Category Archives: Information

Planning Commission For Solar SUP Opens Public Hearing For Project On 2/4/2021

Redfish Solar Partners has applied for a special use permit for plans involving the construction of a renewable energy facility on 96.6 acres of land currently zoned as agricultural land on Catharpin Road in Locust Grove.

The Orange County Planning Commission will hold an open, public hearing on the SUP at its Feb. 4 meeting, and will continue to accept written comments until Tuesday, February 23rd.

The company suggests the project will have a minuscule impact on county services, and infrastructure including emergency services, schools roads, water, and sewer.

The application, which is nearly 100 pages long, suggests that the project would not be producing noise, dust, or vibration, have a limited environmental impact and have little to no impact on traffic, and would not present safety hazards to surrounding properties. Currently, there are no buildings on the parcel and none have been proposed.

If the operation is approved, the applicants suggest that the project will end up generating “about 10,290 megawatt-hours of clean renewable electricity each year, which is equivalent to 840 homes’ energy use for one year, 1,572 passenger vehicles driven for one year, and 7,276 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.”

In the past few weeks, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has continued to discuss solar farms during the “board comment” portion of the meeting, including concerns over the proposed project and one in the neighboring county of Spotsylvania that originally spawned the Orange board to file suit.

Any written comments that are sent to the planning commission should be no more than 500 words and remain on a single sheet of paper. Comments can be submitted by mail to Sandra Thornton, 128 W. Main Street, Orange, VA 22960; or by email to sthornton@orangecountyva.gov. All comments must be received no later than noon on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Application materials can be viewed at orangecountyva.gov. For more information, call (540) 672-4347 or email zoning@orangecountyva.gov.

 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

Stunning Home For Sale in Callaway, MD! 44913 Widgeon Place Now SOLD

Welcome to 44913 Widgeon Place, located in a cul-de-sac offering a quick drive to Patuxant Navel Air Base. This beautiful colonial is nestled between the Patuxant and Potomac Rivers with close access to the Chesapeake Bay. As you arrive, you will immediately notice the fabulous front porch. Imagine relaxing with your favorite beverage or book. Upon entering, you are welcomed by gleaming hardwood floors, an open floor plan, and a stunning stairway. You will love cooking in this spacious kitchen with upgraded appliances and a pantry to die for!

The flow from the kitchen, dining area and family room will make entertaining or everyday living a breeze. The upper-level owner’s suite is sure to delight with the vaulted ceilings, space to spread out, and an en-suite, spa-like bathroom! The upper-level boasts a landing with quaint sitting area that would be perfect flex space and three additional bedrooms. The outdoor living area includes an awesome deck that will accommodate incredible backyard barbecues and a yard that is ready for your garden or swing set or both! Welcome home! For more information on 44913 Widgeon Place, Click 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

Valentine’s Weekend Happenings at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery

Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery knows that you want your Valentine’s Day to be special, and they’ve come up with multiple ways to spend the weekend with the one you love! The Ladies at Wild Tribe Co. have put together beautifully decorated wine tents that are sure to put off that Valentine’s Day vibe! The tens will be available from 2/3 – 2/14, and if you decide to book them on Feb. 12th, 13th, or 14th, you will also have the ability to pre-order one of their “Love is Sweet” Dessert Platters!

Indoor and outdoor reservations will also be available on Valentine’s Day and have fireside options that you may request. Special menu selections will also be available from Feb. 12th – 14th and can be viewed by clicking here.

If you’re looking to spend this special day at home, Potomac Point has you covered with several to-go options! Make this Valentine’s Day special by spending your day with the one you love, and by visiting Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery!

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

Free Virtual Home Seller Seminar on 2/13 From 11:00 AM – 12:00PM EST!

Join the Licata Group team for a fun, informative, and free webinar where you will learn how to BEST prepare your home for sale for top-dollar from leading industry professionals.

Interest rates continue to stay at a historic-low with more buyers than homes that are available! You’ll learn how the current market is affecting the home selling process and how it’s often leading to multiple-offer situations.

