Closing costs are a part of every real estate sale
There are many variables that determine the price of closing costs
Ask your local real estate expert for specifics about closing costs
When you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to understand what closing costs entail. Closing costs are expenses and fees that need to be reconciled before the sale can be finalized. These costs typically include appraisal fees, survey fees, title costs, credit report fees, loan origination fees, underwriting costs, recording fees, and taxes. However, the specific costs may vary depending on your region and the terms of your contract. As your real estate professionals, we can provide you with a detailed breakdown of what will be included in your closing costs based on your specific situation.
How Much Are Closing Costs?
The amount you’ll pay in closing costs can vary depending on factors such as the price of the home and the type of loan you’re using. On average, you can expect to pay around 2% to 5% of the purchase price of your new home. However, it’s important to note that there are options for assistance. You may be eligible for homebuyer assistance programs or closing costs and down payment assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These programs can provide grants that do not need to be repaid or loans with manageable repayment plans. We can provide you with information about these programs and help you explore your options.
Who Pays Closing Costs?
It’s important to note that closing costs are not solely the responsibility of buyers. Sellers may also have their own costs to cover, such as broker’s commissions, outstanding HOA fees, and property taxes. However, these costs can be negotiated, and we can guide you through the process of determining who pays what in the final contract.
Learn More About Closing Costs
As your real estate professionals, we’re here to make the home buying or selling process as smooth as possible. We’re available to answer your questions, provide expert guidance, and ensure that you understand all aspects of the closing costs. If you’re ready to buy or sell a home, or if you have any questions about closing costs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you achieve your real estate goals!
Homeownership is undisputedly the Great American Dream. There is a good reason for that, especially as interest rates have dropped. And while the pandemic has changed the landscape of buying a home, with patience and the help of great real estate professionals like The Licata Group, you can make this a reality. If you’ve never walked this path before, there are a few steps you can take to help your dream come true.
Step 1: Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a number that gives lenders a good idea of whether you’re financially responsible. Ideally, you’ll have a score of 720 or higher. You may be able to get a loan with a credit score of 580, but the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate. It’s always a good idea to know what’s hiding on your credit report before you contact the lender.
Step 2: Know What You Can Afford
Knowing your credit score is only part of the puzzle. You also have to figure out how much you can reasonably afford for your mortgage. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, most lenders will also consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, you are more likely to repay your loan if your DTI is 43 percent or less. Your credit score and DTI may also determine which types of loans you are eligible to receive.
If you have very little credit, as many homebuyers do, you might want to consider an FHA loan. Often, you can put less money down and still walk away with a reasonable monthly payment. If your goal is the lowest mortgage possible, plan to put 20 percent down and stick to a 30-year loan. Fifteen- and 20-year loans are also available, and they can help you pay your house off faster, but they’ll cost more money each month.
Step 3: Find the Right Realtor
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start shopping for a reliable real estate agent. This is the person who will represent your best interests throughout the home-buying process. While it is technically possible to buy a house without this kind of assistance, keep in mind that a buyer’s agent does not charge you. Instead, barring a few exceptions, their time and expertise are compensated by the commission offered by the seller.
Step 4: Begin Your Search
Now that you have a handle on money, you can start your home search. First, determine how much home you actually need. Plan for the future and look for a home that will provide enough room to accommodate your lifestyle and space needs for the next five to 10 years. This is where the affordability factor comes into play, and your realtor will be able to steer you in the right direction. Note that on average, homes in Lake of the Woods currently sell for $335,000.
Step 5: Found It! Make an Offer
When you think you have found the perfect house, put your game face on and make an offer. Depending on your local climate, you may want to offer close to the asking price – your agent can help you make that determination. Keep in mind, however, that even after they accept the offer, things may change depending on the home inspection and appraisal.
In a normal scenario, when your offer is accepted, things will move quickly, usually between four and six weeks. However, the pandemic could have an effect on how long you wait to close. Regardless, during this time, you’ll be contacted by your lender for additional information, and you will be in close contact with your agent. If everything goes off without a hitch, you’ll find yourself sitting at the title company on closing day, holding the keys to the next chapter of your journey.
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
Automatic estimator tools are popular amongst homeowners and sellers, but they aren’t always the most reliable.
