Pristine views, easy access to the water, and perfect entertaining–lakefront properties are some of the most desirable properties on the real estate market. If you have your eye on one of these properties for yourself, you are probably elated about making it your own. However, buying a lakefront property should come with careful consideration, as these are not your typical homes in a regular neighborhood. There are some things that you should ask about a listed lake-side home before you decide you want to make an offer.

Does the property come with restrictions?

Living in a home next to a body of water that is state or federally owned can definitely come with some restrictions as the property owner. There could be restrictions that prevent things like:

• Raising crops or planting a garden
• Operating a business out of your home
• Placing a mobile home on your property
• Building anything close to the water's edge

It is important that you know about these restrictions before you make an offer on a lakefront property, so you don't face costly fines later on. 

Are there easements on your property to the water?

Being beside the water means your property borders a waterway that may be completely publicly owned. If this is the case, the water itself may be deemed as open to the public, and that can also mean the public gets access to the water through your property thanks to an easement or right of way. Before seriously considering a lakefront property, make sure you ask if there are any of these property amendments tacked onto the deed. The last thing you want is to buy a property only to discover that random strangers are allowed to travel through your backyard to get to the water's edge.

What kind of wildlife is typical in the area?

This is an important question to ask, especially if you have children, pets, or even plan to have your own garden on the property. Any body of water is a natural attractor to all kinds of wildlife, whether it is insects and birds or deer and bears. While the idea of wildlife roaming around your property can sound charming, it can also be quite the burden and even a safety threat in some situations. The realtor should be able to tell you a little about the typical wildlife that you may encounter on the property. 

Contact an agent to help you find the right real estate listings in your area.