Archives: January 2023

Health Benefits of Waterfront Living in Virginia

Living near water is something many people around the US dream of. Speaking of dreams and future objectives, living in one of the most beautiful US states – Virginia – is a thought many people go to bed with. Today, we’ve decided to put the two fantasies together. In other words, we’ll introduce you to all the health benefits of waterfront living in Virginia. Not only does it sound incredible, but it also comes with many health advantages. Therefore, stay tuned for some helpful info and tips!

#1 Waterfront living enhances the quality of your sleep

Needless to say, a good night’s sleep is a crucial element of your well-being. Research study results have proved that people who live near water enjoy a more restful sleep. Also, the same studies have shown that the same group faces less stress daily. Your body needs to rest, and there isn’t a better place to recover from a long working day than nested inside a peaceful environment. Get rid of stress, and maximize your joy. Most of the time, waterfront living in Virginia is synonymous with the lack of noise pollution we’re pretty used to enduring in the cities. You won’t have trouble falling asleep once you move to some of the state’s jaw-droppingly-attractive waterfront neighborhoods.

A cat sleeping under bed covers.
Living near water enhances the quality of sleep.

#2 Waterfront living enables you to enjoy water-related activities anytime you want

Being right there, near a larger body of water, will enable you to enjoy all your favorite water-related activities. And, if you own a boat, even better! Living close to the water will probably mean you have your own dock, too. As a boat owner, you’ll always want to opt for a property that offers this advantage. You don’t want to worry about driving to the spot where you’ve pared your boat or finding the ideal storage place. Also, docks aren’t only functional as parking spaces. You can use your dock as a diving board, a fishing spot, or simply a place where you sit down, crack open a cold beverage and enjoy the scenery. Who knows, you might even come up with a philosophical school of your own while water-gazing.

#3 Living near water is healthy even if you’re a city dweller

We’re pretty sure you understand this article doesn’t only cover non-urban waterfront properties. Virginia’s got some fantastic cities located near or directly placed upon a solid body of water. Just take Richmond or Alexandria as examples. A German research study has found that living near water is excellent for urban dwellers, too. We’re talking ponds, pools, and even – water fountains! Therefore, buying a waterfront property in Virginia will help you overcome some of the disadvantages city life offers to its “practitioners”. As mentioned above, you’ll enjoy less stress and better sleeping conditions. Lastly, if you’re a recovering addict, living near water will help ease the process, as professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center point out.

 A typical street scene in Richmond, VA.
Waterfront living improves the overall quality of life, even if you’re a city dweller.

#4 Enjoy better air quality with waterfront living in Virginia

Air quality tends to be better near water. Also, some people are more prone to sit, relax and unwind a little near water. In other words, they tend to breathe deeper and smoother. So air quality is crucial in such moments. Not to mention all the vegetation and plants usually found near water. Those are your natural air filters. You won’t need to buy expensive air cleaners for your waterfront property in Virginia.

#5 Fewer nosy neighbors (for non-urban waterfront dwellers)

One can’t say this is a direct health benefit, but you’ll agree it has something to do with how we perceive our surroundings, thus affecting our everyday well-being. For example, let’s say you’ve bought yourself a scenic Virginia lake home. You might notice that the next home is not so close. In other words, you’ll soon find out that you will have to deal with fewer nosy neighbors. 

Lake homes tend to be further apart, thus allowing their owners more privacy than they’d enjoy in a more traditional suburban neighborhood. A lake home will help you deal with all the troubles city life plagues us with. This much-needed intimacy can be a savior for all those struggling with something or trying to get back on their feet. For example, this serenity is perfect for recovering addicts who want to get long-term help. There are many long-term addiction treatments in West Virginia, but recovery doesn’t stop there. A little bit of peace and quiet that your waterfront property can bring will work wonders for mental health. 

#6 Let’s consider the sound of water

We’ve implied this in the previous paragraphs, but it’s nevertheless crucial that we emphasize the calming properties of the sound of water. Did you know that the sound of running water, rushing and trickling, or waves smoothly hitting the shoreline possess fantastic calming and emotionally healing properties? Once you add that sound to the waterfront breeze, you get a match made in heaven, as they say. There isn’t a more comprehensive calm, as many people that own a waterfront property like to point out.

A bridge on the river in Richmond, VA.
The sound of running water has a soothing effect on the human mind.

