Lake of the Woods, VA, Real Estate Stats for January 2016 By Pat Licata REALTOR® In the month of January, a total of only 4 homes were sold. 3 were standard sale, 1 between $100-$175K, 1 between $250-350K, and 1 over $500K. There was 1 foreclosure in the $100-175K price range. There weren’t any short sales sold in January, and no lots sold either.
However, don’t let those low January real estate stats fool you. February is hot! Within the last two weeks, 4 of my listings have gone under contract, I just received an offer on another listing, and my team has written two offers for buyers. If you are thinking of selling in the not-so-distant future, check out this blog post for some tips to make it easier when the time is right for you: Tips for LOW Sellers
Here’s a link to real estate currently for sale in Lake of the Woods: LOW active listings It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
By Pat Licata-REALTOR
Selling your home may be an idea you are seriously considering, but that does not mean you are ready to put your home on the market just yet. You may be waiting to pay off your mortgage; you may be waiting for the kids to move out; for the Spring selling season to hit Lake of the Woods (it’s not necessary to wait–I promise); or you may not be ready yet to part with all the memories you have made in this home.
But that does not mean you don’t have to start preparing to sell.
What to Consider Before Listing Your Home
Many home sellers feel overwhelmed when they are preparing to sell their home for a number of reasons: There is the daunting task of decluttering, the sometimes unexpected repairs that have to be made, and the seemingly endless list of squeaky doors and minor fixes that buyers would notice almost immediately.
And all of this happens in a short time. (Read this Popular Mechanics article about what surprises this first-time home seller experienced to get an idea of what can happen.)
Prepare Now, Feel Less Stressed Later
You are in the perfect position right now to do what many home sellers do not have the chance to — slowly start to get your home in order. Here are five home selling tips you can try now so you won’t feel overwhelmed when the time is right for you.
1. Start with the Necessary Repairs
Free yourself from future stress by making any major repairs now, whether that is repairing the HVAC or replacing the hot water heater.
2. Go for Neutral Colors
If you want to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, opt for more neutral colors. During home showings, neutral colors and décor make it easier for home buyers to picture themselves living in your home, which is your ultimate goal. Don’t use builder white. Two of my favorite are Benjamin Moore’s bleaker beige for warmer tones and revere pewter for cooler ones.
3. Start Decluttering Now
Home sellers often find that decluttering is one of the more frustrating and overwhelming tasks, but if you start cleaning the clutter now, you will thank yourself later. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t love something and use it, lose it.
4. Deep Clean Your Home Periodically
Sometimes it feels like the little things pile up quickly, don’t they? Try to stay ahead of minor maintenance and cleaning tasks by:
cleaning fixtures and light switch covers
fixing broken doorbells
repairing squeaky doors
dusting high and low
cleaning floors and windows
5. Refresh Your Front Entrance
During the home selling process, making a fantastic first impression is the key to getting buyers in the door. Refresh your home’s curb appeal by purchasing a new welcome mat, painting the front door, and polishing or replacing the doorknob.
List Your Home with Pat Licata for a Smooth Experience
We at the Licata Group/Licata on the Lake hope you found these home selling tips helpful. We know that selling a home can be overwhelming, especially if the unexpected happens. But we want to make sure that you have as painless of a sale as possible, so we will do everything we can to help you sell your home for top dollar and in your desired timeframe. So when you do decide to list your home, Pat is just a phone call away at 540/735-7998! It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
Locust Grove Middle School Principal Named Best in State of VA! By Pat Licata REALTOR
The Virginia Middle School Association has named Kim Crandall, Principal of Locust Grove Middle School, Master in the Middle School Educator of the Year for 2014! She became Principal in 2011 when the Middle School opened. Principal Crandall received her Bachelors in English from Anderson University and a Masters in Women’s Studies from Harvard University. She was nominated for the award by several of the teachers at LGMS.
“According to the Virginia Middle School Association, the award recognizes educators who serve in roles other than as classroom teachers who have demonstrated a devotion to working with young adolescents and have demonstrated a commitment to best middle level practices.”
Congratulations, Principal Crandall!
For the original story, click here.
Aerial Tour of Lake of the Woods! By Pat Licata REALTOR
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.