Flood zones & insurance
Many waterfront and low-lying lots sit in FEMA flood zones. Ask early for the flood zone, any elevation certificate, and a flood insurance quote; they can change your monthly cost a lot.
Buying
Finding your place on the water
Whether it's your first home, a weekend place on the river or a forever home on Monroe Bay, Jessica makes buying simple, honest and even fun.
How it works
Six steps to the keys
- 1
Let's talk
A no-pressure conversation about what you want, where, and your budget. Jessica will tell you honestly what that buys in Colonial Beach and the surrounding area right now.
- 2
Get pre-approved
A lender's pre-approval makes your offer stronger and tells you exactly where you stand. Jessica can recommend local lenders, including ones who handle waterfront and new-construction loans.
- 3
Tour homes
Jessica searches every listing on the market, not just hers, and sets up showings. Can't be here? She'll be your eyes and ears.
- 4
Make an offer
Price, terms, inspections, timing: Jessica writes an offer built to win without overpaying, then negotiates for you.
- 5
Inspections & appraisal
Home, septic, well, wood-destroying insects and more, as needed. Jessica helps you sort what matters from what doesn't and negotiate repairs.
- 6
Closing day
Final walk-through, sign, and get your keys. Then go find the nearest sunset.
Buyer agreements: today, buyers sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. Jessica walks you through it, including how she's paid, at your first meeting.
Buying on the water
What to know about waterfront homes
Waterfront is Jessica's specialty. These are the questions she makes sure get answered before you buy on the Potomac, Monroe Bay or a creek.
Piers, bulkheads & riparian rights
Is there a pier or boat lift, and is it permitted? What shape is the bulkhead or riprap in? New or rebuilt shoreline structures usually need state and local permits.
The shoreline buffer
Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act protects a buffer along tidal shorelines, which limits clearing and building close to the water. It matters if you plan to add on, build, or open up a view.
Water, sewer or septic
Homes in town are generally on public water and sewer; many outside town limits use a well and septic system. Septic inspections are a must on those.
Depth, exposure & erosion
Water depth at the dock, which way the shoreline faces (hello, sunsets), and how it has held up to storms all affect how you'll use and enjoy a waterfront home.
Second home or rental?
If you plan to rent the home out part-time, check the town or county rules on short-term rentals before you buy.
General information only, not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Rules vary by property; Jessica will point you to the right experts.
New construction
Thinking of building instead?
Jessica represents Gray Construction, the local family builder. Choose from more than a dozen plans you can tour in 3D, and from lots in town, on the water and out in the county.
Build with Gray ConstructionMoving from away
Relocating to the Northern Neck
Jessica has helped buyers move here from across the country. She'll share honest opinions about homes and neighborhoods and keep you posted every step of the way, even if you can't be here until closing.
Get to know Colonial BeachStart your search
Tell Jessica what you're looking for
Beds, baths, budget, water or no water, in town or out: send her a note and she'll start sending homes that fit.
Prefer to talk? Call or text 804-761-2584.
Want to look around on your own first? Search every home for sale, then ask Jessica about any of them.
