Unique Things to Look for When Buying a Waterfront Property in Venice, Florida

Buying a waterfront home in Venice, Florida can be a dream come true. After all, who doesn’t want to wake up to incredible views of the sun sparkling on the water every day? However, there are some special things to take into consideration when buying a waterfront property. If you’re considering buying a property next to the water in Venice, Florida, these are some unique things to look for.

Location

Before you start your waterfront home search, think about what lifestyle you would like to lead. This will help you narrow down which neighborhoods would suit you best. For example, if you own a boat, the Southbay Yacht & Racquet Club offers homeowners access to a private marina. Golfers can find lakefront homes at the Pelican Pointe Golf & Country Club. If the beach life is more your style, you may want to consider a home on Little Gasparilla Island or Casey Key.

Access to the Water

Just because a home overlooks the water doesn’t necessarily mean that you will have access to the water. If you want to build a dock or seawall and enjoy unobstructed access to the water, your property must actually run all the way to the water. Even a small gap between the property lines and the water can negate your access to the water. Be sure to check the property borders carefully to ensure that you will have riparian rights.

Seawalls, Docks and Boat Lifts

Assuming the waterfront property you’re interested in has access to the water, it may already have a dock, seawall or boat lift. Inspect these structures carefully to ensure that they’re safe and in good working order. If the home you’re looking at does not have one of these structures and you think you might like to add one, ask about local regulations and permitting.

Weather Proofing 

Waterfront homes in Venice need to be able to withstand tropical storms, humidity, and salt air. Look for features that protect the home against the elements. These could include storm shutters, stainless steel locks, and storm doors. You can always add these things later, but the fact that they are already installed lets you know that the previous owner made efforts to protect and maintain the home.

HOAs

If you’re considering purchasing a waterfront condo, townhome or a single-family home in a gated community, there’s a good chance that you will be part of a homeowners association. This can be a good thing because HOAs will often take care of maintenance like upkeep of public areas, lawn care, and possibly even some home repairs. However, they may also have restrictions about what changes you can make to your home.

If you’re considering buying a Venice waterfront home, a local real estate expert can help you navigate the process. A Venice, FL realtor will be able to advise you on the best neighborhoods and listings that suit your specific needs. They can also help with paperwork, negotiations, and closing the deal. Contact us online or call 941-488-6644 to learn more about Venice waterfront properties!