When it comes to selling your home, staging is the easiest way to make a great first impression both online and during an in-person tour.
Focusing on the smaller touches can really impress buyers—and lighting is an important detail you should never overlook.
Looking for more easy tips to transform your home and get top dollar in no time? Drop us a line for even more staging advice!
Staging Before You Sell? Don’t Overlook Your Home’s Lighting!
You’ve probably heard that staging is an essential step to drawing in buyers. Most real estate agents will tell you to stick with neutral decor and depersonalize as much as possible before your home hits the market. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a few subtler changes, too.
Looking for an easy way to accentuate your home’s best features? Try framing them in the right light—literally. Bright, ample lighting will give your space a glow buyers will love, and it can even make your house seem larger and more open. Here are some easy ways to ensure your home is perfectly lit before your next showing.
Choose the right bulbs
The quickest way to boost your home’s brightness is to swap out low wattage incandescents in favor of LED (light-emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs. They’re slightly more expensive, but the payoff is worth it—your rooms will feel much more spacious, and they can last for up to 50,000 hours.
Nowadays, LEDs and CFLs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. If you’re looking to add a warm glow or make a room feel cozy, try going for a soft white bulb. Cooler bulbs create an energizing atmosphere better suited for task lighting, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Swap out old fixtures
Take a look at the light fixtures throughout your home—are they looking a little dated? You may not mind that old ceiling fan light or tarnished wall sconce, but buyers will likely notice them. While you don’t have to replace every fixture in the house, updating the ones in your main living areas will make your space appear more on-trend.
You want to keep your lighting neutral, and incorporate matching finishes wherever possible. If you’re not sure where to start, consider replacing your kitchen lights with stylish pendants. Swapping out an old chandelier for a lantern or orb-style fixture can breathe new life into your dining room. And when it comes to the bathroom, try to choose sconces with clean, simple lines.
Layer your lighting
Layering your lighting is just like arranging furniture; if done correctly, it can enhance the size and feel of an entire space. You should aim for three different types of lighting in each room: ambient (overhead), task (reading or desk lights), and accent (table or floor lamps). This forms a cohesive level of light throughout your home.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your lights. You can add both form and function with some under-counter lighting or by installing a dimmer switch on an overhead fixture for more customization. The possibilities really are endless—if you’re in need of some ideas, just ask your agent!
Amp up the natural light
Today’s buyers want homes filled with natural light. So if you have a room that gets a lot of sun, throw back the drapes and open the blinds before a showing.
Looking for additional ways to create a sun-bathed glow? Think about painting your walls in lighter colors—like white, grey, or beige—or using a higher gloss finish. You can also accessorize with mirrors or shiny decor to reflect light throughout a space.
Looking for More Home Staging Tips?
Staging your home doesn’t have to be hard when you have the help of a top-rated agent! Contact us today for even more exclusive selling tips—we’d love to get your property market-ready and maximize your potential profits. And if it’s been a while since you checked up on your home’s current value, feel free to ask us for a complimentary equity assessment.
Welcome to 200 Meadowview Lane! You’ll love the value that this great house, located near the front gate and golf course, provides! Warming up in front of the cozy living room wood burning fireplace in winter and relaxing on the expansive front porch in summer will become favorites! Once inside, you are greeted by newly refinished, gleaming hardwood floors in living room that continue into dining area and kitchen. The living room leads to the dining area and kitchen that boasts beautiful cabinetry and tiled backsplash. You will love the spacious family room/flex space full of light that is accessible from the side foyer as well as kitchen. The main level owner’s suite with en-suite bath, as well as two additional bedrooms and full bath, are sure to please. The lower level features a recreation room/flex space, laundry room, and oversized one car garage. For more information on 200 Meadowview Lane, 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.
The picturesque setting is the perfect backdrop for this spectacular, one of a kind custom built home on 7+ private acres with pond close to everything Fredericksburg/Spotsy has to offer. You are welcomed by a grand, inviting front porch that provides a glimpse of what’s to come inside while providing gorgeous views outside. Once you enter, you are wowed by the incredible soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and overall grandeur of this fabulous home. As you enter the living room, the true center of the home, you will make memories with family and friends gathering, enjoying the soaring ceilings and warmth of the gas fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is also grand in size, offering all the fine finishes you can imagine: granite countertops, upgraded cabinets, grand island with wet sink, and stainless steel high end appliances. With ease, you will enjoy your morning coffee and paper on the screened porch, accessible from both kitchen and living room. The light-filled formal dining room flows graciously from the kitchen–perfect for those large holiday gatherings.
