A long-distance move needs to be properly planned. You cannot simply pop over and fix things you had forgotten to handle the way you can when moving just to the other side of town. So, take the time to organize the process properly, and give yourself at least a few months to do it! To help with this, here are ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia.
Plan for pets and children in advance
Even if you are moving to one of the hottest neighborhoods in Orange County, your kids, no matter how excited they are, are still going to be stressed and worried about the move. The uncertainty, leaving their childhood home, and the difficulties of a long-distance move will all combine. Make sure to set some time aside to calm them down and keep an eye on them throughout the process. Your pets will similarly likely go through a crisis. This will be compounded by the fact that some species do not handle relocation and travel well at all. Make sure their travel carriers are covered in breathable cloth since it might help them calm down.
Keeping your pets relaxed and happy will let you focus on the move better!
Update your address on all your documents
It is important to remember that your documents will need to be updated with your new address. This might take some time, but make sure to do it anyway. If at all possible, in fact, do it before your move. You will likely be busy enough as it is, trying to handle everything when you are there. So something like updating your address could slip your mind in the chaos. Still, it can cause any number of issues, starting with getting your driving license suspended, so the importance of it is not to be underestimated.
Call off your subscriptions and redirect your mail
Your mail will still be delivered to your old address unless you take the time to visit your local post office and have them redirect it to its proper new destination. This is another thing you need to do before you move, since it would be time-consuming and complicated to accomplish from your new home instead. Similarly, do not forget to cancel or redirect any subscriptions you have bound to your previous address.
Find a reliable moving company
When it comes to a long-distance move in Virginia and hiring a moving company, you want an easy process without any troubles. After all, it will be the very first step into your new life. You do not want to get off on the wrong foot. The best way to ensure this is to get cost estimates from multiple companies first. This will let you eliminate both the ridiculously expensive ones and obvious scams. You will easily recognize the latter. They will be promising you a move for next to no money at all. Make sure they have references from other customers and chat with them. You can then decide relatively safely on the company you prefer.
Make sure to iron out all the details in the contract you sign!
Get insurance
Get a good insurance policy! It is not a waste of money. It is a precaution, and it is foolish not to have it. If there is an accident, and you do end up losing everything, it will soften the blow. You will not be able to replace sentimental items, of course, but at least you will not be going into your new life with next to nothing to your name.
Make a solid schedule and stick to it
This is important since moving companies, good moving companies at least, have rigid schedules. You could lose your contract and the money you paid if you fail to keep to the plan you had agreed to. In addition to this, it will help keep things on track, and you will always know exactly what needs to be done and when. This will help reduce the stress and uncertainty a long-distance move can entail. You will also know how much time you have to find a good realtor for the sale of your old home, so you can plan around getting your hand on those funds.
Decide what to leave behind
You can’t take all of your belongings with you. Or rather, you probably could, but it would cost even more money, time, and effort. This is an excellent opportunity to go through your stuff and decide what you really need and what you no longer even want. In turn, not only would you trim your luggage, you could donate to charity, give away gifts and heirlooms, or even organize a sale and earn back some money for at least minor spending upon your arrival at your new home.
Pack smartly and well in advance to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia
Even if you have just bought a vacation home in Virginia and are not planning to live there full-time, packing right is important. When moving permanently, it is even more crucial. You need to get quality shipping containers. Preferably plastic, since cardboard boxes easily get wet, torn, or damaged. You can even get recyclable versions. You need to mark what has gone into each container so you know what is where. Finally, you need to organize your luggage so that the least important items are packed into the trucks first. That way, you can quickly get at the important things. And don’t forget to pack the most important items and toiletries into a bag you keep with you at all times! This includes essential documents such as school and medical records.
If you do opt for traditional boxes, there is plenty you can do with them after the move is over!
Say goodbye to your friends and neighbors
Chances are, you will not be able to easily visit your old friends and neighbors. So, take the time to properly say goodbye. Go on one last outing together. Have fun and try to revisit old memories. It is always good to foster friendships, and you can always keep in touch online!
Conclusion
We hope that our list of ways to prepare for a long-distance move in Virginia was informative and helpful! Good luck, and we are sure that if you stick to what we discussed, your move will at least be a lot less stressful than it otherwise would have been.
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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 contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Join the Lake of the Woods’ Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League on Saturday, October 16th for some outdoor fun!
Try the German Food and Beer while supporting the local community clubs. Golf starts at 9:00am and the band will be playing from 1pm-5pm. Sign up to play golf at Pro Shop, it will cost $40 per person. There will be a 9 Hole Scramble, Moon Bounce for the kids, corn bag toss, kiddies corn bag toss, and of course musical entertainment by Oompah Band. There will be prizes awarded after for the most skilled. Grab your golf balls and clubs, the Lake of the Woods Schutzenfest 2021 is ready for you!
