Our homes are our most personal, most intimate spaces – even the best houseguests disrupt our lives. If you’re looking forward to visiting with friends and family this season, communication is key. These quick tips will help you make the most of your time together and avoid stress or hard feelings.
Dinner or a Party
When hosting a party, include both the start and end times in the invitation and let your guests know what to expect. Include what kinds of food to expect, the attire, and any special activities you have planned – for example, if you’ve hired a photographer for a rare extended family photo, let everyone know to gather at 6 p.m. in front of the fireplace for photos.
At the end of the night, wrap things up with your guests. Gather their coats and belongings, pack up some dessert for them to take home, and move the conversation to the entryway. To usher out lingering guests, put away the food and drinks, stop the music, and start cleaning up. One particularly clever way to make sure the party ends on time is to plan an outing at the end of the party – like a stroll through a local holiday light display or a movie.
Overnight houseguests
When hosting overnight guests, again, include the end time in the invitation and let your guests know what to expect. Before the visit begins, discuss transportation, arrival time, departure time, accommodations, and house rules. For example, will they be sleeping in the guest room or on the couch? Are there allergies or food preferences to consider? Do they understand that foul language is not allowed in front of the kids? And is everyone very clear on the last day? Plan activities during the visit, and plan for downtime as well. Overplanning will leave everyone tired and tense with little time for relaxation. Try scheduling one main activity per day, and don’t be afraid to plan independent time too so your guests can explore on their own. Provide a map with your favorite places marked or a visitor’s guide highlighting events and attractions in the area.
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 contacting Pat Licata. To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
You are moving into a new home – it’s exciting but rather challenging. And we’re not thinking only of packing – some ‘hidden’ challenges will undoubtedly come your way if you’re not well-prepared. One of them is surely taking care of your furry friend while moving. Pets, especially dogs, can react nervously to the whole thing, making the process even more difficult. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid issues. Here are the best tips on moving to Orange County, VA with your dog.
Why Orange County, VA is great for people with pets
Not every place is good for pets. However, Orange County is undoubtedly one of the pet-friendly ones. Firstly, you can truly enjoy the outdoors – your dog can run, play and jump as much as it wants. There are several parks and other green spaces in cities such as Orange and Gordonsville. Also, most shops allow well-behaved dogs, allowing you to go shopping with your furry friend. Finally, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home as well – just be sure to set this as a priority in your house-hunting process.
How to make moving to Orange County, VA with your dog smooth and stress-free?
Relocations are not only stressful for humans – dogs can feel stressed out as well. The biggest reason for it is the disruption of their living space and adapting to the new environment. Dogs rely on the smells around them, so they can become pretty nervous once they need to move into an unfamiliar place. There are ways you can make moving with pets easier for your little friend and prepare for this task – so be sure to remember these tips when you start planning your move to Orange County, VA.
Let moving supplies be there for a while
Bringing new objects to the house can make your dog upset – especially if you start packing ‘their’ items into boxes. Thus, make sure you bring in moving supplies a bit before you need to start packing. This will allow your pet to get used to these items and have no issues once you start packing your household for the move. After going through all the steps of buying a property, hiring movers, and shopping for packing supplies, sitting in a house filled with packing materials might be the last thing you want. However, it’s what your dog needs, and that’s all that should matter.
Dogs are very sensitive to changes – make sure they don’t feel a thing when moving to a new home.
Figure out the transport details
Depending on where you’re coming from, you and your pet will spend more or less time in your car, or a plane, train, etc. Thus, it helps to figure out the transport details on time. If you’ll need a transport box, and your dog is not used to traveling in it – get one beforehand. Let it sit in your home for a couple of weeks, so your pet can get used to it. Put its favorite toys and snacks in this transport box, so the dog can see it’s a safe place to be.
In case you need to travel by plane, and this is the first time for your dog, it’s good to prepare it for it. Some people recommend going together through a car wash, which simulates the sounds and vibrations to the ones you feel on the plane. But most importantly, it’s essential that you are calm and that you speak to your dog in a calm, optimistic voice.
Stick to a routine
Moving house can disrupt your schedule a lot. However, it’s essential to stick to your dog’s routines as much as possible. This includes feeding and playtime and your routines when going for a walk. The routine will ensure your dog feels safe and calm even with all the changes around.
Always stick to the routines when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog
Bring all of your pet’s old items
It’s often recommended to declutter the old household before you start packing and throw away everything that you can replace with new items. However, when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog, try to keep most of the old things. Keep your dog’s old food and water bowls, bed, and toys. Once you arrive at the new bigger/smaller home, these items will help them feel secure and recognize the new place as their new home.
