{"id":103354,"date":"2025-07-10T15:09:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T22:09:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=103354"},"modified":"2025-07-10T15:09:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T22:09:27","slug":"buying-a-lake-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-lake-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Dreaming of Buying a Lake House? Everything to Know Before Diving In"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Key Takeaways:\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lakefront property can be a great investment both personally and financially.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance, maintenance, and property taxes can all add significant costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to consider how the pros and cons will impact you personally and financially before making a decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s something so peaceful about the idea of buying a lake house \u2014 quiet mornings by the water, endless outdoor activities, and a welcome escape from the everyday hustle. For some, it\u2019s about revisiting favorite childhood spots; for others, it\u2019s a smart way to generate vacation rental income. No matter your reason, <\/span><b>buying a lake house<\/b> <b>isn\u2019t just a lifestyle upgrade\u2014it\u2019s a big financial decision.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before diving right in and buying a lakefront property on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/state\/Washington\/waterfront\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake Washington<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rent.com\/missouri\/ozark-houses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake of the Ozarks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apartmentguide.com\/apartments\/Illinois\/Great-Lakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great Lakes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s important to weigh the hidden costs, unique maintenance needs, and rental potential. In this Redfin guide, we\u2019ll walk you through what to consider before buying a lake house so you can make the most of your investment \u2013 and your time on the water.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-103357 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-947x630.jpg\" alt=\"A farm-style lakefront home on a clear day during golden hour. The house is reflected in the still, clear lake and the trees are just beginning to turn red and gold. \" width=\"947\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-947x630.jpg 947w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-2048x1363.jpg 1803w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-451x300.jpg 451w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fall-lake-house_shutterstock_674191864-scaled.jpg 1804w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 947px) 100vw, 947px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owning lakefront property: A quick pros and cons list\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we dive into the details on lakefront living, here\u2019s a quick look at the biggest advantages and drawbacks that come with buying a house on the lake:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Pros<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Cons\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great for vacations and weekend getaways<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher taxes and insurance costs<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential for rental income\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance challenges\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to outdoor activities\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flood risk and wear from weather<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term investment and appreciation\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seasonal accessibility<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Questions to ask before buying a home on the lake\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just like any home, asking the right questions before buying will help you uncover essential details about your investment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1. Is this a vacation home, investment, or primary residence?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ask yourself how you\u2019ll actually use the lake house. If you\u2019re making a move to lakefront life, you can follow a standard <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/buy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home buying process<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If it\u2019s a secondary property, either for investment or for vacation, you\u2019ll need to think about the associated costs and effort that come with running a rental property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2. How much time will you spend there?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much time you personally spend on the property correlates with how much a lender will give you, how much insurance you will need, and what kind of maintenance you need to account for in your absence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3. What is the flood risk in the area?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying waterfront property, you\u2019re most likely <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-house-in-a-flood-zone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a house in a flood zone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Ask about the flood history of the property and know the specific risks associated with the zone you\u2019re buying in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4. Are there rental restrictions?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rental restrictions are rules set by the local government or homeowners association (HOA) to manage the leasing of properties. Some restrictions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Banning short-term rentals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Requiring rental permits or licenses\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limiting how many days per year you can rent it out<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Setting minimum stay lengths for guests (like 30 days or more)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to rent out your lake house, check local laws and HOA rules before buying.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5. Is the shoreline private or shared?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A house on the shore can be nice for beach access, but most lakes are public property. That means you could have people strolling along the shore, sitting on the dock, or swimming right outside your window.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider how much you value privacy and quiet and use your answer to determine where you buy. A lake with a loud and busy tourist season might not fit with your dream image of reading quietly in the sun on the beach.