A Q&A session will be held at the end to answer your questions.

We understand the need to sell your home for the highest market value in the least amount of time, and you’ll learn how this can be achieved in this one-hour session! Join us for a fun, interactive, and informative webinar on February 13th, 11 am. Click Here to register!

 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

Tips to Take Control of Your Electric Bill

As we are still feeling the impacts that 2020 brought us, there’s a good bit of uncertainty about what can be controlled in this world. That being said, you may find that there’s one thing you can take control of, and that’s your electric bill! Now is the time to put an end to higher-than-normal energy consumption.

Depending on the situation you’re in, you may still be working from home, and/or have children that are having to attend school remotely. REC highly encourages you to take the time to make some simple adjustments so that you can continue to save money and energy!

The first tip is to set your thermometer to 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower during the winter months. This will be the biggest step in controlling your electric bill, as thermostats are the highest users of electricity in your house. If you have a thermostat that is problematic, adjust the temperature to be 4-6 degrees lower. This should be done when there is either no one in the home or when everyone is asleep.

Next is to minimize your use of hot water. Water heaters are often the second-highest users of electricity, and something as simple as taking a shorter shower can make a big difference. Additionally, you can adjust your water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which will help you save energy over time.

Space heaters are often tempting, however, you’ll need to minimize their usage. Space heaters often lead to a larger than desired electric bill, so instead consider using alternatives such as a small electric blanket that sufficiently provides you heat without having to heat up the whole room.

One simple tip to help manage your electric bill is to make sure that all doors and windows are sealed properly. You don’t to be spending money to heat the outside.

We are confident there are more useful tips that can help you take control of your electric bill, and we encourage you to contact your local energy provider to get their opinion on the matter.

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

Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Ferry Farm on Monday, February 15th!

The father of our country is turning 289, and Ferry Farm is inviting you to celebrate with them! Visit George Washington’s boyhood home on February 15th and celebrate with the whole family from 10AM – 4PM. Guests will be able to engage with archeologists, historians, curators, and various other experts as you learn the history of Ferry Farm and the Washington family. Rumor has it that General Washington himself will be making an appearance to talk about his life growing up on the farm. The annual stone-throwing competition will also take place! It’s only $5 for adults to attend, and children 17 & under get in for free. Purchasing tickets in advance is required, and guests are asked to wear masks and maintain proper social distancing. Credit for the photo goes to the George Washington Foundation. For more information about the event, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Northern Virginia, 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

LOW Clubhouse Valentine’s Day Dinner on Saturday, February 13th!

The Lake of the Woods Clubhouse invites you to dine with your sweetheart in the great hall on Saturday, February 13th! Dining will be available from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and will feature the music of The Chris and Mark Duo! Be sure to make your reservation and meal selection by calling (540) 972-2221. You’ll find the menu that’s being offered below. The normal Clubhouse menu will only be available in the Members Lounge and Grill Room. Orders must be placed no later than 5:00 PM on Wednesday, 2/10. For more information, click here to visit the Clubhouse Facebook page! If you’re looking to have a nice dinner with the one you love, we recommend the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse!

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

Reasons Why Canadians Love Orange County, VA

If you are looking for a place to spend your vacation or move from your hometown in Canada, look no further than Orange County, Virginia. “Why,” you ask? This region is one of the most incredible areas you can visit on the East Coast. Namely, one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA, is because it is exceptionally uncommon ever to have a dull moment in this county. 

So, if moving to or visiting this place has been on your mental map for some time, we are pleased to give you an overview of all the fun and exciting activities and other things that await you here. 

Some Canadians choose to relocate to Orange County, VA, permanently

Before you start to plan out your itinerary in detail, it is helpful to have a clear idea about what you want to do here. If you wish to move to Orange County from Canada permanently, you might want to consider looking into how living here is similar and different from living in Canada. 

This includes checking out the general expenses of moving from Canada, what you need to pack and move to settle down in the new city in the county, real estate market trends in Virginia, local educational institutions, job prospects, etc.

