Open House On Saturday 4/24 and Sunday 4/25 From 1 PM – 3 PM in Lake of the Woods, VA!

Join us this Saturday 4/24 & Sunday 4/25 as we show off this beautiful home for sale in Lake of the Woods, VA! Face masks will be required to enter, and social distancing is highly recommended. For more information about the home, click the link below!

604 Mt Pleasant Drive, Lake of the Woods, VA Priced at $379,900 (COMING SOON)

 

 

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.

Orange County Small Business Week May 2-8

Orange County is ready to celebrate its many small businesses starting on Sunday, May 2, 2021 presented by the  Orange County VA Economic Development and Orange County Chamber of Commerce! If you’re a resident in Orange County or a small business owner, we encourage you to participate in this wonderful community event! Shop, dine and explore the many small businesses of Orange County! Remember to use the hashtags #buyorangeva and #OCsmallbusinessweek whenever you visit a small business! For more information and to stay up-to-date, 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

4 Tricks to Buying a Home in a Crazy Hot Market

Key Takeaways:

  • Despite the ongoing pandemic, the real estate market is more competitive than ever before—and that means buyers have to do more to get their offer accepted.
  • Want to stand out from the competition and score the home of your dreams? Our four tips can help you achieve real estate success in no time.
  • If you have any questions about buying in today’s hot market, just give us a call for even more personalized advice!

The 4 Tips Every Buyer Needs to Know in 2021

If you’ve been house-hunting for a while, you’ve probably noticed that today’s real estate market is more than just a little competitive. Low mortgage rates, high demand, and dwindling inventory have created ideal conditions for sellers—but it’s still very possible to score a fantastic deal on a home.

Want to know the secret to buying a home in 2021? Here are four tips that can help you take back control in a seller-driven market.

Get your finances in order

Calculating mortgage payments

First and foremost, you need to get your finances in order before you even consider looking at homes. Start by paying off as much debt as you can and increasing your credit score. It’s also a good idea to keep track of just how much you have saved for a down payment. Sellers are more likely to choose buyers who can put down at least 15% or pay cash.

Want to strengthen your offer even more? Get preapproved or attach a higher earnest money deposit to show a seller you’re serious about buying their home.

Know what you want

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the little details—which is why it’s crucial to do your research in advance. Connect with a local agent early on to discuss your home-buying goals. A good agent will help you hone in on your budget, wants, and needs, as well as the right area or neighborhood.

Prepare for a bidding war

Negotiating a deal

According to a recent survey by Redfin, more than half of all buyers found themselves in a bidding war last year. And while the idea of competing against other home-seekers might seem overwhelming, there are a few things you can do to stand out. 

If you’re trying to score a house with multiple bids, send in your best and final offer up front. You may also want to include an escalation clause, which automatically increases your purchase price by certain increments (like a few thousand dollars at a time) so you avoid getting outbid.   

It’s also a good idea to consider homes below your budget, especially if you have your heart set on a popular neighborhood. This gives you some flexibility if you end up in a bidding war. 

Appeal to the seller

Talking about real estate

Even if you find yourself in a bidding war, it’s still possible to come out ahead. Believe it or not, sellers don’t always choose the highest offer, even if it far exceeds the original asking price. 

You can appeal to a seller’s peace of mind by limiting your contingencies, offering to pay closing costs, and letting them choose the closing date. Adding these extra bonuses might seem minor, but they can really impact a seller’s final decision.

Only Buy with the Best

Working with a top-notch agent can help you navigate 2021’s crazy real estate market with ease. So if you’re looking for some guidance, it’s time to give us a call!

Whether you’re at the beginning of the buying process or are already searching for a home, you can trust us to help you find your perfect place. Contact us today to get started; we look forward to working with you.

LOT For Sale in Lake of the Woods, VA 301 Yorktown Blvd – SOLD!!

Imagine your dream home here! Nicely level wooded lot near beaches and parks. Amenity-rich Lake of the Woods offers so many choices: play golf, jump in the lake, swim at the pool, work out at the fitness center, or dine at the clubhouse overlooking the pristine lake, the choice is yours. For more information on 301 Yorktown Blvd, 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.

LOT For Sale in Rapidan, VA 0 Clarks Mountain Road – SOLD!!!

A beautiful wooded 6 acre home site nestled in historic Rapidan Virginia. Imagine building your dream home with privacy, and enjoy all the outdoor activities living on acreage provides. Abundant hardwood trees and lush greenery make this one of the best deals in the state of Virginia. For more information on 0 Clarks mountain 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

Things To Do This Spring in Orange County, VA

Although the prettiest of seasons, spring can be a challenging time of the year for some. The weather is fantastic, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming and as if you’re not making the most of it. Therefore, we will share a few things to do this Spring in Orange County, help you discover your favorite spots, and enjoy the best spring.

