About Northumberland County, VA

This Potomac River Waterfront Community is Truly Unique

Tucked away behind the cornfields of the rural Northern Neck farmlands in Northumberland County, Va is a Potomac River waterfront community like no other. Bay Quarter Shores is located right at the mouth of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay- giving many waterfront residents endless views of both the Bay and the River. The community is situated between Cod Creek, Presley Creek and the Potomac. This gives the neighborhood a unique variety of waterfront and water access homes and lots that span a wide price spectrum. Currently there are homes from $59,000 to $524,900 available for sale.

But price availability is only one ways this community is unique. This is a true sportsman's neighborhood with ample access to fishing and crabbing...but the community also maintains over 200 acres of private hunting grounds available only to owners. And as you drive slowly through the neighborhood- you'll see why this is important as you'll be greeted by swarms of deer and wild turkey.

Other amenities includes a golf driving range, a target shooting area, a basketball court, tennis courts, miles of nature trails, a community pool and clubhouse(with free WiFi), playgrounds, a private boat ramp, two boat piers(one specifically for Jet-Skis), a beach with swimming area and tons more. Just make sure you bring along your golf cart- BQS is a legal golf cart community.

Now is the time to search for your own little slice of Heaven. If you're considering the Northern Neck for your waterfront home...I encourage you to consider Bay Quarter Shores. Click here for the current listings available in BQS or click here to search all homes in Virginia's Northern Neck.

What to Expect When You Live on the Water

Ahhh the sites, sounds and smells of waterfront living. We all love it...the sand between your toes...the sounds of the water crashing over the rip rap...the smell of the salt air. All of the combined with the crazy low prices we are seeing today and you might just be tempted to jump in the deep in and pick up your own little piece of heaven. Before you make that leap however... you need to know what to expect when you live on the water.

** Preventative Maintenance.Most of the water in the Northern Neck of Virginia is brackish. The closer to the Bay you are the higher the salinity. This means docks, piers, decks, windows, siding, locks etc...will take a beating. Expect annual maintenance and likely complete renovations every couple of years if you have a pier on the river. Creek docks are a little more protected but still require the annual maintenance. Anything wood(decks, window trim, siding, etc) will need an annual painting. Even deck chairs will likely need a new coat of paint every year. Metal items such as door locks will need to be oiled every year to keep corrosion at bay.

** Shifting Sands. The shore is constantly moving. One weekend you may have a 75 ft beach and when you come back the next weekend you may have a 125ft beach. Always remember your property line can change...expect it. You may want to check with neighbors and local government to see what erosion problems the area has before you buy.

** Double of everything.One thing many people tend to forget is when you have a second home...you also have a second of everything else. Beyond the basics(beds, couches, tvs), you'll also need extra tools for household chores, extra lawnmower, dishes, silverware, coffeepots, utility bills...pretty much double everything. The costs can quickly add up- just make sure you plan for it.

** Friends, Friends and more Friends. You'll never realize how many friends you have until you buy a house on the water. Expect drive-by visitors, family and friends asking to visit for the weekend. You may even get requests to use it for weddings. Most of us who have a waterfront home also enjoy entertaining... so this may not be an issue. Just expect it.

** Windy days.One of the wonderful parts about living on the water is the constant breeze. The dog days of Summer aren't nearly so bad with the constant bay breeze. But there's a downside to that wind. Even the smallest of storms can wreak havoc on homes by the water. Hurricane shutters are a great way to counter the wind's powerful force but expect to pay from $10- 45 a sq ft for hurricane shutters. The other great thing about hurricane shutters is they keep out the sun's heat during the week when you aren't at the home...saving on energy usage.

As long as you know all of this before you buy...you'll have no surprises... and your waterfront home ownership will be an amazing experience. Welcome to the club...

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.

Ladies, are you looking for fun, the chance to learn new things, and an opportunity to make a REAL DIFFERENCE in your community?

Join The Woman's Club of Northumberland County, Virginia, Inc.!

The Woman's Club is a place to:

• Meet and make new friends
• Share your talents
• Develop new interests
• Learn new skills
• Expand your knowledge
• Improve your community through volunteer service
• Network
• Enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment
• Problem solve community issues
• Demonstrate your leadership skills
• Be informed

Oh, and did I mention, have FUN!!!

The Northumberland County Woman's Club was organized in 1935 and has been serving the Northumberland County community ever since. The current Woman's Club became an independent club in 2005 when it became incorporated. The current clubhouse in located in Lottsburg, VA.

The Woman's Club supports the community through these programs:

• Operation Smile, one smile at a time. Contributions include monetary donations but also include handmade blankets and goodie bags and toys for children
• Endowment program for a woman over 30 that is starting or returning to college
• Annual high school scholarship award
• Angel Tree--teaming with local Social Services programs to help make the holidays special
• Political forum for local candidates
• Programs and visitation to nursing homes, schools, and library
• Central VA Food Bank
• Fund raising activities for the club's charitable donations and activities for the community
• Heathsville Tavern Golden Christmas Event

Oh, and did I mention, have fun???

