Virginia is a beautiful state with a unique history. It brings many people not only to visit but also to make this extraordinary place their home. In 2021 Virginia has seen a steady rise of people flocking to live there. The reasons to choose Virginia are many. Some people come because of family and lifestyle, and others because of jobs, retirement, and health. Whichever the reasons to come here are, here is what you can expect from this beautiful state. This article will discuss 7 reasons to move to Virginia this year.
People move to Virginia for various reasons
There is no doubt about it; Virginia is one of the most popular places people are coming to. According to studies, most people came to Virginia because of their family and the comfortable lifestyle. And those reasons are the deciding factor for above 50% of out-of-state arrivals. Other reasons are retirement, job seeking, and health care, respectively. When looking at these numbers, there can be no surprise that the populace coming consists of:
families
adults
job seekers
seniors
Property experts from LakeOfTheWoods state that the number of arrivals from 2021 will also be seen in the current year. There has been a steady increase after the COVID-19 crisis. Many people want to find getaways and start a new life here in Virginia.
The reason to move to Virginia is quality education
The State of Virginia has some of the best options for higher education. It is the home of more than 40 public universities, which is not a small number. Some of them, such as The University of Virginia, The College of William and Mary, and Virginia Tech, are the most sought-after universities. Ones with a good “pedigree” and chance of an excellent career. They are some of the oldest universities built from the end of the 17th century. If you are looking to offer your child the best education, the experts from Next Stop Movers suggest that coming to Virginia is the way to go. Many of their clients move to Virginia, particularly to pursue education opportunities.
Place for retirement
Looking for a place to retire to? Then look no further, as Virginia can be just the spot for you. Friendly, warm-welcoming, and tightly-knitted societies provide excellent opportunities to choose your ideal neighborhood. Virginia towns also enjoy one of the lowest crime rates in the US. Good housing options for aging in place add to the pros of living here. Probably the most compelling reason why seniors choose Virginia is tax friendliness. Any retiree can deduct up to $12,000 in pension and retirement income state taxes, which is a considerable amount. On top of that, the state does not tax Social Security benefits, making Virginia an ideal place for seniors and retirees.
A festival state
During the year, many festivals are held in Virginia. It is one of the more prominent reasons people are coming in draws. There is much happening that can appeal to even the most exquisite tastes. The Blues, Brews, and Barbecue festival is held in the first half of the year. It is located in Yorktown and begins every May. If you are going to Virginia Beach, don’t miss the Neptune Festival. In April, Winchester is hosting its pride, The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. This enormous festival consists of more than 25 events, including music, dining, and carnivals. You can attend the Deep Roots’ Fall Festival in Orange County in the fall. Don’t miss out on the chance to attend these festivals when coming to Virginia.
Moving to Virginia interstate
Moving can be challenging and stressful, requiring a lot of time, patience, and money to succeed. When moving interstate, for example, from NC to VA, an NC-based team can help you with everything you need when moving to Virginia. This way, you will save your money and precious time, which you can dedicate to more pressing matters. On top of that, you will not have to carry anything by yourself. That can be handled by a punctual team of professionals who will do the heavy lifting for you.
Good healthcare
Virginia is renowned in the US for its excellent healthcare. The state is investing a lot of effort and money in its healthcare. So much so that Virginia is constantly rising on the list of the best public health providers every year. Excellent hospitals such as Inova Fairfax Hospital, Sentara Norfolk General, and other centers make it a perfect spot for every person with health issues, disabilities, or seniors.
A thriving economy is a reason to move to Virginia
If you are looking for good reasons to move to Virginia, this may help you decide. Virginia is home to a diverse economy. From the shipbuilding industry, farming, and seafood harvesting. You can also find many fine wineries and distilleries. The various business opportunities brought many intellectuals and investors. This led to a steady rise and boom in the economy of Virginia, and career options are also many. A perfect place for young entrepreneurs and families seeking quality jobs.
Move to Virginia because of the weather
Moderate levels of rainfall throughout the year, hot summers, and mild winters are what make Virginia so special. It has a humid subtropical climate and one that you can enjoy no matter the season. Depending on where you choose to settle in Virginia, you can see winter snow and enjoy hot summer days in the sun. Be prepared, though, because the weather is constantly changing, bringing many rainy days and nights.
