In August, 32 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.
2 sold below $250,000.00 5 sold between $250,000-299,999; 8 sold between $300-349,999; 6 sold between $350,000-399,999; 9 sold between $400-499,999; 2 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
28 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 20 Homes Under Contract 216 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
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.
3 sold below $250,000.00 3 sold between $250,000-299,999; 5 sold between $300-349,999; 5 sold between $350,000-399,999; 9 sold between $400-499,999; 4 sold between $500,000-$999,999; 2 sold over $1,000,000.
35 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 43 Homes Under Contract 115 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
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.
Real Estate Bubbles: what are they, are we in one now, and why there’s no cause for alarm.
It’s natural to compare today to 2008, but this housing market is vastly different.
You can lean on our expertise! We’ve seen all types of markets, so reach out with questions.
With home prices soaring to levels never before seen, it is undeniable that the U.S. housing market is in uncharted territory, with many industry experts speculating that we’re in the midst of yet another housing bubble. However, like snowflakes, every bubble is created differently and is unique.
As mortgage rates rise and rumors of another crash in the housing market fill the news cycle, it may be tempting to get cold feet and postpone your homeownership dreams. But as we’ll explore below, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of housing bubbles, what causes them and why it’s a term you needn’t fear.
What exactly is a bubble within the housing market?
In basic terms, a real-estate bubble is a temporary economic event that occurs periodically and refers to an increase in the overall value of the housing market. When a bubble grows, home values increase; when a bubble pops, property values decrease.
Simple enough, but, what causes the housing market to experience bubbles?
Traditionally, the Law of Supply and Demand dictate a property’s market value. For example, when the demand for housing is high, and supply is low, home prices often rise, typically resulting in a seller’s market. Conversely, when housing supply is high but demand is low, market values fall, resulting in a buyer’s market. However, additional factors such as speculative investing, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) panic buying, and risky lending (such as occurred in the 2008 Housing Crash) are all elements that influence the growth and burst of housing market bubbles.
Why you don’t need to fear housing bubbles
We can always count on the old axiom in real estate: “You can never enter the same river twice.” (Fun fact: Greek philosopher Heraclitus came up with that lasting gem!)
What is meant by this is that history does not strictly repeat itself, and for us today in the real estate market, that means that it’s not 2008. As mentioned above, though the market moves in cyclical fashions, most experts do not believe that The Great Recession is repeating itself in today’s market.
2022 is not 2008 repeating itself
The infamous U.S. housing bubble of the mid-2000s had its origins in the unprecedented growth of the subprime mortgage market. Additionally, U.S. government-sponsored mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made home loans accessible to borrowers with low credit scores and a higher risk of defaulting on those loans.
None of this is happening today.
The current market demand is not the result of easy lending. Instead, today’s rising property values result from the natural market forces of a low supply in housing inventory meeting high demand. But with new home construction expected to surge in the second half of the year, this will help ease demand in the future and stabilize the market overall.
Regardless of whether you’re selling your home or are a first-time homebuyer, the key takeaway for you is this: today’s high home values are not likely to crash any time soon, so it is as good a time as any to enter the market.
You Can Count on Us in Uncertain Times
If you’re feeling unsure about whether to buy or sell a home right now, reach out and rely on our expertise to guide you to make a sound financial decision. Our team has the experience and knows our local market, so contact us today and we’ll work with you to find the right strategy for your situation.
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.
Welcome to 305 Happy Creek Road! This unique floor plan boasts beautiful hardwood floors throughout. A separate family room with its own entrance and fireplace is the perfect space for privacy and entertainment. The eat-in kitchen is perfect for meal prep with the adjacent formal dining room. The open concept dining room and living room has a beautiful bay window and French doors to the spacious side deck. You will love all the natural lighting! Speaking of natural lighting, the sunroom boasts all-glass doors for allowing the fresh lake breeze in! The primary bedroom has built-in shelves for a nice touch in this private room. The en-suite bathroom hosts a walk-in shower to make getting to work quick and easy. The two other bedrooms are roomy with nice bright windows for all the comforts of home. Custom-fit wood blinds adorn the windows for great insolation and privacy. Boasts a large, one car, detached garage, this home offers spacious living inside and out and is one not to miss!
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents. Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
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.
0 sold below $250,000.00 1 sold between $250,000-299,999; 3 sold between $300-349,999; 4 sold between $350,000-399,999; 4 sold between $400-499,999; 1 sold between $500,000-$999,999; 0 sold over $1,000,000!
15 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 35 Homes Under Contract 31 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
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
0 sold below $250,000.00 1 sold between $250,000-299,999; 3 sold between $300-349,999; 2 sold between $350,000-399,999; 6 sold between $400-499,999; 1 sold between $500,000-$999,999; 2 sold over $1,000,000!
