Table of Contents Show
Everyone has a dream home they want to purchase. Most people’s dream home features an idyllic view of the ocean or lake. Waterfront homes are more expensive than inland homes for a few reasons.
Firstly, waterfront real estate is limited, meaning demand often exceeds supply. But, more importantly, waterfront homes are expensive because, in addition to picturesque views, they also allow you to partake in watersports and other activities without needing to get in the car and drive a long distance to the beach.
Most prospective homebuyers want to purchase a waterfront home near the ocean. However, a waterfront home near a lake might be a better option. Baton Rouge, LA, has emerged as a particularly popular location for buyers seeking a waterfront home.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Waterfront Home
Here are some things to consider when purchasing a waterfront home:
1. Focus on Why You Want to Purchase a Waterfront Home
If you’re purchasing a waterfront home because you want to wake up every morning, head to your backyard, and enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the ocean or lake’s beauty, then you’re not alone.
However, most people purchasing a waterfront home aren’t only focused on the view. Instead, they also like waterfront activities, which make their purchase more justifiable.
For instance, you might consider purchasing a waterfront home because you love surfing and want to have unfettered access to the beach. Alternatively, you might like taking your boat or yacht out for a spin every weekend, anchoring it in the middle of the ocean or lake, cracking open a few beers, and setting your fishing line into the water.
If activities such as boating or fishing pique your interest, you’ll want to ensure your waterfront home has a dock for your boat. In addition, boat storage also matters, particularly in some places like Baton Rouge. Locals living in the area can perform a quick Google search for Boat Storage Baton Rouge LA, but Square Space Storage is likely your best option.
2. Get Ready for Regular Maintenance
Waterfront homes fetch a higher price than suburban homes since they come with a fantastic view and usually provide unrestricted water access. However, they also have a caveat.
Close proximity to large bodies of water makes things more challenging for homeowners because you have to be ready for regular maintenance. Furthermore, driving ocean winds and rainfall will also cause more damage to your house than if it were located further inland.
Therefore, prepare yourself for regular maintenance if you’re purchasing a waterfront home. Such homes are particularly affected by salt air, causing rust. Regular maintenance means you’ll need to keep handymen on speed dial and a chunk of change ready every year.
3. Ensure You Don’t Neglect Climate Change Problems
Research shows that waterfront homeowners often have more pressing concerns than inland homeowners. They’re more worried about storms, hurricanes, and flooding. However, that’s not all. They also have to worry about soil erosion, particularly due to rising sea levels.
While waterfront homes remain prime real estate for now, the odds are that rising sea levels and climate change might cause their value to plummet in the future. Thus, many real estate experts specializing in waterfront properties recommend opting for homes built on stilts rather than older homes at ground level. In addition, asking the local municipality about their plans to combat climate change concerns in the area is also a good idea.
4. Location Matters Even More for Waterfront Homes
Location matters for any real estate property. But it matters even more for waterfront homes. Let’s assume you want to purchase a waterfront home with pristine water. You’ll want to ensure you pick a location where the water isn’t polluted or murky. Similarly, another important thing to consider is how location affects privacy.
Most lake and beach homes have numerous amenities. However, they don’t always offer privacy. You’ll want to select a waterfront home located on a private beach if you’re seeking privacy. Otherwise, you can expect to find vacationers and beachgoers sunbathing and surfing a few meters from your home.
Location also matters when taking climate change concerns into account. For instance, much of Florida’s coastline is expected to change over the next 100 years due to climate change. Therefore, buying a waterfront home in Florida might not be the wisest choice.
5. Keep Insurance Rates in Mind
Another important thing to consider when purchasing a waterfront home is the insurance rates. Waterfront homes usually have considerably higher insurance rates than traditional homes because their proximity to a large body of water makes them more susceptible to natural disasters and environmental damage.
Ensure you consult with insurance agents to get an idea of insurance rates before purchasing a waterfront home. Moreover, you’ll probably need to buy separate insurance for different parts of your home. Furthermore, flood insurance is usually sold as a separate policy in most cases.
Conclusion
Buying a waterfront home is many people’s dream. But it’s important to remember that beachfront homes are more prone to climate change concerns and environmental damage. Ensure you keep the considerations listed in this article in mind when purchasing a waterfront property.
