Compare the lot as carefully as the home
Start by separating direct waterfront, water-view and interior lots. Ask for the survey and the documents describing any shared lake access; a photograph of water is not enough to establish what an owner can use. Check the position of the patio, pool and main living spaces, along with the amount of usable garden behind the house.
Within the home, compare roof and air-conditioning age, window condition and any additions against permits and inspection findings. A renovated kitchen can make two similarly sized homes feel very different, but the condition of major systems should remain part of the comparison. Arrange viewings of more than one floor plan before deciding how much space you need.






