Are you a fan of Forged in Fire? Have you ever wanted to forge your own Blacksmith Knife? If so, come join in on this perfect opportunity to learn traditional methods of forging and how to properly heat treat and temper your creation.
Hosted by 19Hands (http://www.19hands.org), the Blacksmith Knife class will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, located at Black Horse Forge, 29 Utah Place, Fredericksburg Virginia 22405. All are welcome to attend with proceeds going toward helping veterans and first responders. This will be a great way to give back to your community and have fun while doing it. Sign up and learn more about what this event entails by clicking, here!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
There’s goods news on the horizon in 2023 for home buyers and sellers
Look for shifts when it comes to home prices, inventory, and interest rates
Make a smart move by contacting us today to plan and strategize!
The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in an era of unprecedented milestones in the housing market. From the lowest interest rates in history to record amounts of equity, the last few years in the real estate market were anything but ordinary. However, as economies work on finding a middle ground, homebuyers and sellers can look forward to a much more familiar market in 2023. Let’s take a look at what we expect to see this year, so you can start thinking ahead to make your move.
Expect a bright spring for the national real estate market
The current inflationary pressures are expected to ease, especially by the spring of 2023. Millennials are continuing to enter the housing market—many for the first time. According to Bankrate, interest rates are forecast to come down nearly two percentage points from the recent high of 7.12% to a more standard 5.25% by the end of this year. This will help fuel movement among homebuyers. And, the recent string of the housing market favoring sellers will start to wane, as slight price adjustments and an increase in inventory bring balance.
What homebuyers can expect from this year’s market
Inflationary pressures are expected to ease, especially by the spring of 2023. Millennials are continuing to enter the housing market—many for the first time. Interest rates are expected to come down nearly two percentage points from the recent high of 7.12% to a more standard 5.25% by the end of this year, according to Bankrate. This will help fuel movement among homebuyers, who are also enjoying a strong job market. Despite high-profile layoffs (primarily in the technology sector) making the news, the overall unemployment rate is expected to stay at a low 3.6%.
What homesellers can expect from this year’s market
While the Fannie Mae Home Price Index (FNM-HPI) expects home prices to decline this year—it’s only by a modest 1.5%. While a “decline” can sound disappointing, since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the median home listing price is up 27%, adding more than $9 trillion to the total value of the US housing market. And, despite the recent dip in home values, homeowners that purchased before February 2020 are still up an average of $92,000 in equity, according to real estate experts Black Knight. This provides homesellers with some flexibility in the listing price, allowing for a faster sale if you’re willing to price your home competitively. It’s important to keep the last several years in perspective in order to maximize those returns and put your investment to work for you.
Talk With Us About Your Real Estate Goals
While the real estate market is always in shift, ultimately, buying or selling a home is more about what’s right for your lifestyle each year. And with a more egalitarian market expected in 2023, both homebuyers and sellers can expect to make beneficial deals. The best way to get started is to contact us. Our team has experienced countless shifts in the market, and we’re backed by the latest data in your local area to help you find your dream home!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Orange County is an area any dog owner will love living in. But which places in Orange County are the best for you and your best friend? Dogs will love living in a place that’s near a forest and away from all the noise big cities have. However, there are a couple of places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners where you can have the best of both worlds. You will keep your pet happy while at the same time living near all the amenities you will ever need. Whichever of the following places you decide to relocate to, you will not go wrong with your choice.
Orange is one of the best places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners
Although this town has a small population, it will not disappoint you. A tight-knit community makes Orange an excellent place to relocate to. As a dog owner, you will easily find other dog owners to connect with. The people in Orange are very welcoming to newcomers. You will feel at home very soon after relocating. The town of Orange features many vast, open spaces where you can take your dog out for a run. That includes not only parks but also forests. If you wish to spend some time outside without your dog, you must visit a couple of places. In the surrounding area, you will find farms, vineyards, and gardens that you can spend a day exploring. With all these things in mind, this town is worth considering as a potential new home for you and your best friend.
Lake of the Woods
One of the best and top-rated places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners has to be Lake of the Woods. This community has the largest population of all the towns in Orange County. In Lake of the Woods, you will have everything you need as a dog owner. This location is excellent as you will never be bored with so many different things to do. In Lake of the Woods, you get everything you can find in a big town, but you still stay near nature. So, if you are outgoing, this is the best choice for you. On the weekends, you can take your dog for a swim, a long walk, or even camp together. All in all, Lake of the Woods is a choice no one can go wrong with.
