Lake of the Woods Art Show & Second Annual Wine Tasting!
When: Saturday, September 22nd & Sunday, September 23rd. Time: 10AM – 5PM Where: Sweetbriar Park LOW Community Center & Pavilion at Lake of the Woods What: Lake of the Woods Visual Arts Council is hosting their 36th Annual Fine Arts, Crafts and Photography Show & Sale, on BOTH days. This is FREE to attend. The ART OF WINE (2nd Annual Lake of the Woods Wine Tasting) is ONLY on SUNDAY, September 23rd and will be from NOON to 4PM. There is a fee to get in, $15! You can pay and reserve your spot at www.lowlinc.org. This wine tasting will benefit LOWLINC. All Lake of the Woods residents and their guests are invited to come and attend the Art Show and the Wine tasting. Tell your neighbors, invite your friends. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Lake of the Woods Community Yard Sale September 8th
When: Saturday, September 8th Time: 9AM – 2PM Where: Sweetbriar Park at Lake of the Woods What: Lake of the Woods Community Yard Sale All Lake of the Woods residents and their guests are invited to participate and attend the Community Yard Sale. Tell your neighbors, invite your friends. For additional information or questions about the community yard sale please call: 540-972-9680.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Route 3 Arterial Management Plan Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 6:00PM Locust Grove Middle School (6368 Flat Run Rd, Locust Grove VA 22508) Michael Baker International, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s consultant will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting. The meeting will be on the Route 3 Arterial Management Plan. The last Town Hall meeting was in October 2017. THIS meeting will have a review of work already completed and provide the opportunity for those interested in the future transportation plans for the Route 3 to learn more, share input and ask questions. SAVE THE DATE if you plan to attend! Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Friends, clients and relatives have grown weary of my sermons about staging a home before listing. The logical question that comes to mind from just about everyone is, why I should expend time, energy and frequently money, before listing my home. The answer lies in the Keller Williams Capital properties philosophy of agents driving technology by our own data. In this case the data is actually enhanced by visual media. That visual media is takes the form of digital pictures, video, 3-D pictures or even Facebook live.
BEFORE STAGING
Statically over 88% of buyers look for home online. That means that it is imperative for us to recognize the significance of visual presence and the impact it has on potential buyers and their agents. In short, we have to move a potential buyer from in front of the computer screen to in front of the house. Therefore, the online first impression must be very strong. First impressions are made through data are presented in multiple listing services (MRIS) or through social media platforms. Daily social media platforms are growing in their importance. The point is the source data; such as pictures, tax information and special information has to be quickly presentable and concise. A 2017 National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey sites several interesting results. Some 50% of selling agents
AFTER STAGING
claimed staged homes resulted in sales prices increasing from 1%-10%. Selling realtors, at a 62% rate, claimed staged homes has a reduced the number of days on market for active listing. That translates into further reduction of home sale carrying cost such as paying mortgage insurance and taxes, while the possibility of increasing the sales price. The same NAR Survey sited noteworthy results from surveyed Buyer agents. Some 77% of agents felt that a staged home made it easier for clients to visualize the home as their own. 96% of surveyed agents indicated that there was some or a partial effect on buyers. That’s a pretty powerful indicator.
BEFORE STAGING
Clearly the case why you would stage has been made. But where to stage is illuminating as well. Studies indicate that in order of importance, from surveyed agents, suggest staging the living room was found to be the most important (55% ) followed by staging the master bedroom (51%) and staging the kitchen (41%). Interestingly, the next most important factor was lawn and garden (30%). Getting Started -The why and where to stage being answered, leaves the “How to stage” as the remaining issue. Keeping the concept of helping potential buyers visualize themselves in your space, let’s tackle this subject. Statistics tell us the seller pays for staging about 25% of the time. Tyler Zey’s “Dirt Cheap Staging” blog gives the home owner some very reasonable ideas to get the job done. We’ve posted it to the Licata Group Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thelicatagroup/) .
AFTER STAGING
The Licata Group can offer you staging consultation and assistance but let’s focus on some simple ideas.
Pack away personal pictures and memorabilia. Remember we want buyers to picture themselves in your home as opposed to looking to see if they know anybody in the pictures.
Transition Themed based bedrooms into bedrooms.
Chances high that are not everybody loves the local sports team. Take down the posters and pack away the footballs, please.
Sort out your closets. Pack away what you’re not using to give the impression that there is plenty of storage space.
Clean out closets – time to go to Goodwill. Create the idea of storage
Clean out the Foyer – Make clear the entry. Put the racks and unnecessary items away. Open up the space to make it the welcome way to the house. Painting the hallway’s a good idea.
Information about schools, local restaurants and walkability can been strategically placed for easy viewing.
Kitchens- clean, clean and clean. Remove items from counter tops, window sills and walls. Of course, a kitchen remodel brings the greatest investment return but sometimes it’s out of reach financially.
Remove furniture and create space and flow. Try to reduce furniture and possessions by at least 30% – Use a POD storage container to hold excess furniture.
Use neutral colors on the walls, but bring color to your property with furniture and decorations. You don’t want the property to be too loud or too weak. Paint, paint and paint. (Don’t mix flat with semi-gloss textured paint.)
Ensure the window treatments and curtains open and close properly
Set the dining room with place settings. This hint helps buyers imagine themselves in the home.
Clean the carpet. Professionally if at all possible. (Stain and pet order removal at a minimum.)
Replace burned out light bulbs with same like and kind and bulbs. Clean and repair light fixtures.
Remove items from kitchen counter tops. Store toasters, microwaves and mixers.
Clean out the drains and sinks. Grind a lemon in the disposal to mitigate odors.
