Archives: August 2021

Here’s How Shopping Small Can Earn You Big Profits

Key Takeaways:

  • When it comes to selling your home, supporting local businesses is one of the most profitable decisions you can make.
  • Local businesses love to give back to their communities, which can increase your home’s value over time.
  • We’ve worked with the most reputable businesses around—contact us today, and we’ll pass along our professional recommendations!

Use Local Businesses as Your Home-Selling Sidekicks

When it comes to selling your home, supporting local businesses can be one of the most profitable decisions you make. Instead of calling upon big-name chains, you can utilize homegrown service providers to save money and make sure the job gets done right. Investing in local businesses has been proven to increase a community’s real estate values—besides, there’s no better return on your investment than a genuine “thank you” from a neighbor!

For every $100 spent at small businesses, this much stays in the community…

Local service provider

Small businesses tend to reinvest in their local economies more than chains do, which is great news for homeowners and potential sellers. Plus, small business owners typically work, play, and live in the same communities as their storefronts—so they care more about seeing their hometowns thrive.

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies found that communities with successful small businesses see property values increase by 50 percent on average. And with home prices appreciating, neighborhoods can benefit from attracting new business investments to spark economic growth. According to research done by The Alliance, $68 stays in the community for every $100 spent at local businesses.

Shopping small provides hyper-local services

Working at the office

Think of shopping local like a community-wide networking event—you strengthen your connections by spreading the word about your positive experiences at businesses in the area. And if you want to know the best providers around, you can just ask your real estate agent. Your local agent doubles as your go-to reference for the most reputable nearby businesses.

Selling your home is a hyper-local experience, one in which you can benefit from partnering with the most convenient local business of them all: your real estate agent. As a small business ourselves, we understand the importance of supporting local and giving back to the community, which is why we only recommend our best business partners to our clients.

Here’s why hiring local service providers is the strategic choice

Laying sod

When you decide to list your property, there’s most likely going to be some projects that need to be completed—things like renovations and repairs, staging for showings, and general maintenance should all be at the top of your to-do list. Hiring homegrown service providers is the strategic choice when it comes to selling your home. Not only will you be guaranteed great service, but you may even receive discounted rates. When real estate agents repeatedly refer their clients to local businesses, companies sometimes provide lower rates in return.

Invest in small businesses to increase your home value

Florist preparing a bouquet

Wondering which local businesses you should take advantage of when listing your home? Hire a landscaper to spruce up your curb appeal, use a local painter to incorporate a more neutral color palette, or contact a local handyman for repairs. Want to get the inside of your home showing-ready? Your agent can recommend a top-notch florist for a bouquet of local blooms. That’s the thing about shopping small—the owners have local expertise and will go the extra mile to make sure their clients are happy!

Want to Increase Your Home Value?

It’s simple—when you invest in local businesses, those companies turn back around and invest in your community, which increases your home value! It’s hard to fully understand the positive impact of shopping local, but it becomes easier when you see your property value rise over time.

We’ve worked with the best businesses in our community, and we know they would love to play a part in your real estate dreams. Just tell us what services you need, and we’ll send our professional recommendations your way!

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.

1006 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508 now RENTED!

Welcome to 1006 Lakeview Pkwy! One level living close to the front gate and Harper’s Ferry beach. You will love the spacious family room with a fireplace for those chilly nights. The kitchen boasts oodles of cabinets, counter space, a center island, and access to the deck. Enjoy relaxing on the deck with your favorite beverage. Immediate Occupancy. Credit scores to apply need to be 600 or above!

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.

Basket Weaving 102 in Culpeper, Virginia

Join Nancy Kochli on Saturday, August 21st as she provides instructions on how to weave a FUNCTIONAL market basket. Customize your basket to stand out at the farmers market, your next picnic, or just to showcase in your home. In addition, you will learn how to modify your basket pattern to create other baskets of various sizes and even how to stain it. You will leave with the ability to apply your newly learned skills to future basket-weaving projects! It is recommended that you wear comfortable old clothes, as there will be soaking of the reeds, and you may get wet during this process.

This event will begin at 10AM and be over by 3pm and will take place at the CCPRD Community Room at address 303 N. Main St, Culpeper VA 22701.

This beginner-level class does not require prior weaving experience, although it can be helpful. Materials will be provided, but you will be required to bring some tools with you to class. Tickets are $65 per person, along with the required tool list, can be purchased and found here.

Hurry and RSVP your seat because as of 08/13/21, there were only 5 openings remaining for this class! The last day to register will be August 19th or when tickets are sold out, whichever occurs first.

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.

A modern house covered in windows with wooden elements and a beautiful green lawn in front of it.

