The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and the flowers are starting to bloom—spring is almost here, which means that it’s time to make your home feel as fresh as the air outside. Whether your living space is in need of a deep cleaning or a more surface-level tidy, spring cleaning is a time-honored ritual that will help get your home into its healthiest and most beautiful condition. However, the process can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know which rooms to tackle first.
Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your spring cleaning this year:
Clear away the clutter. The more clutter you have, the more difficult and time-consuming it will be to give your home a thorough cleaning. Therefore, before you break out the cleaning supplies, start by getting rid of papers, possessions, and other items that you no longer want or need.
Clean areas that may have been neglected over the winter first. While you’ve probably tidied the inside of your home more recently, outdoor spaces—such as your yard, patio, or the outsides of windows—may be in more urgent need of cleaning.
Dust and clean surfaces—starting from the top. Dusting all the surfaces in your home can be a big project, but it’s essential for ensuring healthier, more breathable air inside. Start from the top so you’ll be able to dust, sweep, or vacuum any debris that falls down; use a broom to clear cobwebs from the corners of your ceiling, dust the blades of ceiling fans using a retractable feather duster tool, wash mirrors and windows, and wipe down shelves and other surfaces.
Sweep and vacuum. As soon as you’re done dusting, you’ll want to clean up the fallen debris before it starts getting tracked from room to room.
Clean appliances. When it comes to spring cleaning, the appliances you use on a day-to-day basis—such as your coffee maker, stove, oven, and washing machine—may get overlooked. Now is the perfect time to give them a thorough cleaning, following manufacturer instructions.
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.
Save the date for Saturday, April 9th from 12pm – 5pm as Strangeways Brewing (Located at: 350 Landsdowne Rd, Fredericksburg VA 22401) hosts their 3rd Annual Spring Market. They are currently looking for VENDORS to attend the market, so if you are food/dessert, arts & crafts, farmers, and more are welcome to join! They don’t allow duplicate vendors so you booth would be unique to this market space. Spots are 10×10 and cost $45 to participate as a vendor. This event is OUTDOORS and first come first serve for vendors! Contact: marjan@strangewaysbrewing.com to inquire about participating. Strangeways Brewing is a unique tasting room with over 36+ beers to choose from that is a family friendly environment and has a pet-friendly outdoor space with a motto of “think string, drink strange.”
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.
Although the prettiest of seasons, spring can be a challenging time of the year for some. The weather is fantastic, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming and as if you’re not making the most of it. Therefore, we will share a few things to do this Spring in Orange County, help you discover your favorite spots, and enjoy the best spring.
Spend some time outdoors
You can enjoy numerous outdoor activities and relish the nature in Orange County. Although some of them can seem mainstream, give them a try. Even a seemingly dull activity can be magical in the right setting. Given the stunning scenery that Orange County has to offer, you’re very unlikely to be bored.
Have a picnic
Organize a picnic in some of the most beautiful landscapes that Orange County is known for. If you’re a fan of being near water explore Lake of the Woods, and all its nooks and crannies. On the other hand, if you love spending your leisure time in the woods or near meadows, this place has more than a fair share of beautiful spots.
Go for a hike
If you are a fan of the woods and all the wonders it has in store, hiking is a great way to get your workout in and enjoy some fantastic sights along the way. Turning up your favorite music and experiencing a peaceful time is a great way to spend your Spring days. Lucky for you, there are so many great trails in Orange County that you’ll love.
Organize a sports day
Gather your friends and family and have a great day playing sports outside. It doesn’t have to be anything too athletic or competitive if you’re not into high-intensity physical activity. You can play volleyball and sunbathe in the warm breeze of Springtime.
If you’re looking for things you should do this Spring in Orange County, why not go for a hike up your favorite road?
Take your family and friends on a tour around your favorite places
If you’ve been in the OC for a while, you probably know your way around it. When looking for things to do this spring, consider revisiting some oldies but goldies. Share your favorite spots with the people who you feel the closest to. Sharing the areas that you love with someone you love will feel like discovering it all over again.
Explore the farmer’s markets
If you’re a foodie, spring is your time. This is when everything wakes up and when the produce you usually find canned or preserved is fresh and ready to consume. Even if visiting farmer’s markets near you doesn’t sound like a fun thing but more of a chore, try to change your outlook. If you’re eager to include new ingredients into your cooking routine, there’s no better place you’ll find them. What’s more, you’re sure to meet wonderful and knowledgeable people and get some great ideas from them.