Let’s review quickly. Houses that are staged generally sell quicker and return a higher dollar value. All staging is not expensive. There are some very affordable solutions. The Licata Group has more a detailed guides available to you. Just email me at Dan@licatagroup.com for more information. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
2018 Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival in Fredericksburg VA!
This years Cigar, Bourbon and Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, August 18th from 4pm to 9pm at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds (2400 Airport Ave, Fredericksburg VA 22401). Gates open at 4pm! Hogshead Cigar Lounge will be present and showcasing a variety of cigars from their lounge. Esteban Carreras, Perdomo, Fratello, Romeo Y Julieta, Montecristo, Drew Estate, Miami Cigars will all be available as well. There will be Bourbons from all across the country as well as some local from Virginia! And we cannot forget about the craft beer, wine and cider. There will be 20 craft beers from the local Fredericksburg Breweries as well as regional breweries sampling some of their Award Winning Beers! There will be live music as well as plenty of FOOD vendors available for dinner. Ready to go? Buy your tickets here. And please don’t forget to: Drink responsibly! Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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!
LEO Club Coat Drive for Locust Grove Middle School
It has begun! The annual coat drive hosted by Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Yvette Ruiz will be in full swing on September 1st. Locust Grove Middle School is in need of new or gently used coats for their students.
Stop by: 4207-D Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove VA 22508 between September 1st and October 1st to drop off any new or gently used coats.
Unfortunately – they will not accept monetary donations, so please bring a coat!
Please call 540-972-0484 for any questions.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Friends of Wilderness Battlefield hosting their 2nd Annual Canoe Trip!
Saturday, August 25th, National Park Service Historian: Greg Mertz will be leading a day-trip canoe tour of Civil War sites along the Rapidan River. He will be narrating and bringing to life Stonewall Jackson, George Custer and J.E.B Stewart, to name a few.
You will have the opportunity to visit these historic crossing sites – many that are not easily accessible by land.
Plan to be on the water ALL day – so bring lunch, a cooler, sunscreen, wipes, any medication you require along with any other necessities you would need for the day. The terrain is rugged and possibly damp, so be prepared and dress accordingly.
The trip will begin at Ely’s Ford at 8:30AM, SHARP and you will be transported to Germanna and float back to Ely’s Ford with an estimated arrival time of 3PM.
There is a limit of 15 canoes (29 participants, plus the host, Greg).
The cost is $50, with Friends of Wilderness Battlefield receiving about half of the $50. If you want to be paired with a friend or someone in particular, please let them know that upon signing up and registering.
You must register on the website!!! You have the option to pay by credit card, pay-pal or mailing a check. Please note**Payment MUST be received PRIOR to the day of the event. There will be NO payment excepted on the DAY of the trip!
You can register here.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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!
Two more Summer Sunset Concert Series at the Point!
The next concert will take place Friday, August 10th at Clubhouse Point featuring Island Gerry Duo.
Music starts at 7pm!
Summer Concert Series continues in Lake of the Woods
(Weather dependent, Bands subject to change) Friday, August 10th- Island Gerry Duo Friday, August 24th – Unchained
The event is 100% funded by sponsors who are also LOW residents! Sponsors include: Licata Group/Keller Williams Real Estate, Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, Townsend Home Health & Hospice Care, Design Craft Homes, Inspired Electrical Solutions, JK Carpets, Lakeside Title & Escrow, and Lake of the Woods True Value Hardware.
The Friends of Lake of the Woods (FLOW), Lake Youth Foundation, LOW Fire & Rescue, and the LOW Lioness Club are acting as the “Hospitality Committees” throughout this concert series – so please thank them if you see them!
For more information call Pat Licata at 540-735-7998 or e-mail her at pat@licatagroup.com. Don’t miss out on the kick-off to the Summer concert season!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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!
Old Dominion Jeep Fest at Wilderness Run Vineyards
August 11 and August 12 join Big Snatch Off Road for the Old Dominion Jeep Fest. They are partnering with 1781 Brewing Co. and Wilderness Run Vineyards to bring you ANOTHER great JEEP SHOW in Virginia! Last year was a success and they expect this year to be twice as good!
The fun begins at 10AM on August 11th through August 12 until 3pm.
They plan on highlighting new products and this Old Dominion Jeep Fest is open to all fans of the off-road and they will be featuring a “show and grime.” There will be Trail Riding, an obstacle course and even a mud pit for all the mud lovers.
There will be many vendors there that will be able to get you ready for the rocks and mud and even highlight some of the regions best trails.
Of course there will be beer and barbecue by some of the region’s best food artists available to devour while you enjoy the event!
1781 Brewing Co & Wilderness Run Vineyards are located at: 11109 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
Lake of the Woods residents are invited and encouraged to attend the 2nd annual National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7th from 6pm – 8:30pm at the Community Center pavilion.
The first 200 people that arrive will receive free hotdogs! Yum!
Family friendly event, that will be fun and educational for attendees of all ages. There will be representatives from local and state public safety agencies. Please: no pets during the event.
This Lake of the Woods event will feature an appearance from Sheriff Amos and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia State Police, VA Department of Game & Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement Department and Chief Walker and LOW Security (officers, a police vehicle and patrol boat) and the Lake of the Woods Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company.
Nationally, this event will be the “35th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) for crime and drug prevention. This event is a program of the National Association of Town Watch with over 16,500 communities from all 50 states participating! Including U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.
What is the goal of this annual event? It is to heighten crime & drug prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit and community/police partnerships, send a message to criminals letting them know that these neighborhoods are organized and aware/watching, to name a few reasons why you should support these national nights out!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? 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.
