Tag: lake homes

Lake Holiday: The Perfect Place to Call Home

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A picturesque, gated lake community with affordable homes surrounded by nature? Sounds perfect to us.

Located in Gainesboro, Virginia, just near the West Virginia state line, Lake Holiday offers everything a true lake lover craves. The 1,900-acre wooded community has a modest average home price of $286,892 and encompasses a 240-acre residential lake.

Don’t let the fact that it’s a neighborhood lake fool you, though. It’s no stranger to energetic residents. In fact, Lake Holiday happens to be perfect for popular water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, sailing, and swimming.

And humans aren’t the only ones enjoying the great outdoors. Lake Holiday is overflowing with diverse wildlife. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, great blue herons and even eagles frequent the area. Ducks and geese are present year round and are sometimes joined by the occasional swan.

Beneath the water’s surface is an angler’s paradise. This body of water just so happens to have some of the best bass fishing in the state. In addition to smallmouth and largemouth bass, fishermen also reel in black and white crappie and channel catfish.

Community residents have access to a 91-slip marina, beaches and a lakefront clubhouse. And that’s just in Lake Holiday’s own backyard. Since the residents are also in the great state of Virginia, they’re never far away from a good time.

A Nature-Bound Haven

Virginia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Four-season natural recreation ranges from skiing in the mountains to sunbathing on the Atlantic coast. For Lake Holiday residents, it’s only a one-hour drive to the Shenandoah National Park.

This massive natural preserve is nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, just 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. It features 500 miles of nature trails–including 101 miles of the well-known Appalachian Trail–surrounded by towering trees, waterfalls and rock formations.

Backpackers love to hike up Hawksbill Mountain. At 4,050 feet, it’s the highest peak in the Shenandoah National Park and features 360-degree panoramic views of the world below.

scenic autumn drive

Visitors can get another perspective of the landscape with the historic Skyline Drive. This National Scenic Byway stretches the entirety of the 105-mile-long park. It features envy-worthy views from various peaks and overlooks, as well as multiple campsites, and continues south as the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

The park also serves as a safe haven for a wide variety of animals that are otherwise pressured by too much human activity. In fact, there are over 40 fish species, 50 mammal species, 20 reptile and amphibian species, and more than 190 different types of birds.

The majority of animals in the park, like white-tailed deer and woodchucks, are relatively harmless. However, visitors should still keep an eye out for larger predators like black bear, bobcats and coyote who thrive in the deep woods.

The park thrives in every season, from the colorful foliage of fall to the snowy slopes of winter. And with infinite recreational opportunities like white-water rafting and mountain climbing, it’s a great place to visit with the family.

The Perfect Place to Call Home

With all this fun within just one hour of the lake, Lake Holiday is an ideal community for lake lovers to settle down in.

Its safe, secluded location puts it miles away from any big city, offering something we could all use a little more of: peace and quiet. It’s engulfed in nature on all sides and couldn’t be more perfect for those who live for the outdoors.

A word to the wise: consider purchasing your next lake home here. You won’t be disappointed.

For more information on what’s available on Lake Holiday right now, click here.

Remodel Your Basement for More Space at the Lake

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When it comes time to do some lake home renovations, many homeowners consider improving the landscaping, updating the kitchen, and painting the walls.

But what about creating a new space for your family to enjoy, without having to add-on to the existing structure?

Look no further than your basement! Often, these spaces are used as overflow storage for old life jackets and knee-boards and are rarely utilized to their full potential, but these rooms provide a number of alternative options for use.

Though we may not have an exhaustive list of possibilities, this is a great starting place for getting ideas on just how you can remodel the basement at your lake home into a place the whole family can enjoy.

Additional roomsman working on drywall

Have you ever had too weekend guests at your lake home? The basement is a great space for adding extra rooms for just such occasions, and the best part: you don’t have to add-on to the existing structure.

If your basement space is unfinished, meaning it is not currently livable, Home Advisor estimates the cost of construction could range anywhere from $6,500 to about $18,500. Keep in mind though, price depends on the size of the space and extent of construction.