Out of all the activities to do this Spring in Orange County, going to a farmer’s market near you might not seem the most fun. However, you might be wrong.
Specific things to do this Spring in Orange County
Although there are a million little things you can enjoy anywhere with a similar climate, there are also some that aren’t as universal. This place has many aces up its sleeve when it comes to top activities you’ll be able to enjoy in the warmer weather. Here are some great examples of this:
Carter Mountain Orchard
Skydive Orange
Early Mountain Vineyards
Goochland Drive-In Theater
Yoder’s Country Market
Rapidan River Kayak Company
Organize a fancy getaway
If you’re not too sure whether you’re an outdoorsy person or not, maybe you could get the best of both worlds. There are great resorts all around Orange County where you can’t get bored. If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up and would like to let your mind roam free for a while, think about visiting some of these places:
Inn at Willow Grove
Round Hill Inn
Comfort Inn & Suites Orange
Shenandoah Crossing Blue Green Resort
The Nathaniel Inn
Inn at Kelly’s Ford
Whether you’re going with your significant other or with a couple of closest friends, you won’t be disappointed. You can go on tours around the properties, or try wine tasting, for example. The options are numerous; you just need to find one that fits.
Relocating to Virginia is also something to do this spring
Seeing all the beautiful things there are to do this Spring in Orange County, it’s easy to understand why many people would like to live there. However, moving can be a lot harder than it first seems. You’d need to put in a lot of work and prepare well. So, if you are yet to move here, make sure you plan the relocation, organize everything on time, and get information on all you are uncertain about.
Before the actual move, consider visiting and experiencing some things you can do during Spring in Orange County. This way, you’ll fall in love with its nature and all it has to offer before you get to the trickier parts of your move that’ll want to make you give up.
Hire a moving company to make things easier
If you’ve decided to move to Orange County and experience all there is to do this spring; you won’t regret it. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t have much time,partnering with the crew from Allstate Moving and Storage will make everything much more manageable.
Find some humanitarian causes that pique your interest
Find a way to give back to the community you’re in. It’s been a tough year for a lot of people. If you can help in any way, that would be an excellent thing to do this spring. You won’t only contribute to the betterment of someone’s life; you’ll also feel much better.
There’s no better thing to do this spring than to help some people in need by volunteering.
Make sure to maintain social distance
To stay safe from the pandemic, follow all the rules and regulations. Here are some activities that are risk-free but still fun:
Board games
Cook your favorite meals
Organize a movie night
Order in from your favorite local places
Spend time in your yard
Get in line for the vaccine
Staying inside isn’t as bad as it may seem. Although it may not be what you expect when it comes to things to do this Spring in Orange County, we need to be aware of the situation we’re in.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
One may consider home maintenance as a regular health checkup. The result is the same. Year-round upkeep is vital as it protects the home, just like it protects its inhabitants. Although the tasks involved will differ depending on the climate, one thing is mutual to all. A properly maintained home requires moderate time, effort, financial investment, and – a home maintenance checklist. The last thing any homeowner should be is careless or indifferent.
A seasonal maintenance checklist makes tasks manageable.
Apart from building materials used and installed systems, home-keeping responsibilities also depend on location and weather conditions throughout the year. Hence, if you own a lakefront property, upkeep tasks will vary from the tasks necessary to maintain a home in an arid or cold climate. When you add the factors specific for different seasons, home maintenance may seem a little bit like science.
Every season provides a range of assignments to dedicated homeowners. However, the process of housekeeping becomes a lot easier with a monthly or seasonal checklist. Take note: if you don’t feel up to the task (any task), don’t hesitate to call a professional to help you out. Otherwise, you risk injuries and damage to your property.
Fall home maintenance checklist
Winter is coming and with it several essential fall maintenance duties. If you have a backyard, this is the perfect time to rake the leaves and then reseed your lawn. Afterward, you may plant bulbs, shrubs, trees, and perennials. Just make sure you provide your newly planted garden with plenty of water. Once you finish with watering, empty the hose and clean your gardening tools. Should you need to store away your tools and other seasonal belongings, Best Cross Country Movers database will help you find a reliable storage facility close by.
Always be on the lookout for frozen pipes.
Fall is also the time to service your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Respective professionals will check the thermostats and radiators, ductwork and valves, vents, and chimneys. However, with the first strong winds, you can check the home for the draft and plug any cracks and holes. Insulate your doors and windows, and you will enjoy winter in a warm and cozy home and save on heating bills.
