Category Archives: blog

The word welcome in multiple languages

Warm Welcomes and Happy Send-Offs for October 2022!

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.

Rodney Hill, Lydia Gilligan

Mike and Matt Buccola

Tracy Augstell

Amanda and Richard Graham

Reagan Goforth

Joseph Scarlata

Lola Munroe

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.

Treats on the Point & Trick-or-Treating in Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508

Who’s ready for Halloween?? This year, dress the kids in their favorite spooky Halloween costumes and stop by the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse POINT between 6p – 7pm to collect some Halloween treats! Stop by while the community celebrates Halloween by passing out candy to the trick-or-treaters before you hit the neighbors and other communities for candy collecting. Trick or treating in Lake of the Woods will be held from 5pm – 8pm. LOW asks that if you will not be home, or do not wish to participate, please turn off your outside lights so the trick-or-treaters will know to pass by your home!

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.

September 2022 Lake of the Woods Monthly Market Statistics

In September, 10 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

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

37 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
25 Homes Under Contract
229 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.

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.

Fall for the Colors on These Trails!

Fall is absolutely the time that our area and surrounding areas truly do shine! See what these trails have to offer; I’ll bet you’ll be wowed! This post focuses on Fauquier and Fredericksburg; please feel free to add more in the comments.

FAUQUIER

Cedar Run Greenway White’s Mill Section
Access via the cul-de-sac just beyond Baymont Inn and Suites off Route 29 north of Warrenton
This new trail is a paved T-trail in the 70-acre stream valley park and winds through wetlands bordering Cedar Run. Perfect trail for biking, hiking, and wildlife watching.

C.M. Crockett Park
Midland
C.M. Crockett Park is the county’s largest lakeside park, and it offers almost everything an outdoorsy person could ask for. There’s fishing, boating, nature trails, picnicking, horseshoes, volleyball, a ropes course, a 1.5-mile cross-country trail, and waterskiing. Or, you could relax and take in entertainment at the 200-seat amphitheater.

Sky Meadow State Park
Delaplane
Scenic views that are the crowning jewel of Virginia are found that this 1,864-acre park with woodlands, pastures, and a historic farm. There are 10.5 miles of bridle trails, 22 miles of hiking trails, 9 miles of bike trails and Appalachian Trail access.

Stafford Farm Trail
Access points at Stafford Farm (Meetze Road South 1 mile from the Route 29 interchange) and at the end of the Lord Fairfax Community College Connector Trail, Warrenton
The Stafford Trail is a natural surface trail through 1.1 miles of woods alongside corn fields and Turkey Run with significant elevation changes. Parking at Stafford Farm.

Warrenton Branch Greenway
Access points at South Fourth Street and at the end of Old Meetze Road, Warrenton
Running almost 1.5 miles between Old Town Warrenton and Old Meetze Road, the greenway is a flat paved surface. The trail crosses two bridges and passes an old uncovered railroad turntable. Benches and dog waste facilities are available as is a bike rack at the Fourth Street parking lot.

Whitney State Forest
Warrenton
In the center of Fauquier County is the Whitney State Forest, 148 acres of serene environments for hiking and horseback riding.

FREDERICKSBURG

Alum Spring Park
This scenic park is ideal for a relaxing stroll past its creek and over its bridge. It’s outfitted with picnic shelters and grills, perfect for a family picnic.

Cobblestone Park
A wooded area with views of Hazel Run, this park features a 1-mile-loop trail.

Dixon Park
Dixon Park spans 46 acres of open fields and nature preserve. There’s also a picnic area and playground for a day of quality time with the family.

Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area
Motts Run is home to 860 acres of undisturbed nature and a 160-acre reservoir and offers a bike trail, over 4 miles of hiking trails, an orienteering course, and a nature center.

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.

Get into the Christmas Spirit this Year by Adopting an Orange County Elderly or Disabled Adult.

Spread the Christmas spirit early this year by adopting an Elderly and/or disabled adult through the Orange County Department of Social Services. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate! Please consider the following: please plan to budget approximately $50 per person adopted and plan to make deliveries directly to the individuals’ residences listed on the application. Their application will have their information on it to contact and verify gender, special needs, sizes, food allergies, etc to help determine appropriate gifts to purchase. We hope you are able to participate and spread the holiday cheer and spirit back to the Orange County Community!

There is a form that is required to register for the adoption process, please contact Crystal Hale at 540-672-1155 for a copy of the form.

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.

3608 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods Home RENTED!

Welcome to 3608 Lakeview, ready for you to call home! You’ll be impressed by the condition of the home, with new paint, and new carpet, and it is as clean as a whistle! Four expansive bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, a cozy fireplace in the living room, office/flex space, and a two-car garage are sure to please! Need storage? The partial basement is perfect! 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.

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.