Construction for an unfinished basement includes such tasks as adding insulation, hanging drywall and installing electrical wiring and plumbing, for starters.

Remodeling your basement this way is often preferred because homeowners get to start with a blank canvas which requires little, to no, demolition.

Another option for adding additional rooms includes remodeling an already finished space, such as an unused game room.

TV/entertainment area

If your lake home has plenty of sleeping space, but is lacking in the indoor entertainment department, consider remodeling your basement into a second living room or media room.

Of course this means buying an extra sofa, TV and, possibly, a sound system, but creating this type of space in your basement is worth it to most homeowners.

Say it’s Sunday, and you’re hosting a football watch party at the lake. If your basement were a second living area or game room, the kids could go down and enjoy themselves while the adults have their own fun upstairs.

Or oppositely, remodel your basement into the man/lady cave of your dreams. Here in your lake home escape room, you can kick back, drink a cold one and enjoy living the lake life.

Investing in a projector system can also transform your basement from casual second living area to your very own home theater! Add a popcorn machine and mini-fridge, and you’re ready for the next rainy day at the lake.

Office to the max

If you work from home, you might be accustomed to working in a closet-sized office space.

But by remodeling your basement, you can build the home office of your dreams.

One option is to make the entire space into your office. With the whole room to yourself, you can consider lining the walls with bookshelves to create your own library. Or invest in a large table, and use the space as a meeting or conference area. How cool would it be to bring your clients to a beautiful lakeside meeting place?

If you have chosen to add multiple rooms in your basement, section off a space for your office. Provide for yourself a roomy amount of space, big enough for a desk, arm chair/sitting space, and shelving.

Painting the walls of your office a creamy latte color and adding deep colored leather and wooden furniture will produce a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere to your new work area.

Second Residence

Another idea for how to utilize your basement space is to turn it into a in-law suite for family weekends at the lake.

Many couples might agree that having a separated in-law suite downstairs, away from their own rooms, could be beneficial after spending the day out in the sun and out on the water.

Not only does this serve to give you and your spouse some often needed space, but providing this type of lodging may help to make your in-laws feel more comfortable and welcome.

It goes to show that you have put thought into the time they will be spending with you.

While your in-laws are away, or if they do not visit often, consider renting out your remodeled basement as an apartment or weekend vacation space.

Creating a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment, complete with a living room and kitchen, is a great way to bring in profit from your home while serving as a home for another family. This can also help offset costs of maintaining your lake home in the off-season.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Owning a Lake Home

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Homeowners being handed keys owning a lake home

Home ownership is a big deal and a large part of the American dream. And when that home is a lake home, it makes the dream even more vivid. But owning a lake home is no walk in the park. It requires long-term commitment and a ton of responsibility to keep the place up and running.

The maintenance in and of itself is a lot to keep up with, and at a lake home, maintenance is an even bigger factor.

That’s why so many choose to just rent vacation homes for a few months at a time rather than buy them.

So how do you decide when it’s a good idea to opt for ownership? Let’s take a look at some common advantages and disadvantages of owning a lake home. That way, you can make a sound decision about what’s best for you and your family in the future.

The Advantages of Owning a Lake Home

Luxury lake home owning a lake home

Most of the advantages of owning a lake home are glaringly obvious, while some aren’t as easy to spot at face value.

First, mortgage costs–which are typically fixed-rate payments–are more stable and predictable than rental rates, which are known to fluctuate. Additionally, buying is often cheaper than renting.

When making the switch from renting to owning, the average person adds one bedroom and 400 square feet to their home, according to Zillow’s 2017 Consumer Housing Trends Report.

Assuming they make a 20 percent down payment and a typical monthly rate, the average renter could buy a larger home and still pay $330 less each month on their mortgage than if they were renting.

Two people sitting in Adirondack chairs

Also, when market conditions are stable, homes tend to increase in value and build equity, making them sound financial investments. If you use your lake home as a second home, renting it out a few times during the year can speed up the process and make for an extremely lucrative source of residual income.

