Lake homes can be a great place to live for vacation, but there are certain things to consider before buying Lake Travis homes for sale. In this article we will discuss a few of those things to look out for when buying a lakefront home so you don’t end up with a bad investment.
Good investment
Whether or not you should buy a lake home depends on your reason. Many people choose to purchase a lake home as their second home because it provides a getaway and an investment opportunity. A lakefront property may also offer countless opportunities for family bonding, which can alleviate stress and fight burnout. Additionally, a lakefront property can lead to many fun, relaxing memories, including a lazy weekend by the water. There are a lot of fantastic lake houses for sale you will find to enjoy these benefits.
Another reason to invest in a lakefront property is its tax benefits. Real estate taxes and mortgage interest are still deductible. In addition, Lakefront properties are often rented out 180 days a year. Therefore, you’ll be required to use it yourself for at least 14 days, or 10 percent of the rental days. This means a lakefront property can provide an attractive investment opportunity even if you’re not able to sell it right away.
Upkeep
Owning a lake home comes with some unique challenges. Lake homes tend to be more expensive compared to landlocked properties, so you must make sure you’re willing to take on some additional costs. Often, lakefront homes require extensive upkeep. For example, a septic system near the water requires routine checkups, and replacing it can be expensive. In addition, property taxes are higher in lakes, so be prepared to spend extra money for regular maintenance.
Upkeep is essential when purchasing a lake home. The unique weather conditions of the lake, the moisture in the air, and the presence of trees nearby can all cause significant damage to your home. In addition, keeping your lakefront property looking beautiful is an essential part of upkeep. Even if you’ve spent many years taking care of your home’s exterior, lakefront living does require a substantial amount of maintenance.
Privacy
A key consideration when buying a lake home is privacy. While the lake and beach homes may be popular vacation spots, they will lack privacy. Unless you own a private lake or secluded area, you can count on having scores of people walking by your home. But there are many ways to add privacy to your lakefront property, including landscaping and window treatments.
Misrepresentations
If you are considering purchasing a lake home, you should be aware of possible misrepresentations that can cause a purchase to be less than what you expected. Those misrepresentations may be as simple as puffing up an item’s value to make it appear more desirable than it is. It can even go as far as negligent misrepresentation. For example, let’s say you purchase a lake home and then find that it has termites. If your realtor does not know anything about this problem, he may deny it. It’s possible that the seller knew about the problem, but he didn’t tell you. Always hire a third party inspector that isnt recommended by either realtor. You want to make sure your are getting an honest assessment of the property to mitigate misrepresentations.
Finding a real estate agent
When purchasing a lake house, you may want to find a real estate agent specializing in this type of property. This type of property is very different from buying your primary residence. Because you plan to stay in the lake home year-round, you should learn about local zoning regulations before making an offer. Typically, lakefront properties are more minor than non-waterfront properties, and you may want to consider obtaining pre-approval if you plan to purchase the property.
You are hiring a real estate agent who specializes in lakefront homes and can help you secure a property quicker and for a more reasonable price. They also know about the nuances of the lake, so they can keep you informed throughout the entire process. Buying a lake home is not a simple process, and hiring a professional can save you a lot of time and headaches. Whether you’re a newcomer to the area or have lived there for many years, an agent can help you navigate the process. You can also check out different posts on social media platforms or check out houses for sale in New Braunfels.
Getting flood insurance
Although there are many precautions you can take before purchasing a lake home, you should consider getting flood insurance when buying one. Lake houses often fall into zone A, but this can change due to several factors. Climate change, recurring weather events, and nearby construction can cause the flood zone to move and make your property susceptible to flooding. Getting flood insurance when buying a lake home will protect you from financial losses in the event of a flood.
An excellent way to determine the cost of flood insurance when buying a lake home is to speak to your lender about what coverage they require. Many lenders do not require this type of insurance, but you should still verify. Depending on the type of insurance you need, it could cost as little as $700 per year. To save even more money, you may want to shop around to find a company that can provide the coverage at the best possible rate.