Spend some time outdoors 

You can enjoy numerous outdoor activities and relish the nature in Orange County. Although some of them can seem mainstream, give them a try. Even a seemingly dull activity can be magical in the right setting. Given the stunning scenery that Orange County has to offer, you’re very unlikely to be bored.

  • Have a picnic

Organize a picnic in some of the most beautiful landscapes that Orange County is known for. If you’re a fan of being near water explore Lake of the Woods, and all its nooks and crannies. On the other hand, if you love spending your leisure time in the woods or near meadows, this place has more than a fair share of beautiful spots

  • Go for a hike

If you are a fan of the woods and all the wonders it has in store, hiking is a great way to get your workout in and enjoy some fantastic sights along the way. Turning up your favorite music and experiencing a peaceful time is a great way to spend your Spring days. Lucky for you, there are so many great trails in Orange County that you’ll love. 

  • Organize a sports day

Gather your friends and family and have a great day playing sports outside. It doesn’t have to be anything too athletic or competitive if you’re not into high-intensity physical activity. You can play volleyball and sunbathe in the warm breeze of Springtime. 

If you’re looking for things you should do this Spring in Orange County, why not go for a hike up your favorite road?

Take your family and friends on a tour around your favorite places

If you’ve been in the OC for a while, you probably know your way around it. When looking for things to do this spring, consider revisiting some oldies but goldies. Share your favorite spots with the people who you feel the closest to. Sharing the areas that you love with someone you love will feel like discovering it all over again.

Explore the farmer’s markets

If you’re a foodie, spring is your time. This is when everything wakes up and when the produce you usually find canned or preserved is fresh and ready to consume. Even if visiting farmer’s markets near you doesn’t sound like a fun thing but more of a chore, try to change your outlook. If you’re eager to include new ingredients into your cooking routine, there’s no better place you’ll find them. What’s more, you’re sure to meet wonderful and knowledgeable people and get some great ideas from them.

Out of all the activities to do this Spring in Orange County, going to a farmer’s market near you might not seem the most fun. However, you might be wrong.

Specific things to do this Spring in Orange County

Although there are a million little things you can enjoy anywhere with a similar climate, there are also some that aren’t as universal. This place has many aces up its sleeve when it comes to top activities you’ll be able to enjoy in the warmer weather. Here are some great examples of this:

  • Carter Mountain Orchard
  • Skydive Orange
  • Early Mountain Vineyards
  • Goochland Drive-In Theater 
  • Yoder’s Country Market
  • Rapidan River Kayak Company

Organize a fancy getaway

If you’re not too sure whether you’re an outdoorsy person or not, maybe you could get the best of both worlds. There are great resorts all around Orange County where you can’t get bored. If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up and would like to let your mind roam free for a while, think about visiting some of these places:

  • Inn at Willow Grove
  • Round Hill Inn
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Orange
  • Shenandoah Crossing Blue Green Resort
  • The Nathaniel Inn
  • Inn at Kelly’s Ford

Whether you’re going with your significant other or with a couple of closest friends, you won’t be disappointed. You can go on tours around the properties, or try wine tasting, for example. The options are numerous; you just need to find one that fits.

Relocating to Virginia is also something to do this spring

Seeing all the beautiful things there are to do this Spring in Orange County, it’s easy to understand why many people would like to live there. However, moving can be a lot harder than it first seems. You’d need to put in a lot of work and prepare well. So, if you are yet to move here, make sure you plan the relocation, organize everything on time, and get information on all you are uncertain about.

Before the actual move, consider visiting and experiencing some things you can do during Spring in Orange County. This way, you’ll fall in love with its nature and all it has to offer before you get to the trickier parts of your move that’ll want to make you give up.

Hire a moving company to make things easier

If you’ve decided to move to Orange County and experience all there is to do this spring; you won’t regret it. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time, partnering with the crew from Allstate Moving and Storage will make everything much more manageable. 

Find some humanitarian causes that pique your interest

Find a way to give back to the community you’re in. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people. If you can help in any way, that would be an excellent thing to do this spring. You won’t only contribute to the betterment of someone’s life; you’ll also feel much better.

There’s no better thing to do this spring than to help some people in need by volunteering.

Make sure to maintain social distance

To stay safe from the pandemic, follow all the rules and regulations. Here are some activities that are risk-free but still fun:

  • Board games 
  • Cook your favorite meals
  • Organize a movie night
  • Order in from your favorite local places
  • Spend time in your yard
  • Get in line for the vaccine 

Staying inside isn’t as bad as it may seem. Although it may not be what you expect when it comes to things to do this Spring in Orange County, we need to be aware of the situation we’re in.

 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

Photos obtained from:

https://unsplash.com/photos/Sht9-4MUY84

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-jacket-and-black-hat-holding-white-plastic-cups-with-food-3603450/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-road-landscape-nature-5645436/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/asphalt-roadway-in-rural-valley-against-cloudy-blue-sky-4595695/

Beautiful Brick Home For Sale in Fredericksburg, VA! 307 Chestnut Lane Now SOLD!

