Archives: March 2022

216 Battlefield Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 NOW SOLD by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC

Welcome to 216 Battlefield Road! If you are looking for a bright, quiet home with open spaces, you will love this one! A very well taken care of home, it offers abundant natural lighting and gorgeous hardwood floors throughout. You walk into a open floor plan with the dining room and living room combined with skylights in the vaulted ceiling and a gas fireplace. The large kitchen boasts plentiful counter tops and cabinets with a sunroom with access to the brand new patio/deck. The owner’s suite and en-suite bath will satisfy your need to relax in the soaking tub, stall shower with an additional walk-in closet. Above the garage is a bedroom with skylights and arched ceiling so it’s a perfect, quiet flex space. The level yard is beautifully landscaped all the way around with a raised vegetable garden already to provide yummy veggies! This home is one not to miss!

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 $200,000+ 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.

208 Musket Ln, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 Home Now SOLD by Licata Group EXP Real Estate Advisors!

Welcome to 208 Musket Lane! Step into this rustic and quaint open floor plan with updated luxury vinyl flooring throughout. The open concept floor plan of the living room/dining room/kitchen makes living easy! Entertaining will be fun with the abundance of space for bar stools at the large scale counter top. Enjoy the comfort of the sunroom with sliding windows to let the breeze flow in. The spacious bedrooms provide all the roominess you need. There is plenty of room in the laundry room for storage in the built-in shelves and a tool bench. Make sure to check out the oversized two car garage and expansive driveway in back! Perfect house for anyone! Stop in at our Open House or schedule a tour TODAY!

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 $200,000+ 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.

0 Ada Rd, Marshall, Virginia 20115 NOW, SOLD! by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Looking for a private, quiet piece of land in picturesque Virginia? This lot is perfect for building your dream home of up to 6 bedrooms! Close to some of Virginia’s wineries, shopping, seasonal festivals, you will have the ease of stay-castions or touring the many events the area offers. The sky is the limit in this perfect location!

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.

Why Orange County, VA is Perfect for Families

It takes a lot of responsibility to pick a perfect destination for your family. Even if you and your partner have just gotten married and plan to relocate, choosing a family-friendly location might be on your mind. A new home should be suitable for your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences. And when a move involves more family members, these criteria seem to expand. The State of Virginia is becoming more and more popular these days, with one of its counties standing out. Orange County, VA is perfect for families – and this guide will tell you all the reasons why. Let’s see if this is where you start looking for a new home with your loved ones.

Orange County, VA basic information 

Firstly, let’s get to know this county better before we point out all its family-friendly features. Orange County is located in the Central Piedmont region of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its seat is located in Orange, a small town of about 5,000 residents. The county itself has a population of about 36,000, which seems to be just enough for a family-friendly lifestyle many parents are looking for. But, what’s so special about this country and why it’s perfect for those moving with a family?

Reasons Orange County, VA is family-friendly 

Choosing a place where your family can thrive and enjoy life and be safe and peaceful is challenging these days. Orange Country seems to fit that description, and it’s often chosen by families to be their new home. And both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors consider this area to be the perfect family-friendly zone. 

You can have all the peace you want 

The peaceful, laid-back lifestyle their residents lead is the main thing people notice about towns in Orange County. Those who currently live in a big city probably want to get away from all the hustle and bustle, and Orange County may just be the place to go. The small-town atmosphere brings the feeling of safety and belonging, making it easy to raise kids. People know each other in these small communities, which can be very beneficial in these challenging years of being a parent of young kids.

Access to nature 

Spending time close to nature and away from all the technologies seems to be a luxury in today’s world. Well, it’s a common thing in Orange County, which is such a benefit when it comes to raising kids. To enjoy the natural scenery and fresh air whenever you want often feels precious. Visit the Lake of the Woods and find a place to have a picnic with your loved ones, and you’ll understand why this is the right place to be.

