Category Archives: Information

camping

Great American Campout at Dixon Park, Fredericksburg Virginia 22401

What better way to take on the summer than camping with the family? Spring on over to Great American Campout at Dixon Park! Enjoy an evening filled with games, s’mores, and activities at the pool for the whole family. Check in is at 6:30 pm on June 24th, check out by 10:00 am on June 25th. Pre-registration is required and cost is $10 per person while children 3 and under are free! Children 17 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. For more info and to register visit: Upcoming Events | Fredericksburg, VA – Official Website (fredericksburgva.gov). Come here for a summer of excitement! This event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Parks and recreation and co-sponsored with Fredericksburg Police Department.

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.

What to Know About the Escrow Process

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve probably heard the term “escrow”—but have you ever wondered what it means and what exactly the escrow process entails? Here are a few common questions to help shed light on this important step in the home sales process:

– What is escrow? Escrow is a legal term indicating that a deed, property, deposit, or fund is temporarily in the custody of a neutral third party, such as an escrow company, title company, or law firm. These third parties hold money and the property until all conditions from the purchase and sale agreement have been satisfied and the deal closes.

– What is an escrow account? There are two types of escrow accounts that serve different purposes: one is used during the home buying process to protect a buyer’s earnest money deposit until all conditions of the sale have been met, and the other holds a homeowner’s money for expenses such as property taxes and insurance throughout the life of a mortgage loan. This second type of escrow account can make it more convenient to manage your tax and insurance payments, since your lender will estimate the total annual expenses, add a prorated portion to your monthly mortgage payment, and handle paying the bills when they are due—thereby eliminating the need for you to make large lump-sum payments once or twice a year.

– How long does the escrow process last? Escrow begins when the seller accepts an offer and the buyer provides an earnest money deposit. Typically, the process lasts about 30-60 days until the closing occurs, although the timeframe may vary depending on factors such as issues that arise during inspections or delays with the mortgage lender. At closing, the escrow agent will transfer the deed to the buyer and the earnest money to the seller.

Source: redfin.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

May 2022 Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 Real Estate Market Statistics

In April, 31 homes SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

3 sold below $250,000.00
3 sold between $250,000-299,999;
5 sold between $300-349,999;
5 sold between $350,000-399,999;
9 sold between $400-499,999;
4 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
2 sold over $1,000,000.

35 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
43 Homes Under Contract
115 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 contact Pat Licata.

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

Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches

Balsamic Grilled Steak Salad with Peaches

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. skirt steak, fat trimmed
  • 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 6 c. baby arugula
  • 2 ripe peaches, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 c. crumbled blue cheese or feta

Directions:

  • In a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish, combine steak, vinegar, garlic and brown sugar. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove steak from marinate, coat with vegetable oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Grill until desired doneness, 3 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
  • Make dressing: In a small bowl whisk together olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange salad: In a large serving bowl, add arugula, peaches, blue cheese or feta, and steak. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss.

Source: delish.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.

How to plan your perfect stress free staycation

How to Plan Your Perfect Stress-Free Summer Staycation

Staycations are one of the most popular trends in travel right now. The definition of a staycation can vary, but the meaning of a staycation is a short break from your everyday routine. A staycation can involve a day or two off of work exploring places or enjoying activities you don’t typically experience in your hometown. Or, a staycation can be a short weekend or weekday trip taken within a few hours’ drive from home. Staycations can win out over regular vacations on a few fronts, including less time off of work, shorter travel distances, less planning, and often less budget.

Taking a staycation can be stress-free and straightforward – here’s how to do it:

– Designate a time for your staycation. You can request a day or two off of work or make your staycation happen on the weekend. Like you would do with a regular vacation, you should block this time off on your calendar to reserve it just for a staycation.

– Decide where you want to go (if anywhere) on your staycation. How far are you interested in traveling? Do you want to stay in your own home or treat yourself to a hotel or vacation rental?

– Plan some fun staycation activities to look forward to. Think hikes, spa days, museums, restaurants, or anything else you’ve wanted to do but don’t generally have time for.

– Leave “real life” behind. Resist the urge to spend part of your staycation cleaning the house or grocery shopping. Don’t schedule a dentist appointment or anything not in the staycation spirit during this time, just because you’re off of work.

If you take a staycation during a weekday, take advantage of everyone else being at work and visit the usually super crowded places during the week. Many businesses offer discounts for services at off-peak times, so you can often find a great deal if you want to treat yourself. Taking even a small amount of time off can benefit your mental health. Staycations are perfect for parents who need a break but don’t want to go too far, people feeling burned out at work, anyone on a budget, couples in a rut, or friends looking for a reunion.

Source: tinytrips.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.

Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

You have found a new job, a new love, or a new desire to move somewhere else. These are all great reasons to buy that one-way ticket and start packing your bags! But, what about your house? You can’t just leave it be – you have to either sell it or rent it out. Both selling and renting have a lot of pros and cons; however, it will be up to you to decide which option will take the lead. This is going to be complicated and stressful, we know. And, we also know that you are going to need help to decide. That is why we are here—to help you determine whether you should sell your house or rent it out. So, if this is the kind of help you were looking for, keep on reading. 

Signs You Should Sell Your House 

1. Your House is in Seller’s Market 

There is a huge demand for homes in a seller’s market, but there are not enough homes. This means that if your house is in the seller’s market and you decide to sell it, you will do it without any delays and for the highest price possible. Your local real estate agents can help you with this—that is, they will tell you your home’s value and give you advice on how to sell it properly. 