The laundry room, tucked away behind pocket doors, will be the envy of all. There’s plenty of room for washer, dryer, cabinets, sink and folding area. A sought after main level owner’s suite offers french doors to the deck overlooking the inground pool, and gorgeous pastoral, wooded views. The owner’s bath provides all the amenities you’d expect: elegant soaking tub, double granite vanity, private shower, and huge walk in closet. The stunning open stairway leads to the upper level, boasting a loft overlooking the living room and two spacious bedrooms, each with en-suite baths. The lower level will delight with an additional bedroom, full bath, office/flex space, exercise room and expansive family room with french doors that lead to the patio. Off of the patio, which features built in bar seating, lies the amazing inground pool. Wait… there’s more! Above the garage you’ll find an incredible in-law/teen suite (with inside main house access), which includes a full kitchen, center island, dining room, family room and bedroom with en-suite full bath. Wait…there’s even more! The possibilities are totally endless for the barn: run a business, house your car collection, use as a workshop, or as an office. While a picture paints a thousand words, you truly must see this special offering. For more information on 12605 Mill Road, 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
The Bull Run Festival of Lights is here! Enjoy a 2.5 mile drive as you view thousands of beautiful lights! The show is open nightly Monday-Thursday from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM and Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25 per car to $50 per day depending on the day and time. Timed entry tickets are available on Monday-Thursday nights from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, and Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday nights from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Be sure to come out and enjoy this beautiful festival of lights! For more information including where to purchase tickets, 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
Santa along with his trusty Reindeer will be paying a special visit to all of the good boys and girls in Lake of the Woods! He’ll be sitting on the porch of 310 Fairway Drive every Wednesday night in December from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to greet all the kids from a safe social distance. No lap sitting will be required, and the porch will be blocked off to ensure that proper social distancing is maintained. You’ll be able to enter the half circle driveway and wave to Santa from your car. Don’t miss your chance to see Santa in 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 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.
If you’re looking to shred some old papers or documents, now you can do so at our office! We are proud to announce that we have an on-site secure shredding service that we’re providing to our clients for FREE!! All you have to do is come to our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive (between CVS and AT&T across from the LOW front gate) during our office hours, Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and ask to speak to one of our team members. You will be guided to the locked box that is only accessible by Iron Mountain, the shredding service. You’ll place your documents in the locked box and when full, Iron Mountain retrieves the contents and provides us with a certificate when contents have been shredded. We love being a resource to our community, so come to our office and shred to your hearts content!
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 November, 20 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 1 sold between $130-200,000; 4 sold between $200-249,000; 4 sold between $249,900-299,000; 9 sold between $300-399,000; 2 sold between $400-599,000;
18 Active Listings for Sale 51 Homes Under Contract 286 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.
As mortgage rates continue hovering near historic lows, many potential buyers are eager to make a move—but it can be hard to know which type of loan is best.
There are dozens of different mortgage options available today, and some even have low down payment or credit score requirements. This can help a variety of buyers finally achieve their real estate goals.
Need help finding a lender or choosing the right mortgage for your needs? We’d be more than happy to offer a few recommendations.
Home Financing 101: The Most Common Types of Mortgages
Let’s face it—understanding mortgages can be the most complicated part of buying a home. Even experienced buyers sometimes have trouble deciding between lenders or shopping around for the best interest rate. And because there are so many options, it can be difficult to track down the mortgage that best meets your needs.
There are a variety of factors you should consider before committing to a loan, such as your income, debt, financial history, and how long you plan on staying in your new home. But if you play your cards right, you could end up scoring a great deal. Here are some of the most popular types of mortgages, as well as their pros and cons.
Fixed-rate mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage is the most basic and reliable type of home loan you can get. Your interest rate and monthly payment will stay the same for the entire duration of the mortgage, and you’ll likely have to put at least 20% down and have an established financial history to get approved.
Typically, fixed-rate mortgages are broken down into 15- or 30-year terms. If you want predictability and don’t plan on moving for a while, this is probably the best option for you.
Adjustable-rate mortgage
Unlike their fixed-rate counterparts, adjustable-rate mortgages offer the initial benefit of a lower rate and down payment. However, ARMs fluctuate with the market, which means your interest rate and monthly payments could increase or decrease over time.
While there is more risk involved with an adjustable-rate mortgage, it can be worth it if you plan on living in your home for a shorter period of time. Generally, ARMs have a capped introductory interest rate for the first few years, which can save you quite a bit of money compared to a fixed-rate loan.
VA loans
If you or your spouse are an active, retired, or veteran member of the military, you could be eligible for a VA loan. Backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs, this unique type of mortgage lets you buy a home with little to no down payment or mortgage insurance.
