Most condominiums and townhomes—as well as many detached homes—are located in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Often managed by a board and/or an independent property management company, HOAs collect fees from residents to provide maintenance and other services for the community. If you are thinking about purchasing a home in an HOA, here are a few important things to know about:
The HOA’s monthly fees—and what they cover. On average, HOA fees can range from $150-850 per month and cover a variety of services. For instance, most HOAs handle maintenance and landscaping of common areas, but others may include the upkeep needed for a pool, fitness center, sports courts, or walking trails, in addition to services like security or a concierge. Some HOA fees also cover month-to-month costs such as cable or trash and sewage removal. However, since these fees may constitute a significant portion of your monthly budget, it’s important to understand how much they are and what they cover before making an offer on your new home.
The financial health of the HOA. Despite collecting fees, some HOAs may still be underfunded. To get a better idea of the HOA’s financial health, request a copy of the financial records made available to homeowners, and pay particular attention to how often dues are typically increased.
The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Most HOAs impose rules on homeowners, commonly referred to as the CC&Rs. These can touch upon various aspects of living in your home, from the types of pets you can own to the colors you can paint your house to how many vehicles can be parked in your driveway. Researching how restrictive a community’s CC&Rs are before signing on the dotted line can help ensure that you will be happy and comfortable in your new home.
Learn about Hidden Costs of Buying and Owning a Home 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 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, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and the flowers are starting to bloom—spring is almost here, which means that it’s time to make your home feel as fresh as the air outside. Whether your living space is in need of a deep cleaning or a more surface-level tidy, spring cleaning is a time-honored ritual that will help get your home into its healthiest and most beautiful condition. However, the process can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know which rooms to tackle first.
Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your spring cleaning this year:
Clear away the clutter. The more clutter you have, the more difficult and time-consuming it will be to give your home a thorough cleaning. Therefore, before you break out the cleaning supplies, start by getting rid of papers, possessions, and other items that you no longer want or need.
Clean areas that may have been neglected over the winter first. While you’ve probably tidied the inside of your home more recently, outdoor spaces—such as your yard, patio, or the outsides of windows—may be in more urgent need of cleaning.
Dust and clean surfaces—starting from the top. Dusting all the surfaces in your home can be a big project, but it’s essential for ensuring healthier, more breathable air inside. Start from the top so you’ll be able to dust, sweep, or vacuum any debris that falls down; use a broom to clear cobwebs from the corners of your ceiling, dust the blades of ceiling fans using a retractable feather duster tool, wash mirrors and windows, and wipe down shelves and other surfaces.
Sweep and vacuum. As soon as you’re done dusting, you’ll want to clean up the fallen debris before it starts getting tracked from room to room.
Clean appliances. When it comes to spring cleaning, the appliances you use on a day-to-day basis—such as your coffee maker, stove, oven, and washing machine—may get overlooked. Now is the perfect time to give them a thorough cleaning, following manufacturer instructions.
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 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, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
For most people, buying a home is one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make. If you’re planning to purchase a home, your budget likely includes the down payment and monthly mortgage payments—yet many buyers, particularly first-time homeowners, find their budgets stretched by unexpected costs. In fact, according to a survey by ConsumerAffairs, 44% of recent home buyers said they had already spent more than they’d planned, with the average over-budget amount exceeding $10,000.
While record-breaking home prices over the past several months have contributed to this trend, new homeowners often find themselves surprised by unexpected costs, such as the following:
Property taxes. Currently, the average property tax rate across the U.S. is 1.1% of a home’s assessed value, but this amount can vary greatly based on location and average home prices.
Closing costs. The upfront costs of buying a home include more than just the down payment—at closing, you can expect to pay costs ranging from 2-5% of the home’s value. These may include title insurance, mortgage origination fees, surveys, and more depending on your market and lender.
