Aerial Tour of Lake of the Woods! By Pat Licata REALTOR
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 homeworth?” 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.
In October, I had the privilege of sharing Lake of the Woods with fabulous Washington Post freelance writer and nature photographer, Ann Cameron Siegal. An avid wildlife person like me, Ann, my husband John, and I trolled around the lake, and Ann was able to take some incredible photos of her favorite, the Blue Heron, and my favorite…the swans. Ann spent the weekend with me and was truly able to gain the “Lake of the Woods experience.” We had a great dinner at Clearwater on Saturday night and a great brunch at the Clubhouse on Sunday. Ann stopped people walking their dogs and kids fishing to learn how they felt about life at the lake. Overwhelmingly, residents love the community! I believe that Ann captured the essence of Lake of the Woods extremely well in her feature. But don’t take my word for it: please click on the link to see why “It’s another beautiful day at the lake” each and every day at Lake of the Woods! Where We Live: Behind the gates, a quiet escape
As a Lake of the Woods resident since 2008 (as a weekender and a full time resident), I’d like to share my Journey to the Lake. My husband, John, and I were interested in finding the perfect location for a second/vacation home. Initially, we were open to looking at a beach location, as well as a lake. We began searching in the summer of 2007 through the spring of 2008 for our getaway.
We decided fairly early on that the beach just wasn’t for us because of distance from Northern Virginia and lack of activity during “non-peak season,” we began focusing on the lakes in the area. Having made the trek to Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, and Deep Creek Lake in Maryland, something wasn’t “perfect” for us regarding each location. Lake Anna was too busy for us, and Smith Mountain Lake and Deep Creek Lake were both too far for us to enjoy a home regularly, and we also didn’t care for how few conveniences were located close by (ie, grocery store, pharmacy, restaurants, etc).
Then we remembered having visited Lake of the Woods years ago, when we had been a guest of a friend. After our first house-hunting visit to the lake in early spring of 2008, we knew where we wanted to be. Lake of the Woods, as a gated, secured community, gave us peace of mind as weekenders. The community offered us close proximity (1 hr 15 min from Reston), tons of conveniences, as we residents are supported by a grocery store, pharmacy, gas stations, cleaners, nail salons, automotive services, doctors, a library, a post office, many restaurants, and a brand new elementary school-all within 2 1/2 miles of the gates), over 50 clubs and organizations in which to participate, a fabulous club house overlooking the lake that serves excellent food, and a clear, pristine lake!! Oh…did I mention the PGA golf course and equestrian center within the community?? And the Community Center, and the non-denominational Church within the gates? Or the walking trails? And what about the wildlife!
We purchased our home in June of 2008, and after that first year (52 weekends), we realized that we had been to our home at Lake of the Woods 51 of those 52 weekends! That’s when we decided that the “allure of the lake” was just too great to resist and made the change from weekenders to full time residents!
John commutes to Northern Virginia 3 days per week, and I am fortunate to be able to share my love for the lake as a REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Elite (located directly across from the front gate), introducing others to this incredible community!
Call me today at 540/735-7998 for a boat and car tour!
You’ve probably heard that spring and summer are the best times to sell your home, and we’ll be honest: they do have their perks. But with mortgage rates remaining low and motivated buyers steadily flowing into the market, this fall is shaping up to be a pretty profitable selling season.
If you’re gearing up to list your home soon, then you’ll need to pay extra attention to your outdoor areas. Here are the top five spaces to give a little TLC to before you sell!
The Lawn
Once you’ve raked up the leaves, you might think your lawn is all taken care of. But there’s much more to fall lawn care than bagging up leaves! If temperatures haven’t majorly dropped by the time you list, you’ll need to keep mowing your lawn—it’ll continue growing until the first hard frost.
If you’ve got a few bare spots in your yard, fall is also the perfect time for overseeding! Since the ground is relatively warm but the sun isn’t quite as powerful as in the summer, growing conditions are better than ever. Just be sure you’re providing your lawn with plenty of water, and those sparse spots should start to fill in.
The Garden
Since you’re planning a move, you probably don’t want to start planting new veggies, but there are other ways to give your garden a fresh look. First, you’ll want to make sure all of your leftover plants from spring and summer are cleared out, and your plot is weed-free. Once that’s taken care of, it’s time for the fun part!
