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Which Home Remodeling Projects Deliver the Greatest Return on Investment?

From quick upgrades to major renovations, home remodeling projects can be an effective way to enhance your enjoyment of your living space while (hopefully) boosting resale value. However, many home improvements carry significant costs—and particularly if you’re planning to move soon, you may be wondering which upgrades offer the strongest return on investment. While specific amounts will vary depending on the market in your area and your home’s price range, the National Association of REALTORS® Research Group’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report offers some interesting insights into the most valuable home improvements. Here are a few key takeaways from the report:

– When it came to interior remodeling projects, hardwood floor refinishing carried the greatest cost recovery at 147% of the project cost; homeowners spent an average of $3,400 to have their hardwood floors refinished and recovered an estimated $5,000 in added value at resale. Installing new wood flooring was close behind at 118% cost recovery, followed by upgrading the home’s insulation at 100%.

– While kitchen and bathroom remodels are often thought to have the greatest impact at resale, these projects fell lower on the list in terms of cost recovery, with complete kitchen renovations at 75% and bathroom renovations at 71%. Only 13% of realtors said they would recommend that their clients undertake a kitchen renovation before selling their home, and 26% would recommend a bathroom renovation.

– As far as exterior remodeling projects, adding new roofing and new garage doors delivered the highest ROI, both with 100% cost recovery. Surprisingly, new windows and doors yielded the least amount of value at resale. New vinyl windows had an average cost recovery of 67% and new wood windows 63%, with only 4% of realtors saying they’d recommend that their clients install either before putting their homes on the market. New steel front doors brought a cost recovery of 63% and fiberglass doors 60%, and just 3% of realtors would recommend these upgrades.

Source: cdn.nar.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 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 contacting Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Fredericksburg

Virginia has long been one of the most popular states for people looking for a new home in the US. It’s commonly called the ‘State for Lovers’ – lovers of nature, family-friendly lifestyle, history, and more. People move here for its economic stability, affordability, and geographical position. Virginia is a state of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and many things to do, so it’s widely recognized as a great place to settle with your family. One of the towns that stand out in the crowd is Fredericksburg, a small place with a population of about 30,000. However, the number of people living in this town is rapidly growing, and there are several reasons for it. A solid economy, job market, affordable homes, and proximity to Washington and Baltimore attract people from around the country. That’s why it’s no surprise if you feel like this may be the location for your next home. It’s just left to find a great home in an area of the city that suits your lifestyle and needs. And this guide will help you do that – here are some tips for choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg and making it your new home. 

Why Fredericksburg should be the place to look for a home

With a couple of big cities nearby, many people are easily drawn to Richmond, Baltimore, or even Washington to be their next home. However, there are a few reasons why you should pick a smaller town and start house-hunting over there. The small-town feel comes with a rich history, many craft breweries, amazing food, and a friendly community. The place makes it easy to settle down, especially if you’re moving with your little ones. You can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and safety of a small town while still being less than an hour’s drive away from a bigger place such as Richmond.

 People of Fredericksburg enjoy a great commuting system downtown with many restaurants and stores and a couple of beautiful parksKenmore Park, Alu Springs Park, Old Mill Park, and more. Overall, Fredericksburg is a great place to live, so let’s see how you can pick the right neighborhood for your new home.  

a family having a picnic in a park in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a great place to raise a family. 

Tips for choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg

Even though it’s a relatively small city, Fredericksburg has a lot to offer. There are a couple of great neighborhoods with quite distinct features, so it’s important to know how to choose the one that will make a great home for your family. 

  1. Evaluate your needs first 

To be able to make the right choice, you need to know what you are looking for. Depending on your lifestyle, you might be looking for a place that’s more or less busy or family-friendly. For example, Downtown Fredericksburg is perfect for people who like city life and have everything they need within walking distance. On the other hand, Falmouth will give you a more peaceful vibe and separate your home from all the hustle and bustle of the downtown. Consider your plans for the future as well as your lifestyle to be able to choose the right place to live. 

aerial view of the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg
See what kind of neighborhood you’re looking for first.
  1. Consider your budget 

Not all neighborhoods come with the same price. Consider your budget before you start looking for homes. Most expensive homes are usually located in Downtown Fredericksburg or Plank Road-Route 3 area, whereas Dixon Street-Mayfield can offer affordable homes in the Fredericksburg market. 

