But before you sign the paperwork, let us give you some tips to learn how to buy a beach home and make the most out of your investment.
Tip on how to buy a beach home #1: Evaluate Neighborhoods Carefully
The right area will make all the difference in your enjoyment of your beach house and how well it holds its value. Certain areas of South Carolina have always been desirable, and likely always will be. Three of the most desirable areas are Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.Think about the kind of lifestyle you want to lead and review what’s nearby. Shops, restaurants, and entertainment will all make a difference in how much you like your new area.
Tip #2: Consider What Type of Beach Is Your Favorite
Do you love white sandy beaches where you can see for miles? Or do you enjoy some of the seclusion dunes provide? Do rocks in the sand bother you?Think about what kind of view you want to see out your front door. Then start researching the beach terrain in various areas of the state.
And while you're looking at the beach and its features, think about how much activity there is at that beach year-round. Maybe you can deal with an influx of activity June-August during the busiest vacation months. But does the tourist season slow down after that?
Some people thrive in the hubbub of a vacation town. Others want the quiet moments on the beach. Decide what atmosphere is important to you before buying.
Take a look at the local beach to see if there is a cost or toll to visit. Some beaches charge residents and visitors alike, which could add to the expense of living there.
Tip #3: Decide Which Way You Want Your Home to Face
This might sound funny, but some beach homes face sunrises while others face sunsets. If you want quiet mornings drinking your coffee on the porch or deck while enjoying the sunrise, face the east. Homes that face west will enjoy quiet evenings watching the sunset.It’s all personal preference and how you hope to spend your time at your beach house. And when you’re outside, what do your neighbor’s homes look like? Will you be super close to those neighbors and encounter their noise and chatter daily? Or is there enough space between houses to reduce the impacts that your neighbors’ outside behavior will have on you? Some homes are close to beachside bars, lifeguard stands or other obstructions that will impact your views, noise levels and more. Don’t assume that any of that will change once you buy the house.