Utilities. For many people moving from an apartment or rented house to a home of their own, the cost of all the utilities they need can be surprising. From the basics like water and electricity to items that you may or may not need depending on your preferences and where you live (such as cable, sewer, and trash collection), utility bills can add hundreds of dollars a month to your home ownership costs.
Insurance. In order to take out a mortgage, you’ll need to provide your lender with proof of homeowners insurance, which will cover certain damage to your home and the items within it. This necessary coverage will cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
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 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, 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.
Consisting of a visual assessment of a home’s structure and systems, a home inspection is a crucial step in the real estate process—particularly for buyers, who will be made aware of any notable problems that may increase their bargaining power against the seller, or even cause them to reconsider the purchase altogether. While not everything revealed during a home inspection is serious, there are certain defects about which buyers should always consult their realtors for guidance. Here are four red flags that buyers shouldn’t ignore:
A crumbling foundation. A home’s foundation ensures that it is structurally sound, protecting all the fixtures and systems within. If the inspection reveals cracks or other forms of deterioration in the foundation, buyers should be aware that these could be very expensive to fix in the future.
Mold. Typically stemming from water leaks and/or poor air circulation, mold carries significant health risks and can be difficult to eliminate. While an inspection should reveal the presence of mold if it exists, buyers can also be on the alert by looking for musty smells or discoloration around the walls or ceilings.
Termites. While termites are common—particularly in older homes—they can cause major damage to a home’s structure over time. If the inspection shows signs of termites, a specialist will likely need to be called in to quell the infestation and prevent further damage.
Electrical problems. If a home’s wiring or circuits are outdated or were improperly installed, they may create fire hazards and other problems.
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 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, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Summertime is most people’s favorite vacation period. Sometimes whole neighborhoods become deserted with everyone on a trip somewhere. Buying a home during summer can turn out to be a better option for you. The reason is the factors that are specific to this time of the year. Keep the following in mind to benefit from all the advantages of summer home shopping.
Summer offers a good time to check out neighborhoods
Your new home is not the only thing you should consider when you intend to relocate. It is also important to check out the neighborhood. Buying a home during summer is particularly suitable for that since most of your potential neighbors will be on vacation. It is a little funny when a new guy walks around the area staring at people’s yards. You don’t want the people living there to think your intentions are malicious. Use these holiday months to roam around your future neighborhood more freely and maybe even take some pictures. The schools are on break as well. You can go check that out without being mistaken for a suspicious stranger.
Also, there is a good chance that the people who have put their homes on the market are also on vacation. Without the owner around, you can take the opportunity to make a more detailed inspection of the house or a condo you are viewing. As you know, there are certain things home sellers are required to disclose by law, but the rest you can make sure you don’t miss by taking a good look at it. And finally, there’s a good chance the real estate agent will tell you more about the property when the owners are absent.
Buying a home during summer allows you to check out the neighborhood in peace.
In summer, days are longer, so there is more time to see the property
Summer is a time when days are longer. It has been scientifically proven that people’s natural energy levels are directly related to the amount of sunshine they get. With that in mind, in summer, it is more likely that the sellers will find it acceptable to have people over on their property until later in the day – simply because it is still daylight. That gives you more time as a buyer when the property is available for you to see.
This may seem like an irrelevant thing to you. Yet, for those working long hours or having a tight schedule, purchasing a home in summer may be more realistic than when the viewing period is shorter. One of the experts from a moving company Beltway Movers, says that many of the people he worked with find it important that every aspect of buying a home is adjusted to their long working hours. Moving into a new home as well as viewing it is much better to do in daylight when the visibility is higher. With that in mind, these particular clients find that buying a home during summer is better suited for their tight schedules.
Take advantage of the fact that there is less competition
As previously mentioned, summer is a time when most people choose to travel somewhere. The absence of potential buyers leaves agents with more time to devote to those that are present. This means if you are viewing a condo or a house, your agent will be able to answer more of your questions. You can even take this chance to discuss the situation on the market and get very useful advice and information. It is vital that you ask all that is of interest to you during the home viewing, so there are no nasty surprises later.
