Staging your water's edge can bring top dollar for your waterfront real estate.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Docks and Decking:
Replace worn or broken boards in the docks or shorefront decks. Paint and / or stain the entire waterfront area. Many waterfront buyers are new to the market and may not want to undertake any projects around the water. Many waterfront listings neglect this responsibility; it is an easy way to set your waterfront property apart from the rest.
Beach:
Remove weeds from the sand beach area, rake beach prior to showings, build a small sand castle and have a small child's toy. Parents and grandparents love to envision their children playing on a nice beach while they are enjoying the waterfront amenities.
Boathouse:
If you are privileged enough to have a boathouse, clean it inside and out. Remove any bird and / or animal waste. Much like the docking systems, a fresh coat of paint will go a long way. If possible, remove oversized boats; a large boat will make the boathouse look smaller.
Staging the Waterfront:
Strategically place flowerpots on shorefront patios and decks. Set up lawn furniture in a socially inviting manor. Create multiple entertainment areas; each will add value in the waterfront buyer's mind. Much like in the dining room, set a table for a BBQ. If possible, have the lawn and / or waterfront area professionally landscaped.
Area Information:
Many waterfront buyers are looking for second homes. They are often unfamiliar with the lakes or communities in the areas they have targeted for a vacation home. As such, it would be helpful to provide a map of the lake indicating the location of the property; assisting buyers in gaining perspective of the lake and surrounding areas. In addition, an aerial photograph of the property gives another perspective to the listing and its immediate surroundings unseen from the ground; it is most beneficial in proving privacy and when surrounding properties compliment and enhance the value of the subject property. Providing brochures for restaurants and shops reassures buyers as to the existence of local amenities.
Maximize the View:
Clean windows in the house that face the water, remove decorations or lamps which may block the view.
Existing Permits:
Retrieve all permits for work completed on the shorefront for availability to potential buyers.
If you really want to drive up the value:
Apply for New Permits:
Submit applications for additional permits; perched beaches, permanent docks, covered boat docks, breakwaters, boathouses, etc. It is one thing to say you can have a beach; it is another to have a written permit from the government for a beach. It is a value to be added onto the list price. With each day, additional laws and restrictions regarding the waterfront are enacted. If you are thinking about selling, start this process as soon as possible.
Reprinted with permission from Adam Dow, Fine Homes Specialist, Prudential Spencer-Hughes Real Estate, Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. www.adamdow.com
If you have some special ideas for juicing up a waterfront property, we'd like to hear from you. Leave a comment below… and Realtors – maybe you can pass this on to your waterfront clients.