Your dog will appreciate spending a lot of time in nature.
Locust Grove
However, if you are looking to move away from the crowds and find a peaceful place for yourself and your dog, Locust Grove may be the right choice. In this small Orange County town, you can stay away from the busy lifestyle and just spend time doing outdoor activities. You will be able to give your dog the life they deserve. In Locust Grove, you can find great houses with large backyards. This affordable Virginia real estate is perfect for dog owners, especially if you have more than one dog. If you’re moving to Locust Grove, but your home is not move-in ready, don’t worry. Experts from A2B Moving and Storage advise you to put your things into storage until you finish setting up your new home. Also, you can find a temporary home for you and your dog until the move-in day arrives.
Gordonsville is another excellent choice for dog owners
As someone who loves animals, you will also love living in the town of Gordonsville in Orange County. In Gordonsville, you can go horseback riding at one of the farms or equestrian centers. Gordonsville is in Orange County, just at the border with Louisa County. So you will have easy access to the amenities in both counties. This place is perfect if you love taking your dog on camping trips. The stunning forests and available campgrounds nearby will give you and your pet a chance to spend a lot of time in nature. You can help your dog stay healthy by taking them for long walks in Gordonsville. As a bonus, you will also be able to live a healthy lifestyle once you relocate to Gordonsville.
You can spend time in Orange County by going camping with your dog.
Moving to Orange County with pets
Finding that perfect Virginia home and finally receiving the keys is one of the best feelings in the world. However, being faced with a long-distance relocation can take away some of the excitement. There are so many different things to do before the moving day arrives. And relocating with pets can be even more difficult. They won’t understand what’s happening, especially if this is your first time relocating with your dog. That’s why organizing and taking things slow are the keys to a successful relocation with any pet. When it comes to successfully relocating with pets, it’s all about preparing well.
Take your time when you pack for the move. That will lower the chances of your dog stressing out during packing. If you wish to move with the help of professional movers, it may be best to leave your dog with a professional pet sitter or a friend they know. You can pick up your dog once the movers take your things to your new Virginia home. Your dog will probably be confused to see your things gone, but at least they won’t be stressed from meeting too many strangers. All this will help them through the process and make any long-distance relocation easier. Once they arrive at their new home, they will need some time to adjust. But, with the great nature, Orange County has, this confusing period will be over in no time.
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.
11/21/23 Licata Live with John Licata ( The Face for Radio ) and Kathleen Ayers
11/14 Licata Live at Patch Brewing Co. With Keith and Carrie Neeley.
Pat & Daisey Licata Live 11/7/2023
Welcome Meg Brancato To The Team w/ Daisey & Meg: Licata Live 10/31/2023
Licata Live September 20, 2023 with Mary Maurer and Pat Licata
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Looking for something new and exciting to experience with the family? Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is planning to open its doors in March of 2023 at 4250 Plank Rd in Fredericksburg. The fun adventure park awaits the opportunity to share all the fun in store for kids of all ages. From tots to grandpa, there is plenty to do for all. With a turn here and a turn there, new adventures await.
Each ticket purchase grants you a MyFly wristband. Scan your band at the start of each attraction to earn points, and compete against others on the leadership board. You can keep track of all your progress and watch your videos on MyFlyhub.com.
Laser Fury is an exciting new way to experience bumper cars. Their amazing light show while bumping and chasing down your friends and family members makes the game more tempting and electrifying.
Spin Zone Bumper cars are a way to get back at those annoying siblings who have been making your blood boil. Time to ramp up the excitement. With every hit, you can get back at ‘em and release steam.
Glow in the dark Mini Golf is a fun way to compete against friends or foes. Take an adventure in the glow-in-the-dark jungle-themed mini golf course. The kid-friendly putt-putt course is perfect for a birthday party or just good ol’ family fun. Share your excitement while watching your glowing ball get through the many obstacles, roughs, and traps. This will be nothing less than a memorable experience.
The indoor go-kart track is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, too. The twist and turns will challenge every driver. So if you ever dreamt of being a race car driver, come out with your friends or family for a friendly competition and let your dreams come true.
Calling all bowlers! There is a bowling alley too. Imagine that. Bowling fun anyone?
The drop zone is perfect for practicing flips and tricks safely. The giant inflatable airbag is great to absorb the impact from every jump while getting your favorite trick down.
There is one place kids don’t get into trouble bouncing off walls. Practice your favorite tricks and flips on the indoor trampoline at the Prozone Performance Trampolines. The wall-mounted trampolines spice up those trampoline jumping experiences where jumps and flips are more fun and challenging.
