Dogwood Village was presented with the Chamber’s June Business of the Month award on Thursday, May 27th.
Dogwood Village has accomplished an amazing task since March of 2020 as residents have remained COVID-19 free throughout the pandemic. As you can imagine, this was not an easy task while the county positivity rate climbed higher and higher and healthcare facilities were reporting new cases daily near the facility. As we were facing many challenges with obtaining PPE, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products we knew that we could not fall victim to this horrible disease. We quickly found ways to get what we needed and educated staff on protecting themselves and the residents. Screening, testing, and travel restrictions were initiated, and staff worked diligently to keep the residents safe.
As the information was shared about COVID-19 restrictions in long-term care and assisted living facilities, the community began offering support to both residents and staff. We were blessed with many generous contributions of food, face masks, cards, letters and hand sanitizer. Family members, residents and staff were made aware of CMS, CDC and VDH recommendations as everyone worked together to keep the facility COVID-19 free. Residents were reassured as they were able to communicate with family and friends with window visits, facetime as well as visitation booths despite the restrictions.
Throughout the pandemic, staff and residents were provided education on appropriate infection control practices to include social distancing, appropriate PPE and hand sanitizing as well as the importance of daily screening. Testing for COVID-19 was instrumental in identifying any individual who could have possibly been exposed to the virus. Weekly meetings were held to collaborate on matters as changes were made in the protocol for healthcare facilities. All departments worked together to assure that residents were not only safe but that their physical and emotional needs were a priority. Compassionate care visits were offered for those residents who were nearing the end of life as well as those who were struggling with emotional distress related to the lack of family support and recent losses.
The teamwork has been truly amazing as well as the dedication by staff to stay well in order to care for the residents. We are blessed to have leadership who went the extra mile to obtain needed resources needed to combat this disease. Thankfully, visitation has been reinstated allowing family and friends to visit residents both indoors and outside. The vaccine has also given us hope for normalcy once again. We all pray that our residents and staff stay well as we remain diligent with our efforts to keep our residents COVID-19 free.
Dogwood Village Health and Rehabilitation was selected as one of America’s best nursing homes for 2021 by Newsweek and global data research firm Statista. The rankings identified the top 400 facilities across 20 states. Dogwood was ranked in the top 10 facilities for Virginia and is one of the 7 percent of the facilities in the state where residents remain COVID-19 free.120 Dogwood Lane,Orange, VA 22960(540) 672-2611 https://www.dogwoodvillageocva.org/
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, 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
As the nation gets ready to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, the LOW Veterans Club will provide an impressive outside ceremony honoring those individuals who have died on military active duty during service to their country. The approximately one-hour event starting at noon at the flagpole in front of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse will feature several ways of recognizing those individuals who paid the ultimate price of their lives for their country.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 because it was a day to decorate the graves of lost loved ones. Subsequently the name was changed to Memorial Day and was declared to be a national holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
LOW residents and their guests are invited to witness the true meaning of Memorial Day. Some of the patriotic events include proper raising and lowering of the American Flag, reading of the names of the LOW veterans who died in 2020, description of the historic meaning of Memorial Day, and the presentation of the wreath. Also, newly assigned LOW Veterans Club bugler, Tom Ackman, is a member of the “Buglers Across America” will perform taps.
In the spirit and intent of honoring fallen armed forces personnel the LOW Veterans Club recommends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) a nonprofit organization that funded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC. VVMF has created an In Memory plaque which contains names of the Vietnam veterans who have lost their lives as a result of their service in Vietnam.
Veterans so honored who have succumbed to: Exposure to Agent Orange; PTSD/Suicide; Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease, and Parkinson ’s disease. For more information contact VVMF at InMemory@vvmf.org.
For further information about the LOW Veterans Club and its activities, please contact club president Mike Ferguson at 571-972-5313 or email him at colmferguson@msn.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 home owners. 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.
Big cities are, more often than not, pretty exhausting to live in. Of course, when you are young, they could seem like a convenient solution. However, once you get to a certain age, you begin to crave a more tranquil lifestyle. The one that a huge metropolis certainly can’t provide. Luckily, some places can! Plenty of neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, for example, offer families and retirees a chance to experience a peaceful life without depriving them of exciting things to do. The county is also close to major hubs such as Washington, DC, and Richmond, so even if you start missing the old days, everything’s just a short drive away.
