We all hope for a career that will take us places. Sometimes that could be Orange County, Virginia. Exciting as that is, packing up your life and moving your family can also be stressful — after all, there are a lot of things you’ll need to organize and plan for.
A relocation package from your employers can help, but the rest is up to you. A checklist can be an invaluable tool to keep you on top of things. The Licata Group presents some key tasks you’ll need to remember to make your career relocation easy, beginning up to two months before your moving date.
Visit Your New Hometown
While it’s good to know what to expect, a visit to your new location and office can also offer insight on what to prepare for. It also offers a great opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, who can probably offer invaluable advice for your move. If you have children, you may also be looking to scout out new schools before your move. A visit beforehand can give you an idea of which area you want to search for accommodation.
Plan Your Finances
With a new salary, you might not expect to find a change in their cost of living, so it’s always good to be prepared before relocating. Websites such as Payscale can help you compare the costs of supermarket goods, restaurants, gas, and medical bills.
Message boards and Facebook groups are also a great place to get unbiased and up-to-date information from fellow residents (and to make friends with your potential neighbors).
If you need to sign up for a new banking service, make sure you have an easy way to access and transfer your current funds.
Secure Your New Home
Whether you’re relocating for a set period of time or for the unforeseeable future, it is advisable to consider renting a house before purchasing one so that you have the chance to familiarize yourself with the environment and other housing options.
Schedule the Move
If you need to buy airplane tickets for you and your family, buying tickets ahead of time is still the cheapest option for tickets. Depending on how many belongings you’ll be taking, you may also need to book a reputable moving company available on your moving date. Compare moving companies to see which fits within your budget and provides the most suitable insurance coverage options to protect your belongings.
Save all your travel and moving receipts in one handy location, such as a Google Drive, particularly if you will be claiming reimbursement from your employer.
Personalize Your Checklist
Use this information to compile your own checklist that includes important dates and information. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and use services that can help you find the home of your dreams in Lake of the Woods. After all, it’s not your career that takes you places — it’s all you.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to 102 Monument Road! If you love spacious living, you will love this home! The entry welcomes you into the expansive living room which boasts built-in book shelves, cabinets and a unique stand alone wood burning fire place, an impressive space! Beautiful French doors lead you into a den with another cozy brick, wood burning fireplace. Enjoy preparing meals in the galley style kitchen with gleaming granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. With four bedrooms, you will have plenty of accommodating space. Step outside into the sweeping deck with a large table and chairs, a platform pergola to surely impress your guests as you provide so many spots for entertainment and relaxation. There’s even a workshop/man cave/she-space to escape to with a/c and heat. You could also enjoy a short walk to Cornwallis beach.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
First-time home-sellers need an accurate value before listing.
Sellers need to make smart choices on repairs and staging.
Offers are evaluated on multiple factors, not just price.
The three most common questions first-time sellers ask our real estate team.
It’s common to be overwhelmed by the number of questions you inevitably run into when you’re selling your home. Does the doorbell work? Are the exterior colors suitable for today’s market? Am I getting what my home is worth? From marketing the house to negotiating a fair market price and making repairs, here are some of the most common questions sellers ask us and some helpful strategies you can utilize when selling your home.
Question 1: How do I know what my home is worth?
Ultimately, a home is worth what someone will pay for it. However, there are three values attributed to any home currently on the market:
What the seller thinks it’s worth.
What the buyer assumes it’s worth.
What a professional appraiser will think it’s worth.
One of the most critical aspects of selling your home is quickly getting those three numbers to align. Most real estate agents freely perform a comparative market analysis of home values to establish a property’s value to determine a selling price. They look at factors such as square footage, construction quality, condition of the home and neighborhood, design, and floor plan, plus all of the neighborhood’s features, like transportation availability, nearby shopping, and area schools.
Question 2: How do I get my home ready to sell?
Nearly all home purchase contracts include an inspection clause. This term is a buyer contingency that allows buyers to back out of the deal if numerous defects present themselves or negotiate their repair.
The trick to getting your home ready for the market is not to overspend on pre-sale improvements, especially if few houses are on the market with many buyers willing to pay almost any price. On the other hand, making such investments is the only way to stage and sell your house, even in a market that favors sellers.
Here are some quick highlights of expected home improvements and staging tips that every homeowner should have on their checklist going into negotiations:
Make sure that your roof is up-to-date; this will get you the highest return on your investment.