  1. Proximity to the necessary amenities 

Some families don’t want to be away from their favorite restaurant, their kids’ school, or the local hospital. If there are locations in the city you need to be close to, look for neighborhoods in that area. Sometimes, location is the top priority for certain families, and they are willing to pay more for a convenient area of a city. 

  1. Safety 

Unfortunately, every city comes with neighborhoods that have lower or higher crime rates. Moving with your family makes safety one of your top priorities. Neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates in Fredericksburg are Highland homes, Stafford Lakes Village, Bel Plains Estates, etc. A safe neighborhood is well-lit at night, with walkable streets, friendly neighbors, and low crime rates, so be sure to investigate the neighborhoods you like before you start looking at homes in that area.

Remember: safety should you a top priority in the moving process, too. Make sure you hire reliable experts in the area for your local move to ensure a secure transfer of your items. Do research on trustworthy local moving teams and minimize the chances of dealing with fraud.

kids playing outside
Safety is a top priority for families with kids.
  1. Old or new buildings in a neighborhood

Another factor that can shape your decision is the period most properties were made. Neighborhoods with mostly older homes will probably come with a lower price but also a high risk of repairs. On the other hand, newer properties are less likely to be renovated, which is why they are often more expensive. 

  1. Noise and traffic

If you’re moving with kids, this is one of the factors that might make you change your mind about a neighborhood. A quiet street with a wide sidewalk is perfect for families with kids. Less traffic makes the neighborhood safer for kids to play and ride bikes. And if there’s a great school nearby – it’s undoubtedly a place to look for a home. Furthermore, a quiet neighborhood is more convenient for people who work from home, as they need a more peaceful environment for their home office. 

  1. Visit the neighborhoods you like for the best impression 

There are many things you can check online or by asking around. However, the best method of choosing the right neighborhood in Fredericksburg is going and taking a look by yourself. Visit the areas you like and see how you feel walking those streets. You can explore local amenities, talk to neighbors and see if you really feel the place you visited can be your new home. And one thing is for sure – Fredericksburg will welcome you with open arms!

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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.

How to plan your perfect stress free staycation

How to Plan Your Perfect Stress-Free Summer Staycation

Staycations are one of the most popular trends in travel right now. The definition of a staycation can vary, but the meaning of a staycation is a short break from your everyday routine. A staycation can involve a day or two off of work exploring places or enjoying activities you don’t typically experience in your hometown. Or, a staycation can be a short weekend or weekday trip taken within a few hours’ drive from home. Staycations can win out over regular vacations on a few fronts, including less time off of work, shorter travel distances, less planning, and often less budget.

Taking a staycation can be stress-free and straightforward – here’s how to do it:

– Designate a time for your staycation. You can request a day or two off of work or make your staycation happen on the weekend. Like you would do with a regular vacation, you should block this time off on your calendar to reserve it just for a staycation.

– Decide where you want to go (if anywhere) on your staycation. How far are you interested in traveling? Do you want to stay in your own home or treat yourself to a hotel or vacation rental?

– Plan some fun staycation activities to look forward to. Think hikes, spa days, museums, restaurants, or anything else you’ve wanted to do but don’t generally have time for.

– Leave “real life” behind. Resist the urge to spend part of your staycation cleaning the house or grocery shopping. Don’t schedule a dentist appointment or anything not in the staycation spirit during this time, just because you’re off of work.

If you take a staycation during a weekday, take advantage of everyone else being at work and visit the usually super crowded places during the week. Many businesses offer discounts for services at off-peak times, so you can often find a great deal if you want to treat yourself. Taking even a small amount of time off can benefit your mental health. Staycations are perfect for parents who need a break but don’t want to go too far, people feeling burned out at work, anyone on a budget, couples in a rut, or friends looking for a reunion.

Source: tinytrips.com

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.

moving to orange county va with your dog

Moving to Orange County, VA with Your Dog

You are moving into a new home – it’s exciting but rather challenging. And we’re not thinking only of packing – some ‘hidden’ challenges will undoubtedly come your way if you’re not well-prepared. One of them is surely taking care of your furry friend while moving. Pets, especially dogs, can react nervously to the whole thing, making the process even more difficult. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid issues. Here are the best tips on moving to Orange County, VA with your dog.

