Force of habit is a powerful thing, especially when it comes to settling in a property. As you are a human being, it’s to be expected you’re attached to the piece of earth you’ve lived on for so long. But, the time comes when it’s just better to leave your nest and find a new one. How do you know for sure? Here are seven clear signs it’s time to sell your house.
1# No more room for your children
Your little ones are the most valuable thing you have. Normally, you want the best of the best for them. Sometimes, in the buying process, people overlook the number of children they want to have or have financial struggles during the time. It’s all fun and games while your kids are younger and don’t require much space. But, when puberty hits, every one of their personalities becomes way too big for the shared space. You might look forward to the wine festival on Mother’s day way more than you should simply because of all that stress a cramped up house brings. So, it’s best (for everyone’s mental health especially) to start looking for a bigger space with more rooms. Four walls (painted black during an emo phase) will contain the chaotic hormonal storm at least a little bit.
Teenage anger spreads like wildfire in a tiny space. If you feel like it’s affecting you too – it’s time to upsize.
2# There are no great schools nearby
The second thing related to children is the choice of a school for them. It’s also an important indicator you should consider selling and moving to a different neighborhood or even city. Education is crucial for your kids’ future, and it’s to be expected to be your top priority. According to the experience of expert movers at beltwaymovers.com, many young couples overlook the schooling system factors when buying a house, and that’s why they end up selling their property after a few years down the line. If the schools in your neighborhood don’t meet the standards and your wishes for your kid, it’s probably time to move.
3# Your home starts to give you itchy feet
Once the phrase ‘home, sweet home’ doesn’t apply to your house, it’s time to move on to something different. Your house should be the place where you feel relaxed and at ease. A place where you look forward to coming back to after a tough day at work. If the time comes that you start feeling contained and not tucked away between your four walls, it’s time to flee.
‘Oh that gorgeous house downtown’
When you start looking at other houses, it’s a sign that something’s not quite right with your own. Maybe you didn’t have the money for your dream house at the time of buying. Perhaps you’re retired, your kids are living their lives, and now you want to watch cherry blossoms in spring and do gardening in a lovely little purple house. Possibly, you just want an upgrade. These are all positive signs that you should consider a change of residence.
Not many things make you feel as alive as watching cherries bloom
4# If the renovation won’t help – it’s time to sell your house
When you attach many memories to a living space, you will indeed look for a way to renovate it to fit your needs before even thinking of selling. But, when you think about renovations, all you do is end up with a long list of chores and tasks. When deciding whether to renovate or sell, there are three crucial questions to ask yourself.
What will better fit your budget?
Will renovating fix the issue for good or just temporary?
Is it even possible to renovate?
Some old houses could be so fragile that renovation would just ruin them. Also, if you start adding walls to the list of things you want to tear down – it may be best to start looking for the new ones.
5# You don’t ‘feel’ the neighborhood anymore
People change. Maybe you’ve changed drastically. Or your neighbors did. Or, there’s been a significant makeover of your neighborhood – they built a mall or tore down your favorite bakery. Whatever the reason, you don’t feel as welcome and at peace in your area. It’s pretty stressful to feel you don’t fit in. If you feel like you don’t fit in, it’s best to find a new property, call local movers in Virginia to help you pack your stuff, and reach your new home stress-free. You don’t have to move across the globe to experience that much-needed change – you can simply move across the city. The mere desire to do so is undoubtedly one of the signs it’s time to sell your house.
6# It’s the perfect time in real estate
Since the pandemic, there’s been an increasingly positive shift in the real estate market around the US. The local market in Lake of the Woods is no different. If a sale has even crossed your mind in the past, you might want to seriously consider taking advantage of the ‘housing bubble’ before it bursts. It might be a good idea to have an appointment with a real estate agent, in any case, just to be fully educated and aware of your options.
A meeting with a real estate agent can help you solve uncertainties
7# You’re just ready
Every individual will sometimes feel like they are at a crossroads, urging them to look into new homes. It doesn’t have to be brought on by an extraordinary and tumultuous event. The key is to feel emotionally and psychologically prepared to leave the old memories behind and sail into making new ones. There’s nothing wrong with that. You and your family evolve, and it’s sometimes just the time to part ways with the house that holds your past. It’s not a solid and visible indicator. But, a hunch, a feeling, and an instinct are among the vital signs it’s time to sell your house and go on new adventures.
Bottom line
It’s never easy to decide to leave your old habits and living space. Some things will undoubtedly have to change. But, don’t be afraid – change is not a bad thing. If you can identify with some of these signs it’s time to sell your house, then you know what to do – search for your perfect home.
Even in a seller’s market, it pays more to be mindful of how you present your home—and color is a key component!
This year is all about earthy greens, fun pastel blues and yellows, and smart neutrals to really create a sense of comfort.
Have fun with DIY projects and go hunting for unique antiques to transform traditional rooms into flexible spaces!
