Archives: October 2024

September 2024 Real Estate Statistics for Low

In September, 14 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

0 sold below $250,000.00
0  sold between $250,000-299,999;
3 sold between $300,000-349,999;
2 sold between $350,000-399,999;
6 sold between $400,000-499,999;
3 sold between $500,000-$999,999;

37 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
16 Homes Under Contract
156 Homes Sold since January 1, 2024

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.

Yummy Apple Pie Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 tablespoons butter
4 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 4 cups)
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water

FROSTING:

1 cup butter, softened
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Thinly sliced apples, optional

Directions

  1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for 24 cupcakes; cool cupcakes completely.
  2. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add apples and brown sugar; cook and stir until apples are tender, 10-12 minutes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat; cool completely.
  3. Using a paring knife, cut a 1-inch-wide cone-shaped piece from the top of each cupcake; discard the removed portion. Fill the cavity with apple mixture.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the 5 frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Frost the cupcakes. If desired, top with apple slices to serve.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.

Bring Nature Indoors This Fall for a Warm and Inviting Home

With vibrantly colored leaves, crisp morning air, migrating birds, cozy sweaters, hayrides, apple orchards, and pumpkin spice treats, it’s no wonder Autumn tops the list of favorite seasons. Let nature inspire you and bring those wonderful fall feelings into your home just in time for the start of the holiday season!

Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

Appreciate the Harvest
The autumn harvest is full of beautiful shapes and colors that evoke visions of comforting meals and deliciously sweet treats. Decorating with pumpkins, squashes, gourds, ornamental corn, wheat shafts, apples, grapes, cranberries, and herbs will remind you that life is abundant and full of joys and treats.

Give Color to Your Home
Autumn is awash with warm, earthy colors that will bring your home a warm, earthy glow. Think rugs, curtains, table runners, flower arrangements, candles, artwork, blankets, pillows, and tabletop décor. Look for vibrant reds, cheery yellows, rusty oranges, deep greens, rich browns, and creamy tans.

Mix Patterns and Textures
Create coziness in your home with inspiration from your favorite cozy fall outfits. Mix plaids, flannels, cabled knits, rich leathers, faux fur, felted wool, and burlap to create layers of interest and warmth.

Bring Nature Indoors
Not only will collecting bits of nature be a wonderful activity, but displaying those items in your home will remind you of your wonderful outing every time you see them. Pressed leaves and flowers, pinecones, fallen fir branches, interesting sticks, acorns, nuts, bittersweet branches, rosehips, feathers, driftwood, snail shells, rocks, and wildflower seed heads all make beautiful arrangements.
It’s best to take items that have fallen naturally to the ground and avoid collecting in areas where you shouldn’t (like nature preserves or parks where it’s not allowed.)

Create Ambiance
Pull it all together with an air of a cozy life lived inside. Drape a throw blanket over the corner of a chair, light delightfully scented candles, bake fall treats, and use warm-colored lighting. Place inviting picture albums on the coffee table and a little snack on the kitchen countertop. And lastly, take a break, and relax in your warm, inviting fall home.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.

20 Things to Remember When Prepping Your Home for Winter This Year

Whether you live in an area where snow and freezing temperatures are the norm or an area where a cold front is a rarity, as the winter season approaches, you’ll want to take steps to protect your home, prepare for emergencies, and maximize your home’s energy efficiency.

Here are 20 things to remember when preparing your home for winter this year:

