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.
Whether you’re looking to buy a house for aging in place or to accommodate your current accessibility needs, there are so many things to consider as the owner of a home-based business. In addition to looking for a house with wide hallways and doorways, zero-step entrances, and other accessible features, you’ll need plenty of open space for your home office.
The Licata Group can help you with your search. Here are more tips to buy an accessible home that accommodates you and your home-based business.
What to Look for in Your New Home
As you prepare to buy an accessible home for living and doing business, an experienced real estate agent will be an incredible asset. Your agent can help you to search for homes that meet your budget, location preferences, and accessibility needs — while also keeping the needs of your business, clients, and employees in mind as well.
Depending on your personal and professional needs, several types of home features to look for include the following:
A spacious room with an open floor plan, wide door, lower light switches, and good lighting that can be used for your home office
A fully accessible bathroom that’s located near the office
Single-story floor plans
Non-slip flooring
Doors with lever-style handles
Ample parking for guests and employees
Space for a waiting room that can be used by your guests
If you can’t find a fully accessible home that accommodates the needs of you and your business, you could modify the property later on. MoneyGeek offers some tips on modifying a home for accessibility purposes and paying for the renovations with loans and grants.
Accessible Home Office Essentials
After buying a home that accommodates you and your business, you’ll need to create an accessible office space. Wheel Chic Home shares some tips on choosing an accessible space for an office and furnishing it with an adjustable desk and chair, shelves, and multiple lighting sources. Some other accessible office essentials may include:
If buying a new house isn’t the right choice for you and your business, you could modify your existing home for accessibility purposes — or build an accessible office addition. But if you’re just now getting your business up and running, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration before deciding whether to renovate your existing home.
For starters, you’ll need to check local zoning ordinances to determine whether home-based businesses are permitted in your city or county of residence. And to qualify for the home office deduction at tax time, you’ll need to ensure that your new workspace meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In addition, you’ll need to choose a business structure for your home-based business. A limited liability company (LLC) is one type of business entity to consider when forming a home-based business as this type of structure offers tax advantages, limited liability, a simple filing process, and greater flexibility in how the business is managed.
Moreover, there are a few ways to form a limited liability company, including online, by yourself, or with help from an attorney. However, attorney’s fees can be costly, and you’ll need to review local LLC rules and regulations if you plan on filing yourself. For many, filing online with a business formation service can be the simplest, quickest, and cheapest option.
In Conclusion
As a home-based business owner with accessibility needs, there are so many things to consider when buying a house to accommodate you and your business. But even if you can’t find an accessible home that has everything you want or need, try not to be discouraged. You can always make a few accessible home modifications in the future!
Are you looking to buy an accessible home that meets your personal and professional needs? Contact The Licata Group to begin your search for the perfect home! 540-388-2541
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
One may consider home maintenance as a regular health checkup. The result is the same. Year-round upkeep is vital as it protects the home, just like it protects its inhabitants. Although the tasks involved will differ depending on the climate, one thing is mutual to all. A properly maintained home requires moderate time, effort, financial investment, and – a home maintenance checklist. The last thing any homeowner should be is careless or indifferent.
A seasonal maintenance checklist makes tasks manageable.
Apart from building materials used and installed systems, home-keeping responsibilities also depend on location and weather conditions throughout the year. Hence, if you own a lakefront property, upkeep tasks will vary from the tasks necessary to maintain a home in an arid or cold climate. When you add the factors specific for different seasons, home maintenance may seem a little bit like science.
Every season provides a range of assignments to dedicated homeowners. However, the process of housekeeping becomes a lot easier with a monthly or seasonal checklist. Take note: if you don’t feel up to the task (any task), don’t hesitate to call a professional to help you out. Otherwise, you risk injuries and damage to your property.
Fall home maintenance checklist
Winter is coming and with it several essential fall maintenance duties. If you have a backyard, this is the perfect time to rake the leaves and then reseed your lawn. Afterward, you may plant bulbs, shrubs, trees, and perennials. Just make sure you provide your newly planted garden with plenty of water. Once you finish with watering, empty the hose and clean your gardening tools. Should you need to store away your tools and other seasonal belongings, Best Cross Country Movers database will help you find a reliable storage facility close by.