Visit the vet before moving to Orange County, VA
Pay a visit to your old vet before you relocate. They may be able to recommend a new vet in Orange County, VA. Also, they could write all the necessary prescriptions in case your dog takes therapy. Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped – with the updated address. This proved to be useful for pet owners whose pets escaped during the move as they were feeling anxious and scared. Finally, take care of all the documentation, especially when moving from another state or relocating internationally.
Schedule a visit to the pet before moving and get all the necessary documentation for a safe journey.
Keep your dog away on the moving day
Once all the boxes are packed and movers are about to arrive, it’s best to leave your dog in trusted hands but away from the house. Experienced moving companies, such as Zippy Shell NV, recommend you find a place where your furry friend will feel calm and safe. Ask a friend or a trusted dog sitter to take care of your pet while movers do their part. Strangers taking away items from your home are what dogs see as a threat, making them extremely nervous and sometimes aggressive.
Adapting to the new space
After the move, it’s time for the last step to introduce the dog to the new living space. Firstly, make sure the new home is safe for a pet – remove any hazards, close all the doors and windows and then let the dog into the house. As everything is new, your dog will explore the space by trying to smell and touch almost everything in the house. That’s why the environment must be safe for this new curious resident. Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog can be a wonderful experience – but you have to make it such.
Meta description: Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog in the days to come? Then read our article and learn how to get ready for it.
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.
Living in a big city is fantastic. Such a lifestyle brings many benefits when it comes to job opportunities, social life, and entertainment. However, city life also brings high costs of living, limited housing options, and a lot of everyday stress caused by commute and other factors. Not to mention the financial burden, because it’s never enough no matter how much you earn. Being in the center of the happening has a high cost. And as we grow older, we realize that relocation to a healthier and more affordable location is a game-changer. Unlike fast city pace, the lifestyle in Orange County, VA, is a different story. Here, you can slow down, enjoy nature and the people around you without losing essential location amenities. If you’re considering turning your life for the better, here is all you need to know about life in this charming county.
County location amenities
When choosing your future home, it is essential to know what you are looking for in a place. For instance, the location is one of the most critical factors of relocation because it will often dictate the job opportunities and other amenities the town provides. Thus, living near industry hubs and city centers is relevant, especially for working people. That is why many professionals have chosen Orange County as their new home in the past few years. Surrounded by Washington D.C. to the north, Richmond to the south, and Charlottesville to the southeast, this county has some great opportunities in business and educational fields.
Yet, since it is a growing county, some work on providing more gainful employment for the youth could be useful. The primary industries lay in agriculture, manufacture, and commercial services. However, recently a tourist and investors influx has given a boost to the development of this charming community. Thus, we can expect many more entrepreneurs and startup industries to choose Orange County as their base.
Orange County is famous for its vineyards and wine tasting tours
Pace of life
Orange County community is surrounded by farms and rich agriculture, with plenty of wineries where residents can enjoy some of Virginia’s best vines. That, and being the birthplace of James Madison, the founder of the U.S. Constitution, attracts many tourists to these parts. The residents are proud of the rich history of the place, which is incorporated in every part of the town.
Taking a stroll in downtown Orange County, you can see the cutest local shops and venues. And you will be surprised by the culinary mastery of the local chiefs. You can be sure to have some of the best dining experiences visiting town restaurants. Still, unlike in big cities, you won’t have to wait for meal reservations or get annoyed by the crowd and noisy streets. The town is a haven of enjoyment and relaxation, perfect for a retiree and family life. But, according to Virginia’s moving experts at Po’s Moving & Storage, in the past two years, a lot of their clients have been young professionals working remotely. Affordable costs of living, and a healthy lifestyle in Orange County, lately make many city people re-consider their living conditions.
Leisure opportunities in the area
Even for lovers of outdoor recreation, the O.C. has a lot of fun opportunities. Golf lovers can enjoy some of the numerous courses, while Lake Anna, Lake Orange, and Angler’s Landing are known to be a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. For more active nature lovers, especially those in water sports, kayaking tours on the Rapidan waterways will provide an unforgettable experience. And if you’re into more extreme outdoor activities, you can skydive with the help of the local experts. However, wine tasting tours, farm visits, and historical and nature trails are available for those who fancy a slower pace.
The lifestyle of Orange County can provide some of the best outdoor activities for people who are into water sports
What makes people move to Orange County, VA
Due to a slow life pace, the O.C. is a common moving destination for the retiree community. But also, it is popular with people who want to live a quality and peaceful life while growing their family. Unlike high-priced housing markets in Northern Virginia, this place provides more comfortable and bigger homes at affordable costs. Whether it comes to better housing options or the desire to switch to a more eco-friendly way of living, the number of new homeowners in Orange County is growing lately.
