Lakehouse or houseboat

[lucky7t]

We currently own a lakehouse and love it . We were approached today about a 78 foot sumerset house boat that is beautiful .

I'm struggling with a decision to sell lakehouse and by houseboat . Only down side is 560 month slip rental .

Any thoughts ?


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[t.franscioni]

I grew up houseboating every summer. My dad bought one in early 90s. As a teen my buddy's family had a lake house that we went to often. Both appreciated in value up to the housing collapse in 2008 that is. Houseboat was more fun when you had plenty of friends and family with you to help
out with all the tasks of docking for fuel and pumpout and then tying down on shore and getting ready. The lake house was easier to maintain and quicker to get setup and start enjoying yourself for the vacation. Definitely something to be said for being able to stay on the water and go anywhere you want on the lake though. If I were to get something one day I think I would go houseboat.

[kmarine]

Well, I currently have both, After building the lake house on a private lake I have lived and skied for over 15 years. 7 years ago we purchased a large cruiser 38 ft. and spend weekends on the water there. In Illinois the property taxes are rather high and as a result it has no longer been a great investment. When my children finish school and move out I plan to take the boat south and explore the Bahamas and Florida. The sale of my home and the missing $10k a year in taxes can cover some of the fuel and dock expenses. I enjoy the live aboard lifestyle and the friends who are at the yacht club. if considering a second home for a lake house, you will have yard maintenance and additional utility bills.

[shag]

Well, I currently have both, After building the lake house on a private lake I have lived and skied for over 15 years. 7 years ago we purchased a large cruiser 38 ft. and spend weekends on the water there. In Illinois the property taxes are rather high and as a result it has no longer been a great investment. When my children finish school and move out I plan to take the boat south and explore the Bahamas and Florida. The sale of my home and the missing $10k a year in taxes can cover some of the fuel and dock expenses. I enjoy the live aboard lifestyle and the friends who are at the yacht club. if considering a second home for a lake house, you will have yard maintenance and additional utility bills.

Don't plan on a decent size house if you are looking lakefront in the central Florida area (Orlando).... My house is only 1400 Sq Ft (and old) and I pay 4K a year in taxes (taxable value of about 280k with deductions.... I know people on the same little lake paying 7-9k a year for larger more luxury homes...

[lucky7t]

We have a lakehouse now . It has doubled in value over 11 years . It's probably flattened now on value . I too grew up with my parents owning a houseboat . I remember all the weekend cleaning we had to do . But the pros I feel outweigh the cons . Just can't make the decision


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[Wake.BC]

If I had the opportunity to have both I would choose the lake house any day every day. A house boat would be fun for a weekend but not the whole summer. It just wouldn't be as easy to go out for a weekend or evening. I think of it similar to keeping your boat in a slip rather than trailering, it's just so much easier.


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[srock]

Maintenance and depreciating asset. Go with House and get a large pontoon or rent a houseboat if you feel the need. You will come out ahead if you rent.

[cedarcreek216]

We own a Lakehouse and rent a houseboat once a summer for 5 nights and after that I'm ready for more space. Could not imagine using a houseboat like we use our Lakehouse. Plus small children would be a constant worry on a houseboat with falling and so on.


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[ScooterMcgavin]

For permanent residence my vote is lake house. Rent a houseboat when needed.

[jcapote05]

A houseboat is not a good idea for a permanent residence.

[srock]

Rent the boat. Its a depreciating asset. If your use of the lakehouse is limited I would even consider the vacation rental option as well. Although being in Florida there are an awful lot of waterfront opportunities all over the state so my lakehouse opinion may be different than other markets.