Moving to Virginia brings a lot of benefits. Virginia has everything from the tax deduction if you are a senior, good healthcare, diverse culture, to a great education and weather. However, there are also annual festivals and friendly tightly-knitted societies in rural places, making it a perfect spot for early retirement. Diverse cuisine and steady rise in economy prove Virginia is also an ideal option for entrepreneurs and thriving families. The landscape and nature are also something that you can treasure if you like spending time outdoors. Come to Virginia and experience a modern lifestyle combined with American tradition.
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.
Relocation is never an easy task to complete, but things tend to get even more complicated and stressful if you are moving with kids to Orange County, VA. No matter your reasons for moving, it’s almost certain your kids will have difficulties accepting and adapting to this change. However, there are still ways to have a smooth and easy relocation. To help you, we’ve prepared the three most common mistakes most parents make when moving with kids. If you avoid them, we can assure you that your family move will be that much simpler and more bearable.
Survive moving with kids to Orange County VA
Moving is a very challenging transition for children, no matter their age. Whether you’re relocating for work or want to have a fresh start with your family in one of the loveliest parts of the US – Orange County, VA – you need to be mindful of your kids’ feelings and help them go through this process easily.
No matter how old your kids are, relocating is a massive change, and it can be quite stressful for them, so you have to help them adjust.
To help you have a smooth family move, we did our research and prepared the three most common mistakes parents make when moving long-distance with kids. By knowing which mistakes to avoid, you’ll prepare them for the journey and ensure they have a good time.
Avoid big surprises
Even though you might think that surprising your kids with a sudden move to a new neighborhood or even state is a good idea, think twice. Kids need time to emotionally prepare for what’s happening, so it’s important not to wait last minute to inform them about the move.
Instead, talk to them even before you get in touch with an experienced Virginia Realtor and start looking for your new family home. Your kids will appreciate this, especially if they’re older. Not only will they feel included, but you’ll also give them enough time to prepare and say goodbye to their old friends.
Even though there’s a big chance your kids won’t be happy to hear about your family move to Orange County, VA, you shouldn’t avoid and delay talking to them about it.
The last thing you want is to bring up moving out of the blue. This will make your kids feel helpless and frustrated, and the fact they had no say in the matter can only make things worse and give them a sense of powerlessness. Thus, make sure to communicate properly and let your kids know you’re there to address all of their questions and concerns.
Excluding your kids from the process
Another very common mistake you should do your best to avoid is excluding your kids from the process. Having them help you with packing and other moving-related tasks is a great way to teach them responsibility. Of course, this doesn’t apply if your kids are too young.
Also, involving your kids will make them feel important and wanted. If you feel confident enough, you can even allow them to pack their toys, books, and similar. And if you make an extra effort and research different packing and moving games, you’ll turn the entire process into a fun and exciting adventure.
Or assuming they can help with the process
On the other hand, many parents overestimate their kids’ abilities and assume they can do most of the packing independently. However, it’s imperative to know how much your kids can handle and not ask too much of them.
If you’re not sure your kids can handle a task on their own, make sure to supervise them and offer help. Getting frustrated with them will only make this worse. Being patient and helpful will make them want to participate and learn even more.
Letting them take too many things
As moving is very stressful for kids, most parents want to find ways to make it easier for them and tend to be more indulgent than usual. Many parents end up allowing their kids to take too many things to their new home. However, this is another mistake you should try your best to avoid.
Instead, find ways to teach your kids the importance of decluttering. The best way to approach this is to go through your kids’ things with them and sort them into three piles:
Let them keep only things they truly need and regularly use. Of course, you can’t be too strict regarding items your children are emotionally attached to. However, make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly.
You should teach them to toss things that are broken or can’t be used anymore.
Lastly, the third pile should be reserved for things that are still usable but your kids no longer need. As they’ll have the hardest time letting go of these types of things, you can motivate them by suggesting donating their old clothes and toys to less fortunate children. They’ll surely love the idea and won’t feel as sad when letting go of their old things.
Try to think of ways to make moving more fun and exciting for your kids.
