Buying beachfront real estate is much like buying normal real estate, but there are a few more things you need to take into consideration before you pull the trigger. Houses that face the sea are built on shakier ground, are subjected to harsher conditions and more severe weather, and many times you won’t be around to tend to them the entire year. Because of this, you should be very careful and have the property professionally inspected before you sign the final papers. Here are a few things that you need to watch out for.
The first thing you need to look for when you’re buying beachfront property is of course “location, location, location”. Right on the beach is great, but you will have to take the overall geographic location of the area into account as well. Is the area prone to frequent storms? If it is, you might be facing incredibly high insurance costs, if you can find insurance to cover your property at all. If it’s right on the shoreline, is the shoreline eroding away to the point where you new dream home will be in danger? If it’s not, look at how close the water comes to your home at high tide. If the water comes too close, it runs the risk of flooding your home and making salt degradation a much quicker process.
After you’ve made sure that the location for your beachfront real estate is exactly where you want it to be, you need to look at the foundation to your new home. Especially if the area is prone to storm surges, you need to have the home built on a deep foundation topped by concrete footing and wooden pillars that support your home. Newer homes may have advanced construction methods like breakaway walls in the event of a really large storm surge that will let the waters pass through your home. It ruins part of your house, but at least the whole thing doesn’t float away. Also make sure that the home as adequate storm windows and doors to protect against heavy winds.
When you’re looking at the structural integrity of your home, also pay attention to the condition of the building. Make sure that you ask what year it was built in. Look at other houses in the area as well and ask what year they were built in if you can find out. Is the home you’re looking at buying in significantly worse shape? Better shape? Did all the building in the area degrade pretty quickly? If Mother Nature is particularly harsh to any structures that are in the area, you should seriously think about lowering your asking price.
Finally, and most importantly, when you’re buying a home make sure that you stay within your budget. If you’re planning on renting out the property, make sure that you can still afford the payments if a low season hits and you can’t find any tenants for the summer. If you don’t do this, you could find yourself in some serious trouble with the bank and with a nasty black mark on your credit history that will prevent you from enjoying any other beachfront properties in the near future.
Buying real estate at the beach is not too much different than buying real estate inland. Make sure that you exercise some caution and don’t buy anything until you’re absolutely certain that you know everything there is to know and it’s up to your standards. If you use these tips and some common sense you should be able to find a great piece of beachfront property that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Related posts:
Jack is the owner and founder of the Beachfront Property Guide. 
