Who wouldn’t want to live near the beach? It’s beautiful, fun, and some studies show it even improves your mental health.
Buying a house is always a big purchase, but buying a beach house takes even more consideration. Between the location, inspections, and insurance logistics, beach properties take a lot of work to decide on.
Are you planning to buy a beach house? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you make your decision.
Buying a Beach House: Location
What is the best place to buy a beach house? The answer may be different depending on who you ask, but the location is definitely something to keep in mind.
Are you interested in the nature aspect of the beach, or the entertainment side? Would you enjoy living far away from the amusement, or do you want to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle?
Another thing to keep in mind is where your windows and porches face. If you want to wake up to a gorgeous beach sunrise, make sure the bedroom windows face East and vice versa.
Beach-Specific Issues
Knowing how to buy a beach house isn’t all about money and houses. You also need to consider how living next to the ocean can affect your environment.
Is the house likely to flood, and do you need additional insurance for flood protection? Research coastal laws and make sure you’re allowed to rebuild your house if it’s lost to an act of nature.
Realize that the salty ocean air can cause quicker wear and tear on the exterior of your house. Frequent coastal storms can also cause more stress on your roof and windows.
Know Your Limit
How much is a beach house? That’s a loaded question.
Beach properties are naturally more expensive than your average suburban neighborhood home. They’re in high demand but there is only so much coast in the United States.
On top of the initial price, you’ll have to account for the cost of living. Research the tax rates of the area you’re interested in before deciding.
You also need to consider the yearly cost of maintenance. Before you research Pacific Beach homes for sale, make sure you can afford frequent repairs in case of mold and water damage.
As previously stated, living on the beach requires a lot of upkeep to your home to keep it in good condition. If home improvement can make or break you, you may need to go with a less expensive option.
Rental Plans
Many people purchase beach properties to rent out during prime vacation season. Some homeowners even depend on hosting tourists to help go toward paying off their mortgage.
If this is your plan, make sure the neighborhood your house is in allows you to rent out. If so, be sure you are willing to agree to their terms and conditions, such as no pets or no children.
Endless Summer
Now you know everything you need to consider before buying a beach house. Now it’s time to research, plan, and buy your dream home.
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