Another crucial thing is that with fewer people around, there will be fewer offers made. You will have a higher chance of getting the home of your dreams for a reasonable price because of that. If you notice there aren’t many people interested in that particular property, don’t wait too long with your offer. It may just be temporary until the vacations are over. Generally, smaller demand generates lower prices, and fewer offers create higher chances that yours will be the most favorable.
Relocating in summer can be done more easily
Moving is never an easy task, especially if your new hometown is on the other side of Virginia. It is always a good idea to hire professionals who will give a helping hand and get you through this complex process smoothly during any season. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why making a big move in the summer is a better idea than at any other time of the year.
The school year is over. Moving when your kids have lots of school activities and disrupting their routines is a nightmare for any parent. Summer offers a solution for that in the form of the end of a school year. Your kids can even help with the move too. Also, enrolling in a new school is better at the beginning of a school year than in the middle. Being a new kid in class is easier than being that new kid who also has to catch up with the classes as well.
The weather is favorable for transportation. Driving a truck full of stuff is easier to do on dry roads. Naturally, they are more common in summer than in any other season. For example, wet and icy roads are often present in fall and winter. Those conditions are something truck drivers dread.
The yard sale is more efficient in summer. Your curb appeal is outstanding in summer. If you intend to organize a yard sale, summer might generate more profit for you.
Consider these reasons seriously. They can make a huge difference between a stress-free relocation and a tedious and nerve-wracking endeavor.
Summer as a holiday season is a good time to move as well
If you are buying a home that is not in your hometown, turn it into a fun trip
Speaking of relocation, aren’t you curious about the attractions and fun activities your new hometown has to offer? As you know, summer has a way of turning even the dullest of places into exploration-worthy areas. Typically, there are more interesting outdoorsy things to do in summer than in any other season. We advise turning this rather business-like activity of viewing potential homes into a trip for the whole family. Whether it is going to be a short break in your future hometown or a more extended staycation of a sort, you have the opportunity to approach buying a home during summer as a holiday with one obligation only and lots of enjoyment.
Those that are viewing a home outside the city they currently live in can turn the experience into a fun family trip.
Final thoughts
Buying a home during summer can be a delight. Use all that long sunny days have to offer in Orange County, for example. As we have seen, shopping for a home in this mainly vacation-oriented season has many advantages. You can even merge buying a home with your own fun family traveling if your new hometown is on the other side of the country. Whatever you choose to do, we are sure this is a part of the year when you will find what you are looking for.
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 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, 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’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve probably heard the term “escrow”—but have you ever wondered what it means and what exactly the escrow process entails? Here are a few common questions to help shed light on this important step in the home sales process:
– What is escrow? Escrow is a legal term indicating that a deed, property, deposit, or fund is temporarily in the custody of a neutral third party, such as an escrow company, title company, or law firm. These third parties hold money and the property until all conditions from the purchase and sale agreement have been satisfied and the deal closes.
– What is an escrow account? There are two types of escrow accounts that serve different purposes: one is used during the home buying process to protect a buyer’s earnest money deposit until all conditions of the sale have been met, and the other holds a homeowner’s money for expenses such as property taxes and insurance throughout the life of a mortgage loan. This second type of escrow account can make it more convenient to manage your tax and insurance payments, since your lender will estimate the total annual expenses, add a prorated portion to your monthly mortgage payment, and handle paying the bills when they are due—thereby eliminating the need for you to make large lump-sum payments once or twice a year.
– How long does the escrow process last? Escrow begins when the seller accepts an offer and the buyer provides an earnest money deposit. Typically, the process lasts about 30-60 days until the closing occurs, although the timeframe may vary depending on factors such as issues that arise during inspections or delays with the mortgage lender. At closing, the escrow agent will transfer the deed to the buyer and the earnest money to the seller.