According to Home Away’s Vacation Rental Marketplace Report, in 2014, vacation rental owners charged an average rental rate of $1,520 per week ($217/night). That translates to a residual annual income of $27,360 for the owners, and that’s just on average. 

Home Away also noted that 54 percent of vacation homeowners cover at least three-quarters of their mortgage costs by renting their homes to vacationers. In short, owning a vacation home can make you some money.

Additionally, owning a home creates an asset that will only increase in value for years to come.

The Disadvantages of Owning a Lake Home

Homeowner struggling to calculate bills of owning a lake home

As with any home, ownership of a lake home does come with its disadvantages.

For starters, owning a home is essentially growing roots. It ties you to your community and makes it difficult to just pick up and leave.

This long-term financial commitment includes high up-front costs like down payments, closing costs and moving expenses. Plus, in many cases Home Owners’ Association fees are inevitable.

It’s also harder to qualify for a loan on a second home than on a primary residence. Those shopping for secondary residences are often expected to have higher credit scores and put more money down.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the higher down payments reduce the lenders’ risk if the borrower defaults, which is seen as more likely with second homes.

Another disadvantage: as a homeowner, all repairs and maintenance responsibilities fall on you.

Lake house dock repair
Photo courtesy of HMB Lake Norman.

And lake homes tend to require more frequent repairs and maintenance. Since lakes are usually surrounded by more trees than the average neighborhood, structural damage to roofs/buildings are a real threat.

Lake homeowners also have to fight against mold and mildew, which is more prevalent thanks to all the moisture in the air.

In addition to all of that, traditional wooden docks tend to have a lifespan of 20-25 years. This can be shortened in the face of environmental factors like storms or water damage, so frequent upkeep is a necessity.

These disadvantages, while inconvenient, are inevitable aspects of owning a lake home. But do the pros outweigh the cons?

So Is It Worth It?

Man sitting on lake dock enjoying sunset

The good thing about lake living is that the experience varies greatly depending on what lake you choose to buy on, so you have options.

Purchasing a home in a small, suburban community that has a tiny lake for aesthetic purposes is a lot different than buying a waterfront estate on New York’s Lake George.

Lakes are perfect for those who prefer peaceful, tranquil living to hectic city life. And if you actually like hectic city life, there’s a lake for that.

Do you like hiking, mountain biking, skiing or sledding? There’s a lake for that. Are you into nature photography, hunting or fishing? There are so many lakes for that.

Purchasing a lake home has its disadvantages that are similar to what you’d face buying any home.

However, it’s a sound financial investment, a valuable generational asset, and it offers a certain lifestyle you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else.

Whether you plan to live there full time or visit only when the weather’s nice, buying a lake home is totally worth it.

Florida’s Lakes and Lake Communities – Kissimmee, Avon Park and Inverness Areas

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Central Florida’s more than 150 lakes and lake communities are perfect havens for those buyers who crave the peace and calm of traditional lake living but enjoy the conveniences of urban life.

colorful sunset over Central Florida's lakes and lake communities Perhaps the state’s best-kept secret, these lakes and lake communities boast well over $1 billion in real estate!

The Kissimmee, Avon Park and Inverness areas of Central Florida alone is home to nearly $153 million across approximately 380 listings.

Kissimmee Area

There are nine lakes and lake communities in the Kissimmee area, the largest of which is Lake Tohopekaliga. Part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, Lake Tohopekaliga is also known as Lake Toho and is located in Osceola County. This lake boasts an approximately $52 million lake real estate market and covers more than 18,000 miles in surface area.

Lake Toho is located about 30 miles from both Universal Studios Orlando and Disney World, but lake residents don’t have to go much farther than their own backyards to have a good time.

