When it comes to wanting a waterfront home, the word "location" could not be more important.That could mean anything from a lake, pond, canal, ocean, bay, and more. When you long for a waterfront home, it's often for certain reasons. It's important to narrow down your choices and zero in on what really moves you. To that end, review the considerations below so you'll know exactly what you are looking for in a waterfront home.

  1. Do you just want to admire your view or actually use the water for recreational purposes? Some waterfront homes are situated to give homeowners both. If you want to be able to fish from your dock and no dock exists, be sure you find out about building regulations. Some bodies of water limit new dock construction. On the other hand, if you are content with seeing the way sunlight illuminates the water, a small pond could be all you need.
  2. Are water toys part of your plan? If you have a boat, you'll need to consider where it will be launched and docked. Boat docks will need to be inspected to ensure they are secure and safe to walk on and tie up on. You may also be disappointed if you plan on using a smaller water toy like a jet ski. These toys are sometimes either prohibited or limited due to noise and safety concerns.
  3. Will you be taking a dip? Swimming is both relaxing and good for your cardiovascular system. Also, children love to play in the water. If you place a high priority on swimming, be aware of any hazards before you do so. Some bodies of water have rules about interacting with animals in the water, such as dolphins, porpoises, and manatees. Other animals present a danger to swimmers, such as alligators and snakes. If you have children, a beach is an attractive and safe way to enter the water. One more consideration when considering swimming is the quality of the water. If the water is not fresh, you might want to have it tested for impurities.
  4. Will you be using the water to access something else? In some locations, canals provide boaters with a freeway to something bigger and better. If you want to use the canal, river, or creek to get to a larger body of water like a bay or the ocean, you will want to make sure the stream is navigable with your watercraft. If you need to pass under bridges, check your draft carefully at all tide levels.

These questions should help you think about your waterfront choices in a new way. To find out more about waterfront single family homes speak to your real estate agent. 

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