Guide to Buying a Florida Condo With a Dock
If you are a boater there is no better place to live than South Florida. There is a reason Fort Lauderdale is nicknamed the Venice of the United States. There are tons of canals with waterfront homes giving you direct access by boat to the intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the worlds largest boat show. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show happens every fall and takes over the beach area and convention center.
Waterfront homes have become very expensive in recent years. You would have a difficult time finding a home with dock space for less than $1,000,000. There are a multitude of condos and townhouse with boat slips available at much better prices. If you prefer luxury without the maintenance concerns of owning a waterfront home, there are plenty of choices in condos over $1,000,000 as well. Finding just the right one can be a challenge, however.
Do you need a bigger boat?
Size of your boat is a big factor in locating a condo. If your boat is under 35 feet there are plenty of choices. Over 35 feet and your choice will be fewer and over 50 feet will be far fewer. If you have a wide beam boat like a catamaran, your choices will, of course, be narrowed too. Sailors and other tall boat owners need to be concerned with fixed-bridges. Doing a search on most real estate websites will be a time consuming process and lead to a lot of frustration. That is because this kind of information is not readily available in most listings. This is where an experienced agent can be invaluable.
Deeded or Rented Dock?
You will be faced with a couple of choices in the type of dock or boat slip available. Some condo units may come with a deeded dock. This is usually the best choice. It is also the most expensive. Other condominiums will offer dock space that you will rent from the association. If you are considering a condo with a rented dock be prepared to find yourself on a waitlist. Make sure to ask how long it is and what the typical turnover rate is. If you need a boatlift, then a deeded dock is likely what you will need. I have seen some condos that allow you to install a lift even if you are renting it, but not many.
Rules
A lot of folks that live inland and keep their boat at a marina get this idea in their head that they will buy a condo with a dock as an investment property, put a tenant in the condo and then keep their boat at the dock, thereby saving a ton of money on marina fees. Almost every condo has rules prohibiting this. A few don't don't care, but they are like search for a needle in a haystack. Living onboard the boat will likely be prohibited too.
Ready to find a new home for you and your boat? Call 954-895-2431 or schedule a call with me here.
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Serving The Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2006
You can reach me 954-895-2431
