I work with buyers in Wolcottville, a rural lake coummunity in northeast Indiana. Here are a few things to consider in your hunt for your new place on the lake. They are in no particular order because your answers will depend on your personal preferences.

• Type of Waterfront? Lake or channel? Lakefront is usually preferred, but a channel front location is more affordable and can be quieter. If you're searching for a channel front place, make sure the water is deep enough to navigate your boat to the lake. You should also check to be sure you can fit your boat under any bridges you pass on the way to the lake.
  
• Do you want a swimming area out front? Do you just want to jump in the boat and go enjoy the lake? Would you swim at the sandbar or do you want a swimming beach right outside your door? How deep do you want the water to be? Do you want a natural frontage or a seawall?
• What type of lake bottom do you prefer? It can range from sand to muck depending on the lake and the location on the lake. The lake bottom can affect both water clarity and "the amount of squish" between your toes.
  
• Do you want to be on an all sports lake? If you want to ski, pull tubers, ride a jet ski or zoom around the lake in your speedboat, you will want to be on an all sports lake.
  
• Does the lake have restricted speed hours? Some lakes have hours when high speeds are not permitted so everyone has a chance to enjoy their favorite lake activities.
• Do you prefer a quieter lake just for fishing? Most fishing lakes will allow you to cruise in a pontoon, and you won't have the roar of speedboats and jet skis. This is also ideal for those who like to kayak or canoe.
  
• How about a chain of lakes that offers both? Some folks like to live on one type of lake and have the option to "visit" the others for a change of pace. Make sure the channels are navigable between the lakes you want to visit in the boat you want to take there.
  
• Will you live year round at the lake? Make sure the place is insulated for year round use. Ask about past utility bills. I can also give you information about our local schools.
• Will this just be a seasonal or vacation cottage? You'll need to make arrangements to winterize the cottage so pipes don't freeze and find someone to take care of the lawn when you're away.
  
• How far are you willing to drive? We are less than an hour from Fort Wayne, Elkhart, Portage and South Bend. And in a few hours you can be here from Chicago, Lansing, Toledo, or Indianapolis.
• Do you need a level lot or will stairs be okay? You should also consider how many stories are in the home or cottage.
• Proximity to stores, restaurants and entertainment? 
• How much room for parking, entertaining and overnight guests? One thing you can count on when you make a move to the lake is that people will want to visit you. Do you have room for them to park? Do you want (or not want) room for overnight guests?
• Lake Water Quality? There are varying levels of water quality and clarity for swimming, fishing, and other lake activities.
  

These are just a few of the more common questions and concerns my buyers have had. Searching online is a great way to start. You can get an idea of what is available in your price range. Many people start with a small cottage and move up through the years to a full time home.

I would be happy to email you the listings that may work for you and sign you up for an "instant alert" that will let you know as soon as a new listing is put on the market by any agent or firm in our area.  I can answer your questions and show you the homes and cottages you want to see.

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