Category Archives: Pets

109 Battlefield Rd, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508 SOLD by the Licata Group Exp Real Estate Advisors!

Welcome to 109 Battlefield Road! You will love the open airy feel of this well cared for home! Step into the living room that boasts two skylights in the vaulted ceiling which offers wonderful natural lighting. The fireplace  and mantel provide that cozy feel and will bring out the decorator in you. The spacious kitchen with abundant counter space and cabinets will satisfy the chef and combined with the living room makes entertaining  a breeze! Enjoy the sliding glass door to access to the alluring screened in porch with all the finishing touches.  Formal dining room is adjacent to the living  room with a  beautiful bay window. The spacious owner’s suite with an adjoining sitting room is perfect for a home office,  with access via sliding glass door to the screened in porch. The en-suite bathroom with a walk-in tub, separate shower, commode room, walk-in closet and double sink, perfect to accommodate all your need for space. The second and third bedrooms are roomy and comfortable, but the fourth bedroom is one not to miss!

A separate stairwell leads you above the garage  to a fabulous fourth bedroom which will be a perfect, private flex space for a guest room, game room, office or anything you can imagination. This  home is definitely one not to miss! 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 the high-$200,000s 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.

Strangeways Brewing 3rd Annual Spring Market in Fredericksburg, Virginia!

Save the date for Saturday, April 9th from 12pm – 5pm as Strangeways Brewing (Located at: 350 Landsdowne Rd, Fredericksburg VA 22401) hosts their 3rd Annual Spring Market. They are currently looking for VENDORS to attend the market, so if you are food/dessert, arts & crafts, farmers, and more are welcome to join! They don’t allow duplicate vendors so you booth would be unique to this market space. Spots are 10×10 and cost $45 to participate as a vendor. This event is OUTDOORS and first come first serve for vendors! Contact: marjan@strangewaysbrewing.com to inquire about participating. Strangeways Brewing is a unique tasting room with over 36+ beers to choose from that is a family friendly environment and has a pet-friendly outdoor space with a motto of “think string, drink strange.”

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.

Lake of the Woods Fourth of July Parade and Activities for Independence Day 2022!!!

It’s time to start planning for your Independence day celebration activities! Save the date for Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 for the Lake of the Woods’ Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration full of fun. What’s in store? Flag Ceremony, parade, activities on the point and of course, FIREWORKS!!!! Opening Ceremony is scheduled to being at 9:45AM at the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse parking lot, followed by the parade from 10am to noon that will begin on Yorktown Blvd all the way to the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse parking lot. The point activities shall began at noon time and end around 4pm. To settle into the night, the Ski Club will perform their show at 6pm on the Clubhouse dock followed by Fireworks at Veterans dam that are scheduled to begin promptly at dark, approximately at 9:15am!

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.

Feeling Lucky? Pop-by Our Office For A Free Scratch-Off Ticket!

Pop-by our Licata Group Office Tues, Wed, or Thurs March 15-17th between 9am-5pm for a free scratch-off ticket, & your chance to win BIG in our GRAND-PRIZE Raffle!

No purchase is necessary, and you must be 18+ to participate. Limited quantities are available, with a limit of one scratcher per household.

Our office is located between AT&T and CVS in the Food Lion parking lot across the street from Lake of the Woods Main Gate!

St Pattys Day Reverse Popby 2022
St Pattys Day Reverse Popby 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Mistakes to Avoid When Moving with Kids to Orange County, VA

Relocation is never an easy task to complete, but things tend to get even more complicated and stressful if you are moving with kids to Orange County, VA. No matter your reasons for moving, it’s almost certain your kids will have difficulties accepting and adapting to this change. However, there are still ways to have a smooth and easy relocation. To help you, we’ve prepared the three most common mistakes most parents make when moving with kids. If you avoid them, we can assure you that your family move will be that much simpler and more bearable.

Survive moving with kids to Orange County VA

Moving is a very challenging transition for children, no matter their age. Whether you’re relocating for work or want to have a fresh start with your family in one of the loveliest parts of the US – Orange County, VA – you need to be mindful of your kids’ feelings and help them go through this process easily.

Mother with two kids sitting on a large bed and packing for a move
No matter how old your kids are, relocating is a massive change, and it can be quite stressful for them, so you have to help them adjust.

To help you have a smooth family move, we did our research and prepared the three most common mistakes parents make when moving long-distance with kids. By knowing which mistakes to avoid, you’ll prepare them for the journey and ensure they have a good time. 

