Most purchasers buying a lake or mountain home are drawn in by the breath taking views and picturesque landscape, the peace and serenity of nature, or the escape from every day city living. While all of these qualities are quite attractive, most purchasers don’t realize just how many uniquely important factors come into play when investing in a lake or mountain home that differ from purchasing a property in the city.
Seasonal Changes
Seasonal changes in the mountains can mean vast differences in: the weather, the inhabiting population, road conditions, traffic, and commerce. You want to become familiar with all aspects of the area you choose to buy in before making your final decision.
Water Rights
If you purchase your home on or near a lake, you want to know what your water rights are; do you have access to the lake, do others have easement access across your property, how busy is the lake in the summer season, what are future plans and conservation laws on the lake, and can others build around or near your home?
Propane Fuel
Oftentimes gas isn’t run to homes in remote places. Most mountain home owners have propane tanks and or propane appliances. Propane is a much more cost effective energy solution. You need to be aware of what type of appliances your home may have, and if they are propane-based, make sure you have at least one functioning Carbon Monoxide detector in your home.
Energy Efficiency
While summertime in Georgia is always relatively warm, winters at higher elevations can get surprisingly cold. Winter ice and snow is routine in the higher mountain altitudes. You will want to consider the energy efficiency of your home. Many older homes may not be optimally equipped – make sure that your windows are double paned; check insulation levels in the home, and notice the amount of tree cover you have as well as windows accessible to sunlight. The more clearing you have for sun to reach your home, and glass on the home’s (South ) exposed side, the more natural warmth your home will retain.
Critters
While the mountains offer a getaway from densely populated “neighborhoods,” mountain inhabitants enjoy more human privacy, but often find they have furry neighbors. Learning what critters you cohabitate with and understanding their tendencies can help you to feel comfortable and enjoy the nature that surrounds you. For instance, if you plan on gardening, you should learn how and where to use deer repellants, or plan on having a fence that is eight feet or taller.
Be Prepared
One of the most enjoyable benefits of living in the mountains is privacy and seclusion. Since you won’t have the modern conveniences of a town or city at your ready disposal, you should be prepared to take care of yourself. Always have a good first aid kit on hand for emergencies. Basic CPR training is relatively easy to procure and always a safe bet.
Power Alternatives
Power outages tend to last longer in the mountains. Many local residents keep propane appliances, wood burning stoves, and or generators in their homes. At the very least you should have lanterns, flashlights, candles, matches, and batteries on hand for those romantically dark lit evenings.
Water Sources
It may well be that your water will be drawn from a local well. Make sure that you have a good, viable source of water. If you plan on having a well dug on your own personal residence, understand that water tables often lie lower in the mountains, and striations of rock can block access to your underground water supply.
Television Reception
Television reception can be harder to come by in some areas. Ask your neighbors if their satellite or antenna does the trick and provides them with good reception.
Winterize
While winterizing your home is fairly routine in many cities, it is an absolute necessity in the mountains and is better done sooner rather than later. You should have a winter checklist handy, and make sure you winterize before the season’s first frost.
Working with a knowledgeable real estate professional who specializes in your area can help you make a smart, secure investment, and evaluate your purchase from an informed point of view. Scott Smith, of North Georgia Mountain Realty, has made his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains for more than 20 years; aside from offering in-depth, specialized real estate knowledge about the area, Scott helps families think in terms of the smaller, less obvious details that make mountain living practical, safe, and simple.
Jason Barlow is a licensed real estate professional, specializing in investment in both Georgia and Florida.
To find Blue Ridge Mountain homes or search the North Georgia MLS go to http://www.blueridge-mountain-homes.com
Source: www.articlecity.com
