Buying a Waterfront Home in Sarasota or Bradenton? 6 Questions to Ask
On the same afternoon, you might tour a canal home in Country Club Shores and a riverfront property in Bradenton. Both could have a dock. Whether either one fits your boat, your renovation plans, or your day-to-day life comes down to the individual property. Start with these six questions when you’re building a shortlist.
Can my boat make the whole trip?
Start with your boat’s draft, beam and height above the water, including the top or antennas. Trace the route from the slip to the water you actually want to reach, whether that’s Sarasota Bay, the Intracoastal Waterway or the Manatee River. Check depths at low tide, bridge clearances, the turning space at the dock and the lift’s rated capacity.
If a particular route is the reason you’re buying, ask a local captain or marina operator about the conditions you’ll encounter and arrange to see the route from the water.
What dock or slip rights come with the home?
A private dock, an assigned community slip and access to a neighborhood ramp offer different ways to get on the water. Ask for the survey, recorded easements and any dock or slip agreement. For an association slip, find out whether the assignment transfers at closing and whether there are fees, size limits or a waitlist.
If you’re counting on adding a lift or extending a dock, show your plan to the permitting office for that address before you factor the improvement into your decision.
Who maintains the seawall, dock and lift?
Ask for installation dates, repair records, permits and warranties. Find out where your maintenance responsibility begins and ends, especially when a seawall is shared or a dock is managed by an association.
Have a qualified marine contractor inspect the seawall, pilings, dock and lift. If work is needed, ask for a written scope and estimate so you can account for it when comparing properties.
What should I budget for insurance at this address?
Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map and ask for an elevation certificate if one is available. Share the property details with a licensed insurance agent early enough to compare homeowners, wind and flood coverage, deductibles and exclusions.
Ask specifically about the dock, lift and seawall. If there’s living space below the main floor, ask how its use and elevation affect the quote. Use quotes for the home you’re considering when you compare carrying costs.
Can I make the changes I have in mind?
A pool, an addition and a tear-down all raise different questions. Start with a survey and a sketch of what you want. Ask the local building or planning office to identify the setbacks, floodplain requirements and permit history that apply to that parcel.
For Gulf-front properties, also check where the Florida Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) falls relative to the proposed work. Florida DEP can explain when its coastal permit applies. If the project is central to your purchase, bring an architect or contractor into the discussion early.
How do I want to spend an ordinary Saturday?
Picture leaving the dock for a morning fishing trip, paddling after work or walking to the beach with a cup of coffee. If you mainly want the view and occasional access, include homes near a marina or beach access point in your search. If you want to keep your boat behind the house, put the slip and route near the top of your criteria.
Bring your top two priorities to a showing. You’ll have a better way to compare an island home, a Palma Sola Bay property and a Manatee River address when the views are equally appealing.
Find a home that fits your waterfront plans
Michele and Derek Lersch are Certified Waterfront Specialists. Share the way you want to use the water, and we’ll help you compare areas and put together a shortlist.