Even if you end up bringing more things than you can fit into your new home in Orange County, VA, there is no reason to worry. There are simple and affordable ways to store your extra belongings safely. The experienced team from Helix Transfer & Storage suggests renting a storage unit as the best way for safely storing all the things you have no room for in your home.
Good luck moving with kids to Orange County VA!
As you can see, if you prepare well and make sure to avoid mistakes we’ve listed, moving with kids to Orange County, VA, will be that much simpler and less stressful. Even though they’ll surely need some time to adjust to the new area and get used to their new schools, it will all be worth it in the end. And in case you’re still looking for your perfect Virginia home, make sure to get in touch with an experienced local realtor. They’ll find a home that suits your family’s wants and needs.
Meta description: If you are moving with kids to Orange County, VA, make sure to avoid most common mistakes parents make. We’ve prepared them in this article.
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.
A long-distance move needs to be properly planned. You cannot simply pop over and fix things you had forgotten to handle the way you can when moving just to the other side of town. So, take the time to organize the process properly, and give yourself at least a few months to do it! To help with this, here are ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia.
Plan for pets and children in advance
Even if you are moving to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Orange County, your kids, no matter how excited they are, are still going to be stressed and worried about the move. The uncertainty, leaving their childhood home, and the difficulties of a long-distance move will all combine. Make sure to set some time aside to calm them down and keep an eye on them throughout the process. Your pets will similarly likely go through a crisis. This will be compounded by the fact that some species do not handle relocation and travel well at all. Make sure their travel carriers are covered in breathable cloth since it might help them calm down.
Keeping your pets relaxed and happy will let you focus on the move better!
Update your address on all your documents
It is important to remember that your documents will need to be updated with your new address. This might take some time, but make sure to do it anyway. If at all possible, in fact, do it before your move. You will likely be busy enough as it is, trying to handle everything when you are there. So something like updating your address could slip your mind in the chaos. Still, it can cause any number of issues, starting with getting your driving license suspended, so the importance of it is not to be underestimated.
Call off your subscriptions and redirect your mail
Your mail will still be delivered to your old address unless you take the time to visit your local post office and have them redirect it to its proper new destination. This is another thing you need to do before you move, since it would be time-consuming and complicated to accomplish from your new home instead. Similarly, do not forget to cancel or redirect any subscriptions you have bound to your previous address.
Find a reliable moving company
When it comes to a long-distance move in Virginia and hiring a moving company, you want an easy process without any troubles. After all, it will be the very first step into your new life. You do not want to get off on the wrong foot. The best way to ensure this is to get cost estimates from multiple companies first. This will let you eliminate both the ridiculously expensive ones and obvious scams. You will easily recognize the latter. They will be promising you a move for next to no money at all. Make sure they have references from other customers and chat with them. You can then decide relatively safely on the company you prefer.
Make sure to iron out all the details in the contract you sign!
Get insurance
Get a good insurance policy! It is not a waste of money. It is a precaution, and it is foolish not to have it. If there is an accident, and you do end up losing everything, it will soften the blow. You will not be able to replace sentimental items, of course, but at least you will not be going into your new life with next to nothing to your name.
Make a solid schedule and stick to it
This is important since moving companies, good moving companies at least, have rigid schedules. You could lose your contract and the money you paid if you fail to keep to the plan you had agreed to. In addition to this, it will help keep things on track, and you will always know exactly what needs to be done and when. This will help reduce the stress and uncertainty a long-distance move can entail. You will also know how much time you have to find a good realtor for the sale of your old home, so you can plan around getting your hand on those funds.
Decide what to leave behind
You can’t take all of your belongings with you. Or rather, you probably could, but it would cost even more money, time, and effort. This is an excellent opportunity to go through your stuff and decide what you really need and what you no longer even want. In turn, not only would you trim your luggage, you could donate to charity, give away gifts and heirlooms, or even organize a sale and earn back some money for at least minor spending upon your arrival at your new home.
