Holiday Home Decorating Contest in the Lake of the Woods Community!

Lake of the Woods Association is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Registered homes will be included on a map on LOWA.org, members can tour the community and look at the homes! Since the deadline to decorate is December 8th, it won’t be long before our community will be lighting up the nights with holiday cheer! December 9-11th: Garden Club will judge homes and the winners will be published in Lake Currents on December 16th.

Winners will be chosen from one of the three categories. Gift cards will be awarded to first place and a runner-up! The 3 categories are Hallmark Holidays: garland, wreaths, lights, and everything for the picture-perfect greeting card; Wacky Tacky: snow globe, figurines, inflatables, lots of lights, and lasers. Anything goes! and lastly, Winter Wonderland: More seasonal, less Christmas, Snowmen, sleighs and more.

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.

Orange County’s Children’s Toy Box Drive

Beginning NOW through Friday, December 3rd the LOW Lioness Lions Club and Ryan Richardson, Manager of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse have coordinated collections for Orange County.

What does this mean? Between now and December 3rd, you can drop off and donate NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS at any of the following locations:

-Our Licata Group Office (36111 Goodwin Dr, Locust Grove – located between AT&T and CVS in the Food Lion shopping center across from the LOW Front Gate) Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM

-LOW CLUBHOUSE, Ryan Richardson, 540-972-2221

-LOW LIONS Club, Vicky Shew: 703-408-4926

-Jack Samuels Realty
-Gibson’s Rental

Monetary donations will be accepted, please make checks payable to:
Orange County Children’s Toy Box
PO BOX 1117,
Orange VA 22960-0659

Or you may donate online at: occtoybox.org

All donated toys will remain in Orange County and will be given to children in OUR area!

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.

Best Places in Northern Virginia for DC Commuters

Washington, DC’s public transit system is world-famous. Unlike many American cities of a similar size, DC’s subway system is both dependable and extensive, in addition to its bus network. Though conveniently located, the cost of living in DC is high. The most distinctive thing about the DC property market is the pricing and the competitiveness. That’s why most home buyers nowadays are gravitating toward the best places in Northern Virginia that are close to DC but offer lower prices.

If they desire a home in their price range that meets their “must have’s,” first-time homebuyers, and sometimes even second-time homebuyers, frequently have little choice but to search farther than the city borders. Workers in the nation’s capital are fortunate in that commuter trains to reach out to locations like NV, where housing costs are lower. Here are the best places in Northern Virginia for DC commuters.

Orange County

An undiscovered treasure, Orange County is one of the best places in Northern Virginia to live, work, and play. Many of its businesses are made possible by the country’s rich and varied natural resources. Those resources also inspire and foster a wide range of recreational activities and artistic expression. The county takes great pride in displaying and commemorating its extensive history.

Numerous factors attract current and potential Orange County residents and newcomers alike. They love Orange because of the peaceful lifestyle and welcoming small-town atmosphere it provides. You can also enjoy the abundance of things to do in Orange. In addition to this, Orange County provides healthcare, public service, educational, recreational, tourist, and cultural opportunities like no other county in NV.

A happy family in one of the best places in Northern Virginia.
DC commuters with kids will enjoy the peace and quiet of Orange County, one of the best places in Northern Virginia.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the place to go if you live a busy DC commuter lifestyle. With Washington, DC, just a short drive away, Alexandria offers a wealth of attractions. However, it is also well-known for its convenience, livability, and attractiveness. Small, locally owned enterprises sit alongside multinational corporations and prestigious universities.

So, it’s clear that Alexandria is one of the best places in Northern Virginia. There are more than 155,000 individuals who call this place home. As our friends at Here & Now Movers know so well from working in the field, many choose to move here. This is because of the convenient location, cutting-edge amenities, and forward-thinking culture.

Loudoun County

Loudoun County is the sixth most populated county in Northern Virginia, with a population of over 400 thousand. Leesburg serves as the county seat. Originally part of Fairfax County, this new county was formed in 1757. John Campbell, Earl of Loudoun, served as Governor-General of Virginia from 1756 until 1759, and the county bears his name.

As for its neighbors, Loudoun County has Fairfax County to the south, Fauquier County to the west, Prince William County to the north, and Clarke County to the northeast. The overall landmass of the county is 504 square miles. Loudoun County is home to numerous significant historic sites, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and the Oatlands Plantation.

For a variety of reasons, Loudoun County, Virginia, makes for an excellent area to call home. Hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are just a few of the numerous accessible leisure activities in the area. Because of this, many people choose to purchase a Virginia vacation home in Loudoun County. Additionally, the county has a low crime rate, top-notch educational opportunities, and a wide selection of places to live.

Arlington

Thanks to its closeness to the nation’s capital, Arlington has remained one of the most sought-after suburbs for working professionals. Due to its abundance of parks, lively restaurant scene, and distinct culture, this location has recently seen rapid growth. Arlington has its own personality apart from the DC metro. Its inhabitants value the proximity to the nation’s capital and the convenience of transport. However, people here love to ride bicycles.