Because VA loans are guaranteed (but not financed) by the government, they do have stricter requirements than other mortgages. The loan can only be used towards a primary residence, and the house you intend to buy has to meet minimum property requirements. This means you’ll have to undergo additional inspections and appraisals.
FHA loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, the FHA loan is designed for first-time or lower-income buyers. While most mortgages typically require a down payment of 20% or more, the FHA loan allows buyers to put down as little as 3.5%; that equals out to around $9,000 for a $250,000 house.
FHA loans come with a fixed interest rate and can offer a path to homeownership for buyers who don’t have enough saved for a traditional loan. However, you will be required to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) every month, which typically costs around 1% of your total loan amount. It’s also important to remember that the government does not issue your loan—you’ll still have to shop around for the right FHA-approved lender.
USDA loans
The USDA loan is a government-sponsored mortgage program that targets buyers in more rural areas. While the USDA does have stricter credit and income requirements than the FHA, they’ll fund up to 100% of the purchase price for an eligible home. That means you won’t have to put any money down, and you may even enjoy a lower-than-average interest rate.
Additionally, USDA loans require mortgage insurance, and you won’t be approved if your debt-to-income ratio exceeds 41%. Before applying, you should also check the USDA’s eligibility map to see if your area qualifies for the program.
Other loans
This is hardly an exhaustive list of all the mortgages used by today’s home buyers! Depending on your financial situation, you could qualify for a more niche loan, such as a balloon mortgage, bridge loan, or jumbo loan. Many banks, lenders, and state governments also have their own programs or incentives that are worth exploring. You can even combine different types of loans to create a financing plan that’s tailored to your needs.
If you don’t have time to research all of your options, it might be beneficial to work with a mortgage broker or ask your agent for recommendations. They’ll have the knowledge to guide you in the right direction!
Want to Learn More About Mortgages?
If you’re in the market for a new home, we’d love to discuss your financing options or recommend some top-rated lenders. Contact us today to learn the ins and outs of the home buying process, from finding a loan to finally getting the keys to your new place. We look forward to helping you start your next chapter!
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 to 4603 Lakeview Parkway! This meticulous, move-in ready, Lake of the Woods home will wow you! Once inside, you will love the open floor plan, all the updates and the split bedroom design. The great room delights with soaring ceilings, tons of windows and a fireplace for those chilly nights. Enjoy cooking and entertaining in this beautiful kitchen with a pantry, island and open to the formal dining room. You’ll be impressed by the incredible owner’s suite with an inviting en-suite bath and access to the deck. Relaxing on your screened porch and wraparound deck, while enjoying the sounds of nature, may become a favorite pastime. Proximity to front gate makes this one, the one! Get your lake life started today! For more information on 4603 Lakeview Parkway, 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.
Welcome to the spectacular, custom, 6400+ sqft waterfront home awaiting you at 146 Harrison Circle, where you will be wowed from the moment you arrive. The stunning stamped concrete driveway, incredible curb appeal, and lush landscaping are just the beginning. Imagine the memories you’ll make by getting your lake life started here! If you are seeking a waterfront home that has it all, then this is it! Great, private water frontage and lake views, dock with boat and wave runner lifts, expansive three tier deck with a different “experience” on each level (open and private spaces), and oversized windows and doors are just a few fine features of this fantastic property. Relaxing on any of the private or open deck areas or dock, fishing, kayaking, boating, or just taking in the views can be yours! On the interior, you’ll love the amazing architecture featuring unique ceilings and so much more, unique staircase, impressive floor to ceiling stone fireplace, and generous sized rooms.
Enjoy cooking in the gourmet kitchen in the center of the home that features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and dining area with water views. The beautiful family room boasts walls of windows and doors with water views in every direction. The formal dining room with cathedral ceilings and formal living room united by a double sided fireplace will add ambiance while entertaining. The main level owner’s suite boasts a fireplace and attached office/sitting room/exercise room via the fun spiral staircase. The luxurious spa-like en-suite bath and two walk-in closets with built-ins are sure to please. The convenience of the main level laundry room with deep sink and tons of storage, along with a half bath, complete the main level. As you ascend the staircase, you’ll find a bedroom (don’t miss the secret room) with en-suite bath, as well as another bedroom and full bath. You will find entertaining an absolute breeze on the lower level! It includes a fabulous recreation room, bar, sunroom, two bedrooms, two full baths, flex space (currently used as an office), and an awesome media room that will make movie night a favorite activity. Begin making those memories now! For more information on 146 Harrison Circle, 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.
