5 Essential Tips for Buying a Waterfront Family Home

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Purchasing a property you and your family can call home is never easy, even more so if we’re talking about waterfront property. Although purchasing such properties requires a bit more effort compared to their land-locked counterparts, the stunning environment and beautiful views of these properties are definitely worth it. To help out, we’re listing five essential tips you should keep in mind when hunting for that perfect waterfront family home.

Take into account the maintenance responsibilities

When looking to buy a waterfront family home, it’s important that you understand the responsibilities that come with this type of property. Owning a property near the water comes with more maintenance compared to properties located on land. From salt air that can cause corrosion to rough waters and weather that can cause potential damage to break walls and docks, waterfront homes are more prone to particular damages which only highlights the importance of regular maintenance.

Other than maintaining the frontage of waterfront homes, future owners also need to take into account some other maintenance tasks that will ensure their waterfront property is preserved from the elements. These include tasks such as roof, dock, and side maintenance.

Factor in the flood insurance requirements and costs

Waterfront properties also come with a higher risk of flood damage. Depending on their location, some waterfront properties are also at risk of hurricanes and wind damage. As someone looking to purchase a waterfront property, it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with flood insurance, requirements, and costs that come with it.

Flood insurance will be required in most cases. Of course, if the property you’re thinking of purchasing is at a lower risk for flooding, the flood insurance policy will be lower. On the other hand, the higher the risk of flooding, the higher the insurance policy will be.

Consider the local real estate market

How much you can expect to pay for a waterfront property will largely depend on the local real estate market and its supply and demand. Unless you’re looking for a luxury family home and can afford one, your safest bet would be to wait for the real estate market to cool down a bit until you proceed with your search.

For those looking for good deals on waterfront properties in the U.S, it’d be a good idea to take a look at some of the more affordable waterfront cities there. From Jamestown and Rochester in New York to Brainerd and Alexandria in Minnesota, there are plenty of opportunities for average income earners to locate the right waterfront property for their family without breaking the bank.

Factor in the view, climate, and privacy

When buying a waterfront family home, especially one that’s on the more luxurious side, it’s important that you look for one that can accommodate your family’s lifestyle and needs. For that to happen, you’ll need to factor in things such as climate, privacy, and views.

These factors are precisely the reason why exotic, far-away destinations such as the Mediterranean have been gaining in popularity in recent years, with Montenegro’s Bar and Ulcinj being one of the top locations for overseas real estate hunting. Aside from the ideal Mediterranean climate and location attractiveness, perfectly envisioned seaside properties in Bar, Montenegro also offer intimate waterfront living along with access to exclusive privileges and various other community benefits. As such, it provides a secure environment for real estate investment along with a highly sought-after lifestyle. Remember, when buying a waterfront property, you’re buying more than just the property. You’re also getting breathtaking views, privacy, access to water, and so much more, so keep that in mind when house-hunting.

Work with an expert real estate agent

Not all waterfront properties are created equal, and this is precisely why you need to be working with a reliable real estate agent when buying a waterfront family home. Hiring a realtor that specializes in waterfront homes and properties is invaluable in these instances, especially if you’re buying your first real estate and need help navigating the complex home buying process.

By relying on their first-hand knowledge and experience, your realtor will be able to identify what you’re looking for and get you a step closer to your ideal waterfront family home. They’ll also know exactly who they need to involve in the transaction while also asking the right questions, all the while pointing out the considerations that you, as a property buyer, need to keep in mind.

Wrapping up

Living on the water comes with a long list of benefits and a lifestyle so many people dream of. While there are lots of things to consider, these tips will certainly make your journey a lot less stressful and far more enjoyable.