What You Need To Know About Making A Move To A Lake Community

A move is in your future! Indeed, you’re about to embark on one of your biggest transitions in years. Soon, you’ll be leaving your familiar environment for one that is new, different, and exciting. if that move has you heading to a lake community, there are some things you need to know first.

 

Here a Fee, There a Fee

In addition to paying property taxes, your lake community will assess fees, perhaps multiple ones. Figure that at the very least you’ll pay are homeowner’s association dues, which cover your right to access the lake for swimming and boating. Although HOA fees drive up your costs, you’ll get so much in return, including a private community.

Some lake communities break down your costs further, based on the amenities offered. Basic fees may cover community upkeep, with separate charges for swimming and boating. Further, if there is clubhouse or a golf course present, link access may be restricted to due’s paying members.

Environment is a Huge Concern

As you might guess, lake cleanliness is critically important. That also means homeowners must do their part to ensure that no unseemly run off from their properties to the lake takes place.

Lakeside properties typically have septic tanks, a more cost effective way of managing sewerage. This also means you’ll need to have your tanks inspected and drained from time to time, a cost you’ll bear.

If your home has a fuel tank for oil or propane, the community may require regular inspections to ensure that the tank complies with environmental standards. In some cases, property owners with old in-ground tanks must have then replaced with new above ground tanks when the home changes hands. Be aware what environmental impact your home may have on the community and the costs involved.

Television Reception May be Poor

Unless your lake community abuts a metropolitan area, you may have little to no television reception. This means you’ll need to pay an added expense to secure satellite dish access. A similar restriction may apply to your Internet access.

Dish access doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can be if your community isn’t wired accordingly. You should also be aware that a long-term contract may be required.

Seasonal Access May be Restricted

If your lake community is located in a northerly or colder environment, it may be subject to a different level of services during the winter months. For instance, snow plowing may be restricted to main roads, leaving side roads and their inhabitants to fend for themselves.

Also, some of the services you are accustomed to receiving during the rest of the year may be cut back or closed, such as the clubhouse. Your HOA fees, however, won’t drop as services drop, therefore keep this in mind.

Insurance Can be Expensive

Another concern lakefront community homeowners have is the cost of insurance. Your insurance rates depend in part to such things as city services — as in the location of the fire and police department. Indeed, if emergency services are far away, your higher insurance rates will reflect that greater distance.

You also need to visit flood zone maps to determine if your home or any part of your property is in a zone. If it is, then you’ll want to purchase flood insurance separately, to protect your investment. That insurance will protect you in the event of catastrophic loss.

Making Your Move

Each point mentioned here should give you pause before deciding to make a move to a lake community. At the same time, don’t allow such concerns to dissuade you, unless your budget cannot handle the cost.

Once you find a home then begin to pack and weigh your moving options, including Smart Box Moving. A portable moving box service may be a more cost effective for you and help offset some of the costs your new community will charge.