living on lake keowee

You likely already know that buying a home is a complicated process. Yet when you are looking to add waterfront” to the type of home youre purchasing, the process is bound to get more complex. Suddenly, new types of insurance, restrictions on vessels, and even the effects of Mother Nature have to be thought through. Fortunately, weve got some advice to help you navigate it all. If youre considering purchasing lakefront real estate in South Carolina, our in-house real estate experts offer the following tips before you begin so you know what to expect.

Find an agent whos a true waterfront specialist

The agents who regularly deal with waterfront properties are the ones who know the ins and outs of the process. Unfortunately, not all agents have that kind of detailed knowledge about waterfront properties.

For example, you might find a great deal on a property you believe is right for you. But until an expert in lakefront property looks at the home, you may not be aware of the underlying issues that made it such a steal. Finding a lakefront property agent from the start can help prevent frustration from issues that may arise further down the road.

living on lake keowee

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders & Waterfront Properties

Consider the property more than the structure

You want to love the home youll be living in, of course. But when purchasing lakefront real estate in South Carolina, you need to remember its every bit as important to fall in love with the entire property, not just the home.

When exploring property options, youll want to look for things like accessibility to the water, potential waterfront views (or lack of them), how much privacy it offers, and even water clarity for swimming. Keep in mind: you can change the house; you cant change the location. Make sure its the property you love first.

Choose a property that fits your lifestyle

If youre the outdoorsy type who wants to make the most of lakefront living, you may be content with finding a home thats far away from everything. However, if youre the type who loves culture, going out to dinner, or visiting an art museum, and your home is an hour from those amenities, you may want to avoid those away-from-it-all type properties. Look at the locations that best match the lifestyle you want. Getting away has its perks as long as it doesnt interfere with the life you love. In other words, focus on the activities youre most passionate about, then choose your property accordingly.

living on lake keowee

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders & Waterfront Properties

Make sure the structure can withstand the weather

Waterfront homes take on a lot of abuse from the elements—much more than the average home. Youll need to take extra measures to protect them. For example, storm shutters are typically installed for homes in wind-prone areas, and often, builders use stainless-steel locks to prevent corrosion. Keep in mind that waterfront properties are built to minimize risks and are often found on sites that are going to survive no matter what Mother Nature throws at them. Your own awareness is key to ensuring your home can continue to withstand the elements.

Insurance can be costly and complicated

Different locations often have different insurance requirements, so make sure you get in touch with your insurance company early to know what youre getting into. As an example, waterfront homeowners in Florida are required to purchase three policies—one each for wind, flood, and general hazard—and these arent always offered through the same insurance company. Your agent can help you make sense of it all.

Find out what you can do with the property

If there are restrictions on a property or the home, youll want to know before you commit to a purchase. Some areas have restrictions on jet skis, speedboats, and other watercraft, and if you have your heart set on those types of activities, youll want to know that before making an offer.

Also, adding a dock if one isnt there already may be a complicated process if a government agency needs to get involved. If you want to truly make the home your own, make sure you can make any changes to it before you commit to making what will likely be an expensive purchase.

living on lake keowee

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders & Waterfront Properties

Talk to neighbors

One of the smartest ways to get insider knowledge about the community is to chat with current homeowners. They may have some understanding of the property youre considering purchasing. Dont be afraid to ask if there are issues with the property youre considering and if there are any waterfront-related problems. It will be worth it to find out what your potential neighbors know.

Look into utilities early

If youre considering a rural property purchase and are used to the convenience of suburban life, just make sure to investigate the issues that might come up. Your electricity, water systems, and even cable and Internet may not be readily available at a rural property. Youll want to investigate your options to ensure your expectations are met.

Understand your responsibilities as a waterfront homeowner

Lakefront real estate in South Carolina is often part of a Homeowners Association. As is the case with other HOA properties, youll likely need to follow certain requirements on the upkeep and maintenance of your property. Know what youre getting into by reviewing the conditions, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs), or talk to the HOAs management company to get a clear picture of the requirements.

Lake Keowee homes for sale

If youre looking at Lake Keowee homes for sale, one of the major steps you should think about is how and when to hire a home inspector. Often, when you find the perfect home at the right price, it may appear to be in great condition. Thats because its been staged to showcase its best features and minimize any issues that may exist. Thats also why its so important to make sure a good home inspector will find what may be wrong with your future home.

Before you close or make an offer, its time to get an independent home inspection.