Pack smartly and well in advance to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia
Even if you have just bought a vacation home in Virginia and are not planning to live there full-time, packing right is important. When moving permanently, it is even more crucial. You need to get quality shipping containers. Preferably plastic, since cardboard boxes easily get wet, torn, or damaged. You can even get recyclable versions. You need to mark what has gone into each container so you know what is where. Finally, you need to organize your luggage so that the least important items are packed into the trucks first. That way, you can quickly get at the important things. And don’t forget to pack the most important items and toiletries into a bag you keep with you at all times! This includes essential documents such as school and medical records.
If you do opt for traditional boxes, there is plenty you can do with them after the move is over!
Say goodbye to your friends and neighbors
Chances are, you will not be able to easily visit your old friends and neighbors. So, take the time to properly say goodbye. Go on one last outing together. Have fun and try to revisit old memories. It is always good to foster friendships, and you can always keep in touch online!
Conclusion
We hope that our list of ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia was informative and helpful! Good luck, and we are sure that if you stick to what we discussed, your move will at least be a lot less stressful than it otherwise would have been.
Meta Description: Check out our list of ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia and learn everything you will possibly need!
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.
Getting married and starting a family is life-changing. While you’re likely incredibly excited about welcoming children into the world, try not to get ahead of yourself! It’s important that you and your partner are on sound financial footing before embarking on the financial—and emotional—roller coaster that is parenting. If you’re about to get married, and you’re thinking about starting a family, familiarize yourself with the following financial planning tips to ensure you’re prepared, presented by The Licata Group Real Estate.
Make a Will and Declare a Guardian
Writing wills is never fun. No one wants to think about what will happen to their kids in the event of their untimely death. Although these tragic events are rare, they do occur, so it’s always best to plan for the worst. As The Bump explains, drafting a will ensures that your wishes will be carried out regarding how your children are cared for, as well as who will be caring for them, if something should happen to you. Besides dividing up your property among your beneficiaries, your will can be used to declare a guardian for your children. You may also want to include a healthcare proxy and power of attorney to ensure your financial and medical wishes are carried out if an accident or illness prevents you from making these decisions yourself.
Purchase Life Insurance
While you may have been fine without life insurance when you were single and childless, getting married and starting a family changes everything. Now, you have people who depend on you financially. If you should pass away unexpectedly, would your spouse and children be able to maintain their lifestyle without your income? For most young families, the answer is no. This is why every parent—even stay-at-home moms—should consider life insurance!
You also have to think about your funeral and burial expenses. No family should have to navigate tough financial decisions during a period of intense grief, so make a plan to cover your final expenses while you have the chance. One solution is to purchase a pre-paid funeral. Not all pre-paid funeral plans make financial sense, so take the time to understand what these arrangements will cover and whether this really is the best option for you and your family.
Create an Emergency Savings Fund
Life insurance isn’t the only financial safety net you should have in place. An emergency savings fund can protect your family from taking on debt to cover sudden, unexpected expenses like major home repairs, car breakdowns, medical emergencies, or periods of unemployment. If both you and your spouse hold steady jobs, start by saving three months of living expenses in your emergency fund. If only one spouse works or you’re self-employed, it’s a good idea to put away more.
Remember to Plan for Your Retirement
It’s easy to postpone retirement planning when you have so many other things to save for, like your children’s post-secondary education, but NBC News Better stresses the importance of prioritizing your retirement savings over that of your children’s education. Your kids will have access to several funding opportunities when it comes time for college, including scholarships, student loans, and grants. You, on the other hand, will have to make do with the money you’ve saved up for retirement.
Develop a Household Budget
Budgeting is the best way to ensure you can afford the additional costs of raising children while at the same time meeting your family savings goals. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to spending. Plan your budget together, differentiating between things your household really needs and things you would like to have. At the same time, remember to set some money aside for fun activities like date nights or going out with friends.
Of course, your household budget can change a little when you decide to purchase a home. There are a lot of things you’ll need to take into consideration when you buy a house, from saving up for the down payment and securing a home loan. There are also things you may not have considered, such as reducing the interest rate on your loan by paying points on the mortgage. The Licata Group Real Estate can help you throughout the process, so get in touch with one of our agents whenever you’re ready.
