The process of buying a house can be scary and difficult, but buying a waterfront property can be considerably more complicated. For many individuals, having a house on the water is the American dream. Still, before buying a waterfront property, it is crucial to be aware of a few key details to make the process less complicated and intimidating.
First Steps Toward Buying a Waterfront Property
Whatever type of home you intend to purchase, it’s critical to understand the initial steps. Due to a few extra steps, it’s especially important when you’re looking to purchase a beachfront home.
What Kind Of Waterfront Property?
What kind of waterfront property you want to purchase is one of the first things that should be taken into account. It’s important to consider where you picture yourself living, whether it’s beside a lake, river, or ocean. Consider whether a sandy beach, murky water, or clear water would be more appealing to you.
After that, be careful to understand the distinction between a riverfront property and a property with water views, access, or privilege. A house with only a view of the water is not on the water like a waterfront house would be. Instead of being on the water, you can only see the water from your house. You could not be on the water or even be able to see it from your property if you have water access. If you have water access, you can only access the water from your property or a community-owned land.
Last but not least, if a property has access to the water through a community-owned land or an easement, it is not waterfront and does not enjoy views. Therefore, you can still have access to a beach or dock through water access or privilege even if you cannot see the water or the home is not on the water.
Location First, Home Second
Next, put the neighborhood first and the home second. This is because if the water environment around your home isn’t what you’d ideally like, you won’t be content either inside or outside of it. For instance, you would be dissatisfied if you prioritized the home over the land and ended up with muddy waters or a busy beach rather than what you desired.
Find An Agent
It’s time to speak with a real estate agent once you’ve decided what kind of waterfront property you want to acquire and where you want to reside. It’s crucial to look for a waterfront property expert while looking for an agent because the average realtor might not be. In addition to describing the type of house you desire to an agent when you locate one, you should also explain your plans for using the water on the property. If you have a boat, for instance, let your agent know how big of a dock you’ll need.
Check Out The Comps
It’s crucial to check the nearby comparables after the agent locates properties in the area you’ve chosen. By examining the comps, you can make sure that you are receiving the finest value in that neighborhood about the water on your property and the statistics for homes.
Questions To Ask The Agent
The next step is understanding the appropriate questions to pose to the agent regarding the waterfront properties they find. Homeowner’s associations on certain waterfront homes impose laws and regulations about the water on the property as well as any additional upkeep. Asking about utilities and safety features is also crucial. These are some inquiries to make:
- Is there an HOA?
- Can I build on the property?
- Are there any water use restrictions?
- Can I use a boat?
- Can I swim in the water?
- Can I fish?
- Can I use water vehicles?
- Are there any utilities, if so what utilities?
- Is there a seawall? If so what’s its age and previous maintenance that has been done to it?
Research Before Buying A Waterfront Property
Finally, do your research. It’s important to do a water analysis test to ensure that it is safe for swimming and any other water activities. Another thing to check out regarding safety is the seawall or bulkhead. Most waterfront properties that are on the ocean have either a seawall or a bulkhead to protect the house from any damage that’s why it is important to know everything about the one on the property. Therefore, you should look into getting the seawall inspected by a specialist.
Ask Coastal Living Realty Group For Help
Using a real estate agent can help simplify the process of buying or selling a property by providing valuable expertise and guidance, saving you time, and potentially helping you get a better deal. We have access to resources and networks that can make the transaction smoother and more successful. Contact us today!