Unfortunately, Arlington is not recognized for its low pricing, and you may expect to pay similar to what you would in Washington, DC. Still, buyers who are comfortable with smaller starting homes can discover some good deals. And if you’re looking for a decently-sized home and money isn’t an issue, you’re in luck.

Arlington is ideal for purchasers who want to be close to Washington, DC, and have a cutting-edge experience. If you decide to move to Northern Virginia and hire movers, you can get here with ease. Compared to the more historical areas surrounding it, the homes here can seem rather affluent due to their modern design. Arlington will definitely have the perfect property for you.

Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arlington’s history and convenient location will surely amaze you.

Fairfax County

Fairfax County is one of the wealthiest counties in the US and is among the best places in Northern Virginia. With a median income of $106,090, the county’s economy is thriving. This might be one of the reasons to move to Virginia this year! In spite of its high cost of living, Fairfax County, Virginia, offers a superior quality of life. Fairfax County is packed with exciting activities. George Mason University, a nationally acclaimed institution, is located in this county. Those in need of a great quality of life can look no further than Fairfax County.

DC commuters will find that Fairfax County is an excellent area to call home. Multiple Metro stations and the Virginia Railway Express connect the county’s many residents. Moreover, Dulles International Airport is located in Fairfax County, facilitating quick and simple travel. Fairfax County is a fantastic choice for a permanent residence in the Northern Virginia area. Aside from the convenience of transport, the county has numerous amenities.

An airport waiting room.
If you frequently travel by plane, Fairfax has you covered!

Final words

If you need to find a property close to the District of Columbia, you should look no further than Virginia. Safety, accessibility, and commercially active areas are what make the best places in Northern Virginia. Whether you need to get to the capital for business or you just want to experience city life, getting there is a breeze from these places. We hope this article helps you make your choice of the best place to live in Northern Virginia.

Meta: Are you a DC commuter looking for the best places in Northern Virginia? Look no further and check out what the experts say about all the information you need!

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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.

What’s Happening in Your Local Housing Market?

Key Takeaways:

  • Today’s market conditions are unique, and there are plenty of ways to win
  • Let’s explore the steps you can take to pave your path to homeownership
  • Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today!

Amid high inflation, increasing mortgage rates, and limited housing inventory, the headlines make it seem like there’s no good news in the real estate market. But when you listen closely to expert economists and look at your local market, you’ll learn that there’s plenty of opportunity. Let’s take a closer look to understand the complete picture of what’s really going on in the housing market.

Low inventory keeps home prices high

Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses.

It’s easy to hear snippets of today’s news cycle and get swept up into a maelstrom of doom and gloom, fearing that the Great Recession of 2008 is happening all over again. But Lawerence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), gave a talk this month in Orlando. Mr. Yun pointed out why the housing market will remain stable and profitable.

One of the leading factors behind his assertion is that “housing inventory is about a quarter of what it was in 2008.” The historic low inventory of available housing in the US is a positive because that limited inventory will prevent large price drops for most of the country. Mr. Yun went on to say that “distressed property sales are almost non-existent, at just 2%, and nowhere near the 30% mark seen during the housing crash (of 2008). Moreover, short sales are almost impossible because of the significant price appreciation of the last two years.”

The national housing market is not your local market

Gainesville, Florida, USA downtown cityscape at twilight.

The national news won’t give you an accurate snapshot of what’s happening in your area. It’s a collection of data that makes for wonderful headlines but has little to do with what you need to know to buy or sell a home. That’s why as real estate professionals, it’s our job to dive deep into the microdata and help guide our clients to making smart moves.

Despite inventory remaining limited nationally, there are still housing markets with increases in available units, especially for starter homes, making this a wonderful time to buy. Other pockets are holding onto a seller’s market, with prices staying steady. It’s always best to speak to your trusted agent to know what’s happening in the area where you live or want to move. And, with rental prices continuing to rise as well, it’s never a bad time to consider purchasing a home.

How to start planning your next move

Full length body size view of four cheery people dad mom small little kids brother sister carrying cardboard boxes moving new residence cottage town.

As a homeowner or prospective homebuyer, there are always ways you can stay ahead of the market. No one purchases a home overnight, so give yourself plenty of time and take smart steps to ensure success when the time is right.

First, contact us today to find the latest, up-to-the-minute value of your home, backed by local data. This will give you accurate insights into the value of your home and what your best move may be. From there, you’ll be able to make data-backed decisions about whether you should remodel, list your home, what kind of return you can expect, and more.

If you’re looking to buy, contact us to learn more about our market and how much inventory is available. Stay flexible, and consider different styles of homes, from townhouses and condos to older homes ready for some modern upgrades. Or, maybe a new construction home is right for you, with special financing and other incentives offered by the builders.

You Can Win Your Local Housing Market

Ultimately, real estate is always local! The best thing you can do before making a move in today’s real estate market is to contact your local real estate agent. As your local, trusted real estate professionals, we know what’s happening and are your best resource for determining your next best step. So contact us 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.