Discussing your financial plans is a chance to build a stronger bond with your new spouse. While talking about money may not be the most romantic activity, it can be fun making goals and dreaming about your future together. Getting your finances organized now will set your family up for a lifetime of stability and stress-free living!
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.
After connecting with The Licata Group, outlining a reasonable house hunting budget, and going to countless open houses, you have finally found the perfect property for your family. Now, it’s time to pack up, hit the road, and start making yourselves at home in your new city! Here’s how unpack strategically, keep your family safe and secure, and begin exploring your city.
Set Up Utilities
Before you move in, you need to set up basic utilities like electricity, gas, and water at the first available opportunity. In your new city, you may notice a difference in water taste or quality. If you’re concerned about contaminants in your tap water, you can conduct a local water quality search. Should you find that you’ve moved to an area with poor water quality, you may want to install a simple water filtration system. Just keep a few extra filters on hand so that your family always has access to clean drinking water!
Unpack Immediately
Don’t delay the unpacking process! You don’t want to leave your belongings in moving boxes for weeks on end. Plus, your kids will feel anxious without their belongings, and you’ll want to furnish their bedrooms quickly so that they can relax and decompress. Consumer Affairs recommends unpacking and arranging furniture and other large items first, and then organizing smaller essential belongings.
Don’t Forget Security
After moving in, you may want to set up a home security system to keep your family safe. Electronic House recommends paying for a professional, 24/7 monitoring service to make sure that your family is always protected.
Don’t forget about cybersecurity, too! You need to be proactive to keep your family safe online. Since you’ll be updating your address, consider how you can prevent your family from dealing with identity theft. Once your kids have unpacked their devices, give them a brief talk about online safety just to make sure that everyone in your household is up to speed. This may be a good time to change the passwords on your accounts, just in case.
Interior Design
How can you make your new house really feel like a home? Create an environment that truly suits your family’s lifestyle and aesthetic preferences with smart interior design choices! Ask your kids for their input, too, especially when it’s time to decorate and paint their bedrooms. When you’ve personalized each room, you’ll truly begin to feel like you’ve come home. You can also check out local antique shops and thrift stores to pick up unique items.
Locate Essential Services
You’ve left behind your family doctor, your dentist, your bank, and your favorite coffee shops – now, it’s time to find replacements in your new city! Search for healthcare providers who are taking new patients, and locate your nearest urgent care center while you’re at it. Find the closest branch for your bank, or switch to a new credit union in your area. And check out a cute coffee shop where you can see your family becoming regulars!
Start Exploring
You’ve unpacked, you’ve decorated, you’ve secured your property and contacted your utility companies. Now, it’s time to experience everything your city has to offer! Feel free to reach out to your real estate agent and ask for suggestions for local attractions, or you can put some handy apps to work.
Your kids are probably antsy after going through the whole moving process, and chances are, you’re ready to have some fun in your new city. Head to a local park, check out a downtown museum, pay a visit to a zoo or botanical gardens, and get outside of your comfort zone! You never know what gems you might find in your new location.
Moving as a family can be quite challenging, and during the weeks leading up to your move, you may feel overwhelmed and stressed out. But preparing for your next steps will help you feel like you’re in control. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make this transitory time go smoothly for your family.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! 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, one of our area expert advisors 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 properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Buying a property in Virginia can be a great experience if you are lucky enough to find the professionals who can help you do it. Virginia is a state where rural and urban make a unique scene making sure that you can find whatever you search for. However, bear in mind that there is a long way from having an idea to move to Virginia to actually making the final decision and signing the necessary papers. There are some specific rules you need to be acquainted with, so you will need some help from a realtor. Here are some things that every real estate agent in Virginia needs to know.
Before
hiring a realtor
Here are some things that you
should know about working with a real estate agent in Virginia:
Let’s start with some good news – usually, the seller pays the commission which is divided between a seller’s and a buyer’s agent.
You should always check whether the agent you want to hire is licensed to do the job. Don’t rely on customer reviews on websites only and always ask for personal referrals.
