Category Archives: Real Estate

Are We in a Housing Bubble? Experts Say No.

The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise.

Here are four expert opinions from professionals and organizations that have devoted their careers to giving great advice to the housing industry.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies in their The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021 report:

“… conditions today are quite different than in the early 2000s, particularly in terms of credit availability. The current climb in house prices instead reflects strong demand amid tight supply, helped along by record-low interest rates.”

Nathaniel Karp, Chief U.S. Economist at BBVA:

“The housing market is in line with fundamentals as interest rates are attractive and incomes are high due to fiscal stimulus, making debt servicing relatively affordable and allowing buyers to qualify for larger mortgages. Underwriting standards are still strong, so there is little risk of a bubble developing.”

Bill McBride of Calculated Risk:

“It’s not clear at all to me that things are going to slow down significantly in the near future. In 2005, I had a strong sense that the hot market would turn and that, when it turned, things would get very ugly. Today, I don’t have that sense at all, because all of the fundamentals are there. Demand will be high for a while, because Millennials need houses. Prices will keep rising for a while, because inventory is so low.”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

Looking back at the bubble years, house prices exceeded house-buying power in 2006 nationally, but today house-buying power is nearly twice as high as the median sale price nationally…

Many find it hard to believe, but housing is actually undervalued in most markets and the gap between house-buying power and sale prices indicates there’s room for further house price growth in the months to come.”

Bottom Line

All four strongly believe that we’re not in a bubble and won’t see crashing home values as we did in 2008. And they’re not alone – Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Merrill Lynch share the same opinion.

Information was provided by keepingcurrentmatters.com

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.

Virginia Home Loan Guide

Orange County, Virginia, has become one of the most popular areas for people with families. Even though it’s a mostly rural area, it is still close to large cities like Richmond, DC, Charlottesville, etc. Rural areas and suburbs have become desired locations for families looking for new homes, or vacation homes, especially during the pandemic. With that in mind, we want to cover a simple and useful Virginia home loan guide and get you one step closer to your dream house! Let’s get started!

What is a home loan?

Let’s start by defining what a home loan is. Also known as a mortgage, it is a type of loan used only to purchase a house. A lender creates a contract with the borrower for a specified amount of money. The borrower uses that money to buy a house and pays monthly installments to the lender over a period of 15 to 30 years.

When you start browsing the hottest neighborhoods in Orange County, Virginia, be sure to check with your agent what the average cost of homes is. That will tell you if your credit score will allow you to get the amount you will need to buy a house.

Let’s break down the structure of a monthly loan

One of the most critical parts of our instructional is to teach you how to calculate your monthly payment. To get the amount of your monthly loan payment, take the principal amount (the sum that the lender borrows you) and apply the interest rate to it.

Per the US Bank, for fixed-rate mortgage loans in Virginia, the interest rate depends on the term and the type of mortgage. The common types are:

  • conventional fixed-rate mortgage – a kind of loan that conforms to the size of the loan and your financial budget, and the interest rate is fixed until it is fully paid;
  • adjustable-rate mortgage – interest rate fluctuates and will change based on the predetermined index;
  • FHA mortgage – Federal Housing Administration loan has more flexible lending requirements than a conventional loan. It also includes insurance premiums, but more of that in the next section;
  • VA mortgage – Department of Veteran Affairs loan will allow eligible service members to purchase a home with a low down payment, or without a down payment;
  • Jumbo mortgage – this type of loan is what you would usually use if you want to purchase a luxury home when the price exceeds conforming loan limits. To get it, you need a high credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio;

What are insurance premiums and property taxes?

When buying a home in Virginia, you also need to pay an annual insurance premium that protects your home from any damage. It also protects you from a financial loss or if someone gets injured on your property. Furthermore, you need to pay quarterly property taxes to your local municipality.

