Archives: June 2021

Recliner to sit on while thinking about why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea

Why Moving from DC to Orange County, VA After Retirement is a Good Idea

Why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea?

Are you planning to move out of Washington DC? If you are, we recommend you consider moving to Orange County, Virginia. If you are looking for an active area filled with beautiful landscapes, this is the place for you. Orange county is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful spots in the entire United States of America. The majority of Orange County inhabitants own their houses. It is home to many families, young professionals, and retirees. This area is excellent for retirees because it is very peaceful, yet it offers an abundance of fun activities, making it one of the most desired places to move to. This article will show you why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea!

There is a lot to do in Orange County

The county is full of period cottages you can rent or buy. These cottages carry the rustic spirit of Orange County and its history. They date back to the 19th century but were renovated to accommodate the modern lifestyle requirements. Experts from Allstate Moving and Storage have had many clients who either rent or have bought these cottages. Living in them will give you a feeling that you moved back into the past, which can be great for history lovers! 

The area has numerous small breweries and wineries

Since the area has beautiful plains and hillsides, it is no surprise that it is rich in agricultural goods. Also, beer and wine lovers will have an opportunity to try to produce their favorite beverages. If you like experiencing new things, Orange County is the right place for you. There are plenty of breweries and wineries for you to explore. Moreover, many of them organize events and wine or beer tastings. This is just one of the many things to do in Orange County

Grapes and two wine glasses next to a small barrel
Orange County is full of terrific small wineries.

Orange County has beautiful historical sights

Orange County and its surroundings are great for history lovers. The area is scattered with lots of historical places and sights. If you like the historical sites in DC, you will love Orange County since it offers a different side of history to explore.

Barboursville Ruins

A great place to visit after you move to Orange County is the ruins of Governor Barbour’s mansion. In 1884, the house was wrecked by a big fire, so it’s just a historical site today. The estate is a great place to visit and get a feel of how the Governor lived back in the day. 

James Madison’s Montpelier

James Madison’s home is also in Orange County. The father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights enjoyed the beautiful sights of this place. You can visit this fantastic estate and go on a guided tour of the property, which we highly recommend.

Outdoor activities

The area is filled with magical scenery and beautiful places to hike through and enjoy what nature gave us! There are many spots perfect for picnics. You can combine multiple activities and go for a hike through the Lake of the Woods, searching for the best place to have a picnic and enjoy some of the local wines. It’s a lovely place to live in, and it is excellent for retirement because of the variety of outdoor activities.

Senior man looking through binoculars, showing why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea
There are plenty of different outdoor activities to do in Orange County.

Farmer’s Markets

If you like cooking, you will love farmer’s markets in Orange County. In the spring, you can forget about canned goods in your pantry and replace them with fresh ones. Since the area is rich with fields, most of the products you find on farmer’s markets are locally produced. Moreover, the products are as fresh as they can be. These markets are also a great place to meet new people that share your passion. You can exchange some recipes or ideas with them! If you arent into cooking, but you love gardening, you will think that you are in heaven when you visit the farmer’s markets. Many people sell a wide variety of different plants and beautiful flowers for you to enjoy. Gardening is a great hobby to take up when you move to Orange County.

Moving to Orange County VA after you retire

Orange County has a lot of very popular and high-quality places for retirees. It’s not only due to the slow pace of life but also nature and the fantastic weather. The county also offers excellent healthcare availability and affordability. The most desirable places for retirees are the ones that are near the amenities of big cities and with the best medical facilities. If you seek good value for your money, Orange County offers some of the most affordable property prices in the state, including the properties in senior communities. When moving as a retiree, you must get the assistance you can completely rely on and trust. The movers you hire will handle all of your belongings and take care of the complete process. This will make your move less stressful, and you will be able to enjoy Orange County right away!

Gazebo near a lake
Moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is an excellent idea if you like peaceful places!

