3 medium firm sweet apples, cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary plus additional for serving
Directions
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle the top of the chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken to the pan, top-side down. Let cook for 4 minutes, then flip and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees, 3 to 4 additional minutes. Remove to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
In a small bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the apple cider and mustard. With a paper towel, carefully wipe the skillet clean. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan over medium high. Once the oil is hot, add the apple slices, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes, until the apples are lightly tender and begin to turn golden. Return the chicken to the pan and pour the cider mixture over the top. Let cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half. Serve warm, sprinkled with additional chopped rosemary as desired.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
When your home is on the market, investing in simple improvements may be the key to attracting higher offers in a quicker time frame. However, if you have limited time and budget to work with, it can be difficult to identify which projects (if any) you should tackle. Here are a few ideas for easy home improvements that can typically be completed over the course of a weekend:
– Install new faucets, doorknobs, and cabinet or drawer pulls—particularly in the kitchen and bathrooms. While these items may seem insignificant, having outdated versions can quickly age your home and diminish its appeal to buyers. Fortunately, swapping out older hardware is a relatively easy and inexpensive solution.
– Paint or paper an accent wall. Accent walls with bold colors or designs can add character and dimension to any room. While rich paint colors that contrast to the rest of the room are always a great choice, you may also consider applying a self-adhesive wallpaper with an eye-catching pattern. Like a huge sticker, these wallpapers adhere easily to a primed and painted wall and can even be removed and reused elsewhere.
– Add some new light fixtures. Whether brightening a dark corner or serving as a centerpiece in your kitchen or dining room, a high-quality light fixture can bring an elegant, updated look to any room.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
For many people, the end of summer is associated with a sense of gloom. As children, it meant the last of the carefree days of summer and the start of another school year; as adults, we think of the return of cooler weather and the end of vacation season and other summer fun. Regardless of the reasons, the transition from summer to fall can feel a bit more melancholy than other seasonal shifts—but if you find yourself dreading it, there are several ways to stay ahead of the end-of-summer blues.
Here are a few ideas:
Reframe how you view the months ahead. While it may sound overly simplistic, shifting your mindset can be a powerful tool when it comes to avoiding negative feelings. Rather than thinking of the changing seasons as a loss of summer and all the joy it brings, focus on the things you love most about fall and those you won’t miss about summer.
Plan a trip. While summer is peak travel season for many people, there are countless destinations worth visiting at other times of year—and depending on the particular place, you may find more affordable rates and fewer crowds during the fall and winter months. At the very least, the excitement that comes with planning a trip can help extend the joy of summer as you transition into the autumn months.
Set new goals. Just as the beginning of a new year marks a time to evaluate your progress and set new objectives for what you want to achieve, the start of a new season can do the same. As fall approaches, consider what you can accomplish in the final quarter of the year, making sure to create space for goals related to self-care and things that bring you joy.
Increase your Vitamin D intake. As the days start getting shorter, it can be more difficult to get adequate Vitamin D from the sun—and a deficiency of this crucial nutrient can correlate to symptoms of depression. To stave off the negative effects, consider adding a Vitamin D supplement to your diet or investing in a light therapy lamp.
Embrace hygge. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” hygge is a Danish concept related to creating a cozy atmosphere. If you’re dreading the arrival of colder weather, working hygge into your life may help offset the negatives. For example, cultivate a cozy environment in your home by lighting candles, bringing out your softest sweaters and blankets, and stocking your pantry with your favorite teas and other warm beverages.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
Saturday and Sunday, August 20th and 21st Germmana Foundation is hosting an unique event. This is their second annual Historic Trades Weekend from 10am to 4pm at the Fort Germanna Visitor Center. There will be live demonstrations including surveying, blacksmithing, eel basket weaving, and more! While there is no cost to visit, a $10 donation will help the costs of the event. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase a ticket to win a private, behind-the-scenes experience of Germanna Foundation properties. This is a special tour to see either the Archaeology Facilities or Historic Salubria (Winner’s choice) for up to 6 people! WOW! What a deal, don’t miss out!
Saturday, September 24th will be Fort Germanna’s Public Access Day. The Germanna Foundation and Germanna Archaeology Program offer this unique opportunity to view archaeological excavations of this important colonial site. Don’t be scared to get a little dirt under your fingernails! Learn how Germanna has transformed since people lived and worked here during the first half of the 18th century. Watch archaeologists as they work and ask questions! All ages are welcome and there will be archaeology-related activities for all ages. Be sure to sign up for your free time slot, here!
Friday, October 21st, and Saturday, October 22nd, experience Salubria After Dark with scary stories for both the young and old alike to enjoy! This special evening will consist of several professional storytellers sharing their best spooktacular tales on the grounds of historic Salubria, Culpeper County’s oldest brick house that was built in 1757! Guests will be divided into 3 groups of 20 and will adventure to three different stops, greeted by a storyteller! The tour should last approximately 1 hour and is rain or shine! They do recommend this event for children ages 13 and up due to some of the story’s contents. Purchase tickets for Friday night’s event here and Sunday’s, here!