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 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, 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
Even if you locate a condo that precisely suits your budget and meets your requirements, there is sometimes a lingering sense of insecurity that will make you wonder if that condo is really “the one”. Believe it or not, you’re not alone as this is quite common and with good cause. After all, you don’t want to make a costly error while purchasing a condo, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. It’s not only your biggest financial investment, but you’ll be living in it for years. That’s why it’s important to recognize signs you’ve found your perfect condo. Further in this post, you’ll find out what you should pay attention to when shopping for your new condo.
Clear signs that say you’ve found the perfect condo
As you undoubtedly know, finding “the one” is difficult, especially when you’re in the process of buying a home. Studio or one-bedroom apartment? Modern finishes or natural light? Hardwood or tile floors?
Your real estate agent will present you with many great options, and you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed if you know what signs to pay attention to.
Finding the condo of your dreams might be difficult with so many options available. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signals that you’ve located your perfect condo. Continue reading, and you might realize that you have already found “the one.”
It gives out a homey feel
The first thing to pay attention to when looking for a condo is the way it makes you feel. You want to find a place you feel comfortable and homey, especially if you’re moving to a new hometown and didn’t get a chance to familiarize yourself with the place. Spending time in a new condo that already feels like home will make this transition easier for you.
The proper condo will entice you in and make you feel at ease. It will instantly make you want to relax in the living room or have a conversation with your real estate agent in the dining room. Going into the bathroom is not at all weird. Indeed, you may have caught yourself opening cabinets or admiring the room. The condo simply feels comfortable and homey. Could this be the right one?
It fits your budget perfectly
No condo is right for you unless it perfectly fits your budget. So when considering which condos to take a look at in person, start by reviewing your budget and knowing how much you can afford. It doesn’t make sense to invest in an expensive home with all the latest amenities if you can’t afford it. It simply doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
To avoid disappointments, scratch off any alternatives on your list that are way out of your price range, as none of those will be the right condo for you.
Don’t be disheartened if you happen to find a gorgeous place that’s just over your budget that you simply adore. You still have a few choices. For starters, see if you can work out a better price. Or decide to decorate on a budget and invest in cheaper furniture. You might be able to cozy up the place easily while staying within your budget.
The condo sets the bar for all other condos
When you find the perfect condo, you’ll realize that you keep returning to it throughout your search. You go to one open home and admire the living room and kitchen design, but you notice that the layout isn’t as excellent as the one you saw earlier. That condo set “the standard.”
It’s in a perfect location
If you’ve found a condo in a fantastic location that perfectly suits your lifestyle, it could be that you’ve found “the one.” If you’re a homebody who enjoys peace and quiet, for example, you’ll probably prefer to look for apartments in more suburban locations.
On the other hand, if you prefer to be in the thick of things, a thriving downtown neighborhood can be right up your alley. For the added convenience of having restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, you might be ready to compromise on things like assigned parking or square footage. So if you feel like you’ve found an ideal location, perhaps you‘ll overlook minor flaws and realize that you’ve found your perfect condo.
Your perfect condo is just the right size
The most amazing condos aren’t always what you need right now in your life and don’t always fit your lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of discovering the perfect apartment in the nicest neighborhood, but don’t forget about the space.
On the other hand, if you found a condo that’s just the right size and with a great layout, it might be worth sacrificing and moving to a slightly less desirable location. It can be tough to find a condo that ticks all of your boxes. So if you’ve found a place with the right size and within your budget, don’t think twice about it.
It simply feels right
Sometimes, you simply know that something is right for you. If a condo appeals to you right away, it’s an indication that it might be the right one for you. Try to imagine yourself living your daily life in that place. Is everything going to work out, or will you have to make some adjustments to your daily routine?
When you find the right condo, your gut will make sure to send you a sign.
If just the thought of living there makes you happy and your life seems easier, it’s probably the one. However, don’t let love blind you to the price tag. Remember, it’s critical to ensure that your new home fits into your budget in the long run.
Pay attention to these signs, and you’ll know you’ve found your perfect condo!