Lake Keowee homes for sale

Photo Credit: The Reserve at Lake Keowee

Why get a home inspection?

The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) reports that over 90 percent of home sales involve an inspection. Those numbers provide an indication of just how important a home inspection is.

In fact, one of the most important reasons to get a home inspection is because any problems found before the sale becomes the responsibility of the seller to fix. If you wait to have one done until after the sale is final, or if you dont have one done at all, any issues that arise once the sale is done become your problem.

Some of the most common issues include situations in homes that just arent well cared-for. Neglecting things like leaky faucets, the replacement of heating or A/C filters, and poorly functioning furnaces can lead to more severe problems down the road—and something a buyer wont want to deal with.

If youre purchasing a foreclosure, in particular, watch for mold from excess moisture or a lack of ventilation if nobody has been living in the home.

Keep in mind that offers can be written with conditions included, too. For example, if your home inspection comes back clean, you can continue with the sale with complete confidence in what youre purchasing. But if there are any issues brought up in the inspection, you can either reduce your offer, ask for the seller to pay for repairs, or back out of the agreement completely.

Lake Keowee homes for sale

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

What does a home inspection entail?

Its good to know what to expect from the home inspection process. South Carolina law requires any person wishing to be a licensed home inspector file with the SC Residential Builders Commission. Therefore, you can trust theres oversight.

The end result of a home inspection is a detailed report that outlines the following conditions or issues:

  • Heating and cooling system
  • Electrical system
  • Plumbing
  • Walls
  • Ceilings
  • Flooring
  • Foundation
  • Roof
  • Drainage 
  • Basement
  • Termites
  • Chemicals and gasses (such as asbestos or methane gas)
  • Lead
  • Rodents

Dont be afraid to ask any questions of your home inspector to get clear answers about what is found. And always discuss the final report with your realtor when looking at Lake Keowee homes for sale.

Lake Keowee homes for sale

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

What is covered in a home inspection?

First of all, youll pay between $300 to $500 for a home inspection, which depends on the person doing the inspection as well as factors like the size and age of the home, and the type of home.

Next, its good to know that an inspection really only covers moderate to serious issues. That means small issues like wear and tear will not be covered. A more detailed report may be available; however, youll want to discuss that with your inspector. Keep in mind, too, that a request like this may lead to a higher fee.

Finally, you may want to walk through the home with your inspector. This walk-through will help you learn about the process and what to look for, but it will also help you look for those smaller flaws youll want to fix further down the road.

Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

Lake Keowee, South Carolina

What should I look for in a home inspector?

If an inspection has already been done by the seller, youll also want to keep in mind that hiring your own inspector will help ensure theres agreement in what should be fixed before the purchase. Dont rely on the sellers inspection, which may not paint an accurate picture.

Your Realtor will let you know if an inspector is hired as part of his or her process. If your agent doesnt hire someone on his or her own, you can ask for a referral. They often have connections in the field to make a good recommendation. And remember, South Carolina law requires home inspectors to be fully licensed, which should help ease some stress in knowing who to look for.

Schedule an appointment with our experienced agents when you’re ready to search for Lake Keowee homes for sale.

Keowee Vineyards Golf Course

Golf fans, rejoice! If you’re looking at Lake Keowee waterfront homes for sale, there’s a community that’s a dream come true for you. The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards brings you the best of every world: lakefront living with an award-winning golf course in a community you’ll be proud to call home.

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards’ golf course is breathtaking. Tree-lined fairways, ravines, and coves give the course an undeniable beauty and character. Throughout the course, you’ll move between holes overlooking Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving you a golfing experience unlike any other.

Keowee Vineyards Golf Course

Photo Credit Cliffs Living

The course is designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio. If you recognize the name, it’s because he’s designed hundreds of the very best courses. He’s been known to claim the 17th at Keowee as his most beautiful in the Carolinas, which is probably why he is a member and keeps his design offices a short drive away.

Views aside, playing the course is what will really reward golfers. The course is exceptionally conditioned through the seasons, giving you the opportunity to enjoy it year-round. You’ll find eight lake-front holes as well as vineyard views. Pare is 71 and the course’s yardage measures between 5,022 and 7,006 yards, though the splendor of the scenery may drive you off the fairway. (At least that’s our excuse.) The tees are a beautiful Bermuda grass while the fairways feature champion ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass. Skillfully placed sand traps and water hazards will have you coming back for more, especially that signature 17th hole, which couldn’t be pushed further into the lake.