Lake Toho Things to Do:

  • Toho Bass Fishing Adventures: Lake Tohopekaliga is renowned for its largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass fishing. Toho Bass Fishing Adventures offers top-notch guide services for lake lovers who dream of landing a trophy-worthy catch. With more than 30 years of professional guide and fishing experience, Toho Bass Fishing Adventures stands by a “no fish, no pay” guarantee and promises anglers the fishing experience of a lifetime.
  • Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours: Experience some of Florida’s most captivating environments by taking a one-hour airboat tour with Wild Willy! Fun for the whole family, airboat tour patrons have the chance to see spotted eagles, alligators, blue herons, and more. And as an added bonus, boaters can take pictures with Willy’s resident alligators as a souvenir.

Avon Park Area

Named by the Creek Indians, Lake Weohyakapka means “walk in water.” This natural, spring-fed lake is part one of 13 lakes in the Avon Park area, and part of the lower Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (despite its location outside the Kissimmee area.) Currently, the lake has a tightened inventory of 55 listings, totaling approximately $3 million in value, and encompasses more than 7,500 acres in Polk County.

Lake Weohyakapka, like Lake Toho, is also known for its excellent bass fishing, but visitors also enjoy birdwatching and hiking in Lake Kissimmee State Park, less than 20 minutes away!

The lake is also convenient to Orlando’s most famous attractions, about an hour from Disney and SeaWorld.

Lake Weohyakapka Things to Do:

  • LEGOLAND: This 150-acre theme park is the largest of its kind in the world. With more than 50 rides and attractions, LEGOLAND spells fun for all. The resort and theme park also features a beach retreat, a water park, NINJAGO® World, a five-story hotel, and more!
  • Bok Tower Gardens: Bok Tower Gardens has been a Central Florida landmark for more than 80 years. The National Historic Landmark is famous for its 205-foot, 60-bell, Singing Tower Carillon, which plays a 30-minute concert twice daily. Bok Tower Gardens also features a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen and edible garden alongside Giant Victoria Water Lilies and countless other flowers and wildlife.

Inverness Area

Part of the Harris Chain of Lakes in Central Florida’s Inverness area, Lake Griffin is located less than an hour from Orlando, three miles outside Leesburg in Lake County. One of 15 lakes in the area, this 9,430-acre lake’s real estate market currently boasts more than $13 million in listings.

Due to its healthy population of alligators, there is no swimming allowed on Lake Griffin; however, kayaking, canoeing, and pontoon boat tours are permitted.  Off the water, there are plenty of things for visitors and residents to do. These include visiting the state’s 400-year-old Live Oak Tree and the nearby WWII history museum!

Lake Griffin Things to Do:

  • The Grand Oaks Carriage Museum: At the Grand Oaks Carriage Museum, visitors take a step through time. This museum features collectible cars and carriages, illustrating how transportation has evolved through the years and impacted society as we know it. The Grand Oaks Resort, which houses the museum, also offers dining, equestrian competitions, and more.
  • Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe: Home to nearly 200 wines and beers, Two Old Hags Wine Shoppe is located in downtown Leesburg. Shop the shop’s unique adult beverage selection or sit and enjoy a glass on site! And on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, Two Old Hags serves light lunch fare.

Not convinced yet that Florida is the next best place to call home? Check out “Florida’s Lakes and Lake Communities – Orlando and Lakeland/Winter Haven Areas” for more about the state’s many amazing lake markets!

Company Growth: Lake Homes Realty Now Working from Top to Bottom of U.S.

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Lake Homes Realty is now operating in Maine, Florida and Michigan, bringing the company’s market footprint into 18 states!

“Entering these states has been a milestone of Lake Homes Realty,” said company CEO Glenn S. Phillips. “This is really an exciting time for our brokerage.”

This expansion is driven by the Inc. 5000 company’s aspirations for opening operations in 10 new states within the year, a goal that was announced at Lake Homes Realty’s 2017 annual Agent Summit.

Lake Homes Realty company growth brings brokerage into 18 states.

It would appear the company is well on its way to reaching that goal, if having added five more states to their footprint since this time last year is any indication of Lake Homes Realty’s successful expansion.

