A Shore Thing

Expert advice for buying waterfront property

- Janice Brewster

Close your eyes and envision your dream cabin … Does it come with a view of the water?

For many, cabin living means waterfront living. If you’re in search of your own shore haven, do your homework first to make the buying process go more smoothly. Engaging a local real estate agent who has experience with waterfront properties will help you cull your options. “Every lake has its quirks, vastly different regulations and costs regarding dock permits. There might be seasonal variances in water levels, bridges that limit the navigation of certain boats or sections of lakes that are difficult to navigate,” says Brian Cauble of Lake Homes Realty in Pelham, Ala. A veteran agent, like Cauble, can help you avoid a big-ticket mistake.

Websites like lakehomes.com, landwatch.com, unitedcountry.com and lakehomesusa.com are good places to start searching for available land or cabins. Renting a cabin through VRBO or Home Away for a weekend can help you decide if a certain region is right for you.

Access & restrictions

A view of the water is great, but you don’t want to just look at it; you want to be in it or on it. As you search for buildable land or an existing cabin, be aware of accessibility. Is the property right on the main body of water or on a channel? Will you be able to put in a dock for swimming or boating? Does the site’s topography make it easy or difficult to get to the shore? Will you share water access as part of a community marina or swimming area?