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So you want to buy a waterfront home?

Buying a waterfront property is different from buying a regular home. When you decide to buy waterfront home, your decision goes beyond simply selecting and purchasing a home, and becomes more about “buying” into a certain kind of lifestyle.

If you’re already thinking about looking for an ideal waterfront home, here are a few helpful tips as well as other things you need to consider:

Look for an agent who specializes in waterfront homes

Don’t expect the average agent to be an expert on waterfront properties. You need to find someone who has plenty of experience with waterfront homes in order for you to get the best deal possible. Without an expert on your side, you may think you’ve landed a good deal – until you discover something unexpected later on.

Prioritize the property itself over the structure

Many waterfront home buyers commit the mistake of focusing only on the home. It’s only later on when they discover swimming conditions are not too good, the views aren’t really that nice, the place doesn’t have much privacy, and so on. When choosing a waterfront home, remember that you can always improve the home, but you can’t really improve its location.

Look for a property that’s ideal for your lifestyle

Think about why you’d like to own a waterfront property. If you want to soak in panoramic views from the comfort of your own home, then simply choose a home surrounded by gorgeous scenery. If you’re looking forward to activities like fishing or water sports however, make sure your property has easy access to these, so you get to enjoy them anytime you want.

Find out whether the home can withstand harsh weather conditions

Compared to regular homes, waterfront homes are more susceptible to damage caused by the elements. Be sure the property you’re buying will be able to withstand harsh weather. Check for storm-proof windows and doors, materials that can withstand the salty air, and so on.

Look into insurance early

Before you search for a waterfront home, it’s best to do some research beforehand on insurance policies, so you know what to expect. In the state of Florida for example, waterfront homeowners are required to purchase three policies (for winds, floods, and general hazards). Most of these policies are often not acquired through a single insurance company.

Plan ahead if you’re planning to renovate the property

If you’re thinking about adding new features to a waterfront home, like say, a boat dock or a seawall, find out beforehand whether or not the alterations will be possible. Government agencies can often be strict or difficult to deal with, so you don’t want to make the mistake of buying a home only to discover you’re not allowed to add the features you’d like to have.

Talk to your potential neighbors

One of the best ways to gauge an area is to talk to the people who are already living there. Find out what they like and dislike about living in the community, ask about waterfront-related problems, and get insider information about the area.

Questions?

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