13 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 25 Homes Under Contract 15 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
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
The historic low housing inventory creates value opportunities in competitive housing markets.
Anticipation of new home listings to hit a 10-year high as some owners see right now as the best time to sell.
Condo and rental demand are likely to surge as inventory supply chain issues impact the housing market.
This Year Will Bring Balance to the Housing Market
After two consecutive years in which words like “unprecedented,” “historic,” and “white-hot” have been buzzing about, we can now add “inflation” to the list.
What is inflation, and how will it affect the real estate market in 2022?
Real estate is not immune from the inflationary effects of declining purchasing power on an economy. When prices go up, so do the costs associated with real estate. In a nutshell, that’s how inflation works; like a rising tide lifts all boats, so does inflation with rising costs. However, there are always reasons to be genuinely confident in real estate’s proven ability to hedge against inflation and be profitable.
Here are three particulars and tips to help you navigate these inflationary waters and better prepare you to make your move when you decide it’s time to do so.
#1: Low Housing Inventory Drives Values
With the market expected to remain undersupplied throughout the year and with this year already seeing historic low numbers in housing inventory, continued supply chain issues, and material costs resulting from inflationary pressure will undoubtedly influence the market. Many analysts are anticipating a modest 3% growth in home values, compared to the 24% return that last year saw.
Historically, it is well-documented that real estate remains profitable when inflation affects an economy. One reason is that landlords can always pass their cost increases off to their tenants. But the real lesson here is the age-old axiom that scarcity creates value. So instead of seeing the record-low number of housing inventory as something to steer clear of, it means that while there may be much competition in home buying, that’s because of the value of being a homeowner.
#2: New Listings to Hit 10-Year High
The end of double-digit price growth in home values will also encourage more homeowners to cash out finally, which will create more inventory in the market. But as the market settles down and becomes more balanced, homeowners will also be more inclined to list their homes to offset inflationary pressures elsewhere, though it will not be enough to meet the expected historical demand in 2022. This increase in listings of existing homes will also coincide with a slight increase in the listings of newly constructed homes, similarly expected to be the highest in a decade.
New home inventory should increase from 2021’s bottom, but we anticipate the market will remain undersupplied. In particular, the entry-level supply of new home construction will remain highly constrained.
#3: Condo and Rental Demand Will Take Off
2022 will also see the end of mortgage forbearance, which along with inflationary pressures, will cause many homeowners to sell and rent instead. This surge in rental costs and demand will create opportunities for others looking to get into the housing market. As a result, expect rents to increase 7% by the end of 2022, more than double the predicted year-over-year growth in home prices of 3%, once again proving that homeownership is always a more reliable use and investment of your money.
As the pandemic subsides, more people will live in cities once again where renting is more common. Additionally, the strong labor market will cause many movers wanting to move into a new town the opportunity to get to know their new city before they commit to homeownership.
The Market Is Moving—Get Started Now
There’s always much to consider when buying a new home. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for your next, understanding the more significant economic trends is always important to maximize your efforts’ success. So contact us today and let us know how we can help support you in your journey.
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.
2021 proved to be a great year for Lake of the Woods real estate! Year-over-year, homes sales were up, median sold price was up, days on the market were down, and average sold to original list price ratio was above 100%!
In 2018, 234 homes sold, which was an 8% decrease from 2017. The median sales price rose to $249,900. In 2019, we realized a 28.63% gain in homes over 2018, with a total of 301 selling. 2020 showed a slight gain in sales at 313, yet the median sold price increased 7.87% to $291,250, up from $270,000 in 2019. And then came the 2021 market: a whopping 14.7% increase in the number of homes sold and a median sold price increase of 15.9 percent over 2020.
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 93 in 2017 to 16 in 2021.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, a total of 196 lots sold: 24 in 2016; 37 in 2017; 45 in 2018, 41 in 2019; 49 in 2020; and only 24 in 20201. Coincidentally, 2016 and 2021 realized the identical number of lot sales (reported in the MLS). There simply are very few lots left in LOW.
Of the MLS sales reported in 2017-2021, new construction numbers have varied. 2017 saw 20 new construction homes sales; 2018 dipped to only 11; 2019 realized 31; 2020 sales jumped to 41, while 2021 ended at 37.
Again, there aren’t many lots left in LOW, which, of course, will impact new construction sales in the future.
Another notable statistic is the dramatic rise in average sold price to original list price ratio. It has steadily risen from 95.5% in 2017 to 100.9% in 2021.
According to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage rates are expected to rise and end 2022 in the 3.75-4% range for a 30-year fixed. Today, it is possible to obtain a 15-year fixed rate just under 3%.
The prognosis for 2022 is excellent! In LOW, there are 15 homes active on the market as of 1/26/2022. Low rates and hopefully more inventory should propel us to experience another year of healthy sales and appreciation, although appreciation is expected to slow from what we’ve experienced the past two years.
