How to Find and Acquire a Lake House in the Lakes Region—Part 4

Post written by Frank Roche, President, Roche Realty Group, Inc.

A few more things to research before you settle on your dream lake home:



Fishermen—know your lakes!
Visit the Fish and Game website (www.wildlife.state.nh.us), visit local bait and tackle stores, talk with the locals. All of the lakes are different. Lake salmon, rainbow trout, small mouth bass, brook trout, perch—there are so many “special spots” how do you find them on the charts? How about fishing derbies and ice fishing derbies as well as bass tournaments. Which lakes and when are they held? Also, who stocks the lake with fish and when?

Understand water depths.
Be informed and understand the difference between a gradual sandy beach or a drop off of 20 ft. right from the shoreline. What’s important: young children on a gradual sandy beach or teenagers who love to “dive in” to deeper water? Will a mooring accommodate your sailboat? Are there many rocks or outcroppings in the immediate area? How safe is the docking from the “prevailing wind”? Will a stone breakwater be necessary for safe docking while you’re away? How about boat lifts? Will access to your dock be difficult because of shallow rocks? Will you need a dredge permit? Try out the water front before you sign on the dotted line and see what the bottom feels like. Is it deep enough? I’ve had clients use an ice auger in the middle of the winter and drill a hole in the ice to see the depths and if it was a sandy bottom.



Research water quality and aquatic plant growth.
All lakes are different. Winnipesaukee’s deepest spot is 215 ft. Crescent Lake’s deepest spot is 15 ft. Millfoil and other invasive lake plant species can be found on many lakes and especially in shallow coves where there’s a lot of boating traffic or no circulation. Water clarity is often better in deeper sections of the lake or where there’s an active current. Newfound Lake has crystal clear waters generated from numerous underground springs and water inflow. “The Broads” of Lake Winnipesaukee are similar. Some sections of the lakes may have a brackish water color due to minerals in the water, logging, plant/tree decay, water circulation, etc. A good source for information is the NH Department of Environmental Services (www.des.state.nh.us) and the Lake Winnipesaukee Watershed Association (www.winnipesaukee.org) as well as www.winnipesaukeegateway.org. In any case, know the water quality and the best way is to try it out, walk around, feel the bottom, take a swim, and use a depth finder on your boat (a valuable tool). Extensive aquatic growth may be fine for naturalists, fishermen, kayakers, etc. but for swimming it can be a nuisance and take away from property values.

Don’t purchase a boat before your home.
I’ve seen some over anxious clients make this mistake. 1st Pick a lake that fits your lifestyle. There are 10 horsepower limitations on some small ponds and lakes. Pontoon boats are popular on some lakes, while 23-28 ft. boats and cabin cruisers might be preferred on larger/rougher lakes. Know the maximum size boat your dock will accommodate. Also check the permitting of the dock or mooring. Modifications or enlargement of the docking system made without obtaining the necessary local and state permits at the wetlands board—you don’t want to find out after the fact. Do your due diligence 1st with a qualified Realtor®.



Understand the difference between southwesterly exposure and northern or eastern exposure.
This is probably one of the most important issues for many buyers. Westerly exposure will add 3-4 hours of sunshine to your day—sometimes more—and will also extend warmer days as fall approaches. Blazing sunsets will also prevail. On the other hand, if you have fair skin and prefer to be out of the sun, cooler in the summer, and enjoy the sunrises and wake early, facing north or easterly might be the perfect solution. Also, where are the prevailing winds coming from? All important decisions.

In summary, rely on the experience of a professional Realtor® who specializes in the sale of all types of lake properties. At Roche Realty Group our professional Realtors® will make the process as effortless as possible with the ultimate goal your satisfaction. Let us help you make your lifetime dream become a reality. Enjoy those sunrises and sunsets, loon calls, gentle breezes, and the lapping of the crystal clear water with your family in this cherished lake environment.