It often happens that a lender pays for both the taxes and insurance premiums. In that case, you will actually pay more than your monthly mortgage payment, and that money goes into your escrow account. Then, the lender uses it to cover the expenses when they are due.

When we consider the cost of purchasing a home, paying your real estate agent, and organizing a relocation, you can see how important it is to precisely calculate all of the expenses and know your financial limit. Through this guide, we will also teach you how to save money whenever possible. Since you cannot cut corners when it comes to paying your lender, you can at least consider consulting Verified Movers, and they will connect you with affordable and licensed moving companies in the area.

What is a promissory note?

When you sign the contract with your lender, there is also a second agreement included. It is called a promissory note, and when you sign it, you oblige yourself to repay your home loan and the interest rate. Furthermore, you pledge to stick to the repayment schedule.

A second mortgage and how to use it

It is a common practice to get a second mortgage after you purchase your house. This loan comes in two forms: home equity loan and home equity line of credit.

While with a home equity loan, you borrow a sum of money and pay it back with interest over time, a home equity line of credit works a bit differently. You can borrow a granted amount of money over time, and you can split it. That means you can borrow one amount during this year and the rest during the following year. This means you can calculate how much money you need, and you are not under the obligation to get the whole sum.

A second mortgage is calculated if you take the total cost of your home and subtract the remaining mortgage balance. If you bought a home worth $150,000, and you have $100,000 to pay, that means you own a percentage of your home in the sum of $50,000. That sum is how much you can borrow for your second mortgage.

One of the major benefits of a second mortgage is that you can spend it on anything you want. While you can do home renovation projects, you can also spend money on anything else, like paying for relocation. With that money, you can hire movers that provide an easy and stress-free process. It will undoubtedly make your life a whole lot easier and free up some time to focus on other more pressing matters.

How to secure a mortgage

When you apply for a mortgage, the first step is to research lenders and find the best interest rates for your pocket. Securing a mortgage is a lengthy process, though. The main requirements are a favorable credit score, a low debt-to-income ratio, and a down payment.

A credit score is considered good if it’s above 670. You can still get it with a lower credit score, but your interest rate will be higher. Your debt-to-income ratio should be below 36%, and the down payment is at least 20% of the price. The higher the down payment is, the lower the interest.

Virginia home loan guide made easy

Do not be frightened by the process of getting a mortgage. We hope that this Virginia home loan guide has everything you need to go through the process with ease. Once you have your dream home secured, you will have a lot to do Virginia and you will never be bored. Best of luck in buying the home of your dreams!

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.

110 Independence St Home in Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508 now SOLD by the Licata Group EXP!

Welcome to 110 Independence Street, located close to the back gate in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods! This beautiful, well-maintained home is only one year old. Why wait for new construction when you can have new without the wait? As you arrive, you are welcomed by stone accents and a front porch that will be one of your favorite areas on which to relax. As you enter, you will love the gorgeous hardwood floors, designer interior doors and all of the fine finishes! Imagine an open concept with the gourmet kitchen and family room flowing so effortlessly to make family living easy and entertaining a breeze. As you continue through the home up to the owner’s suite, you will feel how inviting and spacious the suite is with cathedral ceilings, a massive walk-in closet and an elegant en-suite bathroom. To complete the upper level, there are three additional bedrooms conveniently spaced out, as well as a full bath and laundry room. Wait…that’s not all: the finished lower level offers a half bath and expansive finished area that can be used as flex space, family room, game room, or a fifth bedroom.

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 low $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.

