by Ann Harrison
If you love the idea of living on the lake, you may want to do a lot of research before you decide to buy a waterfront home. Let me share with you a few things to ask yourself and discuss with your real estate agent, when searching for a lakeside home.
First of all, what motivates you to purchase a house by the lake? Are you planning to move into this home on a permanent basis, use the property for a place to getaway for the weekend, or the summer, or are you planning to use it as a conference center where you and your colleagues meet to discuss business matters? No matter what your reason, the time it takes to commute back and forth to work, school for the kids, and shopping, are determining factors to consider when choosing a waterfront property.
Consider your overall expenses. The initial expense may be a bit more than you’d expect when purchasing a home, depending on the area you have chosen, and how close to the water you home is positioned. In many cases, the cost of living in a lakeside home is lower than homes in urban or suburban areas; however, you may be expected to pay a premium or base fee for boat fuel. Also consider the cost of any water sporting equipment such as jet skis, boats, water skis, and fishing equipment. Ask your real estate agent whether or not the lake offers recreational activities. Some areas are better than others, because they offer more family friendly activities.
You’ll want to find out whether or not the lake property and the surrounding neighborhood is controlled by a home owners association or other such organization. If this is the case, get a listing of their ordinances, and the membership fees, so you’ll be prepared for any problems that arise, while turning your lakeside property into a home you’ll enjoy for years to come. Although these associations may be necessary to keep the peace in a lakeside neighborhood, some have more property restrictions than others, so get the scoop, before you jump into the purchase with both feet.
Consider the living conditions on the property itself. Although a lakeside home can be a fun place to live, or take a vacation for your entire family and your friends to enjoy, you may want to study the weather conditions and the rise and fall of the water levels in the lake itself. In many cases, these conditions can cause serious property damage For instance, the moisture in the air and the rise and fall of the water can cause damage to wood, metal, and stone that make up the house and any other storage buildings you have on your property.
The weather patterns can be a significant factor to take into consideration also. For instance, you will want to find out if the lake is prone to flooding. How far away from the flood line is your home situated? Will it be necessary to purchase flood insurance? Does the area have problems with mosquitoes or other biting insects that you should be aware of?
When speaking to a real estate agent, write these and any other questions you may have in a notebook, or on your mobile device, so that you are prepared for any surprises when making your purchase of a new lakeside home. Be sure to hire a certified home inspector to walk through the property with you, checking it from top to bottom for damage, or any other unexpected problems, before they arise and surprise you, when you least expect it. Once you’ve settled on a lakeside home you like, consider hiring a maintenance professional to repair any damage and maintain the upkeep on the house, so you will have a lovely place to come home too, whenever you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your crazy busy lifestyle.
About the Author
Ann Harrison is a totally blind author, who grew up in the small town of Rochelle, Georgia, and has moved back to her family home after living in North Georgia for several years. Ann has written many articles of general interest for a number of clients since June of 2010, including the Cordele Dispatch. She has also published a short story entitled “The Big Climb” in Awethology Light. Ann also published a story entitled “The Woods” in December Awethology Light Volume by The #Awethors. She is currently working on several novels, and a self-help book. To read more of Ms. Harrison’s inspirational writings, visit her blog at www.wwannwrites.wordpress.com.
