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What Challenges Come with Owning a Beachfront Property?

Dustin Edwards • June 29, 2023

Beachfront properties are some of the most lucrative investments for rental properties. However, owning a beachfront property comes with many challenges that, if not taken care of, can drastically affect your bottom line.


Today we will go over five challenges that come with owning property right next to the beach.


Environmental Risks

While waking up in the morning to waves crashing outside of your backdoor is a fantastic feeling, there are environmental risks you need to consider when owning beachfront property. 


While Long Beach rarely floods, beachfront property has an elevated water damage risk. If the property is too close to the beach, extreme tides can bring seawater that can damage your property and make it difficult to access the home. If these occurrences are frequent, they can devalue the property greatly. Tropical storms can also damage your property if you’re caught off guard for one. Investing in the appropriate insurance when dealing with beachfront properties is a good idea.


Erosion

Because waterfront properties aren’t as sheltered as other homes, rain and wind can do more damage than you may realize. Acting like an abrasive, the sand can erode paint, wood, and finishes during heavy winds. Due to the proximity to saltwater, unprotected metals will rust and corrode prematurely. When combined, for example, during a storm, the sand can chip away at protective finishes, allowing saltwater to degrade the exposed materials.


Maintenance

Be prepared for frequent maintenance at any beachfront property. For the reasons stated in the erosion section, the home’s exterior will require regular maintenance, far more often than homes within the city. 


It doesn’t stop there, however, as the interior of the homes will also require frequent attention. Sand is coarse and rough and gets everywhere, which is no different in homes. Tenants and guests often accidentally drag sand and saltwater into their homes. While unintentional, the sand can scratch hardwood flooring and tear carpeting. Saltwater can damage carpets and cause hinges or other metal hardware to begin to rust. Humidity in beachfront homes is unavoidable, unfortunately. And this can damage untreated wood and even electronics. Maintenance can affect your bottom line far more than in other locations when owning a beachfront property. Keep this in mind when investing in these kinds of properties.


Privacy

The beach is a public space, especially during the hotter seasons. You should expect to deal with many tourists and beachgoers. This can cause a few issues for tenants living on the beachfront property, including issues related to accessing public roads, parking, and privacy. Especially during summer breaks, when children are on vacation from school, the beach tends to get incredibly crowded and loud. Finding a comfortable balance when living in these kinds of properties can be challenging. While there is little that can be done about people visiting the beach during the summer, having dedicated parking and adding soundproofing to the home can go a long way in helping you or your tenants feel less confined.


Investment

Beachfront properties are often considered a luxury, requiring a substantial investment. Besides the initial investment and frequent maintenance, expect to pay a high premium on insurance. As a result of frequent maintenance, you’ll discover that beachfront properties have stringent building codes, meaning you’ll want to invest in tradesmen who specialize in these properties. Not only to keep your property up to code but to ensure that any repairs are done with the natural erosion in mind to allow fixtures and fitting to last as long as possible. 


Owning a beachfront property needs thoughtful consideration of these challenges to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your tenant. If you are looking for proficient tradesmen with beachfront property experience or need a property management company to help you manage a beachfront rental property you own, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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