Picked up a few pumpkins or gourds from the farmers’ market? Set them out near your doorstep. Need a home for a scarecrow or two? Give them a perch on either side of the garden. You can fill in any blank space with potted plants like mums or sunflowers or a decorative holiday banner!
The Roof
With trees shedding leaves and dead branches, you’ve probably got a decent amount of brush and foliage dotting your roof. Now’s the time to pull out the ladder and do a clean sweep. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to get a look at the condition of your shingles and see if any need replacing!
While you’re up there, be sure to sweep out your gutters, as well. There’s a good chance the extra debris has them more clogged up than usual, which could lead to flooding or exterior damage. Clearing them out will prevent any issues, and show buyers that you go the extra mile in maintaining your home.
The Porch
The crowning glory of your home’s exterior, the porch should act as the first taste of what the inside of the home has to offer. You want to strike the perfect balance between warm and welcoming and clean and clutter-free!
First, take care of spiffing the space up by sweeping the floors, ringing out the welcome mat, and dusting off any outdoor furniture. If you have one too many chairs or a crowded collection of potted plants, you should remove some of the clutter.
Then, add a little character! Put a few pumpkins by door, set out a scented candle or two, swap out your porch light for a warmer wattage, and update your throw pillows—just be careful not to overdo it. Since your porch space is likely relatively small, a little goes a long way.
The Front Door
It’s only a small portion of your exterior, but if you play your cards right, your front door can be one of the most eye-catching parts of your home. Nothing draws attention like a fresh coat of paint, so you should consider picking a shade that pops and matches your siding—like a warm red or a bold blue. At the very least, you should use furniture wax or dish soap to scrub out the dinginess.
Once you’ve revamped your door, it’s time to accessorize! Since it’s fall, you should be able to easily find a seasonal wreath to hang. If you really want to go the extra mile, think about replacing your house number or knocker with some shiny new hardware.
Need a Few More Tips?
If you want to make sure your home is staged to impress—in all areas—then we can help. In addition to our home-staging resources, we’d also be more than happy to do a walkthrough of your home and recommend a few personalized decor suggestions or DIY improvements.
From helping you stage to navigating closing, we’ll be there to help you through the selling process, every step of the way. Whenever you’re ready to get started, we’re just a phone call away!
The Fredericksburg Area Bar Association and the University of Mary Washington are proud to present: Jazz 4 Justice, featuring the UMW Jazz Ensemble, directed by Doug Gately! The concert will be held on Saturday, November 2nd starting at 7:30 PM at George Washington Hall in Dodd Auditorium. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, and #5 for students & seniors. Net proceeds go to benefit Legal Aid Works, and UMW Jazz Ensemble Scholarships. Tickets are available online at www.LegalAidWorks.org/Jazz4Justice/. For more info about upcoming events in the area, 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.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Buying a house out of state can be a big bite for many of us. Some are even scared to try, and rightfully so. There are many things that can go wrong even when you are buying a house in your neighborhood, let alone somewhere far away. But, don’t be discouraged. If your mind is set on buying a property out of state, this guide will help you ensure the deal goes smoothly.
Do a thorough research
It goes without saying that you should do thorough research before buying a home wherever you decide it should be. Don’t rely entirely on your real estate agent. Of course, he or she is there to help you find the best place for your relocation, but there are some things that should be doublechecked. Furthermore, there are some details about the neighborhood that not even your agent is familiar with. Google can lend a helping hand, you just have to know where to search. Arm yourself with patience and start browsing. There are many neighborhood guides that can be very helpful for getting to know a community of your interest. These guides are great because they tell you a lot about local crime rates, employment potential, weather, and economic stability.
Always do thorough research before making any big decisions
Start early to avoid stress
Searching for a home to buy is stressful under the best of
circumstances, but buying out of state can be incredibly stressful. A house is
usually the most expensive thing that people buy, so the process should be
performed with the utmost care. You can
help yourself a lot by starting the search as early as possible. If you
have decided to move, the ideal time to start searching for your new home is six months before the due date of your
relocation. Three months is also a doable period, but don’t let yourself start
a search later than that.
Be careful when choosing an agent for buying a house out of
state
When
you decide to relocate out of state, you need to find a real estate agent who
will do most of the work for you. And, there is a lot of work to be done. An
international move often means a lot of paperwork, so some people are not sure
whether they should hire a real estate agent or a lawyer when buying
a property.