Reminder: spending a day in nature is not the only thing you can do here. There are different activities you can try out and have fun after moving to Orange County. 

a deer in grass
Kids love nature and animals – let them be close as much as possible.

Less traffic 

Orange County communities are relatively small, which results in fewer cars and less traffic. This makes the place a lot safer for kids and ensures parents spend less time in traffic. It’s easier to go to work, go shopping and reach the main airports in the area. People here use cars for longer commutes but like to get around on foot and practice a healthy lifestyle.

parents teaching a girl to ride a bike and showing that Orange County, VA is perfect for families
Being able to ride a bike without running away from traffic makes Orange County, VA perfect for families.

Where to move – top places in Orange County, VA

After you’re sure that Orange County, VA is perfect for your family, it’s time to research the best places to move. Some of the popular locations include: 

  • Orange – located close to Charlottesville, the area is filled with small businesses, and most of the residents are people with kids or retirees. Good-quality schools attract more and more parents every year;
  • Lake of the Woods – many parks, two pools, and great schools make this place one of the perfect options for those moving with kids;
  • Gordonsville is the best place for those looking for a small American town charm and real suburban feel. Moreover, if you are thinking about buying a vacation home in Virginia, this area might be the perfect place for doing so. 

Moving to Orange County, VA with your family – how to do it stress-free?

Packing and moving an entire household along with your kids may seem too big of a challenge for parents. That’s why you need to be ahead of it and plan this move in a way that predicts all the potential issues so you can have the smoothest relocation ever. Undoubtedly, the focus of this move should be safety. Unfortunately, many things can go wrong during relocation. Thus, it’s easy to understand that children are your primary concern as you won’t have a task that’s more important than keeping your kids safe on moving day.

Do as much as you can in advance 

Moving house is a process that consists of so many steps related to packing, cleaning, documentation, etc. The easiest way to have a stress-free moving day is to plan everything ahead of time and do as many tasks as possible long before the big day comes. Make a list to keep track of all the tasks that await and tick them off as you finish.

Have a team you can trust 

The moving business has grown a lot, which led to an increased number of unprofessional and even fraudulent companies. Experienced movers such as Excalibur Moving and Storage have experience with customers who have learned a thing or two about moving scams the hard way, so they recommend you research the companies in detail before making the final choice. Compare their services and fees, explore their website and read the reviews. Finally, see if you can get a recommendation from someone you trust and hire a team that will help you relocate easily.

Include your kids 

Depending on the age of your children, this move can be more or less complicated. However, try to include them in the process by talking about the move, asking them to help with the packing, and having a vote in making certain decisions. Appreciating their opinion will help them feel important, valued, and more willing to help you out as a result.

a family playing in moving boxe
Moving doesn’t need to be stressful and overwhelming – include the kids and make it fun.

So, do you agree that Orange County, VA is perfect for families? We believe you do – start exploring this area and look for an ideal home where you can make new memories with your loved ones.

Images Used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-couple-looking-at-their-son-inside-the-box-7415039/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-deer-756758/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-standing-beside-his-wife-teaching-their-child-how-to-ride-bicycle-1128318/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-walking-on-path-1682497/

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.

125 Macon Dr, Stafford Virginia 22554 Townhouse SOLD by the Licata Group Exp Realty LLC!

Welcome to 125 Macon Drive! This gorgeous, well maintained townhome is filled with lots of natural light and beautiful new vinyl plank flooring and carpeting. The entry level homes the one car garage, a half bath, a den and bonus room that leads out to the fenced in backyard with a tall privacy fence. Up on the second level boast a huge living space with a gas fireplace. The incredible spacious gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream! Gorgeous granite counter tops with a center island, 5 burner gas stove top range/oven with a built in microwave above, tons of counter space and cabinets with an ample eat in area. Right off the kitchen is the bright sunroom that leads you out to the deck. This level is open and will make entertaining and daily life a breeze! The spacious owner’s suite and generous en-suite bath are on the third level for all the quiet you deserve. Relax in the lovely soaking tub or walk into your stall shower.

