Tag Archives: real estate in virginia

January 2020 Lake of the Woods Market Statistics

In January, 12 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
3 sold between $130-200,000;
1 sold between $200-250,000;
4 sold between $250-300,000; 2 sold between $300-400,000;
2 sold above $650,000.

49 Active Listings for Sale
30 Homes Under Contract
12 Homes Sold since January 1, 2020.

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 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.

December 2019 Lake of the Woods Market Statistics

In December, 17 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
4 sold between $200-250,000;
5 sold between $250-300,000; 6 sold between $300-400,000;
2 sold above $650,000.

60 Active Listings for Sale
20 Homes Under Contract
301 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.

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 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.

Buying A Home in Virginia After Retirement

Buying a new home and moving for retirement is something that is pretty common in the United States. It also seems that it is something that almost everybody is doing nowadays. However, this process is something that will take some time and consideration. Buying a home, moving and starting over is exciting. However, it is also a task that you should take seriously. Think about your life now, and how it will change once you retire. What are the pros and cons of relocating? And starting fresh? Yes, starting fresh is possible even at the golden age. You’ve probably never had more money and time at your disposal. Now, you can finally enjoy life to the fullest. And you deserve it. Let us guide you through buying a home in Virginia after retirement process, and help you handle it the best way possible. You don’t only need it, you really do deserve it.

Reasons for buying a new home after retirement

We all have different reasons, however, we all have the main goal in common – we want to make our lives better, every aspect of it. And that is the main reason behind every home buying process. In Virginia, Japan or anywhere else in the world. We just want what’s best for ourselves and our loved ones. Retiring and enjoying your mature age comes with many benefits, and one of them – you will have much more time on your hands. Time to take charge of your life. And that sometimes means changing your surroundings and starting over.

Your family home might have served you for many years, but it’s probably not the right fit for you anymore. It might feel like an empty nest, or it might be too big now when the kids have moved out. Maybe you want to be closer to your grandchildren. We all have our reasons, however, investing in real estate comes with a great deal of work that needs to be done. Our number one advice for you would be to really think through your reasons. Make sure that they are good and reasonable ones.

Gathering the money

Yes, we need to mention and talk about this aspect when having a conversation about buying a home in Virginia after retirement. Your budget. It is real estate, and such investments don’t come cheap. That is why you need to really consider your budget, as well as your wants and needs. What are you looking for? And can you afford it? These two things can also be very different, so make sure you know your budget as well as your limits.

Calculate your budget. Look into your savings. Talk to your loaning manager and ask for some advice. Try to get all the information and advice that you can use to your advantage along the way. And also – don’t depend, but rely on professional assistance. Having someone who knows the real estate business to its core on your team is of crucial importance. Why? You will want to get the most value for your money’s worth. We all do.

Yes, you will want to hire a professional

As we have mentioned before, having a seasoned professional when buying a home in Virginia after retirement is your best option. It will save you some precious time, energy and even money. Hiring realtors or real estate agents sounds more expensive than it is. And their service, on the other hand, is much needed. Even though you might be buying your 10th house this time around, if you are not a real estate professional yourself, you will need some help for sure.

This market changes, without us even noticing. And in order to get as much value for your money, you will definitely need some advice and someone who can lead this whole process. Especially if you are coming from another state. Relocating from one place to another is stressful enough as it is, and moving interstate, well – let’s just say, there will be many things to consider when moving to another state. Let professionals assist you. It is the best thing you can do.

Decide what you’ll do with your current house

You will have to make this call, sooner or later. And even though leaving our old lives behind sounds fun and exciting, leaving all these memories behind as well can be harder than you might have originally expected. That is why you need to think about this move. And we mean – really think. Will you leave your old house to your kids? Or are you going to sell it?

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it fast. Letting time pass by won’t help you, and especially if you tend to get nostalgic. Allow yourself to enjoy your new beginning, and say goodbye to your old life. Leaving your old family house behind doesn’t mean you’ll leave all the people you love (or the memories you share with them) behind. It is just a property. And the sooner you start thinking this way, the sooner this process will become enjoyable. And you really want things to go smoothly, trust us on this one.

