Do you wish to buy a home close to the beach? Fortunately, numerous beachfront properties and coastal towns are available for you to choose from in Naples. While searching for a house near the beach, it might take you some time to get the right one. I’m sure you’d want to ensure you get the best deal.
Before signing on the dotted line, have a strong understanding of your needs and budget. Also, check the weather-related and financial risks involved. Consider hiring an experienced realtor with local real estate knowledge in coastal areas.
As you start your house hunting journey for Naples homes for sale near the beach, ensure to look out for these factors before signing on the dotted line.
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Proximity to Water
Many people prefer buying a beach house for its proximity to the water. However, before signing on the dotted line, weigh the pros and cons of living close to the water. For example, while living in the waterfront area increases the property’s resale value, you’ve got to consider the insurance rate and flood risks.
Nonetheless, if you can afford future repairs and the house is constructed with quality building materials, then living in a beach house will be worth your time.
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Construction and Foundation
Ensure to check that the Naples, Florida waterfront real estate is weather-proof; else, severe weather could destroy your hard-earned investment. Whether it’s hurricanes, storms, or high flood risks, ensure to buy a beach property built on stilts.
Check that the building materials are also flood and wind-resistant and can withstand high temperatures and heavy rain. According to FEMA, naturally durable wood and concrete are the best building materials for beach homes.
Homes built with concrete are the most durable and can withstand heavy rain and high winds more than wood-framed houses.
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Flood Risk
Besides wind damage, flooding caused by storms and hurricanes is a major issue in most beach locations. Therefore, consider the home’s flood risk before paying for any Naples Gulf front homes for sale. One way to discover this is by checking that the property was constructed using flood-resistant materials.
Also, ensure that the property isn’t in a high-risk flood zone. Regardless of the coastal home location, you’ll need flood insurance. It’s best to get a house situated on an elevated slope or an upward hill to avoid flooding during heavy rains.
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HOA Fees and Property Management
Suppose the beach house is your second property; you might need a property management service to manage your beach home while you’re gone. The property manager will handle the lease agreements, landscape maintenance needs, and pest control services.
If the beach property is in an HOA neighborhood, the HOA may handle these needs. However, the service fees for property management are often expensive. So take them into account before signing on the dotted lines.
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Outdoor Living Area
Suppose one reason you’re purchasing a beach property is to enjoy the outdoor living area. So ensure to examine the house’s outside space. Do you want a porch or patio? Is the neighborhood crowded or peaceful?
Does the property have an outdoor recreational space or pool? Depending on your preference, ensure the beach home ticks all your outdoor living boxes.
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Roof
Pay attention to the roof when searching for Naples homes for sale near the beach. You wouldn’t want to buy a house and discover later that you’ll have to replace the roof. Due to the prevalent harsh weather in coastal areas, the beach home’s roof will probably experience more wear and tear.
Replacing a roof might cost you about $25,000, so consider buying a beach property with a relatively new, weather-proof roof. We advise you to buy a beach home with a metal roof; they’re highly wind-resistant.
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Insurance Rates
When buying a beach home, expect that the homeowner’s insurance will increase. More so, if the house is close to the water, you’ll be required to get flood insurance, which is also expensive.
A report from Investopedia reveals that Florida beach houses often have insurance premiums of $10,000 and above for flood insurance. Talk to your insurance agent concerning your insurance rates before buying the beach property.
Don’t forget to check different insurance companies to get the best rates. There are always significant differences in their premiums.
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Window Durability
When purchasing a beach house in Naples, Florida, pay adequate attention to the windows. Ensure the home has durable impact windows to protect it from wind-borne debris and potential wind damage during severe storms and hurricanes.
However, even if you go ahead to buy a beach property without impact windows, ensure to install them immediately after moving in to avoid hurricane damages. Impact windows will decrease loud noise levels, improve the house’s energy efficiency, and lower your insurance costs.
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Neighbors
Suppose you seek a peaceful vacation house, then pay attention to the Naples homes for sale near the beach. Ensure to conduct some research on the neighborhood and street before signing on the dotted line.
Check whether the neighbors are friendly and can help keep an eye on the house while you’re gone.
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Potential Rental Income
Decide if you want to rent out your coastal home. If you do, then be sure the property will have a good ROI. If the maintenance needs, initial costs, and monthly fees are too much, the property may not be a good investment.
Don’t forget that beach homes with more than a single bedroom are usually rented out more quickly and at a higher price. So avoid a one-bedroom house if you intend to rent it out. If the beach property is in an HOA neighborhood, there might be strict regulations about renting out your beach house.
Consider researching rentals nearby to understand your competitions. Also, pay attention to the rates others charge.
Final Words
You’ve decided to get Naples, Florida condos for sale in beachfront areas. Congratulations! However, the challenge lies in finding a good beach house.
To ensure you make the best choice, consider the factors mentioned here before making any payment for your chosen property. You might want to hire a realtor with local knowledge like Maggie Ives to help you get the best beach house in Naples, Florida, one that accentuates your budget.
