Realtor Tommy Mack Examines Essentials of Waterfront Home Living and Selling

For many people, owning a waterfront home is the ultimate dream come true. “However, it brings with it serious considerations to ensure the property is kept in top shape,” said Mack. “Additionally, you need to keep a waterfront home as immaculate as possible if you want to sell it at some point.”

To help homeowners keep their waterfront home in stellar condition and/or sell it, Mack and Coastal Collection team members Bobby Coe and Jake Kyer share the following tips:

Keeping a waterfront home in top shape:

No. 1: Storm mitigation. Living in a waterfront home means being exposed to extreme weather. Hurricane-impact windows and doors, metal roofs, brick and other storm mitigation features will ensure a waterfront home is ready to confront and persevere through the worst that Mother Nature has to offer. “Also, if your home has a docking facility or seawall, it is important to conduct routine inspections and preventative maintenance to ensure the lifespan of these valuable investments is maximized,” added Mack. 

No. 2: Take a natural approach. Leverage landscaping to strategically protect your home while at the same time enhancing its beauty. Rely on native species that are accustomed to withstanding severe weather to create natural “windbreaks” and also to shield critical household systems, such as air conditioning units. “Utilizing landscaping in this way can greatly reduce utility bills by providing shade, or otherwise protect chosen areas from harsh sunlight, while offering resiliency in the face of severe weather,”  said Coe. “In certain situations, mangrove fringes can create aesthetically pleasing erosion protection that enhances wildlife habitat when compared to man-made rock formations known as ‘rip-rap.’”

No. 3: Fight saltwater corrosion. Saltwater corrodes, and saltwater corrosion can devalue a property, so keeping a waterfront home free of this is imperative. “Avoiding metal components is a good rule of thumb,” stated Kyer. “Try using fiberglass framed doors and windows.” 

Selling a waterfront property:

No. 1: Capture the intrinsic value. Landscaping, auxiliary structures and even entire homes can be reconfigured or replaced, while the waterfront location is enduring. When applicable, especially in an environment such as the Florida Keys, it is important to highlight how the waterfront property will enhance a buyer’s lifestyle. For example, does the property facilitate boating access? Are there sandbars, national parks or great fishing locations nearby? “In this scenario, not only is the waterfront property scenic, but also serves as a launching point for countless days spent with the family on the water,” noted Mack. 

No. 2: Price it properly. This can make all the difference if the house sells or not. If priced too high, the home will sit on the market for a long time. “The longer it languishes, the more buyers assume there is something wrong with it,” stressed Coe. 

No. 3: Find the right Realtor. “It is crucial that you work with a Realtor that has experience and a proven track record in selling waterfront homes,” concluded Kyer. “Do your research and check their reviews online.” 

About Tommy Mack, Coastal Collection Real Estate Inc.

Tommy Mack works with both buyers and sellers. He is a Seller’s Representative Specialist and Accredited Buyer’s Representative. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor or fall somewhere in between, Tommy and his team will design a specific plan to reach your goals and guarantee your complete satisfaction. For more information, please call (305) 731-7910, or visit http://coastal-collection.com/. 

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