Southern Maryland Waterfront - What Type of Property Best Fits Your Needs- As we approach the spring and summer season, many are thinking about a possible waterfront purchase. Some important considerations for buyers and sellers with regard to waterfront sales that go beyond the typical concerns of non-waterfront sales:
-LOCATION. As with any property, location is paramount as to the desirability and price a buyer is willing to pay. Proximity to employment, shopping and restaurants, and, for some, schools that meet the buyers needs are criteria at the top of the list for most any buyer. For waterfront buyers, that criteria has another layer of definition. Driving distance is a consideration for second home purchasers. Depending on whether the buyer has a boat, and if so, what type of boat determines the properties that are viable options. In addition, the proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, or ability to stay in more protected water is something Southern Maryland waterfront buyers need to consider when selecting location.
-WATER VIEW. Buyers typically prefer either panoramic views or natural peaceful views in wooded settings. Panoramic views are most often found on the Chesapeake Bay, Patuxent River and the Potomac River. with some of those locations offering properties that sit on cliffs. Properties with panoramic views many times have more water frontage and the amount of water frontage usually comes with a higher price tag. However, if the buyer desires a panoramic view and needs water depth to accommodate their boat, the options are typically more limited in that bay and river properties have 3ft or less water depth and are not protected for the most part.
- WATER DEPTH. Water depth is a big determining factor for waterfront buyers, but it needs to be mentioned that properties with more water depth, like frontage, are more expensive.
In Southern Maryland, the protected creeks on the Patuxent River have more water depth and easy access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Creeks in Calvert County offering deep protected waters with quick access to the Chespeake Bay, Solomons, and the Patuxent River are Mill Creek, St. Johns Creek, and Back Creek (Solomons, Dowell, and Lusby). Saint Leonard Creek, Helens Creek, Battle Creek and Island Creeks are other creeks that contain deep waters accessing the Patuxent River.
In Saint Mary's County, the Cuckold Creek (California, Hollywood) area and Lewis Creek (Town Creek, Lexington Park, California) contain deep waters accessing the Patuxent River.
Deep water is found in Saint Inigoes Creek, accessing the St. Mary's River and Potomac River. In addition, deep water accessing the Potomac can be found in Abell and Avenue on Canoe Neck Creek and Deep Creek to name a few creeks. St. Jerome Creek accesses the Chesapeake Bay with deeper water found there as well (Dameron).
-PROTECTED WATER. Protected water will generally be found on the creeks accessing the rivers and the Chesapeake Bay and is desired by most boat owners.
-PIER. Pier type and condition is another consideration for boat owners. The cost to maintain, and depending on the condition of the pier, the cost to repair or replace is an additional consideration for waterfront purchasers.
-SHORELINE. The condition of the shoreline and protection from erosion are additional considerations for those considering a waterfront purchase. Again, the cost to maintain, or repair or replace if necessary is in the mix of considerations for waterfront buyers.
-LOT TOPOGRAPHY. The overall lot slope, and the steepness to the water in particular, are things a waterfront buyer needs to think about as to how the property will meet their needs. For some, a steep lot may afford better views and water depth, but something to consider with a steeper lot is the ease of taking gear down to the pier for a boat ride, as well as costs to install, maintain, or replace stairways accessing the water. For others, a steeper lot would make use of the property much more difficult.
-CRITICAL AREA. Waterfront buyers also need to consider restrictions on land use as all land within 1000 feet of Maryland's tidal waters and tidal wetlands is considered to be critical area. This link provides more information on The Critical Area Program .
As with almost any real estate transaction, consumers wrestle with the decision as to the best way to determine the right agent to handle one of the most important decisions they make - their real estate transaction -whether that be waterfront or non-waterfront. The waterfront buyer has criteria that go over and above the non-waterfront purchase and an agent's knowledge of these nuances can make all the difference in how the transaction comes together.
Please contact me for more information on Calvert County real estate and Saint Mary's County real estate.
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