There is an ever-growing number of
people moving out of New York and trading their previous lifestyle for
something different. Luckily, there are so many cities, towns, and counties
that can provide you with everything you want your future neighborhood to have.
For instance, Orange County, VA is perfect for ex-New Yorkers for many reasons
we will try to analyze in this article.
A
little bit about Orange County
Orange County is a part of the Los
Angeles metropolitan area. With over 3 million inhabitants, it is the
third-most populous county in the state of California. The average annual
temperature of 20 degrees Celsius makes the county very pleasant for living.
Among other things, this is the reason why some Canadians decide to buy properties in Virginia. Orange County takes pride in its educational and sports opportunities.
At the same time, the county is home to many start-ups and overall successful
companies, which means that the economy is strong too.
Orange County, Va offers suburban lifestyle while having 3 million citizens
Ex New Yorkers move to Orange County
for the convenience of suburban living
Although it is a densely populated
area, Orange County is mostly suburban.
Many New Yorkers opt for living in houses instead of apartments when they move
to this area. Who can blame them? When they get tired of everything that the
“concrete jungle” has in store for them, they opt for leaving NY for good and trading it for the new lifestyle that they can have
here. Some of the benefits of living in Orange County in comparison to NYC
in terms of housing include:
not having to spend a fortune on rent in NYC – it is
not a secret that New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the
World for renting a place; Of course, not all NYC counties and
neighborhoods cost the same, but still, they are mostly overpriced.
being able to afford some home features and amenities
that you could only dream of in NYC. To be honest, a house with a nice
garden, a water view, or a swimming pool in your backyard comes with a
certain price tag in Orange County too, but the numbers are more realistic
than in NYC.
being able to earn some money on renting a vacation home you can buy in Virginia – A vacation home in Orange County can be a great
place for you to relax and earn some extra cash too. It turns out that in
many areas, the weekly fee you can get for renting out is greater than the
monthly mortgage payment.
The
slower pace of life is definitely a plus, but you might need to learn some new
skills
After moving from New York City to
Orange County, you will have more time for yourself since you won’t be spending
it in NYC traffic. On the other hand, a suburban lifestyle might require you
to have a driver’s license that you probably didn’t need in NYC.
You might need to learn how to drive after moving from NYC
Work/life balance is so much better
in rural areas
Just like we have already mentioned,
moving to a suburban or even rural area from an urban one such as NYC can save
you a lot of stress in your daily life. Commuting to work might be a little
time-consuming if you are used to living and working in the same part of the
city, but the benefits of space and money are there to compensate for the loss.
In fact, many companies follow the trend of moving their headquarters and
offices outside the city centers for these particular reasons. They are
able to choose much better spaces within their budget, plus they get overall
better working conditions for their employees.
Orange
County, VA can be perfect for ex New Yorkers with families
Whatever you crave for – NYC has it.
Be that business, culture, entertainment, or anything else, you will be able to
find it in New York. However, the Big Apple might not be an ideal place for
raising a family. That is exactly why people choose to leave it at a
certain period of their lives when they decide to start a family.
We all agree that raising children
is easier and often healthier in smaller places. Orange County, VA is specific
since it has a vast population, yet its citizens enjoy the privileges of living
in smaller communities.
For instance, the crime rate is much
lower than in NYC or some other bigger cities. This is usually the first factor
people consider when moving to a new town or city with their families.
After that, there is the healthcare
factor. Orange County has a great network of hospitals and clinics. Here are
some of those:
Mary Washington Healthcare/Mary Washington Hospital,
Fredericksburg
UVA – Culpeper Regional Hospital, Culpeper
University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville
Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville
Education
in Orange County, VA is also something that can attract ex New Yorkers
Moving professionals such as dynamicmoversnyc.com noticed that there are many people who choose Orange County for their relocation from bigger cities in search of education. Whether they are the ones who plan to continue their schooling, or they would like their children to have better educational opportunities, here they can choose from a variety of public and private schools, colleges, and universities.
Education is one of the reasons why Orange County, Va is perfect for ex New Yorkers
Recreational
activities in Orange County
The parks in Orange County might not
be as impressive as Central Park in NYC, but they do offer a variety of
recreational to entertainment activities. From various sports that can be
practiced here to cultural events that are organized all-year-round, there is always something to do in Orange County, Virginia.
