3 Common Problems With Waterfront Properties and How to Avoid Them

If you’re thinking about joining the 21.31 million people who live in Florida, you’re probably looking at waterfront properties. With easy access to the water, waterfront properties are often a top choice when looking at homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale. However, like all home types, waterfront properties come with their own set of problems. So let’s discuss a few common problems and how you can avoid them.

Waterfront ownership: When people are looking for homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, they’re often looking for a property with a private waterfront. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Because waterfront ownership can be confusing, it’s important for homebuyers to fully understand what they’re paying for. If you buy a waterfront property assuming you’ll have private access to the waterfront area, only to find that it’s communal, you may end up being unhappy with your living situation. In order to avoid this, make sure you understand what obligations come with the property when looking at oceanfront condos.

Dock locations: The majority of people who are looking at beach real estate for sale are doing so because they want convenient access to the water. But many waterfront properties actually have strict regulations regarding docks and seawalls. If you purchase a property that doesn’t actually allow docks off the property, that’s going to be a problem. So to avoid being stuck with an undesirable dock situation, make sure you find out all of the regulations for the property. Do you and your neighbor have to share a dock? Are there restrictions on the location of the dock? Knowing these answers can help you decide if the property is right for you or not.

Property maintenance: Because waterfront properties are often exposed to harsher weather conditions than regular properties, they can have more problems. As an owner of waterfront property, it will be up to you to maintain both the condition of your home and the land. So to avoid having to do excessive repairs on a regular basis, you and your realtor should ensure the property can withstand the harsh conditions waterfront properties face. Wind, rain, and seawater can all cause damage to homes. But if the structure is durable, owners won’t have to perform repairs and maintenance as often. Additionally, it’s important to know your ability to clear trees and shrubbery growth, as these things can impact the structure and land as well.

Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what to keep an eye out for when looking at homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale. By keeping these common issues in mind and working with an experienced realtor, you can find the right home for you.