2. You Need Money 

Should you sell your house or rent it out also depends on whether you have enough cash—for your new home and to maintain this old home? Everything costs money. So, evaluate your budget and assess all of your finances. If you have some money to spare, great! But, if you don’t, that is your sign to sell your home. 

3. Your House is Old and Requires Serious Renovation 

Maybe you want to move out of your house because it requires a lot of maintenance. It needs to be renovated and upgraded so that it can fit all of your needs and preferences. If that is the case, you should look for movers on bestcrosscountrymovers.com, relocate, and sell your house. If you can’t live in it, renters won’t be able to either. All renters look for comfortable and modern homes – if your home isn’t that, you will not be able to rent it out. 

An old, damaged wall.
With old and destroyed houses, there is no doubt whether you should sell your house or rent it out

4. You Don’t Want to Be a Landlord 

Renting out your property to strangers means that you will still be responsible for everything that is going on in your house. You will have to take care of all the household issues, finances, and many other problems. And, you will always have to be nearby. This will be just like any other job. Of course, it will provide you with a steady cash flow (almost) every month, but it will also require you to “work” on that property too. If this is not something you are ready to do, better list your house now. 

5. The House Is Just Not Good Rental Material 

As previously said, all renters want to live in modern and comfortable homes. But not only that, they want to live in safe homes that have all the needed amenities both inside and out. They want to live in homes that are close to the city center or, at least, close to some means of transportation. Just think about it–would you rent out a home in the middle of nowhere, and that will make your life extremely difficult? Probably not. So, if your house has similar features, don’t even think about whether you should sell your house or rent it out. The answer is rather obvious. 

A house-shaped keychain representing the uncertainty of whether you should sell your house or rent it out
If you wouldn’t want to rent your home, other people won’t either.

Signs You Should Rent Your House 

1. Demand for Rentals is High in Your Area 

If, for example, you have to move from Virginia to some other state, don’t let all of the reasons mentioned already force you to sell your house and decide to leave for good. There are some great reasons (signs) for you to keep your home and rent it out before you leave. And one of those signs is that you live in an area where there is a high demand for rentals. Those are typically urban areas, areas around schools and colleges, areas close to business districts, etc. Renting your home can be quick, easy, and financially good in these areas. So, before you decide to leave for good, think about this – renting your house can be a wise decision. 

2. Wondering if You Should Sell Your House or Rent It Out When You Are Still Attached to the House 

Maybe a job or some new life event forced you to move out and buy a new house. And, maybe you still love your house—it has everything you need, and it reminds you of your family. It is okay to feel emotionally attached to a property! And, it is okay to rent it out until you figure out what to do. By renting the house out, you will have enough money to take care of it even from the far. So, don’t push yourself to do something you are not ready for. Rent the house until you are ready for the next move—whatever that move may be.

One person giving home keys to another.
If you are still attached to your house, be sure to find some good and reliable tenants.

3. The House is Good Rental Material

If you still don’t know whether you should sell your house or rent it out, just check whether it is a good rental material or not. Besides being in a desired, safe rental market, the house should also have all the wanted amenities. For instance, most renters look for amenities such as big kitchens, new bathrooms, substantial square footage, outdoor area, etc. If your house has all of this, then rent it out. You will certainly be able to find good renters who will be suitable for your house and who will be able to pay a good amount of money for it. 

As you have seen, many signs can help you decide whether to sell your house or rent it out. However, it all depends on you at the end of the day. Look at these signs and evaluate your situation and your house’s condition, but don’t forget to ask yourself what is good for you. 

Meta Description: Wondering whether to sell your house or rent it out? Wonder no more—keep on reading for some expert advice. 

Photos Used: 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-silver-key-8293778/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/unfinished-wall-804392/

https://pixabay.com/photos/build-a-house-house-for-sale-4503738/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-giving-keys-from-new-home-to-family-7489107/

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.

Central Park Fredericksburg Virginia 22401 Family Fun Carnival

What other way to kick off the summer then bringing your family to The Family Fun Carnival in Fredericksburg, Virginia? The Carnival will be in town May 27th through June 5th.  Come out and enjoy food and UNLIMITED RIDES! Family and friends are welcome from Monday-Friday: 6 pm ‘till closing and Saturday and Sunday: 3 pm ‘till closing. Come visit the carnival at 1833 Carl D Silver Parkway Fredericksburg 22401! All-day ride wristbands are available as well as individual ticket purchases. The ride tickets and wristbands are sold only inside the event, wristbands, tickets and entry fee are non-refundable. For additonal information or to ask questions visit their website: http://www.amusementpromotionsinc.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.

114 independence ave, lake of the woods va 22508

114 Independence St, Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508 SOLD!!! by Licata Group EXP Real Estate Advisors!

Craving space? You’ll love this great house located in amenity rich Lake of the Woods! The house is perfectly situated on a private lot that backs to trees for privacy. The inside delights with a spacious living room, kitchen/dining area (which provides access to deck), and three bedrooms all on the main level. The lower level is where you will find the master bedroom with attached full bath and expansive closet.  If that isn’t enough, the lower level features a family room and laundry! Enjoy sitting on the deck that backs to a private, level yard.

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 the mid-$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!

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.