Guides and resources
Plain-language guides for buying, renting and moving, researched from primary sources and reviewed by an editor before publication. See our editorial policy.
Our first guides are in editorial review. In the meantime, try the calculators and checklists.
Topics
Buying Waterfront PropertyHow to evaluate a waterfront listing before you offer: what kind of frontage it really has, what to verify, and which professionals to bring in.Guides coming soonLakefront LivingWhat to know about homes on lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, including water levels, lake rules, shoreline use, and seasonal changes.Guides coming soonOceanfront and Coastal LivingPractical guides for buyers and owners of oceanfront, beachfront, and tidal coastal homes, from tides and erosion to storm-season planning.Guides coming soonRiverfront, Bayfront, and Canal-front LivingGuides to homes on rivers, creeks, bays, sounds, and canals, covering access to open water, currents and tides, bridges, and seawalls.Guides coming soonDocks, Boats, and Water AccessWhat private docks, shared docks, assigned slips, boat lifts, and deeded access actually include, and how to check permits and depth.Guides coming soonFlood Mapping, Insurance Questions, and PreparednessHow to read flood map information without overinterpreting it, what to ask about flood and wind coverage, and how owners prepare for storms.Guides coming soonWaterfront Maintenance and Shoreline CareCaring for seawalls, bulkheads, riprap, docks, and lifts, plus seasonal tasks like winterizing and storm prep, with permit questions to ask first.Guides coming soonWaterfront Land and Building Due DiligenceWhat to check before buying a waterfront lot or planning to build, rebuild, or expand near the water: setbacks, wetlands, septic, flood rules, and permits.Guides coming soonWaterfront Condos and Shared AmenitiesHow condo, co-op, and community waterfront works: shared docks and boat slips, association documents, reserves, inspections, and rules.Guides coming soonSecond Homes, Rentals, and Ownership PlanningPlanning the ongoing costs of a waterfront home, owning from a distance, and understanding who sets the rules on short-term and seasonal rentals.Guides coming soonState, Local, and Water-Body GuidesResearch guides to specific lakes, rivers, and coastal areas where the site has waterfront listings, with the agencies and rules to check for each.Guides coming soonSelling a Waterfront HomeHow to prepare a waterfront home for sale, gather the documents buyers will ask for, and describe the frontage accurately.Guides coming soon