Why Orange County, VA is great for people with pets

Not every place is good for pets. However, Orange County is undoubtedly one of the pet-friendly ones. Firstly, you can truly enjoy the outdoors – your dog can run, play and jump as much as it wants. There are several parks and other green spaces in cities such as Orange and Gordonsville. Also, most shops allow well-behaved dogs, allowing you to go shopping with your furry friend. Finally, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home as well – just be sure to set this as a priority in your house-hunting process.

How to make moving to Orange County, VA with your dog smooth and stress-free?

Relocations are not only stressful for humans – dogs can feel stressed out as well. The biggest reason for it is the disruption of their living space and adapting to the new environment. Dogs rely on the smells around them, so they can become pretty nervous once they need to move into an unfamiliar place. There are ways you can make moving with pets easier for your little friend and prepare for this task – so be sure to remember these tips when you start planning your move to Orange County, VA.

Let moving supplies be there for a while

Bringing new objects to the house can make your dog upset – especially if you start packing ‘their’ items into boxes. Thus, make sure you bring in moving supplies a bit before you need to start packing. This will allow your pet to get used to these items and have no issues once you start packing your household for the move. After going through all the steps of buying a property, hiring movers, and shopping for packing supplies, sitting in a house filled with packing materials might be the last thing you want. However, it’s what your dog needs, and that’s all that should matter. 

 a dog sitting in a chair
Dogs are very sensitive to changes – make sure they don’t feel a thing when moving to a new home.

Figure out the transport details 

Depending on where you’re coming from, you and your pet will spend more or less time in your car, or a plane, train, etc. Thus, it helps to figure out the transport details on time. If you’ll need a transport box, and your dog is not used to traveling in it – get one beforehand. Let it sit in your home for a couple of weeks, so your pet can get used to it. Put its favorite toys and snacks in this transport box, so the dog can see it’s a safe place to be.

In case you need to travel by plane, and this is the first time for your dog, it’s good to prepare it for it. Some people recommend going together through a car wash, which simulates the sounds and vibrations to the ones you feel on the plane. But most importantly, it’s essential that you are calm and that you speak to your dog in a calm, optimistic voice.

Stick to a routine 

Moving house can disrupt your schedule a lot. However, it’s essential to stick to your dog’s routines as much as possible. This includes feeding and playtime and your routines when going for a walk. The routine will ensure your dog feels safe and calm even with all the changes around.

a woman practicing yoga with her dog
Always stick to the routines when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog

Bring all of your pet’s old items 

It’s often recommended to declutter the old household before you start packing and throw away everything that you can replace with new items. However, when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog, try to keep most of the old things. Keep your dog’s old food and water bowls, bed, and toys. Once you arrive at the new bigger/smaller home, these items will help them feel secure and recognize the new place as their new home.

Visit the vet before moving to Orange County, VA

Pay a visit to your old vet before you relocate. They may be able to recommend a new vet in Orange County, VA. Also, they could write all the necessary prescriptions in case your dog takes therapy. Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped – with the updated address. This proved to be useful for pet owners whose pets escaped during the move as they were feeling anxious and scared. Finally, take care of all the documentation, especially when moving from another state or relocating internationally.

a girl using a laptop to find out more about moving with her dog
Schedule a visit to the pet before moving and get all the necessary documentation for a safe journey.

Keep your dog away on the moving day 

Once all the boxes are packed and movers are about to arrive, it’s best to leave your dog in trusted hands but away from the house. Experienced moving companies, such as Zippy Shell NV, recommend you find a place where your furry friend will feel calm and safe. Ask a friend or a trusted dog sitter to take care of your pet while movers do their part. Strangers taking away items from your home are what dogs see as a threat, making them extremely nervous and sometimes aggressive.

Adapting to the new space 

After the move, it’s time for the last step to introduce the dog to the new living space. Firstly, make sure the new home is safe for a pet – remove any hazards, close all the doors and windows and then let the dog into the house. As everything is new, your dog will explore the space by trying to smell and touch almost everything in the house. That’s why the environment must be safe for this new curious resident. Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog can be a wonderful experience – but you have to make it such. 

Meta description: Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog in the days to come? Then read our article and learn how to get ready for it. 

