Archives: May 2021

135 Madison Cir, LOT for sale in Lake of the Woods, Virginia now SOLD!

Welcome to 135 Madison Circle… an absolutely fabulous half-acre lot located near the Lake of the Woods back gate on one of the most beautiful streets in the community! Build your home here, where mature trees and location make this the one! So get your lake life started by building your perfect place at the lake on one of the few remaining lots!

A private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550 acre main lake and a 35 acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, waterskiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, tennis, pickleball, 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 will be wowed! 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 $150,000+ 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.

LOW Veterans Club Honor Deceased on Memorial Day

written by: Fred Pulis, Member, LOW Veterans Club

As the nation gets ready to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, the LOW Veterans Club will provide an impressive outside ceremony honoring those individuals who have died on military active duty during service to their country.  The approximately one-hour event starting at noon at the flagpole in front of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse will feature several ways of recognizing those individuals who paid the ultimate price of their lives for their country.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 because it was a day to decorate the graves of lost loved ones.  Subsequently the name was changed to Memorial Day and was declared to be a national holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. 

LOW residents and their guests are invited to witness the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Some of the patriotic events include proper raising and lowering of the American Flag, reading of the names of the LOW veterans who died in 2020, description of the historic meaning of Memorial Day, and the presentation of the wreath.  Also, newly assigned LOW Veterans Club bugler, Tom Ackman, is a member of the “Buglers Across America” will perform taps. 

In the spirit and intent of honoring fallen armed forces personnel the LOW Veterans Club recommends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) a nonprofit organization that funded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC.  VVMF has created an In Memory plaque which contains names of the Vietnam veterans who have lost their lives as a result of their service in Vietnam.

Veterans so honored who have succumbed to:  Exposure to Agent Orange; PTSD/Suicide; Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease, and Parkinson ’s disease.  For more information contact VVMF at InMemory@vvmf.org.    

For further information about the LOW Veterans Club and its activities, please contact club president Mike Ferguson at 571-972-5313 or email him at colmferguson@msn.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 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.

LOW Players Tickets Still Available!

The Players singing group, The Show Stoppers, will be entertaining the LOW community members and guests on June 18th on the Clubhouse deck. Broadway show songs and other popular songs are planned to fill the evening with their performance scheduled to begin at 6:30PM. Be sure to RSVP your seat through the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse directly at 540-972-2221.

The last play, Four Weddings and an Elvis was a HUGE success – thank you to everyone who came to show their support (during the hot and cold weather!) during the outside shows!! We are looking forward to the upcoming fall musical comedy The Addams Family! Auditions coming up soon this summer, starting June 13th at 2pm at the Community Center. Callbacks and any additional auditions will be on June 27th at 2pm at the Community Center.

The Players Club members hope to be back inside the community center for this upcoming family-friendly show! Dates are currently selected for the show for October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24!

Tickets can be purchased at lowplayers.org

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.

Lake of the Woods’ Pools are OPEN

Another great year for Lake of the Woods pools!

Pool hours for Clubhouse pool are: May 29 – September 6th from 11AM to 7PM, daily.
Sweetbriar Pool hours are 1PM – 8PM and are closed on Wednesdays for swim meets.

Snack bars will be open at both pools for yummy snacks and treats for all, featuring new daily specials at the Clubhouse pool.

Enjoy different features at each pool such as a diving board, a slide and a separate wading pool for younger children at the Sweetbriar pool. The Clubhouse pool features an entry ramp with railings, lap lanes, and a splash area with a beach-like entrance!

Stop by one or both of the pools and enjoy the cool water during the hot summer heat!

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.

116 Lee Cir WATERFRONT HOME in Lake of the Woods, Virginia SOLD!!!

The best is yet to come at 116 Lee Circle, boasting 96 ft of waterfrontage on the main lake! Whether you renovate or begin with plans for your dream home on this almost half-acre, fantastic lot, you’ve found your perfect place at the lake! An incredible bonus is the size of the lot; not only is it a perfect waterfront lot, but it is also expansive and ready for you to create your perfect water oasis! Imagine the memories you’ll make experiencing spectacular sunsets, jumping in the lake from your dock, or simply relaxing at the water’s edge. Fun-filled days with family and friends await if you prefer a more active day on the water—bring your boat, jet ski, and/or kayak! Ready for some off-water fun? Lake of the Woods has it all!

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-$100,000s 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 Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Northern 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

4219 Alcott St, Located in an HOA-FREE Community in Alexandria, Virginia is Now SOLD by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors EXP Realty LLC!!!