Home Buyers Are Searching for Comfort and Versatility
Even though 2022 is predicted to remain a seller’s market, a little effort upfront will go a long way towards closing. You don’t need to do a major renovation to bring modern trends and styles into your home, regardless of its age. Clean, neat, and orderly homes certainly help, but the right color palette can really add some extra oomph.
Here are three of the leading staging trends and top color palettes that can help add value to your home and bring in bids.
Invite the outside in through shades of green
After a tumultuous few years, 2022’s trends are focused on self-care and comfort, which are reflected in soothing color schemes. The right colors can bring a sense of belonging into your home. With an overall emphasis on wellness, it’s no surprise that homeowners are falling for hues that are reminiscent of the outdoors.
Earthy, organic palettes provide balance and a breath of fresh air. Green is easy on the eyes, inspiring, and provides a sense of security and belonging. Colorful kitchen cabinets are a relatively quick paint project and very on-trend for 2022. Herbaceous colors such as sage, mint, and thyme tie in perfectly to the gastronomic heart of a home.
Potted plants bring a sense of vitality into a space, and certain varieties help clean the air so prospective buyers will truly breathe easy. To break up the green, try a soft peach or light apricot. They’re calm, straightforward colors that evoke shelter and stability. Bonus: green plants pop when paired with these more subtle shades of orange.
Bright blue and yellow pastels are perfect for flexible spaces
3 bedrooms, 3 baths and…where’s the office? The classroom? The gym? COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and play—and what we look for in a home. Gone are the stringent definitions of a room’s purpose according to the blueprint. Extra bedrooms are now learning centers, the dining room is for quality time with friends, and the basement is the best hot yoga studio in town.
With homes becoming more functional spaces, the colors need to be comfortable and calm. Warm, soft yellows add a sense of sunshine to any room. To avoid veering into neon highlighter territory, go for pastel shades of chamomile or buttermilk to bring optimism and cheer without any glare.
The home isn’t quite as intimate as it once was now that we invite everyone from coworkers to teachers into our homes via video call—so now, you can create a space that shows buyers you understand their need to impress. While dark blues are the trademark of the corporate world, lighter hues like mist and sky reign over the residential realm.
Reclaimed materials stand out against strong neutrals
With the world so different from what we’ve previously known, there’s a newfound value in nostalgia. Luckily, second-hand furniture not only evokes warm feelings of remembrance, but also ties into the movement to go green.
With supply chain complications still affecting the marketplace, there’s a resurgence of interest in using reclaimed materials as an anchor piece. Many second-hand stores offer refurbished pieces, painting over lackluster patinas with bold color palettes, geometric patterns, or ombre. You can always go the DIY route, too—but with more than enough to do to get your home ready, buying rehabbed pieces is a huge time-saver.
Go with neutrals for the rest of the room to show off a bold find. Beige may sound boring, but it brings connotations of dependability. In these ever-changing times, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to go back to basics once in a while. Plus, with varieties such as ecru, stone, and taupe, there’s nothing basic about this perennial staple.
Use Our Staging Tips for a Top-Dollar Home Sale
It takes thought and effort to bring your home to its full potential, so you can sell at the highest possible price. We’re ready to do a walkthrough and offer suggestions on how you can get prepared to sell. We have the experience and know what buyers want. Contact us today and let us know how we can help prepare your home for a top-dollar sale!
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.
In today’s hot market, it’s more important than ever to choose the right agent to help you buy or sell a home.
Real estate agents don’t just offer local expertise—their insider knowledge and marketing prowess come in handy, too.
Thinking about making a move in the new year? Contact us to start planning now!
Here Are the Top 10 Qualities Every Successful Real Estate Agent Should Have
Did you know that 75% of buyers and sellers work with the first agent they meet? It’s true—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. If you want to come out on top in today’s competitive market, experts often recommend interviewing a few candidates before settling on the right real estate professional for the job. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve outlined 10 qualities of a highly successful agent.
They keep up with the latest sold data
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep up with the latest sold data for your neighborhood of choice. Sold data reports consist of homes that recently sold in your area, as well as their final prices. Not only do these numbers help sellers determine an accurate list price, but they can also be used by buyers to gauge an area’s affordability. A top-notch agent should be willing to provide you with up-to-date data every step of the way.
They know what’s happening in the real estate market
It’s hard to know what the real estate market will look like next year. But with careful forecasting, a local agent should be able to provide some valuable insight. Agents can educate buyers and sellers on everything from price fluctuations to mortgage rates—just make sure they’re using accurate data to back up their predictions.
They’re social media savvy
Nowadays, home-buying and selling primarily happens on the internet. According to recent research, over 95% of buyers start searching for properties online, which makes it imperative that agents maintain an active presence on their social platforms. Be sure to ask your agent about the virtual tools they offer buyers and sellers, such as access to the MLS, social media promotion, and paid advertising. Bonus points if they have their own website, too!
They have a network of contacts
When it comes to buying or selling a home, it truly takes a village. A well-connected agent can refer you to their network of local contacts, such as plumbers, landscapers, lawyers, and so much more. You’ll rest easy knowing that you can trust their recommendations for local service providers!