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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.

buy a second home in Virginia in the woods

Does it Make Sense to Buy a Second Home in Virginia in 2021

After settling down in your home, you start thinking about how to spend your time when you’re away. Spending days traveling is great, but sometimes we wish for a base. Somewhere we want a place to come back to any time we want and relax away from our daily routines. A home away from home seems like a perfect solution. Picking a favorite location and purchasing a second home there is the dream of many families. However, it’s not easy to make this decision – it’s a costly investment and takes time and effort to maintain. But, buying a vacation home surely has its benefits, and we’re here to help you decide if you should go for it. Let’s see if it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021 and provide your family with a fantastic place to spend future vacations. 

What are the factors that may stop you from buying a second home?

Every purchase has its pros and cons. When it comes to buying a second home, the factor that worries most buyers are the costs. Making your dream of having a second home come true possibly requires a  new mortgage, but also maintenance costs. Second homes need regular maintenance, furnishing but also paying unexpected costs whenever they come up. Finally, if your first house is located far away, visiting the second home frequently comes with increased travel expenses. 

Remember: Make sure you evaluate your budget carefully before purchasing a second home. Even though this investment comes with additional costs, it shouldn’t be a heavy burden on your budget. Include all the factors and expenses, including taxes, which apply differently to owners of vacation homes. 

 beachfront vacation properties

Even though they have a lot of benefits, vacation properties can cost a lot.

It’s a permanent holiday destination 

Another reason why people hesitate to buy a second home is related to traveling. When owning a vacation home, you hardly ever decide to go somewhere else, which may become monotonous over the years. However, families who love peaceful vacations and a homey base will surely love having a place to go whenever possible. 

Reasons why buying a second home in Virginia makes sense

If you decide to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021, you need to consider all the pros and cons. However, we feel that all the advantages will win over. Let’s go through all the benefits that will show that this decision actually makes sense. 

It’s a home away from home

Even though this seems like just a phrase, owning a second home means heaving a retreat from daily tasks – any time you want. If you decide to buy a second home, pick a location where you can truly enjoy your days off – and Virginia has a lot of them to offer. This way, you can be sure you can have a weekend getaway or a longer vacation in your favorite location where all the daily chores, work stress, and other problems simply disappear.

a road in the woods in Virginia

With just a short ride away, you can have a home away from your home.

You can save on vacations 

Having somewhere to go anytime you need a vacation can save you money, too. You don’t need to spend a lot on hotels, flights, etc. This way, you can have a great vacation – on a budget. Furthermore, the previous year and the global pandemic have prevented people from traveling abroad, so many of them decided to buy a second home within the same state. This is usually far enough to change your environment, but not travel too far away from your home.

Father and son on the beach

If you plan on renting it as a vacation home, it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia.

Second-home can become a source of income 

Another budget-related advantage of owning a second home is earning from rentals. This investment can become a steady source of income despite some additional expenses that rentals have. However, what worries buyers is the global pandemic that stopped travel and reduced rental revenues. Hopefully, the pandemic is coming to an end, which is why it makes sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021. 

Ready for the big purchase?

Buying a second home in Virginia is so exciting, but picking the best location may be challenging. Many interesting nature spots can be a perfect retreat for your family. Do some research and choose the place you will enjoy the most. The next step would be purchasing the property and moving in. 

With both of these, make sure you trust the professionals. Local real estate experts will ensure you find the best property, as they are knowledgeable about the market. Also, an experienced agent will guide you through the buying process and make it a lot simpler. The next step is moving in. Again, trusting a professional to handle your relocation to the new home is essential if you want to minimize the stress and save time. Browse only trusted moving pros at bestcrosscountrymovers.com so you can be sure your items are safe. Unfortunately, the moving industry is filled with low-quality companies, so be sure to do your best to avoid them. 

Prepare for the stay 

If you plan on staying in your second home longer, make sure you prepare your first home first. This means you should turn off the water, get rid of perishable food, take care of your plants or find someone to do it for you. Now you can stay on vacation as long as you want. However, you need to prepare well for a more extended stay.

Pack your vacation items safely 

Once you buy your vacation home in Virginia, you can transport all the vacation essentials there. This way, you won’t risk damaging them when you pack every time you travel. For example, if you love fishing, you will want to pack your fishing equipment so it can travel safely. If you want to bring fishing gear with you, explore the main packing guidelines to keep the items protected during transport and enjoy your favorite hobby without any problems.

Take your time to feel at home 

As you can see, it makes perfect sense to buy a second home in Virginia in 2021. And once you do, remember that settling in a new property is not always fast. Take your time adapting your second home just the way you want it, so you can make it a true oasis for your family.