And that’s it—it all comes down to listening to your gut and paying attention to those subtle signs. Of course, the safest way to go is to get in touch with an experienced Realtor® who’ll guide you on your real estate journey and make sure you’ve found your perfect condo.
Meta description:
Buying property is a significant investment, and you want to be sure you have found the right one. Read on for signs you’ve found your perfect condo.
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 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, 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.
In a competitive market, you want to make sure you’re doing everything right when it’s time to buy a new home.
Stability with your employment and finances is super important, so don’t make any sudden changes.
Don’t skip out on working with a buyer’s agent—an experienced real estate agent is an invaluable partner.
Buying a home is an exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking experience. In addition to finding the right place, you also have to find the right mortgage, and with low inventory in many markets and rising home prices nationwide, securing your dream home can be a challenge if you don’t make the right decisions when preparing to buy. Here are five of the most common mistakes you should avoid when buying a home.
1. Don’t open or close credit accounts
Because mortgage lenders check your credit multiple times throughout the homebuying process, it is crucial that you do not open any new lines of credit or close any existing lines of credit. Doing so can lower your credit score and increase your debt-to-income ratio, both of which are reasons for a lender to deny approval.
It is always a good idea to pay off an existing line of credit, but closing the account removes that credit history from your report. Credit reporting bureaus use your length of available credit to generate your score, so leave your account open and active, but don’t use it until after closing.
2. Don’t switch jobs
The most important thing that mortgage lenders look at when considering pre-approval is an applicant’s employment stability. Typically, they want to see two consecutive years of uninterrupted income for approval. Any changes to employment status can signal that the loan may not be repaid—it can be a significant red flag that can derail or delay your closing. Make sure to tell your lender right away if a career change is unavoidable or if you do not have two consecutive years of verifiable income.
3. Don’t shop for homes you can’t afford
Typically, most prospective homeowners can afford a mortgage between two and two-and-a-half times their gross annual income. An easy way to think of this is not exceeding more than 30% of your income.So, if a lender tells you that you can borrow a lot more than that, you should probably find a new lender because your monthly payments may not be manageable if you max out your loan. Use a mortgage calculator before you visit with a lender to help you estimate monthly payments.
Also, consider that homeownership comes with additional expenses you will need to save for, like maintenance, repairs, insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s association fees (if applicable), and other unforeseen costs. The last thing you want to do is stretch your monthly budget to cover your mortgage, which will eliminate your liquid cash flow for your other financial obligations, like car payments, student loans, and your savings goals.
4. Don’t skip the inspection
Waiving a home inspection can be a costly mistake, and unless you have extra cash to fix up a home, you are gambling with the cost of unforeseen repairs. Home inspections find potential critical issues with the structure and integrity of a house, such as cracked pipes and water damage. They are built into the home buying process to protect the buyer’s investment.
Paid by the buyer and non-refundable, the home inspection fee is a small price to pay when considering today’s costs to replace a furnace, water heater, roof or other costly items.
Without an inspection, you will have no recourse if a significant issue surfaces after you close on your home. So when you make an offer on a home, include a home inspection contingency that gives you a penalty-free exit from the deal if a major issue is unresolvable before closing.
5. Don’t forget to hire an agent!
Searching for a home on your own is both time-consuming and complicated. That’s why the help of a professional, experienced real estate agent who knows how to navigate the market will guide you to make the best investment of your money.
Also, if you go to showings without a real estate agent, a seller’s agent may offer to represent you. This can be risky because that agent’s goal is to get as much money for their client as possible from you, the buyer. In addition to helping you negotiate, a qualified real estate agent will have access to home listings before the general public becomes aware of them.
Best of all, the cost of enlisting an agent won’t come directly out of your pocket. Instead, the seller typically pays it to the seller’s agent, who splits the commission with the buyer’s agent!
Do Find Your Real Estate Team Today!