The best decision you can make is to hire a buyer’s agent in the state you are relocating to. Do not ask a listing agent to represent you since he or she will probably represent the seller. In that case, their job is to sell a certain property for the biggest amount of money and they only have the seller’s best interest in mind, not yours. So, you should choose a buyer’s agent.
A good buyer’s agent is your biggest help
How do I choose a buyer’s agent for buying a house out of
state?
The
buyer’s agent is definitely a better option than a listing agent, but still, you shouldn’t pick one randomly.
Instead, you can discuss it with a real estate agent in your present community.
Find one that you trust and ask him/her
to refer a colleague from the area you’ll be moving to. If the real estate
agent is a member of the National
Association of Realtors, he/she will have access to various databases. They
can even see their colleagues’ success rates. By getting a referral, you can
ensure that you do not become a victim of various realty scams.
Hire a relocation specialist
Have
you heard of relocation specialists?
No, that is not the term used for professional movers such as Gibraltar
Van Lines who can help you relocate wherever
and whenever you feel like. A relocation specialist is a person who can help
you with many aspects of your move. The only thing that they do not do is
negotiate your home purchase. However, they can:
help you find a real
estate agent to start home-hunting;
connect you to moving
companies;
give you the necessary details about the education and employment system in your
future home town;
help you sell and close on your current home which is an important part of
the procedure you have to go through when buying a house out of state.
It
is a common practice for companies that are relocating to hire relocation
specialists. That is why many people do not know they are available to
individuals as well.
Take a trip and get an inspection of your potential home if
you can
If
you are buying a house out of state you will probably not be able to go to
every showing in person. What you can do is ask your agent to give you a virtual tour of the houses that you have
shortlisted. Speaking of such tours, don’t fall for online virtual tours
because they are usually a part of a moving scam.
When the time comes for you to make an offer on the house, you should really make an effort and see everything in person. There are many things that even the best real estate agents will not notice. You will be able to feel the space, and that is something no virtual tour or agent’s descriptions can replace. And you wouldn’t want to make a mistake when making such a crucial decision as buying a house out of state, would you?
Try to go and see the property you are interested in buying in person
Many
sellers would work on some features that make their home sell faster while neglecting some major issues about their property.
That is where a home inspection comes in handy. It might be a burden to your
budget, but at least you will know what you are dealing with.
Close on your current home first
If the out-of-state closing is scheduled on the same day as the closing on your current home, you might have a problem. The lender for your new house must receive a closing statement from the old one. The best thing you can do is schedule the closing on the new house a few days after the closing on your current one.
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.
You’ll love the fine features and room sizes that this amazing home offers! Two master bedrooms from which to choose: one on the main level and one on the upper. Gleaming hardwoods, chef’s kitchen with double oven and custom cabinetry for lots of extra storage, office, and finished lower level! Step outside onto the lush, beautifully maintained back yard with an irrigation system, to soak in the hot tub or to simply enjoy your own private oasis! 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-$100,000 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! If you would like to learn more about this listing, 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.
In September, 24 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 2 sold under $200,000; 9 sold between $200-250,000; 5 sold between $250-300,000; 4 sold between $300-400,000; 1 sold between $400-550,000; 2 sold between $550-$750,000; 1 sold above $750,000.
78 Active Listings for Sale 39 Homes Under Contract 237 Homes Sold since January 1, 2019.
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.
Who said happy hour had to be limited to just one hour? Be at the Lions Pavilion at Sweetbriar Park in Lake of the Woods from 4-7:00 PM for an evening filled with beer, wine, food, appetizers, live music and a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $15 per person, which includes admission, appetizers and your first beverage. Additional food and drink tickets will be available for purchase, and an ID is required in order to obtain a wristband. All proceeds support the 2020 Lions Pavilion located at Hollyfield Park. Save the date/time in your calendar, because we all know that nothings worse then missing happy hours!
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 Civic Club will host a forum between Delegate Nick
Freitas and Ann Ridgeway on Tuesday 10/15 at 7pm to 8pm in the lower level of
the clubhouse.
Each will give an opening speech and then followed by written questions submitted by the audience.
This will be a good opportunity for you to see and hear from the two candidates running for Delegate to represent Orange County and the 30th District which includes Madison and some of Culpeper County.
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 immaculately maintained gem has so much to offer: gleaming hardwood floors, kitchen island, granite countertops, sunroom, spectacular architecture, and so much more! There’s no doubt you will fall in love with the fine features. 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, waterskiing, 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-$100,000 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! Want to learn more about this property? Click here for more info!
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.