Welcome to 4219 Alcott St! A 60’s planned community that thrives today as a wonderfully established neighborhood in sought-after Fairfield, in the middle of everything. Perfect location close to great schools and all major highways will make travel time a breeze! You will fall in love with all the updates and fine finishes this beautiful home boasts. Full of charm, the living room is generous with a fireplace for those cool nights. The kitchen offers a center island, oodles of cabinet space and dining area, as well as a formal dining room. You will love the main level office/flex space, making working from home a breeze. The classic, inviting owner’s suite with en-suite bath is sure to please. Enjoy the expansive covered patio on which to relax, entertain, and enjoy the privacy of your own backyard oasis. Did we say NO HOA??? Yes, and with no HOA dues in the heart of Alexandria makes this the one. The perfect house in the perfect location is right here–come see for yourself!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Northern 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

Summer Concert Series at the Point is Back!!

It is time for the Summer Sunset Concert Series at the Point to begin! We will kick off the season with Unchained!

The first concert of the Summer- May 28th at the Point in Lake of the Woods will feature the Unchained.  
The concert will take place at Clubhouse Point. The music starts at 7 pm!

Summer Concert Series
(Weather dependent, Bands subject to change)
Friday, May 28th- Unchained Rocks
Friday, June 25th –Reunion Band
Friday, July 23rd –Deja Vu
Friday, August 27th – Island Jerry Duo

The event is 100% funded by sponsors who are also LOW residents! Sponsors include: Licata Group, 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.

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 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.

Hottest Neighborhoods in Orange County, VA

Big cities are, more often than not, pretty exhausting to live in. Of course, when you are young, they could seem like a convenient solution. However, once you get to a certain age, you begin to crave a more tranquil lifestyle. The one that a huge metropolis certainly can’t provide. Luckily, some places can! Plenty of neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, for example, offer families and retirees a chance to experience a peaceful life without depriving them of exciting things to do. The county is also close to major hubs such as Washington, DC, and Richmond, so even if you start missing the old days, everything’s just a short drive away.

What makes Orange County, VA, a great place to move to?

Perhaps it’s the history that this area is so rich in or the breathtaking landscape because of which you can’t help but be in awe. Maybe it’s the local vineyards with sets of delicious wines available for tasting. Or simply the fact that your dollar goes further in the county of Prince William III of Orange. And yes, lower taxes are to blame as well, being particularly attractive to future homeowners.

Despite the overall rural vibe that most neighborhoods in Orange County, VA share, the region can boast many employment opportunities. Residents of the area tend to work in companies such as Green Applications, American Woodmark, Walmart, and MPS. The county is also known as the biggest producer of grapes in the whole of Virginia, and even further.

The majority of people who choose to settle in Orange County stumble upon it first as tourists. It’s during these visits that they fall in love with the place. And who can blame them? It’s hard to resist the charms of its peculiar little shops, local restaurants serving otherworldly dishes, and historical sights such as Montpelier, the home of our fourth president, James Madison. It’s there that settlers and visitors alike can watch Jack Russel terriers and horses race the first Saturday of November.

Thanks to the affordability and attractive interest rates, the area of Northern Virginia has also recently gained popularity. Some neighborhoods are especially desirable to home buyers, and we will explore what each of them has to offer. Once you’ve decided on the community that’s right for you, you can ask Northern Virginia-based professionals to help you get settled as soon as possible.

The statue of James and Dolly Madison located in one of the neighborhoods in Orange County, VA
Once upon a time, Orange County was home to the fourth US president, James Madison.

The hottest Orange County neighborhoods

Below you will find the highly sought-after Orange County communities that provide their residents with the much-needed peace of mind.

Gordonsville

With a population of about 1800, Gordonsville is quite a small town. However, its size doesn’t stop it from being a great place to live in for just about anyone. Young couples, families with children, and senior citizens can benefit from calling this tiny settlement their home. With plenty of quaint shops, charming cafes, and loads of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, Gordonsville is equipped with a bit of something for everyone.

Each year, the town organizes Porkapooloza, or as they say, the greatest pork feast on Earth! The whole place is family-friendly and has various parks and playgrounds you can take your kids to. Additionally, crime is practically non-existent here, making the neighborhood pretty safe.

While the actual unemployment rate is slightly below the US average, Gordonsville’s proximity to major cities, such as Charlottesville, more than makes up for it. It’s not unusual for residents of this town to work elsewhere, as commuting to and from work typically takes a short time.

Most of the people living here own their homes, which isn’t peculiar when you think about it. Median home price in Gordonsville falls short of $200,000, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a place with a suburban feel that’s, nonetheless, not too far from the center of all activities.

Those looking to move here won’t be disappointed after venturing into the process. The advantages of life in Gordonsville certainly outweigh the cons. It’s worth noting, however, that before you’ve permanently settled into the area, you will have had to prepare for the moving day. You’ll need to make a detailed plan for the big day. After all, relocations can quickly become troublesome without a carefully devised course of action.

A picture of a cafe
Gordonsville has a number of charming little cafes for people to relax in.

Lake of the Woods

As far as popular neighborhoods in Orange County, VA go, Lake of the Woods is definitely the top pick! It’s suitable for everyone, regardless of their age. Two mesmerizing lakes located in the area allow residents to enjoy swimming and a variety of water sports. In addition, Lake of the Woods can boast its dog-friendly status, as it has several parks and trails that locals use to spend time with their furry friends.

