Category Archives: Events in DC

Summer of Adventure at the National Harbor in Maryland!

Are you ready for an unforgettable summer filled with excitement, learning, and family fun? Visit the picturesque National Harbor 165 Waterfront St Fort Washington, MD! Starting on August 8th,10:30 a.m. and every other Tuesday thereafter, you’re invited to be part of a fantastic journey, exploring new themes inspired by your favorite WHUT PBS Kids Show. Get ready to engage in interactive activities that will bring joy and learning to the whole family!

The Best Part? Tickets are Free!

That’s right – this extraordinary Summer of Adventure is open to all families, and tickets are absolutely free! WhutKids believes in making quality family time accessible to everyone, and that’s why they made sure that the camp is a cost-free experience.

Final Thoughts

This summer, make the National Harbor your go-to destination for unforgettable family adventures. Gather your family, pack your curiosity, and be prepared for a journey like no other on August 8th, and every other Tuesday thereafter.

For more information, visit this link.

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

cherry blossoms

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2023 in Washington, DC

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

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

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

cherry blossoms

When the Cherry Blossoms are Due to Bloom this Spring!

This year, the highly loved Cherry Blossom festival will resume in person for the first time in two years! Predictions for peak bloom were announced in a press conference on Tuesday, March 1st by the National Park Service. They’re expecting 70% of the blossoms to be open for prime blossom-viewing between March 23rd and March 25th in 2022. Now, for the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival! It is set to take place between March 20th and April 17th and this year will mark the 110th anniversary of Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki’s gift of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees to Washington, DC. Tune in to the festival’s official website “Bloom Watch”, where you can view a live cam of the trees!

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 or Selling in 2022? Look for an Agent with These 10 Qualities

Key Takeaways:

  • In today’s hot market, it’s more important than ever to choose the right agent to help you buy or sell a home.
  • Real estate agents don’t just offer local expertise—their insider knowledge and marketing prowess come in handy, too.
  • Thinking about making a move in the new year? Contact us to start planning now!

Here Are the Top 10 Qualities Every Successful Real Estate Agent Should Have

Did you know that 75% of buyers and sellers work with the first agent they meet? It’s true—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. If you want to come out on top in today’s competitive market, experts often recommend interviewing a few candidates before settling on the right real estate professional for the job. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve outlined 10 qualities of a highly successful agent.

They keep up with the latest sold data

Analyzing real estate sold data

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep up with the latest sold data for your neighborhood of choice. Sold data reports consist of homes that recently sold in your area, as well as their final prices. Not only do these numbers help sellers determine an accurate list price, but they can also be used by buyers to gauge an area’s affordability. A top-notch agent should be willing to provide you with up-to-date data every step of the way.

They know what’s happening in the real estate market

It’s hard to know what the real estate market will look like next year. But with careful forecasting, a local agent should be able to provide some valuable insight. Agents can educate buyers and sellers on everything from price fluctuations to mortgage rates—just make sure they’re using accurate data to back up their predictions.

They’re social media savvy

Real estate agent using social media

Nowadays, home-buying and selling primarily happens on the internet. According to recent research, over 95% of buyers start searching for properties online, which makes it imperative that agents maintain an active presence on their social platforms. Be sure to ask your agent about the virtual tools they offer buyers and sellers, such as access to the MLS, social media promotion, and paid advertising. Bonus points if they have their own website, too!

They have a network of contacts

When it comes to buying or selling a home, it truly takes a village. A well-connected agent can refer you to their network of local contacts, such as plumbers, landscapers, lawyers, and so much more. You’ll rest easy knowing that you can trust their recommendations for local service providers!

Their referrals are positive

Buyer or seller leaving online feedback

If an agent provides legendary customer service, their past clients are more than willing to leave positive feedback—or even refer them to their loved ones! Ask your potential agent about their reviews, or take a look online to see what previous buyers and sellers have to say about working with them.

