Tag Archives: real estate virginia

When Results Matter, the Licata Group Delivers!

By Pat Licata

Over the years, we have made it our mission to be the #1 performing brokerage in Lake of the Woods and Orange County. When we prepare your property for sale, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that your home is sold in the least amount of time for the highest market value, we go above and beyond to provide you with the absolute best results. Our numbers prove it! Allow us the opportunity to present our proven, repeatable system that will work for you. Call us at 540/388-2541!

We look forward to continuing to provide you with the best service and being your preferred Real Estate advisors!

It’s another beautiful day at the lake!

July 2020 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics

In July, 35 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
2 sold between $130-200,000;
6 sold between $200-249,000;
8 sold between $249,900-299,000;
13 sold between $300-400,000;
0 sold between $400-500,000;
4 sold between $500-600,000;
1 sold between $700-900,000;
1 sold over $1,000,000.

31 Active Listings for Sale
54 Homes Under Contract
171 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.

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

Stellar Home in Fredericksburg, VA! 324 Burman Lane Now SOLD!

Welcome to 324 Burman Lane! Imagine the privacy of backing to the woods, sitting on your deck, relaxing, and enjoying the sounds of nature while being so close to all that Harrison Crossing, Central Park, and downtown Fredericksburg have to offer! As perfect as the yard is, and not having an HOA, you will also love the interior spaces. The kitchen has all the amenities, island, and large eating area. The spacious living room is open and bright! The lower level offers a huge family room with a wood stove for those cold winter nights, bedroom, full bath, flex space and large laundry room. For more information on 324 Burman Lane, Click Here!

 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

Stunning WATERFRONT Home in Lake of the Woods, VA! 106 Confederate Circle Now SOLD!!

Time to get your lake life started with this beautiful home on a private cove, jump on your boat and you are seconds from the main lake. This home is amazing from the minute you are welcomed by the brick entrance to the gleaming hardwood floors once inside. The formal living room and gorgeous dining room are set apart with columns and great design. Imagine having a kitchen with a large center island, two windows at your sink, more than ample counter and cabinet space, pantry and dining area. The family room is gracious in size and offers a corner gas fireplace for those cool nights.

Once upstairs you will be delighted with the owner’s suite, not only is it spacious it has an impressive huge walk in closet. The owner’s luxury bath offers a spa feel with a soaking tub, separate beautiful shower and double vanity. The upper level is completed with 3 more bedrooms, another full bath and the laundry room. A lower level offers another bedroom, full bath, family room with corner gas fireplace and flex space that could be used as a hobby room or exercise room. Plus the storage space in this home between closets and storage areas are impressive! Sprinkler system and invisible fence are bonuses. For more information on 106 Confederate Circle, 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.

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!

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Y7TvY3nyg5B&mls=1

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 Townhouse in sought after Village of Idlewild! 1907 Idlewild Blvd in Fredericksburg, Va now SOLD!!

Welcome to 1907 Idlewild Blvd where you are welcomed by the gorgeous stone and brick front of this amazing townhome. Once you enter you are welcomed by a two story foyer, gleaming hardwood floors and a den/multipurpose room that could be an office or sitting room. As you walk up to the next level you are going to be delighted by how amazing the kitchen is, featuring corian counter tops, upgraded appliances, and ample counter and cabinet space, as well as spacious table space and the ambiance of a gas fireplace. The design of the family room and kitchen make it perfect for entertaining. The deck off the kitchen is perfect to relax and unwind with your favorite beverage. The upper level is where the spacious master suite is featuring an inviting soaking tub to melt the day away, separate shower and double vanity. The other two bedrooms and a full bath complete the upper level. And that’s not all you have an oversize two car garage. A great neighborhood with a pool, playgrounds, tennis, walking trails and close to I95, shopping and restaurants. Thank you for stopping by! For more information on 1907 Idlewild Blvd, Click Here!

 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.

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Lakefront Property

Having a house by the lake is a dream of many people, and for a good reason. Due to their picturesque settings, breeze along the shore, and range of outdoor activities, lakefront properties will give you the feeling that you are on a non-stop vacation. Still, purchasing a lakefront home is not only about buying a piece of real estate, but it is also “buying” into a certain lifestyle.  Owning a lake house is a lot of fun, but it also comes with a set of challenges you must prepare for. Here is everything you need to know about buying a lakefront property.

