What’s better than 1 open house? 2 open houses of course! Join us this Saturday, August 24th from 1PM – 3PM to see two lovely homes in Lake of the Woods, Virginia. We look forward to seeing you there! (Click the address below for more pictures and information about the property)
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.
61 Active Homes for Sale 55 Homes Under Contract 186 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.
(Data as of August 14, 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
In Lake of the Woods for July, 2019 the statistics are as follows: A total of 35 homes were sold, all of them were standard sales. 10 homes sold between $175-250K, 15 sold between $250-350K, and 10 sold for over $350,000. Additionally, 5 lots were sold between $19,000 and $29,900.
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.
Join us at 712 Stuart St in Locust Grove, Virginia 22508 on Friday, August 16 for a “Sip & See” event. You may enjoy some cheese and wine while enjoying our newly listed home at 712 Stuart St. It will be open from 5PM – 7PM. Please join us for a wonderful event!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Whether you’re buying residential or commercial real estate, it is in your
best interest to score the best deal. After all, that’s what negotiation
tactics and offers are for. These days, there’s an increase in second-home
purchases throughout the whole nation, but especially in Virginia. This
means that by buying a property in Virginia you are also making a great
financial investment. With homes that can meet a wide range of
budgets, you are diving into a pool of opportunities – but how to know which is
the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered – use the tips below the
maximize your investment and save money along the way.
Buying a property in Virginia starts online
Nowadays, searches of any kind begin on the internet. In the end, isn’t that
how you ended up on this page? There’s no doubt that buying property is
a financial reality check. From fees and interest rates to the
mortgage process, you need to research each step before making the final
decision. Gather any property information you can on the
property market. Housing apps and property listing sites like Zillow and Tulia
will get you an idea of the market so they are worth checking out. Who
knows, maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for sooner than you anticipated?
Found a potential buy but want to dig deeper? Then you’ll be glad to know
that there are various research tools at your disposal. Before
buying a property in Virginia, check the Multiple Listing Service database to
find zoning, maps, and ownership. On Tulia, you have extra features where you
can find out about school and crime statistics or median home values for a
specific area. Google away!
Hire a real estate agent
If you’re a first-time buyer, chances are you don’t know home
buying terminology or the overall process. Unfortunately, the
Internet can only do so much. In the end, it’s always best to place your trust
in someone who has much more experience in the trade. A good real
estate agent will save you not only money but time and nerves as well.
In this way, you won’t have to be tangled up in the process as much, as your
agent will ensure it goes smoothly.
Realtors can also help you find other professionals who will assist you in
the home buying process, like mortgage brokers and home inspectors. They can
even refer you to good moving companies like Premium Q Moving and Storage Boston
that will help you during the moving phase. The question is – how do
you find a good realtor? It’s best to stay off the internet and ask
for referrals from people you trust. If this is not an option, check
customer reviews of real estate agents on property listing sites.
Don’t forget to check if they are licensed at the Virginia
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation License Search.
Get Loan Quotes from Multiple Lenders
A word of advice: Do not accept the first offer that your mortgage
lender makes! Interest rates will vary, as different lenders may quote
you different prices. For example, the average 30-year mortgage rate in
Virginia is currently 4.14%. However, it can vary more than half a percent,
which translates to around 60$ a month – you do the math. That’s why it’s
recommended you get loan quotes from at least 3-4 different mortgage
companies when buying a property in Virginia. Be aware that lenders
charge various other fees for processing a mortgage, loan origination fee, loan
application fees, etc. You will be able to see exactly what you’re paying for
in the loan estimate, so use it to help you negotiate lower fees and rates. If
you’re buying a house, choose one of Virginia first-time homebuyers
program. These programs are designed to help you and lighten your
financial burden.
Pick timing and location wisely
Let’s say you want to buy
a vacation home in Virginia. Now, predicting the market isn’t easy.
But what if you could save thousands of dollars if you knew when exactly to buy
it? If you don’t rush and are flexible enough, the best way to save money on a
good deal is to buy property around the holidays or in
January. Most people selling their homes at that time are doing so only because
it’s urgent. With the right negotiation tactic, you can use this to your
advantage and lower the price.
Another one of great
strategies for house hunting is picking the location. If you’re
planning to purchase property in the northern part of Virginia, you need to act
quickly. Since this is the most populated region of the state, you’ll have more
competition which means the prices will increase. On the other hand, you can pick
more affordable places. Houses in Richmond or Portsmouth tend to be
below the median value for properties in the state – check them out!
Negotiate for the Best Possible Price
All the advice in the world will be for nothing if this part of the process
isn’t done correctly. When it comes to negotiations, you either make it or
break it, so it’s best to let your real estate agent do the talking.
