The Licata Group will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11 AM – 2PM! Just in time for the end of tax season, so salsa on over and safely and securely shred your documents! The Shred trucks will be located within the Food Lion parking lot across from the Lake of the Woods front gate, near our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive (between AT&T and CVS). Donations are encouraged but not required, and all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! Can you make it? Let us know here!
Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare and Kona Ice will be there selling shaved ice with 20% of proceeds going to LOW Fire and Rescue. Let’s support our community!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Date night doesn’t have to be just for couples. How about a date night for the whole family? The Lake of the Woods Pools and Community Activities Committee is hosting Family Date Night at the Clubhouse Saturday, February 18th, 2023 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Reservations are required for this event, so click here to reserve your spot now! The cost per adult is $15.95, children under 10 is $10.95, and children under 3 eat free. The menu consists of a starter salad and garlic bread sticks; followed by entree options of penne or bow tie pasta with your choice of marinara sauce and meatballs, or alfredo sauce with chicken, porcini mushroom ravioli in a sherry cream sauce with a side of seasonal vegetable medley, and cookies and brownies for dessert. So come hungry and ready to grace each other’s presence with a bountiful of laughter.
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.
Orange County is an area any dog owner will love living in. But which places in Orange County are the best for you and your best friend? Dogs will love living in a place that’s near a forest and away from all the noise big cities have. However, there are a couple of places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners where you can have the best of both worlds. You will keep your pet happy while at the same time living near all the amenities you will ever need. Whichever of the following places you decide to relocate to, you will not go wrong with your choice.
Orange is one of the best places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners
Although this town has a small population, it will not disappoint you. A tight-knit community makes Orange an excellent place to relocate to. As a dog owner, you will easily find other dog owners to connect with. The people in Orange are very welcoming to newcomers. You will feel at home very soon after relocating. The town of Orange features many vast, open spaces where you can take your dog out for a run. That includes not only parks but also forests. If you wish to spend some time outside without your dog, you must visit a couple of places. In the surrounding area, you will find farms, vineyards, and gardens that you can spend a day exploring. With all these things in mind, this town is worth considering as a potential new home for you and your best friend.
Lake of the Woods
One of the best and top-rated places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners has to be Lake of the Woods. This community has the largest population of all the towns in Orange County. In Lake of the Woods, you will have everything you need as a dog owner. This location is excellent as you will never be bored with so many different things to do. In Lake of the Woods, you get everything you can find in a big town, but you still stay near nature. So, if you are outgoing, this is the best choice for you. On the weekends, you can take your dog for a swim, a long walk, or even camp together. All in all, Lake of the Woods is a choice no one can go wrong with.
Your dog will appreciate spending a lot of time in nature.
Locust Grove
However, if you are looking to move away from the crowds and find a peaceful place for yourself and your dog, Locust Grove may be the right choice. In this small Orange County town, you can stay away from the busy lifestyle and just spend time doing outdoor activities. You will be able to give your dog the life they deserve. In Locust Grove, you can find great houses with large backyards. This affordable Virginia real estate is perfect for dog owners, especially if you have more than one dog. If you’re moving to Locust Grove, but your home is not move-in ready, don’t worry. Experts from A2B Moving and Storage advise you to put your things into storage until you finish setting up your new home. Also, you can find a temporary home for you and your dog until the move-in day arrives.
Gordonsville is another excellent choice for dog owners
As someone who loves animals, you will also love living in the town of Gordonsville in Orange County. In Gordonsville, you can go horseback riding at one of the farms or equestrian centers. Gordonsville is in Orange County, just at the border with Louisa County. So you will have easy access to the amenities in both counties. This place is perfect if you love taking your dog on camping trips. The stunning forests and available campgrounds nearby will give you and your pet a chance to spend a lot of time in nature. You can help your dog stay healthy by taking them for long walks in Gordonsville. As a bonus, you will also be able to live a healthy lifestyle once you relocate to Gordonsville.
You can spend time in Orange County by going camping with your dog.