In some instances, these estimators can be off by thousands of dollars due to inaccurate data.
If you’re looking for a better way to determine your home’s market value, give us a call to get started!
Exposing the Inaccuracies of Automatic Home Estimators
If you own a home, you’ve probably wondered how much its value has increased since you first moved in. And while using an online estimator might seem convenient, you could end up with some pretty inaccurate numbers—and that’s bad news for sellers in today’s competitive market.
Want to make the most of your equity and find out how much your home is really worth? Here’s why working with a local real estate agent will always be better than trusting an “automatic” estimate.
Most estimators rely on user-reported data or algorithms
Many homeowners believe that instant estimates are similar to a professional appraisal, but this simply isn’t the case. To generate a possible selling price, these real estate sites rely on potentially outdated algorithms that use property tax assessments, historic sold data, and user-reported information. Some estimators even use AI to scan photos of your home, which leaves ample room for error.
Estimators won’t take recent improvements into account
If you’ve made any larger improvements to your home, they may not get calculated into your instant estimate. Generally, most estimators will include any permitted work that’s noted on your latest tax assessment. But if you completed a project that didn’t require permits, it probably won’t influence the estimate.
For example, if you recently finished a kitchen renovation and didn’t have to take out a construction permit, an estimator could value your kitchen based on how it was before any upgrades. And if you rely on these incorrect numbers, you could shortchange your equity without even knowing it!
Your estimate could be off by thousands of dollars
Perhaps the biggest issue with automatic home estimators is their overall accuracy—or lack thereof. While most claim to be within 10% of a home’s real market value, that 10% could equal tens of thousands of dollars. When you look at the numbers, that’s a potential difference of $30,000 for a home worth $300,000!
Above all, it’s important to remember that these estimators will never substitute a professional valuation. If you’re really serious about selling your home or learning its value, it’s better to work with a local real estate agent instead—and take an estimator’s opinion with a grain of salt.
Bottom Line: Only Price Your Home with a Local Agent
Want to know your home’s true value? Don’t trust a computer—start by consulting your local real estate agent! As area experts, we know how to calculate just how much your home could sell for in today’s competitive market. We can even take your renovations and recent sold data into account for an added level of accuracy.
Get Top Dollar for Your Home
Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just want to know its value, you can trust us to help with all of your real estate needs. Contact us to request a complimentary home valuation, or just give us a call with any questions—we’d be happy to chat!
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
There are so many incredible aspects to working in the modern era, and one of them is the simplicity of setting up a home-based business. Running your own business has numerous advantages, but it can also require some changes, such as relocating to a bigger home. If you are set on starting a business but your place isn’t suitable for both living and working, expert real estate agency The Licata Group offers a few things to keep in mind.
Moving to Accommodate Your Business
Starting your business and moving at the same time is no joke; however, it is doable. It will take energy, time, and money, but what will help you the most is significant planning ahead of time and a checklist to keep you on track.
What Goes Into Home Buying
Before planning to buy a new home, it’s crucial to check your credit score to see what you can and cannot afford. The next step is working with a professional from The Licata Group who can help you with the process to figure out what type of house will fit your needs.
The home-hunting process can be daunting, especially when you’re also starting a business, but it is essential to keep a few things in mind, such as finding out which location will be ideal for your new clients. You should also make a list of aspects you want in your house, such as a workspace or a garage, to allow your business to function at its maximum – both for now and in the future – and enable you to live comfortably while running a startup.
Once you’ve found the right home, make an offer and schedule the inspection to ensure the house doesn’t have any underlying issues. What you need to do next is secure your financing, get a homeowners’ insurance policy, close the sale, transfer your information to the new place, and move in.
Whether you decide to use a moving company or handle everything yourself, set up a budget for this process to keep yourself on track financially. If you’ve decided on a DIY move, make a point to stay organized by packing room by room, labeling your inventory, and finding cheap packing supplies. Sorting your stuff first when relocating will help you tremendously and allow you to get working sooner than later.
Starting a Successful Business in a Bigger House
Today, more people are starting businesses, and they are doing it from the comfort of their homes. Still, not all states allow this, so make sure you research your state’s regulations to avoid mistakes and make your business legal.
