A luxury property can look extraordinary and still contain questions that are not obvious during a showing. Experience becomes valuable when it helps you know which questions to ask before those issues become the buyer’s responsibility.
On beachfront property, I pay attention to the history of the coastline. Mother Nature changes beaches, and erosion matters. I also pay close attention to orientation. Grace Bay curves, with different bays and angles. That can affect views, prevailing wind, sunrise, sunset and the experience of a residence throughout the day.
On an $11 million land acquisition, a walking path crossed the property. I wanted to understand whether its historical use could create rights that would affect my client, so I made sure the lawyers addressed the issue before closing.
Waterfront properties create different questions. How far can a dock legally extend? Is an existing structure permitted? In one transaction, a structure extended too far into the water. I did not want my buyer inheriting that issue, so the seller dealt with it before closing.
At another property in Leeward, a one-bedroom guest house had been built too close to the adjacent property line. The seller paid for demolition and a proper patio solution, and my clients proceeded knowing exactly what they were acquiring.
Most issues like these do not make a property unlivable. But they can create expensive fixes, compromises or alterations. My objective is to identify them early enough that the buyer can make an informed decision.