What You Need to Ask Before Buying Waterfront Property
When considering relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the biggest draws to this area is the Lake itself. So many folks want the experience of waterfront living, and we can't blame them! But there are some things that many people forget to consider when looking into buying waterfront property at the Lake of the Ozarks. So this week, the best real estate team at the Lake of the Ozarks wants to share with you some things you should ask BEFORE buying a waterfront property.
Is the Property Located in a Flood Zone?
Water is pretty to look at from the comfort of your front porch. It's not quite as enjoyable when it's swamping your basement or pouring into your backyard. Before you purchase that waterfront property, find out if your potential new home sits in a flood zone. And start investigating flood insurance. Make sure to know all of the stipulations of coverage and premiums upfront before you make your purchase. You will also need to make sure that if you're planning to get a loan to purchase the home, that the mortgage lender will loan on a property located in a flood zone.
What Home/Property Improvements are Permissible?
If you think you've found a waterfront property that will work for your family with a few add-ons or improvements, you may want to take the time to look into what your home improvement and property improvement options are. Some communities have restrictions on what improvements you can make to a waterfront home. You might not be able to build past a certain height, use certain building materials, or build as close to the shoreline as you might like. Plus, most large additions require some kind of permit in order to build.
Is the Home or Condo You're Considering Part of a HOA?
When you purchase a home or condo that is part of a Homeowners Association, there are rules set in place that all owners are required to abide by that are typically governed by a board of directors. These rules can have an effect on changes you plan to make to your property. An HOA might vote, for instance, that you can't use a certain color when painting your home, even if you think that color would be perfect for your property. An HOA might forbid certain types of plants outside homes in the association. They might even specify exactly how tall the grass can grow on your property. This could also mean that your HOA handles all lawn maintenance which means you don't have to! There are definitely pros and cons to living within a HOA community. It all comes down to what restrictions and regulations you're okay with.
Are the Permits, Dock, Seawall, etc Legal and Up-to-Date?
Almost anytime you live in a waterfront property, there will likely be water feature permits that have to be transferred into your name. For example, if there is a private dock on the property, you'll need to apply for a permit transfer through Ameren UE. Before you add a dock to a property, you must obtain a valid permit for the improvement. The same goes with pumps, seawalls or wave breaks. The last thing you want to find out is that you purchased a waterfront property with a dock and that dock was never approved to be built. That could mean big fines for you! Permits must be approved and up-to-date for all water permissible water features. You'll also want to make sure the dock electric is up to code and functioning properly.
By asking these questions before buying a waterfront property at the Lake of the Ozarks, you'll be better able to determine if true waterfront living is right for you, or if maybe second tier living would be better. Make sure your bases are covered by hiring a professional real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks who knows the ins and outs of handling waterfront related real estate transactions.
We'd love to help you relocate to the Lake of the Ozarks. We've got the experience you need on your side whether renting or buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and the knowledge of the Lake area to help you find the perfect location that suits your family's needs. So, if you're considering relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks, and would like to speak to an experienced real estate agent about your options, contact Team Andy Gibson today!
Is the Property Located in a Flood Zone?
Water is pretty to look at from the comfort of your front porch. It's not quite as enjoyable when it's swamping your basement or pouring into your backyard. Before you purchase that waterfront property, find out if your potential new home sits in a flood zone. And start investigating flood insurance. Make sure to know all of the stipulations of coverage and premiums upfront before you make your purchase. You will also need to make sure that if you're planning to get a loan to purchase the home, that the mortgage lender will loan on a property located in a flood zone.
What Home/Property Improvements are Permissible?
If you think you've found a waterfront property that will work for your family with a few add-ons or improvements, you may want to take the time to look into what your home improvement and property improvement options are. Some communities have restrictions on what improvements you can make to a waterfront home. You might not be able to build past a certain height, use certain building materials, or build as close to the shoreline as you might like. Plus, most large additions require some kind of permit in order to build.
Is the Home or Condo You're Considering Part of a HOA?
When you purchase a home or condo that is part of a Homeowners Association, there are rules set in place that all owners are required to abide by that are typically governed by a board of directors. These rules can have an effect on changes you plan to make to your property. An HOA might vote, for instance, that you can't use a certain color when painting your home, even if you think that color would be perfect for your property. An HOA might forbid certain types of plants outside homes in the association. They might even specify exactly how tall the grass can grow on your property. This could also mean that your HOA handles all lawn maintenance which means you don't have to! There are definitely pros and cons to living within a HOA community. It all comes down to what restrictions and regulations you're okay with.
Are the Permits, Dock, Seawall, etc Legal and Up-to-Date?
Almost anytime you live in a waterfront property, there will likely be water feature permits that have to be transferred into your name. For example, if there is a private dock on the property, you'll need to apply for a permit transfer through Ameren UE. Before you add a dock to a property, you must obtain a valid permit for the improvement. The same goes with pumps, seawalls or wave breaks. The last thing you want to find out is that you purchased a waterfront property with a dock and that dock was never approved to be built. That could mean big fines for you! Permits must be approved and up-to-date for all water permissible water features. You'll also want to make sure the dock electric is up to code and functioning properly.By asking these questions before buying a waterfront property at the Lake of the Ozarks, you'll be better able to determine if true waterfront living is right for you, or if maybe second tier living would be better. Make sure your bases are covered by hiring a professional real estate agent at the Lake of the Ozarks who knows the ins and outs of handling waterfront related real estate transactions.
We'd love to help you relocate to the Lake of the Ozarks. We've got the experience you need on your side whether renting or buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and the knowledge of the Lake area to help you find the perfect location that suits your family's needs. So, if you're considering relocating to the Lake of the Ozarks, and would like to speak to an experienced real estate agent about your options, contact Team Andy Gibson today!
Keller Williams Lake of the Ozarks Realty
858 Hwy 42
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-286-5907 Cell
573-348-9898 Office
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