In The Market For A Beach House? Consider The Following First Before You Buy
Buying a beachfront property is a dream for many. From prime access to the beach to stunning sunrises or sunsets over the water, beachfront properties have always been a sought-after real estate option.
That being said, there are many things you will want to consider before purchasing a home on the beach. Whether you are looking at breathtaking properties in Hilton Head, or a beautiful home in Miami, buying a beachfront property is a big decision. In this article we will look at a few questions you will want to have answered and things to think about before checking out beachfront properties.
1. Flood Insurance
One of the risks of purchasing a home so close to water is an increased risk for flooding. When looking at potential areas, you will want to make sure to ask your realtor if this is a high-risk area for flooding.
Depending on the answer, you will then need to inquire with home insurance companies about the need for flood insurance. Many times insurance companies will make flood insurance mandatory if you are in an area where flooding is common. If this is the case, make sure to inquire about the additional cost and how this may affect your policy, as you will need to factor this into your budget.
2. Extra Maintenance
There are some things you will need to know before buying a beachfront property. One is that it may be more difficult to keep the property in good condition. This is because there are a lot of things that can damage it, like strong winds, heavy rainfall, and heat and humidity.
Living near the water typically means that you are more likely to get the brunt of any storm that passes through. While there is insurance for significant weather events, the wear and tear from smaller storms will still affect your property.
It is important to consider these costs as repairs and replacement of things such as shingles and windows can be costly and will most certainly make a difference when it comes to your ongoing maintenance budget.
3. Property Managers
Many times, homebuyers who are interested in beachfront properties are looking for a vacation or second home. If this is the case, and you are not planning on living at the residence full time, you may need to look into a property management service -especially if your full-time property is far away.
Depending on a number of factors, the cost of a property management company will range. Are you planning on renting the property while you are not there? Do you just need someone to check on the property once in while? Are you needing ongoing lawn and home maintenance? All these things will drastically affect the fees that are associated with property management companies.
There are obvious benefits of incurring the cost of a property management company is the substantial amount of rental income possible. That being said, there are some drawbacks you should consider such as less time possible to spend at your vacation home, risk of damage by renters, and additional insurance required.
4. Work With A Local Realtor
When looking for a beachfront property, it is important to work with a local realtor. They will be able to provide you with invaluable insight into the area, including what to watch out for when buying a home by the water.
They will also have a good sense of the market and can help you find the perfect beachfront property for your needs- and within your budget.
A realtor who specializes in beachfront properties will be able to help you navigate all the red tape that comes with purchasing a home by the ocean. From getting the right insurance to dealing with zoning laws and permits, they will have everything under control.
Most importantly, a realtor who specializes in beachfront properties knows the risks and possible limitations and can help you to make an informed decision before shelling out your hard-earned money.
5. Home Inspection
A home inspection is a crucial step of the home buying process, regardless of where you are purchasing, however, when it comes to beachfront properties, there are even more issues to look out for. Bringing in an expert will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also help identify issues that could potentially cost you money down the road.
Home inspectors are able to assess the property and point out signs of damage you may not otherwise notice. From the presence of water to mold, a qualified home inspector will be your best friend when looking for a beachfront property to purchase. One who is experienced in the area will also know more specifically what common concerns tend to pop up.
The beachfront property buying process is fraught with many challenges, from the cost of living near the water to managing its wear and tear. Make sure you know what you're getting into before making a final decision on your dream vacation spot- talk with local realtors or home inspectors for details about common issues that come up in these areas. You may also want to consider hiring an expert -either full-time or part-time- who can help manage everything while you are away.
When looking for real estate in Hilton Head, it is important to work with a professional real estate agent. They will have a lot of experience dealing with the complexities of buying and selling property in these areas and can help you find the perfect beachfront home for your needs.