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 clubhouse 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!
Call me today at 540/735-7998 for a boat and car tour!
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.
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.
Christmas was a little strange last year with covid rapid and keeping us all indoors in our homes. This year the Christmas parade is back in Fredericksburg, Virginia and is scheduled to start Saturday, December 4th at 5:30PM ending at approximately 8:30PM. Rain, shine or snow the parade will go on! The route is scheduled to go down Caroline St, Amelia St and end on Princess Anne St. See this map for more details and to be aware of street closures as there will be many. There are a variety of places to park, some free and some at a cost. You can visit here for a list of available nearby parking. Plan your day now as this event is very popular, and many spectators are expected!!
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.
D.R. Horton has FIVE remaining homes available for purchase in the community: Wilderness Shores, located in Locust Grove, Virginia, with prices ranging from $421,000 and up. There are multiple floor plans available to choose from that are move-in ready BEFORE the new year! Why not ring in the new year in YOUR BRAND-NEW HOME?! They even offer special savings to first responders, law enforcement, nurses, military personnel, etc. HURRY AND CALL NOW, THESE 5 WILL NOT LAST LONG! Interested in seeing what’s available? Give our office a call, so we can give you a tour! 540-388-2541
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.
Grand opening is THIS Saturday, November 20th with membership rates starting at $45/month. They will be offering personal training, nutrition and living coaching, consultations, and group classes. This gym is open 24/7 and offers strength, cardio, free weights, and boxing equipment. The address to the new gym is: 36080 Goodwin Dr, C, Locust Grove VA 22508. Visit: fitlikeslick247.com for more information!
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 LOW Players Club is performing a musical Christmas this 2021 season and tickets are on sale, NOW! This will be performed by the highly sought-after ShowStoppers! What a perfect way to celebrate the holidays this year. It will be a musical celebration of Christmas and it’s meaning. Performances will be held December 16th, 17th and 18th at 7:30PM along with matinées with the showing beginning at 2PM on December 18th and 19th. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $18 for students.
You do NOT have to be a resident to enjoy the show!! **If you live outside of Lake of the Woods, you must purchase your ticket online and show your paper ticket or electric file to security before entering the community*
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.
Welcome to 10615 Cobblestone Drive! Enjoy one-level living with brand-new carpet and fresh paint. You will be delighted with a spacious living room with built ins, cathedral ceilings and access to the covered deck. The kitchen features plenty of space to spread out, open to the dining room and living room with two pass throughs, a pantry, new appliances and all the amenities. You will love the sought after split bedroom design and the owner’s suite with an updated en-suite bath and walk-in closet. The hall full bath has been updated also. Relax on your covered deck with your favorite beverage, sitting on the swing overlooking a treed and private backyard. Close to I95, shopping, restaurants and close to VRE.
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.
Buyers throughout all walks of life are wondering how to navigate today’s competitive housing market.
Whether you’re a Gen Z first-time buyer or a Baby Boomer looking to downsize, you should consider making a move to lock in your real estate goals.
Have questions about buying or selling? Contact us for personalized advice!
What Every Generation Should Know About Buying a Home
As older members of Gen Z reach home-buying age and Millennials make up the largest share of the housing market, buyers from every generation are wondering if now is the right time to make a move. Buying a home at any stage in life comes with its own unique challenges, so it’s crucial to consider your future and factor finances into your decision.
Looking for advice? We’re here to offer some savvy real estate tips for every generation, from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.
Gen Z: The New Buyers on the Block
If you’re part of Generation Z, you were probably born after 1997—and the oldest “Zoomers” are just now buying their first homes at 24 and 25. Even though most members of Gen Z aren’t quite ready to tackle homeownership, this socially conscious and highly educated generation is setting goals for themselves when it comes to real estate.
According to a new survey by Homes.com, over 85% of Gen Z plans to buy a home before turning 35. So if you’re a Zoomer, now is the perfect time to begin saving and paying off any debt. Start researching the home-buying process, learning about different loan options, and setting aside as much extra cash as possible to build up your down payment (spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be the traditional 20%). And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with an agent…it’s okay if you aren’t quite ready to buy!
Millennials: The Market Trendsetters
Millennials—known for their love of pets and avocado toast—comprise a whopping 37% of today’s total home-buyers. And after witnessing the 2008 market crash, a pandemic, and now record-low interest rates, they’re finally ready to buy.
Compared to other generations, Millennials waited longer to buy their first homes. This surprising shift can be attributed to rising student debt, the Great Recession, as well as a dip in marriage and fertility rates. However, if you’re one of the many Millennials looking to ditch renting and start build equity, it’s worth doing a deep dive on mortgages before beginning your search. Even if you don’t have a traditional 20% down payment saved up, you could take advantage of government backed loans or assistance programs. Remember—knowing exactly what you can afford and getting pre-approved will up your chances of securing your perfect place.