Consider the financing when buying a lakefront property

Before you start looking at houses, you need to take into consideration the financing and ask yourself whether you are able to afford an investment like this. A lot of costs come with purchasing a lake home, and it’s not just paying the mortgage. Before you buy a waterfront property, consider the following:

  • ●      property cost – for starters, waterfront properties are more expensive than other types of properties. Plus, if it is your second home, financing will come with more stringent requirements. However, if you have firmly decided to own a lakefront property, there are many easy ways to save up for a new home.
  • insurance and maintenance – don’t forget to buy flood insurance, because even just a few inches of water can cause costly damage to a home. Keep in mind that regular homeowner’s insurance typically doesn’t cover flood damage. Additionally, homes near the water tend to get more wear and tear, thus you will need a larger maintenance budget for your lakefront property.
  • fun stuff when you buy a lakefront property -Well, let’s be honest, fun stuff is a major reason why you are buying lakefront property. But, remember that all the fun activities, such as boating, jet skiing, and water skiing aren’t cheap.
Before buying a lakefront property, you need to take a few considerations into  account

Consider the location of the lakefront property

If you want a lakefront property to be your primary home, you must consider the distance from school, work, medical clinic, and standard amenities like grocery stores and post office. For example, choosing a lakefront property in Orange County, VA is a great idea, since it is near major cities such as Richmond, DC, and Charlottesville. Even if you want to lead a more rural lifestyle in a picturesque waterfront home in Lake of the Woods, you can have reasonable access to these services and make your everyday life a pleasure and not a chore.

Also, the proximity to your residence is important if the lakefront property is intended to be your vacation home. Some experts recommend that vacation homes should be one to two hours away from your primary home so that you use your vacation home more often and don’t get discouraged by a burdensome drive.

Make sure you have enough space in your lake home

A good lake house shouldn’t be small, because when you finally transport extra furniture you have, there should be enough space left to accommodate you and your friends and relatives because they will no doubt want to visit you. Apart from being big enough to provide comfort for you and your guests, there should also be enough activities available in the area. Besides water sports like fishing, swimming, or jet skiing, ask around if there are other activities like hiking, biking, and bird-watching. Also, ask about amenities like swimming pools, a gym, or a clubhouse.

Your friends and relatives will most certainly visit you in your lake house, so make sure you have enough space for everybody

Before buying a property talk to the neighbors If you want to get inside information on the property, ask your neighbors because they probably have all the information you need. You can ask them if they enjoy living in the community, if they have any issues with the property you are thinking about purchasing or if there are any waterfront related problems. If you are young and want to buy a property that is a bit rural, but at the same time modern, you can find some of the best neighborhoods in Orange County for young couples.

You will find a perfect house in Lake of the Woods

People in Orange County are charming and friendly, and you can find many interesting things to do and see here – there are local breweries, you can glance at the private life of James Madison, and most importantly, in Lake of the Woods, you will find magnificent lakefront houses no matter your age or interests.

Choose the right waterfront home for you

If you are considering buying a lakefront property, make sure you chose the right one for you. A lakefront home is a great place to move to after retiring, so you might want to buy a home that is a bit secluded without many people around. On the other hand, if you are young, you might want to have access to the activities you’re passionate about, so choose a property accordingly. Hopefully, these tips will give you the confidence you need and help you decide on the right lakefront property for you. Your lakeside life, full of serenity and happiness, can begin now.

Gorgeous Waterfront LOT on the Main Lake in Lake of the Woods, VA! 118 Lee Circle Now SOLD!!

Imagine wonderful sunsets from the perfect lake home or dock, designed by you and built for you! Whether you enjoy your day on the boat, kayak, jet ski, simply swimming or floating from your dock, or entertaining family and friends, this lot provides the ideal setting for your dream home. So let’s get this lake home and lake life started! Situated on the main lake boasting 80 feet of water frontage, you’ll love the lifestyle! As an added bonus, water and sewer and electric are present! For more information on 118 Lee Circle, Click Here!

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-$100,000s 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 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.