lakefront - Orlando and Clermont Real Estate

FAQ About Lake Homes You May Not Have Thought About

The beautiful town of Claremont is home to some amazing lakefront homes. It is just one of the many reasons so many people love living in Claremont. Unlike a traditional land-locked home, there are more considerations to take into account when purchasing a lakefront property. Some you may have thought to ask and others you may not. Here are some good things to ask and consider when you are interested in purchasing a lakefront property that you may not have thought about.

Current State of the Home and Special Maintenance Required

Living alongside a large body of water brings its own special set of maintenance requirements to a home. The added moisture in the air from living lakeside, for example, puts added wear on a home. Make sure you know the exact type of home you are purchasing from foundation to building materials to the land surrounding the home. This will help you to ask the proper questions from a home inspector on what special maintenance needs the home requires to keep it in great shape and help it stand up to the harsher environment.

Do Your Homework on the Actual Lake Itself

Each lake is different from the next and before buying a home along the shores of the lake you want to make sure it is one you are going to want to live by. Find out as much information about the specific lake the home is on that you can.

Some great things to know about the lake you plan to live on are:

Is the bottom rocky, sandy, or muddy?

How busy does the lake get?
What recreational activities are allowed? What are the limitations? You don’t want to plan to go jet skiing in the summers to discover the lake has a no motor craft rule.
How is mosquito season?
What wildlife live at the lake and how do they behave?
Is the shoreline sandy/rocky/muddy?

Does the water level rise and lower with the seasons or time of day?
What are the native plants and do things like duckweed pose an issue?
Has there ever been a flooding issue? Where is the flood line?
What are the rules around boat access and private docks? How easy/difficult is it to get your particular boat in the lake?
Are there any environmental protections?

How deep is the lake near the shore, in the center, at certain areas?
How clean is the lake water? Has it needed to be cleaned in the past?

Is There a Lake Association?

Who or what organization is in charge of lake upkeep and rule monitoring? It is a great idea to find out as much info about this organization from its rules to its organization and communication to what the board is like. These organizations vary drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you are hoping to encounter a specific type of association it is best to know before your buy.

Septic or Sewer?

This is an important question as living on a septic system requires a different way of doing things than living on a public sewer system. If the property has septic there are things to consider like the condition of the system, the size of the system (important to know how much daily use it can handle), how often it requires pumping, and if the neighborhood plans to upgrade to sewer in the future (added cost to homeowners).

Future Building

If you are looking at a home that is fairly secluded it is good to look into the possibility of further development around the lake in the future. It could end up making your once beloved quiet spot a much more crowded space or even alter your personal view of the lake from your home.

Another thing to look into is your ability to build other structures on your property. You don’t want to make plans for a boat or guest house in the future only to have them thwarted.

Privacy

Living right on the shores of a lake makes your yard visible to others on the lake. The closer your home is to the water the more boaters and other people on the water can see what is happening at your home. Ask yourself how much privacy you prefer to have and if the particular home you are interested in will provide that.

Are you looking for a lake home in Clermont? I am happy to help you find and purchase the perfect waterfront home to meet your needs and lifestyle. Contact me anytime.

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Best Lakeside Parks in Clermont Florida

Clermont Florida may not be on the coast but it does have its share of water, with several lakes located in and around the city it is a great spot for getting out of the house and enjoying the outdoors. The lakeside parks in Clermont provide spots for fishing, seasonal swimming and other activities to keep you entertained.

Waterfront Park

If you are looking for a spot to bike or walk head on over to Waterfront Park, located on the shore of Lake Minneola. For people who want to walk or bike, the Lake Apopka Trail runs through the park and along the southern portion of the lake. There is beach access to the lake for swimming (weather permitting) or just playing in the sand, as well as a pier that people can fish on. Champions Splash Park, also located in Waterfront Park, provides a spot for kids who want to play in the water but aren’t interested in swimming.

Lake Hiawatha Preserve

The Lake Hiawatha Preserve offers a great space for anyone looking to spend time in nature. Kids can play in the play area located within the preserve. Dogs are also allowed and there are two dog parks for your furry friend to run and play. Since the park is also a nature preserve there is a series of trails, both paved and unpaved, and wildlife observation areas. The park also offers a disc golf course and a fishing pier for people who want to try something unique.