How to Boost the Selling Price of Your Condo

Buying a property is both a big hassle and excitement, but selling one is too. If you’ve been thinking of selling your home and upgrading to a larger place, it’s essential to make arrangements and have a prepared checklist to follow. Since buying a house is one of the most important steps in one’s life, you should look for ways of getting a higher profit moving forward. After all, the goal of any property investment is to increase its value if you eventually decide to sell. So, if you are wondering how to boost the selling price of your Condo, stay tuned.

What are things that increase the value of homes?

Fortunately, there are a variety of home improvements that help in boosting the value of the property you want to sell. In addition, you can follow simple and low-cost tips and tricks to sell your house for a more significant profit. For example, you can use your social media to attract potential buyers. Engaging and creative social media content is low-cost or free (if you get self-educated), and can bring in many viewers to your property.

On the other hand, some serious investments and upgrades will definitely pay off. Therefore, we covered both areas to help you choose which improvements work best for you and your Condo.

How to boost the selling price of your Condo low-cost

Although the tips you are about to see are low-cost, they will make a massive difference in how your property looks. Therefore, following these tips will increase its value. Some of our top budget-friendly home improvements that increase the value of a home are:

  • deep cleaning
  • painting
  • adding a curb appeal
  • fixture changing
  • staging the property

Do a proper cleaning

A clean and tidy home will get you the best possible price. This step counts for both inside and outside.

Firstly, focus on all the commonly used and visible places, but remember to pay attention to the hidden corners you can’t always see. For example, get behind the fridge or stove and move the furniture to clean what lies underneath.

Another thing to count in this step is decluttering, which also goes a long way. Remove your personal possessions and family photos, remove the keys and medicine from the counters and make everything depersonalized and tidy.

Add a fresh coat of paint

Painting your walls is an easy DIY project that you can do on a limited budget. A fresh coat of paint makes any place look modern, fresh, and appealing.

how to boost the selling price of your apartment is by giving it a fresh coat of paint while having the right painting equipment
You will be amazed by what difference a fresh coat of paint can make.

In addition, before giving your walls a new look, you should examine them for any visible signs of damage. These small improvements will make your Condo look brand new without many innovations.

Change the fixtures

A simple and sometimes neglected house innovation that definitely counts is the fixtures. You will add a new dimension to the place by replacing the doorknobs and cabinet handles, light switch covers, and light fixtures. 

Stage your Condo

This step includes decluttering, which we mentioned earlier, and proper furniture arrangements. Don’t forget the amount of furniture is also crucial since you don’t want the place to feel cramped. Also, remember to make each room functional, which helps potential buyers imagine themselves in their new home.

Moderate and high-cost tips

Since the number of homes for sale is increasing, you want to make sure you make yours stand out. Investing a moderate or high sum of money in some of these renovations will undoubtedly add significant value to your property. So, if you are wondering how to boost the selling price of your Condo, these are the tips:

  • windows or door change
  • change of flooring
  • kitchen or bath updates
  • property renovation

Change doors or windows

Apart from the stylish looks, new doors and windows can make your home more energy-efficient, eventually leading to affordable household running costs. 

Installing new doors or windows can help reduce noise, allow more natural light to come in, and help lower heating and cooling bills.

Replace the flooring

Another thing buyers will look at is the flooring, even if it sounds strange. 

a kitchen with an island table in the middle and high chairs on a wooden flooring
More carpets are being replaced with wooden flooring.

Hardwood floors are the all-time favorite. Any potential buyer will expect the flooring to be contemporary, durable, clean, and stylish. Therefore, it would be a good investment if you have the finances and time. 

It would also be a good idea to use the renovation period for your own relocation. After all, you don’t want to be living in a home you are trying to sell while having to pack and having repairmen in it. To avoid the chaos every moving season brings, it would be good to plan your relocation process and find the best crew for the job. This way, seasonal movers will ensure everything goes smoothly and nothing is slowing down your relocation.

Kitchen or bath updates

The kitchen and bathrooms are known to leave the biggest impressions on home buyers. After all, these are the most widely used rooms and should create a good impression.

A clutter-free white kitchen with a large white island
How to boost the selling price of your Condo is by investing in kitchen renovations.

You can change the hardware, the countertops, and the flooring in your kitchen to make it look flawless and brand new. Of course, buying new appliances would also be a good idea.

In the bathroom, you can change the toilet, the sink, or the bathtub. If the place allows, you can consider adding a shower too. Even changing the room layout will spruce up any bathroom.

Complete renovation

The step that requires the most significant investment and will definitely help increase the selling prices is a complete renovation of your Condo. By completely redoing it, it will have a modern design and materials, which will definitely be more appealing to your buyers.

Conclusion on how to boost the selling price of your Condo

When the time comes to sell, these home improvements will definitely answer your question of how to boost the selling price of your Condo. Remember to do your research, get answers to any of your questions, and invest in a way that will ensure you profit.