In conclusion

The county is an amazing place to move to after retirement. With this many activities and incredible scenery, it is probably one of the best places to move to the USA. Orange County is ideal if you want to live in a small town with a country feel. Moreover, you can find multiple senior communities in Orange County. And if you are still unsure why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea, come for a visit and 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

1319 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods VA 22508 now SOLD by the Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

You will absolutely fall in love with 1319 Lakeview Pkwy, even better than new at only 3 years young! There’s no need to wait for new construction! You are welcomed by a spacious front porch that is perfect for enjoying company or relaxing with your favorite beverage. Once inside, you will first notice the gleaming hardwood floors, a living room featuring cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace for those cool nights, and an abundance of natural light. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, an island, as well as an eat-in area with easy access to the sunroom. The openness will make entertaining a breeze! The sought-after split bedroom design, an expansive owner’s suite featuring a walk-in closet, access to the sunroom, a large en-suite bath with a soaking tub to melt the day away, and beautiful tile work. The upper-level bedroom suite boasts a spacious bedroom, living room/flex space and full bath. The private level yard that backs to trees and is perfect for cookouts with family and friends.

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 $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.

Orange County Chamber of Commerce – June Business of the Month: Dogwood Village

 Dogwood Village was presented with the Chamber’s June Business of the Month award on Thursday, May 27th.

Dogwood Village has accomplished an amazing task since March of 2020 as residents have remained COVID-19 free throughout the pandemic. As you can imagine, this was not an easy task while the county positivity rate climbed higher and higher and healthcare facilities were reporting new cases daily near the facility. As we were facing many challenges with obtaining PPE, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products we knew that we could not fall victim to this horrible disease. We quickly found ways to get what we needed and educated staff on protecting themselves and the residents. Screening, testing, and travel restrictions were initiated, and staff worked diligently to keep the residents safe.
 

As the information was shared about COVID-19 restrictions in long-term care and assisted living facilities, the community began offering support to both residents and staff. We were blessed with many generous contributions of food, face masks, cards, letters and hand sanitizer. Family members, residents and staff were made aware of CMS, CDC and VDH recommendations as everyone worked together to keep the facility COVID-19 free. Residents were reassured as they were able to communicate with family and friends with window visits, facetime as well as visitation booths despite the restrictions.

Throughout the pandemic, staff and residents were provided education on appropriate infection control practices to include social distancing, appropriate PPE and hand sanitizing as well as the importance of daily screening. Testing for COVID-19 was instrumental in identifying any individual who could have possibly been exposed to the virus. Weekly meetings were held to collaborate on matters as changes were made in the protocol for healthcare facilities. All departments worked together to assure that residents were not only safe but that their physical and emotional needs were a priority. Compassionate care visits were offered for those residents who were nearing the end of life as well as those who were struggling with emotional distress related to the lack of family support and recent losses.
   

The teamwork has been truly amazing as well as the dedication by staff to stay well in order to care for the residents. We are blessed to have leadership who went the extra mile to obtain needed resources needed to combat this disease. Thankfully, visitation has been reinstated allowing family and friends to visit residents both indoors and outside. The vaccine has also given us hope for normalcy once again. We all pray that our residents and staff stay well as we remain diligent with our efforts to keep our residents COVID-19 free.
    

Dogwood Village Health and Rehabilitation was selected as one of America’s best nursing homes for 2021 by Newsweek and global data research firm Statista. The rankings identified the top 400 facilities across 20 states. Dogwood was ranked in the top 10 facilities for Virginia and is one of the 7 percent of the facilities in the state where residents remain COVID-19 free.120 Dogwood Lane,Orange, VA 22960(540) 672-2611
https://www.dogwoodvillageocva.org/

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

Chairish $2,500 Small Business Award

Welcome to the Chairish Small Business Award

Chairish is offering an award to support small business owners from diverse backgrounds whose businesses are in a design-related field. We will grant one $2,500 award to one deserving business.

Applications open April 1, 2021 at 12:00 a.m(PST)
Deadline: September 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m(PST)
Eligibility:
Applicants must be 18 years or older and the company must be owned by a U.S. citizen and incorporated in the United States. The business must be in the design field, defined as interior design; graphic design; industrial design; architecture; landscape design; or fashion design. The business must be an early-stage business, meaning you have launched in the past 12 months and are working to grow a customer base; or a growth-stage business, meaning you launched over 12 months ago and are working to scale your operations. The business must not exceed over $1 million in revenue, annually.

