Be Shore You Know: Important Waterfront Real Estate Advice from Suzy Evans

Purchasing waterfront real estate is a dream come true for so many buyers, but there are additional aspects to consider. If you are thinking about waterfront real estate, top Davidson Realty producer Suzy Evans has some valuable advice that could save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

An expert on oceanfront and waterfront real estate, Suzy has sold multi-million dollar waterfront properties throughout the First Coast, including Ponte Vedra Beach. Suzy is frequently recognized as a Top Producer in residential real estate at Davidson Realty and in 2012, she was named Top Producer for the year.  Her expertise extends to mortgage financing and lending, and she boasts certifications as Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE).

Suzy says to keep these “to-do’s” in mind when considering real estate on the water:

1) Check out the Department of Environmental Protection’s requirements. You will be living adjacent to an important environmental habitat, so understanding the procedures, restrictions, and exceptions involved with getting permit approval for building or renovating is vital. The process can be lengthy and overwhelming, so visit Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection website (http://www.dep.state.fl.us/) to be in the know.

2) Research the threat of beach erosion. By partnering with a civil engineer, property owners can understand aspects of depth and elevation that affect their property, as well as determine erosion threats to their property and possible solutions.

Another reason to address beach erosion? Insurance of course! The threat of beach erosion can certainly affect your insurance rates.

3) Get to know the Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL). This program ensures protection for our beaches and dunes from upland construction while establishing reasonable use of property, and it can determine if and where you can build on your lot.

Property owners often don’t know where their line is located, nor the impact it will have in building or modifying their oceanfront home. In order to secure a CCCL permit from the State of Florida, property owners must demonstrate the potential impact their home will have to the beach dune system, adjacent properties, native salt resistant vegetation, and marine turtles.

4.) Become familiar with protected vegetation.  Did you know there are various grasses, shrubs, and other vegetation that cannot be touched? Many of these may be in your yard – especially if you live on the ocean. Get to know what coastal vegetation you can remove in order to build a deck or addition, and what must remain untouched.

5.) Learn FEMA (Flood Emergency Management Agency) requirements for home remodeling. With much of the value of oceanfront homes located in the land itself, you may be limited to improving your home by 50% of the building’s pre-improvement market value. Many owners of older homes that need remodeling or rehabilitation can find themselves limited in compliance with the existing building requirements set by NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program).

Some areas may also have other restrictive community or code requirements. Finding these requirements out ahead of time can save many headaches.

By partnering with an experienced real estate agent, you can avoid any surprises that can affect your potential waterfront purchase. Contact Suzy Evans at (904)347-5447 or sevans@davidsonrealtyinc.com for more information on waterfront or oceanfront properties.