Sylvia Ball and Eleanor Morris, members of the Woman's Club.

These lovely ladies were great sports and enjoyed modeling some outfits presented by Wildest Dreams located in Burgess and The Dandelion located in Irvington, VA at the recent Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon. The Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon is one of the three major fund raising activities for the club. The other activities include a monthly Bridge Game Day with Luncheon and a Red Hat Bingo Luncheon.

Here are some other pictures of the Fashion Show luncheon:

These lovely models are wearing clothes presented by The Dandelionlocated in Irvington, VA.

This beautiful black and white dress was presented by Wildest Dreams in Burgess, VA.

There was an award for "Woman of the Year" presented to Joan Clements for her outstanding volunteer work and dedication to the Northumberland County Red Cross. Ms. Clements has donated many years of loyal volunteer service to the local Red Cross and assisted with hurricane relief, fire displacement relief, and has helped promote local blood drives along with many, many other services. Congratulations on a well deserved award!

The Northumberland County Woman's Club is open to all women living in Northumberland County. What are you waiting for?

The next meeting is May 12, 2009 at 12:30 in Lottsburg at the clubhouse. Bingo will played after the business meeting and social time. Hope to see you there!

For information on Northumberland County, VA real estate or Northern Neck of VA real estate, please give me a call at 804-456-2144 or email me at Yvonne@NorthernNeckVA.com or visit me on the web.

Yvonne Hurt, REALTOR, CRS, GRI, ABR, SHS

Long & Foster Bay/River Office, 387 Chesapeake Drive, White Stone, VA 22578

The Northern Neck of VA is well known for great fishing. Reedville was once called the town that fish built due to a number of commercial fishing factories that lined Cockrell's Creek. While all but one factory is gone now, the fishing remains very good.

For novice and experienced fishermen and fisherwomen, there are few fishing experiences that top going out with a professional charter boat captain. The charter boat captains can find some of the best fishing holes around. I don't relish the thought of baiting my own hook and taking my catch off the line. OK, OK, I admit it, I'm far from a fishing expert but, I do like to eat fish if that counts at all!

I like charter fishing because all I have to do is book the trip and show up. I leave the navigation, the baiting, and line detangling to those more competent in such matters. I can relax, enjoy the boat ride and sun, and throw my baited fishing hook over and wait for the "big one". If you take one of the charter boats out of Reedville, it is just a very short ride to the Chesapeake or out to "the jetties" for the Stripers.

This is the time to book your Spring fishing trip before all the good dates fill up. Two excellent charter boats out of the Reedville area are the J-Mar with Capt. Ferrell McLain known as Bayfish Sport Fishing Charters and the Mystic Lady II with Capt. Gene Pittman at Pittman Charters.

The J-Mar is a 42 foot fiberglass, fully equipped charter boat. She has the latest fishing equipment including rods and tackle. The J-Mar has a spacious heated cabin for fall and spring fishing, and a private restroom.

The J-Mar is Coast Guard inspected and approved for 12 passengers.

The pictures of the J-Mar and the fishing catches were taken with permission from the Bayfish web site. To check on available dates, to book a trip, or for more info, please visit the Bayfish website.

A wonderful day of fishing awaits you on the Mystic Lady II with Capt. Gene Pittman out of Reedville, VA. Capt. Pittman offers Chesapeake Bay fishing for Stripers, blues, flounder, trout, and spanish mackerel.

The Mystic Lady II is a 46 ft. fiberglass sport fishing boat with the latest equipment for fishing, safety, and enjoyment. She is Coast Guard inspected and approved for 23 passengers. The Mystic Lady II offers air conditioning and heat, spacious cabin, and a private toilet. Generally a mate is along to assist with baiting your line, helping you bring your catch aboard, and cleaning your fish on the trip back to the dock.

For more information on Pittman Charters, please visit their website. Whichever charter boat you pick, it is important to remember a few key things to make your day great. Rubber soled shoes are necessary to prevent falls on wet or slippery boat decks. Be prepared for the sun's rays even in the spring and bring hats, sunglasses, and sun screen. Another item to bring is a cooler to carry home your fish and an attitude for adventure. Enjoy your day on the water in the Northern Neck of VA.

For other fine charter boats in the Northern Neck area, please visit the Virginia Charter Boat Association website.

For information on Northern Neck of VA waterfront properties or real estate in the Northern Neck of VA, please visit my website.

Call on Yvonne Hurt, "Your Northern Neck Real Estate Specialist", for all your Northern Neck real estate needs. Yvonne Hurt yvonne@NorthernNeckVA.com or 804-456-2144

Yvonne Hurt, CRS, GRI, ABR, SHS Long&Foster REALTORS, Bay/River Office White Stone, VA