  1. Mow the lawn and aerate. Apply fall fertilizer. Rake and remove or mow and spread leaves.
  2. Bring in tender plants and bulbs and place any fall plantings.
  3. Provide cover in the garden and flower beds. Leave dead stems and leaves over winter, add leaves as mulch, cover with frost blanket, or plant cover crops in bare areas.
  4. Store and cover your outdoor furniture, grill, and garden decorations.
  5. Trim bushes around the house, and prune trees after the leaves have fallen.
  6. Inspect the exterior for cracks and holes and caulk or patch.
  7. Inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles and repair.
  8. To deter pests, remove wasp nests from eaves and overhangs, and keep stacks of firewood away from the house.
  9. Set mouse traps or other deterrents and check regularly as the temperatures begin to drop.
  10. Clear gutters & downspouts.
  11. Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
  12. Clean windows, screens, and doors. Use storm windows, weather stripping, or window insulation kits to reduce drafts and heat loss. Add cozy, insulating curtains to further reduce heat loss.
  13. Schedule inspections for your furnace, thermostat, fireplace, generators, etc.
  14. Change furnace filters and set ceiling fans to clockwise.
  15. Stock up on fuel and wood for heating, generators, and snowblowers.
  16. Add insulation for crawl spaces, attics, drafty areas, and water pipes.
  17. Prepare for snow removal – snowblower, shovel, ice melt, salt, and sand. Add a heating cable to the roof to prevent ice dams.
  18. Test and replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, flashlights, and radios.
  19. Restock and update the emergency and first aid kits for the home and review emergency plans.
  20. Restock and update your car’s emergency kits and make sure there are extra clothes or blankets just in case.

Sources: bhg.com & homedepot.com

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.

The word welcome in multiple languages

Warm Welcomes and Happy send-offs!

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.

Larry Wiesen & Karen Wiesen

John Charles McGuire, III & Harmony Lynn McGuire

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.

Preparing Your Home for the Changing Seasons

Key Facts

  • Regular home maintenance helps prepare for seasonal changes.
  • Simple tasks like checking HVAC systems and sealing drafts can improve comfort and efficiency.
  • Preventative care, like cleaning gutters and pruning trees, protects your home from potential damage.

As the seasons change, it’s important to make sure your home is ready to handle the shifts in temperature and weather. Taking the time to maintain your home can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home stays comfortable. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have been living in your home for years, these home maintenance tips for preparing your home for the changing seasons are simple, effective, and easy to follow.

Closeup of front door with plant and pumpkin

Inspect Your HVAC System

One of the first things to check as the seasons change is your HVAC system. Ensuring your heating and cooling system is working efficiently is crucial for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature, no matter the weather outside. Schedule regular maintenance, and don’t forget to replace the air filters. Dirty filters can reduce airflow, cause your system to work harder, and lead to higher energy bills.

Home exterior with HVAC unit and leaves on ground

Check Windows and Doors for Drafts

Drafty windows and doors can let conditioned air escape, making it harder to regulate your home’s temperature. Inspect the seals around windows and doors to ensure they’re airtight. If you feel a draft, applying weather stripping or caulking can help seal gaps and improve energy efficiency. This small step can have a big impact on your comfort and energy costs as the seasons change.

Living room with green couch, fireplace and large window

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters play an important role in directing water away from your home’s foundation, but they can easily become clogged with leaves, debris, or dirt. Cleaning your gutters is an essential task for preparing your home for the changing seasons. Regularly clear them out to prevent water damage, especially during rainy months. Well-maintained gutters protect your roof, siding, and foundation from potential damage.

A close up of a rain gutter filled with fall leaves

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Overgrown trees and shrubs can cause damage to your home if they’re left unchecked. As part of your seasonal preparation, take time to prune back branches that are too close to your home or power lines. This is particularly important before stormy weather, as strong winds can cause branches to break and damage your property. Plus, pruning helps promote healthy plant growth and keeps your landscaping looking its best.

Multiple garden planters with colorful flowers on home patio

Change Air Filters

Air filters in your HVAC system or other air purifiers should be changed regularly, especially during times of seasonal transition. Clean air filters improve indoor air quality and help your system run efficiently. Set a reminder to change your air filters every 1-3 months, depending on your system and household needs. This simple step can extend the life of your HVAC system and ensure that the air in your home stays fresh and clean.

Man adjusting home's thermostat

Take the Next Step

Preparing your home for the changing seasons doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require regular attention. By following these simple tips, you can keep your home in great shape, no matter what the weather brings. If you have any questions about maintaining your home or are thinking about making updates to increase its value, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re here to help with expert advice and guidance for all your home-related needs.

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