Before you hire a real estate agent, you should try to figure out what you are actually looking for. Make a list of all the characteristics that you expect your new home to have. That will make yours and your realtor’s job much easier. While at it, you should decide what you are going to do with the possessions you are not planning to relocate. This might seem like thinking too far ahead, but it isn’t. Once you find the home that you want to buy or rent you will be too busy dealing with paperwork, credits, and inspections. The solutions for storing furniture in Virginia will probably be the last thing on your mind. A tip: Find and book them in advance!
Buying a property is probably one of the greatest investments you’ll have
Every real estate agent in Virginia
needs to know the statistics
Numbers and figures are something that every real estate agent just has to know
no matter where he/she lives and works. Virginia is a huge real estate
market with a lot of great listings so that everybody can find the property
they are searching for, be that a flat, an urban home, a ranch or a vacation home.
The Commonwealth of Virginia has it all!
At the moment, Virginia real
estate market is very hot. The average time that a home stays on the market
before being sold is 64 days. The hot market also means that over the past
year, the prices of listings have gone up 4.3%. The median home value in
the state at the moment is $264,200. Moreover, the predictions are that,
within the next year, the price will rise as much as 2.8%. The median
value that the sellers in Virginia expect to get for their property is $310,325.
On the other hand, the average amount that people are paying for their home in
the state is $269,900.
The average rent in Virginia is
somewhere around $1,700 per month.
A
good realtor is expected to know the history of listings they are showing
Buyers are curious, especially when they are about to make such an investment
as buying a property. And, who can blame them? Besides the common facts that
the realtor is expected to know about the property he/she is trying to earn on,
here are some of the questions that buyers in Virginia tend to ask:
Was this property the site of a meth lab and if so, was it cleaned properly and in accordance with the regulations?
Are there any defects to the drywall in the house?
Is this place within the area of military air installation? – It might sound silly, but these are the questions that a real estate agent in Virginia just has to be able to answer.
Whatever you are searching for, a good real estate agent in Virginia will help you find it
And,
a lot more
More details about residential
property disclosure can be found within Residential Property Disclosure
made by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Plus, a good real estate agent would have to at least know to point their
clients in the right direction where they can find the answers he/she cannot
give them directly.
One of the qualities of a realtor
that cannot be learned by heart is just being friendly and welcoming to the
newcomers wanting to buy a property and stay in Virginia. They will like to
know more about the neighborhood and the county wherein they are searching for
a place. A good real estate agent has to have some additional info up their
sleeve. For instance, they should be informed about the top things to do in Orange County if that is the area of the buyer’s interest. Or, they
should have some basic data on local schools in the neighborhood.
A
real estate agent in Virginia needs to be familiar with paperwork a buyer needs
to go through
Whether you are a Canadian buying a property in Virginia, or a local citizen moving to another street, you will have a lot of paperwork to handle before becoming an official owner of a Virginia property. What is specific about the real estate market in this state is that a lot is left to the buyer to do. That is where a helping hand from the good realtor is priceless. Other than signing the purchase agreement, you will have to deal with taxes and mortgages. A realtor who always has a good piece of advice when needed is worth their weight in gold.
There are some more things that need to be done in order for a buyer to completely disclose the purchase. They have to provide the inspection report after having a house inspection done. This is done in order to identify the problems with pests, structure, drainage, mold, electrical, plumbing, heating, etc. Ok, how can a real estate agent help me with that? – you might be asking yourselves. Well, after you get the inspection results, a realtor can help you negotiate the price with the seller.
You will have to sign a lot of papers to disclose the purchase
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! 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, one of our area expert advisors 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.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard, “location, location, location!” on repeat. Finding the perfect city or town is one thing, but you’ll need to take it a step further. The right neighborhood matters more than you think, so before you start your search, we have some tips to help you find the perfect spot!
Do Your Research
Before you start driving through prospective neighborhoods, you’ll want to do some research at home first. Finding the right place to live can be time-consuming, but some quick online searches can help narrow down your options. Many agents also spotlight certain neighborhoods on their website and tend to offer more in-depth guides—as well as more listings and home-buying tips.
After doing your initial research, you’ve probably narrowed your list down to a few neighborhoods. Now it’s time to delve deeper and look at these places by the numbers. It’s worth looking at stats like crime rate, HOA fees, and average property taxes. You might want to start your search with sites like Neighborhood Scout and City-Data—these sites give you localized data on demographics, schools, and more.