Travelling is one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA.

In order to help you with this, we will discuss the main ‘attractions’ that grace this lovely region from a Canadian point of view. In this way, you should get a clearer picture of what makes it so interesting and irresistible to Canadians. 

On the other hand, if you simply love to spend time here in Virginia, this article will help you get acquainted with the region’s overall vibe. This should inspire you to visit some local amenities that make up the spirit of Orange County and that you, perhaps, were not aware of by now.

Historical sights in Orange County VA

This county has a rich history that makes it an unavoidable destination for all Canadian history buffs out there. Scenic tours of the region give you a chance to dive into Virginia’s rich and proud past. Since history and landscapes are a sight to behold here, it is no surprise that many Canadians cannot get enough of this region.

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Orange County, VA, has amazing landscapes and history.

In fact, historical sights are one of the main incentives for visiting or relocating here. In case you have set your mind on moving to Orange County, Virginia, from Canada, we highly suggest hiring a company that can handle your relocation, that is, a company with the necessary experience, expertise, and equipment to do the job right. Getting a quote from number1movers.ca is the first step to take. 

Lovely rustic cottages in the countryside 

As we have mentioned, what is great about this region is the fact that you can investigate American history that is not as represented in your average history book. Namely, Virginia was the first of the original 13 European colonies, which means these cottages are, in a way, the first seeds of the American dream on the continent. The very thought of visiting or living near the first European settlements in America is one of the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA!

The rustic spirit and the ambiance that envelopes these cottages are truly something to behold. We suggest you visit the Boxwood Villa and the surrounding area. This villa is actually an old cottage built in the 1850s but is, luckily, open for guests. 

If you are lucky enough to purchase a property located in the vicinity of these cottages, be sure to plan out your relocation from Canada carefully. We suggest you first work on getting moving boxes and the other necessary supplies for your big event ahead of time so that you can move and settle in your new home without any issues. 

Local breweries and wineries

It is not only the great and rich history that this Virginian county offers. After getting acquainted with the historical sites, be sure to check out other region-specific attractions in the countryside. It is also well-known and appreciated for its variety of brews and wines, so be sure to taste some of them.  

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Don’t even think about returning to Canada before trying out the local beers or wines.

Trying out different wines and other alcoholic beverages made in the region is one of the favorite activities that Canadians enjoy when visiting Orange County. 

Christ Episcopal Church and other religious sites

Whether you are religious or not, appreciating the architecture of the many churches and other religious sites is an unavoidable part of spending time in Orange County, VA. We suggest you start your tour from Christ Episcopal Church since this ecclesiastical structure is the best representative of the Gothic influences in Virginia’s architecture. 

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From a Canadian perspective, Virginia’s ecclesiastical architecture is supreme.

All in all, we hope this brief insight into the reasons why Canadians love Orange County, VA, has inspired you to investigate and find out more about this lovely region on your own. 

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

Pictures Sourced from:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-dawn-landscape-nature-5645446/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/alcoholic-beverage-bar-beer-beverage-1269025/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-concrete-building-near-green-trees-under-white-clouds-5580132/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-red-sleeveless-dress-with-canada-flag-printed-background-1267369/

Stellar Home For Sale in Lake of the Woods, VA! 207 Madison Circle Now SOLD!!

Welcome to 207 Madison Circle! The first thing you will notice is the water views from your front door! This solidly built home is full of light and offers flex spaces on both levels. You will love the spacious living and dining areas, along with three bedrooms (one with attached bath as main floor primary) and flex space (classroom or office, perhaps?) on the main level. The upper level boasts either a private guest suite with en-suite bath or second owner’s suite with upper deck access, which would also make a great classroom or private office! Relax on the other spacious deck and enjoy the sounds of nature while you overlook your private, deep (246+ feet), level, tree lined backyard. Wait…there’s more….. an oversized one car detached garage with workshop space offering its own entrance, and a shed. Even though this home is being sold “As Is,” don’t let that fool you! You are already starting out with equity! For more information on 207 Madison Circle, 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.

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