The company began its accent up the eastern coast last year with the addition of operations in Pennsylvania and New York.

With Maine operations now open, Lake Homes Realty extends into the country’s north-most part.

And with further expansion into Michigan and Florida, Lake Homes Realty is now working from the top to the bottom of the eastern United States.

“We able to better serve our lake real estate sellers, buyers and our own agents with each state we enter,” Phillips said. “We have seen success in the markets we are already established, and we look forward to seeing the same in Michigan, Maine and Florida.”

Lake Listings are Live!

Phillips emphasized lake listings in these new markets are live now on LakeHomes.com, the core of the Lake Homes Realty business model.

The site provides a one-stop shop for lake homes and land, currently featuring more than 65,000 properties. In the last year alone, more than 2 million people have made use of the site and its features.

“What’s so exciting about our company is that we are a national brokerage, and because of this we are currently able to pull lake real estate listing data from almost 100 MLSs across the country to provide the most comprehensive collection of lake property in local markets,” said Phillips.

In this way, the site is tailored to cater to the niche market’s unique buyers and sellers.

“Niche real estate markets, like lake real estate, are different from traditional markets in that buyers and sellers are looking for a specific type of property,” Phillips explained. “LakeHomes.com facilitates an easier and more convenient shopping experience for these potential clients.”

Though Lake Homes Realty has a strong online component, Phillips reinforced the company’s belief in the power of local agents and the importance of marrying that power with the power of technology.

“A combination of those two key components is critical for success as a real estate company, and we can’t wait to see what great new agents and success our journeys in Maine, Florida and Michigan will bring.”

Owning a Pool: Is it Worth it?

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There are many benefits owning a swimming pool. Buyers may see them as an opportunity to make long-lasting memories or a place to throw great summer parties. Pools can even be a great alternative for when going out on the lake isn’t ideal.

For some, however, pools bring to mind bring various safety and maintenance obligations.

While there are many pros to owning a pool, it’s important to acknowledge the cons.

So let’s dive in. Owning a pool: is it worth it, or not?

Children and Safety

When it comes to owning a pool, child safety is at the forefront of every parent’s mind.

Pools that are easily accessible, like uncovered underground pools, present a potentially fatal hazard.

If you’re buying a home with a swimming pool, or are thinking of installing one at your current residence, consider building a fence around it.

swimming pool with lake view at dusk

Fence posts should be buried and reinforced with concrete for maximum stability.

Younger children, particularly those who cannot swim such as toddlers and crawling babies, are at the highest risk for accidental drowning. To prevent unsupervised access, equip fence your gate with a child-proof latch.

In life, accidents do happen. Babysitters get distracted, moms run to the bathroom and sometimes children are just sneaky. By installing a fence around your pool, you decrease the chances of something happening to someone you love.

No-return investment

Pools are expensive, and sometimes homeowners are unable to earn back the money put into them when their home sells.

Under the right circumstances, a swimming pool can add as much as 7 percent to your home’s value; however, this is more the exception than the rule.

Installation alone can cost more than $30,000. After installation, pool owners must factor in upkeep, seasonal filling/draining and electricity used by the pump and heater.

These reoccurring costs that could potentially add thousands of dollars to your expenses annually.

Additionally, many states require increased liability coverage on homeowner’s insurance when a pool is involved, which can get pretty costly.

According to Dave Ramsey, many buyers see swimming pools not as a luxury but a liability. Instead of thinking of a pool as an investment in your home, Ramsey suggests considering it an investment in your lifestyle.

Health risks

In order to maintain a pool, chemicals must be added to its water.

An average swimming pool should contain sanitizers, oxidizers, water balancers (for pH) and other specialty chemicals like filter cleaners and stain removers.

If not properly handled, these chemicals could cause a variety of medical issues.

Too many, or incorrect amounts of, chemicals can cause poisoning and burns to swimmers’ eyes and skin. Additionally, mishandling concentrated chlorine at above-average amounts can even cause death.

pH levels affect algae and bacteria growth which can also lead to illness.