What makes Orange County, VA, a great place to move to?
Perhaps it’s the history that this area is so rich in or the breathtaking landscape because of which you can’t help but be in awe. Maybe it’s the local vineyards with sets of delicious wines available for tasting. Or simply the fact that your dollar goes further in the county of Prince William III of Orange. And yes, lower taxes are to blame as well, being particularly attractive to future homeowners.
Despite the overall rural vibe that most neighborhoods in Orange County, VA share, the region can boast many employment opportunities. Residents of the area tend to work in companies such as Green Applications, American Woodmark, Walmart, and MPS. The county is also known as the biggest producer of grapes in the whole of Virginia, and even further.
The majority of people who choose to settle in Orange County stumble upon it first as tourists. It’s during these visits that they fall in love with the place. And who can blame them? It’s hard to resist the charms of its peculiar little shops, local restaurants serving otherworldly dishes, and historical sights such as Montpelier, the home of our fourth president, James Madison. It’s there that settlers and visitors alike can watch Jack Russel terriers and horses race the first Saturday of November.
Thanks to the affordability and attractive interest rates, the area of Northern Virginia has also recently gained popularity. Some neighborhoods are especially desirable to home buyers, and we will explore what each of them has to offer. Once you’ve decided on the community that’s right for you, you can ask Northern Virginia-based professionals to help you get settled as soon as possible.
Once upon a time, Orange County was home to the fourth US president, James Madison.
The hottest Orange County neighborhoods
Below you will find the highly sought-after Orange County communities that provide their residents with the much-needed peace of mind.
Gordonsville
With a population of about 1800, Gordonsville is quite a small town. However, its size doesn’t stop it from being a great place to live in for just about anyone. Young couples, families with children, and senior citizens can benefit from calling this tiny settlement their home. With plenty of quaint shops, charming cafes, and loads of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, Gordonsville is equipped with a bit of something for everyone.
Each year, the town organizes Porkapooloza, or as they say, the greatest pork feast on Earth! The whole place is family-friendly and has various parks and playgrounds you can take your kids to. Additionally, crime is practically non-existent here, making the neighborhood pretty safe.
While the actual unemployment rate is slightly below the US average, Gordonsville’s proximity to major cities, such as Charlottesville, more than makes up for it. It’s not unusual for residents of this town to work elsewhere, as commuting to and from work typically takes a short time.
Most of the people living here own their homes, which isn’t peculiar when you think about it. Median home price in Gordonsville falls short of $200,000, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a place with a suburban feel that’s, nonetheless, not too far from the center of all activities.
Those looking to move here won’t be disappointed after venturing into the process. The advantages of life in Gordonsville certainly outweigh the cons. It’s worth noting, however, that before you’ve permanently settled into the area, you will have had to prepare for the moving day. You’ll need to make a detailed plan for the big day. After all, relocations can quickly become troublesome without a carefully devised course of action.
Gordonsville has a number of charming little cafes for people to relax in.
Lake of the Woods
As far as popular neighborhoods in Orange County, VA go, Lake of the Woods is definitely the top pick! It’s suitable for everyone, regardless of their age. Two mesmerizing lakes located in the area allow residents to enjoy swimming and a variety of water sports. In addition, Lake of the Woods can boast its dog-friendly status, as it has several parks and trails that locals use to spend time with their furry friends.
The community is pretty safe and even has a set of its own patrolling units overlooking it. It’s also tightly-knit, which essentially means that neighbors are friendly and willing to help each other. With many events taking place here regularly, it’s no wonder why newcomers are looking to it as a perfect place to purchase a vacation home. While on the topic of property buying, it’s worth mentioning that a typical house here will cost you about $250,000. Not bad for an oasis of peace.
Lake of the Woods is one of the pet-friendly neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, suitable for taking your dog for a walk.
Orange
Orange County gets its name from the town of Orange, which is, actually, the seat of this county. The overall vibe of this place is quiet, and residents report that there isn’t much to be done here except relax. For some people, however, that may just be enough. That’s not to say the town is utterly dull and there are no reasons to move here. Not at all! Orange is packed with historic sights, excellent schools, and it’s an overall safe community with no real crime.