Their referrals are positive
If an agent provides legendary customer service, their past clients are more than willing to leave positive feedback—or even refer them to their loved ones! Ask your potential agent about their reviews, or take a look online to see what previous buyers and sellers have to say about working with them.
They’re punctual
This one should be a given! The current real estate market moves faster than ever before, which makes punctuality an even more important quality than usual. If your agent is on-time (or early!) to your appointments, you’ll know they’re treating you like a priority.
It’s easy to get in touch
Keeping in touch is key when it comes to real estate, so you’ll want to share the same method of communication as your agent. Tell your agent from the beginning whether you prefer to text, email, or talk on the phone. Not responding in a timely manner is a big red flag.
They’re shrewd negotiators
Buyers and sellers alike should look for an agent with top-notch negotiation skills to get them the best possible price. And if you want to evaluate a real estate agent’s prowess, just ask yourself this question: how well did they negotiate with you to win your business?
They’ve built their own brand
Real estate agents don’t just help you buy or sell a home—they need to be expert marketers on both sides of the transaction. Solid branding can help agents rise to the top of the competition and build a reputation that people rely on, trust, and recognize. Exploring an agent’s social media and website can give you a good idea of their personal branding strategies.
You get along with them
When you’re trusting someone with one of your biggest investments, it’s crucial to get along on both a professional and personal level. If you can’t have difficult conversations with your agent—or if you don’t get along with them—consider going with another candidate. Personality can sometimes trump experience!
Find the Right Agent for Your Move
Ready to start planning your 2022 move? Now is the time to find the perfect agent for the job! Contact us today to learn more about what we bring to the table, or explore our other resources to get a head start on buying or selling. We’re always here to offer superior service throughout every step of the transaction!
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.
Join the Licata Group team for a fun, informative, and free webinar where you will learn how to BEST prepare your home for sale for top-dollar from leading industry professionals.
Interest rates continue to stay at a historic-low with more buyers than homes that are available! You’ll learn how the current market is affecting the home selling process and how it’s often leading to multiple-offer situations.
A Q&A session will be held at the end to answer your questions.
We understand the need to sell your home for the highest market value in the least amount of time, and you’ll learn how this can be achieved in this one-hour session! Join us for a fun, interactive, and informative webinar on February 13th, 11 am. Click Here to register!
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
By Pat Licata-REALTOR
Selling your home may be an idea you are seriously considering, but that does not mean you are ready to put your home on the market just yet. You may be waiting to pay off your mortgage; you may be waiting for the kids to move out; for the Spring selling season to hit Lake of the Woods (it’s not necessary to wait–I promise); or you may not be ready yet to part with all the memories you have made in this home.
But that does not mean you don’t have to start preparing to sell.
What to Consider Before Listing Your Home
Many home sellers feel overwhelmed when they are preparing to sell their home for a number of reasons: There is the daunting task of decluttering, the sometimes unexpected repairs that have to be made, and the seemingly endless list of squeaky doors and minor fixes that buyers would notice almost immediately.
And all of this happens in a short time. (Read this Popular Mechanics article about what surprises this first-time home seller experienced to get an idea of what can happen.)
Prepare Now, Feel Less Stressed Later
You are in the perfect position right now to do what many home sellers do not have the chance to — slowly start to get your home in order. Here are five home selling tips you can try now so you won’t feel overwhelmed when the time is right for you.
1. Start with the Necessary Repairs
Free yourself from future stress by making any major repairs now, whether that is repairing the HVAC or replacing the hot water heater.
2. Go for Neutral Colors
If you want to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, opt for more neutral colors. During home showings, neutral colors and décor make it easier for home buyers to picture themselves living in your home, which is your ultimate goal. Don’t use builder white. Two of my favorite are Benjamin Moore’s bleaker beige for warmer tones and revere pewter for cooler ones.
3. Start Decluttering Now
Home sellers often find that decluttering is one of the more frustrating and overwhelming tasks, but if you start cleaning the clutter now, you will thank yourself later. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t love something and use it, lose it.
4. Deep Clean Your Home Periodically
Sometimes it feels like the little things pile up quickly, don’t they? Try to stay ahead of minor maintenance and cleaning tasks by:
cleaning fixtures and light switch covers
fixing broken doorbells
repairing squeaky doors
dusting high and low
cleaning floors and windows
5. Refresh Your Front Entrance
During the home selling process, making a fantastic first impression is the key to getting buyers in the door. Refresh your home’s curb appeal by purchasing a new welcome mat, painting the front door, and polishing or replacing the doorknob.
List Your Home with Pat Licata for a Smooth Experience
We at the Licata Group/Licata on the Lake hope you found these home selling tips helpful. We know that selling a home can be overwhelming, especially if the unexpected happens. But we want to make sure that you have as painless of a sale as possible, so we will do everything we can to help you sell your home for top dollar and in your desired timeframe. So when you do decide to list your home, Pat is just a phone call away at 540/735-7998! It’s another beautiful day at the lake!