Scope Out What’s Around
While the actual neighborhood might seem perfect, what’s around matters a lot, too. Remember, you’re buying more than just a home—you’re finding a new place to thrive. If you’re looking for convenience, a community far-removed from amenities you love might not work. Be sure to take your commute into account, as well as the driving distance to places you go all the time.
School districts also play a big factor in which area you choose, especially for your kids. Even if you don’t have children, home prices in good districts are consistently higher than others, so it’s still something you should take into account. Want the inside scoop? Compare options by looking up which schools serve a community and exploring their ratings on sites like Niche.com.
Take a Stroll
Now it’s time for some field research! Once you’ve picked some neighborhoods that seem like a good fit, go do some exploring—you’ll want to do more than just drive around, though. Get out of the car and take a stroll during different times of the day! This is a fantastic way to meet potential neighbors and see the condition of homes.
You’ll want to ask yourself some crucial questions during each visit. How well do residents maintain their homes? Do you see a lot of people outside, or does everyone seem to keep to themselves? Is there any common space or amenities you’ll want to use? This is the best way to picture yourself living in an area before actually committing to a home.
Narrow Down Your Options
If you don’t have a clear winner in your head after you visit each community, it’s time to down and weigh the pros and cons. You should also evaluate the market—there might not be a home for sale that suits your needs in the neighborhood you love, so consider all of your options.
If you have any other questions, be sure to reach out to a real estate professional. They’ll use their expertise to help you make an informed decision, and can also show you spots you might have missed!
Ready to Find the Neighborhood of Your Dreams?
No matter where you are in your home search, we’d love to help make the process easier. We’ve got you covered, whether you’re still searching for the right community or are ready to look at homes. Give us a call today so we can chat—we can’t wait to be your local experts!
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.
Moving involves a couple of steps. The first one is making
the decision and starting to look for a home. When you have a lot of options,
it may be difficult to find the perfect spot for you and your family. Picking
the right home is essential, but it’s not the only thing that will make your
life nicer and happier. You need to find the right neighborhood, too. Choosing
a neighborhood needs to be done carefully, so you pick one that suits your
needs – depending on your lifestyle. So, if you are searching for a
neighborhood in Orange County, VA, here are the things to look for.
Orange County VA basics
Orange County is a
rural area which, though not so big, gives you the opportunity to enjoy amazing
nature. With the population of around 33,000, it is a place of a diverse
economy, proved to be very good for different industries and businesses. It’s
located in the central part of Virginia’s
Piedmont region, and its land is mostly made of hills, especially towards
the Blue Ridge Mountains.
What to look for when searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA
Looking for the perfect neighborhood? Well, you’ll
definitely find one in Orange County. The only problem is – which one suits
your lifestyle the best? Here’s what you should consider before you start
looking for a home.
If you have kids – look for good schools
Having kids changes your lifestyle and needs a lot.
Therefore, when searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA, be sure to
pick one that offers a nice school for your little ones. Some of the best public schools in Orange
County are:
Orange Elementary School
Locust Grove Elementary School
Unionville Elementary School
Orange County High school
However, this factor only counts if your kids are young and still
need to go to school. You should think about the quality of their education and
them traveling to school every day. Otherwise, there’s no need to pick a
neighborhood according to the best school in the area.
Figure 1 Moving with kids means you need to think about their future – as well as are searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA according to their needs
House prices
When searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA,
finances play a great role as well. If you think of buying a home, be sure to browse Orange
County house listings and see which place offers the homes you can afford.
Find a neighborhood according to your finances so it will be easier to find a
home there.
Figure 2 Unfortunately, finances are a significant factor when are searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA
Safety
Safety is one of the top reasons to choose or not to choose
a neighborhood. Even though everyone wants to live in the safest area possible,
sometimes finances don’t allow us to buy
a home there. However, that shouldn’t worry you. Orange County, VA is a pretty
safe place, but even so, you take a look
at crime reports and consider them as a factor if you’re indecisive between two
or three favorite neighborhoods. You can surely check the
Orange County’s crime history online, so it makes the research even easier.