Lake Louisa State Park

Another great lakeside park is a short drive out of Clermont but worth the trip. Lake Louisa State Park not only includes Lake Louisa but it also has a series of smaller lakes within the park. There is plenty to do here whether you are wanting to go for the day or stay and camp. There is a playground for kids, trails, and pets are allowed. If you are wanting to beat the heat there is a swimming area, a boat launch is open to the public at the Palatlakaha River Park and Boat Ramp, and there are kayaks and canoes for rent at the park’s outpost. In addition, fishing is allowed on most of the lakes in the park, there is wildlife to view and three different types of camping options for extended stay.

Hey! Looking for a home nearby? I’d love to give you a list of all the active properties around any of these amazing lakefront parks. Simply let me know what you’re looking for and I’d be happy to send it on over. And of course, don’t think twice about calling me on any Clermont real estate.

Image by Mwanner at the English language Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Coveted Lakefront Living in Florida

I would like to think there are two different types of people; the first, those who live a luxurious life on the lake, and the second, those who dream of doing so.

There are many obvious reasons why lakefront living seems like a perfect lifestyle, but just in case you need some of these reasons outlined, we will be highlighting a few of them for you.

The first seems like an obvious reason and is simply the thought of the relaxing nights spent sipping a glass of your favorite wine and looking out over the still glass like lake waters. Even if you’ve had a stressful and exhausting day at the office, coming home to the peaceful views over the water is sure to help you calm down and release and alleviate some of the stress the workday caused.

Who doesn’t love playing at the lake? If lake living weren’t such a fun experience, there wouldn’t be public parks on the lake for people to enjoy. By owning a home lakeside, you don’t have to fight for the perfect spot at the park or line your towels on the beach in hopes your spot will be saved because the park will be your back yard.

To add to the fun, you will have unlimited access to all of the fun sports and events the lake has to offer including but not limited to:

swimming,
sailing,
fishing,
kayaking,
paddle boarding,
boating and much more…

The picturesque views of the lake alone are sure to take your breath away, especially during the sunrise and sunsets, spreading a watercolor of colors across the sky. To add to the beauty of your new lakefront home, imagine all the wildlife that will soon become your neighbors. Birds soaring through the air, occasionally hunting for fish and entrancing you with their dives to the water below, the views of the different animals will be enough to keep your attention for years to come.

While the privacy of a lakefront home is one of the key features, there is also a huge opportunity for entertaining. Summer parties, cookouts, birthday’s and more, your home will be the perfect location for it all. Share your home with friends and family and let everyone get a little taste of lakefront living.

More often than not, the community in lake front homes is nearly unbreakable. Your neighbors must also have a love for the outdoors allowing for an easy conversation starter. Grab a couple of beers and sit out on the dock while chatting about your favorite features of the lake, your homes, your lifestyles and more and before you know it you will have BBQs together, boating excursions and much more.

Take a leap and begin your search for the perfect lakefront property to call home. Soak in everything this laid back lifestyle has to offer with a beautiful home on a picture perfect piece of property. Sip your morning coffee with the sunrise spreading across the lake, and enjoy your dinner on the back deck with nothing but the breeze and lake in view. This lifestyle could be yours, so why wait?

More Great Info on Lakefront Homes:

LANDSCAPING A LAKEFRONT HOME IN FLORIDA

4 STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE BUYING LAKEFRONT PROPERTY

WHAT INSPECTORS LOOK FOR ON LAKEFRONT HOMES

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WHEN BUYING WATERFRONT HOMES

CLERMONT WATERFRONT PROPERTIES: LAKES VS. RIVERS

LAKEFRONT HOME, BOAT AND DOCK CARE

Lakefront Homes Around the Area:

Overlook at Lake Louisa

Crescent Lake Homes

Homes on Lake Louisa

Homes on Lake Minneola

4 Steps to Take Before Buying Lakefront Property

Ready to buy lakefront in Clermont, Winter Garden or Minneola? Better understand these basic steps before jumping in.

There are so many leaks around the Orlando area the buying lakefront property is not unusual or uncommon. However, there are different aspects to buying a lakefront home than there are two typical residential property. I want my homebuyers to really understand everything there is to know about buying lakefront property and to take the proper steps for jumping in with both feet.

#1. Educate yourself.

Before you start looking at any lakefront homes throughout the Clermont area including Winter Garden, Mineola and the surrounding suburbs of Orlando, understand the current market trends, micromarkets and individual neighborhoods. Your real estate agent will help you determine if a home is overpriced for a particular neighborhood. This is why going with a local agent is so crucial and even more so, choosing an agent that is very familiar with buying lakefront property can help you ask the right questions and understand the purchase.

