Did you know that just living near water can significantly reduce stress, boost happiness, and enhance your overall well-being? It's more than just the beautiful scenery; waterfront living can offer meaningful improvements to your mental and physical health, deepen your social connections, and even support your financial security.

If you’re considering a move, here’s why buying a waterfront home could be one of the best decisions for your mind, body, and lifestyle:

1. Mental Health Benefits

Have you ever felt instantly calmer when you're near the ocean, a lake, or a peaceful river? That soothing sensation is rooted in science. Marine biologist Dr. Wallace J. Nichols coined the term "Blue Mind" to describe a mildly meditative state triggered by being near water, one that is associated with reduced stress and improved mental clarity.

Research from the University of Exeter found that people living within 1 kilometer of the coast were 22% less likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those farther inland.

Living by the water offers natural mental health benefits, including:

• Reduced Stress: Gentle water sounds and views of nature naturally lower cortisol levels.
• Enhanced Mood: Proximity to water settings is linked to higher levels of happiness and tranquility.
• Mental Clarity: Water environments help clear mental clutter and promote emotional balance.

2. Cognitive Restoration and Increased Creativity

Nature exposure, particularly to water, enhances cognitive performance and creative thinking. A 2015 study by Stanford University showed that walking in natural environments improves memory and attention by up to 20%. This is especially valuable in our overstimulated digital age. 

In today's fast-paced world, finding focus can be challenging. Natural environments, especially those involving water, act as powerful cognitive restoratives. Research indicates that:

• Exposure to nature enhances memory and attention.
• Views of water can promote creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Gazing at water helps reduce mental fatigue and restore emotional balance.

3. Physical Health Benefits

Living near the water naturally encourages a healthier, more active way of life. Simply having easy access to these natural spaces makes staying active feel effortless.

Waterfront living promotes physical wellness in several ways:

• Increased Physical Activity: Activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, walking, and running become easily accessible and enjoyable ways to stay active.
• Fresh Air and Sunshine: Living by the water means regular exposure to fresh air and natural sunlight, boosting your mood, strengthening your immune system, and supporting overall well-being.
• Improved Sleep: The calming sounds of water help regulate your body's natural sleep rhythms, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep.
• More Time Outdoors: With beautiful surroundings just steps away, it’s easy to spend more time outside, staying active and connected to nature.
  

When you live near water, your environment naturally inspires you to move more, spend more time outdoors, and embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

4. Stronger Social and Community Bonds

Waterfront communities offer a space to build strong social connections. Shared appreciation for outdoor living and natural beauty creates instant connection points.

In waterfront neighborhoods, you’ll often find:

• Shared Spaces: Community docks, trails, beaches, and clubhouses encourage regular interaction.
• Spontaneous Socializing: Meeting neighbors while kayaking, walking, or relaxing outside happens naturally.
• Community Events: Waterfront communities often host social gatherings.

This lifestyle fosters a welcoming environment where it’s easy to build friendships and enjoy a strong sense of community.

5. A Daily Connection to Nature and Beauty

Living near water connects you to awe-inspiring natural beauty every single day, from sunrise reflections on a lake to peaceful ocean sunsets. Having regular access to these views and experiences that inspire gratitude and mindfulness encourages you to pause, observe, and appreciate the environment around you.

6. Financial Advantages of Waterfront Real Estate

While the health and lifestyle benefits of waterfront living are clear, you might be wondering about the financial practicality. Waterfront homes typically come with a higher initial investment, and you might ask yourself, is buying a waterfront property a good investment?

It's true that waterfront properties often carry higher costs in terms of property taxes and insurance premiums, primarily due to increased property values and potential risks like flooding or coastal storms. However, these expenses are usually offset by the strong appreciation in waterfront home values. According to Zillow, waterfront properties can be worth up to 116% more than comparable inland homes.

Why Do Waterfront Homes Have Higher Property Values?

• Limited Availability: There's a finite supply of waterfront land, which naturally increases demand and drives higher property appreciation.
• Lifestyle Premium: Buyers pay more for the unique lifestyle that waterfront living provides (e.g., easy water access, recreational opportunities, stunning views, and the tranquility associated with waterfront living).
• Resilience During Market Fluctuations: Because waterfront homes are consistently in high demand, they often hold their value better during economic downturns compared to typical inland properties.
  

