Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter and The Inn At Willow Grove are proud to present the 3rd Annual Paw Prints and Predictions 80’s Murder Mystery Dinner & Silent Auction, and we’ve got two tickets to give away! It’s gonna be a tubular night with a classic case of who done it! The dinner will be on Saturday March 7th with doors opening at 6:00 PM, and the show starting at 7:30 PM. The dinner will be hosted at The Inn At Willow Grove, with all proceeds going to support the Orange County Animal Shelter Emergency Vet Fund.
How do you win the two tickets? By simply bringing in items to donate to the OC Animal Shelter! All items are accepted, however the Shelter has mentioned that wet dog and cat food, bleach, and detergent are the top four most needed items. Please bring all donations to our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive, Locust Grove, VA 22508 in order to be entered to win the two free tickets. The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, 2/28. This is a great opportunity to help your community, and possibly win a night that is sure to be like totally far out!
Back by popular demand…On Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, two guest speakers will address the art of organizing and decluttering our homes and methods for removal of the items in order to accomplish an easier way of life. Even if one’s home is the perfect fit, there still may be items that can be “released” for simpler living. For many people, the stress comes from not knowing how to take the first step of thinking through what should stay or go, and for others it may be not knowing how to sell or where to donate items no longer needed or wanted.
Linda Clevenger, Professional Organizer and Owner of Organization Direct, will be our first speaker. Linda has been helping homeowners downsize, right-size, purge, and eliminate items from their homes for over 12 years. She helps clients walk through the process of making decisions regarding the need to keep items and how it will impact life both now and in the future. As the spouse of a disabled Veteran, she is passionate about helping other Veterans and those who struggle with the day to day task of living a clutter-free life.
Cathy France, owner of CopperStone Auctions and Estates, will provide options for the sale of items no longer wanted or needed. CopperStone’s offerings include estate sales from the home, consignment and auction services, and complete buyout of a home’s contents. And of course, the option always exists to donate items to organizations such as the LOW Lions.
There will be time allotted for questions, and we hope to see you there!
As unfortunate as it can be when homeowners fall behind on mortgage payments and must face the possibility of losing their homes, short sales and foreclosures provide them options for moving on financially. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually quite different, with varying timelines and financial impact on the homeowner. Here’s a brief overview. A short sale comes into play when a homeowner needs to sell their home but the home is worth less than the remaining balance that they owe. The lender can allow the homeowner to sell the home for less than the amount owed, freeing the homeowner from the financial predicament. On the buyer side, short sales typically take three to four months to complete and many of the closing and repair costs are shifted from the seller to the lender. On the other hand, a foreclosure occurs when a homeowner can no longer make payments on their home so the bank begins the process of repossessing it. A foreclosure usually moves much faster than a short sale and is more financially damaging to the homeowner. After foreclosure the bank can sell the home in a foreclosure auction. For buyers, foreclosures are riskier than short sales, because homes are often bought sight unseen, with no inspection or warranty.
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.
If you ask a homeowner what it was like to buy their first home, they’ll probably mention a few things they’d change if they could do it all again. While it’s impossible to know everything about the home-buying process beforehand, you can still prepare yourself for what lies ahead—and figure out how to avoid some potential pitfalls. Not sure where to begin? Here are some key pointers to keep in mind before starting your search.
You’re Buying More Than a House
We all know the phrase “love at first sight,” and it can certainly apply to homes, too! Even if you step inside a home and instantly fall in love, it’s crucial to step back and consider the whole picture before making a purchase.
When you buy your first property, you’re investing in more than just four walls. It’s worth paying attention to things like a home’s location, neighborhood, and physical condition, too. Even if you find that open concept kitchen you’ve been dreaming of, it might not be the right fit if it’s in the wrong community or if the rest of the house requires out-of-budget repairs. It’s best to stay realistic and listen to your agent’s (and home inspector’s) advice. Remember, this is likely one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so spend your money wisely!
Down Payments Are Different for Everyone
So many would-be buyers are scared of homeownership for one reason: the down payment. Traditionally, you’d put down around 20% on a home and spend anywhere from 10 to 30 years paying your lender back. However, you actually have more flexibility than you might expect.
Depending on your credit history, location, and occupation, you could be eligible for loans that require as little as 0% down. However, making a larger down payment means you’ll pay less interest to your lender in the long run. Be sure to shop around for the right fit and reach out to your agent with any questions—they’re always available to help you out.
