Whether you live in an area where snow and freezing temperatures are the norm or an area where a cold front is a rarity, as the winter season approaches, you’ll want to take steps to protect your home, prepare for emergencies, and maximize your home’s energy efficiency.
Here are 20 things to remember when preparing your home for winter this year:
Mow the lawn and aerate. Apply fall fertilizer. Rake and remove or mow and spread leaves.
Bring in tender plants and bulbs and place any fall plantings.
Provide cover in the garden and flower beds. Leave dead stems and leaves over winter, add leaves as mulch, cover with frost blanket, or plant cover crops in bare areas.
Store and cover your outdoor furniture, grill, and garden decorations.
Trim bushes around the house, and prune trees after the leaves have fallen.
Inspect the exterior for cracks and holes and caulk or patch.
Inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles and repair.
To deter pests, remove wasp nests from eaves and overhangs, and keep stacks of firewood away from the house.
Set mouse traps or other deterrents and check regularly as the temperatures begin to drop.
Clear gutters & downspouts.
Drain and winterize exterior plumbing, including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
Clean windows, screens, and doors. Use storm windows, weather stripping, or window insulation kits to reduce drafts and heat loss. Add cozy, insulating curtains to further reduce heat loss.
Schedule inspections for your furnace, thermostat, fireplace, generators, etc.
Change furnace filters and set ceiling fans to clockwise.
Stock up on fuel and wood for heating, generators, and snowblowers.
Add insulation for crawl spaces, attics, drafty areas, and water pipes.
Prepare for snow removal – snowblower, shovel, ice melt, salt, and sand. Add a heating cable to the roof to prevent ice dams.
Test and replace batteries in carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, flashlights, and radios.
Restock and update the emergency and first aid kits for the home and review emergency plans.
Restock and update your car’s emergency kits and make sure there are extra clothes or blankets just in case.
Sources: bhg.com & homedepot.com
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Licata Group would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new homeowners! We often have really fun events hosted throughout the year, do frequent giveaways (think lotto scratchers, pies, FredNats tickets, just to name a few!), and also provide real estate market updates as well as local upcoming community events. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join our newsletter so you can never be without it! Sign up here. Or call our office at 540-388-2541.
Larry Wiesen & Karen Wiesen
John Charles McGuire, III & Harmony Lynn McGuire
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath cottage in the heart of Historic Gordonsville, VA! Just shy of celebrating its 100th birthday, this meticulously maintained home is full of character and modern comfort. Enjoy the small-town charm with easy access to local favorites like Patch Brewery, Champion Ice House, Barbecue Exchange, and a variety of unique downtown shops that draw locals and visitors alike. Conveniently located within walking distance of the elementary school, this home is perfect for families or anyone seeking the warmth of a close-knit community. For a weekend getaway, Barboursville Winery and the Four County Players Community Theatre are just 15 minutes away, and you’re only 30 minutes from UVA and Charlottesville. Don’t miss your chance to call this delightful property your Happy Place!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Welcome home to this beautifully transformed brick rambler, where modern upgrades meet timeless charm! Offering thoughtfully designed living space, this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home with an oversized two-car garage is ready to exceed your expectations.
As you step inside, you’re greeted by an inviting open layout, where your eyes are drawn to the cozy brick fireplace and custom built-ins, adding warmth and character to the space. The brand-new luxury vinyl flooring throughout the home is absolutely stunning, enhancing the elegance and flow of the open-concept design, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining.
The gourmet kitchen is a true showstopper, featuring brand-new granite countertops, freshly painted cabinets, and new, sparkling stainless steel appliances. With plenty of counter space and storage, this kitchen and adjoining dining area are perfect for hosting gatherings or enjoying a family meal.
Down the hall, the private sleeping quarters offer three generously sized bedrooms, each with its own charm. The completely remodeled bathrooms have been thoughtfully designed with luxurious finishes, creating spa-like retreats for ultimate relaxation.