This is also a very famous surfing destination! The long sandy beaches will help you relax and forget about your previous hectic life in NYC. So, whatever your reason might be for moving to Orange County, VA, you can rest assured that you will find everything you need in your new hometown.
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
As stated by Governor Northam, these businesses have been classified as Non-Essential, and must remain closed effective at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24th until 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 23rd 2020:
Theaters, performing arts centers, concert venues, museums, and other indoor entertainment centers;
Beauty salons, barber shops, spas, massage parlors, tanning salons, tattoo shops, and any other location where personal care or personal grooming services are performed that would not allow compliance with social distancing guidelines to remain six feet apart;
Racetracks and historic horse racing facilities;
Bowling alleys, skating rinks, arcades, amusement parks, trampoline parks, fairs, arts and craft facilities, aquariums, zoos, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, public and private social clubs, and all other places of indoor public amusement.
All dining establishments must remain closed as well, however are permitted to continue to offer delivery and/or take out options and services. These include:
Restaurants;
Dining establishments;
Food courts;
Farmers markets;
Breweries;
Microbreweries;
Distilleries;
Wineries; and
Tasting rooms.
These retail businesses are considered to be essential, and may remain open during normal business hours:
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers that sell food and beverage products or pharmacy products, including dollar stores, and department stores with grocery or pharmacy operations;
Medical, laboratory, and vision supply retailers;
Electronic retailers that sell or service cell phones, computers, tablets, and other communications technology;
Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers as well as automotive repair facilities;
Home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers;
Lawn and garden equipment retailers;
Beer, wine, and liquor stores;
Retail functions of gas stations and convenience stores;
Retail located within healthcare facilities;
Banks and other financial institutions with retail functions;
Pet stores and feed stores;
Printing and office supply stores; and
Laundromats and dry cleaners.
Any brick-and-mortar retail establishment not previously listed may remain open, however must limit its capacity to 10 Patron maximum for shopping. This 10-person maximum does not include employees of the establishment. In addition, all patrons and businesses must adhere to practicing social distancing, with a minimum of 6 feet of separation.
When it comes to Real Estate Offices, they are labeled as non-essential, however are permitted to remain open as long as they adhere to social distancing, and the 10-patron limit.
As unfortunate as it can be when homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments and must face the possibility of losing their homes, short sales and foreclosures provide them options for moving on financially. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different, with varying timelines and financial impact on the homeowner. Here’s a brief overview. A short sale comes into play when a homeowner needs to sell their home but the home is worth less than the remaining balance that they owe. The lender can allow the homeowner to sell the home for less than the amount owed, freeing the homeowner from the financial predicament. On the buyer side, short sales typically take three to four months to complete and many of the closing and repair costs are shifted from the seller to the lender. On the other hand, a foreclosure occurs when a homeowner can no longer make payments on their home so the bank begins the process of repossessing it. A foreclosure usually moves much faster than a short sale and is more financially damaging to the homeowner. After foreclosure the bank can sell the home in a foreclosure auction. For buyers, foreclosures are riskier than short sales, because homes are often bought sight unseen, with no inspection or warranty.
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.
The continued inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was evident in Lake of the Woods again in 2019. Listings increased only 6.4%, from 373 in 2018 to 397 in 2019, while closed sales were up 28.6%. New construction accounted for 30 of the 301 sales. The median sold price increased a healthy 8% year over year from $249,900 to $270,000.
Of the 301 total sales reported in 2019, only 5, or 1 1/2%, were either short sales or foreclosures. At the height of the distressed real estate market in 2010, a whopping 43% of all sales were either short sales or foreclosures.
So let’s look at our steady growth over the past five years:
In 2015, there were 247 sales, with 15% being distressed.
Those total sales represented almost a 30% gain over 2014, and the median sales
price was $210,000.
In 2016, the market was quite flat compared to 2015 in
regards to total sales, which held at 243 with a decrease in distressed sales
to 11.1. However, 2016 saw the median price jump to $225,000, a healthy 7.1%
increase.
In 2017, there were 294 total sales, a whopping 21.1%
increase over 2016 with only 5.8% being distressed. The median sales price
climbed to $239,000.
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 127 in 2015 to 57 in 2019.
It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots
have sold in the past five years. From
January 1, 2015-Decemeber 31, 2019, 184 lots exchanged, with 41 occurring in
2019, down from 55 in 2018. There simply aren’t that many lots left in LOW.