Prepare for Extra Expenses
Homeownership often comes with unexpected expenses, especially right after you move in. When you’re setting a budget for your big purchase, consider adding some wiggle room to allow for any additional and long term costs. You don’t want to realize that you can’t afford your home after you’ve purchased it!
Wondering what kinds of expenses can come up? Inspections, homeowner’s insurance, prepaid taxes and other various closing costs, HOA dues, and repairs are just a few possibilities. You’ll pay for some of these before or at the closing, but certain recurring costs will have to be factored into your monthly budget.
Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Searching
Once you’ve made the decision to buy, it’s tempting to start looking at listings right away. However, you might want to press pause and complete an essential step before you start scheduling showings. Getting pre-approved for your loan will show sellers and agents that you’re serious about buying—and it can tell you exactly how much you can afford to spend.
Ready to start the pre-approval process? First, you’ll want to get your finances in order and shop around for the right lender. Be sure to have all of your important documents on hand, such as your W-2 tax form, paystubs, and social security card. Most lenders allow you to apply online, and within a few business days, you’ll know whether you’ve been approved or not, as well as the conditions of the loan.
Are You a First-Time Buyer?
Buying your first home is a big deal, and it’s important to have the right agent by your side throughout the process. If you’re ready to start your search, feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We can’t wait to help jumpstart your journey to homeownership!
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
In January, 12 homes sold in Lake of the Woods. 3 sold between $130-200,000; 1 sold between $200-250,000; 4 sold between $250-300,000; 2 sold between $300-400,000; 2 sold above $650,000.
49 Active Listings for Sale 30 Homes Under Contract 12 Homes Sold since January 1, 2020.
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.
Are you looking to get more involved with your LOW community? Then be sure to come to the Lake of the Woods Committee Fair on March 20th from 1:00PM – 4:00PM at the LOW Clubhouse! Here you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about what all goes on in your community, as well as meet all the committee members that help to keep the lake as perfect as it can be! Take the opportunity to learn more about the various committees to choose from, and even volunteer to serve as one of the members, and alternate or even an advisor! The fair is free to attend, and refreshments will be served, as well as raffles/door prizes from Fairways and more! Make sure you save the date, as this is sure to be a wonderful day and opportunity to connect with your LOW community!
Are you looking to give your kids a great experience on the lake this summer? This might be the perfect opportunity! The Junior Sailing Program will be offering two youth sailing camps starting this summer! The first session will be for beginner sailors and will be held from June 22nd through June 26th. The second session will be for the more advanced class, being 2 or more years of JSP camp experience, will be from June 29th to July 2nd. Both camps will be for children 8-15 who can swim and are interested in learning how to sail properly, and safely. Both camps will run from 8AM – 12PM at Sailboat Beach. All campers are required to wear swimsuits, closed-toe water shoes, a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, and must bring a working whistle. The cost for a week-long session of camp is $190, and application forms are available at the Holcomb Building Member Services Area. This is a fantastic way for kids to learn how to properly sail, and become future participants in lake recreation! For more information, contact Dan McFarland at danmcfarland1@comcast.net
Looking to spend some time warming up to a significant other? Then be sure to stop by the LOW Clubhouse on February 12th for the Valentines Day Winter Warmup Party, hosted by the LOW Garden Club! From 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM you’ll enjoy your choice of wine, beer or sparkling cider, cheese and delectable chocolate covered strawberries! Seasonable snacks will also be served, and a raffle will be held with your chance to win either a secret surprise, brunch at the LOW Clubhouse, or a dozen roses! Tickets for the party are $18 each, and must be purchased in advance. The Garden Club will also be collecting for the food bank, and ask for a single-served item for a kids lunch to be donated. For more information about tickets or general information, be sure to Click Here!
Don’t miss this opportunity to see our newest listing! We’re gonna be showing off this gorgeous home in Lake of the Woods on Saturday, 2/1 from 1PM – 3PM! For more pictures and information, be sure to click on the address below!
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 stone accents and paved drive welcome you to 503 Yorktown! Once you enter, you are greeted by gleaming hardwoods, cathedral ceilings, cozy fireplace, and a sought-after open floor plan! The ample windows allow the sun to shine in this well-maintained, move-in-ready Lake of the Woods home, where you can enjoy relaxing on the deck or gardening in the level yard. For more information about this listing, Click Here!
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 $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.
