10 Tips for Buying a Waterfront Home in Virginia's Northern Neck

10 Tips for Buying a Waterfront Home in Virginia's Northern Neck

Buying a home is complicated process...from applying for financing...to choosing an agent... to the closing process. But when you add another variable...waterfront...in there the complications increase. Here are 10 tips for buying a waterfront home in Virginia's Northern Neck.

#1 Find a Real Estate Agent who knows waterfront property. Even better if they own a waterfront home themselves. Most agents know real estate but don't know the intricacies of waterfront properties.

#2 Know what you want... So you want a beach? Do you want access to the Bay? Are you satisfied with fresh water? Knowing the basics of what you want before you start can make your search much easier. In this market...there is a lot of inventory available. Being able to narrow your search based on specific criteria is extremely important.

#3 Get pre-approved! I know this seems elementary...but getting financing for a waterfront home can be trickier than buying a normal home. Typically loans are going to be jumbo loans... carrying a higher interest rate and possibly higher fees. Also- many Northern Neck homes are in rural areas...especially on the creeks. Rural home financing is trickier still. Your Real Estate Agent should have a few solid lender contacts to get you started in the right direction.

#4 Choose a property that fits your lifestyle. You find a killer deal on a beautiful home... but if the access to the River is shallow- you'll never get your bay boat out to the Target Ships for those monster Rocks. If you like to fish and you have a boat... you'll be miserable. Buy a property that's going to make you happy.

#5 Make sure the home is set up to withstand the weather. Most water in the Northern Neck is brackish..meaning part salt and part fresh water. The closer to the Bay you get the higher the salinity level. But the air is salty...and salt wreaks havoc on homes. Be prepared to paint and do other preventative maintenance more often. Make sure any exposed metal(like door lock mechanisms) are stainless steel. Hurricane shutters are not only attractive- but can really help protect your homes in the case of a strong Nor'easter.

#6 Mean Water Level(MWL)- MWL plays a large part in determining the value of waterfront property. Shallower MWL properties typically sell at a discount to deeper MWL's. Sailboat depth water typically commands the highest premium. Many creeks in the Northern Neck have sailboat depth water. Don't assume being on the Potomac automatically gives you deep water. Much of the Potomac is shallow and sandy..in many cases the water is one 3-4 deep hundreds of yards out into the river.

#7 Find out what you can and can't do with a property. Local governments are tasked with protecting the waters. Therefore they can be very difficult to deal with when it comes to making changes to homes/lands. Before you commit to buying your dream home- you really want to make sure you can make the changes you'd like to make.

#8 Talk to Neighbors... Agents typically fear the neighbors. That's because neighbors tell you the truth. They tell you all the good and ALLL the bad. Ask about special issues with the waterfront...you'd be surprised what you can find...

#9 Check on Utilities! Many buyers come from suburban areas where water, electricity, cable, internet, phone, cell coverage...are all a given. In many rural Northern Neck areas none of these are a given. If internet access is a must...check closely...it may not be available.

#10. Know your responsibilities as a waterfront owner. Check with your potential HOA about upkeep and maintenance requirements. Understand your role in the delicate balance of nature. Certain types of fertilizers or pesticides are not only harmful to Bay life..but they are also illegal. Living in harmony with the Bay is one of the most amazing experiences one can have. You'll forever remember the day you see your first Bald Eagle soaring above the Potomac.

Having a vacation property in the Northern Neck one of life's simple luxuries. We bought our home on the Potomac because we wanted to create memories for our kids. We wanted the feeling of completely letting go of our life back home...even if just for a few days. We love the Northern Neck. And if you follow the simple steps above...I'm sure you too will soon be enjoying the breezes and sounds of the water just as we do.