For my husband and I, the answer was an emphatic YES. We made the dream happen and bought our waterfront property as our primary residence in 2015. We did a lot of planning in advance when we set out to find a house on the shores of a large lake. We learned a lot along the way. We had never lived on a lake before and that led to some lessons learned. After looking at many lakes, we bought our lake home on the shores of Lake Murray in South Carolina. It is a large lake with approx. 600 miles of shoreline. It has both developed and rural residential areas. Things to Consider Before Buying a Lakefront Home
In this post, I will tell you what you should be asking your real estate agent at each of the lake homes you are considering buying. Many of these questions can only be answered by someone that lives on a lake or previously has as they will know the answers from experience. Knowing the answers to the following questions can make the difference between buying your dream home and envying your neighbors who made better decisions. You would be surprised by how many people move to another lake home a few years after they initially buy because they weren’t happy with their initial choice.
What Type of Lake Home and Surroundings?
When deciding to buy a lake home, have a very clear image of what you want in not only the house, but the community surrounding it. Create a list of items to check off. Starting with must-haves and progressing to less important features.
Unobstructed Water View
Many lake homes are located on coves where the view out the windows or porch or deck to the water can be filled with the boats and docks of neighboring homes. It is nice to have your lake house living room have a wall of windows that look out to a beautiful view.
Screened Porch for the Summer Months
Mosquitoes, midges, and mayflies are part of the lake living environment and can ruin time outside if you don’t have a screened-in outside space.
Sunrise and Sunset
Note what direction the house is facing so you can determine if you will be able to see one or both every day. Also take note that west facing homes will be much hotter in the summer.
Developed or Rural Community?
Many lakes are in rural areas or off the beaten path. It is very important to consider how close you are to the things that matter most to you. Do you want to be close to shopping, entertainment venues, restaurants, airport and healthcare or away from it all?
Road Maintenance
Are the roads paved to the house? If not, who maintains the road? Will there be a yearly cost for you to maintain it?
Internet and Cable Providers
Do good internet and cable providers have service to the rural area? If not, you may need to pay to have special tech installed in the home.
Utility Companies
- Is the water from a well or a city water system?
- Utility companies – drinking water – septic system? Is the septic system located on the property and is it in good condition?
Does It Matter Where You Live on the Lake?
Yes, it matters where a lake house is located on a lake. On larger sections of a lake you will get a big water view, but also know that more boats will be going by fast and more frequently. It will be like living on a highway. Jet skiing is popular, but do you want to hear jet skis all the time? It may be better to look for an area with less motorized boat traffic. Noise travels over the water . I was once out kayaking with my husband and he was talking on his cell phone. I could hear almost every word from about a mile away. Kind of cool, but not cool if it’s a nearby restaurant with live music every weekend – not so great.
Buying a Lake House: More to Consider
High Speed Boats and Noise
Check out the neighbors’ boats . Unless you love the high speed “cigarette” boats, you might want to avoid properties close to neighbors with noisy boats.
Light Pollution
Just as with noise, lights on lake homes or nearby street lights can be seen from a long way off. Light pollution can be a concern for lake home buyers.
Property Maintenance
Perhaps you’ll find a neglected property where trees and bushes have been neglected and some trimming and strategic tree removal will open the water view. It can be costly to hire a tree trimming service.
Lake Traffic and Safety
If you have young children, you may want to consider a lake home that is located in a quieter area with less boat traffic. Safety is a top concern when it comes to lake homes.
Lake Home Regulations
Developed and rural communities have different pros and cons. Developed communities often have more regulations in place, such as noise ordinances and deed restrictions, which may be important to consider when buying a lake home.
Conclusion
We learned a lot during our search for a lake home and I hope this information will be helpful to you. When buying a lake house, there are many factors to consider beyond the house itself. The community, location, and surroundings can all impact your quality of life. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can find your dream lake home and enjoy the beauty and tranquility of lake living for years to come.
As we reflect on our experience, we realize that buying a lake home is a big decision and one that requires careful consideration. We hope that our story and the information we’ve shared will help you make a more informed decision when it comes to buying a lake house.
Ultimately, buying a lake house is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. We encourage you to do your research, ask the right questions, and carefully consider all the factors before making a decision.
