Category Archives: Pets

Soggy Doggie Swim at Sweetbriar Pool Coming in September!

The Soggy Doggie event is such a great way to close out the final days of summer and a wonderful ending to close down the pool season. Best of all, we are given an opportunity to watch these dogs enjoy themselves and have so much fun at the pool! Bring Fido to the Sweetbriar Pool (110 Sweetbriar Park Rd, Locust Grove, VA 22508) on Sunday, September 12 between 1pm – 3pm for the chance to close out the summer in the Lake of the Woods’ pool! Grab your pooches and bring them for what is sure to be a blast for all! Registration including proof of vaccinations is required. Pre-registration is available here. Humans will not be allowed in the pool with the dogs, and Owners are responsible for clean-up duty. In lieu of a registration fee, they are asking for donations of dog or cat food or a check made payable to the Orange County Animal Shelter!

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.

Your Comprehensive Guide to Picking the Perfect Neighborhood

Key Takeaways:

  • If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s important to choose the right neighborhood, especially if you care about resale value.
  • Certain neighborhood features can increase your home value—and make you feel right at home in your new community. 
  • When it comes to your home search, we have some features to keep in the forefront of your mind to make sure you pick the perfect (and most profitable) community! 

Here’s What Affects Your Home Value Every Time

When it comes to your home search, finding a house in the ideal neighborhood is half the battle. Your future community is going to decide how close you are to nearby conveniences, what qualities your home possesses, and the people who are going to be your neighbors. 

A home’s value is determined by how much prospective buyers in the market are willing to pay for your property, but we understand that each buyer is unique. While one buyer may prioritize nearby employment opportunities, another might place more weight on local entertainment or neighborhood amenities. However, property values are always impacted by one component—where they’re located. 

If you’re on the hunt for your next neighborhood, consider this your step-by-step guide on how to pick the perfect community!    

Location, location, location

aerial view of neighborhood homes

You’ve probably heard this before, but it’s so important that we have to repeat it—location is everything when it comes to making a good investment in your next home. Think about it: typically, all the homes in a neighborhood, regardless of size or condition, fall within the same price range. Therefore, when it comes to valuing a property, location matters more than even the home’s characteristics.

When an appraiser is assigning a value to a property based on its location, they look at three primary factors—the reputation of local schools, employment opportunities, and proximity to entertainment. In addition to these factors, a home’s distance to everyday necessities, such as highways and public transit systems, play a crucial role in increasing its value.     

Neighborhood amenities are must-haves for more value 

enjoying an outdoor dinner

What could be better than having a host of amenities available right outside your front door? Neighborhood niceties such as community clubhouses, golf courses, and pools are often at the top of buyers’ wishlists when searching for a new home. All these features and more foster a fun, inclusive environment of community involvement. Plus, a spacious clubhouse serves as the prime venue to host events that are sure to bring the neighborhood together! 

In addition to a neighborhood’s current conveniences, you can research any future upgrades your community has coming through its digital planning documents. These documents should outline what improvements are planned for your neighborhood—like nearby shopping centers, schools, or parks—and when they’re going to be completed. Plus, it’s always a good idea to check and see if a neighborhood has a homeowners association. Your HOA will have a hand in maintaining and enhancing the community’s value over time. 

Other conveniences you should consider…

woman smiling on phone

At this point, you’ve probably considered some basic factors like nearby attractions, commute times, and all the amenities a neighborhood has to offer—but what about the everyday conveniences? To take your home search to the next level, you have to think about the seemingly small details. When evaluating your neighborhood’s location, cover your bases by mapping out the distances to the nearest medical centers, airports, and grocery stores—believe us, you’ll be thankful for this when you forget to buy eggs. 

In terms of expenses, everyone has to pay utility bills, so you can save money by looking at who your local providers will be ahead of time. And speaking of planning, we recommend working with your agent to determine how your area’s property taxes will fit into your home-buying budget. 

Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?

All these features are things you should be on the lookout for during your home search—and remember, the surrounding community is equally as important as the individual home when it comes to finding your perfect fit. As your local real estate agents, we’d be happy to help you find your dream home in just the right neighborhood—all you have to do is give us a call! 

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.

1319 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods VA 22508 now SOLD by the Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

You will absolutely fall in love with 1319 Lakeview Pkwy, even better than new at only 3 years young! There’s no need to wait for new construction! You are welcomed by a spacious front porch that is perfect for enjoying company or relaxing with your favorite beverage. Once inside, you will first notice the gleaming hardwood floors, a living room featuring cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace for those cool nights, and an abundance of natural light. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, an island, as well as an eat-in area with easy access to the sunroom. The openness will make entertaining a breeze! The sought-after split bedroom design, an expansive owner’s suite featuring a walk-in closet, access to the sunroom, a large en-suite bath with a soaking tub to melt the day away, and beautiful tile work. The upper-level bedroom suite boasts a spacious bedroom, living room/flex space and full bath. The private level yard that backs to trees and is perfect for cookouts with family and friends.