To become a member of the Germanna foundation or make donations, 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Close to the Vienna Metro station, this well-kept home has everything you need and is MOVE IN READY! A tri-level traditional home with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there is plenty of room for family & friends to create new memories with you! The spacious main level offers gorgeous hardwood floors, an easy flow to the bright eat-in kitchen with access to the back deck, and a fenced yard. Relax in the cozy family room with a brick fireplace. Just off the family room, step into a gorgeous sunroom and screened-in porch, perfect to relax and enjoy nature year round! Retreat to the quiet upper level for a spacious primary suite and bedrooms. The lower level with extra bedroom rooms/flex space and family room will be a favorite place for a game room, fitness room, you name it! In the huge full basement, you will have plenty of storage, and flex space, where ever your imagination will take you! A must-see! Schedule your tour today!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
You’re dreaming about running a business right from your home – but there’s only one glaring problem. You simply don’t have the space at your current property to accommodate a business. Therefore, upsizing for the sake of your entrepreneurial goals might be the right move. If you’re looking for a home where you can comfortably run your new business, The Licata Group can help you get the keys! Here are a few essential tips to guide you through the house hunting process, getting involved with your new community, and officially opening your business.
Home Features to Look For
Make a list of the features that you’re looking for in your new home. You might want an entire room that you could use as a home office, a garage, attic, or basement for storage space, or a patio where you could work outside on nice days. Perhaps you want to live in a walkable neighborhood so you can go for walks during your lunch breaks, and you’ll probably want to ensure that you’ll be able to get a fast internet connection in your new home.
Finding the Right Property
Next, it’s time to start your home search! Begin by picking out a real estate agent to guide you – Ownerly recommends checking out references from previous home buyers they’ve worked with. As you tour homes, take note of how much room you would really have for business storage and operations. Think about how noisy the surrounding area is, too – you don’t want to end up dealing with distractions throughout the workday!
Design Your Home Office
Whether you have a whole room for your home office, or you’ll simply be placing your desk in a quiet corner of your home, this space is yours to design and optimize. Simple Life recommends setting up a monitor stand on your desk for your computer, hanging shelves on your walls to create more storage options, using cups and mugs to hold pens and pencils, hanging documents, calendars, or various tools on a convenient peg board, and adding plenty of lighting to illuminate your space.
When it comes to decor, use your imagination! You can bring in some house plants for a soothing, natural touch, hang up your personal photography, or pick up interesting artwork from a local gallery or antique shop.
Get to Know Your Community
You’re settled in at your new home, and it’s time to start exploring your area! There’s plenty to see and do in Orange County, VA, from strolling through downtown Gordonsville to visiting the Civil War Medical Museum to checking out James Madison’s Montpelier. The area is also home to a thriving small business community, so try to patronize local entrepreneurs whenever possible – you never know when you’ll end up networking with someone who can give you valuable advice, or send some business your way!
Market Your Business
Now, you’re ready to advertise your business so that you can land your very first customers! You can start by launching a company website with some sleek infographics to highlight the benefits of your products and services. While you could budget for a graphic designer to get this project done, you could also create an infographic for free with a template instead. You’ll be able to personalize any template you choose with your own text, color scheme, and graphics.
The size of your home does not have to stop you from pursuing entrepreneurship. By upsizing with a larger property, you can chase your dreams and open a business. With these suggestions, you’ll be able to find a home with all of the square footage you need.
Ready to find a new home for your family and your business? The Licata Group can help make your dreams come true! Call today at 540-388-2541 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.
Summertime is most people’s favorite vacation period. Sometimes whole neighborhoods become deserted with everyone on a trip somewhere. Buying a home during summer can turn out to be a better option for you. The reason is the factors that are specific to this time of the year. Keep the following in mind to benefit from all the advantages of summer home shopping.
Summer offers a good time to check out neighborhoods
Your new home is not the only thing you should consider when you intend to relocate. It is also important to check out the neighborhood. Buying a home during summer is particularly suitable for that since most of your potential neighbors will be on vacation. It is a little funny when a new guy walks around the area staring at people’s yards. You don’t want the people living there to think your intentions are malicious. Use these holiday months to roam around your future neighborhood more freely and maybe even take some pictures. The schools are on break as well. You can go check that out without being mistaken for a suspicious stranger.
Also, there is a good chance that the people who have put their homes on the market are also on vacation. Without the owner around, you can take the opportunity to make a more detailed inspection of the house or a condo you are viewing. As you know, there are certain things home sellers are required to disclose by law, but the rest you can make sure you don’t miss by taking a good look at it. And finally, there’s a good chance the real estate agent will tell you more about the property when the owners are absent.
Buying a home during summer allows you to check out the neighborhood in peace.