Moving to Orange County with pets
Finding that perfect Virginia home and finally receiving the keys is one of the best feelings in the world. However, being faced with a long-distance relocation can take away some of the excitement. There are so many different things to do before the moving day arrives. And relocating with pets can be even more difficult. They won’t understand what’s happening, especially if this is your first time relocating with your dog. That’s why organizing and taking things slow are the keys to a successful relocation with any pet. When it comes to successfully relocating with pets, it’s all about preparing well.
Take your time when you pack for the move. That will lower the chances of your dog stressing out during packing. If you wish to move with the help of professional movers, it may be best to leave your dog with a professional pet sitter or a friend they know. You can pick up your dog once the movers take your things to your new Virginia home. Your dog will probably be confused to see your things gone, but at least they won’t be stressed from meeting too many strangers. All this will help them through the process and make any long-distance relocation easier. Once they arrive at their new home, they will need some time to adjust. But, with the great nature, Orange County has, this confusing period will be over in no time.
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.
11/21/23 Licata Live with John Licata ( The Face for Radio ) and Kathleen Ayers
11/14 Licata Live at Patch Brewing Co. With Keith and Carrie Neeley.
Pat & Daisey Licata Live 11/7/2023
Welcome Meg Brancato To The Team w/ Daisey & Meg: Licata Live 10/31/2023
Licata Live September 20, 2023 with Mary Maurer and Pat Licata
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.
In December, 11 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.
0 sold below $250,000.00 4 sold between $250,000-299,999; 0 sold between $300,000-349,999; 3 sold between $350,000-399,999; 2 sold between $400,000-499,999; 2 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
46 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 14 Homes Under Contract 1 Home Sold since January 1, 2023.
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.
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.
For most people, buying a home is one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make. If you’re planning to purchase a home, your budget likely includes the down payment and monthly mortgage payments—yet many buyers, particularly first-time homeowners, find their budgets stretched by unexpected costs. In fact, according to a survey by ConsumerAffairs, 44% of recent home buyers said they had already spent more than they’d planned, with the average over-budget amount exceeding $10,000.
While record-breaking home prices over the past several months have contributed to this trend, new homeowners often find themselves surprised by unexpected costs, such as the following:
Property taxes. Currently, the average property tax rate across the U.S. is 1.1% of a home’s assessed value, but this amount can vary greatly based on location and average home prices.
Closing costs. The upfront costs of buying a home include more than just the down payment—at closing, you can expect to pay costs ranging from 2-5% of the home’s value. These may include title insurance, mortgage origination fees, surveys, and more depending on your market and lender.
Utilities. For many people moving from an apartment or rented house to a home of their own, the cost of all the utilities they need can be surprising. From the basics like water and electricity to items that you may or may not need depending on your preferences and where you live (such as cable, sewer, and trash collection), utility bills can add hundreds of dollars a month to your home ownership costs.
Insurance. In order to take out a mortgage, you’ll need to provide your lender with proof of homeowners insurance, which will cover certain damage to your home and the items within it. This necessary coverage will cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per year.
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.
As the end of the year approaches, many people start thinking about how they want to celebrate New Year’s Eve. From elaborate parties to intimate gatherings, there are plenty of events to choose from and Orange County, VA, is no exception. We’ll highlight some of the best New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, so you can find the perfect way to ring in the new year. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing and champagne or a quiet evening spent with loved ones, there’s an event for everyone. So, grab your party hat and get ready to celebrate – it’s time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms!
Amazing New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA
Are you ready to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one with a bang? If so, you’ll want to check out this roundup of the top New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA. From glitzy parties to intimate gatherings, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, start planning your celebration now and get ready to ring in the new year in style!
Do a little research, and you’ll see plenty of great New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, to choose from.
#1 Orange County Tacky Lights Tour
Orange County is hosting its sixth annual self-guided Tacky Light Tour on New Year’s Eve from 7 pm to 9 pm, but it’s active since December 12th. You can download a free brochure which includes a map of all the participating houses and a list of the must-see displays. From houses covered in thousands of twinkling lights to lawns filled with inflatable Santas and snowmen, the Orange County Tacky Lights Tour is a festive way to ring in the new year.
And since it’s self-guided, you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you’d like at each stop. So, bundle up, grab some friends or family, and get ready to celebrate the new year with a fun and memorable Tacky Light Tour in Orange County, VA. It’s a great way to explore the area, especially if you just moved in.