Millennials aren’t just first-time buyers, either—many have also stepped into the role of first-time sellers. If you’re selling a home without much experience, it’s more important than ever to work with the right agent. Don’t be afraid to shop around and interview a few candidates before settling on “the one!”
Gen X: Making a Comeback
Gen X—classified as anyone born between 1965 and 1979—makes up around a quarter of today’s total buyers. And while they may not have the same momentum as Millennials, members of Gen X typically aren’t buying their first homes. In fact, many are looking to upgrade and purchase a home at a higher price point than any other generation.
Per a new survey by the National Association of Realtors, Gen X is the highest earning generation, and they tend to buy larger and more expensive homes to accommodate growing households. If you’re one of the many Gen Xers eager to upsize—perhaps even into a multigenerational home—you’ll want to take advantage of the equity you have in your current place. The right agent will be able to help you sell for top dollar and find a new house that checks all your boxes!
Baby Boomers: Downsizing…and Investing!
Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 now face the reality of retiring and downsizing. This exciting season of life can come with a few challenges, as well as some unexpected opportunities! If you’re one of the many Boomers considering a move to a smaller home, it’s crucial to examine the equity you have in your current property. The average Baby Boomer has stayed in the same home for around 15 years—and in that timeframe, home values have risen by 50% or far more depending on your area.
So, what should you do with all that extra money once you downsize to a more manageable house? Consider paying all cash for your new place, especially if you want sellers to notice (and accept!) your offer. And as you adjust to retirement, using that leftover equity to purchase an investment property could be an easy way to generate extra income.
Take Advantage of Today’s Once-in-a-Generation Market
No matter where you are in the home-buying process, it pays to work with the right agent. We’d love to help you achieve your buying and selling goals, or just answer any questions you have about today’s hot real estate market. Home prices are on the rise, mortgage rates remain low, and there’s never been a better time to make a move!
Welcome to 35103 Saba Place, a beautiful end-unit townhome boasting a stone front. Once inside you will love the kitchen featuring a center island, breakfast bar and pantry. With the main level being so open, it will make entertaining and daily life a breeze. An incredible owner’s suite full of natural light, an en-suite bath with a soaking tub, separate shower, and a huge walk-in closet. In addition to the owner’s suite on the upper level, you have a second bedroom with its own full bath and a laundry room. The lower level features a bedroom and a full bath with a private entrance. Grab your favorite beverage and relax on your deck or your private patio. New carpet, freshly painted, and a one-car garage make this the one.
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.
Welcome to 1528 Lakeview Pkwy! If space and uniqueness are what you crave, then this 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is the one! This fantastic home on a half-acre + lot, located near the member-only back gate, small marina and Greenspring Park, features a screened-in porch with your very own porch swing. Upon entering, you will experience the pride of ownership throughout. Cathedral, beamed ceilings with solar tubes and skylights letting in even more natural light, cork flooring, and other unique finishes are sure to please. The kitchen is designed to be the center of the home and offers Corian countertops and space to spread out. The dining room with gas freestanding stove flows from the kitchen and accesses the expansive screened porch. The main level also includes three bedrooms, one with an en-suite bath, and an additional full bath. The upper level living room boasts a window-filled wall overlooking the stunningly landscaped, deep, level back yard and a beautiful floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace with a gas insert and the owner’s suite with a gorgeous en-suite bath, including a tiled walk-in shower and a soaking tub with jets. The lower level features a spacious recreation room with a gas freestanding stove and an additional flex space room that can be used as an office or not-to-code bedroom. Other unique features include solar panels, a geo-thermal heat pump, extra insulation and insulated paint to reduce your utility bills.
https://youtu.be/1Y6pPPSTOaY
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from the mid-$200,000s to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to 521 Monticello Circle! This immaculate, updated, and well-maintained home in Lake of the Woods truly has it all. From the moment you arrive, you will love the inviting curb appeal, brick walkway, and beautifully landscaped yard. Upon entering, you are greeted by gleaming hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, fine finishes, and a sought-after open floor plan. The vaulted ceilings and ample windows allow the sun to shine in and provide so much natural light. The family room, boasting cathedral ceilings, gas fireplace, and access to the screened porch, flow effortlessly into the gourmet kitchen. This expansive chef’s kitchen features a breakfast bar, granite countertops, backsplash, table space, and upgraded stainless-steel appliances. In addition, the formal dining room and living room boasting a wall of windows will make entertaining a breeze. The owner’s suite is spacious and offers an en-suite bath featuring double vanities with granite countertops, a walk-in beautifully tiled shower, a luxurious soaking tub, and a spacious walk-in closet with built-in shelves. Grab a book and your favorite beverage and head out to the screened porch surrounded by trees and privacy, as this is sure to become one of your favorite spots. All of this and close to the member-only back gate, too!