Avoid big surprises

Even though you might think that surprising your kids with a sudden move to a new neighborhood or even state is a good idea, think twice. Kids need time to emotionally prepare for what’s happening, so it’s important not to wait last minute to inform them about the move.

Instead, talk to them even before you get in touch with an experienced Virginia Realtor and start looking for your new family home. Your kids will appreciate this, especially if they’re older. Not only will they feel included, but you’ll also give them enough time to prepare and say goodbye to their old friends. 

Mother sitting at a table and talking to her daughter
Even though there’s a big chance your kids won’t be happy to hear about your family move to Orange County, VA, you shouldn’t avoid and delay talking to them about it.

The last thing you want is to bring up moving out of the blue. This will make your kids feel helpless and frustrated, and the fact they had no say in the matter can only make things worse and give them a sense of powerlessness. Thus, make sure to communicate properly and let your kids know you’re there to address all of their questions and concerns.

Excluding your kids from the process

Another very common mistake you should do your best to avoid is excluding your kids from the process. Having them help you with packing and other moving-related tasks is a great way to teach them responsibility. Of course, this doesn’t apply if your kids are too young. 

Also, involving your kids will make them feel important and wanted. If you feel confident enough, you can even allow them to pack their toys, books, and similar. And if you make an extra effort and research different packing and moving games, you’ll turn the entire process into a fun and exciting adventure. 

Or assuming they can help with the process

On the other hand, many parents overestimate their kids’ abilities and assume they can do most of the packing independently. However, it’s imperative to know how much your kids can handle and not ask too much of them.

If you’re not sure your kids can handle a task on their own, make sure to supervise them and offer help. Getting frustrated with them will only make this worse. Being patient and helpful will make them want to participate and learn even more. 

Letting them take too many things

As moving is very stressful for kids, most parents want to find ways to make it easier for them and tend to be more indulgent than usual. Many parents end up allowing their kids to take too many things to their new home. However, this is another mistake you should try your best to avoid.

Instead, find ways to teach your kids the importance of decluttering. The best way to approach this is to go through your kids’ things with them and sort them into three piles:

  • Let them keep only things they truly need and regularly use. Of course, you can’t be too strict regarding items your children are emotionally attached to. However, make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly.
  • You should teach them to toss things that are broken or can’t be used anymore.
  • Lastly, the third pile should be reserved for things that are still usable but your kids no longer need. As they’ll have the hardest time letting go of these types of things, you can motivate them by suggesting donating their old clothes and toys to less fortunate children. They’ll surely love the idea and won’t feel as sad when letting go of their old things. 
Parents playing with their son
Try to think of ways to make moving more fun and exciting for your kids.

Even if you end up bringing more things than you can fit into your new home in Orange County, VA, there is no reason to worry. There are simple and affordable ways to store your extra belongings safely. The experienced team from Helix Transfer & Storage suggests renting a storage unit as the best way for safely storing all the things you have no room for in your home

Good luck moving with kids to Orange County VA!

As you can see, if you prepare well and make sure to avoid mistakes we’ve listed, moving with kids to Orange County, VA, will be that much simpler and less stressful. Even though they’ll surely need some time to adjust to the new area and get used to their new schools, it will all be worth it in the end. And in case you’re still looking for your perfect Virginia home, make sure to get in touch with an experienced local realtor. They’ll find a home that suits your family’s wants and needs.

Meta description: If you are moving with kids to Orange County, VA, make sure to avoid most common mistakes parents make. We’ve prepared them in this article.

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.


Photos used:

https://unsplash.com/photos/VsB_Q52O3Jk

https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-unpacking-after-moving-4569340/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-couple-looking-at-their-son-inside-the-box-7415039/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/mother-and-daughter-having-a-conversation-8489355/

Home Sellers: When Should You Reduce Your Listing Price?

Key Takeaways

  • Even in a seller’s market, you may still need to reduce your price
  • Consider if you’ve tried everything else before a price reduction
  • Make sure to seek the advice of your trusted realtor–we’ve seen it all before!

Even in a competitive seller’s market like the one we’re in right now, listing your home for the right price is key. Don’t count on a bidding war happening to get the price you want! Let’s take a look at what you should do before listing your home, indicators that your home is priced too high, and the strategies you can use to make the price right. 

How Do I Figure Out the Right Price?