#2 New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Masquerade
Welcome the new year with a captivating evening at The Arts Center, Orange! Beginning at 9 pm, the venue will be transformed into the Goblin King’s castle from the 1986 film Labyrinth, complete with sculptures and set pieces created by local young artists and artisans. Admission includes delectable refreshments, engaging art activities, delightful company, and a celebratory prosecco toast at midnight.
Wearing costumes inspired by the film is highly encouraged, and it is recommended to register in advance. Thebest part is that this event is suitable for all ages. Dress to impress for this special holiday celebration and ring in the new year in style! And if you’d like, bring your youngsters, too.
#3 New Year’s Eve celebration at Dairy Market, Charlottesville
Gather your loved ones and head over to the Dairy Market, Charlottesville, for an exciting New Year’s Eve celebration! From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, DJ will be spinning festive tunes, and at 7:00 pm, there will be a massive balloon drop with 1,000 balloons. In addition to the music, there will be festive hats, tiaras, crafts, and other fun giveaways.
An electric cover band will take the stage from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm to rock the rest of the night. The Dairy Market will be serving up delicious food and drinks, so come hungry and ready to ring in the new year with great company and good cheer. This event isfree to attend; however, you need to pre-register.
#4 New Year’s Eve Black & Gold Gala, Fredericksburg
Get ready to ring in the new year in style at the New Year’s Eve Black & Gold Gala at Venue and Event Hall in Fredericksburg! This chic and elegant event is not to be missed. Please note that this event is for registered attendees only.
If you’re up for some drinking and dancing, there are plenty of fun New Year’s parties all over Orange County.
As you arrive, the sounds of DJ on the 1’s and 2’s will greet you, setting the mood for a night of dancing and celebration. And as the night goes on, you’ll have access to the buffet bar, stocked with a variety of delicious eats, to keep you fueled up for the festivities. But the fun doesn’t stop there – at midnight, you’ll join in a complimentary champagne toast, with a bottle provided for each table.
#5 Sometimes, the best events are private
At the end of the day, if none of the options work for you, you can always opt for staying at home. It could be just you and your loved one having a romantic evening, or you can even consider throwing a New Year’s Eve party and inviting your friends. It’s a great way to say goodbye to 2022 with everyone you love and care about the most.
Sometimes, the best events are not the most extravagant ones but the ones you get to spend with people you care about the most.
However, if you do choose to throw a New Year’s bash, we highly recommend you first prepare your apartment. By this, we don’t only mean the decorations and other fun activities. Instead, make sure to remove any valuable or fragile items that could easily get damaged or broken. Or, if you live in a small space, you might want to consider moving some furniture around to create more room for your guests. You can always take advice from the team from mod-movers.com and rent a storage unit to safely keep your things until the party’s over.
Wrapping up!
As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to all the future holds. No matter how you choose to celebrate this special occasion, the important thing is to be with the people you love and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether you attend one of the extravagant New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, featured in this article, or create your own celebration at home, make the most of this special evening and ring in the new year with style. We wish you a Happy New Year!
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.
”Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it” Santayana once said. And he was right. It’s important to think about this sentence now more than ever. Orange County is (if we have the liberty to say it) perhaps one of the capitols of history in America. There is a lot to see and even more to learn. Are you wondering where to start? Check out some of the places from this history lover’s guide to Orange County, VA.
Start at the Orange Train Station
The train in literature often symbolizes an important journey. Therefore, the Orange Train Station can be a perfect place to start your journey to getting more profound knowledge about American history hidden in this beautiful part of Virginia. Trains changed the face of business in the United States in the early twentieth century. Having been constructed in 1910, the Orange Train Station played a crucial role in the county’s continued existence and development.
Although the Colonial Revival-style structure is no longer used for passenger transportation, it is nevertheless worth a visit since it houses the Orange County Visitors Center. The Visitor Center is open all seven days of the week. It’s kind of a crossroads for all the visitors. So, buying a vacation home near it can be a great investment.
Make sure to hop on the train of knowledge with this history lover’s guide to Orange County!