When it comes to buying a home, there’s a million little details to keep track of. Work with an experienced real estate agent to help you navigate the entire process, avoid pitfalls, and get you the home you’ve been dreaming of. Contact us today to get started!
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 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, 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.
It takes a lot of responsibility to pick a perfect destination for your family. Even if you and your partner have just gotten married and plan to relocate, choosing a family-friendly location might be on your mind. A new home should be suitable for your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. And when a move involves more family members, these criteria seem to expand. The State of Virginia is becoming more and more popular these days, with one of its counties standing out. Orange County, VA is perfect for families – and this guide will tell you all the reasons why. Let’s see if this is where you start looking for a new home with your loved ones.
Orange County, VA basic information
Firstly, let’s get to know this county better before we point out all its family-friendly features. Orange County is located in the Central Piedmont region of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its seat is located in Orange, a small town of about 5,000 residents. The county itself has a population of about 36,000, which seems to be just enough for a family-friendly lifestyle many parents are looking for. But, what’s so special about this country and why it’s perfect for those moving with a family?
Reasons Orange County, VA is family-friendly
Choosing a place where your family can thrive and enjoy life and be safe and peaceful is challenging these days. Orange Country seems to fit that description, and it’s often chosen by families to be their new home. And both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors consider this area to be the perfect family-friendly zone.
You can have all the peace you want
The peaceful, laid-back lifestyle their residents lead is the main thing people notice about towns in Orange County. Those who currently live in a big city probably want to get away from all the hustle and bustle, and Orange County may just be the place to go. The small-town atmosphere brings the feeling of safety and belonging, making it easy to raise kids. People know each other in these small communities, which can be very beneficial in these challenging years of being a parent of young kids.
Access to nature
Spending time close to nature and away from all the technologies seems to be a luxury in today’s world. Well, it’s a common thing in Orange County, which is such a benefit when it comes to raising kids. To enjoy the natural scenery and fresh air whenever you want often feels precious. Visit the Lake of the Woods and find a place to have a picnic with your loved ones, and you’ll understand why this is the right place to be.
Reminder: spending a day in nature is not the only thing you can do here. There are different activities you can try out and have fun after moving to Orange County.
Kids love nature and animals – let them be close as much as possible.
Less traffic
Orange County communities are relatively small, which results in fewer cars and less traffic. This makes the place a lot safer for kids and ensures parents spend less time in traffic. It’s easier to go to work, go shopping and reach the main airports in the area. People here use cars for longer commutes but like to get around on foot and practice a healthy lifestyle.
Being able to ride a bike without running away from traffic makes Orange County, VA perfect for families.
Where to move – top places in Orange County, VA
After you’re sure that Orange County, VA is perfect for your family, it’s time to research the best places to move. Some of the popular locations include:
Orange – located close to Charlottesville, the area is filled with small businesses, and most of the residents are people with kids or retirees. Good-quality schools attract more and more parents every year;
Lake of the Woods – many parks, two pools, and great schools make this place one of the perfect options for those moving with kids;
Gordonsville is the best place for those looking for a small American town charm and real suburban feel. Moreover, if you are thinking about buying a vacation home in Virginia, this area might be the perfect place for doing so.
Moving to Orange County, VA with your family – how to do it stress-free?
Packing and moving an entire household along with your kids may seem too big of a challenge for parents. That’s why you need to be ahead of it and plan this move in a way that predicts all the potential issues so you can have the smoothest relocation ever. Undoubtedly, the focus of this move should be safety. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong during relocation. Thus, it’s easy to understand that children are your primary concern as you won’t have a task that’s more important than keeping your kids safe on moving day.
Do as much as you can in advance
Moving house is a process that consists of so many steps related to packing, cleaning, documentation, etc. The easiest way to have a stress-free moving day is to plan everything ahead of time and do as many tasks as possible long before the big day comes. Make a list to keep track of all the tasks that await and tick them off as you finish.
