Category Archives: Culpeper

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.

10246 Shady Woods, Culpeper Virginia 22701 SOLD by Licata Group Real Estate Advisors!

Quiet country living at its best! Enjoy the beautiful views of this two-acre property from the gorgeous wrap-around porch. This charming three-bedroom two-bath rambler offers an open floor plan with spacious rooms all on one level. There is a large shed out back, great for a workshop or storage as well as a second shed/chicken house. This location offers the peace and space of living in a country setting while still conveniently located right off of 29 and just minutes from the town of Culpeper. This home sells “as is” and is sure to go fast! 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.

Culpeper, Virginia 22701 July 4th Freedom 5K

Run for freedom! Celebrate Fourth of July this year at Culpeper Baptist Church (located at 318 West St Culpeper, VA 22701), where the Church is hosting a Freedom 5K run. Everyone is encouraged to participate including runners and fitness walkers. Register early to secure your t-shirt! There will be vendors for the racers, including 2 Sisters Coffee Truck, and more! The race will be held on Monday, July 4th beginning at 8:30 am, with 90 minutes of completion time allowed, so all participants must cross the finish line by 10:00 am. Tickets are $30+ per racer and registration ends at 11:59pm on July 3rd! See Culpeper Tourism | Events | Culpeper July 4th Freedom 5k (visitculpeperva.com), for more information and to learn how to register for the race. Lace-up those shoes and run for freedom!

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.

fathers day at the winery

Father’s day at Mountain Run Winery

Take Dad out for a nice Father’s Day celebration on June 19th from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Mountain Run Winery located at 10753 Mountain Run Lake Rd. Culpeper, VA 22071! There will be plenty of music and food to spare. So, grab some fine wines and ciders to enjoy while watching the children run around on the playground. They’ll have The Unsuitables for your listening entertainment and Bowles Southern Fried Food Truck to satisfy any munchies hungries you may have after cider and wine! Learn more at: Culpeper Tourism | Events | Father’s Day at Mountain Run Winery (visitculpeperva.com). Come prepared for the best Father’s Day yet!

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.

Open Mic Night at Southside Coffee in Culpeper, Virginia 22701!

Do you have a passion to play? A drive to sing? Then come and showcase your talents at Southside Coffee located at 211 Southgate Shopping Center Culpeper, VA 22071! Grab your friends to support you and a local business. Sing your heart out June 9th between 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm! More information at: Culpeper Tourism | Events | Open Mic Night at Southside Coffee (visitculpeperva.com). So, whether you’re coming to perform or coming to watch, enjoy a fun filled night with friends, family and other talented guests!

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.

Gnarly Culpeper Block Party, Virginia April 30th, 2022

Culpeper Renaissance Inc is throwing Culpeper’s NEW Gnarly Neighborhood Block Party on Saturday, April 30th from noon – 12pm! This will take place in Downtown Culpeper’s Depot District and will feature local craft beer and cider for purchase along with wine for the wine lovers out there. The Judy Chops and the Will Overman Band will perform live music for all to enjoy while indulging in the food trucks, participating in the lawn games and other family fun. Lawn games will have prizes. Have the kids get their face painted or their caricature drawn! Advanced ticket sales are $15 and $20 at the door. Anyone under 21 is free to enter! Please no pets or coolers. Learn more about this event and future Culpeper events by visiting 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 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.

Relocating for Work? Here’s What You Need to Know

We all hope for a career that will take us places. Sometimes that could be Orange County, Virginia. Exciting as that is, packing up your life and moving your family can also be stressful — after all, there are a lot of things you’ll need to organize and plan for.  

A relocation package from your employers can help, but the rest is up to you. A checklist can be an invaluable tool to keep you on top of things. The Licata Group presents some key tasks you’ll need to remember to make your career relocation easy, beginning up to two months before your moving date. 

Visit Your New Hometown

While it’s good to know what to expect, a visit to your new location and office can also offer insight on what to prepare for. It also offers a great opportunity to connect with your new colleagues, who can probably offer invaluable advice for your move. If you have children, you may also be looking to scout out new schools before your move. A visit beforehand can give you an idea of which area you want to search for accommodation. 

Plan Your Finances

With a new salary, you might not expect to find a change in their cost of living, so it’s always good to be prepared before relocating. Websites such as Payscale can help you compare the costs of supermarket goods, restaurants, gas, and medical bills. 

Message boards and Facebook groups are also a great place to get unbiased and up-to-date information from fellow residents (and to make friends with your potential neighbors). 

If you need to sign up for a new banking service, make sure you have an easy way to access and transfer your current funds.  

Secure Your New Home

Whether you’re relocating for a set period of time or for the unforeseeable future, it is advisable to consider renting a house before purchasing one so that you have the chance to familiarize yourself with the environment and other housing options. 

Schedule the Move

If you need to buy airplane tickets for you and your family, buying tickets ahead of time is still the cheapest option for tickets. Depending on how many belongings you’ll be taking, you may also need to book a reputable moving company available on your moving date. Compare moving companies to see which fits within your budget and provides the most suitable insurance coverage options to protect your belongings. 

Save all your travel and moving receipts in one handy location, such as a Google Drive, particularly if you will be claiming reimbursement from your employer.

