From: torsten@unisql.UUCP (Torsten Weirich)
Newsgroups: rec.boats
Subject: Re: waterfront property
Date: 2 Oct 92 23:12:01 GMT
Organization: UniSQL, Inc., Austin, Texas, USA

In article <1ahvi1INNanv@gilligan.East.Sun.COM> mike@gilligan.East.Sun.COM (Mike Roncadori) writes:


   I'm looking at lake property, and I'd like to hear from people
   out there that have waterfront property, and those with away
   from the lake, but with access.

I'm in the process of building a home on my property...so I'll do my best.

   Specifically, I'd like to know about:

   1) How much actual advantage is there in waterfront versus
      away/lake access (I know what it means, I just want to
      know from somebody who has waterfront property how much
      real tangible advantage there is being next to the water).
      Any disadvantages?

The biggest advantange is that I can go swimming directly off my
shoreline.  Another big plus is the view...mine is facing west across
a part of the lake that is over 3 miles wide.  I can just anchor my
toys a few yards off shore and easily keep an eye on them.

The only disadvantage was that we had severe flooding this winter and
that resulted in tons of debris floating onto my shoreline.  My friends,
who own the lots next to me (there are a few of us) and I got together
and cleaned it all up.  It was a pain, but certainly worth the effort.
Plus we got tons of firewood and had some nice bonfires.

   2) How much better is the resale (on average)? Is it easier
      to sell waterfront, or back lot (When you have to move on)?
      How much average assessment value does waterfront add (based
      on a 1 acre plat)? (I know this may vary... I'm looking for
      "You can expect to pay XXX percent more in property taxes
      on waterfront property.").

I got a pretty good deal on my property.  I'll probably never sell,
but the way I look at it, there's a finite amount of lakefront.

   3) What about bulkheads? Are they pretty high-maintenance items?
      What kinds do you have experience with? Which would you re-
      commend? Any tips that will help ease maintenance?

Don't have any.

   4) Have you installed a launch ramp? What type of difficulty
      and expense does this present? Again, what are the mainten-
      ance issues/tips to lessen problems?

We're fortunate in that the subdivision has a launch ramp.  It costs
me just $40 a year to maintain roads and the boat ramp.

   5) What type of pier or dock do you use? Is it best to use the
      community-provided one, or build one of your own?

There is a community provided one.  I'm planning on building my own
when either (a) the lake goes down dramatically again or (b) I can
afford a free floating dock on a winch system (~$9K).

   6) What about security of the home while you are away? Is vac-
      ation home robbery pretty typical? What have you seen or done
      to combat this problem?

We have two retired couples who form the neighborhood watch.  They're
extremely nice and really keep an eye on the place.  Plus we go up
there every weekend so there's never been much trouble.  I'd recommend
getting to know the people who live there year 'round (lucky stiffs).

Hope this helps.

Torsten Weirich

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Newsgroups: rec.boats