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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.

The Civic Club Presents an EPIC Conversation

On Wednesday, March 11th at 7PM in the Clubhouse Great Hall , Crystal Hale, Director of the Orange County Department of Social Services, will be our monthly Civic Club speaker. In addition to being charged with ensuring all federal and state mandated human services programs are provided to the citizens of Orange County, Crystal also has a passion for addressing additional social issues such as the opioid epidemic. The Epidemic Intelligence Council (EpIC) is a local council that meets monthly to discuss the opioid crisis and the impact it has in Orange County. This council is comprised of a cross-section of leaders from Orange County, concerned citizens, health professionals, family members and individuals with direct experience, media, and a number of other concerned individuals. Crystal currently serves as the facilitator of EpIC and; along with all participants of the group, she is committed to helping to educate the community, provide resources for those in need, and diminish the ugly stigma of addiction. While Crystal enjoys her work with EpIC, she points out that the great progress made is a result of the overall group effort.

Ms. Hale will provide insight on the opioid epidemic to include a brief history as well as what it looks like from a national, state, and local perspective. Crystal will focus on the importance of eliminating the stigma of addiction and will also touch on the progress made, the additional work currently underway, and what the future holds.

Crystal is a life-long native of Orange County and currently lives with her husband, two teenage children and various pets on the family farm. She graduated from Orange County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from The University of Mary Washington. After spending over ten years working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in various management positions, Crystal accepted an opportunity to work with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and shifted her focus to the human services field. She served as Director at Rappahannock County Department of Social Services prior to coming to Orange County Department of Social Services in 2017 and is thrilled to serve her hometown community.

Civic Club Speakers to Present “Living Easier with Less” on Wednesday, 2/12 at 7PM

Back by popular demand…On Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, two guest speakers will address the art of organizing and decluttering our homes and methods for removal of the items in order to accomplish an easier way of life. Even if one’s home is the perfect fit, there still may be items that can be “released” for simpler living. For many people, the stress comes from not knowing how to take the first step of thinking through what should stay or go, and for others it may be not knowing how to sell or where to donate items no longer needed or wanted.

Linda Clevenger, Professional Organizer and Owner of Organization Direct, will be our first speaker. Linda has been helping homeowners downsize, right-size, purge, and eliminate items from their homes for over 12 years. She helps clients walk through the process of making decisions regarding the need to keep items and how it will impact life both now and in the future. As the spouse of a disabled Veteran, she is passionate about helping other Veterans and those who struggle with the day to day task of living a clutter-free life.

Cathy France, owner of CopperStone Auctions and Estates, will provide options for the sale of items no longer wanted or needed. CopperStone’s offerings include estate sales from the home, consignment and auction services, and complete buyout of a home’s contents. And of course, the option always exists to donate items to organizations such as the LOW Lions.

There will be time allotted for questions, and we hope to see you there!

Thanks, Pat

Fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We can freely say that moving to Orange County Virginia might have been the best decision you have ever made. Orange County has a unique charm. It can offer you a lot of outdoor and indoor activities. But also, it can offer you historical attractions, and festivals and sporting events that are happening year-round. There are so many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia that it is challenging choosing what to do first. Depending on what you prefer and what is fun for you – you will be able to easily find activities for you and your family.

Create your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We are all very different. Some of us like to go playing golf, while others enjoy music festivals. And the best thing about Orange County Virginia is the fact that it can offer you a lot of new and interesting things. And, if we are being honest – you will need to have some relaxing time after the relocation. Relocation is stressful no matter where you are moving. Especially relocation with a small child isn’t easy since a small child can’t quite understand everything that is happening. So, if you want to make sure that you and your family enjoy your new home from the beginning – create your list. You can even start before you actually relocate.

 You should create a list of fun things that you can try after you relocate to Orange County Virginia

If you like outdoor activities – Lake of the Woods Golf Course should be your choice!

The great thing about Orange County Virginia is that it can offer a couple of golf courses. And Lake of the Woods Golf Course is definitely one of the best. Even if you have never played golf before, we can assure you that this should be on your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia. What makes it different is the fact that it is surrounded by the woods of oaks and pines. It is designed with a variety of slopes, sand, and water. It can accommodate players of any level, no matter how old they are.

