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
In lieu of the LOW Annual Members Holiday Party, the LOW Association is proud to announce their Holiday Home Decorating Contest! Registered homes will be placed on a map available for view at LOWA.org to allow community members to view and tour the homes. The deadline to register your home will be on Friday, December 4th and the deadline to decorate your home will be on December 10th. The Garden Club will begin judging homes on December 11th, and will end on the 13th with the winner being announced on the 14th, and published in Lake Currents on the 18th.
Winners will be chosen from one of four different categories, and will receive gift cards to local businesses. The four categories include:
Griswold Glory
Lots of lights, so many that Santa will be sure to not miss your home!
Hallmark Holidays
Your house is the perfect greeting card with wreaths, lights, garland and everything in-between!
Wacky Tacky
inflatables, lights, lasers, figurines and anything you can think of!
Winter Wonderland
More of a seasonal and less Christmas with Sleighs, snowman and more.
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.
While we had to remain socially distant for most of 2020, it doesn’t mean we can’t all be brought together virtually! Visit facebook.com/LOWAssociation on Friday, December 4th for the Lake of the Woods live-streamed tree lighting ceremony! Streaming will begin at 7:30 PM with a special appearance from the father of Christmas himself, Santa Clause! Nothing can stop us for celebrating with holiday cheer, so make sure that you tune in for the stream!
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.
What better way to start off the holiday season than visiting Mount Vernon for the Winter Glow lights celebration. Here you’ll get a chance to see the estate illuminated with holiday patterns and soft lights. You’ll also have the opportunity to listen to classic Christmas carols! Enjoy celebrating the holidays with your family at the estate of our founding father! For more information about the 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
What goes great with a nice glass of wine? Cookies of course! The James River Cellars Winery will be hosting a cooke decorating and wine event on December 12th and 13th from 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM. In order to maintain proper social distancing and capacity limits, tickets will be available during the specific time blocks listed below.
Pre-packaged decorating kits will include 3 cookies, colored icing, decorating supplies, and of course, wine! To-go kit’s will also be available for purchase. This event is only for adults 21+, and tickets are $18.95. Get ready to show your creativity and holiday cheer as you create the most delectable holiday cookies! For more information about 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
Get ready for the largest holiday craft show in the Fredericksburg area! The 12th annual Fredericksburg Holiday Craft show is happening in December 4th, 5th and 6th from 9AM – 4PM at the Fredericksburg Expo Center! This wonderful event give you a chance to get your holiday shopping done, and find the perfect gift. You’ll find a variety of of items from crafters and artisans that will be offering unique holiday gifts and decorations. Admission is $8, and tickets MUST be purchased online, as no tickets sale will be made available for purchase at the box office. This is the perfect opportunity to find the best gift for your favorite people or pets! 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
Even in the middle of a pandemic, today’s homeowners are looking to make their spaces more conducive to entertaining.
Certain upgrades—especially those in the entryway, kitchen, and backyard—have the potential to boost your home’s resale value. And best of all, your guests will love them just as much as you do!
These projects might have a high return on investment, but you won’t have to break the bank to really wow party-goers…or potential home buyers!
4 Ways to Make Your Home Entertainment-Friendly
The holiday season is approaching fast—and while you may be adept at hosting an amazing get-together, your home could actually be holding you back. Seemingly minor annoyances, like a too-small kitchen or not enough seating, are exaggerated when your space is filled with guests. However, a few slight changes have the potential to transform your house into the life of the party.
Ready to get your space looking its best for your next post-pandemic extravaganza? These four home upgrades are definitely worth the investment if you’re passionate about entertaining. Plus, they can even increase your home’s resale value when you decide to sell!
Spice Up Your Entryway
When it comes to throwing a fantastic gathering, you want to make a good first impression from the moment guests arrive. So if your entryway is looking a little drab, it’s time to give it a little extra TLC.
Even if you have a small front porch, you can still spruce it up with a new welcome mat or seasonal wreath to set the tone for what awaits inside. From there, make your foyer more inviting by adding a few luxe, yet practical, touches. A small bench, mirror, or coat rack will help your guests feel at home right away. Don’t have a foyer? You can enhance just about any entryway with a statement rug or some wall art.
Focus on the kitchen
Any memorable soiree almost always involves food. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a gourmet kitchen renovation to create a room that’s beautiful and functional.
Above all, your kitchen should be an area where you’re able to cook while still mingling with visitors. If you’re a gourmand at heart, splurging on some higher-end appliances or extras—like a chef-caliber stove with additional burners—can make a huge difference. If you really want to go all out, consider adding a larger kitchen island for more seating that won’t disconnect you from your guests.
Do you relish in mixing the perfect drink for your party-goers? Try transforming a rolling cart or some extra counter space into a bar. Just set up some bottles, put out your best glasses, and accessorize with a decorative ice bucket or other bar tools. If you have the room, you can even install a wine fridge!
Create social zones
One of the biggest misconceptions about party-planning is that you need a large, open space to entertain. Believe it or not, you don’t have to knock down walls to craft a layout that works well for gatherings of any size. Instead, focus on creating designated social zones that encourage your company to chat and explore.
In most cases, guests tend to gravitate towards the kitchen—but you want to have plenty of alternatives to avoid everyone crowding in the same room. Every social zone should have a distinct focal point that draws attention and creates a visual connection between each space.
In a living room, your focal point could be a roaring fireplace, your favorite artwork, or a large sectional sofa. A table of appetizers in a dining room can draw hungry visitors out of the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try different techniques for each gathering!
Upgrade your outdoor space
Ready to take your celebration outdoors? Making improvements to your yard, patio, deck, or balcony will elevate your next get-together—and can also yield an impressive return on investment.
If you haven’t already, you might want to buy a table, chairs, or a couch able to withstand the elements. This establishes another social zone for visitors (and you!) to enjoy. A pergola, fire pit, new pavers, or outdoor lighting are a few other upgrades that help tie everything together. If you love to barbecue in the summer, you may even want to indulge in an outdoor grilling station with a sink and some counter space.
Want to Get Your Home Looking Its Best Before You Sell?
Making a few key updates to your home can impress guests and potential buyers. Whether you’re ready to sell now or just have a few questions, you can trust us to help you navigate your next real estate journey from start to finish.
Give us a call to learn more about selling in today’s hot market—we’ll even let you know how much your property is worth with our free home valuation!
