Hello World! Welcome Friends! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to beach views every day? This means buying a beach house. But is the serene environment all you need to consider? Nope! When searching for your dream beach house, see these la jolla based realtors to give you an idea of where you need to search and things to consider before buying!
In 2017, more than 62 percent of Americans took a family vacation away from their hometown. While vacations are fun, they’re short-lived and most people start dreaming about their next adventure the minute they get home.
But what if you didn’t have to settle on taking a single vacation each year? What if you could have your own retreat right on the beach to relax and unwind whenever you wanted?
Buying a beach house will let you do just that. But there’s more to buying that beach-front property than picking the home of your dreams. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you start your search.
Before that, here’s a post on why you should choose a wooden door for your new house.
1. Is It in Your Budget?
Before you can buy a beach house, you need to take a long and hard look at your budget.
Draw up a list of your monthly expenses. Include everything from your mortgage payment to your entertainment purchases. Once you have that list, total it up and compare it against your monthly income.
Ideally, you should have more than enough to pay for those monthly expenses twice over.
Think of it this way: a beach house is a second home and you’ll have those same expenses with your vacation house as you do with your primary residence. If you can comfortably afford the mortgage, maintenance, and entertainment budget for your vacation home, it’s worth considering.
But if it would put a strain on your finances, don’t start looking for a house.
2. Will You Actually Use It?
If you can afford to buy a beach house, you’re then faced with the question, “should you?”
If you’ll use the property, it’s worth the investment. But if you won’t be able to make it to your vacation home more than once each year, it might not be worth the investment.
Remember, you’ll have to pay your mortgage every month until you pay off the loan. If that amount is more than what you’d pay to stay at a hotel for your annual vacation, it might be best to put off the purchase.
But if you’re going to be able to use the property at least a few times each year, that beach property may be worth the investment.
3. Pay Attention to the Exterior
There are tons of different architectural styles to choose from—this link shows a few of them—and they all have their pros and cons. But no matter what types of homes you’re interested in, pay attention to the materials used for the home’s exterior.
The types of building materials can make or break your maintenance budget. If you choose a house that’s not built to withstand the winds, salt water, and humidity of the beach, you’ll pay hundreds each year to keep it looking great.
When searching for a property, think about the home’s exterior. Try to estimate the amount of maintenance it will need throughout the year. If you can justify the maintenance costs and the property will fit in your budget, it’s a good fit.
4. Look at the Types of Insurance You’ll Need
When you buy a second home, you’ll need to invest in home insurance. But the types of policies you’ll need for a beach house may not be the same as the ones you have for your main home.
Ask your agent about the types of risks associated with the area. Then, ask them what types of policies they’d recommend based on those risks.
You’ll want to get an idea of how much those policies cost. If they’re too much, it could put a strain on your budget and make owning that beach house financially unreasonable.
5. Understand HOA Regulations and Dues
Unfortunately, many beach homes have homeowners associations that set rules and regulations for the neighborhood. And they charge you a fee each month for the privilege of owning property within their jurisdiction.
Sometimes, the dues cover facilities like community pools, gyms, and clubhouses. Others help pay for community landscaping projects. But no matter what the HOA provides, make sure you understand their rules and are comfortable with the dues.
HOAs are not voluntary. If the homes you’re looking at are in an HOA, you have to become a member. If this bothers you, you’ll want to look for a different property.
6. Consider the Upkeep Costs
Like it or not, beach homes require regular maintenance. This is because the salt water can wreak havoc on the home’s exterior and increases the speed at which metal rusts and corrodes.
Think about the types of maintenance tasks you’ll have to take care of. Then consider if you can handle them on your own or need to hire a professional.
If the upkeep costs are too high, keep looking. Many modern homes offer low-maintenance building materials to help you save money on upkeep. But you’re going to have to search through countless listings to find them.
7. Think About How Close You Want to Be to the Water
Being right on the beach is every vacationer’s dream. And while beachfront property may seem ideal, it does come with a few added risks.
The closer you are to the water, the more exposed the house is to flooding, hurricanes, and severe winds. This can impact your homeowner’s insurance premiums and will always increase the amount of maintenance the home needs.
When you’re looking for a property, think about how close you want to be to the water. If you need to be as close as possible, focus on beachfront property. But if you’re willing to be a little further back, you may save money both on the purchase price and your insurance premiums.
Thinking About Buying a Beach House Is Exciting
There’s no denying that having your own vacation home is an exciting prospect. But there’s more to buying a beach house than choosing the home of your dreams.
Keep these considerations in mind when you start your search. If at any time you feel you’re uncomfortable with the cost, take a step back. There will always be beach houses for sale.
The most important thing is to take your time. Be patient, weigh the benefits, and make sure you’re comfortable with owning a second home before you make an offer.
Check out our latest posts for more homeownership tips that will help you take control of your house and your budget.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
How to Pack your Artwork Safely for Transportation
Techniques to Have a Sleep-Friendly BedroomHexagon-Shelves
5 Easy Jigsaw Home Improvement Projects
Best Ideas to Sell Your House Quickly For a Good Price
4 Solid Ideas for a Flood-Proof House
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Toodles,
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