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Myke Leatham | Brazos County Realty

Myke Leatham | Brazos County Realty

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10 Facts About Texas Waterfront Homes You Need to Know Before Buying

July 20, 2018 by Myke Leatham

From obtaining pre-approval to closing on the home, there is so much that goes into buying a house. When you add in waterfront to the mix, things just escalate. Lucky enough, there are real estate agents who specialize in waterfront homes and who know the ins and outs of this complex process. Here are 10 facts and tips about Texas waterfront homes you need to know before buying.

Choose an Agent Who is a Waterfront Specialist

A typical agent won’t have all of the knowledge of waterfront properties in your area to help you find the best deals, so it’s important that you work with a waterfront specialist. You may think you have found an exceptional deal on a home, but what you might not know is that there are underlying issues with the home that a typical agent would not know to look for. 

Look at the Property More than the Structure

Take a look at the property as a whole, not just the home. You may find that you love the home, but that the water is mucky at certain times of year, the view isn’t as good as it could be, or that you don’t have as much privacy as you’d like. Remember that you can change certain things about the home, but you cannot change the location of the house. So buy a property you love and not just a house you love.

Choose the Waterfront Property that Fits Your Lifestyle

You may find the ideal house for you, but it may be an hour away from all of the conveniences you are accustomed to. Focus on the activities you like to do and what you are passionate about and why you want to live on the water before you choose a property. You want to make sure that the waterfront property hits all of the boxes. 

Look into Obtaining a Loan Early

Waterfront properties typically come with a higher price tag than homes that are not waterfront meaning loans for these waterfront properties will fall into the jumbo mortgage category. Mortgage lenders will only consider very qualified buyers on loans of this caliber. Buyers should really start the loan process before they start looking for a waterfront home because it can take a lot longer to obtain this type of loan.

Make Sure the Structure Can Withstand Weather

Waterfront homes are exposed to more abuse from weather than the average home, which means you need to take extra measures to protect the home. You will need to invest in storm shutters and stainless-steel locks to avoid corrosion from moisture. 

Know that Insurance Will Be a Higher Cost

Make sure to look into home insurance on a waterfront home early on so that you know what kind of expense this will be. Your real estate agent and insurance professional will be able to give you a ballpark quote so that you know how much you will be spending on insurance on the home. 

Find Out What You Can Change on the Property

If there are things you’d like to change to a waterfront property, like adding a dock, you should start this process early to make sure that these kinds of changes or additions are allowed. Certain government agencies are really strict and tough to deal with, and you do not want to be purchasing a high-dollar waterfront home without having the guarantee that can make it your own. You should also find out what activities are allowed on the water as certain areas may have restrictions on jet skis, speedboats and other things. 

Talk to Neighbors

It can’t hurt to get the inside scoop on the neighborhood just by checking in with neighbors and seeing what they have to say. See if they enjoy living in the community and see if there are any issues with the property you are considering buying. The neighbors probably know more about the home and the property than you think. 

Look Into Utilities

Waterfront buyers who may be used to the convenience of living near the city may assume that electricity, an adequate septic system, clean water, cable and internet will be readily available at the property. This is not always the case and buyers should be prepared that bringing these services into remote areas can be expensive. You should look into getting utilities at the home before you buy it. 

Know the Responsibilities of Owning a Waterfront Home

As a waterfront homeowner, there are greater responsibilities you will have when it comes to maintaining your home. Review the conditions, covenants and restrictions and talk to your HOA’s management company. 

An experienced real estate agent will be able to vet a property and its history. You should examine the floodplain and its proximity to any structures located on the property by taking a close look at the history of development on the land. All of this info can be found via local government resources. Look at weather patterns and the impact of wind and flooding.

Understand Legalities

There are many legal issues that come with purchasing a waterfront property, which is why it is a good idea to work with a lawyer. One of the most important issues is how far the home extends toward the water. In certain cases, property lines can stop short of the water’s edge, which leaves a gap that could be zoned for public use like a roadway or a promenade. If your property does extend to the water’s edge, you could experience riparian rights, which means the rights to the water are shared equally amongst all of the homeowners of the property that extend to the water’s edge. 

It is really important that you consider whether or not you are buying waterfront property that extends to the edge as it can impact how you can use the water and interactions you may have with your neighbors.

Benefits of Living in a Waterfront Home

There are so many benefits to living in a waterfront home. The amazing views, the tranquil atmosphere and the breeze from the water are just a few of the great features you get to enjoy living waterfront. Not only those things, but you also get to enjoy all of the fun activities that come with living so close to the water.

  • Peaceful Atmosphere

Waterfront homes are typically far from other homes, meaning you get a great level of privacy. There is also a lack of traffic noise, pollution and other unwanted disturbances. You can actually hear yourself think.

  • Amazing Views

One of the top benefits of living waterfront are the amazing views you get from the home. Just imagine watching the sunrise and the sunset from your home as it rises and lowers into the water.

  • Water sports

There are so many opportunities to get out on the water for boating, kayaking and fishing. You have easy access to these fun activities when you have a boat dock and live on the water.  If you have a boat, you can dock it just steps from your door. 

  • Great investment

Waterfront homes in Texas account for a significant value in terms of investment. Waterfront properties are often hard to find and retain their value well. A waterfront property can also be used as a rental property should you choose to move away. 

  • Health benefits

Spending time near the water can relieve so much stress. Just being away from the hustle and bustle of the city and being able to hear the water moving with the wind. The fresh air can do so much for one’s health. Think about how much more relaxed you will feel waking up to the serene water. 