503 Stratford Cir in Lake of the Woods, Virginia, 22508 now SOLD by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome to 503 Stratford Circle! This stunning, updated, custom-built home, nestled in the trees and move-in ready will delight from the moment you arrive. Once you enter, you are welcomed by gleaming hardwood floors, a great room with a floor-to-ceiling stone gas fireplace, and soaring ceilings. You will be in awe of the fine finishes throughout. The kitchen boasts upgraded appliances, granite countertops, and an expansive island as well as a formal dining area! You will love the expansive owner’s suite that is so inviting and spacious. The en-suite bathroom offers a double vanity and soaking tub with jets and double walk-in closets. Enjoy your favorite beverage, read a book or take in the sounds of nature from the screened porch accessible from the owner’s suite. Two additional spacious bedrooms, full bath and laundry room complete the main level. The lower level features a family room, a 4th bedroom and full bath. Imagine sitting on your expansive deck listening to the sounds of nature, entertaining family and friends or just relaxing at your home located close to the back gate.

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.

814 Eastover Pkwy, Lake of the Woods, Virginia Now SOLD by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors with EXP Realty LLC!!

If easy, one story living and plenty of space for storage are what you crave, you’ve found it! Welcome to 814 Eastover Parkway, where you’ll be delighted from the moment you arrive! Stone accents, stunning hickory floors, a spacious sitting area/office/flex space off of the owner’s suite, split bedroom, open floor plan are the features you’ll immediately notice. As you browse further, you’ll love the generously sized deck with pergola and stamped concrete patio that are perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The grand finale consists of the incredible almost 12 x 12 shed with electricity for woodworkers and hobbyists alike, and the tall, encapsulated crawlspace perfect for storage.

You can have it all! 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.

700 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508 Now SOLD by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors!!

You will absolutely fall in love with 700 Lakeview Pkwy, conveniently located near the front gate and Clubhouse/beach/pool complex in amenity-rich Lake of the Woods! Exuding quality you’ll notice as you enter, you are welcomed by archways, gleaming hardwood floors, a formal dining room, an incredibly spacious family room boasting cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace for those cool nights, built-ins, and natural light.

Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen with stainless steel/black appliances, as well as a large eat-in area. The open floor plan will make entertaining a breeze! The sought-after split bedroom design with an expansive owner’s suite featuring a fabulous walk-in closet, access to the screened porch, and an en-suite bathroom featuring a double vanity and a soaking tub to melt the day away. Imagine quiet evenings in the screened porch with your favorite beverage, reading a book or purely enjoying the abundance of privacy that surrounds you. The deck is perfect for cookouts and spending time with family and friends! Need storage? The walk-up staircase in the garage leads to attic access for storage!

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.

Historic Waterfront: 402 Harrison Cir, Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508. NOW SOLD by Licata Group Real Estate Advisors with EXP Realty LLC!!!

Welcome to 402 Harrison Circle, where yesteryear meets today… lakeside! Have you ever wanted to own a piece of history? What about having a house on the lake? Well, now you can have both with this original, charming, circa 1800 log cabin. As time passed, this amazing home had a few additions and was moved to its current location. Once inside, the uniqueness and character are evident from the architecture of the original log walls, beamed ceilings, three fireplaces, pine floors, and antique doors. In addition, you have a main level bedroom, and an expansive dining room perfect for big gatherings with family and friends. The upper level provides two more bedrooms as well as another full bath and a half. Imagine relaxing on the screened porch or barbecuing on your deck as you take in the activities and views of the lake.  The unfinished basement is huge and perfect for storage or could be finished into additional living space. The two-car garage is very spacious with room for two cars and a workshop.  On the dining room table, you will find a photo book full of pictures to share the rich history, such as how the home once sat all alone on a farm surrounded by cattle before Lake of the Woods was even constructed. Now this lakefront, farmhouse is the oldest home in Lake of the Woods.  All this history and being a waterfront home makes this one special and not one you see every day! 

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-$100,000s 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.

Reap the Benefits of Your Realtor Even After You’ve Moved

Key Takeaways:

  • Our real estate expertise goes far beyond just buying or selling your home—you can rely on us for quality resources before and after you’ve moved.
  • Whether you’re searching for the best local handyman, a notary, or something else entirely, you can trust our vetted providers to get the job done.
  • If you ever need a real estate recommendation—today or years down the road—just give us a call for personalized advice!

