7 ways to prepare for your waterfront property’s sale

So the time has come for you to let go of your waterfront home. What are the things you need to do to get your property ready for selling?

In the same way that your waterfront property has characteristics that make it different from inland homes, some of the steps you’ll take to prepare your waterfront home for selling will be unique as well. Aside from decluttering, repairing, and sprucing up the interior of your house, here are five things you can do to maximize your waterfront property’s charms and up its chances of being sold.

Keep your waterfront spotless

Enhance the curb appeal of your waterfront home by keeping the shoreline and front of the home clean and attractive.  Trim trees, shrubs, and bushes to ensure that the water views are unobstructed. Also, remove any leaves or debris stuck on the shoreline directly in front of your house. Otherwise, rubbish might signal an unkempt or neglected property.

Clear the pathway to the waterfront

Prospective buyers will definitely want to check the water and look at your home from that perspective, so make sure the pathway from your home to the water’s edge is easy to navigate. Remove weeds along the path, make sure it’s not slippery with moss or lichen, and fix steps that are liable to make people trip.

Make the necessary repairs

If you have a boathouse, a fresh coat of paint can spruce it up. Make sure the structure is clean, safe, and in good shape as well. Replace rotting boards on your dock.

Clean your windows

The moment  buyers walk into your home, make sure they’re immediately drawn to views of the water. Make that your focal point.  Clean your windows to help buyers get a better look at what they’re paying a premium for.

Help interested buyers envision living in your home

Strip it of personal items and souvenirs. Keep furnishings that mirror waterfront living such as deck chairs. Add a swing set to help buyers visualize how their kids can enjoy the property.  A grill and patio furniture suggests summer barbecues with family and friends. If you have photos of the property during the different seasons, frame them so that buyers can see the allure of the house through the seasons.

Know your water rights

Knowing community guidelines, permits, right of way, and buffer zones, among others, can help buyers be more informed and prepared for the realities of owning a waterfront home. For example, explaining riparian rights will make buyers aware of how much of the water in front of the property they can use exclusively.

Work with a real estate specialist who focuses on waterfront properties

A real estate specialist who is well versed in this field will be able to help you prepare requirements that are specific to selling waterfront properties.

If you’re selling your waterfront property in Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, or Lake Chelan in Washington, call Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate at 509.888.8887 or contact us here.