Waking up to the salt-scented breeze and the gentle sounds of lapping waves on your own slice of beach is a dream many people have. What many don’t realize is that this fantasy doesn’t need to stay a dream forever. Beautiful oceanfront homes for sale are cropping up across the country, from Virginia Beach to Orange County, giving people the chance to fulfill their dreams.
If you’ve never bought a waterfront property before, you might not realize that buying real estate for sale along the water comes with some unique challenges. Climate change, seasonal variations, local culture: these are all things you need to consider in a way you wouldn’t if you were looking for a standard home in the heart of the city. While buying oceanfront homes for sale can be a little extra work, with a little help, you’ll know exactly how to find your dream home, without all the fuss.
How to Take the Work out of Finding Oceanfront Homes for Sale
Know What You Need out of the Property
- The first step on any real estate search, regardless of your desired location, should always be to decide what you need out of your new property. Do you want a beachfront home with a wide expanse of sand to call your own, where your kids can toss the frisbee while you grill up some fresh seafood? Maybe you just want enough space to sit with your toes in the sand while the sun sets over the ocean.
Another point of consideration is the climate you’re looking for. Oceanfront property in Massachusetts will yield mild summers, coupled with harsh, lengthy winters. Virginia Beach, on the other hand, is known for comfortable summers and mild winters with little snow. Figure out what you need, then talk with realtors about finding a space to match.
Realize That Land Erosion is a Real Problem
As Financial Advisor suggests, buying oceanfront homes comes with a unique risk: coastal erosion. If you don’t do the leg work, you could buy property and watch it visibly shrink over time. A knowledgeable realtor will be well educated on both market conditions and the area you’re considering buying a home in, thereby allowing you to make an educated purchase, but you should take an extra step when buying oceanfront properties. Bring in a land surveyor who can give you a fact-based estimate of whether or not you can expect your property to be seriously eroded during your lifetime.
Know the Difference Between Beachfront and Off-Beach
- If you’re looking to buy on a budget, knowing the difference between beachfront and off-beach properties can help you find a price that is right for you, as Freshome, an online interior design and architecture community, suggests. Beachfront properties can be lower maintenance, with you typically only having to worry about keeping up the street-side of your home to maintain curb appeal. Off-beach properties lack the same convenient access to the ocean, but they offer the benefit of lower foot-traffic and drastically reduced price-tags.
