any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller tha

Lakeshore does not come cheap! What is valuable is. . .shall we say. . .valuable! That is why we pay a lot of money for it.

When you set out to make one the largest purchases in your life, take the following advice from a non-biased fellow lakefront owner into practice. First, you have to remember that your realtor has your interest in mind as well as theirs, so be mindful of that at all times. Your interests are paramount.

Is the lake home close to a major city? Generally you can expect to pay more for lake homes that are located closer to major cities because the commute is shorter.

Is it a large recreational lake or private lake? Large recreational lakes generally offer boating, fishing and swimming while small private lakes sometimes do not even allow boats. Make sure the lake you choose is going to be compatible with the activities you want. In contrast, if you are dreaming of a nice quiet retreat without a lot of boat traffic, consider the lake traffic.

Is there a sandy beach or lots of rocks? Many people underestimate and even neglect to consider whether or not a sandy beach is what they want or a rocky beach. If you want a place for swimming on your beach, the nature of your beach is something to consider.

Is the location of the home well above the flood plain, or possibly below it? When we went lakeshore shopping, we were actually shown a few lake homes below the flood plain. Unless you want water in your basement or an all out flood, don't buy property below a flood plain. On the other hand, if you are able to correct the problem you may be able to negotiate a lower price.

How much frontage does the lot have? Frontage is important. It helps with resale value, but keep in mind that generally, the more frontage you have, the more taxes you will pay.

Are there any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller than

se to a major city? Generally you can expect to pay more for lake homes that are located closer to major cities because the commute is shorter.

Is it a large recreational lake or private lake? Large recreational lakes generally offer boating, fishing and swimming while small private lakes sometimes do not even allow boats. Make sure the lake you choose is going to be compatible with the activities you want. In contrast, if you are dreaming of a nice quiet retreat without a lot of boat traffic, consider the lake traffic.

Is there a sandy beach or lots of rocks? Many people underestimate and even neglect to consider whether or not a sandy beach is what they want or a rocky beach. If you want a place for swimming on your beach, the nature of your beach is something to consider.

Is the location of the home well above the flood plain, or possibly below it? When we went lakeshore shopping, we were actually shown a few lake homes below the flood plain. Unless you want water in your basement or an all out flood, don't buy property below a flood plain. On the other hand, if you are able to correct the problem you may be able to negotiate a lower price.

How much frontage does the lot have? Frontage is important. It helps with resale value, but keep in mind that generally, the more frontage you have, the more taxes you will pay.

Are there any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller tha

quiet retreat without a lot of boat traffic, consider the lake traffic.

Is there a sandy beach or lots of rocks? Many people underestimate and even neglect to consider whether or not a sandy beach is what they want or a rocky beach. If you want a place for swimming on your beach, the nature of your beach is something to consider.

Is the location of the home well above the flood plain, or possibly below it? When we went lakeshore shopping, we were actually shown a few lake homes below the flood plain. Unless you want water in your basement or an all out flood, don't buy property below a flood plain. On the other hand, if you are able to correct the problem you may be able to negotiate a lower price.

How much frontage does the lot have? Frontage is important. It helps with resale value, but keep in mind that generally, the more frontage you have, the more taxes you will pay.

Are there any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller tha

re actually shown a few lake homes below the flood plain. Unless you want water in your basement or an all out flood, don't buy property below a flood plain. On the other hand, if you are able to correct the problem you may be able to negotiate a lower price.

How much frontage does the lot have? Frontage is important. It helps with resale value, but keep in mind that generally, the more frontage you have, the more taxes you will pay.

Are there any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller tha

any easements on the lot? We bought a home that had a 20' easement. We were able to negotiate the price down because it restricted our building plans.

Do you have ample room for dock and boat lift placement? A typical dock and boatlift are about 20' in width. Pay close attention to where the neighbors on each side put theirs and how much room those neighbors leave you to place your dock. Are there trees on the lot that make the lot look smaller than it appears? Look at the lot as a blank slate without trees. It may give you more buildable space?

If the lot is on a bluff, will there be difficulties when building or remodeling? Local ordinances can restrict building on bluffs. Consider if you would rather be on a bluff for views or a gently sloping lot for ease. Will it be difficult to climb up the hill every time you want to go boating?

Are there any local building ordinances that may restrict your building plans? Whether you are building or not, it is a good idea to read the local ordinances as they will place future restrictions on where you build, what you want to build, dock placement, etc.

Does it matter to you whether or not the lot is sunset or sunrise facing? Some people like sunrise views, while others want sunset views.

Is the lot located on a busy part of the lake or more quiet part? Is there a lot of traffic? Is there a channel near by?

Are there fish in the lake? Most avid fishermen and women, will consider this as one of their top priorities, others may have dreams of fishing, only to find out after they bought the lake home that there are no fish in the lake.

Weed growth and water quality. Weed growth can change year after year. If the lot has some weeds, are there any local ordinances that will restrict whether or not you can control those weeds? Check to make sure the water quality is good enough for swimming?

In summary, you should consider your priorities and tell your realtor what those priorities are. Decide which priorities you will compromise and what priorities you will not compromise. Enjoy shopping!