Category Archives: Stafford

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.

Practical Tips to Declutter Your Home (and Keep It That Way)

As more of us become aware of the fact that we might have too much stuff laying around, decluttering has gone from an occasional chore to a lifestyle trend. This is a positive shift, especially given the global problems caused by waste, but it can be difficult to know how to go about it. 

The facts are, a less cluttered house can reduce your stress and lead to a happier life according to clinical psychologist Jaime Zuckerman. Not only is it good for your mental health, it can also be good for your wallet as decluttering and taking care of cleaning and tidying projects can actually increase your home appraisal.

Some people call in “decluttering experts,” but the truth is that unless you have a hoarding situation on your hands, you don’t need this service. Courtesy of The Licata Group, here are some tips for how you can minimize and declutter on your own. 

Thinking of purchasing or selling a property? The Licata Group can help you navigate the Lake of the Woods housing market. Call us today at (540) 388-2541.

Pick a Decluttering Strategy

If you don’t know where to start with decluttering, there are many existing strategies you can use. These range from the now-famous KonMari method of sorting and decluttering possessions to the Minimalist Game, where you get rid of an increasing number of things based on the day of the month. Pick one that seems doable for you, and you may find the structure of a defined method helps you actually follow through.

Make Plans for Getting Rid of Stuff

What do you do with the bags of stuff you’ve decided to get rid of? Whether you’re going to the recycling center or a charity, know exactly when, where, and how you’ll tackle things. Alternatively, arrange a pick-up from an organization that offers that service. 

Additionally, if you have any large, bulky items you no longer need, consider hiring junk haulers to properly dispose of them. In addition to appliances, professional removal services will handle things like mattresses, carpeting, and furniture. What’s more, they’ll make sure these items end up where they belong, whether it’s a junkyard or a local recycling center.

Hack Your Storage Space

Some of us aren’t blessed with a lot of storage space, even post-declutter. Luckily, there are organization hacks to help you with every room in the house. Use under-bed space in the bedroom, invest in furniture and decor that doubles as storage (such as trunks and ottomans), and use narrow spaces (like the one between your fridge and cabinet) to install vertical storage. And if you want to spruce up those shelves and drawers, use removable wallpaper, which you can find in a number of modern looks. This is also a good solution since it’s easy to swap out designs whenever the mood strikes you.

Set Up a Cleaning Schedule

Now that your home is looking tidy and clutter-free, it’s time to keep it clean. Set a regular cleaning schedule — and then stick to it. For some, this could mean setting aside Sunday mornings for cleaning; for others, a weekly schedule with a couple of small daily tasks is easier. Just make sure it fits with your routine and you can actually picture yourself doing it. 

Control Your Buying

According to the Atlantic, Americans bought an average of 66 garments in 2017. Are spending habits like these part of why you had to declutter in the first place? If so, you need to re-evaluate this, or you will end up with a cluttered closet again in a matter of months. 

You don’t have to go full minimalist or swear to never buy anything again, but you can learn to buy less stuff. Buy good-quality items that last longer, remove temptations like email mailing lists and free delivery subscriptions, and buy only items that you have a planned, concrete use for. 

The act of decluttering itself can be fun and exhilarating. It feels great to see a home that feels cleaner, tidier, and more relaxing. Realistically, the hardest part is keeping things that way. The secret to effective decluttering is not to approach it as a one-time exercise, but as a gradual change in your consumer and home maintenance habits. Over time, you will start to value the long-term comfort and ease of a clutter-free home over the intense (but brief) rush of buying and acquiring new stuff.

Photo via Pexels.

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

LicataLive! at 11AM, Every Tuesday on Facebook! (Archived 2021-2022)

Join us every Tuesday at 11 AM EST on our Facebook page for Licata Live,

where you can ask questions to different members of our team every week!