Let your kiddos burn energy in the Urban Air rope course. Swinging on ropes, climbing the webs, leaping through obstacles, and balancing beams while challenging others couldn’t be more fun than on this course. The high-up in the air course allows kids to face fears and conquer the world while building confidence, working on their motor skills, and allowing their imagination to run.
Challenge your balance and your friends to a friendly competition on the Battle Beam. Don’t worry if you fall it’s a short soft landing into a fun foam pit.
Who knew dodgeball could get more fun? Play a friendly game of dodgeball on a trampoline. Making the game more challenging and fun you will be dipping, diving, ducking and jumping to dodge the incoming balls. There is always someone nearby to remind you of the rules if you need help remembering them and to help get you started. So bring your A team and start dodging.
Leap of Faith is a good way to find a thrill. Put on your harness and climb to the top of the platform to take the leap of faith. Jump and grab onto the hanging cylinder or monkey bars. No worries if you miss it, you have your harness to get you back to safety.
The trapeze is a great way to work on upper body strength. Challenge yourself and others to make it across the trapeze obstacles while practicing your routines. Show off your skills and put on a show. Don’t be afraid to fall with the airbag below.
Bring your team to a victorious win in Laser Tag. The dark smoky and challenging obstacle course is sure to please the best snipers out there.
Visit the arcade and get your game on. With a variety of games ranging from puzzles, racing, and defenders and fantasy there is a game for everyone. So when you need a break from jumping, skip on over to the arcade and challenge yourself and your friends.
Hop on the Sky Rider and soar through the air for a fun zipline experience.
Climbing walls are a good way to gain balance and coordination while building body strength. They offer walls of different levels of difficulty for the beginner and the pros.
Play a friendly game of hide and seek in the Tubes Playground and obstacle course. Race through tunnels, zoom down the slides, and climb down the ladder for an adventure race to the finish line.
A fun family competition on the Warriors course would be a sure way to settle a score. Just like on TV, you could put your speed, strength, and agility to the test on this fun adventure.
Jump and dunk just like the pros. Show off your slam dunk skills at the Slam Dunk zone.
There’s even FOOD. Wind down or refuel at the Urban Air Cafe, with many options for food and drinks. For more information about this park, including hours, check out their website here!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
As unfortunate as it is, animal shelters and rescues are consistently at capacity and overflowing with animals needing a good home. These animals didn’t ask to be there, but what they do ask for is a compassionate and loving hand. Someone to feed them, love on them, and care for them. A pet isn’t a toy or an object you can put on the shelf and forget about. A pet is a family member, a child, and a commitment for their lifetime. Many people today lack compassion for animals. Why? Who knows. Maybe because they weren’t taught how to treat them growing up. Maybe life is just too fast and busy for most to care. Well, what I do know is this…The SPCA is offering to teach our youngsters how to be a little more compassionate and respect our loving pets. And who better to teach them the skills than those who do it daily? Not because they have to, but because they choose to.
January 16th, 2023 from 9 am – 4 pm, the Fredericksburg SPCA is offering a youth workshop for ages 10-13 led by their Human Educator to inspire children to gain knowledge, compassion, respect, and love toward animals, people, and our environment. This is a great opportunity for the kids not to just gain knowledge, but to meet new people and get out of the house.
The activities, crafts, and lessons are based on age group and topic for each workshop.
Love & Kindness: Keeping our Furry Friends Happy For ages 6-9–This workshop is designed to introduce the principles of companionship, animal care, and respect to our youngest representative while having the opportunity to meet some of the shelter animals.
Junior Animal Professionals For ages 6-9 and ages 10-13 – This workshop allows your child to meet a veterinarian professional from the Locke Community Medical Center while practicing saving an animal’s life and getting the opportunity to explore different jobs that will allow you to work with animals. A CACTP-certified trainer will be teaching our young professionals animal behaviors. They will get to participate in role-playing activities while getting to interact with some of the shelter animals.
Safety & Respect: Body Language of Canines and Felines For ages 10-13 – This helpful opportunity will teach kids to be aware of possible dangers by learning to read the body language of both people and animals, how to safely engage with animals, training tips for their pets, making toys and treats, and meeting with the shelter animals.
