Archives: December 2019

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!

December 2019 Lake of the Woods Market Statistics

In December, 17 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
4 sold between $200-250,000;
5 sold between $250-300,000; 6 sold between $300-400,000;
2 sold above $650,000.

60 Active Listings for Sale
20 Homes Under Contract
301 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.

Updated Home in Lake of the Woods with New Flooring throughout! 211 Yorktown Blvd Now SOLD!!!

Whether you’re looking for a vacation home in a lake community with amenities galore or a full-time residence, you’ll immediately fall in love with this updated rambler in amenity filled Lake of the Woods. This charming home features laminate flooring throughout, and the interior was recently painted with neutral colors. Newly updated kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances are sure to please the most discerning chef. For more information 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.

Lonesome River Band Coming to Grass Rootes in Culpeper on January 31st!

Have you been aching to hear some quality bluegrass music? If so, then grab your friends and family, and head on down to Grass Rootes in Culpeper to see The Lonesome River Band on Friday, January 31st from 7PM-11PM! Having been around for 37 years, this award-winning band has performed on some of the most famous stages, such as the Grand Ole Opry, as well as headlined for some of the biggest concerts and festivals around! Any true bluegrass fan young or old will recognize their unique and iconic sound, so be sure to not miss your chance of seeing them up close!

There will only be 100 tickets sold on this amazing night, so be sure not to miss your chance! The doors will open at 7PM, and the band will promptly start at 7:30 PM. They will play two 45-minute sets with an intermission between lasting about 20 minutes. Special VIP tickets can be purchased which will grant you a seat within the first two rows, as well as signed poster by the band, a VIP laminate and an invitation to the 6PM pre-party! VIP tickets are very limited. This will truly be a night to remember, so don’t miss your chance to be a part of it! 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

20th Annual Pet Expo in Richmond on January, 11th!

Get ready to spend the day with your favorite furry friends, because the 20th annual Pet Expo will be held on January 11th from 10AM-4PM at the Richmond Raceway Complex! This is a day to show your favorite pet just how much you love them, by taking them and the rest of the family to this unique indoor event! Spend time browsing the 50+ exhibitors that will be providing various good and services. There will be various activities planned throughout the day, many of which involve, and encourage pet participation! Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, or $8 if purchased in advance, and only $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Pets and Children under the age of 6 will receive free admission! This is a day full of fun and excitement for the whole family, with all proceeds going to benefit the Henrico Humane Society! For more information about this event, 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

6th Annual Ice Yard Event in DC On February 1st!

Image Taken by Asico Photo

Returning for its 6th year, the annual Ice Yards event will be happening on Saturday, February 1st from 1PM-5PM in Washington DC! Here you’ll enjoy popular Icy cocktails and local brews as you spend your time at the only adult-friendly winter wonderland in DC! Participate in ice games and interactive ice activities while you enjoy live music, axe throwing, inflatable jousting, live ice carving and an attempt at DC’s largest group Shotski! Tickets are only $10 and include (1) beer or wine upon entry. Guests can also take part in the “Polar Plunge” to help raise money for the Special Olympics DC! For more information about this event, 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

Virginia Spirits Roadshow at A. Smith Bowman Distillery Happening On February 8th!

Attention all lovers of local spirits; make sure to be at the Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg on Saturday, February 8th for Virginia Spirits Roadshow from 12PM-5PM! Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the advance promo price for tickets, being $20 for one general admission, or $35 for two GA tickets the day of the event, and all designated driver tickets are complimentary. Tickets include a sampling of all artisan spirits, as well as the craft cocktails made by the various Virginia distilleries that will be present. Any bottles that are purchased to take home can be stored at the concierge station, so you don’t have to worry about carrying them around! Ticket prices the day of the event are $30 for one GA. For a full list of the all participating distilleries, as well as more info about the event, 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

Men’s 3.5 – 4.0 Fredericksburg Pickleball Tournament on January 19th!

Grab your paddles, and get ready to serve with the best, as the first Men’s 3.5-4.0 Pickleball Tournament will be happening on January 19th from 3PM to 9PM at FXBG Pickleball! This is a Doubles Tournament for anyone who is rated 3.5-4.0, and the cost is $50. The event is limited to only the first 16 players, so be sure to register ASAP! For more information on where to purchase tickets, 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

Grease is Coming to Riverside Center for Performing Arts Starting January 8th!

Get ready to spend your day with the coolest cats around, as you swing right back into the 50’s with Riverside’s performance of the musical; Grease! Starting on January 8th and continuing until March 15th, you’ll be able to catch this timeless classic which brings you right back to the year 1959 as you spend time with the Senior class of Rydell High! Recall the music Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Little Richard, as you appreciate the music that defined a generation. We might be living in the 20’s, but we’ll be living it up like it’s the 50’s! for more information about cast and showtimes, 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

10 Things to Do Before Renovating Your House

Research is essential before renovation, as it will help you scope your options and choose quality.