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.

109 Battlefield Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD by the Licata Group Exp Real Estate Advisors!

Welcome to 109 Battlefield Road! You will love the open airy feel of this well cared for home! Step into the living room that boasts two skylights in the vaulted ceiling which offers wonderful natural lighting. The fireplace  and mantel provide that cozy feel and will bring out the decorator in you. The spacious kitchen with abundant counter space and cabinets will satisfy the chef and combined with the living room makes entertaining  a breeze! Enjoy the sliding glass door to access to the alluring screened in porch with all the finishing touches.  Formal dining room is adjacent to the living  room with a  beautiful bay window. The spacious owner’s suite with an adjoining sitting room is perfect for a home office,  with access via sliding glass door to the screened in porch. The en-suite bathroom with a walk-in tub, separate shower, commode room, walk-in closet and double sink, perfect to accommodate all your need for space. The second and third bedrooms are roomy and comfortable, but the fourth bedroom is one not to miss!

A separate stairwell leads you above the garage  to a fabulous fourth bedroom which will be a perfect, private flex space for a guest room, game room, office or anything you can imagination. This  home is definitely one not to miss! 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 high-$200,000s 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 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.

Oil and Gas Prices on the Rise: How It Changes Real Estate

Key Takeaways:

  1. Oil and gas prices are the highest in United States history!
  2. Individuals and families are shifting how they think about housing, from suburban versus urban to downsizing or going multigenerational.
  3. It’s critical to work with an agent who understands the right fit for you and your family.

Record-high oil and gas prices are changing home buying and selling

It’s difficult to escape the news: gas prices are surging across the nation, with the increase averaging $1 per gallon. With costs at historical highs, the ripple effect changes how we think about everything. That includes the largest line item on any household’s budget: their home. How will this new reality change how people buy and sell real estate? Let’s take a look at some of the main considerations.

Urban Versus Suburban

Person filling car with gasoline and check balance at the gas pump.

Traditional wisdom says that the suburbs are more affordable with their long commutes, while cities are expensive due to more amenities and desirability. But when the daily commute costs more than it ever has in the history of the country, the conventional advice isn’t necessarily the right move for everyone.

To judge whether relocating from the suburban to the urban is right for you, take a look at the commute time, proximity of local amenities, and public transportation. Some urban centers offer more robust and reliable options for getting around, while others are still heavily car-dependent. If moving into the city won’t get you out of your car, the suburbs are still a good choice. But big city living is an attractive option if you can reduce how often your family drives—or even go from a multi-car family to a single vehicle.

Reconsider Your Housing Footprint

Portrait of happy extended multigenerational family all together on sofa at home.

The size of a home is always a big consideration when you’re looking at your next place. Right now, there’s the added pressure of the costs of heating and cooling a home to consider when you think about total square footage. On average, the cost of natural gas is up 24% in February 2022 compared to the previous year, and electricity is up 9%.

Downsizing can be a smart reason to sell your home and buy a new one, especially if your family situation has changed and you don’t need as much space. With less to heat, cool, and maintain, finding a home that’s just the right size for the stage of life you’re in is something your agent can help you with.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, families started moving back in together at rising rates. Now, more than 40% of homebuyers consider multigenerational living in their purchasing decision.  New developments are dedicated to building homes and communities that accommodate people at different stages of their lives. And, if the family situation changes, being able to rent out a dedicated space is an excellent source of passive income.

Whether you’re looking to go small by yourself or go big and share the costs, homes that are renovated with energy-efficient appliances, or new construction with the latest smart home technologies, are especially attractive. These are smart decisions to make now that will also save you costs in the long run, even when oil and gas prices stabilize.

Act Fast to Lock in Interest Rates

House Model Near Percentage Sign With Keypad Lock Over Wooden Desk

Gas prices are tied closely to mortgage rates. Yep, it really does affect everything! Mortgage lenders want to have an extra cushion over inflation when they set rates, and with the rise of oil and gas prices, interest rates will get pushed up too. If you’re buying a home, it’s time to get serious about making offers. Higher mortgage rates will impact what you can afford.

