Buying on Winnipesaukee: An emotional decision or a logical one?

[BroadHopper]

You will be about an hour from the White Mountains, an hour from the ocean, and about an hour plus to Bean Town. So its a good centrally located spot to enjoy the 4 seasons. If you like being outdoors year round.

I move from the Winnipesaukee to Winnisquam in the late 90's and save tons of money in taxes and RE. Yet I can walk to Lakeport where the dock is. Year round is economical but to use the home on a seasonable basis will be expensive.

Some folks rent out their homes when they are not using it. Tried the landlord route and I am not cut out for it.

Health care is questionable. Concord has an excellent hospital and CMC in Manchester has a great reputation for cardiac care. Hitchcock in Lebanon has excellent cancer care.

As for shopping, Amazon is the way to go and the local UPS hires a good number of people. Concord has some good shops, but if I can I will always buy local.

Lakes Region has more than its share of fine restaurants, if that is your pastime. The farmers market do a good job in providing local products.

It is not for everyone, but if you enjoy laying back and can put up with the tourist season, the fall, winter and spring is a treat!

[dpg]

Potentially three kids going to college in the future and your contemplating a water front home? Boy the stars have really aligned for you.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by dpg

Potentially three kids going to college in the future and your contemplating a water front home? Boy the stars have really aligned for you.

honestly it is something to think about, but their financials aren't our biz, I have a child is the same situation but still purchased and made it work because of pulling and working other financial strings and extra work

[dpg]

Originally Posted by AC2717

honestly it is something to think about, but their financials aren't our biz, I have a child is the same situation but still purchased and made it work because of pulling and working other financial strings and extra work

Yup your right mine graduates 5/16 (been done since Christmas break.) She walks away from school finished with a loan that I believe is under $7,000 the wife and I borrowed nothing. Man was that a miserable monthly payment for the last 3.8 years!

[LIforrelaxin]

Arttwood here is my $.02 worth,

Just do it... yep the season is short but you will find it very enjoyable.... does it start to run you life yes it does just see the reply from boat_Guy64....

Now that I look back on the last 20 years since my parents took the leap I see the following...

- some years you use the place more then others
- while friends and co-workers get to take vacations that last a week mine start every weekend
- everyone around me knows when I am not spending enough time at the lake because I become grumpy... this might be a negative, but at least people know what to tell me to go do...
- I start projects at the lake and enjoy doing them, they seem less like work, and more like fun...

Anyways I could go on.... just go do it is the bottom line.

[BroadHopper]

Three daughters through college on the average of $30,000 each in students loans. I'm still paying for half!

And don't forget three weddings! Still paying for the last one!

[Pricestavern]

No need for logic - just do it. As mentioned in many posts above, it's expensive, time consuming, hard work, your summer plans will pretty much be spoken for, you'll end up buying a boat (or two) and have even more expenses and work to deal with.

I can't think of a better thing my wife and I have done than to buy our little cabin on Rattlesnake. I'll forfeit my home and live in a trailer if I must, but I'll never give up my cabin.

[Bear Islander]

It's hard for me to imagine someone being able to swing a lakefront home financially, and not doing so.

I know two people that could have bought in years ago and didn't. They are still kicking themselves.

I know a great many people that have lakefront homes. None of them has ever said they regretted it.

[Flylady]

Not surprising that most of the members here love the Lakes Region lifestyle! Your real decision should be made from your heart and what gives you joy!

I decided 12 years ago that a few weeks a year in the short run was better than no place in the long run. I had not been back to the Lakes region since 1984! But once I began planning for the long run and retirement it was a no brainer. I rented out the place in the summer (except when I visited for 2 weeks vacation).
Retired a year ago and spent 5 months there last year and counting down the days until I get back there. Yes a very long commute, but worth it. The added bonus is my children and granddaughter look forward to visiting from CA. every summer......

[JasonG]

Simple. Can you afford it with no financial problems?
If No, dont buy.
If Yes, why question it? Go for it.

[BroadHopper]

Many shorefront owners rent during prime season and enjoy their property off season. That way most people can afford lake front property.

[Mr. V]

It seems to me that if you live year round in a lakefront home, might that not make it seem a bit less "special" than it was when you only vacationed lakeside?

I like visiting the lake but wouldn't want to live on it year round: cold, windy, isolated.

Other travel / vacation options abound: I'd never put all my eggs in one basket.

[arttwood]

All,

Thank you very much for the input. Perhaps not surprisingly, you all encouraged me to take the plunge and 'just do it' -- as you all have done yourselves. I was inspired by your stories and took note of your guidance and caution.

I hope to see you out on the lake this summer!

[Dad sold the C * C]

Ok, you made it past the emotional decision: buy a lake house, it will be fun. I can't take the $$ with me
Now for the Logical decision: where?, single lot or community, water depth, town taxes.
Or...... Is it

OK you made it past the Logical decision: it's for family time with the kids and a place to relax.
Now for the Emotional decision: Great house, lots of bedrooms, awesome waterfront , what? Needs a septic, oh we can do that. What?, needs a roof, I can teach the boys how to do that. What?, Taxes are WHAT

Good luck with your decision, I agree with other's that renting is a great way to test your options and try different locations. Or just start asking people you know for opinions if you want to move faster. It's a big investment, I sort of looked for 2+ years, then our situation changed and found a place after a few months, but from renting I knew where I wanted to be on the lake and was willing to wait.

This will be our second summer, can't wait to go turn the water on

[Donzi Minx]

All I can say is the Lakes Region imbues a sense of restoration for me to this day.
As someone who had family property right on the water, 40 foot dock, boathouse, two car detached garage in West Alton since 1954 you will never loose the fabulous memories that Winni bestows.
My uncles trophy wife did not like what I always referred to as "paradise" so she convinced him to not sell, but auction off the property, gone in 15 minutes, October of 2005.
To use the lyrics, "you don't know what you got 'til its gone" rings so true. A chunk of my heart disappeared on that raw October morning. Painful, but happy to see other people using the property when I cruise by in the boat. I could not recommend more fervently to immerse yourself in the best location of New England. Do it!

[MGWillia]

Like many, I was a summer person in my youth. Living here was a dream. NOW, it's a dream come true. My work took me around the world, but I have never been anywhere that affects my soul like this place. Though we have only lived here full time for a couple of months now, I can't express the peace that has been with us since the day we arrived. Emotional? You bet.. Bad thing? I don't think so..