To lead your small business to success, look for gaps in the market – this means you need to find a need that’s not met in the industry and fill it by delivering more than expected. You must then choose a business structure and put together a business plan. Your business should also have an online presence, so look for cost-effective marketing tactics, such as using social media and email to make you and your services known.
To start most businesses – depending on the service or product you plan to offer – you don’t necessarily need a degree; however, having a master’s certification can gain you some leverage, such as higher pay, a broader network, and increased credibility. If you find that you need to boost your business acumen, consider enrolling in an online degree program that doesn’t cramp your ability to run your business at the same time.
Starting a home-based business is attractive for many because it offers a work-life balance. While moving to a bigger home to accommodate a new business may seem lofty for some, it is the best decision you can make if you consider the costs, future profits and choose the right property.
When you’re ready to find the perfect home, connect with a professional from The Licata Group to find the perfect Home. Call today to begin your house hunting journey! 540-388-2541
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
Whether you’re looking to buy a house for aging in place or to accommodate your current accessibility needs, there are so many things to consider as the owner of a home-based business. In addition to looking for a house with wide hallways and doorways, zero-step entrances, and other accessible features, you’ll need plenty of open space for your home office.
The Licata Group can help you with your search. Here are more tips to buy an accessible home that accommodates you and your home-based business.
What to Look for in Your New Home
As you prepare to buy an accessible home for living and doing business, an experienced real estate agent will be an incredible asset. Your agent can help you to search for homes that meet your budget, location preferences, and accessibility needs — while also keeping the needs of your business, clients, and employees in mind as well.
Depending on your personal and professional needs, several types of home features to look for include the following:
A spacious room with an open floor plan, wide door, lower light switches, and good lighting that can be used for your home office
A fully accessible bathroom that’s located near the office
Single-story floor plans
Non-slip flooring
Doors with lever-style handles
Ample parking for guests and employees
Space for a waiting room that can be used by your guests
If you can’t find a fully accessible home that accommodates the needs of you and your business, you could modify the property later on. MoneyGeek offers some tips on modifying a home for accessibility purposes and paying for the renovations with loans and grants.
Accessible Home Office Essentials
After buying a home that accommodates you and your business, you’ll need to create an accessible office space. Wheel Chic Home shares some tips on choosing an accessible space for an office and furnishing it with an adjustable desk and chair, shelves, and multiple lighting sources. Some other accessible office essentials may include:
If buying a new house isn’t the right choice for you and your business, you could modify your existing home for accessibility purposes — or build an accessible office addition. But if you’re just now getting your business up and running, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration before deciding whether to renovate your existing home.
For starters, you’ll need to check local zoning ordinances to determine whether home-based businesses are permitted in your city or county of residence. And to qualify for the home office deduction at tax time, you’ll need to ensure that your new workspace meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
In addition, you’ll need to choose a business structure for your home-based business. A limited liability company (LLC) is one type of business entity to consider when forming a home-based business as this type of structure offers tax advantages, limited liability, a simple filing process, and greater flexibility in how the business is managed.
Moreover, there are a few ways to form a limited liability company, including online, by yourself, or with help from an attorney. However, attorney’s fees can be costly, and you’ll need to review local LLC rules and regulations if you plan on filing yourself. For many, filing online with a business formation service can be the simplest, quickest, and cheapest option.
In Conclusion
As a home-based business owner with accessibility needs, there are so many things to consider when buying a house to accommodate you and your business. But even if you can’t find an accessible home that has everything you want or need, try not to be discouraged. You can always make a few accessible home modifications in the future!
Are you looking to buy an accessible home that meets your personal and professional needs? Contact The Licata Group to begin your search for the perfect home! 540-388-2541
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
“Accessible” and “dream home” aren’t two words that typically go together, but as home builders embrace universal design, it’s becoming easier to find homes that are both accessible and beautiful. If you’re a home buyer with a disability or are simply looking for a “forever home” that you can live in through every stage of life, read this guide to learn how you can buy an accessible home.
Buying an Accessible Home
There are lots of reasons why you might want an accessible home. Accessible homes enable independence for seniors and people with disabilities. Many accessible features also make daily life easier for people from all walks of life, whether it’s a parent pushing a stroller or carrying arm loads of groceries into the house.