Fix any maintenance issues, such as leaks, plumbing problems, drafts, rusty areas, squeaky floorboards, mold, or mildew well before buyers can find them.
Applying a fresh coat of paint will make rooms look brand-new!
Polishing lighting fixtures and upgrading light bulbs is an inexpensive way to make a home look newer and brighter.
Less clutter helps a home look larger inside, so remove extra objects or furniture to give your home a more spacious feel.
Question 3: How do I pick the right offer on my home?
While seeing a bid over-asking price will make your heart race, it’s best to take a deep breath and consider the whole picture. Buyers include contingencies, like inspection, financing, and appraisal, in their offers. The fewer contingencies, the better it is for the seller.
You can consider an all-cash offer to eliminate the risk of contingencies. Anywhere from a quarter to a third of home sales now are cash offers, depending on the market, so this is more common than you may think!
What’s your next step after your home sells? The closing timeline can influence choosing your best offer—perhaps you’re in a hurry to move into your new place, or you need some extra time to finish packing. There’s always a lot to consider, and each seller’s needs are different.
The ultimate question: what are my net proceeds?
Because the real estate market is continually changing, and market fluctuations affect property values, your list price, sale price, and closing costs must be based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. To find out the current value of your home, contact our team today! Selling your home is a team effort that yields more success with the help of the most qualified and skilled realtors.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to 313 Westover Parkway! If you are looking for a roomy, open floor plan home with views of #15 Fairway then this is the one! The living room boasts a gas fireplace and high ceilings with 2 skylights that are sure to please the eye as you enter. Formal dining room is adject with chair railings. The kitchen combined with the living room makes entertaining fun with access to the screened in porch and deck, bring your grill! The spacious owner’s suite with an adjoining sitting room is perfect for a home office, with a sliding door that also gives access to the screened in porch. The en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, shower, double sink is sure to accommodate all your comforts. This home has plentiful closets and storage spaces.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
0 sold below $250,000.00 1 sold between $250,000-299,999; 3 sold between $300-349,999; 2 sold between $350,000-399,999; 6 sold between $400-499,999; 1 sold between $500,000-$999,999; 2 sold over $1,000,000!
13 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 25 Homes Under Contract 15 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata
The historic low housing inventory creates value opportunities in competitive housing markets.
Anticipation of new home listings to hit a 10-year high as some owners see right now as the best time to sell.
Condo and rental demand are likely to surge as inventory supply chain issues impact the housing market.
This Year Will Bring Balance to the Housing Market
After two consecutive years in which words like “unprecedented,” “historic,” and “white-hot” have been buzzing about, we can now add “inflation” to the list.
What is inflation, and how will it affect the real estate market in 2022?
Real estate is not immune from the inflationary effects of declining purchasing power on an economy. When prices go up, so do the costs associated with real estate. In a nutshell, that’s how inflation works; like a rising tide lifts all boats, so does inflation with rising costs. However, there are always reasons to be genuinely confident in real estate’s proven ability to hedge against inflation and be profitable.
Here are three particulars and tips to help you navigate these inflationary waters and better prepare you to make your move when you decide it’s time to do so.
#1: Low Housing Inventory Drives Values
With the market expected to remain undersupplied throughout the year and with this year already seeing historic low numbers in housing inventory, continued supply chain issues, and material costs resulting from inflationary pressure will undoubtedly influence the market. Many analysts are anticipating a modest 3% growth in home values, compared to the 24% return that last year saw.
Historically, it is well-documented that real estate remains profitable when inflation affects an economy. One reason is that landlords can always pass their cost increases off to their tenants. But the real lesson here is the age-old axiom that scarcity creates value. So instead of seeing the record-low number of housing inventory as something to steer clear of, it means that while there may be much competition in home buying, that’s because of the value of being a homeowner.
#2: New Listings to Hit 10-Year High
The end of double-digit price growth in home values will also encourage more homeowners to cash out finally, which will create more inventory in the market. But as the market settles down and becomes more balanced, homeowners will also be more inclined to list their homes to offset inflationary pressures elsewhere, though it will not be enough to meet the expected historical demand in 2022. This increase in listings of existing homes will also coincide with a slight increase in the listings of newly constructed homes, similarly expected to be the highest in a decade.
New home inventory should increase from 2021’s bottom, but we anticipate the market will remain undersupplied. In particular, the entry-level supply of new home construction will remain highly constrained.
