You’d think it wouldn’t be too difficult to sell lakefront property, but there are some tricks to it. Curious? Keep reading!

Just about everyone loves the idea of having a lakefront home, but that doesn’t mean that selling them is a piece of cake. When purchasing lakefront properties, buyers have to consider things like flood potential, water access, and riparian rights.

But you, as a seller, can address all of these things for prospective buyers. If you strategize your approach to selling your lakefront home, you can find a qualified buyer and close your sale. Keep reading for our top tips on selling lakefront property.

Know Your Water Rights

If you have been wondering how to sell lakefront property, this is one of the most important things you need to do. Know your riparian and water rights. Just because you have access to the lake, doesn’t mean you own it.

This is important to know when selling a lakefront property because it affects what a buyer can use the home for. If you have the legal right to build a dock, your property value will rise exponentially. If a buyer can get rid of moorage fees by buying your home, this will excite them.

But docks and moorage are not allowed everywhere, so make sure you know your rights and can advertise them accordingly.

Create an Unobstructed View of the Lake

Let’s be clear, prospective buyers will come knocking for your lake access. So it’s important to make sure that the inside of your home looks sharp, but you should pay special attention to making sure that sightlines to the lake are unobstructed.

Here are  a few easy ways to do that:

  • Remove any unnecessary structures like tool sheds
  • Clear a pathway to the lake
  • Mow grass, clear weeds, and eradicate brambles
  • Invest in proper landscaping
  • Wash your windows to create an unfiltered view of the water

Being next to the water isn’t enough. You need to show your prospective buyer that their connection to the lake would never be stronger than if they buy your house. All of these little adjustments are great ways to increase the value of your lakefront property.

Change the Point of View

When asking yourself, “how do I sell lakefront property,” always think about who your prospective buyers are. For homes with lake access, you should be thinking about sailors, fishers, and other boaters. Pilots and other aerial aficionados also have the interest and budget to buy your home.

So don’t just list your home using photos of the house or from the dock. Show your buyer what they would see by shifting your point of view.

Use a drone to capture some images from above. These will illustrate just how close you truly are to the lake. Take high-quality photos to avoid the mistake of underselling your property with poor images.

Then, take some pictures from the water. If you have a boat, take a photographer out on the water to show your prospective buyer what they would see if this was what they were coming home to.

This strategy works especially well if you can replicate it when showing the home. Make it a part of the tour: hop in a boat, take a spin around the take, and show them what their life would be like if they lived there. They’ll start seeing your lakefront property in a whole new light.

Plus, having a little fun when touring a house doesn’t hurt the chances that they will want to put down an offer on your home.

Hire an Agent Who Specializes in Lakefront Property

A lot of real estate agents carve out a specialty or niche over the course of their careers. Hiring someone who specializes in lakefront property can help you sell your home for maximum value.

Experienced real estate agents will be able to help you determine if you need a pre-listing inspection, and how to market according to your flood risk. They also are connected to a network of buyers who may be interested in your home.

In addition to specialty, choosing an agent with specific local knowledge of your area is key. They are aware of competitive pricing in the area and know who to market to.

Making this connection can be the number one way to close a sale on your lakefront property quickly and efficiently with a qualified buyer.

Remember What You Are Really Selling

It’s easy to get caught up in the act of selling a home and forget what it is that you are really trying to do. When it comes to lakefront property, it’s really more about experience and lifestyle.

The people who are interested in buying a lakefront home want to adopt a way of life that is built around water access, relaxation, and comfort. Any and all ways you can emphasize or help them visualize this image are encouraged.

This may be a porch swing on a back deck looking out over the lake. Or open doors and windows throughout the home on a nice summer day. Whatever touches you make to your home, make sure it facilitates the appropriate image of leisure and relaxation.

The goal is to help your prospective buyer visualize themselves in your space. Once they can do that, your house is as good as sold.

Sell Your Lakefront Property Today

Selling a lakefront property requires some planning and strategy that is a little different from other homes. But once you adopt the above strategies, you’ll find that you can connect with buyers like never before. The key is to focus on the lake and the lifestyle that it will bring to whoever purchases your property.

If you have more questions about how to sell or close on your home, our team of Haliburton Real Estate Agents are available to help you! Reach out to us today–we’d love to speak with you.