Buying a Luxury Home: Beyond the Basics

Prices and comparisons don't tell the whole story. Catch the flavor of different areas by spending time with your agent just driving around and learning about the neighborhoods and properties.

Go back on your own as as well at different times of the day, particularly if you have children.

See what you might not have uncovered, for better or worse, the first time around. Talk to people that know the area. Stop by the local government offices or even the sheriff's office and find out first-hand what those that live in the area have to say about your desired location.

For neighborhood information and community links about various localities in the Commonwealth, see the area resources section for Charlottesville, Richmond and Northern VA at Virginia Estates.com.