There’s no disputing that the summers in Westport, Connecticut, are gorgeous. With cool breezes, perfect sunlight for tanning, and a beautiful, scenic environment, it’s no secret that Westport is a great place to make memories with your family during summer break. To ensure that you have a perfect spot every summer, consider purchasing a beach house in Westport, Connecticut.
Before finding the perfect beachfront home, however, there are many pros and cons of owning a beach house that you need to consider, including costs, amenities, location, and foundation. Let’s explore the different factors and find your family’s perfect beachfront home.
What Are the Benefits of Owning a Beach House?
Why should you buy a beach house? Along with a place for you and your family to run away to every summer, there are financial and personal benefits of waterfront homes that you can reap.
- Tranquil Getaway: Enjoy the serene and relaxing atmosphere of the beach, providing a peaceful escape from the daily hustle and bustle.
- Family Retreat: Create lasting memories with family and friends, as a beach house offers a perfect gathering place for quality time and shared experiences.
- Recreational Opportunities: There is a wide range of water activities, such as swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, and beach sports, right at your doorstep.
- Vacation Rental Income: Generate additional income by renting out the beach house when you’re not using it, especially during peak vacation seasons.
- Potential Appreciation: Beachfront properties often have the potential for long-term value appreciation, making it a solid investment opportunity.
- Potential Tax Benefits: Depending on the location and usage of the beach house, there may be potential tax advantages, such as deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes.
8 Things To Look for in a Beach House
Along with finding a home that fits your budget, size needs, and luxury desires, you need to consider safety, location, and additional amenities and costs. From HOA fees to proximity to the water, here are some tips for buying a beach house in Westport, Connecticut.
1. CONSTRUCTION AND FOUNDATION
Before buying a beach house, you need to make sure that the home is weather-proof. A coastal home is vulnerable to abuse from severe weather like hurricanes, nor’easters, and other storms. To protect your investment from severe weather, consider purchasing a beach house built on stilts in high flood-risk areas with storm surge potential. Your home also needs to be built with materials that can withstand heavy rain, high temperatures, and strong winds.
2. WATER PROXIMITY AND FLOOD RISK
A huge factor when looking for a beach house is the proximity to the water. While it’s nice to live close to the water and can increase the home’s resale value in the future, you need to consider the risks of flooding and high insurance rates.
3. WINDOW AND ROOF DURABILITY
Along with a reliable and safe foundation, your windows and roof need to be resilient against storms, winds, and other dangerous weather. Replacing roofs and windows can cost you thousands of dollars, which is why it’s best to find a home with a new metal roof and impact windows so you, your family, and your property can remain safe during harsh weather.
Additionally, it’s optimal to find a home that is energy efficient, reduces noise, and helps you save money on insurance payments.
4. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND HOA FEES
In some cases, your beach house may not be your primary home. If you are not staying at your beach house for the majority of the year, you will need a property management company to handle the upkeep of your property, including pest control, landscaping, maintenance, and other necessary tasks.
If your home is part of a homeowners association community, some of those responsibilities will be handled by that association. It’s important that you understand the requirements and regulations of your neighborhood and have the necessary resources available to assist you. HOAs also charge fees for these services, so it’s important to know upfront what you’ll be spending for year-round upkeep.
5. OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
The primary goal of owning a beach house is to escape from your everyday routine and surroundings and immerse yourself in a new environment. To fully enjoy your time at the beach house, creating a luxurious outdoor setting is ideal.
By investing in comfortable patio furniture, a cozy firepit, a pool, or a barbecue grill, you can enhance the quality of moments shared with your family. Whether it’s a patio or porch with an ocean view or a lively or peaceful neighborhood, you deserve a space where you can feel at ease and truly comfortable.
6. UNIQUE HOME FEATURES
In the same fashion that you’ll want to decorate outdoor areas to your liking, you’ll also want to find a beach house that includes other important features for the family to enjoy. Equipping your home with essential amenities such as guest rooms, comfortable furniture, beach and swimming supplies, and even nautical décor can transform your beachfront home into a special getaway from your day-to-day life.
7. LOCATION AND NEIGHBORHOOD
To truly feel at home, you need to make sure that your neighborhood is one where you feel safe, welcomed, and comfortable. You should consider the size of the neighborhood, the liveliness of the community, and your home’s proximity to the beach, restaurants, stores, and other surrounding amenities.
8. INSURANCE RATES
The last and least fun part of what to look for when buying a beach house is insurance rates. It’s no secret that your insurance rates will dramatically increase when you buy a beachfront home. From general home insurance to flood protection, Investopedia states that you can be expected to pay as much as $10,000 in flood insurance per year.
To find the best rates, consider shopping around and speaking to various insurance agents, as they can help you find the best price while also providing policy information about certain precautions for your beach house.
If you are looking to purchase a beach house in Westport, Connecticut, you need a real estate agent that you can trust. Judy Michaelis is here to help you find the perfect beach house for you and your family. Contact us today for more information.
