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5 Things to Consider When Buying a Lakefront Home

Beautiful lakes and lakefront real estate are among the many things Central Florida is known for. These properties, combined with the area’s fantastic location and lifestyle make them highly desirable.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you put your money on prized lakefront homes. Here are questions you should ask:

  1. Do you have the right real estate agent for the job?

    The first step in shopping for any type of real estate is finding the right Realtor to help you.

    Purchasing waterfront real estate can be complex. It comes with a set of considerations only specialized Realtors can help you with. Everything from the depth of the water to restrictions when it comes to docks to your sight lines so you can best enjoy the view need to be looked into.

    A Realtor with plenty of experience in buying waterfront real estate is your friend.

  2. How close is the location to amenities and services?

    You should always choose a location that gives you the best advantages, no matter how pretty the waterfront location may can be.

    This is especially true if you’re buying a primary home. Carefully weigh the property’s desirability against its access to medical facilities, schools, shopping, entertainment, and work., Think about the consequences if you need to sacrifice a lifestyle option

  3. What are your riparian water rights?

    Your riparian water rights or riparian rights refers to your right to use the body of water located along your property.

    If your property abuts a lake, what privileges do you have on using it? Waterfront locations often provide perks such as fishing, swimming, boating, and all kinds of water-related activities.

    In Florida, for example, you and your next-door neighbor have co-equal rights to the use of the entire non-navigable natural lake if you both own separate portions of the same lake bed.

  4. How good is the view of the lake?

    Make sure the view you’re getting is adequate to your taste. Check to see that there aren’t potential developments nearby that can affect your property’s line of site to the water. In new communities, developing lots around your property can potentially change your view.

  5. Is the lake easy to access?

    Pick flatter lots if you plan on living a long time in the property. Steep lots make accessing the water harder as you age.

  6. How close is the house to the water?

    This is a matter of privacy. The closer the house is to the shore, the easier it is to see from the water by passing boaters.

  7. What do you know about the lake?

    As the biggest feature about the property, you should always try to know everything about the lake before buying. Here are more important questions you should ask:

    • What type of lake is it?
    • Are there fish aquatic life?
    • What’s the home orientation?
    • Does the water level fluctuate?
    • Where does the wind come from?
    • Are you allowed to build a dock?
    • What is the mosquito season like?
    • What things, activities not allowed on the lake?
    • Is the shoreline/bottom sandy, muddy, or rocky?
    • What sports, activities, and water vehicles are allowed?
  8. Has the property been thoroughly inspected?

    Lastly, when you’ve found a property that fits all your wants and needs, it’s important that you do a thorough inspection on it. Especially on the lake and lakeshore. (Inspections are almost always a requirement by lenders.)

    Your real estate agent should be able to get you the property’s hazard disclosure reports (these are standard and required by law) and flooding history.

As with any type of real estate transaction, due diligence is key. It minimizes the chances of problems popping up in the future so you can enjoy your new home to the fullest.

Get in touch with professional real estate agent Chris Quarles to help you find the best homes and neighborhoods fast.

Contact Chris Quarles

Chris Quarles Properties

407.540.7040
Chris(at)ChrisQuarles(dotted)com