Have you ever dreamed of living near the water? Perhaps you imagine yourself living close to the beach or maybe your idea of an idyllic life is living in a lake house and spending your free time fishing. There are many choices when it comes to living near water.

However, there are both pros and cons to having a property close to any water. Before you take the leap and start looking for your dream home, you should be fully informed. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to owning a home close to water.

Pros

There are tons of pros to owning an idyllic home near to water. In addition to picturesque views and money well spent, there are also health benefits. Take a look.

Perfect Views

Imagine waking up and looking out across clear waters and up at beautiful skies. Arguably, there is no better way to wake up in the morning. Even during storms, looking out at water is breathtaking. 

There’s something calming about having water nearby and being able to walk across the room to view it whenever you want to.

Health Boost

Being near to the ocean, lake, and forestry is a great way to boost your health. The air quality is far better near water and trees than it is closer to big towns and cities. There’s also often a breeze, even when temperatures are high.

This makes it easier to sleep at night which means that people near to water are usually more well rested. Living near water is a good way to unwind and de-stress which makes it the ideal spot for anyone with a stressful job or even those who have experienced trauma and need a calming environment.

Water Activities

If you’re a lover of the water, there are tons of activities you can do. Whether you’re at the beach or on a lake, you can take your pick of a variety of different sports. Surfing and paddle boarding are hugely popular on beaches.

If you’re on the lake, you may want to invest in a small fishing boat where you can enjoy some quiet time. Wild swimming has also grown in popularity over the years but it’s important to never go alone and always wear high visibility swimwear. 

Everything Stays Green

When the temperature increases, it’s common for plants to die and grass to fade in color. When you live near water, you won’t see this happen. Even if your garden does start to fade, you’ll always have access to water to keep things green. 

When your plants are healthy, it improves the air quality in your community. It also makes it more pleasant to sit outdoors when everything stays green.

Value of Property

If you get the chance to snap up a property near the water at a reasonable price, don’t hesitate. Even when there’s work to be done, you can guarantee you will make money on it. Properties near water, like those at Real Estate Landscape, are highly sought after so if you intend on selling in the future, it’s more of an investment than a purchase.

If you maintain the property by addressing any issues that crop up or you extend the property, you’re far more likely to increase the value of the property over time and sell quickly when you need to.

Cons

Of course, it’s important to consider the disadvantages of owning a property near the water. One of the most obvious cons being the risk of flooding. Here’s what you need to know.

Danger For Children

If you live with young children, living near water can be dangerous. Young children don’t see the dangers of water so they’ll need to be supervised at all times. Even a shallow pool can be dangerous for young children when they aren’t supervised.

If you’re planning on buying property near water, it’s vital that you safeguard children by taking all the precautions necessary. 

Pests

Pests are often found near water. For instance, water often attracts mosquitoes. Stagnant water attracts many different pests that can be difficult to get rid of if they aren’t found quickly.

However, most pests can be destroyed easily with the help of pest control. You can also take preventative measures by getting your property sprayed periodically. It’s also important to keep an eye on the exterior of your property to stop stagnant water from building up.

Flooding

It’s possible for flooding to occur during heavy rain seasons. When rivers and lakes overflow, it’s inevitable that water will reach your property if it’s nearby. Many properties near water will already have precautionary measures in place to avoid flooding.

For instance, some properties are raised off the ground so water can’t enter the bottom floor. When this isn’t possible, it can help to be prepared with sandbags and other water blockers. Although flooding is a risk for all properties near water, it’s also rare.

Landscaping Issues

There are times when property close to water comes with other land. In addition to living close to the water, you may also have dreams of landscaping on your property. Perhaps you’ve visualized what you want and found the perfect property to make those dreams a reality.

Before you get ahead of yourself, be sure that the water won’t get in your way. The presence of water can ruin many landscaping ideas. It’s difficult to stop water from going where it wants to go.

Bodies of Water

Some people make the mistake of thinking that all bodies of water are fresh and healthy. This is far from the truth. In fact, there are many bodies of water that smell just as bad as city sewers. 

If you’re planning on using the water near to you or like to have visitors to spend time outdoors with, you may want to consider the type of water your property is near. Make sure to visit the area at different times of the year to get a true picture of what the water is really like.

How To Make Your Decision

If you’ve found a property you like the look of and it’s near water, it’s essential to do your research. Find out about the water and where it comes from. It can even help to have the water professionally tested so you get a clearer picture. 

Research the area and find out if there have been any recent floods or issues with the nearby water. Talk to the residents and ask if they’ve had any of their property damaged and what you need to know about living in the area. 

Find out about the property itself and if there has ever been any damage. Make sure the property is properly inspected for any issues before falling in love with it. The more you can find out, the better equipped you will be to make a decision that’s right for you.

Get as much information as you can from your realtor. Although your realtor will want to sell the property, it’s not in their interests to lie. Ask direct questions and make sure you get direct answers.

Finally, you’ll need to accept that living close to any water comes with its risks but that doesn’t mean the risks aren’t worth taking. For every few days when an issue crops up, there could be years worth of pleasure.

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