LET'S TALK: Waterfront Properties

Last one on the list! Let's talk about those gorgeous lakefront or riverfront homes we see in the magazines. 

There are many waterfront properties in North Idaho. Whether you're on Lake Pend Oreille, or Priest Lake, or the Kootenai River, or have a small lake of your own, a house on the water is a huge plus factor for most people. And it can add quite a bit of value to your property. 

Being on a large lake like Lake Pend Oreille means that you'll probably have private or shared access and maybe even a private dock to the lake. Even if you're not directly bordering the lake, but you're in a lake community, see if there's a shared or public dock/beach for you to use. Remember that you don't own the lake or any portion of it, just the right to use and enjoy it. (see our water rights post)

Same goes for navigable rivers like the Clark Fork, Moyie, or Kootenai Rivers. You will own the land up to the water and the rights to access the river from your property. Because of spring melt off, make sure you do your research and check flood zone maps when buying any property with a creek, stream, or river. You don't want to end up with a flooded bank or buildings in spring. 

Building a new home on a vacant waterfront property requires careful planning as well. Even if the property appears dry, it could turn out being a wetland in spring or wet years. Not a good spot to build a house. Waterfront homes have specific permits and requirements limiting negative impact to our natural resources. This is very important to consider when making changes or improvements to waterfront acreage. FEMA and other websites are great resources to check the flood zoning and wetlands.

See the links below for more info and maps!

https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps/national-flood-hazard-layer

https://www.fws.gov/program/national-wetlands-inventory/wetlands-mapper

https://www.bonnercountyid.gov/departments/GIS

Owning a waterfront property is a great investment. But talk to the local professionals that will help you make an informed decision when buying your dream lake home.