Visit Wilderness Battlefield
The sad cost of the Civil War is memorialized in the Wilderness Battlefield, located in the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Guests have the option of:
Vehicle excursions
Self-guided hikes
Visits to historic battlegrounds
To an inexperienced eye, it may seem like an ordinary field in the village. But it’s so much more. Every rock and a little piece of grass hides great sorrow but also lessons for the generations to come. Make sure to listen to the old trees’ whispers and spread the word of wisdom to be cherished in the future.
Ellwood Manor is an important part of it
Ellwood Manor, which stands tall on the Wilderness Battlefield, was the command center for the Union’s right wing. There is a walking route and displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages at this historic property. Follow Route 20 to the Ellwood Manor entrance and soak in all it has to offer.
Exchange Hotel Museum was a place of hope
This structure, which opened in 1860 as a hotel, later served as a hospital for more than 70,000 service members from both the Union and the Confederate forces. This is the only surviving hospital from the Civil War era in Virginia. At the moment, you can visit it only on selected Saturdays during the month. But, seeing it and experiencing the place of life-saving and hope is definitely worth the extra effort.
Once a hotel, it became a place of hope and salvation for many during the Civil War.
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center will take your breath away
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center, library, museum, and memorial garden were built to commemorate the arrival of the first German settlers to Virginia in 1714. Also, you can take advantage of the 170 acres of woodland behind the school and the Rapidan River access by visiting the Siegen Forest paths.
You may fall in love with it
Many people fall in love with this region because of it and decide to move here. However, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming, and some choose not to pursue their dreams because of all the fuss. In order to make relocation less stressful and actually enjoy the process, it’s best to find reliable movers and let them handle all the heavy lifting. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy all the hidden gems near Germana Fort.
James Madison’s Montpelier deserves its place in history lover’s guide to Orange County
Historic site commemorating the life and times of James Madison, a key figure in the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You may learn about the area’s history and have fun with your family on one of Montpelier’s guided tours, family activities, or hiking trails. Also, if you’re a DC commuter (and a history lover), this place can be quite a treat for you.
However, this big mansion holds the darker side of American history too. This residence offers a colorful insight into the period of slavery. Even though it may not be pleasant to revisit our ancestors’ mistakes, it’s important to learn and experience first-hand the history of the rich and the poor. The history of men in power and the history of the powerless. As only knowledge is the power that will help us make a better future.
Barboursville ruins and vineyards
Thomas Jefferson built this opulent palace for Governor James Barbour. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day 1884, a fire destroyed it. Ruins at Barboursville are preserved as a historical site and are visible amid the grapes. As seen from a distance, this site can be a perfect metaphor for both faces of American history – the richness and the poverty and the potential to grow. Even though this burnt mansion isn’t quite conventionally part of the holiday decorating contest, it can be even more worth visiting and being a part of it, even for a day.
Even though it’s in ruins, this place perfectly sums up the spirit of American history.
Final thoughts
Orange County in Virginia holds many treasures of American history. And we don’t mean the gold or the diamonds. The amount of knowledge circling between the walls of all the residences mentioned above is what is truly valuable. If you have the privilege to follow this history lover’s guide to Orange County, make sure to listen. Listen to all of these places while they’re telling you their story. Listen to the locals and ask them where to find more secret historical gems of this region. Soak in all the knowledge, as only knowledge is power. Take the opportunity to get mentally stronger so you’ll, one day, make the future worth fighting for.
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.
In November, 16 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.
2 sold below $250,000.00 1 sold between $250,000-299,999; 3 sold between $300-349,999; 3 sold between $350,000-399,999; 5 sold between $400-499,999; 2 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
60 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 16 Homes Under Contract 284 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.
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.
Lake of the Woods Association is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Registered homes will be included on a map on LOWA.org, members can tour the community and look at the homes! Since the deadline to decorate is December 8th, it won’t be long before our community will be lighting up the nights with holiday cheer! December 9-11th: Garden Club will judge homes and the winners will be published in Lake Currents on December 16th.
Winners will be chosen from one of the three categories. Gift cards will be awarded to first place and a runner-up! The 3 categories are Hallmark Holidays: garland, wreaths, lights, and everything for the picture-perfect greeting card; Wacky Tacky: snow globe, figurines, inflatables, lots of lights, and lasers. Anything goes! and lastly, Winter Wonderland: More seasonal, less Christmas, Snowmen, sleighs and more.
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.
