From: marc@marcal.uucp (Marc Veeneman)
Subject: Re: waterfront property
Keywords: Advantages/Drawbacks
Organization: Marcal Systems Corporation
Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1992 17:45:58 GMT

mike@gilligan.East.Sun.COM (Mike Roncadori) writes:

>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).

If you don't live ON the shoreline, then there's not much advan-
tage to even being close.  Driving 3 miles is little different
from driving 200 yards to launch, picnic, etc.  On the other
hand, you CAN drive to the public parks and launch areas if that
turns you on.

I gave this very little thought until AFTER we moved to our home
on the north shore of a small lake.  Now, I realize how really
valuable it is.  The view (different every day of the year, btw)
alone is wonderful.  But, mostly, the ability to simply walk down
the path, rig up, and be sailing is terrific.

>   Any disadvantages?

One might be that some non-shore-dwellers seem to think our pro-
perty is public and they have the right to fish, walk, leave
trash, etc., on my back yard.  This, despite the signs and
efforts of the village to the contrary.  I'd never consider
wandering off the road onto their back yards.

>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 never paid much attention to that.  My guess is that it's like
any other real estate investment;  you'll get it back when you
sell.

Taxes, of course, are based on the property value, so that's a
redundant question.

>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?

If done right initially, this is a low-maintenance item.  We've
never spent a dime on breakwater maintenance.

>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 tie up at the dock.  We launch at a village-maintained
(theoretically) public area where day-boaters also launch.

>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?

Have your own as soon as you can afford it.  This year we
switched from a floating dock to fixed, and use it much more.
The added stability (and a nice bench out at the end) give
nonswimmers the confidence to enjoy it.

>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?

Security is probably enhanced since a lakeside burglary access
would be ultra-risky.  How you gonna cart away my stereo and
microwave on the water?  The front yard is no different from any
of the folks in the village.

>As you can see, I'm pretty much a virgin with this vacation place
>thing, and I'd like to make intelligent choices, if possible.

We live year-round there and it's like being on vacation every
day, even after five years!

>Thanks -- Mike

You're welcome.

-- 
Marc Veeneman   Marcal Systems Corporation   Cary, IL  60013   U.S.A.