Docks on Lake Lanier
Are you thinking about buying a house on Lake Lanier? If you have researched about buying a home on the lake, you will know that a huge bonus to a property is having a dock. But what kind of dock will you have and what options are available? The first thing you need to know about docks on Lake Lanier is that not every home has one! Dock permits are issued by the Army Corp of Engineers, and in 2004, the Lake Lanier Shoreline Management Plan and its associated Environmental Impact Statement set a limit of 10,615 permits for the lake. All of those permits were used, so the Army Corp stopped issuing any new permits. Recently, as of around March of this year, the corp had some permits that became available for a variety of reasons to include revocation, failure to renew permits, or community dock reconciliation. This opened up a few available permits, but there was already a huge waiting list of people who were trying to apply, so they were working their way through that list and approving people who had applied and been on the waiting list for years, and there are many more people on the list than new permits available, so it’s kind of back to square one. Since the corp is not issuing permits unless it’s to the select few to use up those open slots, you can’t put a dock on the lake unless the property you are purchasing already has one. Again, not every house that is listed for sale on the lake comes with a dock permit. We will need to confirm that a permit is included with the house and get a copy of it. Another thing to think about is that if a house is permitted for a single slip dock, that is the only kind of dock that you will be able to have. You can’t just say, “I think I’ll put a party dock here.” Another thing to think about is that docks on the Lake Lanier are floating docks. This means that you need to bring the dock in and out, so there is dock maintenance that you will need to take care of. Now if you’ve watched any of my other videos on buying a home on the lake, this is something that I’ve mentioned before and I get questions from people all the time about this. Managing the dock is not something you need to every day or even every week. Depending on the rainfall, etc. you may have to make adjustments to your dock every couple of weeks. And of course, there are dock management companies that can handle this for you as well. Alright- let’s talk about the actual kinds of docks you’ll find on Lake Lanier. First up and the least attractive kind of dock is a platform dock. Platform dock permits are no longer issued and if you come across a property that currently has one, chances are it is grandfather in. You will most likely see platform docks in the back of coves where water levels tend to be low and in areas where there are a lot of other docks around. Platform docks will limit you severely to the use of the dock–most are just used for fishing and sunbathing and the occasional canoe. It is usually very hard to find enough space to have a boat attached to this type of dock and the regulations state you must have 50 feet between your dock and any vessel to a nearby structure thus limiting your options. Platform dock homes sell for less and are less desirable. Up next are single slip docks. You will see all kind of single slip docks built with various materials and various sizes. The size of your dock is dependent on what the army corp will allow. The general rule of thumb is that you can always go smaller, but not necessarily bigger. You will have to get permission to make any changes to the size of your dock. You will see that some docks have wider decking on each side of the slip, some slips are longer, some shorter. You may also see different lengths of walkways. Some of the longer walkways were grandfathered in and now walkways are limited to 16 ft. You will also see that some decks have what is called a party deck which is stairs leading to an upstairs deck above the boat slip. While these are numerous on the lake, you will be hard pressed to find anyone actually using this upper deck–it’s a fun game my husband and I like to play while cruising–who can find someone first actually using their top deck. You can also find double slip docks on the lake and these are very special! Double slip docks will allow you to keep two boat covered and like single slip docks, these slips will allow you to install a boat hoist to keep your boat out of the water. When considering a boat hoist, you will need electric to your dock which is a separate permit that you need–not all docks have power ran to them from the house. You could add power to your dock and of course, like all things on the lake you would need to get permission to add this. While searching for a lake home you may come across an enclosed boat dock or boat house. Like platform docks these are grandfathered in and of course just by taking a look at them on the lake–you can tell. The army corp will not allow enclosed boat docks because the army corp needs to insure the facility meets inspection requirements, prevent unauthorized use and storage (indicating human habitation and unsanitary conditions), reduced visual obstruction to shoreline esthetics, and reduced storm and wind damage to the structure Existing permits will continue to be reissued for these items as long as they are maintained in a usable and safe condition, not occasion a threat to life or property, and the permitee is in substantial compliance with the existing permit conditions. If the permitted facilities do not meet these requirements they must be removed and cannot be replaced. Last but not least, you may be considering a home in a neighborhood on the lake that has a community dock such as Cresswind at Lake Lanier. Typically communities that have boat docks such as these have a limited number of deeded boat slips that are either tied to individual homes or are available for purchase from the HOA. This gives you a dedicated boat slip in the community dock. Most all community docks have day use slips which are dedicated for visitors dropping off and picking up guests or lets say you are driving your boat over from the local marina to pick up family members. Typically these slips are only available for day use and they do not allow for any long term storage or overnight tie ups. Curios as to how much homes on Lake Lanier costs? Make sure you check out more videos on my YouTube channel to explore different price points on Lake Lanier.