The key to purchasing a waterfront home is to have the right partner by your side through the process. A trusted realtor can help you find the perfect home that is of quality. If you are new to purchasing a waterfront home, there is a lot of info you will need to know in order to make an informed decision about purchasing the home. An agent who is experienced in helping their clients purchase waterfront homes can ensure that the sale happens smoothly and that you have all of the info upfront.

Waterfront Living is Truly Unmatched

Waterfront living has so many advantages and offers a lifestyle that we know you will enjoy. Understanding the added elements of owning a waterfront home is important in order to make a wise financial decision in purchasing this kind of home. Waterfront homes in Texas are truly one of a kind and there are so many beautiful waterfront homes to choose from. 

The realtors at Myke Leatham can guide you to the perfect neighborhood with the perfect waterfront home for you in College Station. Contact us today to get started and take a look at our featured listings.

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Category: Blog

About Myke Leatham

I’m so glad you found me – your College Station and Bryan, TX real estate source! When you choose to buy or sell a home in College Station/Bryan, TX or other surrounding areas using our expert services, you will receive a free consultation to determine your needs, free listings, and free reports sent to you by email. These weekly reports will show you how hard the members of my team are working to accomplish your property goals, and we guarantee the best service and consultation you have ever experienced. You’ll find the best community information for the College Station, Texas region right here.

It’s nice to know YOUR Realtor will still be of service after the sale.

Experience Counts: Broker/Owner of Brazos County Realty
Over 25 years of sales experience. With past ABR, GRI, CRS, & Epro designations.
Continuing education in real estate: Education is paramount in an ever changing industry like Real Estate. Myke has taken over 1000 hours of real estate specific courses which include but are not limited to: Residential Appraisal, Marketing, Law Contracts I & II, Finance, Residential Inspections, Principles and Practice, Law of Agency, Code of Ethics, Bankruptcy/Easements/Surveys/and Probate, Home Warranties, 1031 Exchanges and hundreds of hours of extensive real estate training.

Reputation: SALES LEADER since 1998; Top Producer 2000 through 2009. Listed among the top agents in the county. Consistently ranked among top realtors for total sales volume out of 900 realtors for commercial and residential real estate in the Bryan/College Station, TX area. When Myke represents buyers, she presents all viable options to her clients, including those properties that are not officially listed, but could be available for sale based on her inside information. Her expertise lies with investors and marketing homes of all price ranges in College Station/Bryan to local, national and global buyers, across all major media channels and through her extensive, personal network of contacts.

Myke is among the top 1% of all Realtors in North America!
She has earned the Designations of ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), CRS(Certified Residential Specialist), GRI (Graduate of Realtors Institute)CHMS (Certified Home Marketing Specialist), and E-pro (Certified Internet Professional)
Fewer than 3% of all Realtors nationwide earn these certifications. They are not only a symbol of Myke’s commitment to this business, but these designations are your assurance of a skilled, trained real estate professional.

Myke is a consummate real estate professional who not only understands the art of deal-making, but also the art of relationships. She makes the process of buying and selling homes an uplifting and fun experience. She has a tremendous appreciation for Bryan and College Station, its rich history, and Texas A&M traditions having lived in the area for 25 years. Her knowledge of Bryan/College Station’s real estate market and market trends is unparalleled. Having been personally involved with clients through their remodeling, purchasing and selling processes, she knows intrinsic quality and value when she sees it. When she doesn’t see it she lets her clients know, without hesitation.
Myke’s proven track record and affiliations in the field of real estate demonstrates her high level of professionalism.

* High energy and enthusiasm
* Aggressive marketing
* Expert negotiating skills
* Ability to listen and ascertain customer’s desires and needs
* Fun to be with
* Internet savvy
* Because Myke is an experienced investor, she quickly helps her customers locate and define good business opportunities. No one likes the feeling of being ‘sold to’ so Myke provides as much information as possible to help you make the right decision.

Personal Commitment:
I am prepared to go the ‘Extra Mile’ for you, because I understand the financial and emotional significance of purchasing and selling your home. I will carefully listen to your desires and arrive at a workable plan. I believe sensitivity, listening, and service are important keys to success.
Whether you are buying or selling a home or you are just curious about your home’s market value, I’d be happy to provide my market expertise and intelectual property without obligation, or meet with you to evaluate your home for future reference. I want my customers to have a great time and enjoy the total process of purchasing or selling property. It gives me great pride when my customerspass my name on to their friends and family. I will continue to work hard to make sure critical information is available at www.AggieRealEstate.com and I invite all interested investors to search my site for cash flow opportunities. I will dedicate my time and talents to helping you achieve your goals. It is my goal to make your buying and selling experience extraordinary. Look closely and you’ll see how much I love meeting and working with people. You’ll experience the difference in working with an experienced and dedicated professional.

Personal information:
Michelle goes by ‘Myke’ and is the proud mother of 6 children – 3 girls and 3 boys. Her husband is David Leatham. They met at Brigham Young University. They have been married since 1977. David is a finance professor, and Associate Head over graduate studies in the Agricultural Economics Department at Texas A&M University, and speaks fluent Spanish. They have lived in College Station since 1983 and loved every minute of it. Myke loves to quilt, sing, swim, ‘sing’, bake bread, ‘sing,’ garden, ‘sing’, sell real estate, and ‘sing some more’ :-). Family, church, and real estate consume most of her time. Truth, honor, integrity, kindness, loyalty, gratitude, and service are very important words to her.

Slogan: ‘Let Myke Help You With Your HOMEwork!’

Referrals: The highest compliment I can get is when you pass my name on to others or post a kind remark on the internet. When you send your friends and family my way, I’ll always provide them with the highest quality of service that I know you would appreciate. Thanks in advance for all your support and friendship.

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