Waterfront living is a dream for many people. Being next to the water is one of the most relaxing ways to live, and it’s also the perfect option if you want a vacation home where you can spend the weekends.
But there are lots of things you need to remember when you buy a waterfront property if you want to make sure you choose the right place.
Dos of Buying a Waterfront Property
Here are some of the most important things to do when you start searching for your new waterfront home.
Decide on the Area
First of all, be very careful about where you choose to live, and don’t rush your decision or you could regret it.
Just because a property is next to the water, this doesn’t mean it’s the same as all the others. There are waterfront properties that are on the beach, next to a lake, in peaceful areas, and in noisy areas, so you should consider them all.
Do you want to live next to a large lake with a powerboat? Or do you want to live on a smaller lake that is more peaceful?
Think very carefully about exactly what it is that you want, then visit lots of different places to get a feel for them.
Meet the Neighbours
When you find an area you like the look of, talk to the neighbours. The people who have owned property in the area for a long time will be best placed to tell you about all the good and bad things about living there. They are not trying to sell you anything, so you can expect to hear the truth.
Find an Experienced Real Estate Agent
You will also want to find a real estate agent who knows all about waterfronts. A specialist will be able to provide you with all the advice you need, and they can help you to find the perfect place to live.
Find Out About the Utilities
Make sure you consider the utilities before you buy your property. In rural areas next to the water, electricity, the water supply, and sewage are not the same as in the city. You might need a septic tank, for example, which can cost a lot of money, so always investigate before you buy.
Research Loans in Advance
Waterfront properties are very desirable, so they can often be more expensive than other types of properties. You might only be able to get a mortgage if you are very qualified, and it can take longer to sort one out.
So start looking early and find out your options before you set your heart on a property and then find out you cannot buy it.
Don’ts of Buying a Waterfront Property
Here are a few of the most important things to avoid when you buy a property on the water.
Don’t Forget to Inspect the Property
Don’t buy a property without inspecting it very carefully first. It has to be able to withstand the water because it will take much more wear and tear than standard homes, especially if it is next to the ocean.
Inspect the bulkheads because you might be responsible for maintenance. You want to know what kind of costs are involved before you buy the property, so hire a specialist to check them.
Failing to Find Out About Improvements
If you find a property you like the look of, don’t forget to find out about whether you can make improvements to it because there may be restrictions in place for construction.
For example, you may want to build a pier (visit summersetmarine.com to find out more about this), so find out if this is possible. Can you cut down the trees for a better view? Don’t buy a property and then be disappointed later because you didn’t check in advance.
Not Knowing Your Responsibilities
You may have responsibilities if your home is part of an association, such as the amount of upkeep and maintenance required, so always find out what you have to do as the owner.
Forgetting Flood Insurance
Flood insurance can be costly, but it can also be very useful. Find out if you need this, then ask your real estate agent for recommendations and always compare quotes.
Find Your Perfect Waterfront Property
A waterfront property is an absolute dream for some people. If you are one of them, you want to make sure you choose the perfect property, whether you plan to live there or use it as a vacation home.
Keep these dos and don’ts in mind when you start looking for your new home, and don’t rush into anything. Always take your time, look at lots of properties, compare them, and then choose the perfect waterfront property.
Victoria Browne works for a busy landscaping service. She likes to inspire others by posting about her experiences on various homeowner and lifestyle blogs.
