TOP 10 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN BUYING A CT BEACH HOUSE

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a CT Beach House

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a CT Beach House

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Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a CT Beach House


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Searching for a Connecticut shoreline property can be an exciting experience!
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For many, it’s the fulfillment of dream and the start of a new lifestyle.


Amidst such excitement, however, it is important keep a grounded perspective.


With such a substantial investment, it’s important to do it right – for instance, to have the right people on your team and to do the proper due diligence. Such due diligence begins with asking the right questions.
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Here at Planet One Realty, these are the top ten considerations when looking at buying a CT shoreline property:

1) Not Inspecting the Bulkhead:

Many people don’t even know the term ‘bulkhead’. The bulkhead is the retaining wall or barrier wall between the property and the ocean. Bulkheads can be damaged in heavy storms, like hurricanes, and potentially very expensive to fix. If you’re buying a waterfront property, you must have the bulkhead inspected by a specialist!

2) Neglecting the Cost of Flood Insurance:

Let’s face it. Rising oceans are a fact of life. You need to investigate the real costs of insuring the property - like additionally required flood insurance. But it would also be smart to objectively assess the property’s topography. Is it reasonably above sea level to provide you with an extra buffer of safety or will you be dealing with regular flooding the coming decade? Serious questions indeed!

3) Not Assessing the Home’s Ability to Withstand the Ocean Climate:

The ocean is unforgiving. Strong winds. Driving rain. Salt spray. These environmental considerations are a recipe for the deterioration of a home not built specifically to withstand them! For instance, doors and windows should be hurricane rated. Many so-called ‘normal’ inland house items and fixtures would simply oxidize and rust away. This is why it’s crucial to pay special attention to such things in your purchase. Durability is the name of the game!

4) Failing to Ask About Regular Maintenance

Admittedly, this question is related to the previous one - even if slightly different. The replacement schedule for many items might be ‘accelerated’ in a waterfront environment. How often is the house painted? When was the last time the deck was replaced? When was the last time the porch doors were replaced? Items that might last a lifetime on inland property may have a lifespan of only 5, 10 or 20 years at a beach front property!


5) Failing to Investigate “Allowed” Improvements

Many beach communities have strict limitations of what can be done to the property. While it might be a potentially smart decision to improve the property with an expanded deck, for instance, it is absolutely crucial that such plan is investigated with the municipality beforehand!

6) Neglecting to Understand Requirements of the “Beach Association”

Beach and Property owners associations (POA) often have fees to maintain the beach and community. Get these fees in writing. Sometimes these associations also have requirements or limitations more stringent than the municipality. For instance, is there a limitation on what colors you can paint your house, fire-pit restrictions, and noise restrictions?

7) Not Being Proactive With Financing

Waterfront property can sometimes be more difficult to finance. Being typically more expensive and requiring a larger loan amount in conjunction with possible insurance delays, it’s smart to stay proactive on the financing front.

8) Failing to Investigate Utilities

Many Connecticut shoreline communities, and thus properties, are undergoing new septic systems requirements that require a totally new system. Such systems can be very expensive. It is therefore crucial that you understand the state of such utilities in any property you are considering in view of current building code requirements!

9) Not Talking with Neighbors

You are making are large investment. And it would be foolish to not speak with the immediate neighbors before you make an offer. After all, they will know the exactly what is happening not only in your community, but the events on your very block! Are association dues doubling next year? Is there a new property being built nearby that might impact your view? Neighbors are an invaluable source!


10) Failing to Investigate Permits (especially for docks!)

Yes. The dock comes with the property you just bought, but are you legally allowed to use it? Only if it was properly permitted! Take the time to investigate what is and is not ‘permitted’ on any property you are considering!


If you are looking for an oceanfront or Connecticut beach community property and want to work with the best, reach out to us at Planet One Realty. With over 30 years experience on the CT Shoreline, we know CT shoreline real estate!


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