Addressing Insurance and Tax Concerns:

• Insurance Costs: Waterfront homes may require additional insurance coverage (flood insurance, hurricane protection). However, well-built modern communities often include construction methods designed specifically to mitigate these risks, reducing potential premiums. Additionally, higher costs are usually balanced by the home’s long-term appreciation and potential rental income.
• Property Taxes: Taxes typically correlate with property values. Although waterfront homes generally have higher property taxes, these taxes directly reflect your home's appreciating value, positively contributing to your financial growth. Further, potential income generation (e.g., seasonal rentals) can offset these higher taxes.
  

Key Financial Benefits to Consider:

• High Appreciation Potential: Waterfront properties have consistently appreciated at higher rates due to limited availability and strong buyer demand.
• Rental Income Opportunities: Many waterfront homeowners generate passive income through short-term vacation rentals.
• Legacy and Wealth Transfer: Waterfront homes serve as excellent legacy properties, providing financial security and valuable real estate assets for future generations.

Ultimately, investing in waterfront real estate doesn’t just enhance your lifestyle today; it provides long-term financial security, reducing stress and offering peace of mind.

Turn Your Waterfront Living Dream Into Reality

From mind and body to finances and lifestyle, waterfront living offers benefits that go far beyond the view. 

From the stunning coastal regions and lakes of North Carolina to the diverse rivers, lakes, and shorelines of New York, Beechwood Homes offers exceptional new construction communities designed to embrace the waterfront lifestyle.

Ready to transform your life? Explore our new construction waterfront homes in New York and North Carolina:

New York

• Lighthouse Beach 67th: Beachfront condominium residences featuring endless ocean & skyline views in The Rockaways.
• Marina Pointe: A community of exceptional condominium suites and villa homes offering unparalleled luxury and convenience in the heart of East Rockaway.
• The Tides at Arverne by the Sea: Modern, amenity-rich beachfront apartments in The Rockaways.
• Country Pointe Preserve: Resort-inspired community of townhomes and villas near beautiful beaches and featuring three scenic manmade ponds.

North Carolina

• Lakeside Pointe: A residential community offering lake access to all residents along a mile-long stretch of peninsula with breathtaking water vistas at Lake Norman.

Welcome to Lakeside Pointe, a luxury community on Lake Norman, North Carolina, developed by Beechwood Homes. In this video, Steven Dubb, principal at Beechwood Homes, offers a tour showcasing the custom home designs tailored for lakeside living. Featuring two-story ceilings, large windows, and expansive kitchens, these homes emphasize natural light and views. With 12 customizable home models, residents can personalize everything from floor plans to exterior finishes. The community also offers an array of amenities, including a clubhouse, boat docks, parks, and more.

A $500 million mixed-use development in southern Chapel Hill is advancing.

New York-based Beechwood Carolinas will be starting construction this month on its
South Creek development across from Southern Community Park. South Creek will have
up to 815 apartments, condominiums and townhomes in a range of prices. The developer
is specifically targeting helping the town tackle its housing shortage. In addition, there
will be up to 52,000 square feet of commercial space.

Right now, 798 units are planned – 92 are apartments, 100 are townhomes and 606 are
condos. The apartments will be rented at market rate while the townhomes and condos
will range for sale from $300,000 to $1 million.

The first building to be constructed will be the 92-unit apartment building, which will sit
at the entrance to the community along the future extension of Market Street. The
residential building will have 10,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. A 6,000-squarefoot
standalone restaurant will sit next to the apartment building.

After the apartment building is complete, the company will start work on the first condo
building, which will have 68 units.

The apartments and condos will be a mix of one, two and three bedrooms while the
townhomes will be three bedrooms. The apartment building will be six stories, the
condos will be seven stories and the townhomes will be three stories with rooftop
terraces.

There will be two levels of parking in the apartment and condo buildings and the ground
floor of the townhomes will be a garage.

Residents of South Creek will have access to three swimming pools, fitness center, fire
pits, dog park, demonstrating kitchens, podcasting studio, community gathering areas,
amphitheater, stage and more.

The property is just over 120 acres where the development will be on just 40 while the
remaining 80 will be a nature preserve with walking trails. The community and preserve
are split by Obie Creek that cuts through the whole site.

