The sounds of the crashing waves, a front row seat to every gorgeous sunrise and sunset, and the chance to dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean whenever you want are just a few perks of waterfront properties in Key Largo. If you’ve never purchased a waterfront home before, there are a lot of factors to consider before you make an offer. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your house hunt.
1. Your decision might be based more on the property than the house. Whether the property or the house is more important depends on what you plan on using it for. Having a gorgeous home with a stunning view is nice, but if the water is too murky to swim in or if you’re unable to dock a boat off your property, you might end up feeling cheated after the sale goes through.
2. All waterfront properties are not the same. Just because the property backs up to water doesn’t mean that you’ll have deep enough water for fishing, diving, or whatever water-based activities you enjoy. Before you make an offer on a home, make sure that you’re able to easily participate in your favorite activities.
3. Location matters. While your back neighbor might be the ocean, a river, or a lake, the amount of traffic you’ll have to deal with and the amount of privacy you have will depend on where the home is located. If you want a more secluded home, then choosing a property on a popular waterway might not be the best plan. If you’re fortunate enough to find a waterfront property without any neighbors, make sure to ask about future development plans. If you’re looking for seclusion, buying a home only to have someone start building right next door is a problem you’ll want to avoid.
4. Start your home hunting process early. Waterfront properties tend to be more expensive and will require more time for the loan approval and house hunt than traditional homes would. Start speaking with lenders early so that you have ample time to complete the lending process and to find your dream home. Being pre-approved also shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer, so it’s highly recommended that you find a lender before you start looking.
5. Don’t forget about specialty insurance. Waterfront homes and properties require special insurance policies, which can end up being costly. Being close to the water puts you at risk for flooding, storm damage, and other damage commonly seen in homes near water. Try to get an estimate for the area and size of home you’re looking for, and don’t forget to include that expense in your budget for how much you want to spend on a home.
The best route to take is to work with a real estate professional who has experience working with waterfront properties in Key Largo. They will be able to offer you the right assistance so that you can find the perfect home for your needs.
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