocate.
History lovers enjoy tours through Montpelier and other historically rich locations, while nature enthusiasts come here for the fantastic landscape. And plenty of others just notice how leisure is a lifestyle here. Suddenly, enjoying a quiet country lifestyle while having access to city amenities becomes the idea. And taking a break from all the urban stress and settling into affordable Orange County is becoming a goal. After such discovery, many decide to explore the local estate market.
Many people are visiting Orange County for its amazing nature.
Wonderful weather
Besides so many things you can do and visit, Orange County has terrific weather. You can enjoy the lakeshore and visit the mountains on the same day. Just make sure you hit the right season since there are four distinctly beautiful seasons here. In January, temperatures are between 25 and 50F, while in July, it can be as high as nearly 90F.
From water to mountains, you have everything in Orange County.
Orange County geography
Orange County is a relatively leveled county with elevation going between 170 and 1200 feet. Even the highest summits, like Clark Mountain and Merry Mountain, don’t go above those heights. There is also Lake Orange, a preferable destination for those who enjoy the shoreline. This is one of the county’s best places for fishing, camping, and hiking. If you are more into boating, swimming, or waterskiing, you can also visit the northern parts of Lake Anna.
Working in Orange County, VA
History and beautiful nature are not the only conveniences of living in Orange County. Many fine places are within driving distance to large industrial cities. This means buyers are considering living in a calm environment and working nearby. On top of it, you always know all amenities are a short drive away. At the same time, you can find many major employers from agriculture to manufacturing to other sectors hiring here. But that’s not all. Orange County offers a fertile ground for all kinds of startups, so if you are looking to start your own business or expand an existing one, it can be a great opportunity. In addition, its location makes it accessible to major airports and ports, so transportations won’t be a problem.
Small-town atmosphere
The small-town atmosphere is another reason why buyers choose Orange County. Plenty of communities offer a laid back lifestyle in the middle of incredible scenery. These are the places where people mostly know each other and take good care of their neighbors. Each location has numerous gatherings and events where locals can enjoy. From different parks to farmer’s markets, it just adds to the overall atmosphere, making the entire Orange County more enticing. Of course, those who want more privacy can move to more secluded places on the outskirts of towns or mountains. These are the places where they can enjoy the impressive mountain views and fenced pastures like in movies. Just make sure to organize your relocation on time so that movers can take you to your new home in good weather.
Private ranch-style property is quite common to find.
Education
Homebuyers with kids, or those who plan on having them, show great interest in education. It’s fair to say that Orange County is dedicated to providing high-quality education. It’s constantly working on improving the education system, programs, and facilities, which is one of the main reasons families decide to buy a home and settle down here.
Orange County is an excellent place to spend your retirement in
Orange County also offers plenty of quite popular and quality places for retirees. Not only because of the slow pace of life, or wonderful nature and convenient weather. But also because of excellent healthcare access and affordability. Some of the best locations for retirees are those close to big city amenities and top-level medical facilities. And if you are looking for affordability, Orange County offers some of the best home prices in Virginia, as well as those in senior communities. Just make sure you contact the right agents to help you with information about locations and prices.
If you are a homebuyer who needs to ensure a life in a quiet place far from all the city bustle, Orange County welcomes you. This county offers something for everyone. You can enjoy living in completely private areas far from others, or you can live in friendly communities that care for each other. Inmost cases, homebuyers are moving to Orange County, VA, for a convenient and affordable lifestyle. With numerous locations that offer everything within a short drive, you can have everything you need.
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