Since he has an understanding of the property market, he’ll be able to point
out all the shortcomings that you might not have noticed. Also,
have him help you write your offer letter. It’s important that
you personalize your interest in the house so that you stand out among other
potential buyers. Don’t mention any of the shortcomings, as it
can only be a deal-breaker. Instead, try to appeal to the seller
by mentioning the particulars that you know about him. For example, is that his
childhood home? Then make a connection and comment on how great your kids would
have it growing up there too.
In conclusion, buying a property in Virginia is a great financial investment if you buy it for the right price. Getting that price, however, depends on many factors. Trust in the expertise of your real estate agent to get you through the process and you’ll soon be enjoying in your new Virginia home!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
In Lake of the Woods for June, 2019 the statistics are as follows: A total of 39 homes were sold, all of them were standard sales. 15 homes sold between $175-250K, 20 sold between $250-350K, and 4 sold for over $350,000. Additionally, 5 lots were sold between $26,000 and $40,500.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
63 Active Homes for Sale 56 Homes Under Contract 163 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.
(Data as of July 29, 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Money investment is always a serious endeavor. It takes
doing some serious calculations, thinking and analysis to be able to make the
right and final decision. Bringing the whole process to the end successfully is
highly rewarding. A smart investment, by all means, is the one that brings a return
on the investment – be it a genuine joy or certain financial gain. Bearing in
mind all these facts, is buying real estate in Virginia a good investment? We
can provide you with vital facts on the subject. Then, take your time to deal
with the dilemma and finally decide.
Things to know before considering buying real estate in Virginia as an
investment
It is a well-known fact that Virginia is the promised land
for nature and history lovers. Living among those mostly highly-educated and
friendly people is a real pleasure. Should you want to rest and relax, the
opportunities are ample to have a day trip or an excursion with your family. You
will not miss job opportunities either. If you already live in this state, you
might want to consider your options in other counties or cities as well.
So, before you start seeking professional assistance for your
local relocation in Virginia or even organizing a long-distance move after
purchasing real estate there, here are the facts of key importance to pay
attention to.
High standard and the matching cost of living
Whether we like or not, finances are among the most
important factors when choosing where to live. If you are considering
purchasing real estate in Virginia, it is essential to know that the cost of
living is relatively high. Understandably, the costs vary depending on the
area, but it is impossible not to admit that cities in some counties are very
expensive to live in. On the other hand, considering the number of perks
Virginia offers to its residents, one would say that moving there is worth
considering nevertheless.
To rent or to buy?
To buy we say. The prices of rent are considerably high.
Regardless of the type of residence and the area, rent in Virginia is well
above the national average. Thus, we would agree that buying real estate in
Virginia is an intelligent choice. Depending on the city you choose, you can
expect to pay anything between $220,000 and $850,000 for a decent home. This
wide range proves that you can find a favorable option for any budget. Even if
you have to downsize a bit in the beginning, this is not a reason to worry
since you can find
affordable storage units easily.
The population is on the increase
Yes, and it is getting very diverse. Multiculturalism in the
state makes people tolerant of differences and a nice place to live. You will
get used to your new home location in no time, and maybe consider buying
a vacation home in Virginia as well.
Traffic may spoil the fun
We have to admit that traffic in Virginia can be really
heavy. Hence, considerably lower gas prices when compared to the national
average do not matter much. Commute time is 28.2 minutes on the average, which
is slightly longer. If you opt for using public transportation, you can get a
pass for the unlimited number of rides in 30 days. It costs around $60.
However, minors, seniors and the disabled pay only $35.
A word or two on taxes
Income tax in Virginia is within the range of 2% to 5.75%,
unlike the property taxes which are below the average national value. They range
between 0.42% and 1.37%. If you are preparing for retirement, you will like to
hear that Virginia is a retirement tax-friendly country. Finally, the sales tax
is between 5.3% and 7%, depending on the county.
Healthcare
As is the case with the above-mentioned parameters, the
median healthcare price also varies greatly throughout Virginia. It can be up
to 2% lower than the national average, or be as much as 14% higher. Generally,
the bigger the city the higher the prices.
Timing matters
When considering buying real estate in Virginia as an
investment, timing is an important factor. It affects both the price and the
number of properties on the market. So, if you want to make a good investment,
remember this. If you want to have an immense number of options, spring is the
best time. This period is characterized by increased supply and a lot of
choices. On the other hand, if you have a limited budget, consider conducting
the purchase in summer. The prices tend to be lower and more affordable due to
summer holidays and less serious demand. Anything later than this goes with
certain hazard. You risk not finding the real estate of the quality you need
and want.
Where to buy real estate in Virginia?
Once you decide purchasing real estate in Virginia is what
you really want, choosing where to invest is the next dilemma. Most often,
buyers choose Arlington, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Falls Church, Norfolk, Williamsburg,
and Chantilly. Make a list of your needs, wants, and priorities and choose
accordingly. In case you realize you have made a mistake, study the tips
for marketing your home to millennials or target any other group, and sell
the property. Hence, you will have a chance to find something more appropriate
and invest again. We must admit the whole process is challenging indeed, but it
is not unachievable.