Call the Pro Shop for more info about this event: 540-972-2230.
Hosted by the LOW Thursday Men’s Industrial Golf League to benefit the LOW Swim Team!
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.
Welcome to 12914 Dubin Drive! This immaculate home boasting over 1850 square feet shows pride of ownership throughout. Rebuilt in 2012 this home features an open floor concept, spacious family room with floor-to-ceiling stone gas fireplace for those cool nights, and is full of natural light. The kitchen is sure to please with upgraded Bosch appliances, granite countertops, and a large center island with a dining area that leads to the screened-in porch. Imagine an expansive owner’s suite with an en-suite bath featuring a large walk-in tiled shower, soaking bathtub, and double vanity. Wait until you see the incredible level fenced backyard with room to roam. Have a meal in your screened porch and then walk to the gazebo and get in the hot tub to relax exhausted muscles after a long day. Lake Wilderness community amenities include access to lakes, an outdoor pool, tennis, basketball, and security.
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.
Welcome to 10204 N Hampton Lane! You will be wowed from the moment you pull up! So much curb appeal. Once inside, you are welcomed by beautiful hardwood floors and a two-story foyer. That’s only the beginning…your kitchen has everything you could want, upgraded stainless steel appliances, an island, pantry, and so much space will make cooking and entertaining a breeze. The family room will delight with cathedral ceilings, tons of natural light, and a gas fireplace for those cold winter nights. The owner’s suite with tray ceilings and an en-suite bathroom boasts a soaking tub and double vanity. There are three more bedrooms and another full bath to complete the upper level. The lower level is finished and would make a great in-law or teen suite. This space could also be used as a classroom. Enjoy entertaining family and friends on your deck overlooking trees and a pond. The backyard is private and fully fenced. Close to everything from shopping, restaurants, the VRE, and downtown Fredericksburg.
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.
Last week, the Licata Group donated $3,000 to the Triad Guardian Alert Pendant Program. Licata Group has pledged to continue to donate this amount on a yearly basis provided business revenue will allow.
The Guardian Alert Pendant Program provides a device that will allow someone with mobility issues to contact 911 if they should fall, be unable to get to a phone, and be unable to recover. It can be a lifesaving device for those who are prone to falls. The program typically issues 30 devices a year to citizens in Orange County. The cost of providing those units falls around $6,000 currently.
The Licata Group is challenging other area businesses to donate to this program and collectively match their donation. If you would like to donate, there are several ways you can do that. You can send a check to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Triad, P.O. Box 445, Orange, Va. 22960, or you can make an electronic donation via this link to our donation page. https://ipn.paymentus.com/rotp/ocdn
triad pic, locust grove va 22508
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.
Selling your home is a chance to maximize your equity, so you owe it to yourself to find the perfect listing agent.
Searching for a listing agent is just as important as your home search, so make sure to meet with at least three candidates before making a decision.
We’re telling you the must-ask questions to track down a listing agent—and now, you can put our team to the test when you list your home with us!
Home Sellers, Don’t Settle For Second Best
Many sellers are under the impression that any listing agent can sell their home instantly for the best possible price—but that’s simply not the case. Did you know that 77% of home sellers only contact one agent before listing their home? When it comes to trusting someone with your biggest investment, it’s crucial to do plenty of research to find the right fit. And you should never settle for second, which is why we recommend meeting with at least three agents before making your decision. We’ve outlined some must-ask questions to help you track down the perfect listing agent!
What’s your marketing plan?
The best way to sell your home is to expose it to as many prospective buyers as possible, which requires a strategic marketing plan. Ask potential agents about their specific marketing tactics, and you can even have them provide examples from past clients. Just listing your home online and scheduling an open house shouldn’t be the extent of an agent’s marketing plan. As agents who have crafted masterful marketing plans ourselves, we have the data to target your home’s most likely buyers—and even more importantly, we know exactly how to reach them.
How long have you been working in real estate in my area?
Almost every agent can boast “decades of combined experience” when it comes to their team’s time working in the real estate industry—but what about selling homes in your specific area? Real estate isn’t the same everywhere, which is why you should choose an agent who is local to your area. This way, you can be confident knowing that your home will be competitively listed in comparison to other properties in the area. And if your agent happens to also work with buyers in the area, then they may be able to direct them to your listing!
How many active clients do you work with at one time?
One of the most important things to analyze about your potential agent is their availability. When asking about an agent’s active clients, you want their answer to fall within a sweet spot range—not having many clients can be a red flag, while trying to sell too many properties at once may mean they can’t provide the personalized experience that you deserve. Working with around 10 to 15 clients at once is pretty standard and should still allow for plenty of one-on-one time between you and your potential agent.
