Thursday, November 13, 2008

Tips For Buying Waterfront Property

Many people dream of owning a home on the water, whether it be a lake, river, or bay. For many, views of sunrises and sunsets on a peaceful lake bring feelings of happiness, serenity, and calmness. If you think you may be ready to make this dream come true for yourself, there are a few considerations you may want to reflect upon before taking that first step.

Considerations Before You Buy Waterfront Real Estate

  • Firstly, address the exact reasons why you want to own a waterfront property. What kind of activities do you plan on doing? Boating, fishing, and swimming are common water activities, but cannot be accomplished on just any body of water. Be sure that the water on your prospective property can accommodate your needs and desires.
  • Decide if you want to have rural surroundings, or if you would like to live near more urban conveniences. Choose your prospects accordingly.
  • Be aware of any federal, state, and local laws that may affect you as a waterfront property owner. Research these laws before deciding if that waterfront home is really for you.
  • Know that, as an owner of waterfront property, you will have a responsibility to protect that environment for future generations. This practice is called stewardship and should never be taken lightly.
  • Protecting the natural shoreline of your waterfront real estate will not only benefit the environment, but your investment as well.

Water Quality

You want to be sure that the quality of the water meets your personal standards. The water, wildlife, and lake bottom are just some of the important factors to consider. Remember, while the landscaping of your land may be altered to your specifications, the water is the one thing on your property that cannot be changed.

Ideally, you want your shoreline to be sandy. Mucky shorelines are not very pleasant to walk on. While there will almost always be some muck on the shore, less is better.

If you plan on fishing on your lake, be sure to research the native species of fish living within your body of water.

The lake bottom is another substantial factor to consider. As with the shore, you don’t want an overly mucky bottom. Preferably, you will most likely want a sandy bottom or similar material.

The clearer the water, the better. “A recent study of over 1,000 waterfront properties in Minnesota found, when all other factors were equal, properties on lakes with clear water command significantly higher property prices.”

Waterfront Joys - Reasons To Purchase Waterfront Property

Residing on a waterfront is slowly becoming a highly desired lifestyle these days. Most people wish to purchase a waterfront home now. Many of them do not care about the kind of waterfront property but what matters to them is the fact that they will live close by a water body. There are various types of waterfront living but what is common amongst it all is the comfort and ease you experience by staying near the water.

Everyone can experience something special brought on by waterfront living. If you are in love with the ocean, you can opt for a coastline property. If you think that the mountains have beckoned you, you can find homes beside lakes, rivers or beautiful, sparkling streams. You can also think of staying in a waterfront house on a cliff with an amazing view of the ocean. Any option that you choose will still give you ready access to water and the mere sight, sound or smell of it will raise your spirits. How else can you think of rejuvenating yourself everyday than staying on a waterfront property? You would find nothing comparable to this.

Now you would find that there are two different types of waterfront property available. There are those situated in resort areas and those situated in non-resort areas. Properties in both these areas differ widely and they also tend to attract different kinds of buyers for various reasons. People who generally prefer the waterfront homes in the resort areas want it mainly as a second home or just a vacation home. Their idea would just be that of a get away. They only intend to relax themselves or their families and enjoy a vacation for certain duration before they need to get back to the rush hours of the hectic city life. A week or a few days would help them regain their lost energy and forget all their care and worries.

The other kind, the non-resort waterfront areas will be situated in slightly secluded places or within smaller towns or cities. These kinds of waterfront homes may look exciting to only those who want to feel like it is a vacation everyday they return home. There could be nothing more soothing than to listen to waves crash against the shore or the soft currents of water. There are people who want to stay beside the water everyday as it motivates them and relaxes them. This creates an environment of great ease and comfort for them. They are also some who do not mind the long commutes over great distances simply to be able to enjoy this life. They just want to live here to wake up to the smell of the sea, to see the ripples created in the lake when you throw a stone, or to go for a ride in a canoe whenever they please.

If these prospects are alluring to you, buying a waterfront property, be it as a vacation home or permanent residence, should be considered by you seriously.