Category: Buying a Home at Lake Anna

Factors that can affect Lake Anna home prices

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IMGP4342vsm.jpgFrom small cottages in the woods, to townhomes, to off water homes with assigned boat slips, to waterfront homes both big and small, there is something here at Lake Anna for every budget!    Listening to my client's needs and wants, and understanding how they want to enjoy their lake property is very important to me.   

Below are some of the things we consider when shopping for a home at the lake. While some of these are true for most homes, others are more Lake Anna specific.  They are not in any particular order:

  • If a waterfront home, how much waterfront conveys with the house?
  • What is the quality of the waterfront (water depth, views, is there a natural beach, a safe swimming area, sufficient privacy)?
  • What are the waterfront amenities (boat house, boat lifts, PWC lifts, screened porch at dock, gazebo, bulkheading or rip wrap, boat ramp)?
  • What are the lake views from the house (from the deck, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms).
  • Does the house have lake-appropriate architectural style? 
  • What is the finished and unfinished square footage?
  • What is the age and condition?  (I encourage my clients to have a professional home inspection, radon testing, and other professional inspections as needed).
  • What are the exterior materials such as stone, brick, or low maintenance siding. Log homes are popular.
  • What upgrades, such as countertop sufaces, flooring, newer more high-tech appliances, double vanities and jetted tub in the master bathroom, and walk in closets, are included?
  • Is the basement finished or unfinished, walk-out level, is there a wet bar,  a bathroom?
  • Is there sufficient decking, a screened porch, a garage (attached or detached)?
  • What is the quality of the landscaping, the amount of grass, the maintenance requirements?
  • Is it in a neighborhood with a Property Owner's Association?  What are the dues?
  • Are the neighboring homes well maintained?
  • Since homes are built on lots, please also review my entries on Lake Anna lots.

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Lake Anna Home Prices

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What might you expect to pay for a Lake Anna home?

 

black_walnut_lane_070109.jpgYou may be wondering what you should expect to pay for a home at Lake Anna.  I hope the following explanation will help you gain some insights as to what homes in various price ranges offer, so you an set a realistic budget for your dream home.

There are many factors that can affect the price of a home here, but the home's relationship to the water will influence the price of the property more than any other single factor about the property.  After all, the lake is why we are here! 

There are two general classifications of lake property, which we call "Waterfront" and "Water Access."  "Waterfront" homes at Lake Anna have a deeded or assigned right to Lake Anna waterfront.  Off water homes located in communities that provide access to the lake through a ramp at the community's common area are known as "water access" homes.  

For waterfront homes, the amount of waterfront, the depth of the water, and the views from the waterfront and house site are critical factors in the price of the home.  In some cases, waterfront homes may have waterfront that is shared by other homes, or waterfront that is located away from the main portion of the lot.   Exclusive, deeded waterfront that is immediately adjacent to the lot is the most desirable and commands the highest prices.

Water access homes with lake views, with assigned or deeded boat slips, or locations close to the lake tend to command higher prices.

I guide my clients in their search so that they can find just the right combination of house, lot, and waterfront to meet their needs and their budget.  While the market can change rapidly, here are some general guidelines about what you might expect to find in various price ranges for both waterfront and water access homes.  I hope  you'll find it helpful!

Waterfront homes over $800,000...Expect larger well-maintained, landscaped homes with very good to excellent waterfront, boat houses with lifts and perhaps a screened porch. Quality of waterfront and waterfront amenities will increase price more than extra square footage or extra acreage. We currently have some spectacular homes in the $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 range.

Water access homes... Currently there are no water access homes over $800,000.

Homes under $800,000

Waterfront home under $800,000...Expect more modest homes with a bit less waterfront. Newer homes with good relationship to the water, boat houses and deep water will command higher prices. Some homes may be older or have fewer upgrades, but have very nice waterfront. Or homes may be quite lovely, but located on a cove or have a more limited view. With the exception of townhomes, most homes under $500,000 may lack big water views, or may be smaller or older homes, or may need some TLC. These homes can, however, be quite charming and a good value. Townhomes are a great waterfront alternative to those buyers looking for a carefree weekend getaway and can get you waterfront on a smaller budget

Water access homes... With upper-end water access homes in the $400,000 - $600,000 range, you can expect newer and larger homes suitable for an elegant get away or for full time living. An assigned boat slip and perhaps a water view would not be uncommon.

 

Homes under $400,000

Waterfront homes...under $400,000 are rare. Expect smaller cottages with shared waterfront or no water view. Occasionally a garage on a waterfront lot with an apartment over may come on the market.

Water access homes...Many water access homes are priced from $200,000 - $400,000. Expect a selection of charming homes in established communities. Most will have assigned boat slips. Homes below $200,000 may be smaller, not as new or be in communities with fewer amenities. Access to the lake might be through a nearby marina. However, one of these may turn out to be your ideal Lake Anna home. The "handy man's special" could also be a good investment.

 

IMGP5627vsm.jpgPlease...allow me to help you evaluate the available homes so that you will find the perfect Lake Anna spot for you and your family. I can guide you through the process of home selection, writing the offer, planning your financing, conducting home, radon, and other inspections, and see you right through to a satisfactory settlement. I want to be YOUR Realtor®.

--Nancy

About This Web Site

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About this web site... Information given is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. Price ranges are approximate and properties may exist which are more or less expensive than the guidelines given. We hope lake-anna.com will help you become an informed consumer and that one day you will be our neighbor here at Lake Anna! Please contact me with questions, feedback, or corrections.

Nancy Komatz is a real estate salesperson, licensed in Virginia.

Dockside Realty

4634 Courthouse Road, Mineral, Va. 23117

800-242-5253

540-895-9400

Member Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors, Virginia Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.  Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR).

I always welcome your calls on my cell phone: 540-273-2736

or by email at nancy at lake-anna dot com

I would love to be your Realtor®! --Nancy

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This page is a archive of recent entries in the Buying a Home at Lake Anna category.

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