They’re punctual

This one should be a given! The current real estate market moves faster than ever before, which makes punctuality an even more important quality than usual. If your agent is on-time (or early!) to your appointments, you’ll know they’re treating you like a priority.

It’s easy to get in touch

Scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent

Keeping in touch is key when it comes to real estate, so you’ll want to share the same method of communication as your agent. Tell your agent from the beginning whether you prefer to text, email, or talk on the phone. Not responding in a timely manner is a big red flag.

They’re shrewd negotiators

Buyers and sellers alike should look for an agent with top-notch negotiation skills to get them the best possible price. And if you want to evaluate a real estate agent’s prowess, just ask yourself this question: how well did they negotiate with you to win your business?

They’ve built their own brand

Buyers getting the keys to their new home

Real estate agents don’t just help you buy or sell a home—they need to be expert marketers on both sides of the transaction. Solid branding can help agents rise to the top of the competition and build a reputation that people rely on, trust, and recognize. Exploring an agent’s social media and website can give you a good idea of their personal branding strategies.

You get along with them

When you’re trusting someone with one of your biggest investments, it’s crucial to get along on both a professional and personal level. If you can’t have difficult conversations with your agent—or if you don’t get along with them—consider going with another candidate. Personality can sometimes trump experience!

Find the Right Agent for Your Move

Ready to start planning your 2022 move? Now is the time to find the perfect agent for the job! Contact us today to learn more about what we bring to the table, or explore our other resources to get a head start on buying or selling. We’re always here to offer superior service throughout every step of the transaction!

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.

609 Stratford Cir, Lake of the Woods Virginia- now SOLD!!!

You will absolutely fall in love with 609 Stratford Circle! You are welcomed by gleaming hardwood floors, formal dining room with columns, a living room featuring cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace for those cool nights, and an abundance of natural light. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, as well as a dining area with access to the screened porch. The open floor plan will make entertaining a breeze! The sought after split bedroom design with an incredible, expansive owner’s suite featuring a double closets, the large en-suite bath features a soaking tub to melt the day away. Imagine quiet evenings in the screened porch with your favorite beverage, reading a book or enjoying cookouts with spacious outdoor living areas and spending time with family and friends.

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 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 $150,000+ 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 why I love 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 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.

Van Gogh Immersive Experience Coming to DC

Many of us have fallen in love with the art that Van Gogh brought into this world, and now you’ll have the opportunity to experience it like never before! The Van Gogh Immersive Experience will be coming to Washington DC this summer! The experience consists of a 20,000 sq ft light and sound spectacular which features two-story projections of the most compelling work by the famed artist. This 360 degree spectacular allows you to encounter the sheer brilliance of one of history’s greatest artists.

The experience is digital and hands-free to promote proper social distancing so that a multitude of families and friends alike can enjoy this wonderful opportunity. Stretching from floor to ceiling, the experience includes separate galleries that tell his life, journey, technique and of course, display his beautiful atwork in a way never seen before.

The Immersive Experience also features a Virtual Reality interactive, which will guide you on journey through “A day in the life of the Artist.” Here, you’ll walk alongside Van Gogh during this visually rich journey as you discover the inspiration that lies behind eight of his iconic works, including: Starry Night and Vincent’s Bedroom at Arles.

Tickets for the Van Gogh: Immersive Experience will go on sale Friday, March 5th, 2021, and we highly encourage you to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! For more information, you can visit the official website by clicking here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

The LOW-down on Real Estate at the Lake 2020 By Pat Licata

The continued inventory shortage experienced by most regions of the country was clearly evident in Lake of the Woods again in 2020. Listings decreased by 11.6%, from 397 in 2019 to 351 in 2020, while closed sales were up 4% from 301 to 313. New construction accounted for 34 of the 313 sales. The median sold price increased a healthy 7.87% year over year from $270000 to $291,250 in 2020.

