Your Guide to Waterfront Living on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Are you looking to purchase a waterfront property?
If so, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is hands-down the place to search.
Whether you’re looking to buy property for the first time or you’re hoping for a second home, living with a body of water in your front yard is unlike living anywhere else. It’s a good idea to find out if waterfront living is what you’re looking for first. Before you begin your search, there are a few things you should include in your house-hunting checklist.
A Specialist is Best
When choosing your Realtor®, make sure you choose someone who knows all about waterfront living. With years of experience and the deep understanding of a long-time-local, Craig and his associates can provide all the details you need to make the right decision.
While realtors, in general, can find you a great property, those with waterfront property experience will think of things that others will not. The home-buying process is a much less confusing act when you have an excellent team on your side.
For example, an inexperienced Realtor® may not understand all the Critical Areas Regulations in building/or living on the water. While you may choose to buy it anyway, it’s better for you to know what all may be involved in owning waterfront property on Maryland’s Eastern Shore prior to doing so.
Realtors with expert knowledge of waterfront property will also know a good deal when they find them. They’ll know what waterfront properties usually go for, while a non-experienced realtor may not, which could land you in a deal that only sounds good.
Peaceful Plot or Party Palace?
The peace and quiet you often imagine associated with waterfront living are absolutely obtainable. Continual peace and quiet may not be what you’re after though.
Consider why you want to live on the water as you look for properties. Are you looking for fun in the sun and plenty of room for jet skiing? Lots of land for hunting for Eastern Shore wildlife or fishing? Or simply a gorgeous, peaceful view to soak in each morning when you wake up? Would you like to live in a waterfront community or are you interested in something more private?
There are waterfront properties that offer complete peace and quiet – your very own escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In these situations, it may be a good idea to determine if wifi is available, cable or even the amount of time it may take to reach a local grocery store.
And, if you choose a property in an area that’s popular for water activities, you might get tired of having a view full of visitors or noisy speedboats throughout the warmer months.
Take your needs and wants into consideration and use them to find the right property for you. Strike a balance, and look for a property that has everything you want.
Weather Considerations
No matter where you purchase a property, weather needs to be taken into consideration. Living with water in your front yard is simply different than having a property placed entirely on the solid ground.
Things like hurricanes, freezes, high-tides, mold, and wildlife should be on your mind. Flooding could be a concern too. Research the area’s local weather history and take note of tidal markings, fallen trees, etc.
There’s no guarantee you’ll have a problem with any of these things, but it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you’re up to dealing with potential weather-related water hazards and that your property is equipped to handle them well. Ask your Realtor® for recommendations on local Eastern Shore companies who specialize in keeping your waterfront property in tip-top shape.
Look at the Entire Property
When viewing potential properties, don’t forget to take a good look at everything that’s involved. In other words, don’t forget to think of the big picture. If you love the house but really want to remove a few trees at the waterline, you will run into issues. Use Google to visit your desired property and those around it.
True, you should be sure the house on the property is something you could live in (you are interested in buying a home, right? Make sure it fits your style, your wants, and your needs. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to work for you.
Do make sure the house doesn’t require more work or maintenance than you’re willing to put in.
Besides the house though, there are many things to consider. What kind of body of water is the house on? Creekside, Bay-front, and Riverview living are not all the same. Do your research, ask questions and don’t hesitate to contact locals.
What’s the condition of the water? If it’s shallow and muddy it may not be great for boating or other in-water activities.
Consider the depth of the water. Can you jump or dive in right from your dock? If you have a boat, the water’s depth needs to be appropriate for that boat.
Landscaping, drainage, flood protection, and more should be taken into consideration. So don’t forget the other important details! If needed, make a list so you won’t forget what to look for when you go.
Plan Ahead Financially
Property, in general, can be a huge investment, but a waterfront property can come with hidden fees and long-term maintenance. That simply means you need to be prepared for it.
Have a budget in mind and stick to it. As long as you’ve given yourself enough room to reasonably cover the price of a waterfront home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you’ll have several options within your budget.
In order to maximize your budget, consider purchasing a property that needs a little bit of work. It’ll save you money, plus you may just enjoy making the place your own right off the bat!
If money’s not an issue, shop, and dream to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to consider the cost of keeping up a property once you buy it. Consider hiring small local companies to handle maintenance for you.
Waterfront Living: A Lifestyle Unlike Anything Else
There’s nothing quite like waterfront living on the Eastern Shore. Whether you’re on the ocean, alongside one of our many rivers, or enjoying the Chesapeake Bay, waterfront living can be exactly what you want it to be.
Compare your options and make sure your Realtor® knows how to get you what you want. By putting your heads together, you’re sure to find a property that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Maryland’s Eastern Shore isn’t only great for waterfront properties; it provides a lifestyle second to none. If historic homes are what you are looking for, the Shore has many homes with a bit of history, check out this list of things to look for when shopping.