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.

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/exterior-of-modern-house-with-glass-doors-and-panoramic-windows-7031607/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-and-dining-area-1080721/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-island-and-barstools-534151/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-art-creative-wall-5799100/

culpeper virginia event

Downtown Culpeper, Virginia’s 3rd Thursday Concerts Return!

The 3rd Thursdays are the new Fridays in Culpeper (at least during their Summer Concerts, brought to you by the Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.)! The first event is to start on Thursday, August 19th with The Reflex an 80s tribute band. They will offer a full-on retro experience with a diverse setlist of “MUST PLAY” 80s tunes.

Thursday, September 16th will feature a HIGH-energy show from En’Novation Band. They are a Richmond-based band with extremely well-seasoned singers and musicians, totaling decades of experience for your ears listening pleasure! They will be sure to light up the stage, so grab your dancing shoes, you won’t want to miss this performance.

Advanced tickets are $10 per concert and are available for purchase at various locations in Culpeper including Pepperberries (102 East Davis St), Museum of Culpeper History (113 South Commerce St.), and Oak View National Bank (405 James Madison Hwy). General admission will be available to purchase the day of the event, although a cost was not listed on their site. Kids will be FREE!

Pets and coolers WILL NOT be allowed, but picnic baskets are encouraged! Delicious food from Asian Taste, Burnt End BBQ, and Moo Thru Ice Cream will be on hand to satisfy your hunger, should the mood arise. There will be a kids’ corner with lawn games for the younger concert crowd. For more info about this event, contact Culpeper Renaissance at 540-825-4416 or visit their website 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 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.

downtown culpeper virginia event

Downtown Culpeper, Virginia First Fridays = Merchants Open Late!

On the First Friday of each month from August – November 2021 the Downtown Culpeper shops will be open later for your extended shopping pleasure! Take a stroll around downtown Culpeper during this time, and enjoy live music, special sales, sip ‘n shop, tastings, artists, and so much more! What does this mean? Certain shops will be staying open late and offering different complimentary tastings of wine or other beverages while you shop! Various shops will offer discounted shopping and giveaways. Le Monkey House, Taste Oil Vinegar Spice, Vinosity, Honey Bee Home, and many others will be participating; visit here for a printable merchant shopping list for the month of August! To see the updated monthly list, click here. What a great time to explore downtown Culpeper and support your local small business owner shops!

First Fridays are brought to you by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc.

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.

shanandoah national park

Life in Orange County, VA

Orange County is one of Virginia’s most spectacular and desirable places to live, work, and play. This makes it a true hidden gem. Many of its industries are fueled by the abundant and diversified natural resources it possesses. These natural resources also inspire and cultivate many of the recreations and arts. Its illustrious past is widely displayed and cherished all around the county. Overall, there are numerous aspects of Orange County that appeal to residents and people considering relocating to the area. The peaceful way of life and friendly hometown feel – with its combination of modern conveniences, easy accessibility to work, health and public services, education, recreation, holiday destinations, and areas of interest – locally and nationally – is generally what people are drawn to. But before moving here, you should learn what life in Orange County, VA is really like.

The story of OC

Established in 1734, OC’s story is a very authentic American tale. Since it’s so rich in intellectual and agricultural gifts, its natives and immigrants have found a way to sow the seeds of sovereignty and innovation all the way from their niche in the Blue Ridge foothills. Life in Orange County had blossomed. It’s now a cradle of American patriotism. It has been so from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and the creation of the Constitution. 

The sense of belonging in Orange County is incredible. It’s a community where the past is abundantly present, whether you’re strolling down tree-lined boulevards in the downtowns or visiting Montpelier to learn about America’s foundations.

Is Orange County a good place to live?

The question of whether living in Orange County will be a good experience for you or not is an important one. However, it’s a really subjective one as well. You need to be the one to call the shots and see what feels right. Nevertheless, there are always some facts that you can take into consideration. Something that people often wonder about before relocating to OC is whether there are any fun things to do there. Let’s see.

  • You can stay in period cottages.
    This isn’t only a great way to spend your time during your life in OC; it’s also an opportunity to get to know it before moving. Staying in one of the many available period cottages is a great way to get a true sense of the country’s rustic spirit.
  • Try the local brews and wines.
    Of course, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Orange County, Virginia, is to sample the local drinks.
  • Historical sights.
    There are plenty of incredible historical sights you’ll be able to visit once you relocate to OC. To name a few, there are Christ Episcopal Church, Barboursville Ruins, James Madison’s Montpelier, and many more.

Moving here to experience life in Orange County, VA

If you’re making the decision to relocate to Orange County, there’s a lot that you need to think about. Especially if you’re leaving behind a great place like DC, hiring a long-distance moving company and taking the planning process seriously is a must. However, if you really want to leave DC to live here, a bit of hard work shouldn’t stop you. Dive into this process all in, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your new life in Orange County in no time.

