How to Buy Oceanfront Homes
In many parts of the country, buying any home at all can be a complicated process. Throw oceanfront properties into the mix and you have successfully doubled the problem (at least). Still, owning an oceanfront home is the dream of many families and you can hardly blame them. The close association with nature and all the beauties that come with it is too tempting to not dream about. Numerous challenges come with this promise of pleasure. Therefore, you should weigh both sides carefully before making a final decision. Here are some tips on buying a home on the ocean.
Decide what you want to use the home for:
Some buy ocean view homes in order to have a place on the beach where vacations could be spent free of charge. Some others buy it as an investment, renting the homes out to families that have come to spend their vacations. Many of the condo complexes in Florida have tenants in them most of the year.
A few others want the home to serve both purposes. It should be made clear that marrying the two aims is likely to prove difficult in the long run. The house has the highest chances of securing an occupant in the period of tourism boom (e.g., the snowbird season in Florida), so, your family can only visit in the boring periods in the year. It is better to decide what purpose you want the house for and stick to that purpose.
Know that beach houses are expensive:
Whatever purpose you decide to use the house for, one fact will always stand. Buying a home on the ocean is quite expensive. Many of the most expensive real estate markets in the country focus on waterfront property. An oceanfront home or any house that is a stone throw from the beach could cost up to four times the price of its inland replica.
Mortgage associated with beach houses also attract higher interest rates. Factor in the equally higher taxes, insurance (more on this later), and maintenance costs and you could be having a whole lot on your plate. Except you have a whole lot of spare cash, owning an oceanfront home isn’t a decision you want to make in a hurry.
Make your research about the weather:
Climate change means sea level is on the rise and ocean view homes are at greater risk now more than ever. Spend time to make your research about past and future trends in your location of choice. It’s always good to check up with the state’s geological survey to ensure your oceanfront home is not located in an area that has an increased risk of flooding.
Get a real estate agent that specializes in oceanfront homes:
Ocean view homes have become a niche in the wider real estate business and getting an agent that specializes in the niche is your best bet towards getting the best possible deals. Furthermore, the agent is able to intimate you with the challenges you may face as an ocean view homeowner and how to overcome them. Although such agents may be pricey, believe me, it’ll be a wise investment in the long run.
Ensure you fall in love with the property, and not just the structure:
Remember you’ll be spending a fortune on the home, so anything less than complete satisfaction is inadequate. This means you must fall in love with everything about the property and neighborhood at large. Ensure the view is good enough for you, the swimming is not mucky, enough privacy is assured and the distance to the beach is just adequate. You could talk up with your prospective neighbors to know how much they love the neighborhood. The bottom line is that you should cover all bases to ensure you have no regrets.
Know your insurance costs and get a property manager if necessary:
Because oceanfront homes are more at the mercy of the elements, insurance plans are understandably costlier and more complicated. You will need to get a flood policy, general hazard policy and wind policy if you are to ensure full coverage. You should also think about getting a property manager particularly if you intend to rent out the place.
There you have it! I hope you find these tips a useful guide when buying your dream ocean front home.