It can be very challenging to buy a home, especially if you are planning on living on the water. Purchasing a waterfront property can be an incredibly complex and intimidating process. Before starting the process, it’s essential to learn about some critical factors that will make the buying process less stressful.
Regardless of the type of home you’re planning on buying, it’s essential to start the process with the proper steps. This can be especially important if you’re planning on purchasing a waterfront property.
Which Body of Water?
Before starting the process, you must have a good idea of what type of property you’re planning to buy. Whether it’s a lake, river, or ocean, it’s important to consider the area where you would like to live.
One of the most important factors you should consider is the water views. A property with just water views can’t be considered a waterfront property. Instead, it can be a property with water privilege or access. Water access is a privilege allowing you to go to the water from your own property or a community-owned easement.
If you’re not sure that the home is on the water, you can still enjoy access to the water through water privilege.
Location is Vital
If the water views aren’t what you’re looking for, you’ll not be happy with the home. For instance, if you’re planning on living on a quiet beach, you might not be happy with the water views.
Choose an Agent
After determining where you would like to live and what type of property you want, you should contact a real estate agent. You should find one who has experience with waterfront properties because an average agent may not be able to handle the situation. Before you begin the process, you must tell the agent about your plans to use the property’s water. For instance, if you own a boat, you should let your agent know how big a dock will be required for your use.
Research
Before starting the process, you must have a good idea of what type of property you’re planning to buy. One of the most important factors you should consider is the home’s safety.
Most waterfront properties have a seawall or bulkhead to protect the house from the elements. Before putting a property on the market, you must have the necessary inspection.
Consider the Downsides
One of the most important factors you should consider is the additional costs you’ll be facing when buying a waterfront property. Most home insurance policies won’t cover the damage caused by flooding, so if you live in a flood-prone area, you should consider getting flood insurance. In some waterfront cities, you’ll also be required to have wind and general hazard insurance.
One of the most challenging aspects of owning a waterfront property is the additional responsibilities involved in maintaining it. Some of these include the maintenance of the seawall, boat lift, and dock. If you live on the ocean, you’ll most likely have to replace the HVAC system sooner rather than later due to how salt air affects its performance. In addition, you’ll also have to maintain the body of water near your property to comply with the rules and regulations set by the homeowners association.
Another important aspect that you should consider when it comes to buying a waterfront property is the privacy issue surrounding the home. If the water is frequently used by boats or people, you might end up with more people hanging around the property, giving you less privacy.
Purchasing a waterfront home can be a big investment, especially if you have to consider the various factors that go into making such a decision. After reading this article, you might have decided it’s the right choice for you and your family.