4 Red Flags Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore During a Home Inspection

Consisting of a visual assessment of a home’s structure and systems, a home inspection is a crucial step in the real estate process—particularly for buyers, who will be made aware of any notable problems that may increase their bargaining power against the seller, or even cause them to reconsider the purchase altogether. While not everything revealed during a home inspection is serious, there are certain defects about which buyers should always consult their realtors for guidance. Here are four red flags that buyers shouldn’t ignore:

  • A crumbling foundation. A home’s foundation ensures that it is structurally sound, protecting all the fixtures and systems within. If the inspection reveals cracks or other forms of deterioration in the foundation, buyers should be aware that these could be very expensive to fix in the future.
  • Mold. Typically stemming from water leaks and/or poor air circulation, mold carries significant health risks and can be difficult to eliminate. While an inspection should reveal the presence of mold if it exists, buyers can also be on the alert by looking for musty smells or discoloration around the walls or ceilings.
  • Termites. While termites are common—particularly in older homes—they can cause major damage to a home’s structure over time. If the inspection shows signs of termites, a specialist will likely need to be called in to quell the infestation and prevent further damage.
  • Electrical problems. If a home’s wiring or circuits are outdated or were improperly installed, they may create fire hazards and other problems.

Source: magazine.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.

butternut squash and chorizo hash

Recipe: Butternut Squash and Chorizo Hash

Ingredients

1 Tbsp. (or more) extra-virgin olive oil
8 oz. fresh chorizo, casings removed
1 lb. butternut squash (about ½ of a medium squash), peeled, cut into ½” pieces (about 4 cups)
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Kosher salt
Lime wedges and cilantro leaves with tender stems (for serving)

Directions

Heat oil in a large heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high. Cook chorizo, breaking up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon; reserve skillet with fat.
Add butternut squash and onion to reserved skillet and cook over medium-high, adding more oil if needed and stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 10–15 minutes. Stir in chorizo and season with salt. Squeeze a lime wedge over and top with cilantro. Serve with additional lime wedges for squeezing over.

Source: bonappetit.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.

National Book Month: Some Health Benefits of Reading!

From smartphone apps to streaming TV services, there are endless options for entertainment in today’s digital age. However, the timeless hobby of reading books offers several benefits for physical and mental health that may be lacking with more technologically oriented activities. Designated as National Book Month, October is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and celebrate the simple pleasure of reading.

While doing so, here are a few of the key health benefits of reading to keep in mind:

  • Stronger connectivity in the brain. Several studies using MRI scans have confirmed that reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain that become stronger and more sophisticated the more you read.
  • Reduced stress. A 2009 study measured the effects of yoga, humor, and reading on students undergoing high-stress educational programs in the U.S. The results indicated that reading for just 30 minutes at a time was as effective as practicing yoga or experiencing humor at lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress.
  • Bigger vocabulary. Not surprisingly, reading increases your exposure to unfamiliar words in contexts that will help you learn their meaning, thereby expanding your vocabulary.
  • Increased ability to empathize. Love reading fiction? Here’s some good news—studies indicate that by delving into the inner worlds of characters, people who read literary fiction display a heightened ability to empathize with the feelings and beliefs of others in real life. This is particularly true for long-term lovers of fiction; they develop what researchers call the “theory of mind,” or a set of skills critical to building and maintaining social relationships.
  • Reduced risk of age-related cognitive declines. Although it hasn’t been conclusively shown that reading can prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, studies suggest that older adults who read and solve math problems every day not only maintain but can even improve their cognitive functioning. The practice keeps your mind engaged, which can help prevent the development of the plaques and lesions found in the brains of people with dementia.

Source: healthline.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 contact Pat Licata.

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

622 Cornwallis WATERFRONT in Lake of the Woods VA 22508 SOLD by Licata Group EXP!

Welcome to 622 Cornwallis Avenue! Imagine the lifestyle you’ll experience and the memories you’ll create in this fantastic waterfront home featuring amazing main lake views, spectacular sunrises, and ample room for large gatherings! Every bedroom enjoys the water views, and all offer outdoor access! As you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the private setting near the end of a cul-de-sac, and be wowed by the main lake views! Step inside, and you’ll immediately be greeted by lake views, an open floor plan, and a living room with an incredible floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace to warm those chilly evenings. The kitchen provides all the amenities with stainless steel appliances and a generous-sized breakfast bar that leads to the expansive screened porch perfect for early morning coffee or simply relaxing. The main level is completed by the primary bedroom with an ensuite bath and laundry room. Ascending the stairs to the upper level, you’ll find two large bedrooms that provide lake views and a full bath. The lower level is sure to please! Descending the stairs, you are greeted by a huge family room with a gorgeous brick fireplace and a bar area that accesses the concrete patio for outdoor enjoyment. The lower level also boasts an additional bedroom, full bath, and large storage room for all those water toys. Of course, the water frontage is spectacular! Swim from your dock, launch your canoe or kayak, hop on your boat for a day of fun, or simply bask in the sun waterside from your own private oasis! Let’s get this lake life started!

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.