Beaches became major tourist attractions in the 18th century. Since then, many people flock to the beach while on vacation — and plenty of people dream of living on the beach.
Did you decide to pursue your dream and are interested in buying a beach house? Whether you decide to live on Florida’s scenic Gulf coast or relax on Manhattan Beach, buying a beach house is nothing short of luxurious.
While living on the beach sounds like paradise, there are many important considerations before you buy a beach house.
Here are key facts to know before buying a beach house.
The Fees
Many fees may come with a beach house. This includes:
- HOA
- Property management
- Insurance
This doesn’t include the extra maintenance costs you’ll need, such as landscaping and pest control.
Severe Weather
While the beach may seem perfect, these areas are usually hot spots for serious weather conditions. Take Florida as an example — 40% of the hurricanes that hit the U.S. east coast impact Florida.
Even if you don’t live in Florida, you’ll have to consider heavy rain and even flooding damage.
Your home should be made of a powerful material and it’s recommended you buy a house on stilts.
Because of the heavy rains, your roof can sustain more damage than the average home. Before you buy the house, discover how old the roof is and if it’s made of weather-proof materials.
Debris and high-winds can also damage your windows. If the home you want doesn’t have durable and high-impact windows, consider investing in these windows.
Waterfront Living
When looking for beach homes for sale, you’ll want to consider your proximity to the water. There are many pros and cons to waterfront living.
While you may think waterfront living is a dream, there’s an increased risk of home damage and insurance rates will be higher. But if you don’t mind these risks, owning a waterfront property is convenient and scenic.
The Type of Home
There are many beach house options — while buying a traditional beach house is common, many people opt for a condo. Both have their pros and cons.
Condos are usually less expensive, but you’ll have less space and the area will be more crowded. Homeownership is a lot of responsibility, but you have more space and privacy.
Rent to Others
If you’re only using your beach home as a vacation property, you can rent out your property while you’re not there.
But if your home is in a complex, this may not be allowed, especially if the complex has an HOA. Make sure you know your complex’s rules before investing in a vacation property.
In addition, you’ll want to keep your ROI in mind. Will renting out the property draw a profit? It’s helpful to look at your fees as well as what other rental homes in your area are charging.
Be Smart When Buying a Beach House
Buying a beach house is a dream for many people, but there are some considerations you should make before making that investment. Use this advice to buy the beach house of your dreams! For more current news, continue reading our website!