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.
At the beginning of each year, interior designers strive to predict the décor trends that homeowners will gravitate towards in the coming months—and if your home is on the market, incorporating some of these trends may be a great way to appeal to buyers.
Currently, many recent and emerging design trends have been shaped by world events, such as the ongoing supply chain issues. For example, here are a few of the top trends that experts predict will be popular in 2022:
– Multifunctional spaces. Over the past several months, many people’s homes have served numerous roles: shelters, offices, classrooms, leisure spaces, and more. As working from home remains common, buyers may want to see that your rooms can comfortably be used for multiple purposes. For instance, even if you don’t have a full home office, consider setting up a workstation or showcasing multifunctional furniture.
– Neutral colors. Another trend that designers attribute to the pandemic is a preference for neutral colors, which help create a calming haven while the world remains in flux. If you’re planning to add new colors to your home—whether through painting, furniture, or accent pieces—opt for earth tones, such as beige, gray, white, and soothing shades of brown and green.
– Natural elements. In keeping with the trend towards earth tones, homeowners are increasingly bringing elements of nature indoors, such as plants, natural light, and ventilation. Consider purchasing a few easy-to-maintain houseplants, such as snake plants or pothos, and ensuring that trees and shrubbery near your windows are properly trimmed so there is nothing obstructing the sunlight.
-Vintage items. There are two main forces driving the affinity for vintage items: a growing focus on sustainability, and supply chain issues that are making it more difficult to purchase new goods. Luckily, quality vintage décor and accessories are generally easy to find at thrift stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces.
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.
Many of the dynamics seen in 2021 will carry through into next year’s housing market, but at a much less frenzied pace.
As remote work becomes a more permanent, widespread option, Millennials are taking advantage and entering the real estate market.
We’re ready for another seller’s market. Like last year, there isn’t time to waste—contact us to start planning now!
What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About the 2022 Housing Market
In the final few weeks of 2021, both home buyers and sellers look forward to what lies ahead in 2022. We can help build your strategy to stay competitive! Don’t wait for the real estate market to heat up during the spring and summer. Here’s what you need to know to get ahead of the competition next year.
First-time home buyers can overcome the challenging market
Recent real estate forecasts suggest that competitive will be the defining characteristic of the housing market throughout 2022. That will be especially true for first-time home buyers.
Competing levels of low inventory supply and high buyer demand will continue to hold housing market values at, or above, asking prices. Total inventory will increase by the end of 2022, but it will not be enough to slow the seller’s market.
For first-time home buyers to secure their house, they need to start early and expect competition. On a positive note, low interest rates can help new homeowners build equity faster.
Millennials are working remotely and finally buying homes
A lot has changed in these last two years. Buzzwords like “the new normal” were everywhere, along with speculations about how people lived, worked, and commuted were going to change. As we enter into 2022, we now have data reports and are beginning to see how these changes affect the housing market.
The ability to work remotely is helping the more than 45 million Millennials that make up the fastest growing segment of buyers. After an uphill battle, they’re entering the prime first-time home buying age range of 26 – 35, and changing the real estate landscape.
Millennials are leaving the glamour of big city life to take advantage of more affordable housing markets in suburbs and rural areas. As long as they have internet access, their salary remains the same. And unsurprisingly, 99% of them use technology to research the home buying market.
With 90% of managers and employees reporting that they’re happy working from home, and productivity increasing by as much as 47%, remote work is here to stay. The new normal will also create new investment opportunities as companies seek to reduce their office sizes.
Low inventory stretches into the new year
After years of underbuilding, housing supply shortages will continue to be a dominant feature of the market next year. One of the most significant factors that will carry over immediately from last year is low inventory supply.
Available housing will remain tight throughout the year. While that will generate some stress, it will also drive home values higher. Estimates of continued home sales growth will be 6.6%.
While housing inventory levels will remain lower than their pre-pandemic levels throughout 2022, a modest 0.3% growth in inventory should be enough to keep market prices from spiraling even further upward.
Sellers remain in control of the market
As we look ahead to 2022, some clear realities for the housing market begin to appear: it will remain a seller’s market. Interest rates continue to hover around a record-low 3%, providing incentives for sellers to upgrade to a larger home for a lower monthly payment.
After the refinance boom in 2020, homeowners are still in an advantageous position. With home sales expected to hit their highest level in 16 years due to Millennials entering the housing market, sellers sit in a very good position to profit. If accurately priced and, more importantly, if houses are in great condition with upgrades throughout, the real estate market will continue to be a boon for sellers.
Be Prepared for a Competitive Year
The new normal in 2022 turns out to be an old adage: the early bird gets the worm. We have the experience and can move quickly to make sure you stay competitive, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling. Contact us today to make your plan for the new 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.
