The State of Real Estate at the Lake  

By Pat Licata, External Affairs Committee 
What a difference a year makes! 2017 was an amazing year for real estate sales in Lake of the Woods, with sales showing an increase of 21+% over 2016. New construction has continually been on the rise as well.  
Of the 294 total sales in 2017, only 17, or 5.8%, were either short sales or foreclosures.  
At the height of the distressed real estate market in 2010, a whopping 43% of all sales were either short sales or foreclosures. We’ve come a long way!  
So let’s look at our steady growth over the past five years: 
In 2013, the median sold price was $190000, and 211 homes sold, of which 28.2% were distressed sales.  
In 2014, the median sold price jumped to $219,450, with 193 homes selling, of which only 11.9% were distressed.  
In 2015, the total sales climbed to 247, with 15% being distressed. The total sales represented almost a 30% gain over 2014, and the median sales price dropped to 210,000.  
In 2016, the market was pretty flat compared to 2015 in regards to total sales, which held at 243 with a decrease in distressed sales to 11.1%. However, 2016 saw the median price jump to 225000, a healthy 7.1% increase.  
2017 told a totally different tale: 294 total sales, a whopping 21.1% increase over 2016 with only 5.8% being distressed. The median sales price climbed to 239,000. 
Average days on the market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, has steadily declined from 111 in 2013 to 95 days in 2017. 
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2013-December 31,2017, 155 lots exchanged ownership.  
New construction has been climbing, as well. 2013 saw 17 new construction starts, while 2014 had 18, In 2015, there were 41; in 2016, there were 28; and there were 30 in 2017. 
Another good year in 2018 is anticipated! Our low taxes in OC will potentially be even more appealing to prospective residents. The new tax law allowing tax deductions only up to $10,000 for real estate taxes may drive consumers to lower tax base localities such as what we enjoy here. 
 
Whether your looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
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