Tag Archives: virginia real estate

Should You Be Worried About a Housing Bubble?

Key Takeaways:

  • Real Estate Bubbles: what are they, are we in one now, and why there’s no cause for alarm.
  • It’s natural to compare today to 2008, but this housing market is vastly different.
  • You can lean on our expertise! We’ve seen all types of markets, so reach out with questions.

With home prices soaring to levels never before seen, it is undeniable that the U.S. housing market is in uncharted territory, with many industry experts speculating that we’re in the midst of yet another housing bubble. However, like snowflakes, every bubble is created differently and is unique.

As mortgage rates rise and rumors of another crash in the housing market fill the news cycle, it may be tempting to get cold feet and postpone your homeownership dreams. But as we’ll explore below, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of housing bubbles, what causes them and why it’s a term you needn’t fear.

What exactly is a bubble within the housing market?

house property prices bubble of the investment loan interest rate on mortgage

In basic terms, a real-estate bubble is a temporary economic event that occurs periodically and refers to an increase in the overall value of the housing market. When a bubble grows, home values increase; when a bubble pops, property values decrease.

Simple enough, but, what causes the housing market to experience bubbles?

Traditionally, the Law of Supply and Demand dictate a property’s market value. For example, when the demand for housing is high, and supply is low, home prices often rise, typically resulting in a seller’s market. Conversely, when housing supply is high but demand is low, market values fall, resulting in a buyer’s market. However, additional factors such as speculative investing, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) panic buying, and risky lending (such as occurred in the 2008 Housing Crash) are all elements that influence the growth and burst of housing market bubbles.

Why you don’t need to fear housing bubbles

Loving young couple looking at dream house.

We can always count on the old axiom in real estate: “You can never enter the same river twice.” (Fun fact: Greek philosopher Heraclitus came up with that lasting gem!)

What is meant by this is that history does not strictly repeat itself, and for us today in the real estate market, that means that it’s not 2008. As mentioned above, though the market moves in cyclical fashions, most experts do not believe that The Great Recession is repeating itself in today’s market.

2022 is not 2008 repeating itself

Young woman holding home keys while hugging boyfriend in their new apartment after buying real estate.

The infamous U.S. housing bubble of the mid-2000s had its origins in the unprecedented growth of the subprime mortgage market. Additionally, U.S. government-sponsored mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac made home loans accessible to borrowers with low credit scores and a higher risk of defaulting on those loans.

None of this is happening today.

The current market demand is not the result of easy lending. Instead, today’s rising property values result from the natural market forces of a low supply in housing inventory meeting high demand. But with new home construction expected to surge in the second half of the year, this will help ease demand in the future and stabilize the market overall.

Regardless of whether you’re selling your home or are a first-time homebuyer, the key takeaway for you is this: today’s high home values are not likely to crash any time soon, so it is as good a time as any to enter the market.

You Can Count on Us in Uncertain Times

If you’re feeling unsure about whether to buy or sell a home right now, reach out and rely on our expertise to guide you to make a sound financial decision. Our team has the experience and knows our local market, so contact us today and we’ll work with you to find the right strategy for your situation.

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.

305 Happy Creek Rd, Lake of the woods virginia 22508 home for sale

305 Happy Creek Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD by Licata Group EXP Real Estate Advisors

Welcome to 305 Happy Creek Road! This unique floor plan boasts beautiful hardwood floors throughout. A separate family room with its own entrance and fireplace is the perfect space for privacy and entertainment. The eat-in kitchen is perfect for meal prep with the adjacent formal dining room. The open concept dining room and living room has a beautiful bay window and French doors to the spacious side deck. You will love all the natural lighting! Speaking of natural lighting, the sunroom boasts all-glass doors for allowing the fresh lake breeze in! The primary bedroom has built-in shelves for a nice touch in this private room. The en-suite bathroom hosts a walk-in shower to make getting to work quick and easy. The two other bedrooms are roomy with nice bright windows for all the comforts of home. Custom-fit wood blinds adorn the windows for great insolation and privacy. Boasts a  large, one car, detached garage, this home offers spacious living inside and out and is one not to miss!

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.

400 Liberty Blvd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD by the Licata Group EXP Real Estate Advisors

Welcome to 400 Liberty Blvd! Located on a picturesque corner lot with beautiful landscaping and a wrap around porch, this is a stunning home with great curb appeal.  The front entrance into this traditional style home welcomes you with a formal dining room and formal living room with lovely hardwood floors.  You will feel right at home in the spacious family room featuring a beautiful fireplace with pellet stove.  The kitchen has all the storage you need with a comfortable eat-in area with access to the side porch.  The huge back deck and beautifully landscaped yard are the perfect backdrop for entertaining or just relaxing.  Upstairs you have three spacious bedrooms and a hall bathroom as well as the primary bedroom  with en-suite bath and jetted soaking tub.  Above the garage is a huge bonus room with additional storage.  This fabulous space could be used as a game room, office, craft room, or spare bedroom to name a few, the possibilities are endless in this gorgeous home!

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.

March 2022 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics!


