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Guide for Canadians Buying a Property in Virginia

A brick suburban home, representing buying a property in Virginia.

Guide for Canadians buying a property in Virginia

Are you considering going into the Virginia real estate market? While this could turn out to be the investment of your life, you should be careful; buying a piece of real estate is no small feat. This will be a complicated process, during which you will definitely have a lot to do. So, before you make such a purchase, ideally you should consider all the factors; the amount of money you can spend, the features you want from a home, and the best possible neighborhood. But apart from that; as a Canadian who’s buying a property in Virginia; you should also consider the legal practicalities of such a purchase. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got it all covered right here! 

Finding a good real estate agent in Virginia 

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street or if your move is a long-distance one; if you ask us, choosing your new neighborhood and the specific piece of property will be of major importance. And if you want to play this smart, you should contact an experienced local real estate agent. Trust us; a good agent is worth their weight in gold. During the process of buying a property in Virginia, a professional agent will lead you every step of the way. They’ll draft the order you write, and negotiate in your name with any potential sellers. If you hire an agent to take care of the purchase for you, they’ll get a better deal in terms of the smaller details too, such as the house closing costs and the escrow process.  

Hiring a real estate agent 

Apart from handling some of the specifics of buying a property in Virginia, your real estate agent can be of help in other ways as well. Having a professional who knows the real estate trends of the area will be of major use, trust us. And besides; in most cases, working with a real estate agent on buying a home won’t actually cost you a dime. Why? Well, the usual practice is the seller paying the whole commission for the realtor. Typically, that’s around 5% of the sale price for the home, that the seller’s agent and your own agent split between each other. Also, your real estate agent can help with finding other professionals who can provide you with different services in the process of purchasing a home; like home inspectors or mortgage brokers. 

A two-story brick home in Virginia.

If you want a quality home, hire a good realtor!

Naturally, you must be wondering what the best way to select a particular real estate agent is. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your potential agent is licensed; check the registry of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Apart from that, you want to hear the different reviews on real estate agents, on places like Trulia and Zillow. Trust us, if you choose your real estate agent correctly, and use other professionals prudently, buying a home here can be an extremely pleasant experience.  

Sale disclosures 

As a Canadian who’s buying a property in Virginia, one thing is certain; you’re probably not too familiar with local laws. Even people who’ve lived in Virginia their entire lives aren’t always well-versed in the legalities of home purchases in the area. For example – while you’re searching for the perfect neighborhood in the area, you might want to familiarize yourself with the seller disclosures that the law demands. And just what are these, you ask? Well, these are regulations which obligate home sellers in the state of Virginia to report some types of defects on their properties. The aforementioned Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has the details within their Residential Property Disclosure document, but we’ll give you the gist of it here.  

A small blue suburban house.

There are certain issues that a seller must disclose

In essence, there are a few kinds of defects that a seller must disclose during a real estate transaction. First of all, they must tell the buyer if the property is nearby a military air installation. Secondly, they must report any defective drywall. Also, a seller must report if their property was at any point the site of a meth lab, if it hasn’t been cleaned up in accordance with state guidelines. Finally, a seller is obligated to tell the buyer if their home has a septic system that isn’t fully functioning.  

Also, people selling houses which were built before 1978 have an additional piece of compliance to perform. They need to make certain that their house complies with federal regulations on lead-based hazards, and more specifically lead paint.  

Getting a home inspection 

If you were to take a look at seller-disclosure regulations in other states, you’d find that buyers are much more protected. In other words, the list of defects that the sellers have an obligation to report is far larger. But with the disclosure limits here, buying a property in Virginia usually means one thing – hiring someone to do an independent home inspection.  

A suburban home with a driveway and a garage.

If you want to make sure you’re buying a good home, a home inspection is in order

In the process, this outside inspector has to check out an entire host of potential issues. For example, you want them to see if the house is susceptible to any pests or termites. Then, you need to be sure that there are no structural issues, and that the roof and windows stand upon a firm foundation. And finally, there are the drainage and other soil issues, as well as mold or the presence of certain odors.  

Hopefully, any Canadians buying a property in Virginia can find this guide useful. You are surely going to enjoy 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.

Adult Wine & Cheese Pool Social at the LOW Clubhouse Pool!

The LOWA Pools Committee is hosting the Adult Wine & Cheese Pool Social on Saturday, July 13th from 7PM – 9PM.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the newly constructed pool, this is a great time – kids free! Entry fee will be $10 per person and will include 2 glasses of wine and food. ($5 for each additional glass of wine, if you wish). You pay at the door and it will be cash only.

Be sure to RSVP with Vassa Olson at: vassaathelake@gmail.com and include your preference of red, white, or rose wine. You must register by July 10th. Should the weather not participate, the rain date will be: July 27th.