Unlock Our Exclusive Real Estate Recommendations

We like to consider ourselves real estate experts, and we love being able to share our knowledge with you! Throughout our years of working in the housing market, we’ve formed deep relationships with not only our clients, but with local trusted businesses, too. We’ve vetted these vendors ourselves so that you don’t have to play the costly game of trial and error.

Need some personalized recommendations or strategic advice? Here’s how your agent can serve you even after you’ve moved.

Sellers, we don’t stop at “SOLD”

couple with a sold sign

When we say we’re by your side every step of the way, we mean it—which means our services never stop at “SOLD!” Whether we’ve just listed your home or already sold it, we know there’s always more work to be done. Seemingly small details go a long way in making a house a home. We’ve worked with the best professional landscapers, painters, and cleaners in the area—all contacts you need to put the finishing touches on your space.

We consider our clients to be one of our own, which means our exclusive buying and selling resources are always available to you. At any time, you can see if your home value has increased using our free estimator or jumpstart the buying process after you sell with our advanced search tool. Our real estate professionals have gained invaluable experience in working with our clients, so we try to return the favor whenever possible by providing in-depth insight.

New homeowners, you’re not done with us yet

Couple holding keys to a home

We loved helping you find your dream home so much that we want to keep working with you—and honestly, we think we’re going to need each other! Homeownership is a huge investment, so you want your new place to be in tip-top shape at all times.

First things first, it’s important to change your locks when you move into your home, since you don’t know who might have a copy of your keys. Don’t know of a local locksmith? Don’t worry, we’ll open some doors for you! Don’t let a household repair linger just because you don’t know a trusted provider who can get the job done. Whether you’re looking for a handyman to lend a helping hand on a home project or need repairs for your HVAC, you can count on our personalized recommendations for the most reliable providers in the area!

And for when you’ve been watching (maybe too much) HGTV

Older couple talking about renovations

We get it, watching Fixer Upper makes you want to DIY your entire home, especially if you’re thinking about listing soon or just moved in. But for when you’re not in the mood to do it all yourself, we’ve got contacts for everything from new light fixtures to full-on home renovations. Our desire for you to live in your dream home doesn’t stop when you sign the closing documents, and we will always be available to help with any home improvements.

Want Access to Our Preferred Vendors?

Working with a top-notch real estate agent means you’ve gained a partner for life. So when anything comes up in your buying, selling, or homeownership journey, just give us a call!

Whether you’re at the beginning of the selling process or have already bought your dream home, you can always rely on us to connect you with the area’s best vendors. Contact us today for any recommendations you may need—and don’t forget, we’re locals too, and we love to catch up with our clients!

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.

105 Taylor Ct, Lake of the Woods Home for Sale NOW SOLD!!! by the Licata Group Real Estate Advisors with EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome home to 105 Taylor Court! You are welcomed by the brick accents, brick walkway, beautiful landscaping, and you will immediately know this is the one.  Once inside, this immaculate home will delight with gleaming hardwood floors! The formal dining room is beautifully accented with columns, and perfect for big family gatherings.  When the nights are cool, the living room features a gas fireplace to take the chill off. Enjoy cooking in the spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, granite countertops, and pantry as well as a dining area with access to the screened porch. The sought-after split bedroom design features an incredible owner’s suite that boasts a  spacious walk-in closet, oversized en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub to melt the day away, double vanity, and separate shower. Imagine quiet evenings in the screened porch with your favorite beverage, reading a book or enjoying some downtime.

In addition, the oversized, private lot provides plenty of space to enjoy cookouts and entertaining 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.

Why Moving from DC to Orange County, VA After Retirement is a Good Idea

Why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea?