Additional potential awaits in the partial basement, offering endless possibilities for your personal touch—whether a home gym, media room, craft room, or extra storage space.
Step outside to find a spacious screened-in porch, perfect for morning coffees or evening unwinding. The expansive back deck invites you to entertain, grill, or simply bask in the outdoors, with plenty of room for friends and family.
The home offers a paved circular drive and paved area on the side of the oversized garage, perfect for parking your boat! Fully renovated and filled with thoughtful updates, you can just move right in!
Nestled in a private, secure, gated community, Lake of the Woods is a paradise of possibilities. With two lakes, a golf course, an equestrian center, fire and rescue services, and even a church within its bounds, this community offers a diverse range of activities. From boating, water skiing, kayaking, and golfing to the simple joy of soaking in mesmerizing views from the clubhouse, deck, yard, or beaches, there’s something for everyone. Engage your interests by joining over 60 clubs and organizations, or perhaps indulge in a game of bridge or contribute your talents as a volunteer. Lake of the Woods truly caters to your lifestyle.
Located in Orange County, enjoy the added advantage of low real estate taxes. With home prices spanning from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the ideal haven for both full-time residents and weekenders. Don’t just take my word for it – come and see for yourself! Allow me to guide you through a tour of Lake of the Woods, showcasing the very essence of what makes this community so special. Experience firsthand the captivating charm of Lake of the Woods!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Making the move to start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside is a dream for many. With the state’s rich farmland, abundant natural resources, and diverse seasons, it’s an ideal place to embrace a simpler, more independent lifestyle. However, shifting from a conventional way of living to one where you rely mostly on your efforts can initially feel overwhelming. But with the right approach, you can set yourself up for success. This article will break it all down to help you get started. Chances are, you’ll be looking at ways to sell your current home by the end of it.
Why start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside?
Before jumping into the practical side, it’s important to understand what self-sufficiency actually involves. It’s not about cutting yourself off from society or completely disconnecting from modern conveniences. Instead, it’s about reducing your reliance on external systems—like grocery stores, power companies, and mass-produced goods—while increasing your ability toprovide for your own needs.
Living self-sufficiently can mean growing your own food, making your own energy, or even bartering with neighbors for goods and services.
It also involves learning skills you may not have considered before, such as: ● Food preservation ● Carpentry ● Animal husbandry
At its core, this lifestyle is about controlling the things that matter most: your food, shelter, and overall well-being.
That said, it’s crucial to understand that self-sufficiency is a spectrum. You don’t have to go off the grid all at once.
Most people start small—perhaps by growing a garden or raising chickens—and expand their efforts over time. The goal is progress, not perfection.
You don’t have to raise cows as you start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside. Begin raising animals that are easier to care for, like chickens.
Actionable tips to start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside
Now that you understand the essence of self-sufficiency and what it means to embrace this lifestyle, it’s time to consider how to turn that vision into reality.
Changing from concept to practice takes careful planning, realistic expectations, and a willingness to adapt. Let’s explore the practical steps to start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside.
Make the move to Virginia countryside One of the first steps toward starting a self-sufficient life is physically making the move. Relocating from a suburban or urban area to the Virginia countryside isn’t always simple, especially when it involves long distances.
Luckily, professional movers can help ease stress. After all, you already have enough on your plate when planning your new lifestyle, so it’s best to leave it to the right people when it comes to heavy lifting and logistics. A good moving company can give you peace of mind. Therefore, long-distance moving in Virginia and hiring movers can help you have a stress-free relocation.
Beware that some areas in Virginia have narrow roads, unpaved driveways, or even limited access for larger vehicles. Planning these situations early on will prevent delays or issues during the move.
That’s why you should hire a moving crew that is already familiar with the terrain. Helix Moving and Storage Northern Virginia has handled countless moves throughout the state’s countryside, positioning it as a reliable choice for this type of venture.