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.

Summer Concert Series at the Point is Back!!

It is time for the Summer Sunset Concert Series at the Point to begin! We will kick off the season with Unchained!

The first concert of the Summer- May 28th at the Point in Lake of the Woods will feature the Unchained.  
The concert will take place at Clubhouse Point. The music starts at 7 pm!

Summer Concert Series
(Weather dependent, Bands subject to change)
Friday, May 28th- Unchained Rocks
Friday, June 25th –Reunion Band
Friday, July 23rd –Deja Vu
Friday, August 27th – Island Jerry Duo

The event is 100% funded by sponsors who are also LOW residents! Sponsors include: Licata Group, Locust Grove Veterinary Clinic, Townsend Home Health & Hospice Care, Design Craft Homes, Inspired Electrical Solutions, JK Carpets, Lakeside Title & Escrow, and Lake of the Woods True Value Hardware.

For more information call Pat Licata at 540-735-7998 or e-mail her at pat@licatagroup.com. 

Don’t miss out on the kick-off to the Summer concert season!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia 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.

Raffle for 2 Tickets to SOLD OUT Murder Mystery Night on March 7th!

Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter and The Inn At Willow Grove are proud to present the 3rd Annual Paw Prints and Predictions 80’s Murder Mystery Dinner & Silent Auction, and we’ve got two tickets to give away! It’s gonna be a tubular night with a classic case of who done it! The dinner will be on Saturday March 7th with doors opening at 6:00 PM, and the show starting at 7:30 PM. The dinner will be hosted at The Inn At Willow Grove, with all proceeds going to support the Orange County Animal Shelter Emergency Vet Fund.

How do you win the two tickets? By simply bringing in items to donate to the OC Animal Shelter! All items are accepted, however the Shelter has mentioned that wet dog and cat food, bleach, and detergent are the top four most needed items. Please bring all donations to our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive, Locust Grove, VA 22508 in order to be entered to win the two free tickets. The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, 2/28. This is a great opportunity to help your community, and possibly win a night that is sure to be like totally far out!

Valentine’s Day Photos With Your Favorite Pets at Dog Krazy in Fredericksburg!

Who says your furry friend can’t be your Valentine? Bring your four-legged loves to Dog Krazy in Fredericksburg on February 9th from 11AM to 4PM for a Valentine’s day photo taken by Jesskidding Photography! What better way to commemorate your love than with a professional photo to capture all the joy that they bring you! Photos are only $20 per pet with half of the proceeds going to benefit local animal rescues! All pets are welcome including cats, dogs, lizards, fish and pigs to name a few! For questions and more information, be sure to Click Here! We all love of furry friends, so let’s take a moment to capture it!

 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.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

20th Annual Pet Expo in Richmond on January, 11th!

Get ready to spend the day with your favorite furry friends, because the 20th annual Pet Expo will be held on January 11th from 10AM-4PM at the Richmond Raceway Complex! This is a day to show your favorite pet just how much you love them, by taking them and the rest of the family to this unique indoor event! Spend time browsing the 50+ exhibitors that will be providing various good and services. There will be various activities planned throughout the day, many of which involve, and encourage pet participation! Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, or $8 if purchased in advance, and only $5 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Pets and Children under the age of 6 will receive free admission! This is a day full of fun and excitement for the whole family, with all proceeds going to benefit the Henrico Humane Society! For more information about this event, be sure to Click Here!

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.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Fredericksburg Pet Show

Who let the dogs out? You did if you plan on bringing your furry friends to the 8th Annual Fredericksburg Pet Show! The Fredericksburg Expo Center invites you and your favorite pets to join them on September 21 from 10:00 Am – 5:00 PM and September 22 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at this family-fun event that is sure to put a smile on every face. All well behaved pets are welcome, and the fun doesn’t end with cats and dogs. Pigs, lizards, birds, Opossum and pets of all kinds will be there. All dogs that are attending are welcomed to challenge the Agility Course and Dog Racetrack from Dogloversdays. What could possibly make this event even better?  How about a performance from the famous Twiggy, The Water-Skiing Squirrel! Admission is $9.00 for Adults | $8* Advance, and $8.00 for Seniors (60+) | $7* Advance. Children 12 and under are free! For more information, be sure to click here. We all love our furry friends, so let’s give them a day to show 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 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.