When you plan to renovate your house, the renovation is an investment in your home. When doing so, you are not only fixing it and redecorating for yourself. You are also adding value to it should you ever choose to sell it in the future. Furthermore, as renovating your house is a form of investment, it should definitely be well planned and thought out. In addition, as we continue discussing this topic, we are also going to delve deeper. We will discover the 10 essential and beneficial things one should do before renovating a house.

Renovating a House 101

A written plan and a mood board will be so helpful throughout the renovation.

Renovating a house can be a small project or a very big one. Whether you are fixing a bathroom or redesigning the entire interior look of your home, there are multiple elements to be considered beforehand. Why is a renovation something you should not rush into? The answer to this is because a single renovation should withstand time and have the quality to it. This takes good research, a solid plan and professional help, amongst many other details.

Tips 1 and 2

Meanwhile, what do you think the number one thing on the list is? When renovating your house, our number one tip to do first is creating a mood board. Gather images, samples of textures, materials and more and place it all on a board to visually create a concept and style. Placing everything in one spot will help you view what your renovation could possibly look like. A mood board is also a great idea because sometimes it is difficult to imagine patterns and textures and colors in your head at once. Having them one beside the other will help you make decoration ideas as well.

Make sure you set a budget before your renovation so that you don’t exceed your financial limits.

While we are on this topic, the mood board also ties into our second tip. Placing everything on the board helps you create a visual plan, which can also help you figure out your budget and the limits of it. Entering a renovation without conceptualizing your finances and having a budget is a bad idea altogether. You can get carried away and not even realize how much you are actually spending. Moreover, adding the cost of all your ideas will help you understand where you stand and how much you would like to spend on renovating your house.

Tip 3

Now that you have an idea of what your renovation could become visually, sit down and create a plan. This plan should consist of all the changes you plan to implement within your home. Any necessary fixes and additions you would like to see, along with the timeline of all of this. A solid list with a good schedule will help you down the road and keep this renovation organized.

Tip 4

A team of professionals will help guide you through this process with beneficial advisement.

Consult with a team of professionals. If renovating your house becomes a big project and you are unsure as to how to proceed, hire a reliable contractor and decorator to help you. A team of professionals will know and understand the standards and laws they must adhere to, taking that stressful aspect away from your to-do-list. Additionally, a team of professionals will also help you visualize your renovation and help you understand the possibilities of your house. Sometimes the layout of the house might not allow you to break down a wall, or add something, and it is good to know ahead of time what you can do and what you cannot.

 
 Tip 5

Renovating your house is easier if you move your furniture out and have an empty space to work with. Whether you are renovating a home you plan to stay in, or are renovating a house in another city, take care of your furniture and belongings ahead of time. Meanwhile, if you are moving away, we advise on getting your household belongings to another state before you start renovating. Place your belongings in storage and keep them there until you complete and finish your new house.

Tip 6

Once your house is furniture free, our next tip is to scope out space. Once you can evaluate the empty space, it will enable you to visualize all the possibilities of your renovation. You could also check back with your mood board and written plan to see if all of that can be done within the dimensions your space allows you.

Tip 7

When it comes to the fun shopping part, don’t purchase the first option you come by. If you are going to the hardware store on your own, talk to the department associate there as they can advise you on the best options. That way you won’t buy the wrong thing or spend more money than you should have.

Tip 8

Don’t forget to prep your house for renovating. Details such as priming the walls before painting them are crucial for the wall color. Priming the walls creates a better canvas for wall paint and helps the paint look fresher and stay on for longer.

Tip 9

Check your renovation timeline once again to ensure that most things will run on schedule. Once you have your belongings in storage, it’s also beneficial to know that your renovations will be timely so that it all works out.

Tip 10

Our last but not least tip of this topic is good communication. This is important before renovating your house but also just as important throughout the renovation. Good and open communication with your contractor or whomever you are renovating your house with is very important so things would run smoothly and successfully.

In Progress

Simply being on top of everything, communicating and being guided by your plan will be more than enough for a successful renovation. Stay on schedule, and enjoy this investment into your new home.

Author’s Bio

Troy Thompson is a 35-year-old teacher, with experience in renovations and decorating homes. Not only is he a fan of HGTV, where he has learned a lot about renovating a home from various TV shows, but he has also moved a few times and renovated a few homes with his girlfriend. Troy loves sharing his advice for unexperienced renovators and hopes that his tips will help someone get started and learn more.

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