Start with a garden After planting roots in the Virginia countryside, it’s time to plant something else: your garden.
Even a small garden can make a big difference, reducing your reliance on grocery stores while providing fresh, nutritious produce in your backyard.
In Virginia, the climate allows for a wide range of crops, from cool-season veggies like spinach and kale to summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers.
Virginia has favorable conditions for growing popular produce, like tomatoes.
Begin by assessing the best spot for your garden—ideally, somewhere with plenty ofsunlight and well-drained soil. If you’re working with poor soil, composting can help improve itsquality over time.
Don’t try to plant everything at once, though. Start with easy, low-maintenance crops like herbs, lettuce, or zucchini. These grow quickly and provide immediate rewards, keeping you motivated as you learn.
Once you’ve got the hang of basic gardening, you can expand into more complex crops or even try permaculture, creating a sustainable system where plants and animals work together. The key is to start small, build confidence, and scale up as you learn.
The key is to start small, build confidence, and scale up as you learn.
Raise small livestock Once you’re comfortable with growing your food, consider adding animals to your self-sufficient homestead.
Chickens are a great option for beginners—they’re relatively low-maintenance and provide eggs and meat. Plus, they help with pest control and can be fed table scraps, reducing waste. If you have more space, you might want to explore raising goats, which are useful for milk, cheese, and even controlling your grass.
However, don’t rush into large animals like cows or pigs unless you have the infrastructure and know-how. They require more resources and space than smaller livestock, so it’s smart to build up your skills and set up before making that jump.
Again, start small. Raising just a few chickens or a pair of goats can offer valuable experience without overwhelming you. Not to mention, it’s rewarding to see the direct results of your efforts in the form of fresh eggs, milk, or meat.
Learn to preserve food Once your garden starts producing and you have eggs or milk to spare, it’s time to consider food preservation. Virginia’s growing season may be long, but it won’t last forever. To maintain self-sufficiency year-round, you must know how to store food for the off-season.
Canning, freezing, and dehydrating are all great ways to preserve your harvest. If you’re unfamiliar with these methods, plenty of resources exist to help you learn. Start with simple items like canned tomatoes or dehydrated herbs, then move on to more complex projects like pickling vegetables or making jams and jellies.
By preserving your food, you’ll waste less and create a stockpile that can sustain you through the winter months. It’s a crucial skill for anyone serious about living off the land.
Generate your energy While not essential for everyone, producing your energy is a huge step toward full self-sufficiency. Solar panels are an excellent option in Virginia, where the sun shines consistently enough to make this investment worthwhile. Depending on your setup, you could drastically reduce your energy billsor even eliminate them.
If you’re not ready for solar power, other renewable energy sources like wind or hydropower are good alternatives.
Consider installing solar panels to minimize reliance on traditional energy providers.
Join a local community Self-sufficiency doesn’t mean isolation. Connecting with fellow homesteaders can be one of the most rewarding aspects of this lifestyle. The state has a strong community of homesteaders and small farmers eager to share their knowledge, swap goods, or offer a helping hand. To meet them, attend local farmers’ markets, join online groups, or participate in regional workshops and meetups. Bartering with neighbors for goods or services is another great way to increase your self-reliance while strengthening your ties to the local community.
It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.
To start a self-sufficient life in the Virginia countryside, you shouldn’t focus on reaching the final goal but on embracing the process. Each small victory, from your first harvest to successfully preserving food for winter, is part of the larger journey toward independence. The challenges you face and the skills you gain along the way make the lifestyle truly rewarding. So, enjoy the experience of growing, learning, and becoming more connected to the land. Every step forward strengthens your ability to live self-sufficiently and shapes the meaningful life you’re creating.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain.
