Waterfront properties are all about lifestyle potential, whether you buy  to use as a recreational property or a permanent residence with home  and recreation in one investment.  

Buyers looking for waterfront should consider this potential purchase prior to choosing properties for their viewing list. Start by thinking about what luxury, comfort and practical needs mean to you. 

In general, there are a lot more dollars hanging on your decisions, so  you need to make sure the benefits to YOUR lifestyle dreams are solid and complete in your objectives. There are rarely perfect properties, so you need to make sure you stay focussed on the must have features and benefits and shoot for many of the nice to have points as well.  

Be Passionate and Practical

The most important thing is determining what your passions are, what you care about, and what your priorities are for a luxurious lifestyle when it comes to waterfront living. From there, we can figure out what lakes to focus on, what  areas on those lakes, and then zero in on specific properties. 

We can also advise you on what can be done at what cost to remedy any  things that may come up as deficient compared to your list of features. The  sky is not the limit with changes. 

Some renovations may not be allowed or limited, depending on location. This is not meant to be a definitive list as there are so many things to consider. However, it will get your mind working on the important factors for you. 

The Weeks Group, as Barrie real estate agents, have bought and sold  waterfront properties for decades. Here are a few things you should  consider: 

1. How Will You Use the Property? 

This is a huge factor in choosing a waterfront property because you’ll  want to choose a property that makes it easy for you to enjoy your favourite pastimes from recreation to entertainment.  

Boating 

For avid boaters, the size of the boat becomes a crucial part of finding a waterfront property. There are a lot of properties that you can’t put a speedboat or jet ski on due to smaller lake restrictions. Other properties may be too shallow or weedy to bring a larger boat in to dock, shore or boathouse, even with a marine railway. Speaking of boathouses: 

• How important is one to have or be able to build? 
• What kind of docking will be required for you or your boating friends? 
• Also, what kind of amenities and entertainment areas do you enjoy boating to? 

For those that have big boats to accommodate as well as visiting boaters, consider searching for a property where more extensive docking can be permanently built.  Permanent docking can be expensive, especially with the rules that will be in play. That said, we have had some clientswho have realized their dreams with a waterfront property accommodating 40 foot boats right at  their docks.  

Fishing 

Fishing enthusiasts will want to stick to properties with easy access to the water and boats at the ready. For a wider variety of fish, buyers should also look for deep bodies of water that support cold water fisheries. 

Kayaking or Canoeing 

While large, active bodies of water are a good fit and fun for many boaters, some buyers may be looking for a more intimate waterfront experience. If they want to go kayaking and canoeing and more peacefully commune with nature, they may not enjoy being on a big, busy lake with all varieties of boats and wakes. 

Swimming 

A sandy beach equals a more pleasant lakefront experience for the whole family. If there are young kids in the family, they want the toddlers playing in the sand. If you have seniors in the family, it’s easier to enter the water. 

However, sandy beaches can be rare on some lakes. That’s why many potential buyers opt for docks with sitting areas and ladders to access the water.  

Guest Entertainment 

Location can sometimes dictate your visitors. If you want them (or you don’t:D). The longer the distance to major centres, the less visitors you may have. When you do want to be the destination for friends and family gatherings, and your location permits, then other factors should be considered. 

• Is there sufficient parking for the number of bedrooms that are available for guests? 
• Dining inside and out must accommodate as well. Is there sufficient decking and docking to meet your anticipation of guest numbers. 
• Do you need flat open areas for sports or party tents? 
• Is water supply and septic sufficient for expansion of guest areas? 

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Are you planning to buy near Barrie or the surrounding areas? The posts below are a great place to begin your background research:

• Our Custom Approach To Buying Barrie Real Estate
• 5 Tips When Buying A Waterfront Home
• Why Buy a Home in Snow Valley? 

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2. Direction of Sun Exposure

Many buyers don’t realize how the direction of the sun will affect their enjoyment of the property depending on their location. Here are a few things to consider:

Western Exposure  

Western exposure is a very popular shoreline choice for waterfront buyers. Many people prefer western exposure as they like to enjoy the setting sun on summer evenings. A downside of western exposure is the property in spots can sometimes be deprived of sun in the morning. 