New construction has been climbing, as well. 2015 realized
41 new construction starts; in 2016, there were 28; in 2017, there were 30; in
2018, there were 34; and in 2019, there were 48.
In 2020, according to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers
Association, mortgage rates are expected to stay within the 3.7-3.9% range.
The prognosis for 2020, as it was in 2019, is excellent! In LOW, there are 57 homes active on the market as of 1/14/2020. In January of 2018, there were 62. Low, stable rates and hopefully more inventory should propel us to experience healthy sales and appreciation.
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.
A lovely Arlington Forest brick home gives you a warm welcome to the neighborhood. A large fenced in yard can accommodate your family and gardening adventure. An exterior shed provides you with all the storage you~ll need for the grill, tools and lawn mower. Newly refinished hardwood floors and paint throughout the home give you the canvas to create a space for all to enjoy. First and second floor bedrooms give you additional space for a home office. The fully finished basement is an ideal for gathering space friends and family. With a fully finished bathroom on every floor, this home is easy to use. Additionally when you visit, you~ll notice the highly desirable commuting location is with great walkability to parks, neighborhood pool and shopping. This active community is minutes away from DC and Arlington attractions. Making it ideal for airport access and work travel requirements. For more info about this property, Click Here!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
This home is Country living at its best. Over 7 acres of picturesque land, this beautiful home is filled with harwood floors, and a cathedral ceiling with a beam. The property can be, and has been used for horses in the past, and has a HUGE garden area, just ready and waiting! Centrally located to DC, Fredericksburg, and Richmond!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
The
first rule in home selling is to know your typical buyer. What most buyers would want to have in their homes is what
will eventually sell it. How soon – this depends on how well it fits their
needs. While you can’t fulfill everybody’s wishes, some features make your home
sell faster than others.
What Buyers Want
You
don’t have to get inside your buyer’s mind. Luckily, tips for selling a home are numerous and easy to find. They are based on surveys
and statistics and are usually related to a specific market. While steam ovens
and floor heating may be a good add-on to an upscale home, those upgrades
simply won’t pay off for most sellers. What the majority of people want is a
reliable, good-looking, practical, comfortable, and affordable home. The
most common features that would make your home sell faster are
Curb Appeal
Ample Storage Space
Sufficient Bedrooms
Eat-in Kitchen
Fresh Paint
Energy-efficient Appliances & Windows
Off-road Parking
Renovated Bathrooms
Hardwood Floors
Modern Lighting
Start With Entrance
The first step to boost the appeal would be to declutter your home, which also applies to your yard if you have it. If the exterior of your house is impressive enough, only then the prospective buyer will come inside and check the rest. To sell your home faster, you need to show to your buyer that you took good care of your home. Nothing shouts good maintenance like a neat exterior.
Outstanding curb appeal will make your home sell faster
You
might not have enough space for a garden, however, even a small secluded patio
with a pair of garden chairs or loungers and potted plants can create the feel
of a cozy getaway that most new homeowners look for.
Room for the things
There
aren’t many who can say that they have too much storage space. Those who need
extra storage simply call Verified Movers
and rent a storage facility but there is another option. With the help of
experts, it is possible to create extra storage and exploit otherwise
underutilized space. Additional space for belongings is especially important to
families with kids because they have plenty of useful things they don’t want to
dispose of even if they’re used only occasionally.
Walk-in pantry
In case there is enough extra space, usually 5×5 feet, creating a walk-in pantry in the kitchen is a big bonus. Non-perishables stored at the arms reach is something most would prefer. Even more so because they can save on the deals of bulk purchases. Walk-in pantries are affordable add-ons highly appreciated by families.
A kitchen with a walk-in pantry is a great asset
Walk-in closet
On
the other hand, walk-in closets are added to master bedrooms and are perfect
for empty-nesters in love with neatly organized apparel, jewelry, and
accessories. This feature can be made as a part of the existing bedroom or
placed in a separate, smaller room. Organizers and many shelving units are
worth their price. Walk-in closets are perfect for couples who share storage
space and are highly ranked among other features.
That extra bedroom
Nothing
attracts buyers more than a cozy extra bedroom. A guest bedroom is best suited
for loft space. After all, having a new bedroom in the attic is much better
than blocking the garage. If you opt for the renovation of your loft space,
consider adding a new small bathroom or at least a WC.