Even if you don’t need an accessible home today, it’s smart to consider accessibility in your home purchase. Needs change over time, and buying for accessibility today ensures you can live in your home for years to come.
Along with accessibility needs, you’ll also need to consider your budget (Lake of the Woods home sales average $285,000) and which type of mortgage fits your finances best. If you have a spotty credit history, an FHA loan may be your best option. For example, PennyMac FHA loans have broader credit requirements, and you may be able to pay as little as 3.5 percent down.
Accessible Homes: The Basics
A lot goes into making a home fully accessible. However, the average homeowner doesn’t need every accessibility feature available. If you’re in search of a forever home or shopping for an age-friendly home for your senior years, pay attention to major details like these:
Single-story living.
Step-free entrances.
Flush thresholds.
Wide doorways and hallways.
Ample lighting.
Raised power outlets.
Blocking for grab bars.
Thankfully, these home features are popular in new construction, making it relatively easy for buyers to find a house that offers basic accessibility. However, while these are the building blocks of accessible housing, they may not be all you need to enjoy full independence at home.
3 Ways to Increase Home Accessibility
Even when buying new construction, you may need to make changes to achieve full accessibility at home. Since remodeling can be costly, it’s important to factor these costs into your home-buying budget. You may even be able to roll remodeling expenses into your mortgage!
Replacing Carpet
One popular change for wheelchair and mobility device users is replacing carpet with wood floors. Mobility devices can’t move easily on plush carpet, and seniors are more prone to fall with high-pile carpeting underfoot. While there are a variety of alternatives to carpet, wood flooring offers the best return on investment because it’s both durable and in high demand by home buyers. Homeowners can save money by choosing inexpensive woods, removing old flooring themselves, and scheduling installation while the home is empty.
Adapting Counters and Cabinets
Most homes come with standard-height countertops and cabinets, but these can be inaccessible for wheelchair users and people with other disabilities. However, with counters and cabinetry accounting for as much as 60 percent of kitchen remodeling costs — which run nearly $30,000 on average — creating an accessible kitchen is costly. If you can’t afford to completely replace counters and cabinets or are worried about impacting your home’s resale value, talk to your contractor about working with what you have. For example, you may be able to add storage solutions that maximize lower cabinets or install a two-tier kitchen island to match your existing space.
Designing an Accessible Bathroom
Due to the high cost of bathroom remodeling, it’s best to buy a home that already suits your accessibility needs. But if you can’t find the right home in your budget, you may have no choice but to invest in bathroom updates. While minor changes like installing an accessible shower head and grab bars are affordable, replacing a bathtub with a walk-in tub or barrier-free shower costs as much as $5,000 or $15,000, respectively. However, for people who need them, the independence an accessible bathroom provides is priceless.
Finding a home that checks every box is difficult in the best of circumstances. When you have a disability or need an age-friendly home, finding the right home can seem impossible. But the truth is that there are lots of homes out there just waiting to be turned into your accessible dream home. Rather than giving up on your house hunt, reach out to an experienced agent who knows how to find the right home for you.
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
Research is essential before renovation, as it will help you scope your options and choose quality.
When you plan to renovate your house, the
renovation is an investment in your home. When doing so, you are not only
fixing it and redecorating for yourself. You are also adding value to it
should you ever choose to sell it in the future. Furthermore, as renovating
your house is a form of investment, it should
definitely be well planned and thought out. In addition, as we continue
discussing this topic, we are also going to delve deeper. We will discover the 10 essential and beneficial things one should do before renovating a house.
Renovating a House 101
A written plan and a mood board will be so
helpful throughout the renovation.
Renovating a house can be a small project or a very big
one. Whether you are fixing a bathroom or redesigning the entire interior look
of your home, there are multiple elements to be
considered beforehand. Why is a renovation something you should not rush into?
The answer to this is because a single renovation should withstand time and
have the quality to it. This takes good research, a solid plan and professional
help, amongst many other details.