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hidden costs associated with buying a lake house<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a house on a lake means making sure you can cover the hidden costs. A good price at face value doesn\u2019t factor in components like maintenance and taxes which could exceed your ideal budget. Here are some common hidden costs and a few tips to help you navigate them:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property taxes on waterfront vs inland properties<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-do-property-taxes-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property taxes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are based on your home\u2019s value and location. A high-value home in an ideal location, like a nice cabin on a popular lake, will have higher property taxes. Although this may add to your monthly expenses, most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/tax-benefits-of-owning-a-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property taxes are tax deductible<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re mainly using your lake house for personal use as a secondary residence, you can deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes. You can still get a tax deduction if you\u2019re renting out the property, but you\u2019ll have to meet certain conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher costs for insurance\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A house on a lake requires more insurance than you typically need on average in a few different areas:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Liability insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lake homes tend to have more accidents. More guests or renters coming through means more activity, excitement, and potential for injury. Adding more liability insurance to your policy might be necessary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Boat insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If you buy a boat to use at your new lake house, don\u2019t forget that insurance has to come with it. Adding the expense ahead of time will protect you in the long run from expensive repairs due to weather, damage, or rider injury.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>External structures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-much-homeowners-insurance-do-you-need\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding how much home insurance you need<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at a lake house means covering more than the house itself. Docks, sheds, hot tubs, boat houses, or other structures that aren\u2019t physically attached to the home should all be included.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Flood insurance<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Flood insurance is not covered under most home insurance policies, and you\u2019ll need it <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-my-house-in-a-flood-zone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">if your lake house is in a flood zone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can look into private insurance companies or federally funded insurance from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/flood-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the higher upfront costs, having the right insurance pays dividends in the event of an accident.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Waterfront land leases\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may own the house, but it could be on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-a-land-lease-fee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">leased land<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> owned by the government or other agency. Buying a house on a lake means taking over whatever lease the land owner has put in place. Be aware of the terms of the lease, how close it is to ending, and what the renegotiation process looks like. You may have to account for price inflations if the lease ends while you own the house. On the bright side, you don\u2019t have to pay property taxes in addition to a land lease fee if one exists.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unique maintenance considerations\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lakefront homes are considerably more exposed to the elements. These are some of the most common issues you could encounter:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flooding or water damage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shoreline erosion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Algae bloom or poor water quality\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wood rot and mold\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insects, pests, and wildlife<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dock and seawall deterioration\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Septic system maintenance<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/home-inspection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">home inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before buying a lake house will help you identify which issues already exist. While some are fixable and preventable, constant upkeep is required to keep your getaway clean and safe. If you\u2019ll be away from your property for extended periods of time, hiring a maintenance company might be a necessity, especially if you don\u2019t want to be stuck doing chores on your vacation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-103356 size-blog-post\" src=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-945x630.jpg\" alt=\"Buying a house on a lake comes with fun summer activities. Two people are paddling in a red kayak on the water in front of a cabin style house nestled in a green pine forest. \" width=\"945\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-945x630.jpg 945w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-scaled.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-225x150.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/cabin-lake-house_shutterstock_170044556-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Places to buy a lake house<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Picking which lake to buy on is a big decision, and there are an endless number to choose from. Knowing what you\u2019re intending to use your lake house for will help you narrow down your search. Here are a few examples of different lakes and what makes them attractive to buyers:\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/neighborhood\/66715\/CA\/Truckee\/Lake-Tahoe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Lake Tahoe<\/b><\/a><b>: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the border between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is well known for its gorgeous scenery, blue waters, and year-round recreation. Buying a house on this lake allows for rental income from both summer and winter tourists.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/23683\/SC\/Lake-Murray-of-Richland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Lake Murray<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This charming South Carolina lake is a hub for local residents who enjoy fishing and boating in their spare time. The variety of lakefront property and houses near the water make excellent primary residence choices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/3007\/WA\/Chelan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>Lake Chelan<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As one of the most popular lakes in Washington, Chelan is a favorite summer getaway for residents all over the state. Vacation homes are popular here, especially for families that make annual visits.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Discover: Best Lakes to Live On in <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/lakes-in-california-to-live-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>California<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>, <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/lakes-in-washington-to-live-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>Washington<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>, <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/lakes-in-south-carolina-to-live-on\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>South Carolina<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>, and more on <\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b><i>Redfin<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a lake house to rent it out\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Done right, renting out your lake house can help offset the cost of ownership. If you\u2019re hoping to make your lake house work as a source of income, here are some things to consider before buying one:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rental restrictions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> As mentioned above, there may be local rules regarding rental properties in certain communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Permits and taxes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some cities require short-term rental licenses to operate a vacation rental. You may also be taxed on your rental income.