Category Archives: Locust Grove VA Real Estate

Lake of the Woods Open Houses Saturday, July 17th from 1pm – 3pm! Check them out!

Learn more about 421 Harrison, here and learn more about 107 Fairway Drive, here!

See you Saturday!

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.

31342 Paynes Farm Dr, Locust Grove, VA 22508 Now SOLD!! by the Licata Group!

Welcome to 31342 Paynes Farm Dr. This beautiful custom-built home is nestled in the trees and perfectly situated on 4+ acres. You are welcomed by an expansive front porch with ceiling fans and room for a porch swing. Once inside, you will notice the hardwood floors, and huge foyer leading to the great room. The great room has a gas fireplace, built-ins and access to the deck. You will love how open the kitchen is, featuring a huge island, pantry and dining area. The formal dining room is just to the right and creates an incredible open area for entertaining family and friends. There are two spacious owners’ suites with en-suite baths. Imagine the main level office that could also be a playroom, craft room or classroom. The laundry/mudroom will amaze you with wall-to-wall cabinets, countertop and sink. And that’s not all…the three-car garage will provide amazing storage, while the shed outside will accommodate all your lawn equipment. With the acreage, you could create a backyard oasis. Plant a garden, add a swimming pool, play area or whatever you desire. You will enjoy the sounds of nature and watching the deer graze from your deck. Conveniently located close to the Town of Orange, Culpeper and Fredericksburg.

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.

107 Fairway Dr, Lake of the Woods, Virginia SOLD by the Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome to 107 Fairway Drive! This lovely home is located close to the main gate and overlooking the 18th green. As you enter, you are greeted by the family room, boasting a fireplace for those chilly nights. A light-filled kitchen with ample cabinet and counter space awaits. Additional living space with the sunroom has so many possibilities. The owner’s suite with an en-suite bath is sure to please with private access to the deck which is perfect for relaxing and enjoying your backyard oasis and views of the golf course. If you’re in the mood for a great breakfast or lunch, Fareways Cafe is just a few steps away, as well as the Golf Pro Shop.

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 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.

421 Harrison Cir, Lake of the Woods, Virginia Home SOLD by the Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!!!

Welcome to 421 Harrison Circle! This amazing, custom-built home nestled in the trees is move-in ready and will delight from the moment you arrive. You will love your peek of the lake and location so close to the beaches and back gate. Once you enter, you are welcomed by a great room with a cornerstone gas fireplace and soaring ceilings. The kitchen boasts plenty of counter space to spread out, as well as a breakfast bar and a dining area! The sitting room off the kitchen will be one of your favorite areas with access to the screened porch. When it comes to entertaining family and friends, the formal dining room and flow of the main living areas are sure to please. The inviting owner’s suite is spacious, and the en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity, soaking tub with jets. Two additional bedrooms, full bath, and a laundry room complete the main level. Enjoy your favorite beverage, read a book, or take in the sounds of nature from the screened porch.

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 $200,000+ 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 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.

Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?

An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, recently said of our supply challenges:

It looks like inventory may have hit a bottom (we’ve seen this in the higher frequency data as well). Unsold inventory in May was at 2.5 months supply, up from 2.4.

To put it into perspective, the graph below shows levels of inventory rising since the beginning of the year:

We’re still not close to a balanced market, which would be a 6 months’ supply of homes for sale. However, we are seeing a slow but steady increase in homes coming up for sale. And that leaves many buyers and sellers wondering the same thing: what does that mean for me?

Buyers: More Options Are Arriving, so It’s Time To Act

If you’re a buyer, more inventory coming to market is a welcome sight. More supply means more options and less competition, which could mean fewer bidding wars.

According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report, supply levels are continuing to increase, which is different from the typical summer market:

“In June, newly listed homes grew by 5.5% on a year-over-year basis, and by 10.9% on a month-over-month basis. Typically, fewer newly listed homes appear on the market in the month of June compared to May. This year, growth in new listings is continuing later into the summer season, a welcome sign for a tight housing market.

If you’re having trouble finding your next home, this news should give you the hope and motivation to keep your buying process moving forward. Experts project mortgage rates will begin increasing, which will make purchasing a home less affordable as time passes. You can still capitalize on today’s low interest rates, so stick with your search as more homes come to market.

Sellers: Our Supply Challenges Aren’t Over Yet, so Now Is the Time To Sell

If you’ve been putting off selling your house, you shouldn’t wait much longer. The year’s month-over-month gains in homes for sale have helped buyers, but we’re still very much in a sellers’ market.

As the graph below shows, even with the number of homes for sale rising, we’re still well below the supply levels we’ve seen historically:

Of course, more homes are coming to market now, and more are expected in the coming months. Selling your house this summer gives you the chance to get ahead of the competition and maximize your sales potential before more homes are put up for sale in your neighborhood.