Tips 1 and 2
Meanwhile, what do you think the number one thing on the
list is? When renovating your house, our number one tip to do first is creating
a mood board. Gather images, samples of textures, materials and more and place
it all on a board to visually create a concept and style. Placing everything in
one spot will help you view what your renovation could possibly look like. A
mood board is also a great idea because sometimes it is difficult to imagine
patterns and textures and colors in your head at once. Having them one beside
the other will help you make decoration ideas as well.
Make sure you set a budget before your renovation so that you don’t exceed your financial limits.
While we are on this topic, the mood board also ties into
our second tip. Placing everything on the board helps you create a visual plan,
which can also help you figure out your budget and the limits of it. Entering a
renovation without conceptualizing your finances and having a budget is a bad
idea altogether. You can get carried away and not even realize how much you are
actually spending. Moreover, adding the cost of all your ideas will help you
understand where you stand and how much you would like to spend on renovating
your house.
Tip 3
Now that you have an idea of what your renovation could
become visually, sit down and create a plan. This plan should consist of all the
changes you plan to implement within your home. Any necessary fixes and
additions you would like to see, along with the timeline of all of this. A
solid list with a good schedule will help you down the road and keep this
renovation organized.
Tip 4
A team of professionals will help guide you
through this process with beneficial advisement.
Consult with a team of professionals. If renovating your
house becomes a big project and you are unsure as to how to proceed, hire a
reliable contractor and decorator to help you. A team of professionals will
know and understand the standards and laws they must adhere to, taking that
stressful aspect away from your to-do-list. Additionally, a team of
professionals will also help you visualize your renovation and help you
understand the possibilities of your house. Sometimes the layout of the house
might not allow you to break down a wall, or add something, and it is good to
know ahead of time what you can do and what you cannot.
Tip 5
Renovating your house is easier if you move your
furniture out and have an empty space to work with. Whether you are renovating
a home you plan to stay in, or are renovating a house in another city, take
care of your furniture and belongings ahead of time. Meanwhile, if you are
moving away, we advise on getting your household belongings to another state before you start renovating. Place your belongings in
storage and keep them there until you complete and finish your new house.
Tip 6
Once your house is furniture free, our next tip is to
scope out space. Once you can evaluate the empty space, it will enable you to
visualize all the possibilities of your renovation. You could also check back
with your mood board and written plan to see if all of that can be done within
the dimensions your space allows you.
Tip 7
When it comes to the fun shopping part, don’t purchase
the first option you come by. If you are going to the hardware store on your
own, talk to the department associate there as they can advise you on the best
options. That way you won’t buy the wrong thing or spend more money than you
should have.
Tip 8
Don’t forget to prep your house for renovating. Details
such as priming the walls before painting them are crucial for the wall color.
Priming the walls creates a better canvas for wall paint and helps the paint
look fresher and stay on for longer.
Tip 9
Check your renovation timeline once again to ensure that
most things will run on schedule. Once you have your belongings in storage,
it’s also beneficial to know that your renovations will be timely so that it
all works out.
Tip 10
Our last but not least tip of this topic is good
communication. This is important before renovating your house but also just as
important throughout the renovation. Good and open communication with your
contractor or whomever you are renovating your house with is very important so
things would run smoothly and successfully.
In Progress
Simply being on top of everything, communicating and
being guided by your plan will be more than enough for a successful renovation.
Stay on schedule, and enjoy this investment into your new home.
Author’s Bio
Troy Thompson is a 35-year-old teacher, with experience in renovations and decorating homes. Not only is he a fan of HGTV, where he has learned a lot about renovating a home from various TV shows, but he has also moved a few times and renovated a few homes with his girlfriend. Troy loves sharing his advice for unexperienced renovators and hopes that his tips will help someone get started and learn more.
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.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Whether you’re heading down the street or to a new town, moving is always a tough transition. However, relocating across the country presents a whole new set of challenges you might not have considered. Picking up your life can be an exciting change, but it’s also a bit overwhelming.
Need some help navigating the process? Take a deep breath and get ready—we’ve got some quick tips for you!
Stay on Top of Your Schedule
Sometimes a cross-country move can come out of nowhere, especially if it’s due to a job or major life change. Even if you’ve been planning your relocation for a while, it can still be exhausting. Before you start tearing your hair out, it’s crucial to start planning ahead of time.