Despite the practically non-existent nightlife, the town still has some charming restaurants and cafes you can go to. This makes it a perfect choice for everyone looking for neighborhoods in Orange County, VA, that allow them to completely escape city life. Those interested in shopping for properties in the area will be happy to know that the average price of a home lies at around $260,000. Considering that the national average is significantly greater, investing in housing here is a choice well-made.
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 homeworth?” 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 charm and simple pleasures of small-town living on Main Street in this classic home. A paved circular driveway reaches out as if to say, Come on in!? Step into the spacious foyer and you will be welcomed by recently refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint, and unique character from another place in time. Entertaining friends and family is a breeze, as the main floor easily flows from one room to the next. As you head upstairs, you will notice a tiny chandelier and southern bannister leading the way. In addition, to the 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths on the second floor, awaits the treasured walk-up attic for added storage or refinishing. A pub-style, waterproofed basement provides the perfect recreation room, along with an additional classic staircase and complimentary pool table. As you head out into the spacious backyard, you will be greeted by the brick patio, generations of perennial plants, a detached two car garage and outbuilding, providing ample storage. Timeless surprises abound in this joyful, spacious home. Move-in ready to welcome your friends and family! For more information on 416 E Main Street, 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 home owners. 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.
We can freely say that moving to Orange
County Virginia might have been the best decision you have ever made. Orange County has a unique charm. It
can offer you a lot of outdoor and indoor activities. But also, it can offer
you historical attractions, and festivals and sporting events that are
happening year-round. There are so many
fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia that it is challenging
choosing what to do first. Depending on what you prefer and what is fun for
you – you will be able to easily find activities for you and your family.
Create your list of fun
things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia
We are all very different. Some of us like to go playing golf, while others enjoy music festivals. And the best thing about Orange County Virginia is the fact that it can offer you a lot of new and interesting things. And, if we are being honest – you will need to have some relaxing time after the relocation. Relocation is stressful no matter where you are moving. Especially relocation with a small child isn’t easy since a small child can’t quite understand everything that is happening. So, if you want to make sure that you and your family enjoy your new home from the beginning – create your list. You can even start before you actually relocate.
You should create a list of fun things that you can try after you relocate to Orange County Virginia
If you like outdoor
activities – Lake of the Woods Golf Course should be your choice!
The great thing about Orange County Virginia is that it can offer
a couple of golf courses. And Lake of the Woods Golf Course is definitely
one of the best. Even if you have never
played golf before, we can assure you that this should be on your list of fun
things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia. What makes it
different is the fact that it is surrounded by the woods of oaks and pines. It
is designed with a variety of slopes, sand, and water. It can accommodate
players of any level, no matter how old they are.
There are different events throughout the
year, and depending on when you move here – you can choose which one you like
the most.Aerial view of the Lake of the Woods is
amazing. Also, here you can organize
parties and fundraisers – and we can assure you everyone will have fun!
Fun and exciting
activity – Rapidan River Kayak!
This is a place where you will create unforgettable memories for sure! Paddling down a scenic river, with an opportunity to see wildlife ranging from bald eagles, ducks to deer, beavers, turtles. Occasionally, you can even see black bears and otters! This can be a very exciting and amazing thing to do after you move to Orange County Virginia. Even if you have never before tried something like this – you don’t have to worry. With you, on this tour, there will be a professional kayak instructor. He will teach you some basic things, how to properly do a basic stroke and similar.
Rapidan River Kayak is an amazing and fun activity for you and your friends and family
The
best thing about this is that you can go with your family or your friends. You can even reserve a kayak as a part of your wedding party, or as a
team-building activity. Also, you can often see a bachelor or bachelorette
party organized right here – this is a great way to relax and enjoy! So, in our
humble opinion, even if you are not moving here permanently – you should
considerbuying a vacation home! We can assure you that
you will enjoy your time here!
The Market at Grelen –
unique experience in Orange County
One of the fun things to do after moving
to Orange County Virginia is to visit the Market at Grelen! This is a rather unique European style
garden shop that can offer you a lot! A huge variety of plants is rotating
every week! Besides that, you will find some gardening goodies that can help
you when you decide torenovate your home and garden. If we can sum
up what you will experience here, it would be something like this: a casual farm-to-table cafe, a lot of
hiking trails. And you will have a unique opportunity to try Virginia beer,
cider and wine!