Buying on Lake Lanier: What I wish I knew before buying a home
Have you thought about moving to Lake Lanier? There are six things you need to be on the lookout for before you consider purchasing a home on Lake Lanier. Location matters Location of your home on the lake matters greatly when determining the value of your home and the price you will pay. Homes on the south end of the lake, in Buford, Cumming, and Flowery Branch sell for significantly more money than homes located in the Gainesville, Dawsonville, and Murrayville area. This Lake home buyer was surprised that they did not have sunrise and sunset views while living on the lake. Sounds like this should come with the territory. Just know that if that’s something that’s important to you, you’re going to have to pay. Keep in mind that lots with lake views and very little tree line, there’s a premium that you’re going to have to pay if most lots don’t have this. Not only is the location on the lake important to take note of, but the actual location of the home on the lake in that area. Is the home on deep water with great views of the lake or are you in a cove? Where are you in the cove? Are you the very last home in the back of the cove? This will impact the value of the home, and will also impact the things that you can keep at your dock. For example, if you are in the back of a cove, your constantly going to be chasing your boat in and out of the water, so those areas are typically more conducive with things like pontoon boats. There are pros and cons with being in a cove versus open water. Coves tend to be quieter with less boat traffic and less wake, whereas homes on the open water are going to experience more boat traffic and thus more wake. However, because docks on open water are on deeper water, you do not have to bring your dock in and out as much as you would with a dock in the back of the cove. You also are less limited to the type of boat you can have at your dock if you are on deep water. Walk to Dock The walk down to the water is probably one of the most considered factors besides the actual home when choosing where to live on Lake Lanier. Some homes are going to offer a relatively flat walk to your dock, while others are going to have steep walks. And then there are those where you feel like you are mountain climbing–or heck, there are even some lots that have actual trolley systems! Yes, a trolley that takes you down to our dock. The walk to your dock is always a compromise. Homes that are on deep water, which is usually pretty favored, tend to have a steeper walk down to the dock. You’re going to find that some homes have already installed steps to go down to the dock, or some that have golf cart paths. You might have an easy, gentle walk down to your dock, but it sits on a cove, or you might not have the best views. Just be ready to compromise and know that you will never check off every single box on your list, and if a property does check every box, you are going to pay a pretty penny for it. Know the rules and regulations The lake is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and with that comes a whole host of rules and regulations. Majority of homes on the lake have and behind the home that is corp property. You need to know where the corp lines are on the home you are considering buying and you need to know what you can and cannot do on this property. The Army Corps has a ton of rules and regulations about your dock as well. It’s imperative that you follow these rules and regulations–if you don’t, the army corp can revoke your permit and or issue heavy fines. Your dock permit is the most important piece of your property because it is what is giving your home value. This is crucial! Get information on the dock When buying a lake home you want to make sure that you ask for a copy of the dock permit prior to making an offer or within the due diligence time period of your contract. It’s important to note that the dock permits are required to be renewed every 5 years and this is perhaps the most important thing when buying a lake home–afterall, what good is your lake home on the lake if you cannot have a dock? This piece of paper gives your lot and home so much value–without it, your home is simply just a regular home. When evaluating the dock, it’s important to note what kind of dock is at the property and what it has been permitted for. Sometimes you will find that the dock that is at the home is smaller than what it has been permitted for. Earlier we talked about rules and regulations that the Army Corp sets, and this applies to docks too. On the lake you will find many types of dock permits including those for platform or swim docks, single slip docks, double slips, party docks and more. The permits also come in different sizes as well. While it’s always possible to get a smaller dock than what you are permitted for–for example, you can’t always get a permit for a larger dock. The Army Corps has many rules and regulations about dock sizes and you will have to consult the rules and regulations as well as an army ranger for more guidance. This is critical if you are looking at a home with a swim platform dock. You may be thinking–I’ll just get a bigger dock after I buy this house–well, it’s not as easy as that. Often times, you will see that home values are lower on homes with a swim platform vs. a boat dock because of this reason–they are not permitted for a larger dock. Swim platforms are tricky because you can’t have larger boats or boats on a boat lift, so they are typically worth less than homes with a single or double slip dock. Make sure when you’re buying a home on Lake Lanier, you research the dock and dock permit that come with the property to make sure they fit in with your plans. Consider your utility services Majority of homes on the lake are not in neighborhoods which means that you may not have as many options as you would like. You will want to check with the sellers of the home and see what internet and cable services are available and how well they work in that area–many times you will only have one service provider available to you. Another thing to consider is water and sewer. Almost all homes on Lake Lanier will be on a septic tank. Industry experts recommend that you have the septic system pumped and inspected every 3-5 years based on use. Not only should you ask to have the system pumped and inspected but it’s also a good idea to get a copy of the septic permit from the health department. This permit will give you important information like the size of the tank, what type of tank or system is installed, and where the drainfield lines are located. This is super important if you are considering putting it in a pool. Depending on where those drain lines are located, that may or may not be an option. Get a knowledgeable agent Afterall, you surely need a great agent who understands the lake market buying a home on Lake Lanier is not the same as buying a house elsewhere–you need to make sure your agent specializes in lake homes and understands the intricacies of homes on the lake. They need to be knowledgeable about location, septic systems, dock permits, depth of water at the dock, corp rules, and so much more! You need someone that is experienced in this area to help you find a home on the lake. Want to learn more about homes and lots on Lake Lanier, or get more information on Lake Lanier? Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, I put out two new videos every week!