Once you’ve figured out your moving date, be sure to stay on top of your calendar. It’s easy for your schedule to fill up with appointments, going-away parties, and other obligations. It might help to create to-do lists or invest in a good planner (digital or paper!). However, as you get busier, be sure to plan some time for yourself, too. Tackling a move is impossible without some self-care!
Declutter & Organize
Let’s face it—organizing everything you own and moving it thousands of miles is no easy feat. Start lightening the load right away, and get rid of things you won’t need once you move. You might even want to have a garage sale or donate your gently used objects to charity. Remember, if you don’t use it regularly, you should probably lose it.
Looking for a simple way to tackle the decluttering process? Try going room by room and sorting things as you go. It’s easy to get overwhelmed as you pare down your possessions, so having a system will help ease the burden.
Pack Everything Up
When it comes to packing, it’s essential that all of your belongings are secure. Check that all boxes are reinforced, and invest in some heavy duty tape and wrapping materials. Moving supplies don’t have to be expensive, though—check social media or local stores to find a bargain on some good quality boxes.
Your stuff is in for a long haul if you’re moving across the country, so you might want to take extra steps to prevent any damage. If you’re looking for some good padding, old t-shirts and socks will do the trick in a pinch! Don’t be afraid to get creative—jewelry boxes, small containers, and extra suitcases can help you save some space.
Make Travel Arrangements
When you’re making a move across the country, getting to your new home is one of the most difficult parts of the process. Be sure to make travel arrangements in advance—this means you should research hotels, book rentals, and reserve plane tickets ahead of time. As you’re packing, be sure to set aside any essentials that you might need as you travel to your new place.
Wondering what you should keep on hand? Think of it like packing for a vacation—you’ll want toiletries, extra clothing, medication, and all your other “must-haves.” Don’t forget to keep important paperwork, such as birth certificates and passports, with you in case you need them.
Connect with a Local Agent
Unless you have a friend or family member in your new city, it can be tough to scope out the area. Nobody will know your future home quite as well as a local, and connecting with the right real estate agent can help.
Aside from helping you find a home, your agent can also help you navigate your new surroundings with ease. Working with an area expert comes with a lot of perks, including relocation packages, personalized guidance, and specialized tools…not to mention the local knowledge to recommend anything from the top school district to the best pizza joint! When you’re choosing a real estate agent, be sure to do your research and reach out to a few before making your decision. You want to make sure you gel with whomever you choose!
Ready to Conquer Your Move?
Although relocating can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Remember, staying organized and prepared will make the entire process that much easier! If you’re new to the area or are looking for some long-distance buying resources, feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to ease the burden of your cross-country move!
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.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
With a new year comes new trends, and you can expect a number of home design shake-ups both big and small.
Here are the top home features that are sure to be priorities for buyers in 2021!
Separate Laundry Rooms
It might be a little unexpected, but laundry rooms were one of the most highly sought-after home features of the year, with a whopping 91% of buyers saying they’re essential. Many people also prefer the laundry room to be on the ground floor and sectioned off from the rest of the home.
In 2021, you can expect to see buyers continue to gravitate toward homes with designated laundry rooms—try brainstorming ways to bring more focus to yours!
Industrial Designs
The rustic farmhouse motif was certainly popular in 2019, but it doesn’t quite have the staying power of an industrial design. Next year, you’ll continue to see buyer’s seek out interior design elements like artisanal light fixtures, copper and metal hardware, concrete accents, and exposed brick.
Homes that already have these components incorporated will be a major plus—and while it’s a little tough to add brick walls and concrete accents if you don’t have them, there are other simple ways to industrialize your space!
Storage Space
As more and more buyers start moving towards smaller homes, efficient storage solutions become a high priority. In 2021, you can expect buyers to be on the hunt for homes that showcase their storage potential.
Built-in shelves along the wall, storage under the stairs, walk-in pantries—no matter your square footage, every inch counts. If you’re a seller, you can also use this to your advantage, staging your home in a way that emphasizes its efficient use of space. Think: a few extra storage cubes in your laundry room, a new shelving unit on an underused wall, or roll-out cubbies under your bed.