Home upkeep in the winter
If you live in a cold climate with plenty of snow in the wintertime, ready your snowblower. Before the first use, make sure it is in good working condition. Also, don’t forget to stock up on motor oil and gasoline as well as on fuel for heating. Furthermore, inspect your home from the (below) ground up. Leaks in your basement can occur during thaws and cause significant water damage. If you have a water heater, make sure there aren’t any pressure issues or leaks, too.
Check your roof and gutters, especially after snowstorms. Be prepared to deal with ice dams as this ice build-up can not only seriously damage your roof but also let water in and damage the interior of walls. If you plan to work from home during winter and require additional space, think about having your garage updated or repurposed before the holidays. In case all you have to do is reorganize storage and clean the area, the slow winter season is when you should do it. Finally, as the holidays are approaching, check your electric installations, and make sure they can support all of your decorations on time.
Spring: time to inspect everything
Come spring, you might feel overwhelmed with all the tasks ahead, but there is time for everything. Spring is ideal for getting your outdoor spaces ready for summer, decluttering, and thoroughly cleaning your home. However, you should inspect your house first for any signs of damage that may have occurred during winter. No matter how small the cracks you notice during your home inspections, make sure you fix them in the early stage. Harsh weather will affect the roof and gutters, chimney, facade, driveway, and walkways.
As it becomes warmer, make sure an inspection and servicing of your HVAC system are on your home maintenance checklist.
If you live in a flood zone, check if your sump pump is in proper condition. Spring is also the time to get your pool ready for the upcoming summer season. Clean it, examine the valves, replace filters, or call the experts to handle it all. Once again, check the pipes inside your home, walls, and ceilings. Also, address even the smallest signs of water damage, and check faucets for leaks. Whenever the weather allows, spend time in your garden. Check the trees for any dead branches, trim the shrubs, reseed the empty patches in your newly grown lawn, and get your lawnmower ready. Inspect your sprinklers, too.
Summer is (not) the time to rest.
Whether you need to deal with scratched hardwood floors, porch, or repaint the house, summer is the right season. Long warm days will help dry the varnish or paint faster. Once the spring is over, it is time to oil the hinges in the house and garage door chain. If you have a backyard, set up your sprinklers. Regularly trim your lawn and shrubs and clean your pool from algae, leaves, and debris.
Regularly mow your lawn in the summer.
While it is a monthly maintenance task, cleaning your A/C filters is highly important during summer, especially if you spend a lot of time at home with the system on. Hot summer is also the time to be on the lookout for pest infestation. Consider asking a pest control company for a home inspection and resolve any bug or pest infestation issues at an early stage. The summer season is also a home remodeling period, but it also means that the costs are higher. Consider scheduling your home renovation with a contractor for the fall and split it into easily manageable tasks. This way, you won’t depend on the weather too much.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
The days are getting longer, temperatures are starting to climb, and the trees are finally starting to turn green again. As spring approaches, it’s a great time to freshen up your decor and add a splash of color to your space. Looking for some quick, easy, and affordable design tips? Here are a few ways to welcome spring into your home…especially if you’re thinking about selling in the next few months!
Our Top Spring Decor Tips
Do Some Spring Cleaning
Before you make any decor updates, it’s crucial to get every inch of your home looking pristine. Spring cleaning involves more than just a little scrubbing—you should take some time to reorganize, too!
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, just start by working room by room and removing any clutter. It may also be beneficial to make “keep,” “donate,” and “throw away” piles to ensure that everything stays in order. After you’ve freed up some space, break out the cleaning supplies and banish any dust, cobwebs, and grime. Don’t have time to do it all yourself? Consider hiring a professional cleaner or organizer.
Incorporate a Little Greenery
Want to breathe new life into your home? Take some inspiration from nature! Adding freshly-cut or potted flowers and greenery can turn your house into a home—and if you’re selling, your buyers might appreciate the extra pop of color.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider picking up a ready-made bouquet or some low-maintenance houseplants for your living room, kitchen, or bedroom. Placing them in trendy planters and decorative vases can create an added level of style. For a final splash of spring, try hanging a wreath of seasonal blossoms or greenery on your front door to welcome guests inside.
Add New Accessories
Take some time to get rid of your winter accessories and usher in a brand-new season. Light and bright colors, linens, textured pottery, and raw wood accents are all on-trend this spring, and adding these small details can really elevate your home’s style.
