Methods to Secure Your Oceanfront Home for a Kid-Friendly Environment
If you are looking into selling your oceanfront property and you want it to sell fast, it should not only be a haven, but it should give potential buyers moving in with children peace of mind knowing that the home is secure. If you have lived on the water for a long time, you know a significant benefit is spending time with your family. Whether you are cooking out on the deck that overlooks the ocean, or watching the kids splash around in your backyard pool, oceanfront living can be a great way to bond and have fun together as a family. Highlight these great features when selling your oceanfront home, and ensure potential buyers all the safety features are in place.
Continue to read to find out how you can create a safe and kid-friendly oceanfront home for your new, potential buyers.
Set Up an Alarm for the Pool
If you have purchased and are currently listing an oceanview home that came with the luxury of a pool in your backyard, one of the first things you should do is set up a pool alarm.
Annette Mejia of Live On the Big Island had this to say about setting up an alarm for the pool:
“A pool alarm is a safety device that goes off when someone enters or leaves the water, alerting both you and others in your home of possible danger. These alarms can be bought at most hardware stores for an affordable price between $50 and $70, depending upon the make and model you choose to go with. When setting up a pool alarm, you will want to attach it somewhere near where children play in the water and run it around the entirety of your property, as it will cover all areas where children both swim and play. This method will ensure potential buyers peace of mind knowing that their children can play outside without the fear of drowning.”
Build a Pool Fence
Small children around any body of water can be stressful. This is why installing both a pool fence and an actual fence around your property if you live on the ocean is a great idea. When choosing a pool fence, consider pedestrian fences, as they are the most common type of fence and are typically 5 feet tall. While maintaining your oceanfront home and the pool area, this type of fence is usually easy to disassemble and move if necessary.
Door and Window Alarms
Door and window alarms can be found at various hardware stores, or can be easily ordered offline. All doors and windows facing any body of water should be provided an alarm to alert an adult if a child attempts to exit the house unnoticed. This type of alarm system can also provide further security measures against possible break-ins, providing an all-around peace of mind for everyone.
Ensure Your Property Has Clear Visibility
While large hedges and tons of plants are aesthetically pleasing to the eye when outdoors observing the landscape, it can be a danger to those obstructing the views of bodies of water for parents of young children. Make sure that you have large trees or bushes that are well-groomed and trimmed up and other obstacles that block the view to the oceanfront should be either removed and relocated or cut down. This will ensure that you can always see the waterfront area clearly from wherever you are in your home.
Dock Safety
If your oceanfront property includes a dock it is important that before you list your home, you ensure it is in good repair with no loose boards or nails that are exposed. Consider installing a gate at the entrance of the dock, or post signs that say, “no running,” or “walk only.” Make sure that the material the dock is made of, whether it is wood or metal, is up-to-date and in good condition.
Weather Awareness
It is important to note that areas like Florida can be affected by sudden weather changes, leading to strong currents, large waves, and on occasion, flooding from hurricanes. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and educate your potential buyers about the dangers of storms and rough waters and having children outside during said storm.
Conclusion
Owning an oceanfront home comes with unmatched relaxation and beauty, and it is vital to prioritize safety, especially if buyers have young children. The precautions mentioned above should be taken as they foster a culture of water safety within your home, while your new buyers can enjoy the serenity of oceanfront living that you were accustomed to. Let the professionals at Coastal Realty Group guide you in finding and settling in your forever dream home on the Forgotten Coast of Florida today!