August 2025 Locust Grove Real Estate Market Update | Orange County, VA Housing Trend

August 2025 Market Update: Locust Grove & Orange County, VA Real Estate Trends You Need to Know

If you’ve been keeping an eye on real estate in Locust Grove and Orange County, VA, you know things have been moving—but at a unique pace. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, seller, or land buyer, the August 2025 numbers reveal key insights into what’s really happening in our market.

This month, we saw a mix of opportunities and challenges:

• 195 homes currently listed with an average of 76 days on the market

• 83 homes under contract with an average of 54 days on the market

• 58 homes sold in August with an average of 49 days on the market

So, what does this mean for you if you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Orange County real estate? Let’s break it down.

Homes for Sale in Ornage County: What Buyers Need to Know

With 195 homes on the market, Locust Grove, Unionville, Rhoadesville and the surrounding Orange County area are offering buyers more options than we’ve seen in recent years.

For first-time home buyers, this is encouraging news. More inventory means you won’t feel the same competitive pressure that defined the market in 2021–2022. However, with homes sitting on the market for 76 days on average, it also signals that buyers are being more selective.

👉 What this means for you: If you’re buying your first home, you’ll have time to make thoughtful decisions, schedule inspections, and explore financing options like VA loans or down payment assistance programs available in Virginia.

Sellers: Why Some Homes Are Sitting Longer

For sellers, the market is still strong—but it requires a strategy. The average of 76 days on market for active listings is longer than many homeowners expect. Meanwhile, the homes that actually closed in August averaged just 58 days on market.

This gap tells us something important: the right pricing and presentation make all the difference.

If your home is priced too high or not staged properly, buyers will move on to the next option but homes that are well-priced and marketed effectively are still selling relatively quickly. When selling your home it's a good opportunity to think beyond just "listing" your home—think about how buyers see themselves living there. Whether you’re selling a ranch-style home in Unionville or a lakefront property in Locust Grove, small improvements like decluttering, fresh paint, or professional staging can cut weeks off your selling time.

Under Contract Homes: A Glimpse Into Buyer Motivation

The 83 homes under contract averaged 54 days on the market—right between the active and sold numbers. This suggests buyers are taking their time to negotiate but are still willing to move forward when the home checks the right boxes.

For first-time buyers, this middle ground is ideal. You’re not pressured to submit an offer sight unseen, but you also know that when a home fits your needs and budget, it won’t linger forever.

For sellers, these numbers reinforce the importance of timing. Homes that get serious buyer interest often see contracts within the two-month mark. If your home has been listed longer, it may be time to revisit pricing or presentation.

First-Time Home Buyer Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)

Buying your first home is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Let’s tackle a few that are especially relevant in Orange County right now:

1. VA Loans: Many military families PCSing to Virginia consider Central Virginia because of its proximity to Fort A.P. Hill, the Pentagon, and Quantico. VA loans are a powerful tool, but not all sellers understand their benefits. 

2. Down Payment Assistance: Virginia offers several programs that can ease the upfront cost of buying. If the average home in Orange County is staying on the market for 76 days, you have room to negotiate closing cost assistance too.

3. Neighborhood Selection: Choosing between communities like Lake of the Woods, Wilderness Shores, or rural properties in Unionville can feel overwhelming. That’s where local expertise makes the difference—I can help match your lifestyle with the right neighborhood.

What This Means for You in Fall 2025

Looking ahead to fall, the Orange County real estate market is likely to stay steady, with a healthy mix of inventory and motivated buyers.

• Buyers: Expect more choices and less competition, but don’t wait too long on the right home.

• Sellers: Focus on pricing, presentation, and patience. The buyers are out there—you just need the right strategy to reach them.

• Land Buyers: Now is an excellent time to secure acreage before prices rise with future growth.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

The August 2025 Locust Grove market statistics show us that while the pace may be slower than a few years ago, opportunities are everywhere—for buyers, sellers, and land investors.

The key is knowing how to navigate the numbers and use them to your advantage. 

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, selling your current property, or investing in land in Orange County, VA, I’d love to guide you through the process. Let’s talk about your goals and create a plan that works for you.