Bottom Line

More homes for sale means more options for buyers and more competition for sellers. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, let’s connect today to discuss your options and why it’s still a good time to make your move.

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.

June 2021 Lake of the Woods Monthly Stats

In June, 40 homes sold in Lake of the Woods.
1 sold between $130-199,999;
4 sold between $200-249,999;
3 sold between $250,000-299,999;
7 sold between $300-349,999;
10 sold between $350,000-399,999;
8 sold between $400-499,999;
2 homes sold over $500,000.; 2 home sold over $600,000;
1 home sold over $800,000;
2 homes sold over $900,000!

28 Active Listings for Sale
22 Homes Under Contract
186 Homes Sold since January 1, 2021.

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

Open House Extravaganza in Lake of the Woods by the Licata Group!!!

Join us as we host 5 open houses on Saturday, July 10th, 2021!!! One of the original SIX has already gone under contract!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Learn more about each home by clicking the link below:

402 Harrison Cir
101 Pine Valley Rd
110 Independence St
3905 Lakeview Pkwy
327 Fairway Dr
700 Lakeview Pkwy
Learn more about Lake of the Woods community, here!

lake of the woods virginia open house extravaganza 7.10.21
lake of the woods virginia open house extravaganza 7.10.21

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.

Fundamental Financial Planning Tips for Soon-to-Be Parents

Getting married and starting a family is life-changing. While you’re likely incredibly excited about welcoming children into the world, try not to get ahead of yourself! It’s important that you and your partner are on sound financial footing before embarking on the financial—and emotional—roller coaster that is parenting. If you’re about to get married, and you’re thinking about starting a family, familiarize yourself with the following financial planning tips to ensure you’re prepared, presented by The Licata Group Real Estate.

Make a Will and Declare a Guardian

Writing wills is never fun. No one wants to think about what will happen to their kids in the event of their untimely death. Although these tragic events are rare, they do occur, so it’s always best to plan for the worst. As The Bump explains, drafting a will ensures that your wishes will be carried out regarding how your children are cared for, as well as who will be caring for them, if something should happen to you. Besides dividing up your property among your beneficiaries, your will can be used to declare a guardian for your children. You may also want to include a healthcare proxy and power of attorney to ensure your financial and medical wishes are carried out if an accident or illness prevents you from making these decisions yourself.

Purchase Life Insurance

While you may have been fine without life insurance when you were single and childless, getting married and starting a family changes everything. Now, you have people who depend on you financially. If you should pass away unexpectedly, would your spouse and children be able to maintain their lifestyle without your income? For most young families, the answer is no. This is why every parent—even stay-at-home moms—should consider life insurance! 

You also have to think about your funeral and burial expenses. No family should have to navigate tough financial decisions during a period of intense grief, so make a plan to cover your final expenses while you have the chance. One solution is to purchase a pre-paid funeral. Not all pre-paid funeral plans make financial sense, so take the time to understand what these arrangements will cover and whether this really is the best option for you and your family.

Create an Emergency Savings Fund

Life insurance isn’t the only financial safety net you should have in place. An emergency savings fund can protect your family from taking on debt to cover sudden, unexpected expenses like major home repairs, car breakdowns, medical emergencies, or periods of unemployment. If both you and your spouse hold steady jobs, start by saving three months of living expenses in your emergency fund. If only one spouse works or you’re self-employed, it’s a good idea to put away more.

Remember to Plan for Your Retirement

It’s easy to postpone retirement planning when you have so many other things to save for, like your children’s post-secondary education, but NBC News Better stresses the importance of prioritizing your retirement savings over that of your children’s education. Your kids will have access to several funding opportunities when it comes time for college, including scholarships, student loans, and grants. You, on the other hand, will have to make do with the money you’ve saved up for retirement. 

Develop a Household Budget

Budgeting is the best way to ensure you can afford the additional costs of raising children while at the same time meeting your family savings goals. Make sure you and your spouse are on the same page when it comes to spending. Plan your budget together, differentiating between things your household really needs and things you would like to have. At the same time, remember to set some money aside for fun activities like date nights or going out with friends.

Of course, your household budget can change a little when you decide to purchase a home. There are a lot of things you’ll need to take into consideration when you buy a house, from saving up for the down payment and securing a home loan. There are also things you may not have considered, such as reducing the interest rate on your loan by paying points on the mortgage. The Licata Group Real Estate can help you throughout the process, so get in touch with one of our agents whenever you’re ready.

Discussing your financial plans is a chance to build a stronger bond with your new spouse. While talking about money may not be the most romantic activity, it can be fun making goals and dreaming about your future together. Getting your finances organized now will set your family up for a lifetime of stability and stress-free living!

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.