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Property management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you live far away, or simply don\u2019t want to facilitate yourself, you\u2019ll need to hire a property management company to handle guests, cleanings, and repairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Occupancy rates:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Income for lake house rentals is often seasonal, booking more guests in the summer than the winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key to making a rental property work for you is making it stand out from the rest. Adding attractive amenities and buying in a location that has year-round attraction will help keep bookings up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-rent-a-house\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>How to Rent Out Your House: 14 Things to Know<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tips for first time lake house buyers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it might seem daunting to finally jump for a long time dream, here are a few tips for first time buyers that will ease the pressure of buying a lake house:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Work with a <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>real estate agent<\/b><\/a><b>:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You don\u2019t have to do it alone! A local agent who specializes in lakefront properties is a great asset in this home buying process.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Visit during all seasons:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Know what to expect \u2013 rain, shine, or snow \u2013 to get a better picture of what upkeep and maintenance looks like year-round.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get a specialized home inspection:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Be sure to include the shoreline, docks, septic systems, and other unique amenities.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk to neighbors:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Your potential neighbors will have first-hand knowledge of lake conditions, seasonal traffic, and any concerns to be aware of. Plus, if your lake house is more remote, having some friendly faces nearby to help you in a bind is priceless.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Research local laws and regulations:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Doing a little extra research will put your mind at ease and prepare you for what to expect.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is buying a lake house worth it?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the extra considerations, buying a lake house can be a rewarding experience. Extra income from renting it out is nice, but the memories you could make are priceless. Whether you\u2019re an active outdoors enthusiast or someone looking for a quiet retreat on the shore, the right research and planning will lead you to the perfect lake property to match your vibe. Just be sure to prepare for the extra costs and maintenance before diving in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lake house buying FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I get a mortgage on a lake house?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, you can get a mortgage on a lake house much like you would on a regular house. However, your lender may have different requirements for lakefront properties or second homes. Speak to a financial advisor for help with the financing that best fits your situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the best time to buy a waterfront property?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best time to buy on a lake is typically between the end of summer and the end of the year. You\u2019ll have less competition from other buyers, more inventory to choose from sellers, and more time to prepare the home for rent or your own use in the peak season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does it cost to maintain a lake house?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lakefront properties cost more in maintenance on average than a typical home. The specific costs largely depend on location, disaster risk, and amenities. Be aware of the requirements for upkeep and consider the cost and benefit of insurance to protect your wallet from expensive out-of-pocket costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where should I buy a lake house?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where you buy is heavily dependent on what you\u2019ll use your lake house for. If you\u2019re looking for a primary residence, consider what is most valuable to you that will outweigh the potential drawbacks. For an investment property or vacation home, be sure to factor in what guests may be looking for in the area, as well as the extra cost of property management while you\u2019re away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will I need flood insurance?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying a house on a lake, it\u2019s highly likely that you\u2019re <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-house-in-a-flood-zone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying a house in a flood zone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Flood insurance isn\u2019t covered under typical home insurance policies, and may be required by law in certain high-risk zones. Check FEMA\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/msc.fema.gov\/portal\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener external noreferrer\" data-wpel-link=\"external\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flood Map Service Center<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see what type of zone your house is in, and prepare accordingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do all lake houses have septic systems?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many lake houses in more rural areas do, but not all of them have septic tanks. Septic systems do require periodic maintenance and inspection by a professional. Be sure to consider the extra costs associated \u2013 and get a septic system inspection \u2013 before buying a lake house that uses one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><i>&gt;&gt;Read more:<\/i><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/buying-a-house-with-a-septic-tank\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><b>The Pros and Cons of Buying a House with a Septic Tank<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a lake house a good investment?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a lake house can be a good investment with the proper research and preparation. Lake houses in desirable locations tend to appreciate in value, as well as have strong rental potential. Renting out your lake house when you\u2019re not using it can allow for a second stream of income that can be especially profitable in high tourist seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Buying a lake house can be a great investment for both personal and financial reasons. Although your main goal might be to have a fun summer getaway, be sure to consider the long term costs and year-round maintenance work associated with lakefront property before jumping in. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":828,"featured_media":103357,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34529,34617],"coauthors":[36461],"class_list":["post-103354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-faq","tag-home-buying-process"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Buying a Lake House: What to Know Before Diving In | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking of buying a lake house? 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