During winter months – this place is
unfortunately closed. But, on the E.
Main Street in Orange, you can find their store with a lot of different gifts
for your family, pets or for some special occasions as a wedding. And, besides
gifts, you will find Grelen ice cream and
Virginia beer, cider and wine! We can assure you that you have not tried
anything similar!
Sky diving is just one of the
many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia
If you like to feel that adrenalin rush
or you simply want to try something completely different – sky diving is for
you! Sky Dive Orange has been operating
since 1977 so you can be sure that you are in good hands! No matter if you
are experienced or this is your first time – there are instructors that can
answer any of your questions. You can try
tandem skydive or you can do it on your own – the choice is yours! For a
good reason, this is one of the very interesting and very fun things to do in
Orange County Virginia!
Sky diving is an exciting and fun thing to try!
Location of the Orange County
Virginia is great and your advantage!
And, we left the best facts for the end.
The distance between Orange County and some big cities is very small:
Washington DC is only 70 miles away
Charlottesville is only 20 miles away from Orange County
Richmond is 60 miles away
Fredericksburg is only 15 miles away
So, as you can see – Orange County has a rather good location, and you can easily reach some of the big cities. And, as you know – there are many different events happening. So you can be sure that you will find something fun and amazing and new almost every week. The next interesting thing is the 6th Annual Ice Yard Event in Washington that really should be on your calendar as one of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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
The Civic Club will host a forum between Delegate Nick
Freitas and Ann Ridgeway on Tuesday 10/15 at 7pm to 8pm in the lower level of
the clubhouse.
Each will give an opening speech and then followed by written questions submitted by the audience.
This will be a good opportunity for you to see and hear from the two candidates running for Delegate to represent Orange County and the 30th District which includes Madison and some of Culpeper County.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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.
Grab your clubs and mugs, because its time for the 2019 Schutzenfest at the 9th annual October Festival in Lake of the Woods; hosted by the LOW Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League! Please join The Licata Group at the LOW Woods Center on Saturday, October 19th for a day full of German food, beer and and their very own Oompah Band! Golf will start at 9:00 AM, and will be a nine hole scramble. Food and drinks will be served from 11:00 AM-5:30 PM, and the LOWnBROW’s Oompah band will play from 1pm-5 PM.
The fun doesn’t stop there, as there will be plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy; including a moon bounce for the kids, corn bag toss, horseshoes and more! Sign up for golf will be at the Pro Shop, and is $35 per person. This exciting event is being hosted by the LOW Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League to benefit the LOW Swim Club. This is going to be one event that you don’t want to miss! For more information, be sure to click here. We hope to see you there!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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.
The
first rule in home selling is to know your typical buyer. What most buyers would want to have in their homes is what
will eventually sell it. How soon – this depends on how well it fits their
needs. While you can’t fulfill everybody’s wishes, some features make your home
sell faster than others.
What Buyers Want
You
don’t have to get inside your buyer’s mind. Luckily, tips for selling a home are numerous and easy to find. They are based on surveys
and statistics and are usually related to a specific market. While steam ovens
and floor heating may be a good add-on to an upscale home, those upgrades
simply won’t pay off for most sellers. What the majority of people want is a
reliable, good-looking, practical, comfortable, and affordable home. The
most common features that would make your home sell faster are
Curb Appeal
Ample Storage Space
Sufficient Bedrooms
Eat-in Kitchen
Fresh Paint
Energy-efficient Appliances & Windows
Off-road Parking
Renovated Bathrooms
Hardwood Floors
Modern Lighting
Start With Entrance
The first step to boost the appeal would be to declutter your home, which also applies to your yard if you have it. If the exterior of your house is impressive enough, only then the prospective buyer will come inside and check the rest. To sell your home faster, you need to show to your buyer that you took good care of your home. Nothing shouts good maintenance like a neat exterior.
Outstanding curb appeal will make your home sell faster
You
might not have enough space for a garden, however, even a small secluded patio
with a pair of garden chairs or loungers and potted plants can create the feel
of a cozy getaway that most new homeowners look for.
