| You probably already know this, but buying any land | | | | matter how "in love" you are with it. If you're not |
| can be a significant decision. But what you may not | | | | familiar with other developments, ask a local realtor |
| know is that there are a few twists that come with | | | | for help.Find our how the property will change in the |
| purchasing a waterfront lot that make it very | | | | different seasons or when the weather conditions |
| different from buying a lot in any old subdivision. I've | | | | change. When was the last drought and what |
| put together a few tips that you should keep in mind | | | | happened to the water levels then?If you're |
| when you're looking for the perfect waterfront | | | | interested in building a boat house, make sure that |
| property.Don't buy land without setting foot on it | | | | there aren't Restrictive Covenants preventing you |
| first. You should take the time to look it over closely | | | | from doing so. Many lake areas limit the building of |
| and inspect it yourself. Locate a copy of the site plan | | | | new boat houses and docks.If you're planning on |
| so you can determine exactly where the property | | | | building, make sure that you will have access to |
| lines are.Study the history of the land development | | | | electricity, water, sewage and other utilities. Never |
| for the area. Was the development a friendly | | | | assume that you can just "hook up".If the property is |
| undertaking or was there a lot of controversy from | | | | remote, make sure you know who is responsible for |
| the community? What was on this land before?Talk | | | | maintaining the road. Many banks require a Road |
| to the neighbors. Ask them what they think of the | | | | Maintenance Agreement before they will lend on |
| developer and the area. Are they happy with how | | | | remote property.Lastly, before you make the |
| their house was built? Were the amenities completed | | | | purchase offer, consider making it conditional on an |
| by the developer as promised? If they love living | | | | inspection of the land or on another specific item. For |
| there, they'll tell you - if they hate it, they'll tell you | | | | example, if you don't have access to sewage lines, |
| that too.If you're looking at lakefront property, you | | | | make the offer conditional on your ability to obtain |
| need to determine if the lake is constant level or not. | | | | permits for a septic system. Plus, you should always |
| If it's not a constant level lake, then the water levels | | | | make your offer contingent on your ability to obtain |
| could change drastically.Check to see if there are any | | | | financing.OK, armed with these tips, you should be |
| flood plain restrictions. If you build or buy in a flood | | | | ready to start your search for the perfect |
| zone you may have a tough time getting | | | | waterfront lot. Remember, investing in waterfront |
| insurance.Make sure the lot you're looking at will | | | | real estate requires common sense and due diligence, |
| support a house of the size you want.Don't limit your | | | | just like any other investment. Go put these tips to |
| search to a single waterfront development - no | | | | work for you! |