Archives: August 2018

2018 Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival in Fredericksburg VA!

2018 Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival in Fredericksburg VA!

cigar bourbon festivalThis years Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, August 18th from 4pm to 9pm at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds (2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg VA 22401).  Gates open at 4pm!
Hogshead Cigar Lounge will be present and showcasing a variety of cigars from their lounge. Esteban Carreras, Perdomo, Fratello, Romeo Y Julieta, Montecristo, Drew Estate, Miami Cigars will all be available as well. There will be Bourbons from all across the country as well as some local from Virginia!
And we cannot forget about the craft beer, wine and cider. There will be 20 craft beers from the local Fredericksburg Breweries as well as regional breweries sampling some of their Award Winning Beers! 
There will be live music as well as plenty of FOOD vendors available for dinner.
Ready to go? Buy your tickets here. And please don’t forget to: Drink responsibly!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

How to Sell Your Home During Back-to-School Season: A Complete Guide

As summer draws to a close, so dawns every parent’s favorite season: the beginning of another school year. This time of year can be hectic for every parent, but it may become especially overwhelming if you’re also trying to sell your home.

Don’t worry, though! We’re here to help. We’ve come up with a bonafide game plan to help you sell your home, handle back-to-school season, and maintain your sanity. Ready to learn more?

Here’s what you need to do:

Prepare a Fresh Start with Staging

Bright kitchen interior.The first step to staging a home is to create a blank canvas. After all, you want potential buyers to be able to picture their lives in your home. To do that, you’ll need to take down any personal artwork, decorations, or mementos—school accomplishments, artwork your kiddos may have made for you, personal school pictures, and anything else.

While this may seem like a bummer, it is essential to selling your home.

Get Some Extra Storage

Another essential part of staging your home is removing any and all clutter. This may seem impossible with all the new school supplies, clothing, and toys strewn about, but it’s doable—and necessary!

Consider investing in a storage unit to house excess furniture, summer toys, and old clothing, or even replace a bench, ottoman, or coffee table with one that doubles as a storage chest to house excess items.

Plan for Showings (but make it fun!)

Young girl swinging in the park.Guess what time is perfect for back-to-school shopping? House-showing time!

To get kids out of the house during showings, come up with a list of kid-friendly outings or activities you can take.

Consider going to the library, a movie theater, an outdoor park or nature center, or the mall to kill some time as your Realtor shows off your home.

Make a Showing-Prep Checklist

As your Realtor schedules your home for showings, try to request at least a one to two hour buffer for each one. Then, create a checklist for what you need to accomplish to get your home showroom-ready before each tour.

Have bags pre-packed for when you need to be out of the house for an extended period of time. Depending on your kiddos, you may want to have have extra diapers, toys, books, games, snacks, and anything else you may need (and keep your list of outings handy!).

Create a Cozy Atmosphere Before You Head Out

Cute living room with cacti on the table.Before grabbing the kids and making yourself scarce, be sure to create an inviting and warm atmosphere for your buyers. Here are some general tips for last-minute staging:

  • Open all the windows — pull back the curtains, raise the blinds, and let in the light!
  • Light a soft-scented candle (nothing too crazy) or put out a bowl of potpourri to cover up any odors.
  • Set some calm, instrumental music to play in the background.
  • Put out a bowl of treats for potential buyers to munch on as they tour your home.

Want to Sell Your Home Fast (and stress-free)?

Then you need to partner with a real estate agent who knows their stuff. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you sell your home for top dollar—without all the extra stress during this busy season.

LEO Club Coat Drive for Locust Grove Middle School

LEO Club Coat Drive for Locust Grove Middle School

It has begun! The annual coat drive hosted by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Yvette Ruiz will be in full swing on September 1st.  Locust Grove Middle School is in need of new or gently used coats for their students.
Stop by: 4207-D Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove VA 22508 between September 1st and October 1st to drop off any new or gently used coats.
Unfortunately – they will not accept monetary donations, so please bring a coat!
Please call 540-972-0484 for any questions.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Friends of Wilderness Battlefield hosting their 2nd Annual Canoe Trip!

Friends of Wilderness Battlefield hosting their 2nd Annual Canoe Trip!

Saturday, August 25th, National Park Service Historian: Greg Mertz will be leading a day-trip canoe tour of Civil War sites along the Rapidan River. He will be narrating and bringing to life Stonewall Jackson, George Custer and J.E.B Stewart, to name a few.
You will have the opportunity to visit these historic crossing sites – many that are not easily accessible by land.
Plan to be on the water ALL day – so bring lunch, a cooler, sunscreen, wipes, any medication you require along with any other necessities you would need for the day. The terrain is rugged and possibly damp, so be prepared and dress accordingly.
The trip will begin at Ely’s Ford at 8:30AM, SHARP and you will be transported to Germanna and float back to Ely’s Ford with an estimated arrival time of 3PM.
There is a limit of 15 canoes (29 participants, plus the host, Greg).
The cost is $50, with Friends of Wilderness Battlefield receiving about half of the $50. If you want to be paired with a friend or someone in particular, please let them know that upon signing up and registering.
You must register on the website!!! You have the option to pay by credit card, pay-pal or mailing a check. Please note**Payment MUST be received PRIOR to the day of the event. There will be NO payment excepted on the DAY of the trip!
You can register here.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

Welcome Keith Neeley to the Licata Group!