Jacobs Ford LAND For Sale $289,000 by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome to Jacobs Ford the 38.45-acre outdoorsman’s dream. The partially wooded lot is great for hunting, camping in the woods with family, ATV trails, horseback riding, or farming. This land offers several good homesites with a small creek running through it. So bring your home plans, tree stand, ATVs, horses, or livestock to Jacobs Ford road and start building your legacy, and make your dreams come true.

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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.

Santa is coming to Lake of the Woods Atop Engine 29!

As busy as this time of year gets, jolly Ol’ Saint Nick always remembers the good boys and girls in Locust Grove! He will be making his rounds atop LOW F&R Engine 29 through Lake of the Woods on December 16th, 17th, and 18th! Santa is so excited to see all the children in LOW and nearby Locust Grove areas! Santa and the LOW Fire Department have developed a route and tracker that is posted on their website and Facebook page, so please keep checking for further updates! Please note the schedule is tentative and may change based on weather and calls for service.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, or Northern Virginia, 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 contacting Pat Licata.

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

314 Piedmont St, Orange Virginia 22960 UNDER CONTRACT by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome home to 314 Piedmont street. Located in the town of Orange county the home sits on a corner lot within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shopping. The home offers 3 bedrooms, and one bath on the main level, where the walk-out basement has a laundry room, workshop, den, and two large rooms that can be used for bedrooms/game/craft/storage whatever fits your needs. The driveway is large enough for multiple cars, a boat, or a camper. The yard offers plenty of space for kids/pets to play or for family gatherings.

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.

Check out Culpeper Downtown for the 2022 Holiday Season!

Culpeper Renaissance, Inc (CRI) and Culpeper Downtown merchants and restaurants invite you all to experience this holiday with them with the following events scheduled for November through December!

November 14th through 20th, enjoy season offerings and specials at various downtown shops for their Holiday Preview Week. The storefronts will also be participating in a Holiday Store Front Decorating contest so be sure to check them out and vote for your favorite decorated store!

November 18th is “Pink Friday!” the week before Black Friday and #supportsmallfirst and enjoy in-store and online specials at the local shops in downtown Culpeper.

November 20th is the Holiday Open House with in-store specials ALL DAY and a band performance at Grass Rootes Porch from 1pm – 3pm followed by Santa Rides around Culpeper from 3pm – 4pm and the Community Tree Lighting 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Join the festivities for a real treat including free face painting and various children’s activities and holiday refreshments will be available for purchase.

November 25th is Black Friday with in-store and online specials and discounts.

November 26th is Small Business Saturday and Santa will be strolling downtown Culpeper from 6pm – 8pm.

November 28th is Cyber Monday with online and in-store specials and discounts.

November 29th is Giving Tuesday, the one-day giving event. Consider donating to Culpeper Renaissance via their website here.

December 1st through 15th, participate in the WHO STOLE CULPEPER-VILLE? downtown Culpeper scavenger hunt challenge! Map and entry card available at the visitors center (the Depot) Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.

December 3rd, 10th, and 17th the Culpeper Downtown Winter Farmers Market will be from 9 am – 12pm at the East Davis Street Parking lot.

December 9th, visit Santa at Culpeper Center & Suites for a meet and greet and photo opportunity!

December 16th, visit Santa at the Culpeper Visitors Center for a meet and greet and photo opportunity at the Depot.

For more information about any of the above-mentioned events and to keep up to date on the latest Culpeper events visit culpeperdowntown.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 contacting Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

christmas parade fredericksburg virginia

2022 Fredericksburg, Virginia Christmas Parade!

The annual, highly anticipated Fredericksburg Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM. Viewing the parade, locations along the route are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check out the route on the map below. It’s completely free for the public to attend, plan to come early (before 5pm) and stay late! While pets are permitted, they are discouraged due to the large crowds. This is a rain-or-shine event so dress warmly for any anticipated weather as the date quickly approaches. Streets will be closed to all traffic beginning at 3:30 PM, while parking restrictions will begin at 2pm along the parade route with towing enforced. Getting hungry?? Downtown restaurants will be open for food and drink before, during, and after the parade.

To participate in the parade, they are currently full but there is a waiting list you may join if your company would like to have a float or walk in the parade. More information on the parade including the waiting list for vendors can be found here.

Unsure where to park? Plan ahead. See the Parking in Downtown Fredericksburg, VA map below.

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.

The word welcome in multiple languages

Warm Welcomes and Happy Send-Offs for November 2022!

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.

Lisa and Jake Turpin
Donald Clifford
Lisette Manchester
Shannon & Jordan Ruiz
Caleb Kammerling & Rebekah Nelson
India Meserve
Morgan & Maria Parker
Sara & Robert Kasper
Edward Brookover II
Eileen Wilson
Peter & Merill Simpson
Bryden Tutko
Rebecca Cross & Shawn Argabright
Beth & Mike Truitt
Sange & Thupa Tamang
Patrick & Christina Lacey

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.