Sometimes cottagers also find western exposures intense as the sun can shine directly in their eyes. A cottage with western exposure can also suffer from a warm interior in the late afternoon as the intense, direct sunlight heats it up. 

Southern Exposure 

With south-east exposure, waterfront owners can watch the gentle progression of the sun as it rises in the east. Properties with this exposure can be bathed in sunlight all day. In fact, the sun is often still on the dock late in the evening. 

Properties with southern exposure make the most of long summer days. Homes on the waterfront also carry higher price tags since they are reasonably popular with buyers. 

Eastern exposure 

Morning people prefer eastern exposure as they can enjoy the  early sun in its rise to the day.  

Northern Exposure 

This is the least popular exposure amongst waterfront buyers. A  north-western exposure, however, can allow you to enjoy the  sunset on long, hot summer days. 

Pay particular attention to how you want the sun to play with  beach and dock areas as well as how it illuminates the rooms of  the home. 

3. Consider the Lot and Location Before The House 

With waterfront properties in general, the land is worth more than the  house. You can change the house (subject to lot size and restrictions, of course.) This is an important point to factor in your thinking! 

It can be easy to get swept away with the beauty of a custom-built home, with soaring vaulted windows making the most of the water  views and the best in luxury appointments, only to discover the  swimming is rocky and covered with mussels, the view is obstructed, or it’s not just not very private. You can renovate and rebuild, but you can’t change your location. 

When considering lake homes, focus on the property features that  matter most to you. Some essential factors include the size of the lot,  proximity to the water, waterfront linear footage, views, privacy, and  the availability of amenities like docks, boathouses, or private  beaches. You don’t want your dream home on a lot that doesn’t match the vision.  

4. Enjoyment During Slower Times

When buying your home, you want to be able to enjoy your waterfront property as you get older and become less active in the water. It’s nice to be able to sit back in a lawn chair with a beer or glass of wine and look at the setting sun over the trees and lake. 

Vista or level approach? 

Both have their advantages. With an elevated  view it can feel panoramic and commanding. This kind of view on a  busy lake offers that distance between noisy lake activities and prying eyes from passing boats and watercraft. 

Level lot 

The flatter the lot the better to make access to the water easier. Some lakefront lots are steep, and as we get older, it gets difficult to get up and down to the lake. 

All of a sudden, the homeowners don’t want  to go to the lake anymore because it’s difficult for them to get down to the water. Also with elevated lots, you can have an added expense of  maintaining retaining walls. 

Proximity to water

Some municipalities have a certain setback from the neighbours and water. If you are going to rebuild a home, you need to account for these things. Also, homes that are closer to the water allow you to be closer to wildlife and to keep an eye on your kids from the house. 

Privacy

This often corresponds to the amount of frontage the property has. Some lakefront properties have as little as 40 feet of frontage,  which offer very little privacy. 

The wider the lot is the more space you  have for trees and fences to give you privacy from the neighbors. That  being said we have sold many 50 foot lots that have set up well due to  staggered housing setbacks and natural features.  

5. Budget 

Whether your budget is big or more tailored, you need to pick  what you can comfortably afford given all the other costs that maintain your lifestyle. Make sure you consider all of the extra costs such as  potential renovation costs that may be essential to creating your  dream (to whatever extent may be allowed).

In addition, factor repairs that may be necessary with a waterfront exposed to the elements as they are. These include break wall, dock and boathouse maintenance. Also, utility costs if they are not available at the property and must be  arranged. This can be very costly.

Buying a lake home is a unique and exciting experience that can  provide a lifetime of joy and relaxation. By defining your objectives,  conducting thorough research, and working with knowledgeable  professionals, you can turn your dream of owning a lakefront property into a blissful reality. Remember to take your time, make well-informed decisions, and enjoy the journey of finding your perfect lake home. Happy house hunting!

Do you want expert guidance when searching for your dream home on the waterfront? Our Barrie real estate agents are happy to help. Reach out to hello@weeksgroup.ca or call 705.305.4174 to take the next step.