#2. List the reasons you really want a lakefront home.

This might sound like a simple idea but why are you buying lakefront property? Do you want to view? Do you want to fish? Are you using it for boating and recreation? Do you simply want to for the resell value? All of these items can help you make a more informed decision on where to buy. Some of the lakes and small reservoirs around the Orlando area are perfect for different uses in finding the best area and the neighborhood for your needs can narrow the search down to help you find the right home.

#3. Understanding your budget.

Understanding your budget ahead of time and where you are financially can help you make an informed decision and a tactical negotiating strategy when it comes time to place an offer. If you understand the market by educating yourself first and you know your own finances, you can present an offer that is solid, tight, competitive and if you need to counter offer or negotiate, you know where your finances said and how much room you have to move.

#4. Stay unemotional.

In buying a home it can get very emotional and especially if you find a home that you feel you love only to discover that the seller is unreasonable, maybe the home inspection comes back riddled with problems or you simply can’t afford the home. By trying to stay unemotional it will detach you from the home itself making the purchase much more logical, sensible and reasonable when it’s all said and done. I understand how difficult this certainly can be. When you find a home you love it can be very hard to detach yourself emotionally but lean on the knowledge and expertise of your lakefront real estate agent to ask the important question so that you’re not sitting in your home in six months regretting your decision.

If you’re ready to get started looking at lakefront homes throughout Minneola, Winter Garden, Clermont and surrounding communities give me a call today for a customized list of homes that meet your search criteria and price. Need to get started with financing? I have some excellent resources to get the ball rolling on your next lakefront purchase.

What Inspectors Look For on Lakefront Homes

Home inspections are something all buyers should invest in when purchasing a home. This is one of the largest investments you’re likely to make and not understanding all there is to it is like putting $400K on a stock you know nothing about… something you probably wouldn’t do. Home inspections are similar. It’s wise to pay the $300 – $800 fee for a professional and qualified home inspector to thoroughly go over the property and make note of any major issues.

Here are some items to be particularly concerned about when inspecting a waterfront or lakefront home.

Moisture is obviously the biggest.

Moisture, rot, mildew, mold and structural damage can all occur on a home and more likely on a home close to the water. It depends on how close and if that water ever breaches the home. An oceanfront home may have to deal with tides and harsh weather but a lakefront home won’t have the salty sea elemental damage. However, lakefront homes can have water damage to the basement or crawl space that will need to be addressed.

Pest Damage

Termites or other wood eating organisms can wreak havoc on a home so you’ll want to make sure your inspector can also handle a pest inspection and offer tips and options to handle the situation. Many home may have damage in the past but it may not be an issue now. Your inspector will be able to tell if it’s a past issue or current one and the level of concern. Bees can also get in attics so make sure holes are filled and nests are taken care of before you move in.

More: Reasons Waterfront homes hold their value

Foundation Damage

Inspectors will also check for holes or damage around the foundation or masonry blocks. If there are holes big enough for moles, spiders, snakes, rats or other animals to get in, you may have to deal with nests in crawl spaces or attics. These are not something you want in your home once you move in, so it’s best to take care of these issues before you move in.

Electrical

Any electrical issues can be of great concern, especially when dealing with a waterfront home. Make sure all wires are up to code, all panels are secure and that there are no loose wires hanging for anyone to get electrocuted.

Stability

Joists, hurricane straps and joist hangers all help to secure decks, porches and landings on a home. The structural integrity of the property should be properly maintained and secured. Your inspector will check all of these under decks and porches, in the crawlspace and attic. If there is anything not up to code, you’ll need to address this with the seller.

Local Codes

Everything might seem OK but if the house is not up to local codes and zoning, you will be in a world of hurt if you every have to resell it. Local codes are huge when it comes to properly maintained and built structures. Check with the local city and county for any permits required for additions or remodels. Your building inspector should also know what is adequate and legal for your area.

Erosion

Erosion is not as big of an issue with lakefront but nevertheless, still may be a concern over time. Make sure the home has the right set-backs and won’t erode in a storm that might increase the water in the lake.

Bottom line – make sure you use a qualified and professional lakefront or waterfront home inspector that knows the area and any concerns on a waterfront home. Contact your lakefront property specialist Beth Atalay for referrals on home inspections in the Clermont area.

Thank you to our associate at HawaiiRealtyPro for their post on lakefront inspections. For more information on waterfront homes visit the website. For information on homes in Clermont Florida and surrounding areas, contact Beth today!