Green Features
According to a survey from the National Association of Home Builders, green features have shot up to become one of the most sought-after features in a new home. In particular, over half of the survey respondents would invest nearly $10,000 for green features that would save them money, such as ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and windows, improved insulation, and efficient lighting. Other priorities included bettering the air quality in the home with things like dehumidification systems and electronic air cleaners.
If you’re planning to sell next year and have a little extra money to work with, consider making upgrades that’ll appeal to your buyers’ wallet.
Natural Finishes
Next year, we’ll start seeing a move toward more unique homes, and nothing sets your space apart from the rest like natural features, including river rock, reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and steel accents. These elements don’t necessarily have to come with the home even—staging your space with a rustic wood bookcase or a contemporary geode end table will do the trick.
If you’re preparing your place for a showing or just need a few cohesive decorating tips, sprinkling plants and greenery can help balance out the heaviness of these natural elements.
Pastel Colors
While 2019 may have been a year of bold colors, 2021 will usher in a muted era. Pastel shades like the popular Millennial Pink, Neo Mint, and Buxton Blue will be giving interiors a softer aura, reminiscent of 1970s-era home trends.
Additionally, accent walls have started slipping in favor, replaced instead by more strategic splashes of color, like painted doors and cabinets, two-tone walls, and accent furniture pieces.
Don’t Fall Behind in the Latest Real Estate Trends
Each year brings new fads to the real estate world, and keeping up with them plays a major role in impressing buyers. Need a little help staying in the know? We’ve got you covered! Follow along with our blog for the latest updates, and check out our specialized resources for all of your buying and selling needs.
Have a few more questions? We’re just a phone call away.
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.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Get ready to hang the lights, deck the halls, and spread some cheer—the holiday season is almost here! Juggling the holidays along with a home sale might be sound impossible (or at the very least, stressful), but we’re here to help you find the best way to balance both.
Here are our top 4 tips for navigating your home sale during the holiday season!
Use Decor to Your Advantage
You don’t have to go all out with holiday decor, but a little seasonal warmth sprinkled here and there goes a long way! Hang some white lights along the staircase, add a wreath to the front door, and string some garland along the mantel. If you do opt for a tree, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t crowd the room—perhaps even consider a tabletop version.
Bonus tip: scent is the sense most closely tied to memory, so use that to your advantage to appeal to buyer nostalgia! Bake some cookies beforehand, warm up a pot of cider, or light a few seasonally scented candles.
Be Flexible with Showings
While you’ll probably have a busy schedule over the next month or two, you should make sure it doesn’t affect your availability for buyers too much. One of the biggest reasons people hold off on selling during the holidays is because they can’t be around to prepare their home…but intentionally making room in your schedule will make the whole process much simpler!
If you usually host a holiday party, consider asking a friend or relative to step in for you. If you’re traveling, try not to be gone for too long, and make it clear to your agent and any potential buyers when you’ll be back.
Work with a Home Stager (or Get Tips from Your Agent)
If you either: A.) really don’t have time to stage or B.) don’t want to take any risks on your home not looking its best, then working with a qualified home stager is a great option! You might be skeptical, but home stagers have been specially trained and certified to optimize your space with the right decor and furniture—which often leads to faster and more profitable sales.
It’ll also take one more stressful task off of your plate, giving you more time to plan for the upcoming festivities. If you want a few recommendations for home stagers, just give us a call. Of course, we can always do a walkthrough of your home and offer personalized tips and DIY projects, if you’d prefer that!
Practice Smart Marketing
Marketing a home is the key to reeling in the right buyer. It’s even more important during the holiday season, since fewer—but more serious—buyers are on the hunt. That’s where working with an agent really comes in handy! You can sit back, relax, and plan for the holidays, while we take care of getting the word out about your home through our comprehensive marketing resources, including our website, social media platforms, local advertising, professional contacts, and more.
And, of course, we’ll crunch the numbers and do the research to ensure that your home is priced at the best number for your interests.
List Your Home this Holiday Season
Balancing a home sale and the holidays can be stressful…but not if you work with a professional! Enlist our help, and we’ll be around to carry some of your workload, reduce your stress, and sell your home for top dollar—and answer any and all of your questions along the way. Ready to list your home? We’re just a phone call away!
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.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