Room for the things
There
aren’t many who can say that they have too much storage space. Those who need
extra storage simply call Verified Movers
and rent a storage facility but there is another option. With the help of
experts, it is possible to create extra storage and exploit otherwise
underutilized space. Additional space for belongings is especially important to
families with kids because they have plenty of useful things they don’t want to
dispose of even if they’re used only occasionally.
Walk-in pantry
In case there is enough extra space, usually 5×5 feet, creating a walk-in pantry in the kitchen is a big bonus. Non-perishables stored at the arms reach is something most would prefer. Even more so because they can save on the deals of bulk purchases. Walk-in pantries are affordable add-ons highly appreciated by families.
A kitchen with a walk-in pantry is a great asset
Walk-in closet
On
the other hand, walk-in closets are added to master bedrooms and are perfect
for empty-nesters in love with neatly organized apparel, jewelry, and
accessories. This feature can be made as a part of the existing bedroom or
placed in a separate, smaller room. Organizers and many shelving units are
worth their price. Walk-in closets are perfect for couples who share storage
space and are highly ranked among other features.
That extra bedroom
Nothing
attracts buyers more than a cozy extra bedroom. A guest bedroom is best suited
for loft space. After all, having a new bedroom in the attic is much better
than blocking the garage. If you opt for the renovation of your loft space,
consider adding a new small bathroom or at least a WC.
Hearth of your home
Making an eat-in kitchen would leave a good impression on families with children. Resurfacing cabinets and repainting walls is the least you can do to make your kitchen more attractive. A new trend and a highly popular and affordable one is adding lighting under cabinets. The effect is to give your kitchen depth and visually make the ceiling higher.
There
is nothing as attractive as new appliances so the first and most important on
the list should be a fridge. Prospective buyers are impressed with spacious and
clean refrigerators as this is the appliance they will use the most.
A new coat
The
most affordable and yet the best investment is fresh paint. Repainting your
walls and ceilings and adding a new coat on the outside leaves a good first
impression. Natural lighting is one of the most beneficial features a home
could have. Bright walls that reflect natural light will make space visually
larger and have a good psychological effect on visitors. If you wish to
attract buyers moving to Virginia from another state, for example, you should stick to neutral colors, appealing
to many.
Energy-efficient walls, windows, and appliances
If nothing else makes people care about the environment it’s the savings they secure by installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation to their walls and purchasing energy star rated appliances. Any of these features would greatly appeal to millennials. They are both environmentally and financially conscious. Keeping the heat inside will help them keep their cool, too.
Room for your car
It is difficult to imagine getting anywhere without a car nowadays and having an (at least one) parking slot is a big asset to a home. If your garage space has been repurposed, make sure that you keep at least one off-road parking slot.
One of the first things buyers ask the real estate agents is if there’s a garage/parking space available. You too might need to hire a lawyer or a real estate agent if you’re buying a new property at the same time you’re selling. A garage can serve as additional storage and as such is indispensable.
Fresh & Clean
A
tidy and crisp bathroom is a feature no one is immune to, and refurbishing one
is a must. A bathroom is perhaps the only room in the house that is easy to
look luxurious and impressive with a relatively small investment.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are durable and lasting and as a feature, they appeal to everybody. And why not; they are easy to maintain and keep clean.
Interior and exterior lighting
Modern exterior lighting is an add-on that sets your house apart. While an exterior illumination boosts your curb appeal, interior lighting is an affordable feature that will make your home sell faster.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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.
You’ll love the incredible amount of space provided in this stunning home boasting a cozy electric fireplace, new flooring, paint, and appliances! If you feel like venturing out, Lake of the Woods will not disappoint! 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, waterskiing, 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 volunteering 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 the low $100,000s 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 why I love Lake of the Woods! For more info about the property, be sure to 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 home owners. 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.
When you’re thinking about buying property, one of the
first questions that pop to mind is, “Should I do this on my own or hire
some assistance?” In a huge majority of cases, the answer is that doing
everything on your own will make the process much, much harder, and we’d also
be very surprised if you got a good deal without some assistance. In most
cases, the only real question is: “Should I hire a real estate agent or a
lawyer?” Both can be of invaluable assistance when it’s time to buy a
property, but the ways they can help differ.