How to Apply

Chairish is offering a $2,500 award to one small business owner(s). Candidates must:

  1. Meet the minimum eligibility requirements and complete the application for the award by the application deadline.
  2. Provide up to a 500-word statement describing how you would use the funds to support your business.
  3. Design a “mood board” via Pinterest of your ideal workspace using Chairish products and provide the link to your board.

Interested in applying? Click here.

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

LicataLive! at 11AM, Every Tuesday on Facebook! (Archived 2021-2022)

Join us every Tuesday at 11 AM EST on our Facebook page for Licata Live,

where you can ask questions to different members of our team every week!

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

May 2021 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Stats

In May, 24 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
1 sold between $130-199,999;
1 sold between $200-249,999;
3 sold between $250,000-299,999;
8 sold between $300-349,999;
6 sold between $350,000-399,999;
1 sold between $400-599,999;
1 home sold over $500,000.; 1 home sold over $600,000;
1 home sold over $700,000; 1 home sold over $800,000;
1 home sold over $900,000!

14 Active Listings for Sale
52 Homes Under Contract
135 Homes Sold since January 1, 2021.

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

The Top 4 Questions to Ask When Buying a Home with a Pool

Key Takeaways:

  • Pools are a highly coveted amenity, and having one of your own comes with quite a few perks.
  • Want to know the ins and outs of pool ownership? We’ve outlined some must-ask questions that every homebuyer should consider.
  • No matter what kind of home you’re looking to buy, you can always reach out to us for advice—give us a call to start your next chapter!

Here Are the Questions You Need to Ask Before Buying a Home with a Pool

If you’re in the market for a new home, a pool might be at the top of your wishlist—and having one comes with quite a few health, entertaining, and financial benefits! However, before you commit to buying a home with this luxurious feature, there are some questions you might want to ask first.

Want to learn the ins and outs of buying a home that comes with a pool? Here’s everything you need to know. 

What are the most common types of pools?

Pool with deck and chairs

Generally, most pools fall into two categories: above-ground and in-ground. Above-ground pools cost less to maintain and are statistically safer. However, in-ground pools blend into your yard’s natural landscape, and because they’re permanent, they may increase your home’s value over time. 

Pools can also be subdivided into a number of other categories based on their materials (fiberglass, concrete, etc.), the type of water (fresh or saltwater), and styles (lap pools, infinity pools, or spas). It’s best to do plenty of research in advance and ask your agent for more details on a home’s pool.

What should I know about pool maintenance?

Cleaning a pool

In most cases, pools cost around $100 or more each month to maintain and can require an hour of work per week depending on the season. However, this number varies based on your location and whether or not you use a professional service.

As a pool owner, you’ll be responsible for cleaning any debris, adding pool chemicals, as well as maintaining the pump and filter. You may also want to periodically test pH levels, vacuum your pool, and use cleaners to shock the water.

Over time, your pool will require more expensive maintenance, especially if a part goes bad or there’s a problem with the overall structure. If you have any concerns, your agent can be a helpful resource as you weigh the pros and cons.

Should I worry about pool safety?

If you plan on having children or pets near your pool, you want to ensure that it has the latest safety features. Fencing, mesh covers, and pool alarms add another layer of protection for all ages. If a pool doesn’t already have these upgrades, you’ll want to factor in the cost of adding them. More costly gadgets—such as alarms and fences—will set you back a few hundred dollars. 

Will home inspectors check a pool?

Checking a pool's chemical levels

Home inspectors almost always check a pool during their evaluation. However, if they aren’t well-versed in the specifics of pool maintenance, they may miss some critical issues. If you have any in-depth questions about a pool’s condition, hire a professional pool inspector before the closing. They’ll go beyond a general checklist and give you a thorough look at any problems a pool might have. Most pool inspectors will also provide an itemized list of potential repairs that can help you negotiate the final price of a home.

Want to know some of the most common red flags inspectors might point out? Be wary of any cracks in the pool’s interior, foul-smelling or off-color water, clogged filters, or broken equipment. 

Ready to Have Some Fun in the Sun?

Pools can require some effort and money to maintain, but you simply can’t beat the benefits of having your own swimming space. If you’re dreaming of buying a home with a pool, we’d love to help you track down your perfect place! Just give us a call to get started—we look forward to working with you!

Selling a home with a pool? Contact us to learn more about getting top-dollar in no time at all.

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