Keowee Vineyards Golf Course

Photo Credit Cliffs Living

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards has racked up numerous accolades, too. Golf Digest ranked it among the Best Courses in South Carolina as well as one of the Top 10 Best New Private Courses. Golfweek and Golfweek’s Ultimate Guide have ranked it among the Top Residential Courses. And the South Carolina Golf Ratings Panel rank it as one of South Carolina’s Top 50 Golf Courses.

And for the full experience, you’ll enjoy what the clubhouse has to offer. Whether you’re out for an early morning tee-off or an afternoon of fun, treat yourself and your guests to a chef-made brunch, a gourmet celebratory dinner, or drinks at the 20,000-square-foot Keowee Vineyards Clubhouse. The clubhouse also offers wellness centers, tennis courts, private parks, an equestrian center, and countless other ways your family can engage their passions and connect with an amazing community.

Keowee Vineyards Golf Course

Photo Credit Cliffs Living

Even more interested in Lake Keowee waterfront homes for sale? Fortunately, there are great options for you. Buying an existing home might get you on the course quickly, but don’t forget the custom home experience could be yours as well. Read about the Bauers’ experience building their custom home. Build the home of your dreams and make every day unforgettable. It’s just that easy.

bauers at lake keowee

The Bauers’ Custom Home by Total Quality Home Builders

 

Lake house overlooking Lake Keowee

It may feel like a lot of work to find a good Lake Keowee real estate agent, and you may be wondering if it’s worth it to go to that trouble to find a person with whom you work well. The truth is, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling, you should always work with a real estate professional, and there are many reasons we recommend it.

For starters, if you’re a buyer, the one big reason is one you’ll appreciate: commission is usually paid by the seller. In other words, it’s a low-stakes option for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sell a house, it may seem intimidating to know you’ll be paying a commission on your home. Still, having a professional agent on your side will ensure you get the results you want out of your home. It’s also extremely important to find someone you truly like and trust, particularly as a seller.

lake keowee real estate agent

If you’re thinking of buying or selling and are considering a Lake Keowee real estate agent, you’ve found the right place. Here are five reasons we recommend you work with one of our agents.

They Have a Fiduciary Responsibility

Regardless of whether you’re a buyer or seller, your real estate agent will always have your back. Because they are legally obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics, you can trust your agent will have your best interests at heart. We always promise that peace of mind.

lake keowee real estate agent

They Are a Wealth of Information

While the Internet always seems to have good information about home buying and selling, Lake Keowee real estate agents have access to the information you can’t find on your own. For instance, if you’re a buyer in a hot market, your real estate agent can help you find a great deal or the perfect home before it’s even been listed or posted. Similarly, as a seller, your agent could learn of potential buyers before your own home is listed and could bring you more potential buyers than you could get selling it on your own. Your agent will also list your home in the multiple listing service (MLS) database, which is what every Lake Keowee real estate agent uses to look for homes for clients.

lake keowee real estate agent

They Have Connections

Real estate agents are not just professional agents; they’re professional networkers as well. As a Lake Keowee real estate agent rubs elbows with other agents, they often trade information about new homes that are getting ready to hit the market. You could get a head-start on a potential home before anyone else even sees a home’s been listed. Just as important, these professionals can help steer you in the right direction regarding mortgage companies and brokers, home inspectors, contractors, and so much more. They are a valuable resource to you every step of the way.

lake keowee real estate agent

They Will Help You Price Your House Right

Thinking of selling your home and not sure how to price it? That’s why you need a Lake Keowee real estate agent. You may have an idea about the other homes in your neighborhood and their price tags, but that doesn’t mean yours will match that. Consulting with an agent will help you properly price your home. After all, sites like Zillow and Trulia, which often list home values, base their estimates on tax records, which are often outdated and can have wide discrepancies. A real estate agent will have access to all comps in the Lake Keowee area, which allows for a more comparable comparison of homes like yours. This will help you set the price for your home so it sells quickly and for the most money possible.

lake keowee real estate agent

They Stay up to Date

Real estate laws vary greatly from state to state, and they can even change from year to year in any given state. When you use a professional agent, you can have the confidence to know they are keeping up with the changes in laws because it’s part of their job. They are well-versed in how to buy and sell, and it’s their role to keep you informed. Simply choosing the right agent can prevent costly mistakes.