#3: Condo and Rental Demand Will Take Off
2022 will also see the end of mortgage forbearance, which along with inflationary pressures, will cause many homeowners to sell and rent instead. This surge in rental costs and demand will create opportunities for others looking to get into the housing market. As a result, expect rents to increase 7% by the end of 2022, more than double the predicted year-over-year growth in home prices of 3%, once again proving that homeownership is always a more reliable use and investment of your money.
As the pandemic subsides, more people will live in cities once again where renting is more common. Additionally, the strong labor market will cause many movers wanting to move into a new town the opportunity to get to know their new city before they commit to homeownership.
The Market Is Moving—Get Started Now
There’s always much to consider when buying a new home. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking for your next, understanding the more significant economic trends is always important to maximize your efforts’ success. So contact us today and let us know how we can help support you in your journey.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
2021 proved to be a great year for Lake of the Woods real estate! Year-over-year, homes sales were up, median sold price was up, days on the market were down, and average sold to original list price ratio was above 100%!
In 2018, 234 homes sold, which was an 8% decrease from 2017. The median sales price rose to $249,900. In 2019, we realized a 28.63% gain in homes over 2018, with a total of 301 selling. 2020 showed a slight gain in sales at 313, yet the median sold price increased 7.87% to $291,250, up from $270,000 in 2019. And then came the 2021 market: a whopping 14.7% increase in the number of homes sold and a median sold price increase of 15.9 percent over 2020.
Average days on the market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, has steadily declined from 93 in 2017 to 16 in 2021.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years. From January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, a total of 196 lots sold: 24 in 2016; 37 in 2017; 45 in 2018, 41 in 2019; 49 in 2020; and only 24 in 20201. Coincidentally, 2016 and 2021 realized the identical number of lot sales (reported in the MLS). There simply are very few lots left in LOW.
Of the MLS sales reported in 2017-2021, new construction numbers have varied. 2017 saw 20 new construction homes sales; 2018 dipped to only 11; 2019 realized 31; 2020 sales jumped to 41, while 2021 ended at 37.
Again, there aren’t many lots left in LOW, which, of course, will impact new construction sales in the future.
Another notable statistic is the dramatic rise in average sold price to original list price ratio. It has steadily risen from 95.5% in 2017 to 100.9% in 2021.
According to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage rates are expected to rise and end 2022 in the 3.75-4% range for a 30-year fixed. Today, it is possible to obtain a 15-year fixed rate just under 3%.
The prognosis for 2022 is excellent! In LOW, there are 15 homes active on the market as of 1/26/2022. Low rates and hopefully more inventory should propel us to experience another year of healthy sales and appreciation, although appreciation is expected to slow from what we’ve experienced the past two years.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to 103 Marble Ct! This fabulous, custom-built home on the golf course is move-in ready and will delight from the moment you arrive. Once you enter, you are welcomed by a living room with soaring ceilings and built in shelving. The kitchen boasts beautiful new quartz countertops and a dining area. The sunroom will be one of your favorite areas with access to the deck and backyard. When it comes to entertaining, there is plenty of space for everyone with the separate formal dining room, spacious living room and a family room, both with wood burning fireplaces. The inviting owner’s suite is spacious, and the en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity and jetted soaking tub. The large second bedroom with an attached powder room shares a full bath with the third bedroom. Enjoy your favorite beverage, read a book, or just relax and take in the sounds of nature while relaxing on the deck.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome to 35142 Saba Place, a beautiful end unit townhome with lots of natural light. As you enter, you will immediately notice the kitchen featuring a breakfast bar, plentiful counter space and a pantry. The main level is open and will make entertaining and daily life a breeze! The spacious owner’s suite and en-suite bath with soaking tub, separate shower, and a huge walk in closet are sure to please! In addition to the owner’s suite, the upper level offers two additional bedrooms and full bath. The lower level features a bedroom and a full bath with a private entrance. Grab your favorite beverage and relax on your deck or your patio.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to 124 Saylers Creek in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods! You’ll love the location close to the pool, parks, and Community Center! Upon entering, the light-filled living room with soaring, beamed ceilings and a stone gas fireplace for those chilly nights will wow you. The kitchen boasts all the amenities and a dining area with access to the sunroom. The sought after split bedroom design will delight with the owner’s suite boasting an en-suite bath, and walk in closet. Relax in the sunroom overlooking your private, level backyard perfect for gardening, and enjoying outdoor activities. This home also features a two-car detached garage that would be perfect for a workshop.
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water-skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents… Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from the mid-$200,000s to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, and weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