A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteering your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience why I love Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Usually, moving is not something we do impulsively. We like to take time, prepare everything, and plan it to the smallest detail. Still, sometimes the circumstances tend to surprise us. Maybe it’s a new job offer or an opportunity to buy a property at an extraordinary price. Or even some personal issues that force us into it. Regardless of the reasons, it requires us to urgently take action. If you need to organize a last-minute move to Orange County by chance, its beautiful and outstanding locations will make it worth it. It has many historically rich locations, plenty of activities to do, and most of the places are the true hidden gems of Virginia. People here appreciate the quiet way of life, friendly hometown feel, and great outdoor activities.
Organizing a last-minute move to Orange County
The diversity in Orange County is great. From young professionals and families with kids to retirees, everyone enjoys its peaceful surroundings. With an annual average temperature of 55.75°(F) and four distinctly beautiful seasons, everyone gets the chance to enjoy their preferred activities. As for the houses, there are a plethora of aspects people love about the housing options. Those who consider moving to Orange County can find plenty of affordable offers on the real estate market.
Orange County, VA, offers plenty of beautiful landscapes you will enjoy.
However, considering you’ve already found a place you need to move to on short notice, let’s have a look at the last-minute moving tips gathered to help you go through this experience without much trouble:
Start planning without panic
Sort your belongings
Get rid of the items you don’t need
Pack everything compactly
Manage your old and new utilities
Clean your place before leaving
Start planning without panic
No one will say that moving at the last minute is easy. It’s going to be difficult because a tight schedule limits everything you need to do. But, it doesn’t mean you should panic about it. Even with a week or two, you still have time to prepare. That little time you have at your disposal should be used to properly plan your Orange County relocation. It’s important to start preparations as soon as you know you are going to move. Think about the first steps you need to take and consider adequate assistance. While a DIY move might be an option in some other situations, you are better off with professional service for moving last-minute. For example, you can easily arrange your relocation with Helix Transfer & Storage or other reliable movers to help you move to Orange County. Get informed about your options and think about what you are going to take with you.
Sort your belongings
Just because you lack time, it doesn’t mean you should skip essential planning steps. Without exceptions, your moving checklist with a list of your belongings and all the necessary tasks is a must. You will have to go through all your belongings and consider if there is anything you don’t want to take with you. Make those decisions with the Orange County lifestyle in mind. For example, if you love outdoor activities, leaving your hiking gear behind doesn’t make much sense. On the other side, depending on the location you are going to, maybe your swimming gear will not be so necessary. While these are situational decisions, sorting is essential so you can think about a way to get rid of unnecessary items.
Make sure you group similar items together.
Get rid of the items you don’t need
Speaking of which, you don’t have much time to get rid of your extra belongings. However, you won’t just throw them away, of course. Everything that you don’t need or is replaceable you should:
Sell
Donate
Give away
Don’t forget, moving rates depend on the number of your belongings, so at least you can cover some expenses with selling. And since you will have fewer items that need transporting, your relocation costs will decrease. You can use the internet to sell the most expensive articles. The second option is to donate clothes, food, and other items to charity. Your third option is giving things you don’t need to friends, family, or neighbors.
Pack everything compactly
When you are short of time, you don’t have much time to search for supplies nor pack on your own. You should see if your professional movers can do it for you. Even for a local relocation, you still need to ensure the simplest transfer possible and maximum protection for your items. Not to mention if you are moving from DC or other more distant places. Truck transporting and long drives require proper supplies and compact packing. Fortunately, most companies that do local and long-distance relocation also provide packing services. But, to reduce the costs, you can pack a part of your belongings with items you already possess. Plastic bags, drawers, luggage, everything can be used to pack your clothes and other non-delicate items. However, make sure you properly label everything to avoid confusion later on.
Manage your old and new utilities
People often forget to deal with utilities when in a rush. Before you leave, make sure all the necessary utilities in a new place are all set up, including gas, water, electricity, and even the internet, TV, and other subscriptions you will need. The same goes with your old place: make sure to cancel, shut off, or pause certain services, so you don’t continue to pay for them after relocation.
Clean your places before leaving
If everything goes according to your plans, you should have time to deal with cleaning. Before moving into your new Orange County home, make sure your current place is clean. But, ensure you get all your belongings out first. With all the chaos, cleaning in the middle of the moving process is not a good idea. On the other side, your new place has to be clean before you bring everything in. That’s why you should make it a priority. If your budget allows, hiring professional cleaners will be a good idea, especially considering you are in a hurry.
It’s way easier to clean a place when it’s empty.
As you can see, you can organize a last-minute move to Orange County without much trouble. Of course, the added stress and pressure while running against the clock can be overwhelming. But, considering you are moving to the slower and more relaxing part of the states, this is probably the last time you will experience it. Places in Orange County, VA, are wonderful, with a slow pace of life and numerous opportunities to relax and enjoy after a long day working. Or, in this case, moving at the last minute.
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.
