Is that time of year again – cabin fever. Many of you will begin your search for a lake home, lot or cabin with the hopes of using it this summer.
Here are a few things to consider when buying a lake place:
- Location: How far are you willing to drive on the weekends to get to the cabin and once you finally decide to retire at the lake, how far are you willing to drive for health care, groceries and entertainment. Most buyers are drawn to a certain area because they grew up vacationing in the area but don’t consider these factors. You can waste a lot of time in the car when you could be enjoying time at the lake if you fail to consider how the location will affect your weekend at the cabin.
- Improvements: The cabin may be suitable for use today but what if you want to add on or make changes to the structure(s)? The lot size may not allow for additions to be made to the home or the home may sit too close to the lake. Setbacks from the lot lines and the lakeshore are a very sensitive issue and need to be considered prior to your purchase.
- Re-sale: You may think you are going to own this lake home forever but things happen and you may have to make a quick sale. Consider the area, lot size, accessibility, lake size and classification, elevation, neighboring homes and distance from the nearest “big city” prior to making the purchase. All of these things will affect the price of your lake home when it is time to sell.
These are a few obvious things to consider when you begin searching for a lake home. For a more detailed list please feel free to contact me.
See you at the lake!