For sellers, this can impact the white-hot housing market streak that was the dominant theme for the last few years. With interest rates set to rise, home sellers may want to be flexible about offers, in case the market shifts dramatically as interest rates go up throughout the remainder of the year. Of course, this varies widely by market, and you’ll want to consult your agent before making any decisions on offers on your home.

Make Your Move

There’s no time to wait—with the market changing this rapidly, you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to have options and make a well-informed decision. That’s why you need to work with an agent that understands the ups and downs of this historic market and considers the needs of you and your family. Contact us today to get started!

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.

Strangeways Brewing 3rd Annual Spring Market in Fredericksburg, Virginia!

Save the date for Saturday, April 9th from 12pm – 5pm as Strangeways Brewing (Located at: 350 Landsdowne Rd, Fredericksburg VA 22401) hosts their 3rd Annual Spring Market. They are currently looking for VENDORS to attend the market, so if you are food/dessert, arts & crafts, farmers, and more are welcome to join! They don’t allow duplicate vendors so you booth would be unique to this market space. Spots are 10×10 and cost $45 to participate as a vendor. This event is OUTDOORS and first come first serve for vendors! Contact: marjan@strangewaysbrewing.com to inquire about participating. Strangeways Brewing is a unique tasting room with over 36+ beers to choose from that is a family friendly environment and has a pet-friendly outdoor space with a motto of “think string, drink strange.”

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 Fourth of July Parade and Activities for Independence Day 2022!!!

It’s time to start planning for your Independence day celebration activities! Save the date for Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 for the Lake of the Woods’ Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration full of fun. What’s in store? Flag Ceremony, parade, activities on the point and of course, FIREWORKS!!!! Opening Ceremony is scheduled to being at 9:45AM at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse parking lot, followed by the parade from 10am to noon that will begin on Yorktown Blvd all the way to the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse parking lot. The point activities shall began at noon time and end around 4pm. To settle into the night, the Ski Club will perform their show at 6pm on the Clubhouse dock followed by Fireworks at Veterans dam that are scheduled to begin promptly at dark, approximately at 9:15am!

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.

Virginia Governor’s Cup® 2022 Held in Richmond, Virginia!

This celebration of 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup® is a one-of-a-kind, annual event that offers the unique opportunity to taste the best Virginia wines produced across the Commonwealth! There are 2 tiers of tickets available to purchase, general admission for $250/each or VIP for $600. The event is held in Richmond’s Main Street Station located at: 1500 E. Main St, Richmond VA 23219 on Thursday, March 24th from 4:30PM – 7:00PM. This is one of the most stringent competition in the US each year featuring world-class judges to sample hundreds of the best Virginia wines. The competition itself, is hosted by the Virginia Wineries Association and Best in Cider will be awarded for the second year. The highest 12-ranking red and white wines will become the Governor’s Cup® Case. There will be a silent auction held with proceeds going toward cancer research.

What does General Admission get you?
The opportunity to taste over 100 gold medal-winning wines from the 2022 Governor’s Cup® competition
Sample variety of small plates prepared by local chefs
Participate in an auction with proceeds going towards cancer research, hosted by the V Foundation
Witness the announcements of this year’s Governor’s Cup® Case, Cup & Best in Show Cider winners

What does VIP experience get you?

In additional to all the above with the general admission, VIP guests will receive entry to a fully catered VIP tasting lounge, including meet and greet with winning winemakers and special pours, intimate multi-course tasting menu for dinner paired with the 2022 winners wine, guided by the winemakers themselves!! Transportation will be provided! VIP experience will also include an exclusive winery passport with complimentary tastings for ticket holds and a guest at each of the Winning Wineries valid through 12/31/2022, and finally they will receive preferred seating during the awards reveal of the winners!!

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.