A planning aid for the questions that matter most on the water. Checking a box here does not mean the legal, survey, insurance or engineering work is done; it helps you keep track of what you have asked and who answered.
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Ownership and boundaries Order a survey that shows the shoreline, the property lines and any easements Ask the title company or a real estate attorney where ownership ends at the water (high-water line, survey line, seawall) and whether others have rights along the shore Confirm whether the water frontage is owned by the parcel, held in common by an association, or leased Read the deed, plat and any association documents for shoreline, dock and use restrictions
Docks, slips, lifts and moorings Confirm whether any dock, slip, lift or mooring is included in the sale, and get the transfer terms in writing Ask whether existing structures were permitted, and by which agencies Find out what a new or replacement dock, lift or seawall would require (local, state and federal permits) Ask the marina or association about slip assignment, waiting lists and fees
Water levels and conditions Ask how much the water level or tide changes by season, and who controls it on a managed lake or reservoir Ask whether the water body is used for swimming, fishing or boating today, and by whose rules (do not assume any of these) If boating matters, ask the marina and local harbor or lake authority about depths, bridges and routes; listing depth figures have no datum or date
Flood and storm information Look up the effective flood map for the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center Ask the seller for any elevation certificate, flood claims history and mitigation work Get a flood insurance quote (and a wind quote where sold separately) before you commit Ask your lender whether flood insurance will be required
House, shoreline and systems Hire a home inspector, and a marine contractor for seawalls, bulkheads, docks and lifts Ask for maintenance records and recent repairs for shoreline structures Confirm water supply, sewer or septic, and any septic inspection or setback rules near the water Check year-round road access and who maintains the road
Local rules and costs Ask the town, county and any lake authority or association about rental, fence, tree-removal, setback and boat rules Get the association budget, reserve study and any special assessments Build an ownership budget with real quotes for insurance, fees and maintenance
Questions for the tour Where exactly is the property line along the water? Is the dock (or slip) included, and has it ever been permitted or inspected? How high has the water come, and has the home ever taken on water? What happens here in a storm or a drawdown season? What do neighbors and the association allow for docks, lifts and rentals?
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