Are you planning to move to a lake or river front home? Turning a fun vacation idea into a year-round way of life can be a fantastic way to improve your lifestyle in general. But, you need to understand a few key aspects that are unique to waterfront living. Here are 4 things to learn about your chosen destination before you find a home.
Learn the Lake. Before deciding where and what to buy, start by learning all about the lake and communities surrounding it. Many lakes have sections that are quieter and others that get more traffic (both tourist and locals), while some parts of the lake may feature calmer waters or be better (or worse) for certain types of water sports. Understanding the nature both of the lake's human inhabitants as well as its watery contours will help you find the right spot to buy.
Learn the Rules. Protecting the lake or streams is vital to keeping it healthy and alive, so there may be a number of rules about what and where you can build. These rules are likely to limit how you can build along the water's edge and what types of structures you can place. Before you commit to a house--especially a newly constructed home--learn these rules by talking with your real estate agent, local city planning offices, and neighbors.
Learn the Nature. Even if you've vacationed at this location before, living there can be a different experience. Moving to a mountain town can mean dealing with snow and ice that you're not used to. The water itself can cause harsher climates during winter as well. You may also need to consider flora and fauna that can cause different allergies, regular infiltration of water-based bugs, and how to handle roaming wildlife.
Learn Your Needs. Owners want different things from their waterfront property home. Being able to find the right house for you means knowing what exactly you want to do with it. Are you a boater? A fisher? A sunbather? Or are you simply someone who likes to sit on the porch and watch the water? Each type of user benefits from different areas of the lake, different depths of water, and different terrain in their yards or access points.
Taking the time to figure out these 4 elements of your potential lakefront community and have your own interest well in hand, you can be sure that whatever home you buy will be one you'll love for years to come.