Nowadays, we connect to the World Wide Web and often disconnect from the people and the world around us. That could make it hard to meet new people after the move. The quality traits, where people are friendly and traditions matter, are getting harder to find every day. It is the close-knit communities where you can easily make new friends and have a fresh, healthy lifestyle that restore the true values.
Virginia is famous for its stunning nature and agricultural potential. Thus, many young families move when switching to an eco-friendly way of living
Local festivities
Even though a relatively small community, Orange County enjoys celebrating numerous year-round festivals and sporting events. At Downtown Orange Street Festival, you get to challenge your senses with some of the best cuisines, music, art, and beverages. As a community awareness promotion, the festival draws over 5,000 visitors from all over Virginia, especially families with kids. However, that’s not all. People in Orange County love to celebrate and have a good time. Thus, they use it to throw many other festivities, such as Office Costume Contest, Liberty Ride, Fallapalooza, Town Scavenger Hunt, Sunflower Orange Festival, Restaurant Week, and other cultural, music, and social events.
The state-renowned event, the Montpelier horse, and Jack Russell terrier races are making people flock here every November
Conclusion
If you are tired of city hustle and financial burden and want to take a slower pace, the lifestyle in Orange County could be a perfect choice for you. Here, you don’t have to sacrifice visits to your favorite shops and city amenities. The town itself has some of the most charming shops and local businesses in Virginia. From numerous town festivals to exquisite outdoor recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone’s taste. Still, when the nostalgia hits, big cities such as Richmond, Washington DC, and Charlottesville are just a short ride away.
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.
This year’s 46th Orange County’s Street Festival will be in honor and remembrance of September 11, 2011, with the theme of HONOR OUR HEROES hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s annual beloved community event will take place from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, September 11th, and typically features over 200 artisans, craft and commercial vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, live music, a kid’s zone, and a beer and wine garden for the adults. Check out a list of all the vendors already scheduled to be at the event here.
This family-friendly festival attracts an average of 5,000+ people from all over Central Virginia each year and is a great opportunity for community awareness and promotion. This event is completely free to attend, grab the kids and friends as this will be fun for all!
If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, please apply 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 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.
lose to the front gate, this spacious, move-in ready, well-maintained home welcomes you from the moment you arrive. You’ll appreciate the fine features and finishes, from the flex room on main level, back stairs, open floor plan, gleaming hardwoods, and so much more. Feel like venturing out?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 the mid-$100,000 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! If you would like more info about this listing, 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.
Who said happy hour had to be limited to just one hour? Be at the Lions Pavilion at Sweetbriar Park in Lake of the Woods from 4-7:00 PM for an evening filled with beer, wine, food, appetizers, live music and a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $15 per person, which includes admission, appetizers and your first beverage. Additional food and drink tickets will be available for purchase, and an ID is required in order to obtain a wristband. All proceeds support the 2020 Lions Pavilion located at Hollyfield Park. Save the date/time in your calendar, because we all know that nothings worse then missing happy hours!
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.
The Civic Club will host a forum between Delegate Nick
Freitas and Ann Ridgeway on Tuesday 10/15 at 7pm to 8pm in the lower level of
the clubhouse.
Each will give an opening speech and then followed by written questions submitted by the audience.
This will be a good opportunity for you to see and hear from the two candidates running for Delegate to represent Orange County and the 30th District which includes Madison and some of Culpeper County.
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.
When you’re thinking about buying property, one of the
first questions that pop to mind is, “Should I do this on my own or hire
some assistance?” In a huge majority of cases, the answer is that doing
everything on your own will make the process much, much harder, and we’d also
be very surprised if you got a good deal without some assistance. In most
cases, the only real question is: “Should I hire a real estate agent or a
lawyer?” Both can be of invaluable assistance when it’s time to buy a
property, but the ways they can help differ.
Why
You Should Hire a Lawyer
What makes a real estate agent different from a lawyer when it comes to buying a property? First of all, by law, real estate agents cannot give legal advice. While you are not obligated by law to hire a lawyer when buying a property here (unlike in some other states), you may have some legal questions that only a lawyer can answer. For example, you may want to rent a property for some time (let’s say for a year) before making the decision on whether you should buy the property or not. If the seller agrees to that, an attorney can draft this unusual contract and provide legal advice on the matter that a real estate agent could not.
A good lawyer will help you by answering all the legal questions that a real estate agent cannot lawfully answer.