Meanwhile, cook ground meat and onion in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until meat is browned. Stir in pasta sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish as follows: half of the cooked pasta, all the provolone cheese, all the sour cream, half of the sauce mixture, remaining pasta, mozzarella cheese, and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
If a complete garage remodel isn’t in the picture this year, you can still spruce up your space with some of these easy, budget-friendly ideas to organize and update your garage.
Storage
Sporting equipment, tools, lawn care, and snow removal, automotive… there’s no shortage of stuff to store in the average garage. Use as much vertical space as possible. Wall shelves, hanging hooks, cabinets, peg boards – you can even hang shelves and hooks from the ceiling.
Build your own or purchase from an array of garage-friendly designs intended to hold supplies, tools, or plastic totes. Consider rolling or pull-out shelves to maximize space and specialized storage for specialized gear – like bicycles and your collection of fishing poles. Whatever you choose, ensure it’s strong, durable, and easy to use.
Workspace
Without a space to work, any amount of storage feels inconvenient. You can repurpose an old desk or table or build a workspace into a wall of cabinets or shelves. Keep your most used tools nearby and handy. The backdrop of a workbench is a great place for a pegboard or a sheet metal magnet board.
Power and Light
Adding outlets around your garage, especially near the workstation, will make anything you plan to do easier. Ensure you have enough overhead light as well as task lights over any workspaces, and the garage is an ideal place for motion-activated lights.
Floors
A nice epoxy coating on the floor protects from cracks, grease, and stains and looks great. A layer of rubberized interlocking floor tiles can add visual appeal. But a good cleaning and patching can do wonders as well.
Insulation
Insulation on the walls and the overhead doors can keep your garage cooler in the summers and warmer in the winters – a great investment if you spend a lot of time in your garage year-round.
Just for Fun
And lastly, don’t be shy about adding some personality to your garage. This is a great space for a bright, fun paint color on the walls and eclectic wall art. The way you display your tools in neat rows or arrange your kayaks on the wall can impact the feel of your space as well. There’s no reason not to have a little fun in the garage.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Welcome to this inviting 2-level ranch-style home in the desirable Lake of the Woods community. As you pull into the driveway, you’ll be greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Upon entering, you’ll immediately notice the vaulted ceilings, creating an open and airy ambiance. To the right of the foyer, a formal dining room awaits, perfect for hosting gatherings. Straight ahead, the expansive living room, complete with a cozy fireplace, provides a comfortable space for relaxation. The eat-in kitchen offers ample storage and counter space, making meal prep a delight.
This home features a thoughtful split bedroom floor plan, ensuring privacy for the primary suite and guest rooms. The primary bedroom, with its elegant tray ceiling, exudes a sense of spaciousness. The open ensuite bath is designed for relaxation, ready to pamper its new owners. On the opposite side of the home, you’ll find two sizable bedrooms and a full bath to accommodate guests.
Downstairs, the basement presents a blank canvas, with a bath rough-in offering endless possibilities for expansion. Whether you’re looking to create additional living space or an entertainment area, the choice is yours. The finished office in the basement can easily serve as a fourth bedroom, providing flexibility for a growing family.
Situated on a corner lot in the amenity-rich Lake of the Woods, this home combines comfort, style, and potential—all in one package. Don’t miss the chance to make this your own oasis.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
Licata Group would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new homeowners! We often have really fun events hosted throughout the year, do frequent giveaways (think lotto scratchers, pies, FredNats tickets, just to name a few!), and also provide real estate market updates as well as local upcoming community events. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join our newsletter so you can never be without it! Sign up here. Or call our office at 540-388-2541.
John Bennett
Constance Lemay
Dave & Karen Faber
John & Mary Claya
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
In August, 17 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.
0 sold below $250,000.00 1 sold between $250,000-299,999; 2 sold between $300,000-349,999; 2 sold between $350,000-399,999; 7 sold between $400,000-499,999; 5 sold between $500,000-$999,999;
36 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale 19 Homes Under Contract 142 Homes Sold since January 1, 2024
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, one of our 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 contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.
