What you should know when buying a waterfront property!
Helpful Tips to achieve your dreams - memories - investment.
Buying a lake property can be frustrating!
You have a magical checklist. Sunsets, Sandy Beach, Three Bedrooms, Two bathrooms, Level Lot, Large Lake, Newer Construction, Private Lot, Move in Condition and the list goes on. Plus you want the home located close to skiing and [...]
Buying a Lake Home? How many should I plan on touring in a day?
Viewing lake homes is more involved than viewing homes around town. Typically everyone wants to see as many homes as possible during their visit, but 4-5 homes are actually ideal for a day of touring homes. Remember your not only viewing the home, the lot lines but add a dock, [...]
Buying a NH lakefront home can be complicated if you don't know where to look. There are currently 250 lakes in the greater New Hampshire lakes region. Everyone gravitates towards Squam, Sunapee or Winnipesaukee when they start there search. The problem is finding the right home at a price you are comfortable with. The Lady of The Lake [...]
Tips On Buying A Lake Home
1. It's All About The Water!
When looking for the perfect lake home remember the most important asset is the lake not the house. You can change the house but not the lake or setting. It may seem obvious, but many people forget that there are many different considerations you need to make with water lots.
Cottage and Bunkhouse on the Kona Shoreline - Winnipesaukee
2. Choose a lake that fit's your Lifestyle!
If you are truly interested in a quiet lake for kayaking you can select a lake that fits this criteria. Some lakes allow jet skis while others have a horse power limit. There is a lake in NH that will fit your families needs. Other aspects to think of? ( Travel time, fishing, golf, ski resorts, shopping, entertainment, theater or concert venues )
3. The home has to have a view of the lake!
In the city your home needs curb appeal, on the water you need dock appeal. Look for a property with open water views from as many rooms as possible with expansive windows and a deck area that can handle a crowd.
3. Topography Is Important!
4. Bring The Outside Inside!
Well-designed lake homes have large expansive windows and sliders leading out to decks for that weekend party or grilling the family meal. The kitchen work area should have views to the lake and is open to the living room or great room. Technically the bedrooms are secondary. You are at the lake to enjoy the outdoors. Even in the winter the wood stove or fireplace should be positioned to view the lake.
5. Four Seasons of Activities!
New Hampshire is lucky enough to experience all four seasons. Each is magical in its own way; summers are warm and perfect for swimming, boating, autumn sees cooling temperatures, wonderful foliage, winter brings skiing, skating, snowmobiling and spring is full of life and perfect for fishing or hiking.
6. Location!
Talk to neighbors. Get insider information from neighbors by asking if they enjoy living on the lake, if they have any knowledge about the property you're thinking about purchasing, or if there are any waterfront-related problems,
7. Rules!
Find out what you can do with the property? If you want to make any changes to your waterfront property NH has guidelines covering the shoreline, what you can do and can't do. Always check prior to making any changes within 250 feet of the lake. Check to see if there are any association or community rules you need to be familiar with.
8. Maintenance!
We all need to pay attention to routine maintenance of our home, the grounds are a different story. My favorite lake lots are a combination of sand, pine needles and a patch of grass. Yard maintenance should be 20 minutes or less in my opinion. An aluminum crank-up dock is a bonus.
9. Financing
Call your banker and get a pre-qualification letter. Takes a few minutes on online or with a phone call.
10. Who Should I Call?
Choose your realtor like you would choose any other professional. If you need glasses you visit an eye doctor not an internist. Paula and I are specialist in our field. We know the lakes and can answer your questions regarding water quality in the greater NH Lakes Region. Call us with your criteria and bank pre-qualification letter and we will find that dream home for you.
For additional information on lake homes call 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or visit our websites to view lake homes, condo's, docks in New Hampshire at www.nhlakesrealty.com or www.lakeorskirealestate.com.
Contact Carl Sack or Paula Hinckley #nhlakesrealty
Below are a few of mine please share your thoughts!
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Buying a lake home in New Hampshire?? Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam or Hermit Lake what does each have to offer?
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