Buying a home is a financial commitment, one that typically lasts years. Before you decide you want a second home or a lakefront property as a vacation home, here are a few considerations you’ll want to factor in before you make your move:

Your financial stability

You’ll need to be financially stable before you entertain the thought of shelling out money for an investment home, CNBC insists. If your job security is at risk, then it would be much better for you to simply wait it out until your financial condition improves. The same logic applies if you’re in debt, have no savings yet or still making ends meet. Those conditions

Your costs

Buying a home involves more than saving enough for a down payment. You’re going to need to have plenty of cash in your account to make sure you can cover all the additional expenses and charges that come with buying a prime piece of land or property.

Your time

If you don’t have a lot of time and you’re planning to DIY that search for properties, you might need to rethink the assumption that you can do it all on your own. Hire a lakefront property agent to help you. Experienced ones have the kind of network and skills to find you properties that fit your needs, vision and budget.

Your experience

Agents do more than help you find the right property. They can go with you to the sites and inspect the property right along with you. They’re updated on the local market so they know when the latest sale is and how much the going rate for properties in the area are. They also provide you with much needed help on the negotiating table. Your agent can help you get the best price for the property you want.