#7 Living near water will inspire you to enjoy other fun (outdoor) activities

Of course, it’s not like simply sitting down in a cool shade with a good book by a body of water isn’t enough. However, enjoying a waterfront property in Virginia will allow you to immerse yourself in other fun activities. We’re talking about all the great outdoor efforts one can partake in: hiking, camping, wildlife watching, etc. Nature is a remedy, don’t trust anyone who tells you the opposite. 

Closing thoughts on the subject

These were some of the many health benefits of waterfront living in Virginia. Now you’ve seen all the advantages of buying a (vacation) waterfront property in one of the most scenic US states. If you were hesitant before, we’re pretty sure you don’t have any doubts about whether such a decision is a good one!

Photos used:
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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.

237 Washington St, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD! by Licata Group EXP Realty!

Home in amenity-filled Lake of the Woods! Come out to tour this sizable home ready for its new owner. The 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is 2402 square feet of one-level living. It offers a 2-car garage and a 15 x 11 screened porch off the sunroom and a shed in the back. Entering the home to the left, you have the formal dining room featuring hardwood floors, chair railing, and crown molding which will lead you into the kitchen. To the right of entering the home, sits a study with hardwood floors, a built-in bookcase, and sconces for more relaxed lighting. Straight ahead just a short distance is a massive living room featuring skylights and a gas fireplace that opens to the kitchen and the sunroom sitting just past it. The expansive kitchen is perfect for entertaining a larger group. The recessed lights give way to just enough light to your workspace with plenty of counter space and a substantial amount of storage with its cabinets and a large pantry. Basking in the sunroom where you can feel an abundance of natural light and warmth from the wide-reaching windows and the 2 sliding doors on either side will be sure to relax you while reading a book and sipping your favorite beverage. The Primary bedroom is fit for royalty. Sitting to the right of the living room, it offers a substantial amount of space for a sitting area or holding larger-sized furniture leaving plenty of room for moving around. It has a sizable walk-in closet and two separate large closets. The french doors lead you to the screened porch where you can step outside to become one with nature. The primary bath has double single sinks that sit on either side of the jetted tub and a standup shower ready for you to wash the day away. To the left of the living room and away from the primary for privacy sit 2 guest bedrooms with a sufficient amount of space and include walk-in closets and a full guest bathroom for them to share. This tastefully appointed, and well-built home is ready for you to move in!

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 contacting Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Pack Walk at Pratt Park Coming in March!

Certified Dog trainer Stana Clark, deemed Best of the Burg 2022 with Doggy See, Doggy Do Training, has orchestrated a pack walk for your furry best friends to get out and meet new friends. This event is to help socialize your dog with other dogs as well as humans. It offers opportunities for your fur friend to gain social skills and other training.  This event will take place Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at 9 am at Pratt Park (120 River Road, Fredericksburg). It is a hands-on training event and a great way for you and your doggy to connect on a different level while learning together. For more information click 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.

cherry blossoms

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 in Washington, DC

It’s almost that time of year again! Elegant cherry blossoms will bloom, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival will too. The 2023 National Cherry Blossom Festival will take place March 20th – April 16th during the peak blooming period.  Peak bloom is when the Yoshino cherry tree blossoms open at about 70% and grace the Tidal Basin in Washington D.C. with its heavenly blush-like color views.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s traditional Opening Ceremony is a celebration of the 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo to Washington D.C. as a tribute to the long-lasting fellowship between the United States and Japan. Artists from both countries will proceed in a special performance as part of the tradition.  Throughout the days you will have the opportunity to partake in the pleasures that the festival brings from the Blossom Kite Festival, a parade, Petalpalooza, the Pink Tie Party, Paws and Petlas, and more. The parade is scheduled to occur Saturday, April 15th, on Constitution Ave (between 9th & 15th Streets) in Washington, DC. Portions of the parade are free to the public, so get there early as it is first-come, first-serve. For more information on this event, including purchasing tickets, visit https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Licata Group Shred Day Returns Saturday, April, 22nd 2023, Earth Day!

The Licata Group will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11 AM – 2PM! Just in time for the end of tax season, so salsa on over and safely and securely shred your documents! The Shred trucks will be located within the Food Lion parking lot across from the Lake of the Woods front gate, near our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive (between AT&T and CVS). Donations are encouraged but not required, and all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! Can you make it? Let us know here!

Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare and Kona Ice will be there selling shaved ice with 20% of proceeds going to LOW Fire and Rescue. Let’s support our community!

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

Warm Welcomes & Happy Send-Offs for February 2023!