Of the 313 total sales reported in 2020, only 8, or 2 1/2%, were either short sales or foreclosures. At the height of the distressed real estate market in 2010, a whopping 43% of all sales were either short sales or foreclosures.

Now let’s look at our steady growth over the past five years:

In 2017, there were 291 total sales, a whopping 21.7% increase over 2016 at 239. The median sales price climbed to $239,000.

In 2018, 234 homes sold, which was an 8% decrease from 2017. The median sales price rose to $249,900. In 2019, we realized a 28.63% gain in homes over 2018, with a total of 301 selling.

Average Days on the Market (DOM), which is the number of days it takes from the time a property is listed until it goes under contract, has steadily declined from 117 in 2016 to 37 in 2020.

It’s also telling to note that a significant number of lots have sold in the past five years.  From January 1, 2016-Decemeber 31, 2020, a total of 196 lots sold: 24 in 2016; 37 in 2017; 45 in 2018, 41 in 2019; and 49 in 2020. There simply are very few lots left in LOW.

New construction has been climbing, as well. 2016 realized 28 new construction starts; in 2017, there were 30; in 2018, there were 34; in 2019, there were 48; and there were a whopping 66 new starts in 2020.

Another notable statistic is the dramatic rise in average sold price to original list price ratio. It has steadily risen from 93.9% in 2016 to 99.2% in 2020.

According to Freddie Mac and the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage rates were expected to stay within the 3.7-3.9% range in 2020. Interestingly, rates were surely seen well below those numbers. As of today, it’s possible to obtain a 15-year fixed rate below 2%, with the 30-year rate below 3%. Financial experts are expecting another year of low interest rates.

The prognosis for 2021, as it was in 2020, is excellent! In LOW, there are 9 homes active on the market as of 1/14/2021. In January of 2019, there were 57. Low, stable rates and hopefully more inventory should propel us to experience another year of healthy sales and appreciation.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

National Cherry Blossom Festival Happening March 21st – April 12th!

What better way to celebrate springtime than the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! This year’s festival will span across four weeks, beginning on Friday March 20th and ending on April 12th! During this time, there will be several different events that will be going on, starting off with the Pink Tie Party on March 20th, which features live music, an open bar, a live performance by WHITE OUT TOKYO who were the World of Dance Champions, and a truly amazing silent auction! The opening ceremony will officially kick everything on the 21st during the opening weekend. On March 28th, thousands of kites will take to the skies at the Blossom Kite Festival! Starting at 10AM at the grounds of the Washington Monument, novices and professionals alike will test their skills in through various competitions and demonstrations. You can bring your own kites or purchase them at the event. Kids can create their own at the activity station and fly them on the public field.

Make sure you’re at Constitution Avenue on April 4th from 10AM – 12PM for the National Cherry Blossom Parade! With marching bands, elaborate floats, giant helium balloons and performers marching down the street, it’s sure to be a spectacle that you don’t want to miss!

Lastly, be sure to be at Water St SE for Petalpalooza on April 11th! From 1PM – 9PM, you’ll enjoy a day full of live music and numerous engaging activities that are sure to be fun for the whole family! This is a celebration of art, music, and each other and will conclude with a spectacular firework show set to music. This yearly celebration is loved by all, and you’re sure to have an amazing time at any and all events! Make sure to save each date, as the Cherry Blossoms won’t last forever!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

6th Annual Ice Yard Event in DC On February 1st!

Image Taken by Asico Photo

Returning for its 6th year, the annual Ice Yards event will be happening on Saturday, February 1st from 1PM-5PM in Washington DC! Here you’ll enjoy popular Icy cocktails and local brews as you spend your time at the only adult-friendly winter wonderland in DC! Participate in ice games and interactive ice activities while you enjoy live music, axe throwing, inflatable jousting, live ice carving and an attempt at DC’s largest group Shotski! Tickets are only $10 and include (1) beer or wine upon entry. Guests can also take part in the “Polar Plunge” to help raise money for the Special Olympics DC! For more information about this event, be sure to Click Here!

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