Start by incorporating some new accent pillows and paring down your current accessories in favor of a more curated collection. This is particularly important if you’re getting ready to sell; you’ll want to depersonalize your space, but it should still feel like a home. Hanging some different art on your walls can also help you transition to spring—we recommend floral prints or paintings.
Freshen Up with Inviting Scents
Is your home smelling a little musty after a long winter? Throw open the windows and freshen up with some invigorating scents…especially if you’ll be inviting buyers into your home.
Before you integrate spring fragrances, however, be sure to eliminate any unpleasant odors first. Once you’ve deodorized, swap out those holiday candles in favor of some fresher aromas. Lavender, fresh cotton, and lemongrass are all great choices, and they won’t be too overpowering.
Don’t Neglect Your Outdoor Space!
As you prep for the warmer months ahead, the outside of your home matters just as much as the inside. Your outdoor space can really make or break a sale during the spring, as buyers are probably ready to spend some time outside. Even if you aren’t selling soon, your yard, porch, deck, or patio could probably use a little extra attention.
Brush off the winter blues by sweeping away any debris, addressing brown spots on your lawn, and getting rid of any dead or wilting plants. You might also want to incorporate some new outdoor furniture on your deck or patio to show off its potential.
Ready To Sell Your Home This Spring?
If you’re looking for spring decorating tips because you’re planning on selling your home soon, we’d love to help you navigate every step of the process. Feel free to reach out to us for more staging strategies and seller tips—we can even help you list your home with just a few clicks!
What better way to celebrate springtime than the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! This year’s festival will span across four weeks, beginning on Friday March 20th and ending on April 12th! During this time, there will be several different events that will be going on, starting off with the Pink Tie Party on March 20th, which features live music, an open bar, a live performance by WHITE OUT TOKYO who were the World of Dance Champions, and a truly amazing silent auction! The opening ceremony will officially kick everything on the 21st during the opening weekend. On March 28th, thousands of kites will take to the skies at the Blossom Kite Festival! Starting at 10AM at the grounds of the Washington Monument, novices and professionals alike will test their skills in through various competitions and demonstrations. You can bring your own kites or purchase them at the event. Kids can create their own at the activity station and fly them on the public field.
Make sure you’re at Constitution Avenue on April 4th from 10AM – 12PM for the National Cherry Blossom Parade! With marching bands, elaborate floats, giant helium balloons and performers marching down the street, it’s sure to be a spectacle that you don’t want to miss!
Lastly, be sure to be at Water St SE for Petalpalooza on April 11th! From 1PM – 9PM, you’ll enjoy a day full of live music and numerous engaging activities that are sure to be fun for the whole family! This is a celebration of art, music, and each other and will conclude with a spectacular firework show set to music. This yearly celebration is loved by all, and you’re sure to have an amazing time at any and all events! Make sure to save each date, as the Cherry Blossoms won’t last forever!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Lake of the Woods Players Club will be performing Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. This murder mystery play with a twist ending will be directed by Barbara Cochran.
Performances are set for April 5, 6, 12, and 13th at 7:30PM. As well as April 7th, and 14th at 2PM!
There will be an OPENING NIGHT SPECIAL for April 5th show, with tickets at only $15!
All other showtimes are $20 each. Tickets will go on sale Monday, March 4th at 10AM and can be purchased here.
You can watch the performance at the Lake of the Woods Community Center located at: 110 Sweetbriar Park Rd, 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Get all your shopping done in one place this Spring: the annual Spring Fredericksburg Arts & Crafts Fair.
There will be many vendors displaying their artsy craftsmanship including artwork, pottery, jewelry, bath products, woodwork, gourmet foods and so much more!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support local artists and business owners while also finding something unique for that special someone for their birthday, Father’s/Mother’s Day, graduation or even Christmas! Is it too early to think about Christmas yet? No! Get all of your shopping done now, so you don’t have the holiday stress!
Saturday’s show is April 6th from 10AM – 6pm. Followed by Sunday’s show, April 7th from 11AM – 4PM. Admission for adults is $8 at the door, seniors (60+) is $7 at the door and children 12 and under are free. You can buy tickets in advance here but processing fees may apply. The show will take place at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg VA 22401.
Keep an eye out for the Home & Craft Festival October 19th and 20th featuring over 100 vendors as well as the Fredericksburg Holiday Craft Show December 6th, 7th, and 8th. This is the area’s largest Holiday Craft 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 homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