In March, 23 homes SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

0 sold below $250,000.00
2 sold between $250,000-299,999;
7 sold between $300-349,999;
3 sold between $350,000-399,999;
8 sold between $400-499,999;
3 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
0 sold over $1,000,000!

19 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
38 Homes Under Contract
58 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

216 Battlefield Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 NOW SOLD by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC

Welcome to 216 Battlefield Road! If you are looking for a bright, quiet home with open spaces, you will love this one! A very well taken care of home, it offers abundant natural lighting and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. You walk into a open floor plan with the dining room and living room combined with skylights in the vaulted ceiling and a gas fireplace. The large kitchen boasts plentiful counter tops and cabinets with a sunroom with access to the brand new patio/deck. The owner’s suite and en-suite bath will satisfy your need to relax in the soaking tub, stall shower with an additional walk-in closet. Above the garage is a bedroom with skylights and arched ceiling so it’s a perfect, quiet flex space. The level yard is beautifully landscaped all the way around with a raised vegetable garden already to provide yummy veggies! This home is one not to miss!

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.

208 Musket Ln, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 Home Now SOLD by Licata Group EXP Real Estate Advisors!

Welcome to 208 Musket Lane! Step into this rustic and quaint open floor plan with updated luxury vinyl flooring throughout. The open concept floor plan of the living room/dining room/kitchen makes living easy! Entertaining will be fun with the abundance of space for bar stools at the large scale counter top. Enjoy the comfort of the sunroom with sliding windows to let the breeze flow in. The spacious bedrooms provide all the roominess you need. There is plenty of room in the laundry room for storage in the built-in shelves and a tool bench. Make sure to check out the oversized two car garage and expansive driveway in back! Perfect house for anyone! Stop in at our Open House or schedule a tour TODAY!

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.

February 2022 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics!

In February, 14 homes SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

0 sold below $250,000.00
1 sold between $250,000-299,999;
3 sold between $300-349,999;
4 sold between $350,000-399,999;
4 sold between $400-499,999;
1 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
0 sold over $1,000,000!

15 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
35 Homes Under Contract
31 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

Home Sellers: When Should You Reduce Your Listing Price?

Key Takeaways

  • Even in a seller’s market, you may still need to reduce your price
  • Consider if you’ve tried everything else before a price reduction
  • Make sure to seek the advice of your trusted realtor–we’ve seen it all before!

Even in a competitive seller’s market like the one we’re in right now, listing your home for the right price is key. Don’t count on a bidding war happening to get the price you want! Let’s take a look at what you should do before listing your home, indicators that your home is priced too high, and the strategies you can use to make the price right. 

How Do I Figure Out the Right Price?

Image of a family selling a home.

When home prices are rising quickly, low appraisals can affect your listing price. With year-over-year home prices up 17% on average nationwide in 2021—with some markets seeing as much as 35% increases—the appraisal you receive may not reflect other recent asking prices in your area. 

Your experienced real estate agent will use data from the local MLS and consider other homes in your neighborhood and what they sold for recently. They’ll also consider tax data, your property’s previous sale price, and even micro market trends. Working with an agent in such a fluid, dynamic market is essential to getting the price right. 

Since your largest pool of buyers often finds your home within the first 21 days of listing, try to list your home at the right price from the start. If you’re not seeing the offers you thought you would, make an adjustment quickly before the initial interest fades away. 

If the first week of listing your home isn’t resulting in offers, especially in a market this hot, that’s a red flag your home is overpriced. However, if you’re getting offers, and they just aren’t meeting your listing price, it’s a good sign you’re in line with the market and may need a small decrease. 

How Do I Know When to Lower the Price?

Image of a couple working with a real estate agent.

It’s exciting to list your home in such a historic market, but moving too fast and forgetting the basics can hurt your chances of success. Work with your real estate agent to market your home. This includes cleaning and decluttering your home, staging rooms, taking attractive photos, and communicating the value of the property in the listing. 

Rely on the most recent data to find the sweet spot for price. You’ll want to consider homes recently sold within a mile or two of your home, especially ones with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms and square footage within 20% of your home that closed within the last 90 days.

If all of that is said and done and you’re not receiving any offers, you may need to lower the price. Even in a seller’s market, selling over asking or enjoying a bidding war for a higher price is not guaranteed. Make sure you know the lowest price you’re willing to accept before you list your home, so making a change won’t feel like taking a loss. 

When it comes to finding the new price, there are a few things to consider. While the general advice is to lower anywhere from 0.5% to upwards of 3%, you also want to pay attention to your price bracket and what buyers are searching for. If lowering your price brings you down from $410,000 to $398,000, that will open up your home to a new pool of buyers searching for homes under $400,000. 

Price Your Home Right from the Start

Real estate is a continual learning process, and it takes effort to figure out the right price. That’s why you should work with our experienced, trusted team to get started out right! Contact us today to find the true value of your home based on the most recent, up-to-date, micro-economic data available. Our team is here to help you sell your home for top dollar. 

102 Monument Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD! by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors

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.

January 2022 Lake of the Woods, Virginia Real Estate Statistics

In January, 15 homes SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

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