Furthermore, be sure to visit the desired neighborhood and check it yourself. A safe and friendly e neighborhood is
well-lit at night, with proper sidewalks and kids playing around.
Community
If you rather enjoy an inactive way of life, you wouldn’t
mind living in a community that doesn’t
interact. However, if you like social events like parties, markets,
concerts, etc. – you may want to do some research
on the community you want to live in. You can probably research online – on
official websites or Facebook pages, but the best way is to talk to the people
you meet. Ask the locals about the
community events and top
things to do in Orange County – and at the same time check if they are
friendly to live with.
Figure 3 Do you really want to live in a dull community?
Job market
If you already don’t have a job, researching the job market
is a good idea. This can be an important factor when searching for a
neighborhood in Orange County, VA. You can pick
a home close to your job and significantly reduce the commute time. Always
keep an eye on Orange County Job
Opportunities, so you can find something you really like.
Walkability
Being able to enjoy your neighborhood without constantly
hopping into a bus or a train is a great factor when looking for a home. Be
sure to find a neighborhood that gives you the opportunity to walk to work (if
possible), favorite shops, restaurants, parks, etc. The best way to do it is by
visiting the desired neighborhood. Of course, when moving across the states –
that’s not always possible, but you can definitely research the area online
using Google Maps.
Highway accessibility
If you need to travel often or commute to work, choosing a neighborhood that has easy
access to highways is a must. Therefore, be sure to consider this as an
important factor if your lifestyle requires frequent travels.
Religion
Many religious people want to live close to a church or synagogue. Therefore, it can be one of the
important factors when searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA.
Be sure to move to Orange County safely
If you are moving from another state, you probably don’t know
much about Orange County, or you are coming here for the first time. Therefore,
when relocating be sure to do it safely and hire a professional to help you out. A reliable moving company like
heartmoving.us can deal with your
relocation so you can be sure that your items are in the safe hands. Moreover,
a fast and efficient relocation is guaranteed. Just be sure to organize
everything in advance and prepare yourself for the move. You can leave
everything else to the professionals.
Figure 4 With a reliable moving company – your relocation will be safe and easy!
Remember!
There is no perfect neighborhood. When you are searching for a neighborhood in Orange County, VA, you should remember that you can’t find everything you want. That’s why you need to see what the main factors you want to cover are when choosing a neighborhood. Other small details could be probably changed – or you can get used to it. Don’t look for the perfect place, but for the place you can live happily in.
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.
The time has come… you’ve been searching for your dream home and you’ve found it! You’ve completed the grueling loan process and are ready to close and move in right away! It has the right amount of bedrooms and baths that you feel are perfect for beginning to start or continue to grow your family; have you stopped and considered one thought…”how will this affect my fur-friend?” That loving animal-companion that has been there through each of your apartments or room-sharing rental homes. There are many questions that you may want to start thinking about after the initial thought… Will he/she have more territory to protect and feel overwhelmed? Will they be lonely by themselves if no-one is home anymore to give them attention they had grown accustomed to? Will they have a fenced in yard now to roam free, when they may not have before? Moving is a big deal and should be treated as such, even for non-humans! When you buy your first or even your second home, it’s because you plan on staying there for quite a while and want something secure and stable compared to moving apartments once a year due to increased rent or maybe some not-so-nice neighbors. Whatever the case may be – you want to feel safe – but your fur-friend does too! Pets can often get stressed with the ongoing commotion of packing up boxes and seeing regular household items “disappearing” from their normal places they belong. This new stress and change can cause fear – so be cautious – when opening doors while going in and out for the removing of completed packed items; chances are higher your pet(s) will take off to get out of the confusing situation. In your new home, as much as we want to let them run around and check this new building and environment for them, experts say it’s better to introduce them to one room at a time, at a slow place. This allows them to adjust properly compared to feeling overwhelmed. Help your pet feel more secure by placing their food & water bowl, bed and toys in a place where they will more than likely remain. Animals really like stability and routine; so they are eagerly willing and ready to learn their new routine and begin their adjustments to the new environment in their new home with you! Have you ever moved with a pet before? How did they react? Did they take it well or did they have a hard time? Have they fully adjusted now? Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.
