Top 10 Things to Consider When Buying Lake Norman Waterfront Homes
Does it have a dock? Some shoreline areas of Lake Norman are environmentally protected or do not have enough shoreline footage, and therefore cannot ever have a dock built. This is good to know when buying property, as the value of the home or lot is sometimes higher if you can have your own dock.
Is it on a well and septic tank or City water/sewer? If you find a home on a septic system with it's own well or community well, then the lot size is usually larger to accomodate the system, lines, and repair areas (usually over .5 acres). Often times, homes that are on city utilities don't have as much land, but not always.
Is the lot big enough to have a pool or detached garage if it is on a septic system? Buyers often ask me this question when looking at property with land and the answer is: as long as there is an area that is not above the septic tank, lines, too close to well, or in the "repair area" designated by the Health Department, AND as long as you can get an improvement permit from the county. We can usually obtain a copy (drawing) of the improvement permit where the septic system, lines, and repair area are located. Also to note: in most subdivisions, you need prior approval from the architectural review committee.
Is it located in a cove or on main channel? Look the address up on Google Maps if you are unsure. Some buyers see "deals" on the internet and don't realize they are located in shallow coves or across from busy, noisy marinas.
How deep is the water at the dock (if it has one)? Lake levels vary during the year and are sometimes lower during the winter. Some docks are in shallow water. Will your dock need a lift?
Does it have a big water view or small water view? Some buyers are concerned with the view and less with the house features. What's important to you? To be brutally honest, it always seems like you get one or the other, but not both; unless you're over 1 million price range. But let me cover myself here, that's not always the case!
Is the home located on Lake Norman, Lake Cornelius, or Lake Davidson? The Carolina MLS covers all these areas and sometimes the property is located in Davidson or Cornelius and listed as "waterfront" but you need to check the address on Google Maps because it's not guaranteed to be on Lake Norman. This is important to know because the lakes are not accessible to each other by boat.
Is it located within city limits or in county and fire tax bracket only? Buyers from other parts of the country ask me about taxes. Some homes are taxed by city and county and include city water and sewer, and others are only taxed by county and fire. Also note, the tax values are very different here than other areas and are not directly related to market value and/or sales price. Ask me about it.
Is it located in a subdivision? If so, what amenities are available? Dry boat storage, day docks, or pump out facilities? Are there HOA fees? What about Boat Slip fees or Lease boat slip fees?
How big is your boat? Some community "slips" are only 10 feet wide at the beam. If your boat is bigger than that, then it's important to measure the slip width. Also, there are some coves located on Lake Norman that have low bridges, so if your boat has a good height or double-decker, you may want to consider location of home so that you can access most main channel areas of the lake.
When in doubt about a piece of property or dock, please contact Duke Energy Lake Services at 800-443-5193
with any questions. You would need to contact them, as a Lakefront property owner, before doing any shoreline work or dock work and to apply for permits to do so!
Sandy Aichner, GRI, ABR, Broker,REALTOR Licensed in NC and SC RE/MAX Executive Realty (704) 746-7513 Lake Norman Homes Copyright 2008-2009, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, by the Author - Sandy Aichner Please call me If you have interest in purchasing or selling a home in Mooresville, Cornelius, Huntersville, Troutman, Denver, Sherrill's Ford, Catawba, Davidson, or Statesville, North Carolina!
Great Post. You really covered all of the bases with your post.
As a waterfront agent in Illinois, one of the top questions that I receive, are waverunners and jet skis allowed on the lake. The homebuyers have mixed feelings, many want to use waverunners and jet skis and just as many seem to despise them.
Great tips that I also advise my Lake Murray clients on. The water depth at the dock is a biggie. In the winter 20% of Lake Murray homes are high and dry.
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Great information for not only Lake Norman property, but for anyone considering watefront property.
But after visiting Lake Norman, why would they even consider any other location?
And after they've made their decision to move to Lake Norman, the next step is to call Sandy Aichner!