 

Of course, pools are not all bad.

Their biggest benefit is the joy they can bring to you and your loved ones. But before adding one to your back yard, consider these factors to determine if owning a pool is worth it to you, or not.

 

For more stories on personal swimming pools give our “Brush up on Pool Safety,” and “Long-Term Pool Maintenance” articles a read!

Weatherproof Your Decks and Docks for Longer Life

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Building a deck or dock costs thousands of dollars, why not build it to last?

Though the process of weatherproofing can be costly and time consuming, it can save you in semi-frequent repairs and even reconstruction in the future.

Benefits of weatherproofing

Aside from perhaps an open flame, water is the most dangerous element your wooden structures can be exposed to.

By weatherproofing your deck or boat dock, you can ensure that building materials are protected from the elements as well as organic matter that can weaken the stability of your structure.

applying wood sealant

Rain water and other moisture can sink into the wood if not sealed properly, causing the material to rot away over time.

Additionally, moisture rich wood tends to mold, which is dangerous to both the integrity of the material and yours and your guests’ health.

Unsealed or non-weatherproof structures are also vulnerable to dry rot  caused by certain fungi. These organisms cause wood to become spongey in composition and therefore, unstable.

Weatherproofing also helps to maintained the aesthetic of your dock or backyard deck by preserving its color and polish.

Disadvantages of weatherproofing

The biggest drawback to weatherproofing your wooden structures is that the process is not a one-time investment.

Most experts recommend resealing decks and docks annually, which means homeowners are looking at a reoccurring maintenance cost.

According to Home Advisor,  higher-end structures can cost upwards of $1800 a year to maintain; however, the article also sites the average person spends around $831 sealing or weatherproofing a deck.

In areas where there is frequent rain or high humidity, homeowners may be looking at repeating this process multiple times a year.  This is especially true in areas such at the lake where structures are regularly subjected to large amounts of water.

Additionally, homeowners should note that clear sealants may need to be reapplied more often than colored ones.

Weatherproofing materials

When it comes to the materials recommended for weatherproofing your boat dock or deck, determine whether you want to use a waterproof stain or sealant, or if you want to bypass normal wood for a synthetic building material.

As previously stated, if buyers chose the first option, a sealant or stain of some kind, they run the risk of costly, annual reapplication. However, this is the more affordable option, especially for smaller or preexisting structures.

A single quart of sealant can cost anywhere from about $8 to more than $50, depending on the brand. For the higher-end material, an amount this size can cover about 240 square feet.

The average deck is approximately 300 to 400 square feet.

The second option would be to build your structure with a non-wood material, such as composite decking.

These boards are made of both plastic and wood fibers, mixed with a number of other additives such as pigments and UV inhibitors. This mixture is then heated to form a sturdy building material that is flame resistance, easier to maintain and fades less easily.

Low-end composite board costs about $4 per square foot, but can exceed $7 per square foot for higher end, more aesthetically pleasing material.

Though the start up cost can be expensive, this product’s longevity paired with reduced maintenance obligations make it an increasingly appealing alternative.

Moving Tips – What to Keep, Sell, or Donate

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When it comes time to move, many people throw everything into boxes, whether it’s their wedding china or the ten take out menus they have from the same Chinese food restaurant. Few people see moving as the perfect opportunity for going through and clearing out their belongings.

This task should be straightforward, direct and uncomplicated.

Keep in mind your new location when making decisions. If you are moving to Texas from Minnesota, you can probably get rid of your snowboard. If you are leaving Florida for Maine, you might want to reconsider packing all 12 of your bikinis.

box full of pictures

What to keep

Deciding what to keep is probably the most intuitive of all the categories.

Keep the things you need as essentials. This is the category for the clothes you wear daily, furniture that fits your new environment and your keepsakes.

This category also includes your kitchen items, such as pots and pans and your silverware. If you have 40 forks, you may want to donate a few. If you have two sets of dishes or cooking ware, don’t pack the second set.

