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If you're considering buying a lakefront property, it's important to ask yourself some key questions first. How often will you use the property? What kind of activities do you hope to enjoy on the lake? What kind of access does the property have to the water? These are just a few of the questions that homebuyers should consider before making such an important investment. By taking the time to ask these questions, buyers can be sure they're making a wise decision that will bring them years of happiness.

What is the Lake Like?

Not all lakes are created equal. Some are more serene and perfect for fishing, while others are great for water-sports enthusiasts who love skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. Make sure you know what kind of lake it is before making an offer. This will help you determine whether or not it's the right fit for your family and lifestyle.

How Much Time Will You Spend at the Property?

If you're only going to use the property a few weekends out of the year, more than or not homeowners can have a dock. Before buying into a lake community, be sure to read any lake association bylaws thoroughly. Homebuyers may also want to ask if the lake association has dues, as these will typically need to be paid monthly and could run a few hundred dollars per month depending on the community.

What is the Property's Zoning?

Before making an offer on lakefront property, it's important to check the zoning. Many waterfront homes are in areas that are zoned for agricultural use or open space. This means that you can't build anything on the property other than what's already there. If you're looking to build a dock or boathouse, make sure the zoning allows for it.

What is the Property's Shoreline Like?

The shoreline of a property can be just as important as its zoning. If the lot is too low, it may flood during times of high water. This could lead to costly repairs in the future. Homebuyers should always take into account the lake's water level before making an offer on waterfront property.

How Much Will It Cost to Maintain the Property?

Just like any other property, lakefront homes require upkeep. This can include everything from mowing the lawn to trimming the trees on the property. In some cases, it may also be necessary to hire a contractor to clean out the septic tank or pump out the dock each year. All of these costs need to be taken into account when deciding whether or not buying a lakefront home is right for you.

Lakefront properties are a dream come true for many homeowners. By asking yourself these eleven questions before making an offer, you can be sure that you're making a wise investment that will bring happiness and memories for years to come.

Is There a Lake Association?

One of the first things to consider is whether or not a lake association exists and if it has dues and restrictions. If there's a lake association, they will most likely have bylaws in place regarding the lakefront property. These can include everything from how high fences can be to what types of boats may be used on the lake, down to whether or not you can have a dock.

All of this needs to be taken into account before making an offer on the property, as violating the bylaws could lead to fines and other penalties down the road.

Is There Enough Beachfront?

Not all properties have direct access to the water. Some have a bluff or rocky shoreline instead of a beach. If this is important to you, be sure to ask about it before making an offer.

What is the View Like From the Property?

Some lakefront property owners are looking for a lake with activities suited to them, while others are just looking for an aesthetic lakefront with no intention of getting into the water. Homebuyers should look for a lake that offers opportunities for their favourite activities. If fishing is your thing, look for a lake with plenty of bass and trout. If you love to ski or wakeboard, be sure to find a lake with enough room to do so. And if swimming and sunbathing are your main interests, make sure the property has easy access to the water and good views

Is There a Dock?

Many lakefront homeowners invest in lakefront property because they want their dock. It's often considered one of the best things to buy for a lakefront home. Before buying a lakefront property, it's essential to find out what type of dock is on the property, if any. If there isn't one, do any improvements need to be made before building? If there is a pre-existing dock, when was it last maintained? What condition is it in? There are several factors to consider before building a dock, as well, such as stationary vs. floating, whether to hire a professional or DIY, how the lake bed may affect the build, and more.

Ready to live with beautiful water views just out your window? Browse all Waterfront homes for sale in York Region.

Is It Shared Access to the Water?

Depending on where a person is buying lakefront property, water access may be private or shared. Whether or not the neighbours have access to an easement that leads down to the water can affect a homeowner's plans. If there is shared access or a public easement in place, homeowners must plan any landscaping, docks, or other outdoor home improvements in such a way that this access isn't blocked, and be prepared for others having access to their property.

What's the Community Like?

The people who live in the area surrounding a home can have just as much effect on a homeowner's life as the lake itself. In some cases, homeowners buy into a community that shares their same outdoor interests and will spur friendly competitions with others on and off the water. In other cases, homeowners might enjoy being part of a quiet neighbourhood where neighbours are scarce.

Homebuyers should look for a community with similar interests. It's also important to ask about local clubs, associations, and other opportunities for outdoor activities in the area. For example, are there fishing groups or sailing organizations nearby? Are there events that take place at the lake regularly?

It's also worth considering whether the neighbours are full-time residents. Lake houses make for very desirable vacation homes, and this may affect how often neighbouring homes are occupied. They may even be used as rental properties. Aside from how this may affect a homeowner's experience, whether vacation or rental properties are common or unusual in the community may be something that home buyers want to know if they're considering renting out their property for vacation purposes.

Find Your Dream Lake Home Today

Lakefront property can be a wonderful, rewarding purchase for the right buyer. Homebuyers should do their research before buying lakefront property at one of the best lakes in Ontario to enjoy lakefront living to ensure that it's the right choice for them and that they're getting a suitable home on the water. By asking key questions about the lake, the community, and any shared access points, buyers will be better prepared to make an informed decision.

Ready to live with beautiful water views just out your window? Browse all Waterfront homes for sale in Simcoe.