Why
You Should Hire a Lawyer
What makes a real estate agent different from a lawyer when it comes to buying a property? First of all, by law, real estate agents cannot give legal advice. While you are not obligated by law to hire a lawyer when buying a property here (unlike in some other states), you may have some legal questions that only a lawyer can answer. For example, you may want to rent a property for some time (let’s say for a year) before making the decision on whether you should buy the property or not. If the seller agrees to that, an attorney can draft this unusual contract and provide legal advice on the matter that a real estate agent could not.
A good lawyer will help you by answering all the legal questions that a real estate agent cannot lawfully answer.
As lawyers charge an hourly fee,
before buying a property and moving in with the help of experienced
professionals from dumbomoving.com,
it’s a good idea to make a list of all the legal questions you may have and arrange
a meeting with an attorney. Then, you can ask everything you need, as well as
make arrangements on all the additional services you may need that a real
estate agent can’t help you with (drafting the contract from the previous
paragraph, for example).
Why
You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent
While a lawyer will help you with
some specific parts of the home buying procedure, you’ll still need to hire a
real estate agent as well. A real estate professional will be with you every
step of the way, acting as a sort of a guide to your home buying process. And
if you’re buying a property, you’ll be pleased to learn that sellers are the
ones who will pay the agents of both parties. The commission is usually 10
percent of the arranged home price, divided equally between the two agents. The
logic behind this rule is that sellers will be receiving a lot of money, and so
they should be the ones to pay all agents who will take care of the buying-selling
process.
So, if you hire a real estate agent, your wallet won’t have a problem with that; you will basically get an invaluable service for free. And what exactly does that service entail? Buying a property is a complex procedure – lots of paperwork will need to be done, inspectors will need to be hired, a comparative home prices analysis will need to be prepared, etc. While some lawyers will try to convince you that they can do everything on their own, that is most often not the case. Real estate professionals will be better at all of these tasks, simply because they have dedicated their lives to buying and selling real estate; they have much more experience and they know how to use it.
Apart from many other ways that a real estate agent can help you, he or she will be able to find a perfect house for you in the specified neighborhood.
This gives them an edge in all sorts
of home-buying tasks. Apart from the ones we have already mentioned, they are
also much better at negotiating. Let’s say that, for example, some parts
of the home will need to be fixed. You’ll need to determine whether you or the
seller will be the one who has to make these repairs. In this case, a good real
estate agent will help you negotiate an arrangement that is better for you
financially. What’s more, an experienced real estate agent who is a good fit
for you will be acquainted with the neighborhood where you’re looking for your
dream home. He or she will know just what to look for based on your
description.
Additional
Things to Have in Mind
So, should you hire a real estate agent or a lawyer? The answer is – why not both? Combining the individual strengths of these two professions will get you the best deal. Rely on attorneys for legal advice that a real estate agent cannot offer, and hire a real estate agent for everything else.
Before you hire a real estate agent and a lawyer who will seal the deal, you’ll need to have some things in mind. Alt text: A man signing a contract.
Still, simply hiring any real estate
agent and lawyer is not enough; you will need to find a dependable and competent real estate agent, and the same goes for your lawyer. Here is what to look
out for:
Sometimes, it may so happen that an opportunity to share a real estate agent with the seller emerges. In our opinion, that would be wrong to do. As real estate agents make a living off of commissions, they might be looking for the sellers’ best interest in this situation and not yours. Ethical agents who won’t do this certainly exist, but it’s best to be on the safe side anyway.
Real estate agents may press you to offer a higher price because of similarly unethical reasons. The more you pay, the larger their commission, after all. What’s more, some of them will be afraid to negotiate because doing so might mean that they won’t get to close the deal. If it seems that your agent doesn’t respect your opinion and is only looking to close the deal as soon as possible, it is best to find a different agent. Doing research on your own regarding home prices in the given neighborhood will help you avoid such unpleasant situations.
Most lawyers prefer to be hired and paid only after the home buying process is complete. However, it may suit you more to only pay for one consulting session or one or two specific tasks. That can be arranged, just have the arrangement in writing (better safe than sorry).
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther 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.