Lifeguards will be on duty! This event is sponsored by FLOW (Friends of 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.

Celebrate Independence Day at the LOW Clubhouse July 6, 2019!

After the Lake of the Woods Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration, visit the Clubhouse for Dinner! The restaurant and deck will open at 5PM and the buffet will be $29.95 per person from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. The buffet will only be available to those on the deck and the regular menu will ONLY be available INSIDE for regular dining. Be sure to call 540-972-2221 to reserve your spot! The menu is pictured below but include: BBQ Chicken, BBQ Ribs, Hot dogs, corn on the cob and so much more delicious cook-out food!

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.

Guide for New Yorkers Buying a Property in Virginia

One of the main reasons to move to Virginia is the great quality of life.

If you’re thinking about moving from New York City and buying a property in Virginia, you’re not the only one. A lot of New Yorkers are starting to look for a property in Virginia, and there are a lot of reasons why. One of them is an excellent offer of available jobs. Another is the high numbers of educated people in Virginia. People come to Orange County similar places to start a career and enjoy all that Virginia has to offer. Quiet and crowd-free beaches are a perfect spot to spend your Sunday afternoon at. Similarly, if you’re moving there with kids, you can be sure that there would be a lot of activities to do, like going to amusement parks or museums. 

If you want to find a good job, move to Northern Virginia. 

Since Northern Virginia is close to Washington D.C., you might want to consider buying a property there. This location is great when it comes to job opportunities and building your career. That’s because a lot of companies are moving into Northern Virginia, meaning that there will be and already are plenty of hiring opportunities for job seekers. If you’re trying to find a job in the government or technology, you’ll see that there are a lot of government agencies and IT companies there. Similarly, if you’re looking to open your own company and need suitable office space, there sure are plenty to find in Northern Virginia. Plus, you’ll be close to the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. 

Some other things that Northern Virginia has to offer to New Yorkers are gorgeous mountain views, nature preserves, and spots for camping. New York, on the other hand, is a busy place with plenty of stuff going on nonstop. Virginia, however, is the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of a big city. You’ll have the best of both worlds: amazing career options and much more peaceful surroundings. 

If you’re ready to relocate and start a career in Virginia, you’ll need to find a home. Try searching for open houses and see if any meets your standards. 

Choose peaceful West Virginia when buying a property.

Cheat Lake, West Virginia, one of things worth buying a property in Virginia for

West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding.

West Virginia has a lot to offer to those who enjoy the outdoors and a peaceful, natural surrounding Alt tag: Cheat Lake, West Virginia, one of the things worth buying a property in Virginia for 

Moreover, if your main reason for moving out of New York City is to find a quieter place, the Appalachian Mountains or the coast are great locations. You can find impressive properties in small towns close to these areas and enjoy your daily peace and quiet. 

If you’re a true New Yorker, getting used to the calming natural surroundings and activities that can be done there can take some time. However, this need not be the case. You may discover that you actually quite enjoy nature and the mountainous regions. So, expect to make some lifestyle changes and don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some planting and agriculture or go hiking in the mountains. Finally, get ready for some breathtaking natural views, especially in fall. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairy tale just by being surrounded by beautiful nature. 

All in all, buying a property in West Virginia is a great idea if you want to save up a bit since it is quite the contrary to the expensive lifestyle back in New York City. So, you’ll just need to find a good real estate agent to help you buy a house in Virginia that best suits your needs. 

Virginia is diverse, just like New York City.

diverse hands in a circle

Virginia is home to a diverse population that makes this state a beautiful place to live in.

One thing that won’t require plenty of adjusting is diversity in Virginia. Just like in New York City, Virginia is home to a richly diverse population that keeps on growing. There are a lot of Asian Americans as well as Hispanic Americans that live in Virginia. Moreover, many are still relocating there in large numbers. Virginia has become the place of choice for many immigrant families because of cheaper lifestyle and many job offers. That is why you won’t need to worry about buying a property there. Moreover you don’t need to worry about fitting in with the rest of the population. Virginia continues to be a welcoming place for people with all kinds of backgrounds and culture. Find a reliable moving company with experienced workers like the ones from divinemoving.com. With such professionals, moving to a new property in Virginia will actually be an enjoyable process. 

Great Education and Healthcare are worth buying a property for.

a doctor

You can count on great healthcare in Virginia. 

Northern Virginia is a place with many prestigious and award-winning hospitals. Similarly, a lot of Virginia’s healthcare institutions are nationally ranked thanks to their exceptional care. So, this alone should be the reason to consider buying a property in Virginia. 

