Searching for lake houses for sale in your area?
If you’re searching for lake houses for sale in your area, you’re navigating a specific real estate market. Here are a few essential insights to remember when considering a home on a lake:
#1. Understand the Costs Involved
Living by a lake can invite additional costs, including higher property taxes, dock fees, specialized insurance for flooding, higher water and sewer rates, and increased maintenance costs. Buyers considering lake houses for sale should research these costs before they purchase, and budget for them accordingly.
You can use a reliable mortgage loan calculator to get some clarity on the basics of your home loan, while keeping these additional expenses in mind. A top real estate professional in your area, specializing in lake houses, can help you further understand how these costs impact your specific situation.
#2. Don’t Skip the Inspection
When you’re buying any home, including a lake house, you should get an understanding of the property’s condition by scheduling an inspection. Since lake houses are located in an environment with high moisture, a changing landscape, and often unpredictable weather, an inspection gives you insight into the overall condition of the home and its major systems, while also helping you understand what repairs and maintenance might be required in the future.
#3. Learn More About the Lake
When you’re looking for lake houses for sale you should do some research on the lake itself. Here are some of the questions you’ll want to ask before you buy:
- Can you boat, swim, fish, or jet ski on the lake?
- Is it a popular tourist spot, and does this cause disruption?
- What is the lake bottom like?
- Is the area prone to flooding?
- What insects or pests live around the lake?
- What is the housing supply/demand around the lake?
- What is the shoreline’s condition during the summer months?
- Does the lake recede in the winter?
- Is the lake’s water level controlled?
- Does the lake have a dam and who controls it?
- How often is the lake’s water quality tested?
- How are the residents alerted to any potentially harmful water conditions?
#4. Ask About the Shoreline
The shoreline makes a lake home unique, but it can also bring challenges. For example, some shorelines are owned by another entity, such as the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, a power company, or municipality.
In these instances, it is not uncommon for the homeowner to lease the property’s land. These leases can range from $200 to $500 per month, depending on your area, and can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years. The upside is that you may not have to pay property taxes if your lake house sits on leased land.
The other shoreline consideration you’ll want to make is in regards to its history and future. Shorelines are known for moving, and you must understand how much (or little) it’s moved in the past, so you can plan for the future. If the water rises, you could lose some of your property; if it recedes, you could end up being farther from the water than you initially anticipated.
#5. Understand the Dock Costs
Building a boat dock on your lakefront property is not a small project. Depending on the size, water depth, type of dock, and climate, your project could range from around $2,000 to over $50,000. If you’re looking at a lake house that does not have an existing dock and plan to add one in the future, be sure to get several estimates from local companies to understand the expense.
#6. Check the Insurance Requirements
Homeowner’s insurance policies for waterfront homes are generally more expensive due to their increased exposure to the natural elements. Depending on where the lake home is located, there may be requirements for broader insurance coverage, including flood insurance.
You may also have additional structures on your property — like a boat dock, sea wall, or guest house — so you’ll also want to speak with your insurance agent to make sure they are covered, if not under your homeowner’s policy.
#7. Work With a Top Lake House Agent
The best way to guarantee success in any real estate transaction is by hiring a great agent. Buyers interested in lake houses for sale should look for an agent with ample experience with waterfront properties. Then the agent can ensure that you’re not overlooking any important details unique to your lakefront property.
Shopping for lake houses for sale is an exciting adventure. Help things run smoothly by keeping these considerations in mind. And, for more real estate tips, be sure to explore our blog.
