Essential Tips for Buying Lakeside Property
Dreaming of owning a lakeside property? In a recent episode of the Connecticut Real Estate Edge podcast, Everblue Lakes founder and lake expert, John Tucci, dives into the unique considerations and potential challenges of lakeside homeownership. Drawing from years of experience in lake restoration and management, John shares insights every prospective lakefront homeowner should know. Here’s a sneak peek of the episode, filled with essential tips on lakefront inspections, property upkeep, and evaluating lake health.
Top Takeaways for Lakeside Property Buyers
- Lakes Need Maintenance: Nothing good in life ever comes without maintenance. At Everblue Lakes, we know that lakes require ongoing care. Whether buying your first or fifth lakeside home, consider the investment you’re willing to make in the lake’s ongoing upkeep, not just in the property itself.
- Seasonal Lake Health: Even if the lake looks pristine in spring or fall, you’ll want to investigate its summer conditions when water quality issues may be more apparent. Algae blooms can turn your pristine resource into a health hazard.
- Environmental Reports Are Key: Before purchasing, check if environmental reports are available and take note of what they reveal about water quality, muck levels, and invasive species. No report? Assess the quality of the lake in question with these simple tips.
- Assessing Shoreline Condition: Not all shorelines are created equal. Look for sandy versus mucky areas and consider how this impacts your plans, from swimming to boating.
Avoid Surprises by Doing Due Diligence
- Speak with Neighbors and Lake Associations: These groups can offer valuable insights into lake health and any recurring seasonal issues.
- Look at Public Records: Check state databases and association reports to confirm if the lake is classified as “impaired” or “in peril.”
- Be Aware of “Mucky Side” vs. “Sandy Side” Properties: Some lakes naturally collect muck on one side, impacting recreational use. Regular maintenance may help, but accumulated muck can be costly over time.
Long-Term Lakefront Maintenance Tips from Everblue Lakes
- Annual Shoreline Cleaning: Regularly clearing muck and managing weeds can prevent costly build-up over time.
- Get Involved in the Community: Lake health requires cooperation. Join or support your lake association to promote ongoing restoration and preservation efforts.
- Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Everblue Lakes advocates for natural lake treatments and aeration systems instead of chemicals, which can have harmful long-term effects on water quality.
Don’t Just Fall for the View—Check the Water Quality
Lakefront property is a big investment, and at Everblue Lakes, we don’t want you to skip the inspection! Clear, healthy water is as important as the house itself. Just as you wouldn’t skip a home inspection, it’s vital to understand the lake’s health.
To learn more from John Tucci and gain insight into smart lakeside homeownership, watch the full episode here. If you can’t wait to get your lakeside property questions answered, please, contact us today!
