Blog | Living the Dream: Enjoy Smooth Sailing in Your Search for Waterfront Property

Picturesque views, whispering waves, and sugary beaches: owning waterfront property sounds like a boater’s dream – a dream where you can slip out of your home on land and directly board your home on the water, with the freedom to cruise to local shops and restaurants or sail off to the solitude of private islands and endless blue waters. But before this opulent fantasy can become a reality, there are a few key things that boat owners should consider when looking to invest in waterfront property. 

Location, Location, Location

When it comes to buying on the water, narrowing down a location is the most critical decision. If you’re looking to buy in the warmer south, Florida offers a variety of environments from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. For example, Fort Lauderdale – often called the Venice of America – offers easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway, beautiful beaches, the New River, and canal boating all in one place.

Another benefit of this charming South Florida location is its proximity to an abundance of marine professionals who can help you update and maintain your vessel. Over on Florida’s west coast is Naples – an idyllic location with plenty of islands and an upscale lifestyle. It’s also the last stop on your way south to the Keys and the Caribbean. 

If tropical heat isn’t for you, the St. Lawrence River is a jewel of the north. It flows from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes and offers the potential for whale watching and easy access to destination cities like Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto. The bonus of owning property here is that extreme weather is less of an issue, so you won’t have to deal with the expense and hassle of hurricane-proofing your property. 

Dock, Marina, or Offshore Mooring

Waterfront property buyers must also consider whether they want to be on the vast ocean, a meandering river, or a labyrinth of canals. Each offers unique benefits, but wherever you choose, it’s important to keep in mind the type and depth of the water your boat needs and what kinds of storage amenities you would like for your yacht. Are you hoping to keep your boat on a private dock, moored offshore, or at a marina?

Many yacht owners prefer to keep their vessels at a full-service marina, where maintenance is always available. Utilizing a marina allows more flexibility when shopping for properties, as you won’t have to consider at-home storage, but if the water at a prospective property is deep enough for a private dock or offshore mooring, you’ll need to think about ease of access for crew and guests. Will they simply walk down to the dock or is your boat only accessible by dingy? Additionally, you will have to consider if the waterways that lead to your property are deep enough and if any fixed bridges are high enough to allow passage.

Leave It To The Professionals

The best way to ensure that your waterfront property search doesn’t become a drawn-out, costly ordeal is to hire a professional. An experienced realtor can provide important knowledge and insights specific to your target area. This is especially vital if you own a yacht over 50 feet.

A realtor that specializes in boating-focused properties will be able to show you options with the amenities you need to accommodate your vessel, as well as advise you on local zoning regulations and ordinances. These often vary from town to town and include restrictions on boat size, whether the crew can stay on board, and other considerations.

When Dreams Become Reality

There’s much to consider when it comes to choosing a waterfront property for you and your yacht. But once you identify your needs and wants, decide which docking situation works best, and enlist the help of an experienced waterfront realtor, you can eliminate much of the stress from this process. This leaves more time for you to enjoy your adventure as you move forward with obtaining a beautiful new home. Before you know it, life between land and sea will be well within your grasp.

Finding the latest news about yachting opportunities in South Florida can be challenging. If you would like to benefit from our expertise in these areas, or if you have any questions or comments about this blog post, do not hesitate to contact our Sales Specialists, or call us at 954-900-9988.