You have always dreamed of owning a waterfront property and now you think you have found the right place to buy. Hopefully, you have done enough research and know the most important things to be aware of when purchasing waterfront home. However, if you are at a loss when it comes to knowing what to look for, then let’s take a step back for a second. Here are some of the most common concerns that you should be focusing on when shopping for that waterfront home.
Is the Home Located in A Flood Designated Area?
An expense that goes overlooked is flood insurance. If the property is in a flood zone, then you will be required to take out flood insurance. You can get this through the national government’s National Flood Insurance Program. If you do indeed have to purchase flood insurance, start shopping around to get an idea of the rates but expect to play around $700 a year to be protected.
Is Your Real Estate Agent a Water Specialist?
The agent that you want to work with is someone that specializes in these kinds of properties according to “Waterfront Buying: Top 10 Tips from Agents.” The reason being is that your average agent may not know the nuances of waterfront property. Sure, maybe they found you a good deal, but that deal could be due to reasons common amongst waterfront properties. As a result, these agents may not be privy to this information because of their lack of knowledge and experience with waterfront properties.
Inspect Your Bulkheads!
A bulkhead is a barrier that separates the property from the water. In certain cases, the buyer will be held responsible maintaining and repairing this bulkhead, which can be a costly endeavor. That is why before you purchase a home you should hire a specialist to inspect the bulkhead to get an idea of what you are getting into and what costs you should expect later down the line.
The Material Used to Build the Home
Being so close to the waterfront means also that the home will have more wear and tear than a normal house. Homes near saltwater have it even rougher due to the evaporation o the water which causes oxidation. That is why if you do see any metal it should be stainless steel. Moreover, you should check to see if the home has always been fitted with certain things that will protect it better from the elements such as storm shutters or a taller foundation.
Know the Limitations of The Property
If you dream of building a dock out onto the water so you can keep a boat or a pair of jet skis, make sure you know the current regulations for the area. Certain lakes may not allow water vehicles. Nothing would be more disheartening than finding out only after the fact that you are unable to build or enjoy the property as you had hoped. Make sure you make a list of things to look for and your concerns so that you do not get surprised later down the line.