The entire community will take about eight years to full buildout. Steven Dubb,
president and principal of The Beechwood Organization – of which Beechwood Carolinas
is a division – said the development of the land is funded via The Beechwood
Organization while construction of the buildings will be funded through a construction
loan.

This is the developer’s first project in the Triangle as it has spent the past four years
working to identify a new state to expand into. Dubb said that because the company has
spent 40 years in Long Island, New York, building a brand while watching New Yorkers
recently move to the Triangle and Charlotte, it decided to follow suit.

“We thought that maybe our buyers, if they’re looking for a home in the Carolinas, will
recognize Beechwood and feel some comfort with the brand and know the brand –
therefore making our entrance into the area easier,” Dubb said.

Elsewhere in Chapel Hill, the new Rosemary Street parking deck is open, a new Indian
restaurant is planned for Franklin Street and the Durham-Chapel Hill corridor is quickly
growing with development.

Read the original article - https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2024/09/06/beechwood-carolinas-south-creek-chapel-hill.html

A new neighborhood offering more places to live, work and catch a bus to UNC and downtown Chapel Hill got its official launch Tuesday across from Southern Village.

At a ceremonial potting bench in a clearing just off U.S. 15-501, representatives from Beechwood Organization and Beechwood Carolinas joined Chapel Hill Mayor Jessica Anderson to break ground on South Creek, a $500 million, 43-acre mixed-use development with an 80-acre natural preserve.

The N.C. Native Plants Society gathered plants from the land this summer, some of which were potted Tuesday. The plants will be saved and replanted in Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, said Aaron Nelson, president of the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro.

“I just love the fact that we are infiltrating, sending some of our growing plant life from Chapel Hill over to our friends at Duke, to grow and be nurtured and near their Gothic architecture,” Nelson said.

Construction crews will start the groundwork at South Creek later this month. The first building will be apartments with 10,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail across the highway from Southern Village’s Market Street business district, said Steven Dubb, principal and president of The Beechwood Organization. Work on the condominiums could start in 2025, he said.

RETAIL, RESTAURANTS AND A PUBLIC PARK

The full buildout of South Creek will take several years, adding 92 apartments for rent and 606 condos and 100 townhomes for sale. The market-rate townhomes and condos could cost from the $300,000s to over $1 million, development officials said.

About 100 housing units — 15% of the condos and townhouses and 10% of the apartments — will be priced at below market rates.

South Creek’s business district will include 21,000 to 52,000 square feet of commercial and retail space, with a public lawn and a plaza for outdoor dining. That includes a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with a terrace overlooking Wilson Creek and the park, Dubb said.

The retail mix should complement businesses in Southern Village, which include Weaver Street Market, coffee shops and restaurants, retail and entertainment, he noted.

The 80-acre public nature preserve and trails, as well as Wilson Creek, will be an amenity for residents and the public, Dubb said. More green spaces will be located near the Sumac Road intersection, where co-working and pop-up business space is possible.

SOUTH CREEK REPLACED OBEY CREEK

South Creek occupies a similar footprint that the Town Council approved in 2015 for Obey Creek, which was expected to bring about 700 apartments and over 1 million square feet of retail, offices and hotel rooms to the site.

Obey Creek developer East West Partners went through a multiyear public process to secure a development agreement from the town before failing to find the retail and office tenants needed to start construction.

In 2021, Obey Creek Ventures LLC sold the land to Beechwood Obey Creek LLC, a subsidiary of Beechwood Organization, for $7.25 million, county records showed.

Beechwood originally came to the town with a plan for 350 senior townhomes, but the council asked for more density and a diverse housing mix for individuals and families, Dubb said. It was unlike what they had encountered in other communities that also wrestled with housing and affordability, but “pay lip service to the issue and kick the can down the road,” he said.

WHAT LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE SAYING

South Creek will “truly be transformative,” Anderson said, noting the affordable housing and 80-acre park. “It’s a huge win for Chapel Hill and an amazing model of what Complete Community is all about,” she said, referring to the town’s strategy for housing that serves all residents and neighborhoods that don’t require a car to get around.

