Buying a Waterfront Home? Ask These Questions First

Waterfront properties offer numerous benefits, from breathtaking views to quick water access, but they can sometimes come with surprises for the unprepared. Asking questions before buying a waterfront home is critical. Read on to learn five questions to ask before buying a waterfront property to help ensure it's the right decision.

1) What Are the Boundaries of My Waterfront Ownership?

Determining the boundaries of a waterfront property can be a complex task, varying by state and the type of waterfront property. While the property's deed should indicate precisely where its boundaries lie, this is not always the case. Additionally, the shifting nature of shorelines means that property boundaries can shift over time in some cases, resulting in a need for updated surveys.

The boundaries of waterfront properties on lakes or ponds typically do not shift with the shoreline. Determining who owns the lake's bottomlands depends on the lake's shape. For round lakes, ownership extends to the lake's center, with the lake divided equally into wedge shapes. The thread line approach applies to most other lakes. For this method, one or more thread lines are drawn through the center of the lake. Then, each property's boundary extends from its onshore boundaries to this line.

Like lakes and ponds, non-tidal, non-navigable rivers and creeks also come with bottomland ownership. In these cases, it extends to the waterway's centerline.

Waterfront properties on other bodies of water generally do not include bottomland ownership. Instead, the property's boundary usually extends to the mean low water mark, which means it can shift with the shoreline. Sudden changes, like adding fill, do not affect the property's boundaries, but long-term ones will. Protecting a waterfront property from erosion can help preserve its shoreline and current boundary lines.

2) Will Your Budget Fit the Cost Requirements?

It's no secret that waterfront homes can be expensive, but they can have a tendency of coming with hidden expenses that you don't notice until long after moving in. Maintenance is one of the biggest expenses that comes with a home, and when you factor in the cost of regular upkeep on a waterfront property, it can become quite expensive.

Some expenses that come with a waterfront home include:

• Maintaining the property's seawall or bulkhead (if there is one)
• Dock maintenance and repairs
• Boat storage (if you have a boat)
• Flood Insurance
• Beach or lake association dues

All of these costs should be factored into your budget before making an offer on a waterfront home. Before making an offer on a waterfront home, be sure to have an honest conversation with your real estate agent and financial planner to create a plan and determine what you can afford.

3) Can I Build a Dock on the Property?

A dock is one of the best ways to connect a waterfront property to the water, providing access for boats and activities like fishing. It's often viewed as one of the essential purchases for waterfront homes. Riparian rights grant waterfront property owners the right to use the water adjoining their property, but those rights are not without their limits. Building most private docks will require a permit, with the specific requirements varying by homeowner's associations and other governing bodies.

To determine if a proposed dock needs a permit, start by investigating state regulations and then move on to more local domains, including the county, city, and HOA. Depending on the state, the dock may require more than one permit and might need one for continued maintenance.

Any number of restrictions might influence the type of dock built on the property. In general, the private dock cannot disrupt the local ecosystem, block free-flowing water underneath, or prevent public access to the water. Some places may specify the use of specific materials, the dock's length, or even its location. Additionally, some areas require the removal of private docks during the winter, making floating docks a necessity.

Remember that there is no guarantee the government or homeowner's association will accept every application. It's a good idea to consider adding a contingency to the property's sales contract before closing on it to ensure the private dock is acceptable.

4) What Is the Water Quality Like?

Water quality reflects the water's health and can affect the value of nearby waterfront properties. In most places, the municipality or lake association tests water quality regularly. Reviewing the results of these tests can help determine if the property has a healthy waterfront.

When excess phosphorous and nitrogen enter a body of water, they promote the overgrowth of aquatic plants and weeds. Native aquatic plants play a crucial role in stabilizing shorelines and enriching the ecosystem, but weeds can easily overtake them, leading to problems. When weeds take over, they can displace wildlife, stunt fish growth, and make the water less accessible for recreation.

Various sources can contribute to nutrient overload, including fertilizers, detergents, stormwater runoff, and failing septic systems. Taking steps to prevent these pollutants from entering the water can help preserve the water quality. A 20- to 30-foot buffer zone of undisturbed land between the home and the body of water can help filter these pollutants out before they reach the water.

5) Has the Home Flooded Before?

Being on a waterfront does not necessarily mean a property has a flood history or is at risk of flooding, but it's important to check. If the seller does not disclose the property's flood history, several clues can indicate whether the home flooded in the past.

First, check the property's location on flood zone maps. These can indicate the relative threat flooding poses to a particular property. Of course, it's important not to rely solely on these maps because they can be outdated and do not reflect the home's complete history.

A home inspection is crucial for ensuring the home comes with no surprises. During this inspection, the inspector will look for various signs of water damage throughout the house. Staining, mold, and mildew on baseboards, ceilings, or drywall can indicate a home has serious problems with water. Furthermore, cracked foundations and sinking ground can suggest prior flooding in the house.

Checking the home's flood history puts buyers in a great position to make the right decision when they're thinking about buying a waterfront home.

Preparing to Live in a Waterfront Home

Living in a waterfront home means living in a community with incredible waterfront views. More than that, the home provides exciting opportunities to experience nature, enjoy various water recreation activities, and relax ashore. Asking these four questions before buying a waterfront home can help avoid unexpected problems and costs, allowing for a greater focus on the fun aspects of living on the waterfront.