Buying real estate in Virginia – how to do it right?
Buying real estate in Virginia requires professional assistance. Having a real estate agent by your side in the process will save you a lot of trouble. Moreover, it will significantly reduce the risk of making a costly mistake of buying a property of low quality or even dealing with fraudulent sellers. An experienced and knowledgeable agent can help you with getting a mortgage, obtaining the necessary insurance and going through the settlement process smoothly. Then, after signing the contract of sale, you can get down the most important things to do after buying a home. At the end of the day, it turns out that buying real estate in Virginia is a good investment indeed.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Are you considering going into the Virginia real estate market? While this could turn out to be the investment of your life, you should be careful; buying a piece of real estate is no small feat. This will be a complicated process, during which you will definitely have a lot to do. So, before you make such a purchase, ideally you should consider all the factors; the amount of money you can spend, the features you want from a home, and the best possible neighborhood. But apart from that; as a Canadian who’s buying a property in Virginia; you should also consider the legal practicalities of such a purchase. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got it all covered right here!
Finding a good real estate agent in Virginia
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving down the street or if your move is a long-distance one; if you ask us, choosing your new neighborhood and the specific piece of property will be of major importance. And if you want to play this smart, you should contact an experienced local real estate agent. Trust us; a good agent is worth their weight in gold. During the process of buying a property in Virginia, a professional agent will lead you every step of the way. They’ll draft the order you write, and negotiate in your name with any potential sellers. If you hire an agent to take care of the purchase for you, they’ll get a better deal in terms of the smaller details too, such as the house closing costs and the escrow process.
Hiring a real estate agent
Apart from handling some of the specifics of buying a property in Virginia, your real estate agent can be of help in other ways as well. Having a professional who knows the real estate trends of the area will be of major use, trust us. And besides; in most cases, working with a real estate agent on buying a home won’t actually cost you a dime. Why? Well, the usual practice is the seller paying the whole commission for the realtor. Typically, that’s around 5% of the sale price for the home, that the seller’s agent and your own agent split between each other. Also, your real estate agent can help with finding other professionals who can provide you with different services in the process of purchasing a home; like home inspectors or mortgage brokers.
If you want a quality home, hire a good realtor!
Naturally, you must be wondering what the best way to select a particular real estate agent is. First and foremost, you want to make sure that your potential agent is licensed; check the registry of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Apart from that, you want to hear the different reviews on real estate agents, on places like Trulia and Zillow. Trust us, if you choose your real estate agent correctly, and use other professionals prudently, buying a home here can be an extremely pleasant experience.
Sale disclosures
As a Canadian who’s buying a property in Virginia, one thing is certain; you’re probably not too familiar with local laws. Even people who’ve lived in Virginia their entire lives aren’t always well-versed in the legalities of home purchases in the area. For example – while you’re searching for the perfect neighborhood in the area, you might want to familiarize yourself with the seller disclosures that the law demands. And just what are these, you ask? Well, these are regulations which obligate home sellers in the state of Virginia to report some types of defects on their properties. The aforementioned Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation has the details within their Residential Property Disclosure document, but we’ll give you the gist of it here.
There are certain issues that a seller must disclose
In essence, there are a few kinds of defects that a seller must disclose during a real estate transaction. First of all, they must tell the buyer if the property is nearby a military air installation. Secondly, they must report any defective drywall. Also, a seller must report if their property was at any point the site of a meth lab, if it hasn’t been cleaned up in accordance with state guidelines. Finally, a seller is obligated to tell the buyer if their home has a septic system that isn’t fully functioning.
Also, people selling houses which were built before 1978 have an additional piece of compliance to perform. They need to make certain that their house complies with federal regulations on lead-based hazards, and more specifically lead paint.
Getting a home inspection
If you were to take a look at seller-disclosure regulations in other states, you’d find that buyers are much more protected. In other words, the list of defects that the sellers have an obligation to report is far larger. But with the disclosure limits here, buying a property in Virginia usually means one thing – hiring someone to do an independent home inspection.
If you want to make sure you’re buying a good home, a home inspection is in order
In the process, this outside inspector has to check out an entire host of potential issues. For example, you want them to see if the house is susceptible to any pests or termites. Then, you need to be sure that there are no structural issues, and that the roof and windows stand upon a firm foundation. And finally, there are the drainage and other soil issues, as well as mold or the presence of certain odors.
Hopefully, any Canadians buying a property in Virginia can find this guide useful. You are surely going to enjoy 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Walk through Wilderness Battlefield National Park from your own back yard! If you’re seeking privacy, you’ll love this lot and the fantastic home as well. Open floor plan, expansive deck, and the main level living area are just a few of the perks!
You’ll also love the LOW lifestyle: 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, waterskiing, 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 $100,000 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