As lawyers charge an hourly fee,
before buying a property and moving in with the help of experienced
professionals from dumbomoving.com,
it’s a good idea to make a list of all the legal questions you may have and arrange
a meeting with an attorney. Then, you can ask everything you need, as well as
make arrangements on all the additional services you may need that a real
estate agent can’t help you with (drafting the contract from the previous
paragraph, for example).
Why
You Should Hire a Real Estate Agent
While a lawyer will help you with
some specific parts of the home buying procedure, you’ll still need to hire a
real estate agent as well. A real estate professional will be with you every
step of the way, acting as a sort of a guide to your home buying process. And
if you’re buying a property, you’ll be pleased to learn that sellers are the
ones who will pay the agents of both parties. The commission is usually 10
percent of the arranged home price, divided equally between the two agents. The
logic behind this rule is that sellers will be receiving a lot of money, and so
they should be the ones to pay all agents who will take care of the buying-selling
process.
So, if you hire a real estate agent, your wallet won’t have a problem with that; you will basically get an invaluable service for free. And what exactly does that service entail? Buying a property is a complex procedure – lots of paperwork will need to be done, inspectors will need to be hired, a comparative home prices analysis will need to be prepared, etc. While some lawyers will try to convince you that they can do everything on their own, that is most often not the case. Real estate professionals will be better at all of these tasks, simply because they have dedicated their lives to buying and selling real estate; they have much more experience and they know how to use it.
Apart from many other ways that a real estate agent can help you, he or she will be able to find a perfect house for you in the specified neighborhood.
This gives them an edge in all sorts
of home-buying tasks. Apart from the ones we have already mentioned, they are
also much better at negotiating. Let’s say that, for example, some parts
of the home will need to be fixed. You’ll need to determine whether you or the
seller will be the one who has to make these repairs. In this case, a good real
estate agent will help you negotiate an arrangement that is better for you
financially. What’s more, an experienced real estate agent who is a good fit
for you will be acquainted with the neighborhood where you’re looking for your
dream home. He or she will know just what to look for based on your
description.
Additional
Things to Have in Mind
So, should you hire a real estate agent or a lawyer? The answer is – why not both? Combining the individual strengths of these two professions will get you the best deal. Rely on attorneys for legal advice that a real estate agent cannot offer, and hire a real estate agent for everything else.
Before you hire a real estate agent and a lawyer who will seal the deal, you’ll need to have some things in mind. Alt text: A man signing a contract.
Still, simply hiring any real estate
agent and lawyer is not enough; you will need to find a dependable and competent real estate agent, and the same goes for your lawyer. Here is what to look
out for:
Sometimes, it may so happen that an opportunity to share a real estate agent with the seller emerges. In our opinion, that would be wrong to do. As real estate agents make a living off of commissions, they might be looking for the sellers’ best interest in this situation and not yours. Ethical agents who won’t do this certainly exist, but it’s best to be on the safe side anyway.
Real estate agents may press you to offer a higher price because of similarly unethical reasons. The more you pay, the larger their commission, after all. What’s more, some of them will be afraid to negotiate because doing so might mean that they won’t get to close the deal. If it seems that your agent doesn’t respect your opinion and is only looking to close the deal as soon as possible, it is best to find a different agent. Doing research on your own regarding home prices in the given neighborhood will help you avoid such unpleasant situations.
Most lawyers prefer to be hired and paid only after the home buying process is complete. However, it may suit you more to only pay for one consulting session or one or two specific tasks. That can be arranged, just have the arrangement in writing (better safe than sorry).
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.
Please join the Civic Club on Wednesday,
September 11, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, as Deputy Sheriff/TRIAD
Coordinator Ron Kesner will be providing important information to us. He will present
the TRIAD programs administered by the Sheriff’s Office and its importance to
the safety of community as a whole and to its senior population. Deputy Kesner coordinates
senior citizen safety programs between the Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney
Generals’ office and senior citizens groups and/or senior citizen services
organizations within the county of Orange. The purpose is to promote
senior citizen safety and help eliminate senior citizen victimization.
Deputy
Kesner is a native Virginian, having been born in Covington. He
possesses 37 years of continuous law enforcement service. He retired from
the Albemarle County Police Department in 2009 as a Master Police Officer,
Firearms Instructor, Driving Instructor, Bike Patrol Officer, Fatal Accident
Reconstructionist, Special Operations Group Member and Academy
Instructor. He also had worked for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for
10 years and operated the Marine Unit Patrol Boat on Lake Anna as one of my
duties. Deputy Kesner joined the Orange Co. Sheriff’s Office in April of
2019 to fill the position of TRIAD Coordinator.
We look forward to seeing you at the Clubhouse Great Hall on September 11th at 7pm!
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.