Are you planning to move out of Washington DC? If you are, we recommend you consider moving to Orange County, Virginia. If you are looking for an active area filled with beautiful landscapes, this is the place for you. Orange county is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful spots in the entire United States of America. The majority of Orange County inhabitants own their houses. It is home to many families, young professionals, and retirees. This area is excellent for retirees because it is very peaceful, yet it offers an abundance of fun activities, making it one of the most desired places to move to. This article will show you why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea!

There is a lot to do in Orange County

The county is full of period cottages you can rent or buy. These cottages carry the rustic spirit of Orange County and its history. They date back to the 19th century but were renovated to accommodate the modern lifestyle requirements. Experts from Allstate Moving and Storage have had many clients who either rent or have bought these cottages. Living in them will give you a feeling that you moved back into the past, which can be great for history lovers! 

The area has numerous small breweries and wineries

Since the area has beautiful plains and hillsides, it is no surprise that it is rich in agricultural goods. Also, beer and wine lovers will have an opportunity to try to produce their favorite beverages. If you like experiencing new things, Orange County is the right place for you. There are plenty of breweries and wineries for you to explore. Moreover, many of them organize events and wine or beer tastings. This is just one of the many things to do in Orange County

Grapes and two wine glasses next to a small barrel
Orange County is full of terrific small wineries.

Orange County has beautiful historical sights

Orange County and its surroundings are great for history lovers. The area is scattered with lots of historical places and sights. If you like the historical sites in DC, you will love Orange County since it offers a different side of history to explore.

Barboursville Ruins

A great place to visit after you move to Orange County is the ruins of Governor Barbour’s mansion. In 1884, the house was wrecked by a big fire, so it’s just a historical site today. The estate is a great place to visit and get a feel of how the Governor lived back in the day. 

James Madison’s Montpelier

James Madison’s home is also in Orange County. The father of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights enjoyed the beautiful sights of this place. You can visit this fantastic estate and go on a guided tour of the property, which we highly recommend.

Outdoor activities

The area is filled with magical scenery and beautiful places to hike through and enjoy what nature gave us! There are many spots perfect for picnics. You can combine multiple activities and go for a hike through the Lake of the Woods, searching for the best place to have a picnic and enjoy some of the local wines. It’s a lovely place to live in, and it is excellent for retirement because of the variety of outdoor activities.

Senior man looking through binoculars, showing why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea
There are plenty of different outdoor activities to do in Orange County.

Farmer’s Markets

If you like cooking, you will love farmer’s markets in Orange County. In the spring, you can forget about canned goods in your pantry and replace them with fresh ones. Since the area is rich with fields, most of the products you find on farmer’s markets are locally produced. Moreover, the products are as fresh as they can be. These markets are also a great place to meet new people that share your passion. You can exchange some recipes or ideas with them! If you arent into cooking, but you love gardening, you will think that you are in heaven when you visit the farmer’s markets. Many people sell a wide variety of different plants and beautiful flowers for you to enjoy. Gardening is a great hobby to take up when you move to Orange County.

Moving to Orange County VA after you retire

Orange County has a lot of very popular and high-quality places for retirees. It’s not only due to the slow pace of life but also nature and the fantastic weather. The county also offers excellent healthcare availability and affordability. The most desirable places for retirees are the ones that are near the amenities of big cities and with the best medical facilities. If you seek good value for your money, Orange County offers some of the most affordable property prices in the state, including the properties in senior communities. When moving as a retiree, you must get the assistance you can completely rely on and trust. The movers you hire will handle all of your belongings and take care of the complete process. This will make your move less stressful, and you will be able to enjoy Orange County right away!

Gazebo near a lake
Moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is an excellent idea if you like peaceful places!

In conclusion

The county is an amazing place to move to after retirement. With this many activities and incredible scenery, it is probably one of the best places to move to the USA. Orange County is ideal if you want to live in a small town with a country feel. Moreover, you can find multiple senior communities in Orange County. And if you are still unsure why moving from DC to Orange County, VA, after retirement is a good idea, come for a visit and see for yourself! 

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, 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