It isn’t hard to get a project done in Chapel Hill, “if you engage the community and the neighbors, if you work with the Town Council, if you show the community that you share their values, if you … read the plans for our community in advance,” Nelson said. “This organization has done that, and came out of some council meetings with lipstick all over them … and everybody was enjoying bringing to our community what we long desired.”

MORE PROJECT DETAILS

▪ A variety of housing types and sizes. 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments and condos from 525 to 2,725 square feet; 3-bedroom townhouses with rooftop terraces and garages from 1,600 to 2,900 square feet.

▪ Roughly half of the affordable housing will be sold or rented to people earning 65% of the area median income and the other half will be sold or rented to people earning 80% of AMI — up to $59,360 a year for an individual or $76,320 for a family of three. Housing vouchers will be accepted. Over 600 for-sale condos will comprise most of the housing at South Creek, a 43-acre mixed-use development on U.S. 15-501 across from Southern Village in Chapel Hill. Beechwood Carolinas Contributed

▪ Amenities include green spaces, including an open lawn for events and entertainment and the 80-acre preserve. Three swimming pools, splash pads, a fitness center, game rooms, communal work spaces, and podcasting studios, plus a large outdoor space for food truck rodeos, farmers markets, festivals and other events.

▪ A memorial honors 1960s civil rights protests at the Watts Motor Court and Restaurant previously located on the site.

▪ Connections for cars, bus riders and pedestrians include three driveways, a full intersection at Market Street and a left-turn only intersection at Sumac Road, with a pedestrian refuge and activated traffic signals. Bus stops and the Southern Village park-and-ride lot are within walking distance, and a future bus-rapid transit station is planned at Market Street.

Read more at: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/orange-county/article291933270.html#storylink=cpy

Welcome to the dynamic world of real estate, a landscape where the decision to invest in a new home or a used property can profoundly shape your homeownership journey. In this exploration, we navigate the nuanced world of home buying from our perspective at Beechwood Homes, East Coast’s premier home builder and developer of sophisticated lifestyle communities since 1985. 

With a remarkable portfolio of over 10,000 homes across 80 communities in New York City, Long Island, Saratoga Springs, and North Carolina, we at Beechwood Homes have not only left an indelible mark on the map but also as a trusted guide in the homebuying process.

There are Substantial Advantages to Buying a New House

As Steven Dubb, principal at The Beechwood Organization, emphasizes, buying a home off floor plans presents substantial advantages, particularly in today's economic climate. 

Dubb highlights, "What it allows you to do is to lock in the price of your house," shielding buyers from the unpredictable fluctuations in construction costs.

As Dubb explains, "When you buy pre-construction, you have the opportunity to make all those changes, to build it exactly the way that you want." He adds, "It makes it a little bit easier to sleep at night."

Current Market Trends

Recent trends indicate that new homes are capturing the biggest market share at 30% this year, given market conditions. The unique features and advantages offered by new constructions are a key contributor to this trend.

While the decision is shaped by the unique needs of each homebuyer, these compelling benefits are hard to ignore.

Amid the logistical and financial considerations, there is an often overlooked factor that should not go unaccounted for - the sentimental considerations of starting fresh.

The allure of a brand-new home carries a unique satisfaction, akin to unwrapping a pristine gift. Stepping into a home untouched by previous inhabitants, with the smell of fresh paint and the promise of untouched spaces, can evoke a sense of ownership and a fresh start. 

This emotional connection to a new home goes beyond the tangible features; it's about embracing a property where every nook and cranny is uniquely yours from the very beginning.

Balancing these aspects with practical considerations will help keep course with the lifestyle you envision for yourself.