Image of a family selling a home.

When home prices are rising quickly, low appraisals can affect your listing price. With year-over-year home prices up 17% on average nationwide in 2021—with some markets seeing as much as 35% increases—the appraisal you receive may not reflect other recent asking prices in your area. 

Your experienced real estate agent will use data from the local MLS and consider other homes in your neighborhood and what they sold for recently. They’ll also consider tax data, your property’s previous sale price, and even micro market trends. Working with an agent in such a fluid, dynamic market is essential to getting the price right. 

Since your largest pool of buyers often finds your home within the first 21 days of listing, try to list your home at the right price from the start. If you’re not seeing the offers you thought you would, make an adjustment quickly before the initial interest fades away. 

If the first week of listing your home isn’t resulting in offers, especially in a market this hot, that’s a red flag your home is overpriced. However, if you’re getting offers, and they just aren’t meeting your listing price, it’s a good sign you’re in line with the market and may need a small decrease. 

How Do I Know When to Lower the Price?

Image of a couple working with a real estate agent.

It’s exciting to list your home in such a historic market, but moving too fast and forgetting the basics can hurt your chances of success. Work with your real estate agent to market your home. This includes cleaning and decluttering your home, staging rooms, taking attractive photos, and communicating the value of the property in the listing. 

Rely on the most recent data to find the sweet spot for price. You’ll want to consider homes recently sold within a mile or two of your home, especially ones with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms and square footage within 20% of your home that closed within the last 90 days.

If all of that is said and done and you’re not receiving any offers, you may need to lower the price. Even in a seller’s market, selling over asking or enjoying a bidding war for a higher price is not guaranteed. Make sure you know the lowest price you’re willing to accept before you list your home, so making a change won’t feel like taking a loss. 

When it comes to finding the new price, there are a few things to consider. While the general advice is to lower anywhere from 0.5% to upwards of 3%, you also want to pay attention to your price bracket and what buyers are searching for. If lowering your price brings you down from $410,000 to $398,000, that will open up your home to a new pool of buyers searching for homes under $400,000. 

Price Your Home Right from the Start

Real estate is a continual learning process, and it takes effort to figure out the right price. That’s why you should work with our experienced, trusted team to get started out right! Contact us today to find the true value of your home based on the most recent, up-to-date, micro-economic data available. Our team is here to help you sell your home for top dollar. 

Licata Group Shred Day Returns, Saturday, April 30th, 2022!


The Licata Group team with the assistance of LOW Fire and Rescue 29 will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 30th 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-it truck 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, as all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. Fire and Rescue will be on-site assisting! We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! The Orange County Animal shelter will be present with adoptable animals. Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare.

 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

The Most Romantic Towns to Live in Orange County, Virginia

Starting your life together as a young couple is highly exciting and romantic. Going house-hunting, choosing a place to live, and decorating your new home are all the steps to building your new life. One of the sweetest tasks here is selecting a location for your new home. Virginia attracts many new residents each year, so you won’t go wrong if you choose to call it home, too. Here are the most romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia. 

Top reasons for moving to Orange County, VA

For those who are still hesitant about their location choice, we’ve got some helpful info that might convince you to move to Virginia. Orange County is one of many counties in this state, but it’s undoubtedly one of the favorites among new residents. People move here for different reasons:

  • A family-friendly lifestyle is encouraged in Orange County, which is why many young couples decide to start their families here;
  • Nature – beautiful scenery ensures there’s always something to do, so people regularly engage in different outdoor activities;
  • Education – Virginia belongs to the top 10 most educated states. Education has a high priority here, so if you’re moving with kids, you can be sure they will have the opportunity to learn;
  • Four seasons – in Virginia, you can experience four distinct seasons and enjoy each of them to the fullest. Summers are hot and humid, and summer months are pretty busy with tourists. On the other hand, winters can be pretty cold and harsh, but they offer various winter activities.

If this was enough to convince you to move to Orange County, just make sure you do everything it takes to have the relocation that goes according to plan. Even when moving locally, a reliable moving team, safe packing, and on-time preparations are a must. 

A building in Virginia
Virginia has a lot to offer – explore your options carefully.

New home in Virginia – the most romantic towns to live in Orange County 

We’ve got some excellent news for young couples looking for a new home. There are several romantic towns you can choose from! 