Set up your criteria

Your new home in Virginia needs to be perfect. It needs to meet your expectations and everything you have dreamt of all these years. Make a list of things that are a must and a list of things that are a no-no. You will have to make a compromise here and there, but there are still some things that are and should stay deal breakers. You deserve the best. And now, you can finally be picky.

Enjoy the process

Your real estate agent will lead the way, and all you have to do is to follow his or her lead. Of course, it is your house and you make all the calls, however, your real estate agent (or realtor) is there to do all the hard work. Buying a home in Virginia after retirement is something that you have waited for for so long. Make sure you enjoy it!

 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

Things Every Real Estate Agent in Virginia Needs to Know

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.

To see available properties, please visit our website lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com

Country Home With Huge Lot of Land For Sale in Unionville, VA 22567! 22413 Constitution Hwy Now SOLD!!!

This home is Country living at its best. Over 7 acres of picturesque land, this beautiful home is filled with harwood floors, and a cathedral ceiling with a beam. The property can be, and has been used for horses in the past, and has a HUGE garden area, just ready and waiting! Centrally located to DC, Fredericksburg, and Richmond!

 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 lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com

Here are 4 Tricks to Choosing a Neighborhood You’ll Love!

Aerial shot of neighborhood

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

Man exploring neighborhoods on tablet

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

Man researching on laptop

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

Couple walking around a downtown area

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

Person listing out pros and cons in  a notebook.

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?

Two women discussing real estate.

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 home worth?” 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.

Top 10 Features That Make Your Home Sell Faster

The first rule in home selling is to know your typical buyer. What most buyers would want to have in their homes is what will eventually sell it. How soon – this depends on how well it fits their needs. While you can’t fulfill everybody’s wishes, some features make your home sell faster than others.

What Buyers Want

You don’t have to get inside your buyer’s mind. Luckily, tips for selling a home are numerous and easy to find. They are based on surveys and statistics and are usually related to a specific market. While steam ovens and floor heating may be a good add-on to an upscale home, those upgrades simply won’t pay off for most sellers. What the majority of people want is a reliable, good-looking, practical, comfortable, and affordable home. The most common features that would make your home sell faster are

  1. Curb Appeal
  2. Ample Storage Space
  3. Sufficient Bedrooms
  4. Eat-in Kitchen
  5. Fresh Paint
  6. Energy-efficient Appliances & Windows
  7. Off-road Parking
  8. Renovated Bathrooms
  9. Hardwood Floors
  10. Modern Lighting

Start With Entrance

The first step to boost the appeal would be to declutter your home, which also applies to your yard if you have it. If the exterior of your house is impressive enough, only then the prospective buyer will come inside and check the rest. To sell your home faster, you need to show to your buyer that you took good care of your home. Nothing shouts good maintenance like a neat exterior. 

Outstanding curb appeal will make your home sell faster

You might not have enough space for a garden, however, even a small secluded patio with a pair of garden chairs or loungers and potted plants can create the feel of a cozy getaway that most new homeowners look for.

Room for the things

There aren’t many who can say that they have too much storage space. Those who need extra storage simply call Verified Movers and rent a storage facility but there is another option. With the help of experts, it is possible to create extra storage and exploit otherwise underutilized space. Additional space for belongings is especially important to families with kids because they have plenty of useful things they don’t want to dispose of even if they’re used only occasionally.

Walk-in pantry

In case there is enough extra space, usually 5×5 feet, creating a walk-in pantry in the kitchen is a big bonus. Non-perishables stored at the arms reach is something most would prefer. Even more so because they can save on the deals of bulk purchases. Walk-in pantries are affordable add-ons highly appreciated by families.

A kitchen with a walk-in pantry is a great asset

Walk-in closet

On the other hand, walk-in closets are added to master bedrooms and are perfect for empty-nesters in love with neatly organized apparel, jewelry, and accessories. This feature can be made as a part of the existing bedroom or placed in a separate, smaller room. Organizers and many shelving units are worth their price. Walk-in closets are perfect for couples who share storage space and are highly ranked among other features.

