
- June 25, 2018
- Bainbridge Island, Uncategorized
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10 Tips for Buying a Waterfront Home on Bainbridge Island, WA
There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing waterfront property. These are some of the top items:
- Consider both the home AND the location. This is about more than the house. It’s the entire property. There are 16+ waterfront neighborhoods and each one has a different “personality.” What kind of neighborhood or waterfront are you looking for?
- Decide if you want mooring. Will a buoy do or do you want a dock? Whether it’s a mooring buoy, a dock, marina, or boathouse there are a lot of options. It’s best to decide if you want to care for your boat with private docking or have the luxury of a marina where your boat is protected year-round.
- Think about how you want to view the water. Unobstructed views of the water, filtered views, high bank, low-bank, no bank. All waterfronts have their pluses and minuses. What do you like best?
- REALLY consider your options. Decide whether you are interested in sandy, protected beaches or if a bulkhead is more your style. Your preference in morning or evening sunlight will determine which side of the Island you look at and ultimately purchase on.
- Choose your preferred view. Do you like to look at rocky beaches with wind and a view of Seattle or sandy beaches with a protected shoreline and a view of Mt. Rainier?
- Have your finances aligned. Get a preapproval letter from your lender. If you have the funds or funding ready, you will be preferred over other buyers.
- Check the exterior condition of the home. Waterfront properties must be able to weather the weather! If you’re looking at a specific home, check to see that the roof and siding are in good condition. Don’t forget a Home Inspection!
- Talk to prospective neighbors. When viewing a home you are interested in, it pays to talk to the neighbors. This is your chance to ask questions about the neighborhood, schools, and Bainbridge Island in general.
- Once again, don’t waive the inspection! If you take a pass on the inspection, you may find that repairs after the sale can be very costly.
- Hire a knowledgeable Broker. Waterfront homes can be expensive and having a knowledgeable broker guide you through the process is paramount to having a waterfront home that is also a solid investment.
I’ll Be Happy to Help You with the Process!
With 22 years of experience helping prospective buyers on Bainbridge Island, WA, I can walk you through the waterfront home-buying experience. I live on Bainbridge Island, myself, so I want to make sure you’re happy here too! Please give me a call at 1-206-948-7135.