Hearth of your home
Making an eat-in kitchen would leave a good impression on families with children. Resurfacing cabinets and repainting walls is the least you can do to make your kitchen more attractive. A new trend and a highly popular and affordable one is adding lighting under cabinets. The effect is to give your kitchen depth and visually make the ceiling higher.
There
is nothing as attractive as new appliances so the first and most important on
the list should be a fridge. Prospective buyers are impressed with spacious and
clean refrigerators as this is the appliance they will use the most.
A new coat
The
most affordable and yet the best investment is fresh paint. Repainting your
walls and ceilings and adding a new coat on the outside leaves a good first
impression. Natural lighting is one of the most beneficial features a home
could have. Bright walls that reflect natural light will make space visually
larger and have a good psychological effect on visitors. If you wish to
attract buyers moving to Virginia from another state, for example, you should stick to neutral colors, appealing
to many.
Energy-efficient walls, windows, and appliances
If nothing else makes people care about the environment it’s the savings they secure by installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation to their walls and purchasing energy star rated appliances. Any of these features would greatly appeal to millennials. They are both environmentally and financially conscious. Keeping the heat inside will help them keep their cool, too.
Room for your car
It is difficult to imagine getting anywhere without a car nowadays and having an (at least one) parking slot is a big asset to a home. If your garage space has been repurposed, make sure that you keep at least one off-road parking slot.
One of the first things buyers ask the real estate agents is if there’s a garage/parking space available. You too might need to hire a lawyer or a real estate agent if you’re buying a new property at the same time you’re selling. A garage can serve as additional storage and as such is indispensable.
Fresh & Clean
A
tidy and crisp bathroom is a feature no one is immune to, and refurbishing one
is a must. A bathroom is perhaps the only room in the house that is easy to
look luxurious and impressive with a relatively small investment.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are durable and lasting and as a feature, they appeal to everybody. And why not; they are easy to maintain and keep clean.
Interior and exterior lighting
Modern exterior lighting is an add-on that sets your house apart. While an exterior illumination boosts your curb appeal, interior lighting is an affordable feature that will make your home sell faster.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
Day: Sunday, September 29th Time: NOON to 4:00 PM Location: Lions Pavilion in Sweetbriar Park LOW What: Lake of the Woods Third Annual Wine Tasting Event Cost: Tickets (Adults 21+) are $15 when purchased online in advance, $20 at the event. LOW residents and invited guests only.
ATTENTION LAKE OF THE WOODS RESIDENTS: Time to once again enjoy some wine with your fellow community members! You are invited to attend the Third Annual Lake of the Woods Wine Tasting Event on Sunday, September 29th from Noon-4PM. Enjoy tasting from seven local wineries, along with 3 food vendors, including the CRAB MAN with their infamous Crab Cakes! Tickets can be purchased at www.lowlinc.org. This event is to benefit LOWLINC. All Lake of the Woods residents and their guests are invited to come and attend, so be sure to tell your neighbors, and invite your friends!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Cool, calm and sophisticated with a youthful edge, this functional home is enveloped in light and comfort. The floor plan encompasses three spacious bedrooms with plenty of room for study, sleep and storage, two bathrooms. A sleek and stylish kitchen with crisp white cabinets that flows through to the dining room. The master bedroom, complete with walk-in closet. The large back yard would be great for swing set, volley ball net, trampoline! For more info, 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.
Who let the dogs out? You did if you plan on bringing your furry friends to the 8th Annual Fredericksburg Pet Show! The Fredericksburg Expo Center invites you and your favorite pets to join them on September 21 from 10:00 Am – 5:00 PM and September 22 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at this family-fun event that is sure to put a smile on every face. All well behaved pets are welcome, and the fun doesn’t end with cats and dogs. Pigs, lizards, birds, Opossum and pets of all kinds will be there. All dogs that are attending are welcomed to challenge the Agility Course and Dog Racetrack from Dogloversdays. What could possibly make this event even better? How about a performance from the famous Twiggy, The Water-Skiing Squirrel! Admission is $9.00 for Adults | $8* Advance, and $8.00 for Seniors (60+) | $7* Advance. Children 12 and under are free! For more information, be sure to click here. We all love our furry friends, so let’s give them a day to show it!
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.
