Tag Archives: real estate va

How to Buy an Accessible Home That Accommodates You and Your Home-Based Business

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:

  • Handrails near the desk
  • Monitor stands
  • Phone or tablet tripods
  • Voice-activated power outlets or desktop plug sockets
  • Wireless technologies to reduce tripping hazards

Other Considerations

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

Finding Your Accessible Dream Home

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“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

Beautiful One Bedroom Condo in Reston, VA! 1965-B Villaridge Drive Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 1965-B Villaridge Drive! You will be wowed by the cathedral ceiling, open layout, you will love the kitchen with upgraded stainless steel appliances, gorgeous fireplace and spacious bedroom. Relax on your balcony after a hard days work. The HVAC unit has a germ killing ultra violet filter. The Wiehle Metro and metro bus stop within one mile, close to Reston Town Center, minutes from South Lakes shopping center, Lake Thoreau and Lake Audubon with boat ramp and pools. Surrounded by walking and biking trails. For more information on 1965-B Villaridge Drive, Click Here! To see a 3D Virtual Tour, click the link below!

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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

May 2020 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics

In May, 19 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
1 sold between $130-200,000;
7 sold between $200-249,000;
7 sold between $250-299,000;
4 sold between $300-400,000;

44 Active Listings for Sale
61 Homes Under Contract
93 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.

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

June 2019 Monthly Statistics

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 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.

June 2019 Lake of the Woods Market Statistics

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 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.