In summer, days are longer, so there is more time to see the property
Summer is a time when days are longer. It has been scientifically proven that people’s natural energy levels are directly related to the amount of sunshine they get. With that in mind, in summer, it is more likely that the sellers will find it acceptable to have people over on their property until later in the day – simply because it is still daylight. That gives you more time as a buyer when the property is available for you to see.
This may seem like an irrelevant thing to you. Yet, for those working long hours or having a tight schedule, purchasing a home in summer may be more realistic than when the viewing period is shorter. One of the experts from a moving company Beltway Movers, says that many of the people he worked with find it important that every aspect of buying a home is adjusted to their long working hours. Moving into a new home as well as viewing it is much better to do in daylight when the visibility is higher. With that in mind, these particular clients find that buying a home during summer is better suited for their tight schedules.
Take advantage of the fact that there is less competition
As previously mentioned, summer is a time when most people choose to travel somewhere. The absence of potential buyers leaves agents with more time to devote to those that are present. This means if you are viewing a condo or a house, your agent will be able to answer more of your questions. You can even take this chance to discuss the situation on the market and get very useful advice and information. It is vital that you ask all that is of interest to you during the home viewing, so there are no nasty surprises later.
Another crucial thing is that with fewer people around, there will be fewer offers made. You will have a higher chance of getting the home of your dreams for a reasonable price because of that. If you notice there aren’t many people interested in that particular property, don’t wait too long with your offer. It may just be temporary until the vacations are over. Generally, smaller demand generates lower prices, and fewer offers create higher chances that yours will be the most favorable.
Relocating in summer can be done more easily
Moving is never an easy task, especially if your new hometown is on the other side of Virginia. It is always a good idea to hire professionals who will give a helping hand and get you through this complex process smoothly during any season. Nevertheless, there are several reasons why making a big move in the summer is a better idea than at any other time of the year.
The school year is over. Moving when your kids have lots of school activities and disrupting their routines is a nightmare for any parent. Summer offers a solution for that in the form of the end of a school year. Your kids can even help with the move too. Also, enrolling in a new school is better at the beginning of a school year than in the middle. Being a new kid in class is easier than being that new kid who also has to catch up with the classes as well.
The weather is favorable for transportation. Driving a truck full of stuff is easier to do on dry roads. Naturally, they are more common in summer than in any other season. For example, wet and icy roads are often present in fall and winter. Those conditions are something truck drivers dread.
The yard sale is more efficient in summer. Your curb appeal is outstanding in summer. If you intend to organize a yard sale, summer might generate more profit for you.
Consider these reasons seriously. They can make a huge difference between a stress-free relocation and a tedious and nerve-wracking endeavor.
Summer as a holiday season is a good time to move as well
If you are buying a home that is not in your hometown, turn it into a fun trip
Speaking of relocation, aren’t you curious about the attractions and fun activities your new hometown has to offer? As you know, summer has a way of turning even the dullest of places into exploration-worthy areas. Typically, there are more interesting outdoorsy things to do in summer than in any other season. We advise turning this rather business-like activity of viewing potential homes into a trip for the whole family. Whether it is going to be a short break in your future hometown or a more extended staycation of a sort, you have the opportunity to approach buying a home during summer as a holiday with one obligation only and lots of enjoyment.
Those that are viewing a home outside the city they currently live in can turn the experience into a fun family trip.
Final thoughts
Buying a home during summer can be a delight. Use all that long sunny days have to offer in Orange County, for example. As we have seen, shopping for a home in this mainly vacation-oriented season has many advantages. You can even merge buying a home with your own fun family traveling if your new hometown is on the other side of the country. Whatever you choose to do, we are sure this is a part of the year when you will find what you are looking for.
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.
Enjoy the quiet homestead of 109 Saylers Creek Rd nestled in lovely Lake of the Woods! The huge yard provides room to roam and wooded privacy. As you enter, you are greeted by oversized, bright windows, high ceilings, and gleaming hardwood floors, new carpet, and fresh paint. Family gatherings for the upcoming holidays will be exciting and memorable around the cozy fireplace. During warmer weather, the screened porch will be a favorite! Meal prep will be a breeze in the open eat-in kitchen with plenty of room for helpers. Wait til you see the elegant windows with the high ceiling in the primary suite! A plumed-out attic is ready for wherever your imagination will take you!
https://youtu.be/CmICC-tCjAk
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 volunteer 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 what’s to love in 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.
Sold AS IS. Great investment property! Perfect fixer-uppers! One level, 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Super close to the base. So much potential!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this fall in our local Lake of the Woods Community? Join the Lake of the Woods Ladies Golf Association as they sponsor and host a Fall Fun Day! Save the date for Saturday, September 10th starting at 1pm and ending at 4pm at the Lake of the Woods, Woods Center (108 Fairway Dr, Locust Grove VA 22508). The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a free hotdog, chips, and drink! After the first 100, it’s $5 for each child thereafter. Parents may bring kids up to age 10 for a day of free games and tons of fun including a bouncy house, golf cart rides, and games, games, games! Save the date, support your local community and enjoy a nice Fall Day all at 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