The community is pretty safe and even has a set of its own patrolling units overlooking it. It’s also tightly-knit, which essentially means that neighbors are friendly and willing to help each other. With many events taking place here regularly, it’s no wonder why newcomers are looking to it as a perfect place to purchase a vacation home. While on the topic of property buying, it’s worth mentioning that a typical house here will cost you about $250,000. Not bad for an oasis of peace.

A man and a woman walking their dog in the forest
Lake of the Woods is one of the pet-friendly neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, suitable for taking your dog for a walk.

Orange

Orange County gets its name from the town of Orange, which is, actually, the seat of this county. The overall vibe of this place is quiet, and residents report that there isn’t much to be done here except relax. For some people, however, that may just be enough. That’s not to say the town is utterly dull and there are no reasons to move here. Not at all! Orange is packed with historic sights, excellent schools, and it’s an overall safe community with no real crime.

Despite the practically non-existent nightlife, the town still has some charming restaurants and cafes you can go to. This makes it a perfect choice for everyone looking for neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, that allow them to completely escape city life. Those interested in shopping for properties in the area will be happy to know that the average price of a home lies at around $260,000. Considering that the national average is significantly greater, investing in housing here is a choice well-made.

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.

What Every Seller Should Know About Home Inspections

Key Takeaways:

  • Even in today’s hot market, it’s not uncommon for buyers to request an inspection before purchasing a home.
  • Believe it or not, there are a few steps you can take as a seller to prepare for your home’s big assessment.
  • If you’re ready to list and sell in no time at all, contact us to get the ball rolling!

4 Tips to Help Sellers Ace a Home Inspection

Home inspections—almost every buyer wants one, and they’re often a necessary part of the selling process. Even in 2021’s competitive market, it’s not uncommon to see an inspection contingency attached to an offer, and many sellers have a few questions about what exactly they entail.

Want to learn the secret to acing your inspection as a seller? Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for your home’s big close-up.

Get a pre-listing inspection

Reviewing home inspection report

Even if your home seems move-in ready, it might still have a few issues you don’t know about. This is why many agents recommend getting a pre-listing inspection to uncover any problems ahead of time. It might cost a bit out of pocket, but it will help you know exactly what you need to fix before your home hits the market. Pre-listing inspections also prevent any surprises down the line and give you more control over the sale.

After your inspection, you can choose to repair any problems or simply let buyers know about them. If you have any questions about what should or shouldn’t be updated, just ask your agent for advice.

Don’t conceal any known problems

Home inspector looking at stairs

Most states require sellers to disclose a home’s known defects, even after they’ve been repaired. While it may be tempting to conceal these issues, doing so can come with serious legal ramifications.

For example, if your home has known water leaks or you’ve made major structural repairs, you’ll likely be required to communicate them to potential buyers. Home inspectors will take your disclosures into account during their analysis, so it’s important to be as truthful as possible. Luckily, your agent can serve as a helpful resource for understanding necessary disclosures!

Do a little prep work

Gathering receipts

Preparing for a buyer’s inspection shouldn’t involve expensive repairs. If your home is already clean and properly staged, there’s actually not a lot you have to worry about. However, there are a few steps you can take to get your space ready for inspection day.

Start by gathering all documents relating to your home—that includes proof of services and receipts from big-ticket purchases (like HVAC systems or appliances). You should also replace your air filters, check your light bulbs, eliminate clutter, and do a quick once-over of your home to make sure everything is in working order.

Know how to negotiate

Real estate agent helping sellers negotiate after an inspection

During an inspection, a qualified professional will spend a few hours examining your home from top to bottom. Generally, they’ll check major components, such as your roof, electrical wiring, plumbing, the foundation, HVAC systems, and all major appliances. It’s normal for an inspector to uncover a few issues—but after the inspection, the ball is back in your court.

In most circumstances, a buyer will request repairs or credits once they review the inspection report. But in today’s seller-driven market, some buyers only conduct an inspection for informational purposes. If you have any questions about post-inspection negotiations, it’s best to defer to your agent. They have the expertise you need to secure the best possible deal.

Looking for More Selling Tips?

Whether you’re eager to list or just have a few questions about selling, you can always give us a call for personalized real estate advice. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the home-selling process, and we can even tell you how much your home is worth in 2021’s crazy market.

Ready to get started? Drop us a line—we look forward to teaming up with you!

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.

LOT for Sale! Build Your Dream Home Here at 0 Embrey Dr in Locust Grove, VA 22508 now SOLD!!!

Build your dream home on this mostly wooded 24+ acre parcel off of Embrey Drive, minutes from route 20 and very close to route 3 for an easy commute and convenience. The property is accessed through a 30 ft deeded easement. There is a creek on the back of the property. Beautiful hardwoods and location 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.