Moving from Maryland to Virginia to Start a Family

First of all, congratulations. You have chosen a great state to start a family in. Virginia is a safe and wholesome state that has a lot to offer. It is a family-friendly state, as raising kids in it is easy. However, you have to get there first. Moving from Maryland to Virginia is considered an interstate relocation, and those kinds of relocations need to be well organized. So, make sure to stick with us to the end if you want to find out how you can move to Virginia with the least amount of trouble and start a family there!

There are a lot of things you can do in Virginia

Virginia is one of the most famous states in and outside the US. This means that it is an old state, with a lot of history and many things to do in it. 

One of the best spots in this well-known state is certainly Orange County. There are many things to do in Orange County, and it is no wonder why many families decide to start a new life here. As we already mentioned, Virginia is a safe state, with a plethora of opportunities for children and adults alike, as it offers excellent education and many job opportunities!

Make sure to plan your move and create a strategy

Planning is essential for every relocation. Moreover, no relocation is possible without proper organization, let alone an interstate move. This is why you need to take moving organization seriously and create a strategy of how and when you are going to move to Virginia.

A person planning a relocation
For everything in life, it is good to have a plan. Moving from Maryland to Virginia isn’t an exception

Find a good moving company

Moving organization starts with searching for a good moving company that can take you to Virginia. There are many movers on the scene, but you need to hire real professionals if you want to organize the process in a flash since interstate moves such as those from Maryland to Virginia can be very time and energy-consuming.

Make sure to compare different moving companies online, look at their reviews, and get in touch with as many moving companies as you can. You also need to remember that you need to book your move at least two months in advance.

Calculate the costs of the move

In the early phases, it is impossible to precisely calculate how much your move will cost you. However, you can get a rough estimate if you include all potential expenses. Good moving calculation always leaves some space in the budget for unexpected circumstances. This means that you have to leave a financial margin in your estimate if something goes wrong.

The main cost you’ll want to include in your calculations is the cost of hiring a moving company. Every respectable moving company has a moving calculator, which enables customers to roughly calculate the cost of the move. Keep in mind that online estimation doesn’t have to represent the price in the real world.

Also, you need to include the cost of moving insurance, the cost of renting a storage unit, hiring professional packers, etc.

Pack for the move or hire professionals

Most people choose to pack themselves for the move. Sure, that way you might save some money, but in return, you’re going to lose a lot of energy.

 Professional packers packing a window.
It might not be a bad idea to hire professional packers for your relocation.

However, if you choose to do so, here’s what you need to buy:

  • boxes, plastic bins, and similar containers
  • packing tape
  • a marker
  • some kind of protective material like packing peanuts
  • crates

You can get most of these materials at the nearest supermarket, and they are not that expensive. However, if you don’t want to lose time and energy on that or have special items you wish to move to Virginia, we recommend hiring professional packers trained to do that.

Renting a storage unit in Virginia is preferable

Many people forget the importance of storage units. Storage units are handy when moving to a new location since you can never exactly know how much space you’ll have for your stuff. In short, it always helps to have a place in which you can leave your things after the move.

A storage unit
Many people forget to rent storage after a relocation. This can cause a lot of trouble. Don’t let this happen to you when you’re moving from Maryland to Virginia!

But, if you want to take two pigeons with one bean, you might want to find a moving company, such as Helix Transfer & Storage, which can offer storage solutions as well.

Find good housing 

As we already mentionedOrange County in Virginia seems very attractive to families, especially ones with children.

One of the reasons behind that is the excellent state of the real estate market in the county. In Orange County, you can get a fantastic home for a reasonable amount of money and live in friendly suburban neighborhoods, perfect for anyone who wants to start a family in Virginia. 

Also, buying a home in Orange County is an excellent opportunity for some serious investment. It is predicted that the prices will continue going up, and many experts recommend that investors jump on the train and reap the benefits of coming to market early.

All in all, Virginia is a prosperous state with its own little renaissance at the moment, as it offers an excellent opportunity for families to develop and grow properly. This is why we think that Moving from Maryland to Virginia to start a family is a great choice.

Photos used:
https://pixabay.com/photos/blue-ridge-mountains-sky-clouds-1874266/
https://pixabay.com/photos/writing-write-person-paperwork-828911/
https://pixabay.com/photos/glass-work-workers-carrying-glass-3770979/
https://pixabay.com/photos/ikea-warehouse-industrial-tempe-2714998/

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.

101 Pine Valley Rd, Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508 now SOLD By the Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome home to 101 Pine Valley Rd! Imagine water views year-round! This beautiful home has just that! Relax on your deck with friends and family as you enjoy the water views. This is only the beginning… Once inside, you will love the updated kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel upgraded appliances. The family room is vast and boasts a floor-to-ceiling brick fireplace for those cool nights. The sought-after split bedroom design offers an owner’s suite with en-suite bath and walk-in closet. There are three more bedrooms that complete this amazing home! You are close to the front gate, golf, beaches and more!

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 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.