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

LOW Veterans Club Honor Deceased on Memorial Day

written by: Fred Pulis, Member, LOW Veterans Club

As the nation gets ready to celebrate Memorial Day on Monday, May 31, the LOW Veterans Club will provide an impressive outside ceremony honoring those individuals who have died on military active duty during service to their country.  The approximately one-hour event starting at noon at the flagpole in front of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse will feature several ways of recognizing those individuals who paid the ultimate price of their lives for their country.

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 because it was a day to decorate the graves of lost loved ones.  Subsequently the name was changed to Memorial Day and was declared to be a national holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. 

LOW residents and their guests are invited to witness the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Some of the patriotic events include proper raising and lowering of the American Flag, reading of the names of the LOW veterans who died in 2020, description of the historic meaning of Memorial Day, and the presentation of the wreath.  Also, newly assigned LOW Veterans Club bugler, Tom Ackman, is a member of the “Buglers Across America” will perform taps. 

In the spirit and intent of honoring fallen armed forces personnel the LOW Veterans Club recommends the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) a nonprofit organization that funded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC.  VVMF has created an In Memory plaque which contains names of the Vietnam veterans who have lost their lives as a result of their service in Vietnam.

Veterans so honored who have succumbed to:  Exposure to Agent Orange; PTSD/Suicide; Cancer; Diabetes; Heart Disease, and Parkinson ’s disease.  For more information contact VVMF at InMemory@vvmf.org.    

For further information about the LOW Veterans Club and its activities, please contact club president Mike Ferguson at 571-972-5313 or email him at colmferguson@msn.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 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.

What Every Seller Should Know About Home Inspections

Key Takeaways:

  • Even in today’s hot market, it’s not uncommon for buyers to request an inspection before purchasing a home.
  • Believe it or not, there are a few steps you can take as a seller to prepare for your home’s big assessment.
  • If you’re ready to list and sell in no time at all, contact us to get the ball rolling!

4 Tips to Help Sellers Ace a Home Inspection

Home inspections—almost every buyer wants one, and they’re often a necessary part of the selling process. Even in 2021’s competitive market, it’s not uncommon to see an inspection contingency attached to an offer, and many sellers have a few questions about what exactly they entail.

Want to learn the secret to acing your inspection as a seller? Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for your home’s big close-up.

Get a pre-listing inspection

Reviewing home inspection report

Even if your home seems move-in ready, it might still have a few issues you don’t know about. This is why many agents recommend getting a pre-listing inspection to uncover any problems ahead of time. It might cost a bit out of pocket, but it will help you know exactly what you need to fix before your home hits the market. Pre-listing inspections also prevent any surprises down the line and give you more control over the sale.

After your inspection, you can choose to repair any problems or simply let buyers know about them. If you have any questions about what should or shouldn’t be updated, just ask your agent for advice.

Don’t conceal any known problems

Home inspector looking at stairs

Most states require sellers to disclose a home’s known defects, even after they’ve been repaired. While it may be tempting to conceal these issues, doing so can come with serious legal ramifications.

For example, if your home has known water leaks or you’ve made major structural repairs, you’ll likely be required to communicate them to potential buyers. Home inspectors will take your disclosures into account during their analysis, so it’s important to be as truthful as possible. Luckily, your agent can serve as a helpful resource for understanding necessary disclosures!

Do a little prep work

Gathering receipts

Preparing for a buyer’s inspection shouldn’t involve expensive repairs. If your home is already clean and properly staged, there’s actually not a lot you have to worry about. However, there are a few steps you can take to get your space ready for inspection day.

Start by gathering all documents relating to your home—that includes proof of services and receipts from big-ticket purchases (like HVAC systems or appliances). You should also replace your air filters, check your light bulbs, eliminate clutter, and do a quick once-over of your home to make sure everything is in working order.

Know how to negotiate

Real estate agent helping sellers negotiate after an inspection

During an inspection, a qualified professional will spend a few hours examining your home from top to bottom. Generally, they’ll check major components, such as your roof, electrical wiring, plumbing, the foundation, HVAC systems, and all major appliances. It’s normal for an inspector to uncover a few issues—but after the inspection, the ball is back in your court.