Virginia also has the following organizations: 

  • Virginia Health Foundation 
  • The Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics 

Moreover, the education system in Virginia is also impressive. Students have amazing results in almost every subject and public schools have high ranks. There are almost 170 universities and colleges which is why there are so many highly educated people. If you are a student or have children, you can be sure that moving to Virginia is a great idea. 

If you have bought a home in Virginia you’ll also need a good moving company. They will pack your belongings in cheap but secure boxes. In that way you won’t need to experience any stress during relocation. 

Low crime rates and great quality of life 

Due to the low crime rates and therefore, a great quality of life, you should certainly consider moving to Virginia. The feeling of being safe in your own home is an important factor to consider when buying a property. Part of the reason for Virginia’s good quality of life is the median income that is significantly higher than the nation’s average.  This is due to the fact that there is a large number of people with high education. 

In addition, Virginia has a lot of employment opportunities. That is why New Yorkers decide on relocating here and buying a property. 

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.

Civic Club to Host LOWA BOD Candidates Reception By Pat Licata, President

Please join the Civic Club on Wednesday, July 10, at 5:30 PM, as we host a reception for the LOWA Board of Directors candidates in the Great Hall of the Clubhouse. We encourage you to mingle with the candidates from 5:30 to 6 PM, with a forum beginning at 6PM. Each candidate will be allotted five minutes to deliver his/her message to the audience. A cash bar will be available, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. 

The Lake of the Woods Board candidates are Pete Brown, Paul Conrad, Benita Forrest,  Adrien (Terry) Terrenoire. and Jennifer Zukowski. The candidates will be vying for three Board of Directors vacancies on the seven-member Board. LOWA will mail ballots to lot owners near the end of July, and the balloting will conclude September 2nd  at the Association’s Annual Meeting. Electronic voting will also be available. So if you would like to sign up to vote electronically, stop by the Holcomb Building to register. 

The reception for the candidates is open to all members of the community. Please plan to attend so you may become better acquainted with the slate of candidates. We look forward to seeing you there. 

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.

Join the Licata Group for Our Special Summer Movie Night at the Point! in Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508

Bring the kids out for a free, fun OUTDOOR movie night under the stars! We’ll have popcorn and other classic movie snacks and drinks for you and your family to enjoy while watching Secret Life of Pets right at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse Point! Invite your neighbors and friends that have little ones that would enjoy the show with you. Please bring your own blanket or chairs for seating and arrive early to get a good spot! RSVP online: RSVP, or by calling 540-388-2541 or email Cheryl@LicataGroup.com .
This movie screening will begin at 9PM sharp on Friday, July 12, 2019.

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.

SPLIT-BEDROOM home for sale in Lake of the Woods VA 22508 NOW SOLD! by Pat Licata!

4227 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508

Have you always dreamed of living at the lake? Well look no further! This home boasts gleaming hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, a split bedroom layout, and a relaxing screened porch to watch the birds and squirrels play.

Feel like venturing out? The fun has just begun! A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love 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.

Waterview Home for Sale in Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508, SOLD!!!

2701 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508

Let’s get this lake life started! Enjoy countless days swimming from your dock, playing in the yard and relaxing on the expansive deck! This house is perfect for entertaining and making memories! Boasting an open concept layout, gorgeous sun room to enjoy the atmosphere whether there is rain or shine, soaring ceilings walls of windows and gleaming hardwood floors.

Feel like venturing out? There is plenty to do in the community. A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love 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.

22nd Annual Children’s Fishing Tournament at Lake of the Woods!

Only a few more days left to register!!!! Register before June 12th for your child at: lakeyouth.org

The Lake Youth Foundation’s 22nd Annual Children’s Fishing Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 15th from 9AM – 11AM. Children ages 4 to 14 years old may participate so long as they are registered to do so! There will be no registrations taken the day of tournament – so register ASAP.

Check in on June 15th will begin at 8AM. The tournament will begin at 9am and end at 11am. Lunch will be served immediately following the tournament for children and families that participated in the event. The awards ceremony will begin at 12pm!

If your child will need a rod & reel to participate or if you have any questions, be sure to contact Terry Hileman ASAP at 540-972-8634 or email at: info@lakeyouth.org

Enjoy a day with your children while watching them participate in a sport that can love forever!

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.

Remodeled Cabin Home For Sale in Lake of the Woods, Virginia NOW SOLD!!

4403 Lakeview Pkwy Locust Grove VA 22508

Let’s get this lake life started! Beautifully remodeled cabin in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods is waiting for you to make it home! The property boasts breathtaking laminate floors, a soaring cathedral ceiling and skylights for abundant natural light. Do you enjoy the outdoors? This home has a great screened porch that spans the entire length of the house with a private back yard surrounded by trees. Feel like venturing out? Lake of the Woods has so many options of things to do!

A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $100,000 to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love 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 homeworth?” 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.