There are different events throughout the year, and depending on when you move here – you can choose which one you like the most. Aerial view of the Lake of the Woods is amazing. Also, here you can organize parties and fundraisers – and we can assure you everyone will have fun!

Fun and exciting activity  – Rapidan River Kayak!

This is a place where you will create unforgettable memories for sure! Paddling down a scenic river, with an opportunity to see wildlife ranging from bald eagles, ducks to deer, beavers, turtles. Occasionally, you can even see black bears and otters! This can be a very exciting and amazing thing to do after you move to Orange County Virginia. Even if you have never before tried something like this – you don’t have to worry. With you, on this tour, there will be a professional kayak instructor. He will teach you some basic things, how to properly do a basic stroke and similar.

Rapidan River Kayak is an amazing and fun activity for you and your friends and family

The best thing about this is that you can go with your family or your friends. You can even reserve a kayak as a part of your wedding party, or as a team-building activity. Also, you can often see a bachelor or bachelorette party organized right here – this is a great way to relax and enjoy! So, in our humble opinion, even if you are not moving here permanently – you should consider buying a vacation home! We can assure you that you will enjoy your time here!

The Market at Grelen – unique experience in Orange County

One of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia is to visit the Market at Grelen! This is a rather unique European style garden shop that can offer you a lot! A huge variety of plants is rotating every week! Besides that, you will find some gardening goodies that can help you when you decide to renovate your home and garden. If we can sum up what you will experience here, it would be something like this: a casual farm-to-table cafe, a lot of hiking trails. And you will have a unique opportunity to try Virginia beer, cider and wine!

During winter months – this place is unfortunately closed. But, on the E. Main Street in Orange, you can find their store with a lot of different gifts for your family, pets or for some special occasions as a wedding. And, besides gifts, you will find Grelen ice cream and Virginia beer, cider and wine! We can assure you that you have not tried anything similar!

Sky diving is just one of the many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

If you like to feel that adrenalin rush or you simply want to try something completely different – sky diving is for you! Sky Dive Orange has been operating since 1977 so you can be sure that you are in good hands! No matter if you are experienced or this is your first time – there are instructors that can answer any of your questions. You can try tandem skydive or you can do it on your own – the choice is yours! For a good reason, this is one of the very interesting and very fun things to do in Orange County Virginia!

Sky diving is an exciting and fun thing to try!

Location of the Orange County Virginia is great and your advantage!

And, we left the best facts for the end. The distance between Orange County and some big cities is very small:

  • Washington DC is only 70 miles away
  • Charlottesville is only 20 miles away from Orange County
  • Richmond is 60 miles away
  • Fredericksburg is only 15 miles away

So, as you can see – Orange County has a rather good location, and you can easily reach some of the big cities. And, as you know – there are many different events happening. So you can be sure that you will find something fun and amazing and new almost every week. The next interesting thing is the 6th Annual Ice Yard Event in Washington that really should be on your calendar as one of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia.

 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

LOW Players are holding Auditions for “Four Weddings and an Elvis” on January, 26th!

Are you looking to become a star? Wanting to take a step into the wonderful world of theatre? Well now’s your chance! The Lake of the Woods Players are holding auditions for the Spring Comedy, “Four Weddings and an Elvis” premiering on March 27th! This is a great opportunity to flex your acting talent, and break out into a new role in life! Auditions will be held at the LOW Community Center on Sunday, Jan 26th at 2 PM, and Monday, Jan 27th at 7 PM. For more information, be sure to 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

The Civic Club Presents A Dementia Friend Information Session On Wednesday, 1/22 at 7 PM

Does a friend, loved one, or family member living with dementia? The Civic Club invites you to become a Dementia Friend!

Kay Close RN, BSN, LALA, Executive Director at Trinity Senior Village and Dementia Friend Champion, will lead a one – hour informational session at the Civic Club meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall.

What Makes You a Dementia Friend?

You become a Dementia Friend by attending a one-hour informational session to learn the five key messages about dementia, what it is like to live with the disease, and how to turn your understanding into action that supports people living with dementia.

Dementia Friends…….

Is a global movement that is striving to create more dementia friendly communities by changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, Dementia Friends is underway across the United States. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for someone living with dementia.

Join a growing movement of people who are helping fellow community members living with dementia. A little support can make a big difference in their lives. We hope you’ll become a Dementia Friend by joining us on the 22nd…it’s easy and rewarding!