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14 Facts to Consider When Purchasing a Coastal Home

By: Author Jeff Campbell

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Guest Posts

Are you thinking of buying a beach property? Read on to know how to choose the right one for you.

When it comes to purchasing a seaside home, there are numerous beachfront houses in several coastal communities to select from. While searching for a beach property, it’s critical to have a strong grasp of your requirements and budget. Additionally, you must be fully aware of the risks associated with the purchase, including such financial or weather-related concerns. We’ve compiled a list of information and ideas to consider before purchasing your seaside home.

  1. Location

You need to consider a few things when deciding to purchase your dream beach house or condo. The first thing to choose is the right location. Would you like your home close to the shore or closer to where the entertainment centers are? Does the area you have chosen offer tranquility and seclusion?

Is property value in that location showing steady appreciation rates? Find out if the place you are choosing is the right one for you.

Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Virginia Beach, Jacksonville, Ocean City are the best beaches for buying a coastal home. Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina. It can be an ideal place for the people in the southeast. You can pass the days here basking in the natural beauties and experiencing memorable activities and the rich culture.

The most wonderful part of real estate in Myrtle Beach is the low cost and the low tax.

Panama City Beach is another good option. It is located near Northwest Florida. You can enjoy the fantastic ocean breeze here while fishing. Most of the condos have pools here, and some of the larger properties even offer concierge services, activities, and more. You will feel like living in a resort.

A knowledgeable realtor will help you find an ideal property in the location you desire. Check out these Island Vista condos to see what is on the offer right now.

  1. Property Management or HOA Fees

You might need a property management service to take care of your coastal house if it is not your primary home. This means someone who will coordinate all maintenance needs, landscaping, pest control services, and lease agreements while you are gone.

If the coastal house is situated in an HOA community, the HOA might take care of the needs for you. You need to consider these fees for these services while budgeting for your beach house as they might be expensive.

  1. Construction and Foundation

Ensure your coastal home is as weather-proof as possible. It needs to be your top priority. That’s how your hard-earned investment remains safe through nor’easters or hurricanes that threaten your beach town.

Consider buying a beach house built on stilts if the area you chose has a high flood risk or plenty of storm surge potential. Materials need to be wind and flood-resistant too. They should be strong enough to stand up against high temperatures and heavy rain.

Concrete and naturally durable wood are the best materials for beach homes as they can withstand heavy rain and high winds better than other wood-framed coastal houses.

  1. Roof

When purchasing a coastal house, remember to consider the roof.

The last thing you might want is to buy a home, only to find out later that you need to replace the roof. In many coastal areas, you may find a beach house’s roof to undergo more wear and tear than the typical home as it experiences severe weather. Replacing a roof can be expensive. So, it’s best to buy a coastal house with a comparably new roof made of durable and weather-proof materials.

Finding a house with a metal roof would be ideal as they are highly wind-resistant.

  1. Proximity to Water

Proximity to the water can be the single most important thing to consider when purchasing a beach house. If you want waterfront living, make sure you weigh the pros and cons.

You might find living close to the water is good for resale value, and it may seem more convenient. However, it increases your insurance rates and flood risks. Therefore, if you can afford the possible repairs and a house built with top-notch building materials, then living close to the water might be worth it for you and your family.

  1. Window Durability

You need to choose a coastal home with durable impact windows that will protect your investment from wind-borne debris and potential wind damage during severe storms and hurricanes.

If the house you have chosen does not have these windows, consider installing them after moving in, as they are a must for hurricane proofing. Besides protecting your home, these windows decrease noise levels, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and lower your insurance costs.

  1. Outdoor Living Area

Chances are, one of the main reasons you’re buying a coastal home is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the great outdoors. So you should consider assessing the beach property’s outside living space.

Would you like to have a porch or patio? How about a seashore view? Is the location you are choosing peaceful or crowded? Does it have an outdoor recreational space or a pool? Think about the aspects that are important to you and check all of the outdoor living boxes of the beach house.

  1. Flood Risk

Flooding can be responsible for a large amount of the loss and wind damage caused by storms and hurricanes. So, while buying a coastal property, make sure it was built with flood-resistant materials.

Bear in mind that you should do research to see if the house is located in a high-risk flood zone. Obtain insurance coverage even if your home is not in a flood zone. If you want to prevent flooding during heavy rains, you should consider purchasing a home that is located on a bit elevated slope or an upward hill.

  1. Potential Rental Income

It’s critical to determine if the beach home you choose will provide a positive return on the investment if you want to utilize it as a rental property. If the maintenance fees, initial costs, and monthly fees are too high, then it might not be a sensible short-term investment. Also, remember that beach properties with more than one bedroom usually get rented out more easily.

So, if there is a plan to rent it out, avoid buying a one-bedroom coastal home.

If the home is situated in the HOA community, make sure you know the HOA rules, as there can be some strict rules that need firm understanding before renting it out.

In addition, researching nearby rentals is a great way to assess your competition before purchasing any.

  1. Neighbors

If you’re willing to purchase a peaceful vacation home, the last thing you want is a loud neighbor. Researching on the street and neighborhood is necessary before purchasing your beach house. Get to know if the neighbors are friendly enough to keep an eye on your place while you’re not there.

  1. Decor Choices

If you are interested in renting out your beach house, try decorating after purchasing and making it an attractive rental. Most of the renters view properties online. They tend to decide what to purchase based on photos.

Having a consistent style or theme can make your home more appealing. Rustic style with woods and neutrals, beach themes with cool greens and blues, nautical reds and navy, can be some of the great options to choose from. Keep it casual to give it that relaxed beach vacation vibe.

  1. Upgrades

Consider upgrading your property to enjoy your stay in the coastal home and make it more popular.

Give the home a sense of luxury by having high-end kitchen appliances. Sleeper sofas and bunk beds can increase the rental appeal for those looking to accommodate bigger families. If you want repeat guests while renting it, providing small extras like a high chair or boogie boards can be a great idea. Don’t forget the Wi-Fi as it is a must for travelers.

  1. Insurance

It goes without saying that your house should be well insured – especially if you are renting it out.

There might be different requirements based on several factors, such as flood zones or zip codes for each property. Find out if wind coverage and flood insurance are needed. Bundling generally saves money. So, consulting your current insurance company first will be a wise thing to do. Be sure to shop around and compare the prices of premiums as well as the coverage and deductibles amounts.

  1. Rent Before Purchasing

Sometimes it is possible to rent a property even if it is on the market. If you get that opportunity try renting the house before you buy it. It will be the best way to check out the attractions and views along with the proximity to restaurants.

You can even gauge the level of street noise. You will also find out the things you love about the property and the things you don’t, whether you want to come back or not, and what you would change if you were willing to purchase it.

There you have it. Now, you know the main things you need to consider while buying your dream beach house. So, make sure to pay attention to these points and purchase the right one.

 

 

Jeff Campbell
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