You will love this well maintained home in sought after Spotswood Estates. You are welcomed to 307 Chestnut Lane by the brick front, great curb appeal and inviting front porch! Once inside you will love the gleaming hardwood floors, spacious and open kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast bar. The owner’s suite features a sitting room and double closets as well as an en-suite bath. The lower level is finished with a family room with gas fireplace, bedroom, and 1/2 bath. There is plenty of room to have flex space to create an office or exercise area. Enjoy the deck off the breakfast area and the lower level to relax and enjoy your favorite beverage.  Close to I95, VRE and oodles of shopping and dining as well as downtown Fredericksburg. For more information on 307 Chestnut Lane, 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

Beautiful Home SOLD!!! in Lake of the Woods, VA 312 Yorktown Blvd

Come see what this lake life is all about! Enjoy one level living with an open floor plan, spacious living room with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling stone fireplace. Amazing kitchen with newer appliances and all the amenities. You will love the owner’s suite with en-suite bath and walk in closet. Relax on your rear deck and enjoy a meal in your own gazebo with a wooded private backdrop.

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.

March 2021 Lake of the Woods Market Stats

In March, 26 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
1 sold between $130-199,999;
3 sold between $200-249,999;
8 sold between $250,000-299,999;
6 sold between $300-349,999;
5 sold between $350,000-399,999;
2 sold between $400-599,999;
1 home sold over $600,000.

18 Active Listings for Sale
56 Homes Under Contract
70 Homes Sold since January 1, 2021.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata

What Makes Today’s Real Estate Market So Competitive?

Key Takeaways

  • This year’s housing market is shaping up to be the most competitive on record, but the pandemic isn’t the only thing influencing the national real estate boom.
  • There are actually quite a few factors contributing to today’s hot market, including unfettered buyer demand, historically low supply, and steady interest rates.
  • Have questions about buying a home in 2021? Get in touch with us for even more personalized advice.

3 Factors That Make 2021’s Real Estate Market More Competitive Than Ever

If you’re planning a move, you might be wondering how the real estate market will change this year—and the predictions are pretty eye-opening. Existing home sales are expected to increase by 9%, home prices could rise by a whopping 8%, and mortgage rates should stay well below 4% for the foreseeable future.

For buyers, this means you may have to work harder than usual to find the perfect place. However, this extra effort will pay off if you have a home to sell or want to take advantage of extraordinarily low interest rates.

Need help making sense of today’s market? Here are a few reasons why real estate is more competitive than ever in 2021.

The ongoing pandemic

Buying a home during the pandemic

A year ago, real estate experts had no idea how the COVID-19 pandemic would impact the housing market. While many predicted a crash akin to what we saw in 2008, we actually saw the opposite: a pandemic housing boom.

During last year’s lockdowns, many renters and homeowners grew unhappy with their living situations and wanted a change. This caused demand for homes to spike—and as panicked sellers pulled their listings, prices rose higher and higher.

The pandemic might slowly be coming to an end, but we’re still seeing remnants of 2020 in today’s market. And while more sellers are finally warming up to the idea of listing again, available housing supply is still at its lowest point ever.

Record-low interest rates

Dice changing rates

In late March, interest rates for 15- and 30-year mortgages hovered around 2.5% and 3.3%, respectively. Although these numbers aren’t quite as low as they were in 2020, buyers can still score a once-in-a-lifetime deal by moving now.

To put things into perspective, let’s say you’re thinking about buying a $300,000 house with a 20% down payment. Back when rates were nearing 4%, you could expect to pay around $1,200 per month for your mortgage. However, if you were to buy that same home with a 3% interest rate, your payment would drop to just $1,012—and that difference can save you tens of thousands of dollars over time.

Low inventory & unprecedented buyer demand

Sold sign

Real estate is all about supply and demand. And in today’s competitive market, an inventory shortage and swelling buyer demand have created perfect conditions for sellers. In particularly popular areas, it’s not uncommon for homes to sell just days after they’re listed, sometimes in bidding wars that go above the original asking price.

If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, be prepared to act fast. Many agents recommend getting pre-approved, limiting your contingencies, or even setting an escalation clause to automatically outbid other buyers.

Bottom Line: Now Is the Time to Move

Navigating 2021’s one-of-a-kind real estate market may seem like a daunting task, but the right agent will help you through every step of the process. Today’s buyers can capitalize on shockingly low interest rates, while sellers stand to make an impressive profit should they decide to list soon. And if you ever have any questions, we’re always here to help!

Buying or Selling Soon? Let’s Talk!

Don’t let the market keep you from making a move. If you’re ready to achieve real estate success in no time at all, drop us a line to get started. We’d love to offer you one-on-one buying or selling advice that’s tailored to your unique 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