In most circumstances, a buyer will request repairs or credits once they review the inspection report. But in today’s seller-driven market, some buyers only conduct an inspection for informational purposes. If you have any questions about post-inspection negotiations, it’s best to defer to your agent. They have the expertise you need to secure the best possible deal.

Looking for More Selling Tips?

Whether you’re eager to list or just have a few questions about selling, you can always give us a call for personalized real estate advice. We’re here to help you navigate every step of the home-selling process, and we can even tell you how much your home is worth in 2021’s crazy market.

Ready to get started? Drop us a line—we look forward to teaming up with you!

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.

Spacious Townhouse 202 Langley Ct for Sale in Stafford, VA Now SOLD!!

Welcome home to 202 Langley Ct, adorned with new paint and carpeting!! This spacious 3 level townhome is conveniently located in the Potomac Village at Dogwoods community in North Stafford and is only two miles from the Russell Rd gate for Quantico. Its proximity to Rt 1 and I95 is extremely convenient, with the Quantico Corporate Center and plenty of shopping and entertainment so close! A spacious living room welcomes you upon entering this beautiful 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home as you flow from the spacious light-filled living room into the dining area. Beyond the dining area you will discover the kitchen, which is highlighted by a large center island with breakfast bar and nook. The cozy family room, directly off of the kitchen, makes it perfect for entertaining. On the upper level is an awesome owner’s suite with en-suite bath boasting double vanity and a soaking tub. The lower features the 4th bedroom (not to code), the 3rd full bath, and the huge 23×13 multi-use recreation room perfect for entertaining, and full of flex space! All of these features and a super convenient location will make this one the one!!

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.

St. Patrick’s Weekend Festivities at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery!

It’s time to don your green hat, shirts, pants, and anything else green because the St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration is coming to Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery! From March 12th starting at 11 AM until March 14th at 6 PM, you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate the Irish way! You’ll enjoy the Irish bistro specials & their signature “Lucky Leprechaun” green sangria! Wine specials for select wines will also be available ranging from 10% – 20% off bottles-to-go. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all your friends at Potomac Point Vineyard and winery! For more information, Click Here!

 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

Valentine’s Weekend Happenings at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery

Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery knows that you want your Valentine’s Day to be special, and they’ve come up with multiple ways to spend the weekend with the one you love! The Ladies at Wild Tribe Co. have put together beautifully decorated wine tents that are sure to put off that Valentine’s Day vibe! The tens will be available from 2/3 – 2/14, and if you decide to book them on Feb. 12th, 13th, or 14th, you will also have the ability to pre-order one of their “Love is Sweet” Dessert Platters!

Indoor and outdoor reservations will also be available on Valentine’s Day and have fireside options that you may request. Special menu selections will also be available from Feb. 12th – 14th and can be viewed by clicking here.

If you’re looking to spend this special day at home, Potomac Point has you covered with several to-go options! Make this Valentine’s Day special by spending your day with the one you love, and by visiting Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery!

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

Good Riddance 2020: New Years Eve Dinner at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery

It’s time to say so long to 2020, and good riddance with a New Years Eve dinner at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery! The evening will start off with a sparkling wine toast, and follows with a 3 course prix fixe menu. Each course will include an ideal wine pairing from one of Potomac Point wines. Total cost will be $84 per person + tax and a 20% service fee.

Reservations are required, and the event will be accepting groups of 2-8 guests. Groups that include 2-4 guests will have a 2-hour reservation and groups of 4-8 will have a 2.5-hour reservation. It’s recommended that you arrived 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. For more information including where to purchase tickets, Click Here!

 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

Stafford Christmas Parade on December 19th

Have you been craving to watch a parade? If so, then you’re in luck because the Stafford, VA Christmas Parade is happening on Saturday, December 19th! Starting at 3PM at the Stafford Fairgrounds, you’ll enjoy watching multiple floats and celebrate the season from either the safety of your car, or from chairs set up outside! Registration is available now at www.Staffordchristmasparade.com, so be sure to grab your ticket!

 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