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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
Is snow and ice covering your lakefront dreams? Don’t let that discourage you from buying a lakefront home in one of the best times of the year. But how do you know that the shoreline conditions are? How deep is the water? Are there aquatic weeds? What does the...
Before purchasing that dream home, master these tips from the experts. By Shannon Petrie, HGTV Design. From pre-approval to paying points, buying a home is always a complicated process. But throw “waterfront” in the mix, and things get even more complex. Fortunately, real estate agents who regularly deal with...