Our Experts Share Why You Should Consider a Second Home at the Lake
Compiled By Kelsey Thomas
With year-round activities, picturesque views and proximity to several major cities, Lake Anna has become a popular location for a second home. Owning a second home may seem daunting to some. There are options for buyers to turn their second home into an investment property by renting it out most of the time or keeping it as their private getaway. I spoke with local realtors about why you should consider purchasing a second home at Lake Anna.
Libby Sandridge
Dockside Realty
When considering a second or retirement home you definitely need to come explore beautiful Lake Anna. We have hundreds of communities on the shores of Lake Anna and growing so you will have many options to choose from. You will enjoy the lifestyle, fun neighbors and access to businesses that won’t make you feel isolated. We are growing but still offer that lake and country atmosphere. We are centrally located perfectly between Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Richmond and West to Charlottesville making it a perfect destination for weekend getaways.
Owning a second home has many advantages from tax benefits to generating income and the most exciting is the ability to vacation on demand. Whether you decide to rent or not you will have a dedicated vacation destination at your disposal. Feeling the need to break away from the hustle and bustle and just unload some stress, Lake Anna has your back!
We have a vibrant rental market so trying to find a rental can be tough especially since the pandemic. Rentals are booking out a year in advance according to the local property management companies. Also, if you are considering renting your home you will have control over when it is available giving you the option to choose the dates you want to use the property. Why not let your second home pay for itself, it’s a Win/Win.
If you are dreaming of a lake home now is the time to get with a local realtor to guide you through the in’s an outs of lake property. Things to consider are lake location, what area of the lake suits your family’s lifestyle? Do you want a waterfront or a lake access home with your own boat slip in the community’s common area? Maybe you just want a lot to build your dream home on. We have many excellent Builders, from custom homes to starter homes, and a local agent will be able to guide you through that process.
Like so many areas of the country our real estate market is on fire and there is no time like the present! So, whether you are considering selling or buying now it time to get with a local Lake Anna agent.
Kathy Gardner
Dockside Realty
Who knew that COVID-19 would give many folks another reason to buy a second home at Lake Anna. The Lake Anna real estate market changed in 2020. Second homeowners, who would have normally only used their homes on the weekends, started using their homes full time to escape the virus in metropolitan areas. Some of those owners might have been considering selling but, suddenly, they didn’t want to give up their escape retreat. It created a shortage of inventory that has continued thru 2021 and now into Spring of 2022. Demand is very high. The word is out about Lake Anna. More and more people in surrounding metropolitan areas have realized that they can vacation at, or escape to, Lake Anna without having to get on a plane. For the first time in 14 years, it is a seller’s market. Homes and lots have been selling quickly, regardless of whether they are waterfront or water access. Many of these buyers are taking advantage of the hot vacation rental market to help offset costs.
While Lake Anna still maintains its rural feeling, it isn’t as remote as it was. More and more businesses are opening and even expanding. We have seven marinas, 11 restaurants, a supermarket, liquor store, vet, Verizon store, boat, jet ski and golf cart dealers, a wide variety of contractors, like landscapers, home and boathouse builders, remodelers, concierge service and more. For those who like to imbibe spirits, we have no shortage of watering holes featuring live music and food vendors.
If your dream has been to own lake property, now would be a good time to act. Interest rates are still reasonable. Lake Anna has a variety of properties from small fishing cabins to luxurious homes on spectacular waterfront lots, fixer uppers to custom builds and everything in between.
Lake Anna, as with all lakes, has idiosyncrasies that a buyer should know before buying. Who better than a local realtor to impart that knowledge? As a seller, who better to answer questions about the lake and to show your property at a moment’s notice than a local agent? The marketing reach of our local Lake Anna realtors is as far and broad as any out of area agent. Whether you are buying or selling, it is your best interest to work with a qualified local realtor.
Kristie Cooke
Lake Anna Realty
Here at Lake Anna, there is truly “something for everyone.” I think that’s what I appreciate most about our area. Lake Anna offers all that you likely expect from a visit to the lake—fishing, boating, swimming, water sports, beautiful sunsets, yet so much more. Gather your friends, your family, or co-workers, or even take some time out alone to explore and enjoy all of the unexpected that the Lake Anna and surrounding area offers. Just to name a few – horseback riding, hiking, wineries, breweries, historically rich Fredericksburg, a fishing pond for children and those with disabilities, and even gold mining! I believe people are drawn to Lake Anna for the sense of community, that feeling like you are not just welcome but that you belong. All of a sudden, regardless of whether you are here full time, weekends or only seasonally, you are a part of the Lake Anna community.
When you begin your search for a home, you’ll find there again, is “something for everyone.”
Whether you are looking for a blank canvas to build your own home or choosing from the various sizes and shapes of homes already built – come and make Lake Anna home!
Angel Hough
Long & Foster
Having been born and raised in the Lake Anna area, I can think of several reasons why owning property at Lake Anna is a good investment. First is due to the location. We are centrally located just a short distance from several major cities like Charlottesville, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Fredericksburg.
The second reason is due to the income possibilities. Property management in this area has become extremely popular over the past decade. People interested in looking for a nice place to host a wedding or have a reunion are drawn to Lake Anna because of its natural beauty. Once they decide to visit, they’ll need to find a place to stay for the weekend or all week. As you can tell, if you are the owner of a rental property, you are looking to make some good money during peak season.
The final reason a second home in Lake Anna is a good investment is that the area is just beautiful! I can’t think of a better place that I would like to spend my time looking over the lake, a backdrop of greenery against a blue sky with a glimpse of the mountains in the background. Lake Anna gives you a place to escape the city, get away from the noise and just relax and enjoy the scenery. With many local restaurants, you won’t need to worry about cooking or having to travel far for a good meal. With many activities and events in the area, there is always something to do.
Mitch Shumate
Lake Anna Realty
You’ve probably already heard the best financial reasons for owning a second home:
• Interest rates will never be lower.
• Great for a quick getaway.
• Possible future rental opportunities.
• Great investment.
But what I love hearing is, “those were the best times with my family.”
It’s the memories. Memories of what you and your children, and hopefully their children, will have of weekends, summers and much-needed breaks that you can comfortably take within a reasonable driving distance. More opportunities than that occasional vacation. Everyone can get away from the day-to-day worries, especially during these unfortunate times. Lake Anna is perfect for that far away feeling, but so close to home.
I love hearing about someone’s first time on a boat, water skiing, paddle boarding or just plain relaxing when talking to my family and friends, new and old. That’s the best reason for a second home!
