8 Tips for Buying Coastal Property

Buying coastal and waterfront property is different from buying inland property in a variety of ways. If a buyer wishes to buy a beach- or lake-front home, but has never done so, knowing the risks and the ways in which coastal properties are different from inland properties is an important first step of making an informed purchase.

Know the Property’s History and Expectations for the Future

Beaches can change with time. Erosion, rising water lines and other factors can quickly change the landscape of your coastal property, and not always for the better. Knowing the history of the beach can tell you more about the stability of the landscape. If you’re not sure how to find out what you can expect from the property in the future, talk to the local parks department and environmental groups.

Research Weather Patterns

If you’re used to inland weather, coastal weather patterns may come as a shock. Wind speeds, daily temperatures and cloud cover may be very different in a coastal community. In addition, many coastal locations are at risk for tropical storms, hurricanes, and other oceanic weather events that can sometimes cause property damage or even loss of life if not prepared for adequately.

Research the weather patterns of your chosen coastal area. Know the risks of a large coastal storm, how often these storms occur and what kind of damage can be anticipated for the area.

Research Hurricane Retrofits and Upgrades

Homes located in parts of the country where hurricanes are a common occurrence may require retrofits and upgrades in order to withstand heavy winds during tropical storms. Common retrofits include:

• Hurricane shutters
• Hurricane straps and clips
• Gable-end bracing
• Hurricane doors

Newer homes are often built with the most modern hurricane safeguards in place, but older homes may lack modern features that can help protect the structure as well as the family inside. Familiarize yourself with the special protections in place, and find out what kind of protections may need to be installed upon move-in.

Get Bids on Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance can be costly in flood- and storm-prone parts of the country. Pricing homeowners insurance in the early parts of the buying process will help ensure that you can find an affordable policy that will protect your investment.

Know the Property Line

Just because the house is on the beach doesn’t mean that the beach itself will be a part of your property. Find out early in the process where the property line is. This will enable the buyer to make plans for the property while avoiding miscommunications that could lead to disappointments down the road.

Consider the HOA

Many beachfront properties are a part of a homeowners association. Find out whether or not the home you would like to purchase is a part of a homeowners association, and if so, find out the rules and fees associated with that association.

Spend Time Near the Water

Assuming the house is very near or on the beach, know the character of the beach. If the beach is public, how many people will spend time there on the average weekday or weekend? Is the water appropriate for swimming? Can you go boating the water? Knowing these details ahead of time can help you decide whether or not this property is right for your needs.

Consult with a Real Estate Professional

Your real estate agent can help you as you perform research and learn more about the property you would like to buy. A good agent will know about the risks associated with buying a coastal property, and your agent will also be able to tell you more about the benefits of living near the water. This can help you decide whether or not the property is truly right for your needs.