The Pros of Buying a New Home

• Less Buyer Competition - Buyers of new construction homes typically face less competition, especially in markets with low inventory. Unlike resale properties, where multiple offers may be common, new construction buyers often find themselves in the driver's seat, with a higher degree of control over the purchase process.
• More Resale Value - While the home you buy will no longer be new when you sell it, a five-year-old home is often more desirable than a significantly older property at resale. New communities may also have an unwritten home-value escalation clause, potentially benefiting homeowners concerned about long-term resale value.
• Modern Floor Plans and Customization - Our new homes are designed to meet contemporary preferences with open floor plans, flexible home offices, large windows, and ample storage. Enjoy opportunities for personalization, allowing you to choose finishes, fixtures, and optional features.
• Flexibility for Space and Wiring Customization - One of the most appealing aspects for new construction buyers is the opportunity to have everything brand new and tailored to their preferences. Additionally, new homes come equipped with the advanced wiring needed for high-speed electronics, communication systems, and security features.
• Energy Consumption & “Green” Construction - If energy efficiency and environmental concerns matter to you, newly constructed homes often outshine their resale counterparts. Built to meet or exceed stringent utility standards, these homes offer significant long-term energy savings and improved indoor air quality.
• Lower Maintenance Costs - Experience reduced maintenance costs with brand-new systems, appliances, roof, and foundation. Most of these components come with builder warranties, providing an extra layer of protection.
• Warranties and Smart Home Features - Builders typically offer warranties on materials and workmanship, and new homes often incorporate smart features, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.
• Potential Long-Term Savings - Benefit from energy-efficient construction leading to lower utility bills over the long term.

The Cons of Buying Used Housing

• Outdated Floor Plans - Older homes may have outdated floor plans that might not align with contemporary living preferences.
• Potential Budget for Repairs and Upgrades - The age and condition of the home will necessitate budgeting for significant repairs or upgrades.
• Less Energy Efficiency - Existing homes may have less energy-efficient appliances and systems, leading to higher utility bills.
• Limited Personalization Options - Remodeling to change the structure of an existing home can be complicated and expensive compared to the relative ease of personalization in a new home.
• Outdated Building Codes - Used houses are often far from being up to code, especially when it comes to electrical wiring and Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets. This could potentially lead to safety hazards, and bring about the necessity for costly upgrades and code compliance works.
• Risk of Lead-Based Paint - For homes constructed prior to 1978, there is always the potential risk of lead-based paint, which if ingested or inhaled, can lead to serious health issues, particularly in children.
• Potential Presence of Asbestos - Although not currently banned in the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did prohibit the use of asbestos in some new products post-1989. Therefore, used homes built before 1980 might be more likely to contain asbestos, exposure to which can lead to severe health problems over time.

A Comprehensive Home-Buying Checklist

Navigating the journey of acquiring a home demands attention to detail and careful consideration.

To facilitate a more seamless homebuying experience, there are strategies  to consider as you embark on your quest for the perfect home.

The following steps cover all aspects of buying a property, from inspecting foundational issues and evaluating cost to considerations around your moving in schedule.

1. Identify issues such as water damage, foundation, mold, roofing, electrical, and plumbing.
2. Evaluate total costs, including the purchase price, potential repairs, property taxes, HOA fees, and insurance.
3. Explore safety, amenities, and school quality; talk to neighbors to understand the community.
4. Research recent sales and historical property values to gauge the potential resale value.
5. Verify if the seller or previous owners obtained necessary building permits and used licensed contractors for any home renovations or additions. Illegally completed work could lead to future legal and safety issues.
6. Scrutinize seller disclosures for known issues and past renovations, whether for a new or resale property.
7. Evaluate the energy efficiency of appliances and systems, considering potential upgrades.
8. Complete a radon test and a careful check for any signs of current or past termite or rodent infestation. This safeguards residents' health and safety while preventing potential future expenditures.
9. Check zoning rules for potential modifications or personalization options in both new and resale homes.
10. Assess the age and condition of major components, considering potential maintenance costs.
11. Use inspection results for fair pricing based on market trends, applicable to both new and resale properties.
12. Ensure all legal paperwork, including the title, is in order for a smooth transaction, regardless of property type.
13. Secure pre-approval and anticipate potential delays in the loan approval process.
14. Plan for a smooth transition and possession of the property, accounting for any construction or closing timelines for new homes that would affect your moving in schedule.

*This home-buying checklist is a general guide and does not replace professional advice. Consult with qualified experts for personalized guidance, and recognize that local variations and unforeseen circumstances may impact your specific home-buying experience.

Explore Our Portfolio

The journey to homeownership is a personal and nuanced one, influenced by individual preferences and the ever-evolving economic landscape. Beechwood Homes is here to guide you.

Our team understands that your dream home is as unique as you are.

For a more personalized exploration of your options and to discover homes that align with your vision, we invite you to explore our current offerings or contact our experienced team.

Your dream home awaits, and we look forward to being a part of this exciting chapter in your life.