Personalize Your Checklist

Use this information to compile your own checklist that includes important dates and information. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and use services that can help you find the home of your dreams in Lake of the Woods. After all, it’s not your career that takes you places — it’s all you. 

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.

Valentine’s Couples Paint Party at Elevate in Culpeper, Virginia!

Looking for something special to do with your partner for Valentine’s this year? Have you tried a paint and sip yet?

This exclusive event is available to the first 6 couples whom register here on Elevate’s event page. These lucky couples will enjoy a great evening of pizza, painting, red or white beverages & yummy sweet treats. Your sweetheart and you will work together to paint an image of a Moon and Sun on two separate 12″x12″ canvases. This is a one-night only event on Saturday, February 12th from 6:30pm – 9:30pm; don’t miss out on such a unique opportunity hosted by an art paint and party instructor with 12 years of experience. Deadlines to purchase tickets are February 9th! Masks are recommended when not eating or drinking. Elevate is located at: 107B East Davis Dr, Culpeper VA 22701.

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.

Buying a House in Orange County, Virginia in Winter

There are many concerns that might discourage you from purchasing property during winter. You might be worried about what the weather conditions would mean for your move. You might want to wait for the peak house selling season. After all, if most people buy during that period, there must be something to it, right? Or you might want to take advantage of the sleepy season to rest. However, to truly know whether or not you should go for buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you need to be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of the process.

Much less competition vs. fewer houses on the market

When buying a house during winter in Virginia, it is essential to know you are doing so at the peak of the off-season. This means that the housing market will be much less vibrant than it otherwise would be. Now, looking to buy a home, this can certainly be an advantage! Fewer competitors mean you will not have to deal with an exhausting rush to get at the best properties before someone else snatches them up. Unfortunately, not everything is ideal. The sellers know that the peak season is the best time to offload their property, so most will choose not to put up their homes for sale during winter, which results in a smaller selection of available homes.

It is easier to find excellent movers vs. it is harder to move

Of course, an important part of the process is moving into your new home. Here, too, you are in luck regarding the available resources. Even if you are moving long-distance, hiring movers with ample experience won’t be a problem, and you will organize your entire relocation quickly and easily. Due to the housing market being in a lull, movers will generally be more relaxed and have far more open schedules. Yet, it does mean having to tackle the wintry conditions to get your move done. Winters in Virginia might not be as severe as they can get elsewhere, but the temperatures and snow are still nothing to sneeze at. You will need to be extra careful to ensure all of your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.

You will have to deal with hazardous road conditions when buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.

More time to get things done vs. moving at an awkward time

Winter typically means winter holidays and having plenty of time off work to get everything done. This means that you can get tons done during this period, especially if you take the time to make a plan of action in advance. And at a leisurely pace, too! You wouldn’t need to rush from work to realtor to home, where you’d be making tons of last-minute calls. On the other hand, this can be a somewhat awkward time of year to move. Work and school are only starting to get into the swing of things. Finding a job can be more difficult if you are moving long-distance. And your kids would have to jump into a new school just as things are getting serious. 

If buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you will be able to take time off the purchase to distress and have fun with the family.

Realtors are more available vs. things tend to go slowly

Finding a good real estate agent is a nightmare during the peak seasons for the housing market, whether you are looking to sell your old home or buy a new one. So, being able to have your pick of the best realtors can be a serious boon for your house-hunting efforts. Unfortunately, if you are hoping your top-of-the-line real estate agent will help you get the whole ordeal done within an instant, you would be disappointed. The housing market in the off-season tends to make everything go much more slowly, which can be a good thing! Still, if you are in a rush, you might find yourself feeling frustrated.

Prices of real estate are lower vs. less likely to find homes with newer amenities

Due to less competition and things going more slowly, the prices of real estate during this period are typically much lower. After all, prices can be artificially inflated when multiple people compete over a single property. If someone wants it badly enough, they might be willing to pay well over what is reasonable. So, the prices during winter can make you feel like you are getting away with a steal. The moving experts from Fairfax Transfer and Storage note that moving prices are also lower during this season! And yet, sellers know this fact as well. This means that those in possession of particularly valuable pieces of real estate, or those whose homes boast top amenities, tend to hold off on selling until the peak season comes around.

Ascertaining the condition of houses is easier vs. the weather makes viewing more difficult

A tricky part of going house hunting during peak housing market seasons is that good weather makes it hard to tell whether houses are actually in good condition. After all, both mold and water damage can be covered up with relatively low expenses without treating the root cause. On the other hand, doing your viewing during the peak of the winter season makes it much more likely for you to detect problems with the homes you like. It is hard to cover up issues if the roof is leaking right in front of prospective buyers! Still, the cold weather and the way holidays affect real estate can make it more challenging to schedule and attend viewings. It is harder to feel motivated to snoop around when you feel like you are freezing.

Knowing how well the property can withstand the cold is one of the best things about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.

Final word

Now that you know more about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, it is up to you to decide whether this would be the right time for you to make a move. Just remember to carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding, and you will be just fine!

Meta Description:

Join us today as we discuss buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter so you can decide whether you want to take advantage of the season or wait.

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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 contact Pat Licata.

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