The Licata Group Warmly Welcomes Keith Neeley

Keith NeeleyKeith Neeley was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but has called Orange County his home since 1979. After graduating from Orange High School, he enlisted in the US Navy for 4 years. He then graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in Business Administration. Keith then went into the insurance industry where he owned and operated an independent adjusting firm.
Keith has had his real estate license since 2004, specializing in Orange County and it’s surrounding counties. He loves the opportunity to assist buyers in finding their perfect new homes! On the seller side, he appreciates the opportunity to assist them move on to the next phase of their lives.
Keith lives in Lake of the Woods with his wife Carrie, and they are the parents of two grown sons. When he’s not working, you can usually find Keith driving a ball at a golf course. To connect witht Keith, email him at keith@licatagroup.com, or call him at 540/661-7391.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Sunset Concert Series Continues on the Point in Lake of the Woods!

Two more  Summer Sunset Concert Series at the Point!
The next  concert will take place Friday, August 10th at Clubhouse Point featuring Island Gerry Duo.
Music starts at 7pm!
Summer Concert Series continues in Lake of the Woods
(Weather dependent, Bands subject to change)
Friday, August 10th- Island Gerry Duo
Friday, August 24th – Unchained
The event is 100% funded by sponsors who are also LOW residents! Sponsors include: Licata Group/Keller Williams Real Estate, Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, Townsend Home Health & Hospice Care, Design Craft Homes, Inspired Electrical Solutions, JK Carpets, Lakeside Title & Escrow, and Lake of the Woods True Value Hardware.
The Friends of Lake of the Woods (FLOW), Lake Youth Foundation, LOW Fire & Rescue, and the LOW Lioness Club are acting as the “Hospitality Committees” throughout this concert series – so please thank them if you see them!
For more information call Pat Licata at 540-735-7998 or e-mail her at pat@licatagroup.com. Don’t miss out on the kick-off to the Summer concert season!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

FREE Outdoor Movie Series in Fredericksburg Virginia!

FREE Outdoor Movie Series in Fredericksburg Virginia!

The Spotsylvania Parks Recreation is hosting an outdoor movie series event!  Gates open at 7:30PM. Movies will begin at DUSK.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, sit back and relax while enjoying a movie outside, under the stars FOR FREE!
The next movie will be LITTLE GIANTS on Saturday, September 8th, gates opening at 7:30pm and moving starting at DUSK. This will be held at the Loriella Park Soccer Fields and it will be FREE. Loriella Park is located at: 10910 Leavells Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
The last showing will be STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI on Saturday, October 6th with gates opening at 6pm and moving beginning at 7:30pm. This will be held at the Patriot Park Amphitheater located at: 5710 Smith Station Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407.
There will be concessions available from local vendors and you can get more information about these events at 540-507-7529.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Old Dominion Jeep Fest at Wilderness Run Vineyards

Old Dominion Jeep Fest at Wilderness Run Vineyards

August 11 and August 12 join Big Snatch Off Road for the Old Dominion Jeep Fest. They are partnering with 1781 Brewing Co. and Wilderness Run Vineyards to bring you ANOTHER great JEEP SHOW in Virginia! Last year was a success and they expect this year to be twice as good!
The fun begins at 10AM on August 11th through August 12 until 3pm.
They plan on highlighting new products and this Old Dominion Jeep Fest is open to all fans of the off-road and they will be featuring a “show and grime.” There will be Trail Riding, an obstacle course and even a mud pit for all the mud lovers.
There will be many vendors there that will be able to get you ready for the rocks and mud and even highlight some of the regions best trails.
Of course there will be beer and barbecue by some of the region’s best food artists available to devour while you enjoy the event!
1781 Brewing Co & Wilderness Run Vineyards are located at:  11109 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bealeton Virginia!

Hot Air Balloon Festival in Bealeton Virginia!

The Flying Circus Air show will be hosting a hot air balloon festival in Bealeton Virginia on August 18 through August 19!
This is their first PREMIER ANNUAL EVENT and features an airshow on Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. The balloon launches EARLY Saturday and Sunday morning as well as AFTER both shows (weather permitting, of course).
There will be balloon demos, tethered rides (stationary & balloon is tied to the ground), airplane rides, balloon races and many more activities on both days.
There is a huge crowd expected so get there EARLY to claim your spot. The balloons are dependent on CALM conditions so keep an eye on their Facebook and web page for launch updates.
The floating balloon rides are FREE and can be arranged with the individual balloonist. Their phone numbers will be posted at the front door of the gift shop both days so you can make your appointment. Their Facebook states that they will post a list earliest on their event page if they can.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Lake of the Woods Celebrates National Night Out!

Lake of the Woods Celebrates National Night Out!

Lake of the Woods residents are invited and encouraged to attend the 2nd annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7th from 6pm – 8:30pm at the Community Center pavilion.
The first 200 people that arrive will receive free hotdogs! Yum!
Family friendly event, that will be fun and educational for attendees of all ages. There will be representatives from local and state public safety agencies. Please: no pets during the event.
This Lake of the Woods event will feature an appearance from Sheriff Amos and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, VA Department of Game & Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement Department and Chief Walker and LOW Security (officers, a police vehicle and patrol boat) and the Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.
Nationally, this event will be the “35th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) for crime and drug prevention. This event is a program of the National Association of Town Watch with over 16,500 communities from all 50 states participating! Including U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
What is the goal of this annual event? It is to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and community/police partnerships, send a message to criminals letting them know that these neighborhoods are organized and aware/watching, to name a few reasons why you should support these national nights out!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.