Buying a beach home is a dream for many! Waking up to the sound of waves, enjoying breathtaking ocean views, and having the perfect getaway just steps from the shore. However, purchasing a beachfront property requires careful consideration beyond just location and aesthetics. Here’s what you need to know before investing in your own slice of paradise.

As short term rental properties continue to grow in popularity, most people are excited to invest in the first house they find. While this can work out wonderfully for some, most investors get stuck with an extra mortgage that they were hoping would pay for itself. For simplicity's sake, let’s define a short term rental as anything that’s rented out for less than 30 days. My husband and I currently own a vacation property in the Outer Banks , recently sold one of our past rental properties, and I regularly help my clients navigate this same process. So clearly, I’m your girl to help you buy or sell your short term rental in Hampton Roads or North Carolina. The top 3 locations that I regularly recommend clients purchase a short term rental property in are Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and the Outer Banks (OBX). But before you buy just any home, there are a few things to keep in mind. The majority of Virginia Beach is not approved for short term rentals. They’re only allowed within the Resort area. However, this area is extremely sought after from May to September and will bring in lots of cash flow during those months. Norfolk also has strict location rules but is extremely lively from June to September. OBX on the other hand, was created to be vacationed in. The island has no real limitations for short term rental properties unless your condo association has specific rules.