The beach conjures up images of surfing, swimming, and 80-degree temperatures. Whether for life or vacation, it seems like everyone wants to own a beach house. The question is how to get one and, more importantly, how to get a good one.
Buying a beach house is just like anything else in that there are definite pitfalls to avoid. What are these pitfalls, though, and what should you look for to avoid them? Let’s find out!
1. Spending Too Much
Your budget is there for a reason. Many people assume there’s no harm in looking at houses that are a bit more expensive than they would prefer. Unfortunately, they end up falling in love with something really expensive that doesn’t really fit their budget.
One good way to avoid this is to simply not look at houses you can’t afford. This may seem easy, but it’s a little more complicated than that. When buying a beach house or any piece of real estate on or near the coast, you need to think ahead to the rainy season.
On average, water damage costs nearly $3,000 to restore, and the rate differs from city to city.
2. Mortgaging Your Home
Even if you’re planning on renting your beach house, don’t assume that you’ll earn enough to cover another mortgage. Economics and the housing market are too complex and fickle to make assumptions.
Another bit of bad news for the would-be landlord is that the housing market is slowing down again, and things don’t look like they’ll change anytime soon. Interest rates are up for banking and probably for mortgages as well, which is discouraging people from investing in real estate.
Furthermore, what was once prime real estate might not be anymore because a lot of people are actually leaving expensive areas and settling in smaller urban areas. Simply put, all signs are pointing to the housing bubble starting to deflate.
3. Not Looking into the Neighborhood
One other thing you’ll need to think about beforehand is location, not just in terms of where is it, but also what happens there. A place that’s popular among surfers and college kids on Spring Break isn’t a good choice if you’re a retired person looking for a quiet atmosphere.
You’ll also need to research the zoning laws in case you’re interested in land development. Plus, you need to know what neighborhoods have been set aside for business or industry in case you plan to build rather than buy. Research the laws regarding pets as well.
Click here to learn more about beachfront properties and some of the places where you can find them.
4. Not Hiring a Good Home Inspector
Like any other property, a beach house should be inspected before you close the deal. However, in this case, not any home inspector will do. You need to find someone who is used to inspecting beachfront properties and knows what to look for.
We’ve mentioned water damage before, and it comes into play here too. It’s not always enough to look ahead and prepare for potential issues because existing water damage can also cause problems in the long run. Among these potential problems are mold, foundation damage, and problems with the electrical system.
5. Not Buying Insurance
Beach homes differ from other types of homes because they’re often used as rental property and are prone to disasters. In addition to the usual types of insurance required for a property, you’ll also need a few extra policies.
For instance, in addition to disaster insurance, you may need flood insurance – if that isn’t included. You will also need landlord’s insurance if you plan on renting it out.
What Not to Do When Buying a Beach House
Beach houses may be beautiful and luxurious, but they’re also pretty high maintenance, and you should never commit to anything you haven’t fully looked into. You’ll need to know what you can afford, what kind of insurance you need, what condition the property is in, and what kinds of people live nearby.
Also, don’t mortgage your home to pay for it. This is not the right place to gamble and certainly, not the right time. Remember, buying a beach house comes with its challenges.
If you want to know more about real estate or digital marketing, please visit our site. We can tell you about some often-overlooked upsides to buying a new house. We can also help you find a good real estate agent.
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