That extra bedroom

Nothing attracts buyers more than a cozy extra bedroom. A guest bedroom is best suited for loft space. After all, having a new bedroom in the attic is much better than blocking the garage. If you opt for the renovation of your loft space, consider adding a new small bathroom or at least a WC.

Hearth of your home

Making an eat-in kitchen would leave a good impression on families with children. Resurfacing cabinets and repainting walls is the least you can do to make your kitchen more attractive. A new trend and a highly popular and affordable one is adding lighting under cabinets. The effect is to give your kitchen depth and visually make the ceiling higher. 

There is nothing as attractive as new appliances so the first and most important on the list should be a fridge. Prospective buyers are impressed with spacious and clean refrigerators as this is the appliance they will use the most.

A new coat

The most affordable and yet the best investment is fresh paint. Repainting your walls and ceilings and adding a new coat on the outside leaves a good first impression. Natural lighting is one of the most beneficial features a home could have. Bright walls that reflect natural light will make space visually larger and have a good psychological effect on visitors. If you wish to attract buyers moving to Virginia from another state, for example, you should stick to neutral colors, appealing to many.

Energy-efficient walls, windows, and appliances

If nothing else makes people care about the environment it’s the savings they secure by installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation to their walls and purchasing energy star rated appliances. Any of these features would greatly appeal to millennials. They are both environmentally and financially conscious. Keeping the heat inside will help them keep their cool, too.

Room for your car

It is difficult to imagine getting anywhere without a car nowadays and having an (at least one) parking slot is a big asset to a home. If your garage space has been repurposed, make sure that you keep at least one off-road parking slot. 

One of the first things buyers ask the real estate agents is if there’s a garage/parking space available. You too might need to hire a lawyer or a real estate agent if you’re buying a new property at the same time you’re selling. A garage can serve as additional storage and as such is indispensable.

Fresh & Clean

A tidy and crisp bathroom is a feature no one is immune to, and refurbishing one is a must. A bathroom is perhaps the only room in the house that is easy to look luxurious and impressive with a relatively small investment.

Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are durable and lasting and as a feature, they appeal to everybody. And why not; they are easy to maintain and keep clean.

Interior and exterior lighting

Modern exterior lighting is an add-on that sets your house apart. While an exterior illumination boosts your curb appeal, interior lighting is an affordable feature that will make your home sell faster.

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 lakeofthewoodsvirginia.com

August 2019 Monthly Statistics

In August, 35 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 8 sold under $200,000; 8 sold between $200-250,000; 8 sold between $250-300,000; 7 sold between $300-400,000; 3 sold between $400-550,000; and 1 sold above $750,000.

64 Active Listings for Sale 
35 Homes Under Contract 
214 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.

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 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.

Gorgeous Home With Large Backyard in Louisa, VA! Now SOLD!!

Cool, calm and sophisticated with a youthful edge, this functional home is enveloped in light and comfort. The floor plan encompasses three spacious bedrooms with plenty of room for study, sleep and storage, two bathrooms. A sleek and stylish kitchen with crisp white cabinets that flows through to the dining room. The master bedroom, complete with walk-in closet. The large back yard would be great for swing set, volley ball net, trampoline! For more info, click here!

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 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.

2 Open Houses in Lake of the Woods, VA Saturday 8/31

Have you been wanting to check out some of the available rental homes in Lake of the Woods? Nows your chance! On Saturday, August 31st we are happy to showing off two of the most beautiful rental properties that are available in the area. The first Open House will be at 128 Harrison Circle from 11:00-12:30 PM, and the second will be at 1351 Lakeview Parkway from 1:00-2:30 PM. We look forwarding to seeing you there! (Click the address below for more pictures and information about the properties)

128 Harrison Cir Priced Monthly at $2,100

1351 Lakeview Pkwy Priced Monthly at $2,000

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 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.