First impressions matter when selling a home in Lake of the Woods or elsewhere. But the first thing buyers see isn’t always your staged living room or upgraded kitchen. The price is the first impression buyers have of your home. The price also determines whether buyers skip over your home or go inside for a better look. Home buyers are attuned to the market. When they are searching online for properties and browsing through listing photos, they can easily spot a home that is not worth the price tag attached to it.
The Simplest Ways to Add Value to Your Home
There are many ways to add value to your home, but don’t waste your time and money with major home improvements that won’t pay off. Instead, focus on these small, often overlooked tasks. Even the smallest fixes can significantly increase your home’s market value.
Replace Doorknobs and Other Hardware
Is the front doorknob worn or tarnished? Are your light fixtures outdated? Replacing the hardware in your home, even though it’s just a cosmetic fix, can make a world of difference when you sell your home.
Paint the Walls a Neutral Color
A fresh coat of paint can leave your home looking like new. Choosing neutral colors, such as beige or grey, for your walls allows buyers to easily picture their belongings in your home. Two of my favorites are Benjamin Moore’s bleaker beige and revere pewter. Lighter tones also create the illusion of more space.
Declutter Your Home
Buyers want to see a home that is organized and well-kept, both in person at showings and online in listing photos. Donate, discard, or store any furniture or household items that are not absolutely necessary in each room. Decluttering your home is the best way to add value, maximize space, and make a great first impression.
Price Your Home Right from the Start
When you’re ready to put your home on the market, create the best first impression with the right price. If you want to sell your home quickly and for the most money possible, we can help you determine the market value of your home. Call us today for a free home evaluation.
To see reviews from our past clients, click here!
To view Lake of the Woods homes for sale, click here!
August 2016 Sunset Concert Series on the Point in Lake of the Woods Featuring The Island Gerry Duo- By Pat Licata REALTOR®
It is time for the 4th concert in the Sunset Concert Series at the Point, featuring the Island Gerry Duo; Island Gerry and Matty D! The concert will take place Friday, August 26 from 7-9PM at Clubhouse Point.
Singer, songwriter and guitarist from Fredericksburg, VA. Gerry Maddox, (Island Gerry) started a solo career in early 2001, Gerry has performed for audiences from the shores of Maryland, to the Florida Keys and Mexico. He’s also performed at several events for Jimmy Buffett shows at Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavilion). Performing music by Bob Marley, Kenny Chesney, Eric Clapton, John Mayer and Jimmy Buffett to name a few. His music is often described as “Island Rock” but consist of a variety of styles, Rock, Reggae, R&B and Country.
Throughout his solo career, Gerry has performed with other artist, Kimber Cleveland, John Patti, Kara and Matty D and the Calypso Nuts. In 2009 the musical collaboration of Island Gerry and keyboard player Ed Lambert formed Ocean Drive, creating an original style of “Classic Rock” and “Coastal Music.”
The event is FREE and 100% funded by sponsors who are also LOW residents! Sponsors include: The Licata Group REALTORS®, Lakeside Title and Escrow, Design Craft Homes, Townsend Home Health and Hospice Care, Inspired Electrical, Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, LOW True Value Hardware, and JK Carpets.
For more information, contact Pat Licata at 540.735.7998.
Please note that the following changes have been made regarding boating and swimming during the concerts: It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
On Saturday, August 13, the Tennis Committee will be hosting a Tennis Social at 9 AM. Activities will run from 9 AM until 11 AM, with a mixed doubles format. Please call to reserve your spot with Gloria and Wilbert Brown at 540-972-2450. Bring a light dish to share for brunch in the gazebo afterwards. Cost is $2 per player.
If you’d like to know what great Lake of the Woods real estate is available, click here. It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
The LGA annual meeting and the Member/Member Tournament will both be held on August 23. Come cast your votes for the 2016-2017 officers and review the proposed budget at 7:30 AM in the Woods Center. The Member/Member Tournament will start after the meeting and a continental breakfast. Find a partner and sign up by August 15 for the tournament, which costs $15 per player. For more information, the sign-up sheet and tournament details will be posted in the Woods Center lounge.
If you’d like to know what great Lake of the Woods real estate is available, click here. It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
By Pat Licata-REALTOR
In Lake of the Woods in July, a total of 27 homes were sold. 24 were standard sale, of which one sold under $100K, two sold between $100-$175K, ten between $175-250K, five between $250-350K, and four between $350-500K and two over $500K. There were a total of three distressed sales (foreclosures or short sales), one between $100-175K, one between $175-250K, and one between $250-350K. Two lots also sold, priced under $10,000.
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!
Lake of the Woods stats through February 22, 2016:
The Lake of the Woods SPRING OPEN HOUSE is Sunday, May 15, 2016! If you are thinking of selling, call me at 540-735-7998 for a free market analysis and suggestions to get your house ready. It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
Licata on the Lake
There are many benefits to owning a home: A home is an investment that can earn equity, is often cheaper to buy than to rent, and is your own place that you can fill with wonderful memories.
But another great benefit about owning a home is the financial benefits that you can take advantage of during tax season.
Major Tax Breaks for Homeowners
Owning a home, and eventually selling it, can offer you opportunities for deductions on your taxes, and we wanted to outline the major tax breaks for homeowners today. Are you taking advantage of these tax benefits?
Available until the end of this year, homeowners who have installed solar hot water heaters, solar electric systems, wind turbines, or qualifying energy-efficient home improvements can take a tax credit as part of the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit.
The credit is for 30% of the cost for these energy-efficient home improvements.
Deduction for Property Taxes
In addition to deducting your mortgage interest, you can also deduct the annual taxes you pay on your home’s value, called real estate taxes.
Deduction for Capital Gains
If you have used your home as your primary residence when you sell, you can exclude up to $250,000 in capital gains from the home sale on your taxes (or $500,000 if you are married filing jointly).
To learn what other tax benefits you may take advantage of, visit the Credits and Deductions page on the IRS website or read this MarketWatch article about other tax breaks for homeowners.
Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Home
If you have been considering buying a home in Lake of the Woods or elsewhere in the area and are ready to start your search, we can help you find the perfect home that falls within your budget and provide you with helpful real estate resources to make the journey to homeownership as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Contact us today at 540/735-7998 and let’s talk about your goals for owning a home.
Until next time…It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
Pat Licata – Realtor
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!
Home buyers are attuned to the market. When they are searching online for properties and browsing through listing photos, they can easily spot a home that is not worth the price tag attached to it.
Paint the Walls a Neutral Color