It’s important you pick these items carefully to ensure that your choices are wide-ranging enough to cover all your needs in your new home.

What to sell

Generally, these are the luxury items like the recliner that won’t fit into your new living room or the bed from your guest room that you may no longer need.

You can also sell clothes that no longer fit or that you don’t wear anymore. Also consider selling your shoes, unused lawn equipment and tools, and the kitchen items previously mentioned.

Online sites like Letgo and Facebook allow you to post pictures of the items you’re selling. With each image, provide a description of the item for sale, its condition and the selling price. You can also list the price as negotiable and extend your buyer audience to reach miles from your location.

Yard sales and friend-to-friend exchanges are also ways to earn money off the things that won’t be making the move.

What to donate

Any clothing or items in good condition that you either no longer need or want to replace should be donated.

Donate whatever you can’t sell. Items that have use value can be important items for those in need.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill both accept donations. Additionally, they can provide you with receipt of donation for tax purposes.

Donating is a great way to de-clutter while giving back to the community.

On your next move, be sure to consider going through your belongings to lighten your load, and check out our other moving tips in our “Moving on a Budget” and “Make the Process Easy” posts!

Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Neighbors

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Get to know your future neighbors before you buy with these three important questions.

Congratulations on finding the perfect lake home!

You’ve talked to your agent, the listing agent and even the sellers to get as much information as possible on the average cost of living in the area, the neighborhood and the homeowner’s association.

By now, you are probably thinking there can’t possibly be any more questions to be answered, but not so fast.

Before buying a home, it is always a good idea to talk to your prospective neighbors. They could be a potential source of invaluable information.

So before you dot the I’s and cross those T’s, consider asking your neighbors-to-be these important questions:

How long have you lived here?

The answer to this question may be simple, but you can learn a lot from how long someone has lived in the neighborhood.

confused business man with question make above his head

If the neighbors have lived in the area for a number of years, they can speak to how the neighborhood has changed and can give insight into the benefits and disadvantages of living in the area, such as a strict HOA.

These neighbors can also give an indication about how long people typically live in the area by pointing out how many new faces they’ve seen come and go in the time they have resided there. You might ask if residents are year-round or seasonal, as well.

In this conversation you could also ask if the neighborhood holds any annual events such as holiday boat parades or a Memorial Day cookout.

How often is crime reported in the area?

Lake houses are frequently bought as second or vacation homes, which means they are not lived in year-round.

Because they are often unoccupied, it is exceptionally important to know how often police and other first-responders are called to the neighborhood.

Prospective neighbors can give you a sense of whether police are called on a regular basis for issues of burglary, theft and vehicle-related crimes.

Frequent police visits are often a red flag for buyers; however, a neighborhood that is NEVER visited may not be the best thing either.

Ask the residents how frequently officers patrol the neighborhood. In neighborhoods where residents are seasonal, regularly scheduled patrols can provide some peace of mind that owners’ properties are being looked after.

What is your favorite and least favorite things about living here?

Whether they have lived there for two years or 20, your potential neighbors will have their fair share to say about what it’s like to live in the area.

By asking this question, you could learn about how everyone in the neighborhood gets along, what the noise levels are like, and if the community is kid friendly or not.

Neighbors could also tell you if the area floods, if the neighborhood is subject to power outages and some of the HOA rules and regulations.

Is there anything I should know about this home?

Finally, be sure to ask your neighbors-to-be if there is anything out of the ordinary you should know about the home you are looking to buy.

Of course, some people want to know if the house is said to be haunted or if anyone has died there.

But more seriously, current neighborhood residents can tell you whether the home was lived in long-term or if it has had many owners.

Additionally, you can learn if the current owners ever had issues with areas of the house flooding, electrical problems, how their lawn was cared for, etc.

Prospective neighbors can be invaluable sources of information. So before you buy, be sure to get to know the neighborhood by getting to know the neighbors.

 

For more home buying advice, take a look at our “5 Questions Before Choosing a Lake Home” and “Questions to Ask about Your Local HOA Before Buying” articles!