Waterfront Properties: What to Know Before You Buy

If you plan on joining the 21.31 million people who live in Florida, you may consider purchasing a waterfront property. Oceanfront property can offer owners a one-of-a-kind experience and can be great for homeowners with a variety of lifestyles. But before you begin looking for waterfront homes for sale in Lighthouse Point Florida, there are a few factors you should consider. To help get you started, we’ve made a list of a few important things you need to know before making a purchase.

Consider your lifestyle
Depending on your plans for using your new waterfront property, you may find yourself needing different amenities. For example, if you’re planning on using your boat and taking it out to the open ocean, you’ll want to ensure you have convenient access to a dock and open water. Additionally, some areas have restrictions regarding docks and seawalls as well what kind of watercrafts can be used in the area. These are all important factors to consider before making a purchase.

Ensure the structure can handle the weather
Waterfront properties often have to withstand elements like hurricanes and flooding. Because of this, you’ll want to ensure the structure was built to handle this type of weather. If the structure doesn’t currently have the means to handle heavy rains, wind, and flooding, it’s important to figure out how much it would cost to implement necessary elements.

Know what kind of insurance you’ll need
Insurance for waterfront properties is typically different than other properties. Oftentimes, wind and flood insurance are required for owners of oceanfront condos. It’s important to know what kind of insurance you’ll need so you can factor these costs into your overall monthly expenses.

Find a realtor who specializes in waterfront properties
While there are many real estate agents ready to help you buy property, it’s important that you choose someone who has detailed knowledge of waterfront properties and beach real estate. Waterfront properties aren’t like regular properties, and they require special insight to know if it’s truly a good property or not. Because of this, it’s important to ensure you are working with someone who knows what to look for in waterfront properties.

Waterfront property is a great investment for homeowners who want a home that can give them a unique experience. So when looking for waterfront homes for sale, always work with an experienced realtor to ensure you get the right property for your wants and needs.