Looking to Buy in South Down Shores

[windham17]

Hi-
I am considering purchasing a home in South Down Shores. I was wondering if any current residents could provide some feedback on their experience and also provide some better understanding of any major leases SDS has with the state/town, etc. for rights of way.
Thank you

[brk-lnt]

Are you looking at a condo, or a home? If the former, in which condo association(s)?

(edit: I know you posted "home", just want to verify before commenting one way or the other).

[windham17]

A condo/town-house is more likely, but considering some homes as well. This will be our first property in the lakes region will largely be used as a second home. We have rented a slip in meredith for our boat for the past 4 seasons. We love being on the lake and looking to make it a larger part of our lives, however, without the maintenance and expense of a full-time home.

Not sure which assosications yet, just starting to get a feel for it. Any recommendations would be helpful.

[brk-lnt]

We have a condo in SDS. Looked at single family homes, but didn't want to deal with the upkeep. Been very happy so far (3 years).

For any condo you look at, keep in mind that each condo group is independently managed and run. Some are better run financially than others, and each was built by different builders, so build quality and materials quality differ, there are some condo groups in SDS that I would not own in, due to quality (I won't name them here, I don't want to accidentally offend anyone).

The condo groups near the entrance (Fells, Field Crossing, and I forget the name of the one on the left as you enter) felt "too far" away from the greenbelt area for us, so we didn't seriously look at any units there, although they all seemed decent quality and good price/value ratio.

Watch out for potentially large special assessments, look closely at the finances of each and make sure they have the proper budget reserves for the property to qualify for a mortgage (assuming you will mortgage).

Keep in mind not all units come with a garage, or even have a garage option. There are on-site self-storage type units available for purchase, but they are inconvenient (IMO).

The only major issue that I am aware of that you should consider is the potential for the WOW trail to come along the waterfront, with the associated ugly fencing. I do not believe this will actually happen, but won't comment further.

[jetskier]

I believe that the other association near the entrance is called the Meadows. As previously stated, each association is independent with their own covenants (there are umbrella covenants from South Down), finances, benefits and issues. The best thing is to go take a look and spend some time talking to someone who lives in that association. We had a condo and sold it in deference to a house. We actually prefer that in that there is less governance. The upkeep is not particularly different; just a matter of who gets the checks. :D

Some units come with garages, some don't. Some units have basements, some don't. Some have views, some don't. Some include a boat berth, some don't.

In addition, the individual association amenities vary. Some associations have their own beach or pool.

I talked to a local realtor and there is much more buying activity, so things appear to be picking up.

Jetskier:cool:

[windham17]

Your information is helpful as we start our search.