Can You Really Afford Living on Lake Lanier?
Lake Lanier, with its picturesque views and waterfront living, is a dream destination for many in North Georgia. However, the allure of living on a lake comes with a price tag. Hi, I'm Sarah Maslowski with KeyPoint Homes Group, a local real estate team assisting clients relocating to the north metro Atlanta area. As a Lake Lanier resident myself, I understand the appeal and the challenges of making this dream a reality. So, can you actually afford to live on Lake Lanier? Let's delve into the factors that affect Lake Lanier home prices and what you should expect when considering a lakefront property. Lake Lanier Overview Lake Lanier spans five counties, primarily Hall and Forsyth, with 692 miles of shoreline across 37,000 acres. The lake is conveniently located, with the south end about 50 miles north of Atlanta and the north end approximately 65 miles from the city. Various towns, such as Gainesville, Cumming, and Dawsonville, dot the lakeside, offering diverse living options. The north end tends to be more rural and affordable, while the south end offers proximity to shopping, restaurants, and amenities at a premium. Factors Influencing Lake Prices View, Walkability, and Dock Permits The price of a lakefront property hinges on several factors, including the quality of the view, ease of access to the lake, and whether the property has a dock permit. Properties with unobstructed lake views and gentle walks to docks are highly desirable but come at a higher cost. The Army Corps of Engineers owns the lake and surrounding land, meaning homeowners can't alter the lakeside environment. This limitation on property usage can affect prices. Pricing Challenges Pricing lakefront homes can be challenging due to limited comparable properties. Lake houses are not comparable to traditional neighborhood homes, as factors like dock size, view, and lakefront access vary widely among neighboring properties. It's essential to consider these unique elements when evaluating a lakefront property's worth. Lake Lanier's Real Estate Market Lake Lanier is home to a range of properties, from small ranch-style homes built in the 1960s to modern luxury residences. Many older homes may require updates or renovations, contributing to variations in prices. Lakefront properties generally come at a premium compared to similar homes located a few miles away from the lake. Docks and Dock Permits Lake Lanier permits a total of 10,615 docks, and all permits are currently allocated. Only properties with existing dock permits can have a dock on the lake. As of the time of this video, there are only 59 lakefront homes for sale that include a dock. Prices for these homes vary widely, ranging from nearly $6 million to $464,000. A Case in Point For example, a smaller lakefront home may offer stunning views but lack acreage and have a steep driveway. These limitations can affect the property's appeal and value. While such a property may seem overpriced for its size, its views and lake access play a significant role in determining its worth. Perfect Lake House vs. Budget Finding the perfect lake house often means making compromises. Even million-dollar properties may require updates or renovations. Lakefront properties with million-dollar views and easy dock access come at a premium, reflecting their uniqueness and desirability. Properties below that price point may necessitate additional investment for improvements. KeyPoint Living on Lake Lanier is a dream for many, but it comes at a cost. Factors like view, walkability, and dock access heavily influence lakefront property prices. While the unique appeal of lake living is undeniable, prospective buyers should be prepared for variations in property condition and potential renovation costs. To find the ideal Lake Lanier home, careful consideration of your priorities and budget is crucial.
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