Looking for some tips on choosing the ideal Florida waterfront property? Finding the right waterfront home takes a little more time and patience compared to finding a landlocked home. There are several factors you’ll need to consider before committing to a waterfront home. 

If you want the best home for your needs, it’s important to understand what these factors are. In this post, our realtors at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Florida Waterfront will discuss five tips to help you choose the right waterfront property in Florida.

5 Tips For Choosing the Ideal Florida Waterfront Property

Consider Whether the Location Fits Your Needs

When it comes to waterfront homes, you should find a location that fits your lifestyle. That means thinking about what type of waterfront is the best for your needs– like a beach, river, or lake. Each location has its benefits and drawbacks. 

For example, if you’re interested in a waterfront beach or lake home, consider whether the surrounding area experiences a large number of tourists during the spring and summer months. Think about if that’s something that would fit your ideal lifestyle, or if you’d prefer living in a quieter, calm area instead.

Another factor to think about is the type of activities you want to be able to do. If one of your goals for owning a waterfront property is to go fishing, consider homes that are close to fishing areas. If you own a boat, consider a home that is close to a marina or has its own boat dock.

Lastly, think about what you want out of a waterfront property in general. Here are some questions to consider: 

• Do you want this to be your primary residence or just a vacation home? 
• Is the home meant for year-round use, or only seasonal use? 
• How often do you plan to live in it? Could it be rented out when you’re not there? 
• How easy is it to access? Is it isolated from important services, like hospitals or grocery stores? 
• What is the surrounding community like? Does it offer any amenities? 
• What are the neighbors like? 
• Is the waterline expected to decrease over time, potentially devaluing your property in the future?

Think About the Overall Cost

After location, the next most important factor to consider is cost. Of course, most home buyers expect a waterfront property to be more expensive than non-waterfront homes. But it’s important to look beyond the cost of the home itself.

Waterfront properties often come with additional costs and fees that should be incorporated into your budget. This includes the ongoing maintenance it will take to care for the property as it experiences water damage, erosion, or the effects of natural disasters. If the property has a dock, you may also have to pay boat dock fees.

In addition, waterfront homes also tend to come with more permits and regulations than other homes. This includes restrictions on buildings or modifications near the water, environmental regulations, and water navigational rights. Do some research or ask your realtor if this is the case for the area you’re looking to buy a home in.

Depending on the area, you may be required to take out flood insurance, which will add an extra cost to your monthly mortgage payments.

When evaluating the cost of waterfront homes, make sure you qualify for a loan with good terms. You should also consult with your realtor about the property’s future and whether it will likely appreciate in the future. If so, then the property could be a good investment in the long run.

You could also come up with a strategy to offset the high cost that comes with waterfront properties. For example, renting it out year-round or during tourist season.

Tour Different Properties 

Once you have a location and budget determined for your ideal home, the next step is visiting several properties. Walking around properties in person is the only way to ensure you find one that fits your needs.

When you’re viewing waterfront homes, be sure to evaluate:

• Whether the location aligns with your ideal lifestyle
• Access to water-based activities
• Amenities available in the neighborhood
• Necessary repairs or maintenance the home needs now
• Cost of ongoing maintenance 
• Required permits and regulations
• Cost of fees, permits, and regulations
• Stability of infrastructure in the home itself and community as a whole 
• Quality of utilities
• Condition of the boat dock, if there is one

Also, be sure to ask whether the home is meant for year-round or seasonal use. Some waterfront homes are only intended for use during warmer weather, and lack the proper insulation and heating for the winter months.

Work With an Experienced Agent

If you need help choosing the ideal Florida waterfront property, you’ll need to work with a realtor who specializes in waterfront homes. An experienced realtor will know what to look for to make sure you’re getting a high-quality property. 

They’ll be familiar with the unique issues that waterfront properties face, such as title and structural problems, regulations, and hidden costs. They can also evaluate the home itself, the property, and the body of water to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal.

A professional can also provide valuable market insights, help you make an informed decision, guide you through the buying process, and negotiate the best possible deal.

Have a Plan For the Future

Depending on your location, you’ll need to have a plan for natural disasters and other future changes to the area. This is especially the case if the home is in an isolated area. 

For example, if you choose to live by a beach, find out if the area is affected by hurricanes, rising sea levels, or other natural disasters. If so, make sure to plan an evacuation route, install backup generators, and keep emergency supplies readily available. If you’re by a river or lake, find out whether it regularly experiences floods. 

Buy a Waterfront Property in Florida With Our Award-Winning Team

If you need help choosing the ideal Florida waterfront property, contact Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty - Florida Waterfront. Our team specializes in waterfront homes. We have in-depth knowledge about Florida’s waterfront rules and regulations, so we can easily help you find a home that matches what you’re looking for.

We’ve helped hundreds of home buyers find a waterfront home, and we know we can do the same for you. Our clients love working with us because of our commitment to customer service, attention to detail, and unique buyer guarantees.

This includes our Buy it Back Guarantee, which gives you the option to return your home to us in the event it isn’t the right fit. 

To learn more about working with our team, call 407-307-2617. You can also fill out the form on this page.