Have a team you can trust
The moving business has grown a lot, which led to an increased number of unprofessional and even fraudulent companies. Experienced movers such as Excalibur Moving and Storage have experience with customers who have learned a thing or two about moving scams the hard way, so they recommend you research the companies in detail before making the final choice. Compare their services and fees, explore their website and read the reviews. Finally, see if you can get a recommendation from someone you trust and hire a team that will help you relocate easily.
Include your kids
Depending on the age of your children, this move can be more or less complicated. However, try to include them in the process by talking about the move, asking them to help with the packing, and having a vote in making certain decisions. Appreciating their opinion will help them feel important, valued, and more willing to help you out as a result.
Moving doesn’t need to be stressful and overwhelming – include the kids and make it fun.
So, do you agree that Orange County, VA is perfect for families? We believe you do – start exploring this area and look for an ideal home where you can make new memories with your loved ones.
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 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, 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.
Oil and gas prices are the highest in United States history!
Individuals and families are shifting how they think about housing, from suburban versus urban to downsizing or going multigenerational.
It’s critical to work with an agent who understands the right fit for you and your family.
Record-high oil and gas prices are changing home buying and selling
It’s difficult to escape the news: gas prices are surging across the nation, with the increase averaging $1 per gallon. With costs at historical highs, the ripple effect changes how we think about everything. That includes the largest line item on any household’s budget: their home. How will this new reality change how people buy and sell real estate? Let’s take a look at some of the main considerations.
Urban Versus Suburban
Traditional wisdom says that the suburbs are more affordable with their long commutes, while cities are expensive due to more amenities and desirability. But when the daily commute costs more than it ever has in the history of the country, the conventional advice isn’t necessarily the right move for everyone.
To judge whether relocating from the suburban to the urban is right for you, take a look at the commute time, proximity of local amenities, and public transportation. Some urban centers offer more robust and reliable options for getting around, while others are still heavily car-dependent. If moving into the city won’t get you out of your car, the suburbs are still a good choice. But big city living is an attractive option if you can reduce how often your family drives—or even go from a multi-car family to a single vehicle.
Reconsider Your Housing Footprint
The size of a home is always a big consideration when you’re looking at your next place. Right now, there’s the added pressure of the costs of heating and cooling a home to consider when you think about total square footage. On average, the cost of natural gas is up 24% in February 2022 compared to the previous year, and electricity is up 9%.
Downsizing can be a smart reason to sell your home and buy a new one, especially if your family situation has changed and you don’t need as much space. With less to heat, cool, and maintain, finding a home that’s just the right size for the stage of life you’re in is something your agent can help you with.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, families started moving back in together at rising rates. Now, more than 40% of homebuyers consider multigenerational living in their purchasing decision. New developments are dedicated to building homes and communities that accommodate people at different stages of their lives. And, if the family situation changes, being able to rent out a dedicated space is an excellent source of passive income.
Whether you’re looking to go small by yourself or go big and share the costs, homes that are renovated with energy-efficient appliances, or new construction with the latest smart home technologies, are especially attractive. These are smart decisions to make now that will also save you costs in the long run, even when oil and gas prices stabilize.
Act Fast to Lock in Interest Rates
Gas prices are tied closely to mortgage rates. Yep, it really does affect everything! Mortgage lenders want to have an extra cushion over inflation when they set rates, and with the rise of oil and gas prices, interest rates will get pushed up too. If you’re buying a home, it’s time to get serious about making offers. Higher mortgage rates will impact what you can afford.
For sellers, this can impact the white-hot housing market streak that was the dominant theme for the last few years. With interest rates set to rise, home sellers may want to be flexible about offers, in case the market shifts dramatically as interest rates go up throughout the remainder of the year. Of course, this varies widely by market, and you’ll want to consult your agent before making any decisions on offers on your home.
Make Your Move
There’s no time to wait—with the market changing this rapidly, you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to have options and make a well-informed decision. That’s why you need to work with an agent that understands the ups and downs of this historic market and considers the needs of you and your family. Contact us today to get started!
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 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, 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.