Always be on the lookout for frozen pipes.
Fall is also the time to service your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Respective professionals will check the thermostats and radiators, ductwork and valves, vents, and chimneys. However, with the first strong winds, you can check the home for the draft and plug any cracks and holes. Insulate your doors and windows, and you will enjoy winter in a warm and cozy home and save on heating bills.
Home upkeep in the winter
If you live in a cold climate with plenty of snow in the wintertime, ready your snowblower. Before the first use, make sure it is in good working condition. Also, don’t forget to stock up on motor oil and gasoline as well as on fuel for heating. Furthermore, inspect your home from the (below) ground up. Leaks in your basement can occur during thaws and cause significant water damage. If you have a water heater, make sure there aren’t any pressure issues or leaks, too.
Check your roof and gutters, especially after snowstorms. Be prepared to deal with ice dams as this ice build-up can not only seriously damage your roof but also let water in and damage the interior of walls. If you plan to work from home during winter and require additional space, think about having your garage updated or repurposed before the holidays. In case all you have to do is reorganize storage and clean the area, the slow winter season is when you should do it. Finally, as the holidays are approaching, check your electric installations, and make sure they can support all of your decorations on time.
Spring: time to inspect everything
Come spring, you might feel overwhelmed with all the tasks ahead, but there is time for everything. Spring is ideal for getting your outdoor spaces ready for summer, decluttering, and thoroughly cleaning your home. However, you should inspect your house first for any signs of damage that may have occurred during winter. No matter how small the cracks you notice during your home inspections, make sure you fix them in the early stage. Harsh weather will affect the roof and gutters, chimney, facade, driveway, and walkways.
As it becomes warmer, make sure an inspection and servicing of your HVAC system are on your home maintenance checklist.
If you live in a flood zone, check if your sump pump is in proper condition. Spring is also the time to get your pool ready for the upcoming summer season. Clean it, examine the valves, replace filters, or call the experts to handle it all. Once again, check the pipes inside your home, walls, and ceilings. Also, address even the smallest signs of water damage, and check faucets for leaks. Whenever the weather allows, spend time in your garden. Check the trees for any dead branches, trim the shrubs, reseed the empty patches in your newly grown lawn, and get your lawnmower ready. Inspect your sprinklers, too.
Summer is (not) the time to rest.
Whether you need to deal with scratched hardwood floors, porch, or repaint the house, summer is the right season. Long warm days will help dry the varnish or paint faster. Once the spring is over, it is time to oil the hinges in the house and garage door chain. If you have a backyard, set up your sprinklers. Regularly trim your lawn and shrubs and clean your pool from algae, leaves, and debris.
Regularly mow your lawn in the summer.
While it is a monthly maintenance task, cleaning your A/C filters is highly important during summer, especially if you spend a lot of time at home with the system on. Hot summer is also the time to be on the lookout for pest infestation. Consider asking a pest control company for a home inspection and resolve any bug or pest infestation issues at an early stage. The summer season is also a home remodeling period, but it also means that the costs are higher. Consider scheduling your home renovation with a contractor for the fall and split it into easily manageable tasks. This way, you won’t depend on the weather too much.
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
It’s time to say so long to 2020, and good riddance with a New Years Eve dinner at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery! The evening will start off with a sparkling wine toast, and follows with a 3 course prix fixe menu. Each course will include an ideal wine pairing from one of Potomac Point wines. Total cost will be $84 per person + tax and a 20% service fee.
Reservations are required, and the event will be accepting groups of 2-8 guests. Groups that include 2-4 guests will have a 2-hour reservation and groups of 4-8 will have a 2.5-hour reservation. It’s recommended that you arrived 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. 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
Have you been craving to watch a parade? If so, then you’re in luck because the Stafford, VA Christmas Parade is happening on Saturday, December 19th! Starting at 3PM at the Stafford Fairgrounds, you’ll enjoy watching multiple floats and celebrate the season from either the safety of your car, or from chairs set up outside! Registration is available now at www.Staffordchristmasparade.com, so be sure to grab your ticket!
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