Tell me more about your pricing strategies
As a seller, you want to choose an agent who can deliver a top-dollar home sale. A seasoned agent can determine the value of your home in a snap—during your first meeting, go ahead and give them details about your property and ask them for a competitive list price. By doing this, you’ll be able to gauge the agent’s pricing expertise on the spot and ensure they give you a realistic amount. A qualified agent will take into consideration other recently sold homes in the area and ask about any renovations you’ve completed.
And finally…what’s your specialty?
While many listing agents have ample experience across the board, many also specialize in certain types of real estate. Whether it be new construction or luxury properties, it’s crucial to see whether an agent’s specific skill set aligns with the features of your home. And don’t be shy about requesting a sold portfolio—this way, you can see if any of the agent’s sold listings are similar to your property.
Use Our Local Expertise—List Your Home With Us
When it comes to selling your home, choosing the right agent matters more than you think. If you want to work with professionals who know the local market better than anyone else, then you should contact one of our listing agents. We have a wealth of cutting-edge seller resources, in addition to our unparalleled passion for earning our clients top dollar on their home sales. We’ve clued you in on all the tough questions to ask, and we’re more than ready to share our expertise with you!
On Saturday, September 25th between 9:30 AM – 3 PM visit 12400 Herndon Rd, Spotsylvania, Virginia for a FREE dog-lovers event! This will mark the 323rd Anniversary of Fredericksburg’s DOG-MART and will feature a dog show, adoption showcase, raffles, demonstrations, and food and beverages.
Check out the archery activities and BB Gun shooting for the kids! Taste the fresh cooked burgers, fries, and other delicious food trucks on hand. Watch the amazing dogs perform during their show.
There is no cost to enter, however, parking is $5. Bring in a Dog Food donation for free raffle tickets! Learn more about this event here.
This event is hosted by: The Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America
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.
Visit the LOW Community Center, Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th between 10AM – 5PM to enjoy fine arts created by our very own local artists here in Lake of the Woods, Virginia.
This event will be the 37th Annual Fine Art Show held by the Lake of the Woods Visual Arts Council (LOWVAC) now known as LOW Arts, with the first having been in 1981; unfortunately, due to the pandemic in 2020, it was not held.
There will be a variety of mediums showcased and for sale, including paintings, photography, glass, fiber, jewelry, pottery, mixed media, and so much more, there is sure to be something for everyone! In addition to art, the Lake Authors of the Wilderness will be attending for sales and signing of their books, and the LOW Woodworking Club will reveal their creations made during one of their Challenges. Not only LOW artists will be featured; student artwork from the local county public schools will also be on display for admiration.
There will be a RAFFLES and a Silent Auction held to benefit the Orange County public school art programs with a theme of “LAKE LIFE.” Up for raffle will be 6 different wooden animals pull toys (animals of the lake) hand-painted by LOW artists, a “basket of art” that includes hundreds of dollars worth of artwork from participating artists, a gorgeous wood cutting board, and lastly, two large panels each featuring a dozen small works by LOW Arts members. Visit here for more information about the show.
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.
Welcome to stunning, well-maintained 12812 Orange Plank Road, nestled among the trees on almost two acres with no HOA! Welcomed by an inviting front porch, you can easily imagine relaxing with your favorite beverage, reading a book, or talking with friends. As you enter, you will love the wide foyer and the architecture of columns, built-ins that define the living room, and the beautiful stone fireplace in the family room that will keep you warm on those chilly nights. The kitchen is incredible, with all the desirable amenities, boasting granite countertops, a center island, stainless steel appliances. Even better is that it is open to the other living areas to allow family and friends to be close as you prepare a meal or entertain. The owner’s suite is delightfully spacious and full of light, as well as the en-suite bath that features an oversized shower with gorgeous tile work, double vanity, and a large walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, another full bath, and a large laundry room complete the main level. Through the 26’ x 24’ garage, a doorway leads to a bedroom with its own private entrance, full bath, and walk-in closet that comprise the 4th bedroom and 3rd full bath. Enjoy the oversized patio and create a fabulous outdoor space while nature serenades you as you decompress from the busy day! You will feel like you are miles away from everything; however, you are close to shopping, and dining, as well as surrounded by history. Located in the sought-after Riverbend school district!
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.
On Saturday, October 2nd the Lake of the Woods Community will be hosting their community yard sale.
What a great way to start off Fall, remove all those items in your home that no longer serve you and/or bring you joy! Items will vary from toys, clothing, books, household items, lawn and garden tools, sports equipment, board games, and much more!
Join your fellow community neighbors on Saturday, October 2nd from 9am to 2pm at Sweetbriar Park in Lake of the Woods for the ultimate community yard sale.
Spaces do cost $15 each, and to rent a table will be an additional $10 per table. Tables are limited, please contact the Community Center at 540-972-9680 for more info!
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.