Drop-off is from 9:00-9:30 am, and pick-up is from 3:30-4:00 pm.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Interested in flushing the fear of public speaking away with 2022? Join the Rappahannock Regional Toastmasters Club 8920, Part of Toastmasters International. Become a better speaker, listener, and a better leader in 2023. Rappahannock Reginal Toastmasters Club serves the Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Westmoreland regions. They offer a supportive setting for all those who wish to proactively practice effective leadership and speaking skills. They are a non-profit organization run by club members. Offering meetings on-site or on zoom, make it easy to attend. Currently, meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 pm at the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church (enter on Charlotte St) located at 308 Hanover St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. All Are welcome. 2023 Is the year of no excuses. So visit their website today to learn more and join. https://rappahannock.toastmastersclubs.org. Become the best leader, the best you in 2023!
To learn more or participate in the next meeting, visit: here!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
When it’s cold outside and you don’t want to be stuck in the house, check out these events happening this January, 2023, at the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, USA.
The BOAT WATER SPORTS EXPO takes place on January 13th, from 1 pm – 7 pm, January 14th, 10 am – 3 pm, and January 15th from 10 am -3 pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $9 for seniors, first responders, and the military. You will have the opportunity to tour the vessels while speaking with a boating expert who will help find the perfect boat for your needs. Learn more here.
SGK Gun show is scheduled for Saturday, January 28th from 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday, January 29th from 10 am – 4 pm for a small fee of $13 per person. This fun American tradition is perfect for the gun enthusiast. It’s said that gun shows started as early as our country’s settlement. The event took place at the end of the hunting season when hunters and trappers set a place and time to meet allowing participants to view, trade, or buy a variety of shooting and sporting products. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore pieces from the civil war to those made today. You will see an array of products such as historical collectibles, an abundance of the army and other forms of military memorabilia, and shooting supplies. Learn more about this event, here.
So, don’t delay, put it on your calendar today.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Craving something sweet and zesty? You’ve come to the right place! This past December, during all the holiday festivities, Jenn Armknecht, REALTOR with Licata Group EXP hosted a Cookie Exchange Party, baking over 600+ cookies!!! These lemon sugar cookies were such a hit, she was asked for the recipe multiple times and we’d like to share it with you!!
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 6 tbsp lemon zest 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 large egg 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup sugar, for rolling cookies
In a mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes.
Add in the lemon juice and egg. Beat again to combine.
Add in the flour, gradually, as well as the baking soda, salt, and mix by hand with a spatula until combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30- 60 minutes
Remove the dough from the fridge. Pre-heat over to 350*F. Place 1/4 cup sugar in a bowl for rolling the cookies.
Scoop cookie dough and roll to form balls, rolling each ball into the sugar.
Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 11 – 13 minutes or until the edges have a faint golden color.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Move to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think! Below is the original recipe Jenn used, however, she modified it just a tad by doubling the lemon zest and lemon juice(already modified in this provided recipe)!
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Looking for something fun for the kids to do during the cold winter months to keep them active? Look no further. Virtuous Dance Center is offering JAZZ FUNK & Improv dance with Briah Bebbs Saturday, January 21st, 2023. JAZZ FUNK starts at 1 pm, IMPROV starts at 2:30 pm. Each class runs for 90 mins for ages 10 and up. Admission is $30 per person. Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Visit here to purchase tickets!
JAZZ FUNK is a mixture of Jazz, Hip hop, and Waaking. Currently, it is one of the most popular and commercially successful dance styles worldwide. This style is used in video clips, and live shows of pop stars legends such as Beyonce, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. This dance style gives you the opportunity to release attitude, show your sassy side, and show ‘em who is boss simply by your moves.
IMPROV is Dance improvisation which is the process of creating a movement without pre-planning and steps, commonly known as improv. Free movement is a great way to have fun, relieve any stress and explore new ways to move with no rules.
Briah Bebbs is well diverse in dance styles. From ballet, Jazz, to Tap, and more. She started dancing at the age of 5 at the City Dance Theatre in Richmond, VA winning many awards. Briah also excelled as a student of the Henrico High School Center for the Arts, where she was a Dance major. Ms. Bebbs has also trained at L.A. Play, LaBrea Dance Studio, Joffrey Ballet Studio, and Chelsea’, a dance studio, Alvin Ailey, and she also attended the Governor School for Arts and Humanities at Radford University. After high school, she went on to perform with the Divine Elegance Dance Line and the illustrious dance program on the collegiate level at Virginia Union University. And she has worked with choreographers such as Diontey Michael, Tony Colden, Willie Hinton, Chris Gayle, and many others. She offers many other dance-style training as well, as she shares her love of dance by teaching from her many dance-style accomplishments.
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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
