06-27-2012, 07:10 AM
If you purchase a lot right on the ocean there are some caveats.
One is, of course, that sea level is rising and depending on how high above current sea level your lot is, you may one day be underwater.
Find out if any part of your lot is in the SMA (shoreline management area). You may have to do a shoreline survey to determine the current "highest wash of the waves". There may be restrictions on building that may be costly (septic tank vs. cesspool, for example).
Realtors are required to make certain disclosures, but they will not tell you any more than absolutely required. Make no assumptions and sign no papers until you have done some research. For example, are you in a lava inundation zone? are there little fire ants in the area? coqui? cultural remains? lava tubes?
Also find out the names of the trees on the lot and the surrounding lots. If they are albizia, for example, you will be buying an expensive nighmare.
Many of these questions should be asked even for lots a little higher up. I am at 1,200 ft. and the high ground on my land has an ocean view. No tsunami will ever reach me, and the ocean is only a 20 minute drive.
One is, of course, that sea level is rising and depending on how high above current sea level your lot is, you may one day be underwater.
Find out if any part of your lot is in the SMA (shoreline management area). You may have to do a shoreline survey to determine the current "highest wash of the waves". There may be restrictions on building that may be costly (septic tank vs. cesspool, for example).
Realtors are required to make certain disclosures, but they will not tell you any more than absolutely required. Make no assumptions and sign no papers until you have done some research. For example, are you in a lava inundation zone? are there little fire ants in the area? coqui? cultural remains? lava tubes?
Also find out the names of the trees on the lot and the surrounding lots. If they are albizia, for example, you will be buying an expensive nighmare.
Many of these questions should be asked even for lots a little higher up. I am at 1,200 ft. and the high ground on my land has an ocean view. No tsunami will ever reach me, and the ocean is only a 20 minute drive.