These lake house decorating ideas will help create a serene oasis, expertly blending with the beauty of nature all around. By SouthernLiving.com. There’s something so nostalgic about lake houses—memories of hot summers spent by the lake, autumn getaways to see the rich fall foliage. Lake houses are the de facto settings...
Buying a Lakefront Home
Essential Contract Items for Your Lake Home Purchase
Purchasing lakefront property is different than any other real estate. Be sure to work with a Buyer’s Agent that understands lakefront property…there are some contract items that are unique to lake homes. Of course, these are in addition to all other normal contingencies in an offer. They may not all apply,...
Defining Your Lake Home Budget
Before going out and viewing lakefront dream homes, it’s important to understand what you can comfortably afford. It’s no fun falling in love with a home only to find out you can’t qualify for it. Not to mention, most sellers will now require a buyer to be pre-approved for...
Do Most Lakefront Homes Have On-site Septic Systems?
About 40% of the lakefront homes you view will have on-site septic systems, and when properly designed and installed, they are very functional and sanitary. Here’s some things you need to know if this is your first experience with them: In simplest terms, a septic system consists of a...
Native vs. Non-Native Aquatic Plants – What You Need To Know
The rooted aquatic plants that thrive in many lakes and ponds are divided into three main groups: submerged, floating-leaved and emergent. Here’s what you need to know about the lake you are considering: Native aquatic plants are important in the ecological balance of lakes because they provide oxygen, food,...
Tips on Lake Side Zoning Regulations
Most lakes and ponds are considered “wetlands” and therefore fall under the Wetlands Protection Act. Each town has its own interpretation of this Law in their zoning regulations, therefore you (or your buyer’s agent) need to find out the particulars of the property you are considering purchasing. Here are some...
Will My Dream Lakefront Home Require Flood Insurance?
About 15% of all lakefront properties will require flood insurance by the lender. This means that they have determined (through FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps) that the property sits in a flood zone. Flood insurance is not cheap and can cost anywhere from $500 per year to $5,000 per...
Lakefront Location Considerations
As it relates to lakefront property, the popular real estate phrase “Location, Location, Location” was never more applicable. Once you find your dream LAKE, the location ON that lake can make or break your enjoyment. So here’s some things to consider about location: From house to neighboring house, the...
How to Choose the Perfect LAKE for Your Lakefront Lifestyle
Understand that you are not just buying a house, you are buying a LAKE! After all, it’s the lakefront lifestyle you wish to experience. Therefore, all the specific details of the lake become critically important to enjoy the lifestyle you desire. Ask yourself (and your family) the following questions....
What Does Flood Insurance Cover?
To understand what flood insurance covers, you need to know three things first: 1. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage at all. It’ll cover some damage from rain, but if your home is filled with water as a result of rising bodies of lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans, it won’t...