Licata Group would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new homeowners! We often have really fun events hosted throughout the year, do frequent giveaways (think lotto scratchers, pies, FredNats tickets, just to name a few!), and also provide real estate market updates as well as local upcoming community events. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join our newsletter so you can never be without it! Sign up here. Or call our office at 540-388-2541.

Al & Megan Bailey
Wayne & Alicia Moore
Steven & Tina Greer
Alexander & Suzanne Sarhanis
Misak Zewdie & Eden Wakjira
Ute & Victor Bernard
Brenda Baddley
Linda Shobitz
David & Marlene Farowe
Derek Hill
Qiannan Zhao & Zibai Zhu

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.

Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior

The exterior of your home is one of the first things that potential buyers, visitors, and other passersbys will notice—so if it’s starting to look drab or outdated, it’s important to take steps to improve curb appeal. Here are a few easy ways to upgrade your home’s exterior:

  • If you have red brick, paint it gray or white. While red brick was a standard material to use on the exterior of homes and other buildings for many years, it is no longer as popular and can give a home a dated appearance. Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy solution: painting the brick white or gray can create a brighter, cleaner, more modern look.
  • Swap out front doors that contain decorative glass. While front doors with frosted or decorative textured glass offer a great way to let natural light into the home while still providing some privacy, most of these styles are no longer in vogue. Upgrading your door to one with clear glass panels or simple solid wood (or an alternative material like fiberglass) can instantly create a more up-to-date aesthetic.
  • Use contrasting colors. Choosing paint colors that have a stark contrast for your home’s exterior, as well as the front door and window shutters, can help create dimension and visual intrigue.
  • Add some lighting. The right lighting can be a powerful way to add style and accentuate your home’s best features, even during the daytime. For instance, consider adding some pathway lighting to ensure that the approach to your front door looks inviting, uplighting or down-lighting to draw attention to certain features, or an eye-catching hanging light over your front door.

Source: nar.realtor

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.

Linguine with Shrimp and Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces fresh linguine
  • 12 large shrimp, peeled
  • 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving

Directions

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender and al dente, 1 to 3 minutes (or according to package directions). Drain well and set aside.
Meanwhile, bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan.

Using a small paring knife, remove the vein along the back of each shrimp and rinse under running water. Add the garlic to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Add the shrimp to the water with the garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the shrimp and garlic. Peel and finely chop the garlic.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan, parsley and shrimp. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the sauce over the linguine in a large bowl and toss to coat. Garnish with more Parmesan and parsley.

Source: foodnetwork.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by 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.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with These Creative Ideas

For many couples, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show love and affection for one another with gifts and other romantic gestures. However, if the standard Valentine’s Day staples like chocolates and flowers are starting to feel uninspired, it may be time to get creative.

Here are a few outside-the-box ideas for showing your special someone how much you care about them this year:

  • Recreate your first date. No matter how long you’ve been together, you probably still remember your first date. Celebrate your initial spark by trying to replicate that special date as closely as possible.
  • Create a shared playlist. Music is closely tied to emotions, particularly feelings of romantic love. To tap into these emotions, sit down with your significant other and brainstorm a playlist of songs that remind you of your relationship.
  • Build a vision board. A vision board, on which you post images, quotes, and other symbols of things you’d like to have or accomplish, can be a great way to help you feel inspired and keep you motivated to achieve your goals. Taking the time to build one as a couple can enable you to gain insight into each other’s dreams, while creating a visual reminder of what you both want from your life together.
  • Challenge yourselves with a new experience. Whether you decide to learn a new language, tackle a challenging hike, or take a cooking class together, navigating a new experience as a couple can be a fun and rewarding way to bond.
  • Create a date jar. Regardless of what you have planned for Valentine’s Day, brainstorming future dates can help keep the romance going. Jot down some fun ideas for dates you’d like to experience with your partner and deposit them in a jar that you can tap into the next time date night rolls around.

Source: rd.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by 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.

Outdoor Aventure & RV Expo at Fredericksburg Exp Center

Imagine this…it’s 2023 in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and you’re at the Outdoor Adventure & RV Expo, driving away with a brand new RV that fits your whole family with an epic adventure ahead of you. The Fredericksburg Expo Center is hosting the Outdoor Adventure & RV Expo March 3rd – 5th, 2023. Show hours are Friday, March 3rd, 1 pm – 7 pm, Saturday, March 4th, 10 am – 6 pm, and Sunday, March 5th, 11 am – 3 pm. Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to view the different makes and models of RVs and the latest camping gear. Have a question? Take a moment to speak with the pros. To buy tickets to this event, click 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.