Lady of the Lake Realty, Established in 1999, is a small niche agency catering to Buyers looking for waterfront or water-access properties. We discuss the different aspects a Buyer may want to consider when searching for a waterfront/ water-access properties with every Buyer. A synopsis follows:
1. Waterbody Size- Types of Activities you plan to engage in:
Canoeing, kayaking Motor-boating, jet-skiing Fishing warm water vs. colder water 2. Water Quality- Oligotropic Mesotropic Eutropic
3. Use- Seasonal versus Year-Round-
4. Price Parameters-
Waterbody Size- First and foremost a Buyer should understand that water bodies offer a different experience based on size. But, as the size increases, generally so does the price. Each Buyer must consider what he/she is looking for in a waterfront property so that we can find the best match..
Small Waterbodies- Less than 100 acres in size. There are small ponds perfect for kayaking and interacting with wildlife. They are usually fine for swimming but sometimes they will have a mucky bottom so a Buyer will want to jump in off a swim raft or pontoon boat versus wading in. Some small ponds have sandy or gravelly bottoms. Waterbodies of this size make great little swimming holes, and are good for limited fishing. They are not good for someone looking to motorboat around. These water bodies will be the most affordable.
Medium Sized Waterbodies- 100- 300 acres in size. These water bodies are great for small boating, waterskiing and tubing, fishing, and swimming. These are great all-around water bodies and a Buyer can usually enter the market here at a reasonable price.
Large Waterbodies- 300-750 acres in size. These water bodies will command a higher price as Buyers who are interested in motorboating will need a larger Lake . The benefit to this size is that a Buyer will not be in the price range of the 1000+ acre water bodies, but will be able to enjoy all water activities.
Largest Waterbodies- 750+ acres in size. These water bodies are highly desirable, more expensive, and offer the Buyer all Waterbody activities. Some also offer on water amenities such as boat up eateries and bars. In NH we have 12 water bodies that are larger than 1000 acres, with 2 others that are 900+ acres.
Water Quality- Another consideration when purchasing a waterfront/water-access property is the quality of the water. The State of New Hampshire has identified 3 levels of water quality. Oligatropic is the highest quality. The water is clear, and nutrient poor, meaning it is not a good source for the nutrients that support algae. It is the most desirable. Often, the Oligatropic Waterbodies are the deeper glacial water bodies. These water bodies are generally the most expensive. Mesotropic is medium range water quality. The water is usually fairly clear to light tea color and may have some surface vegetation but usually around the edges. Many water bodies fall in this category. These water bodies are perfectly fine for purchase and are usually more affordable than the Oligatrophic. Eutropic are nutrient rich water bodies. They usually have much surface vegetation and can be darker in color. We do not recommend Eutropic water bodies because the water quality is not conducive for swimming and boating and the resale will be negatively affected by the poor water quality.
Seasonal or Year Round Use? There are lots of great summer cottages that offer 3 season enjoyment. Many Buyers do not plan on using a cottage over the winter and are happy to use the cottage from May to November and shut the property down for the winter. Actually, improvements are being made every season but there are still many areas around are water bodies that are difficult to access during the winter months. To purchase a property that is already year-round, or can easily be converted to year-round use a Buyer will be paying a premium. If a Buyer needs year-round, and price is a factor, opt for a smaller waterbody.
Lastly, a Buyer needs to identify their price parameters so that we can search for the best possible properties WITHIN THEIR PRICE RANGE. There are many good quality lakes and ponds from throughout the lakes region and the central part of the state. Let us help you find a home! For additional information call Lady of the Lake Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or visit our website to view lake homes in New Hampshire at www.nhlakesrealty.com or www.lakeorskirealestate.com.