Look for the best spot

A great way to make your life in OC interesting, enjoyable, and satisfactory is to choose the perfect neighborhood for you. Luckily, finding the best neighborhood in a place like Orange County is rarely a problem. You have various choices to go through. These are some neighborhoods you must check out!

  • Gordonsville
  • Lake of the Woods
  • Orange

Once you’ve settled on a choice, make sure to do more thorough research and visit the place a couple of times before deciding to live there.

Alt-tag: A woman typing on her laptop researching neighborhoods to live in Orange County.
There are some great neighborhoods in Orange County that you can research and move to.

Find suitable movers

Of course, there can’t be a proper relocation without a trustworthy moving company. Before you even start to plan the move, make sure to find movers that will make your move go smoothly and without fuss. Pairing up with A2B Moving and Storage or similarly reputable companies would not only mean having partners that’ll help you relocate and store your items, but you’ll also have trustworthy advisors.

The climate in the OC

Orange County has four different seasons. The residents and visitors enjoy it alike. Orange County is located east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is part of Virginia’s Piedmont Climate Region. The average January temperature is 27-47 degrees, and the average July temperature is 68-88 degrees. At around 43 inches per year, the average precipitation is the second highest of Virginia’s five climate areas. Mid-late October is when the nice weather is at its greatest. The region’s growing season is long enough, at 182 days, to allow a variety of crops to mature properly.

Alt-tag: Clouds with sunshine passing through them.
The weather in Orange County can be pretty multifaceted, so be careful and always check the reports.

Purchasing a house in OC

If life in Orange County, VA sounds exciting, make sure to organize everything that’s supposed to wait for you there before you make the relocation. For example, one of the most important aspects of living somewhere is having a roof over your head. Luckily for you, purchasing a home in Virginia is often a very positive experience. There are many advantages to buying a house here. This makes life in Orange County even more desirable. Because of their popularity, most vacation properties have maintained their value and will most likely continue to do so. The taxes to income ratio is a pretty positive one if compared to surrounding places. Buying a vacation home in Orange County is also a great investment, especially if you’re planning on retiring there.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/clouds-1431822/
https://unsplash.com/photos/DUmFLtMeAbQ
https://unsplash.com/photos/NAI9562qUDM
https://unsplash.com/photos/Dio9lld0JyE

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 virginia restaurant week

Orange County, Virginia Restaurant Week is August 20 – 29th!

Have you been waiting to try a certain restaurant in Orange County, Virginia? Maybe the timing wasn’t right, or you weren’t sure where to start- we’ll now is the perfect time to start planning!

Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Tourism, and LoveOrangeVirginia are celebrating their 2nd annual restaurant week. There are so many amazing local restaurants and culinary talent in Orange County, it’s their time to show them off, so everyone can give them a try! Participating restaurants will have a pre-fixed menu to select dishes from (typically an appetizer, entrée, and dessert) so you may truly try a bit of everything on their menu. What a wonderful opportunity to try something new from one of your favorite restaurants or find another new favorite!

Participating restaurants include, but are NOT limited to Bella Cusina, Vintage, Provisions, La Naranja, El Vaquero West, Clearwater, Krecek Kakes! There are more being added each week, check out the most up-to-date and complete list here. If you are a restaurant owner and would like to participate, learn more here.

Orange County, VA Economic Development wants to encourage people to support our local restaurants and is offering a chance to win a $25 gift card to an Orange County eatery of your choice for participating! Visit here for more details on how to win the gift card!

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.

Adult Beer & Pretzel Fundraiser for LOW Pools!

The LOWS Pools Committee is hosting an adult beer & pretzel fundraiser on Saturday, August 28th. The fun is scheduled to start at 7pm and end by 10pm at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse pool!

The entry fee of $20 covers 1 individual and includes 2 glasses of beer and snacks. Additional beer may be purchased for $5 per glass. Tickets must be purchased in advance online here by August 25! Rain make-up date will be September 3rd and lifeguards will be on duty!

Support the LOW Pools Committee raising funds for Snack bar Shades! There will be live music, line dancing, and a 50/50 raffle drawing, so tell your friends, save the date and buy your tickets!

This event is sponsored by F.L.O.W (Friends of 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.

July 2021 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics

In July, 30 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
0 sold between $130-199,999;
1 sold between $200-249,999;
5 sold between $250,000-299,999;
8 sold between $300-349,999;
9 sold between $350,000-399,999;
3 sold between $400-499,999;
1 homes sold over $500,000; 2 home sold between $700,000-$900,000;
1 home sold over $1million!

40 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
49 Homes Under Contract
206 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