Orange 

Let’s start with the seat of Orange County, the place where most people start their search. Historical buildings surrounded by beautiful nature make this place one of the most romantic towns to live in Orange County. Orange is also one of the most popular places in the state, as its natural resources support various industries and create many job opportunities. 

Gordonsville

This place is a perfect example of a romantic small town that’s most suitable for those looking for a place to raise a family. Most residents own their homes here, and you can enjoy an authentic suburban feel. The charming streets of Gordonsville make the town quite romantic – red-brick buildings with colorful details, many flowers, and old-style street lights are everywhere. You will enjoy taking a walk and visiting some of the galleries and quaint shops, finishing the night at one of the super romantic restaurants. Also, there are a couple of wineries nearby, which can be a perfect way to spend a romantic weekend. The place is popular among tourists, but many also decide to move here and call Gordonsville home. 

Lake of the Woods 

Located at the east of Orange County, Lake of the Woods is a census-designated place that has become quite popular in recent years. The fact that it’s located on the lake makes the place genuinely romantic. But, locals love it for its rural feel, safe and family-friendly environment, and excellent public schools. The population is just above 8,000, making it easy to make friends and feel at home. There’s so much to do here – golfing, beach activities, fishing, kayaking, etc. 

Sunset on a lake
Imagine living near a lake. Romantic sunsets could become your everyday reality. 

Moving to Orange County, VA

Once you choose a new home, you will need to start planning your move. Begin by creating a unique timeline. It will help you keep track of your progress and prevent you from forgetting or missing something. You’ll be more organized and therefore more successful.

Picking a suitable moving team is never easy. You will trust your household to strangers, so they need to be professional, reliable, and experienced. The pros at A2B Moving and Storage recommend hiring someone who already has a lot of experience with relocations in Virginia. Local pros usually have more affordable rates and know the fastest and safest ways to deliver your items.

It’s essential to take packing seriously. If you are organized, you’ll have a much faster and more efficient move. Firstly, remove all the things that are just eating up the space: all the clutter, unused items, broken and outdated pieces. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what you need to pack and how many moving supplies you need.

Label your items according to the room they belong in. This is particularly important for those moving in to a big home. Write on each box what’s inside it and where it should go. Your movers will then put them in the fitting room, making the unpacking process easier for you.

Finally, pack the essentials separately. You probably won’t have the energy and time to unpack everything on your first night in your new home. Make sure you’ve got everything you need in one separate box—pack basic toiletries, sheets and pajamas, chargers, etc. 

A family of four holding hands in one of the most romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia
Building a family in one of the most romantic towns to live in Orange County is a dream come true for many people. 

Romance in Virginia 

Choosing one of the romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia, is an excellent idea. However, the romance and spark of your relationship don’t depend on it. Choose a place where you can start building new memories together and watch your new life unfold! 

Meta description: Couples looking for a place to start a family – explore the most romantic towns to live in Orange County, Virginia for your new home. 

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-walking-on-path-1682497/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photography-of-brown-wooden-dock-at-golden-house-205002/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/university-chapel-in-virginia-5580132/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-while-holding-hands-691045/

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.

Valentine’s Day Sip and Shop at Wilderness Run Vineyards, Spotsylvania Virginia

The Millers Co. and Sullivan’s Bake Shoppe are hosting their first event at Wilderness Run Vineyards. They’ve partnered together to offer Whiskey peanut butter truffles, hot cocoa bombs, a variety of decorated and flavored cookies, macarons, Valentine’s jewelry, décor and more!

Grab your special someone and bring them by Wilderness Run located at 11109 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania VA 22553 on Saturday, February 5th. The Millers Co. and Sullivan’s Bake Shoppe will be there from 12p – 4pm. Check it the event on Facebook for the most up to date information.

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.

“America’s Oldest” The Fredericksburg DOG MART Returns!

On Saturday, September 25th between 9:30 AM – 3 PM visit 12400 Herndon Rd, Spotsylvania, Virginia for a FREE dog-lovers event! This will mark the 323rd Anniversary of Fredericksburg’s DOG-MART and will feature a dog show, adoption showcase, raffles, demonstrations, and food and beverages.

Check out the archery activities and BB Gun shooting for the kids! Taste the fresh cooked burgers, fries, and other delicious food trucks on hand. Watch the amazing dogs perform during their show.

There is no cost to enter, however, parking is $5. Bring in a Dog Food donation for free raffle tickets! Learn more about this event here.

This event is hosted by: The Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America

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.