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Waterfront Showing Checklist
A practical NH and Maine visit companion. These questions help organize your due diligence; a checked box does not certify property condition or establish legal rights.
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Property / town: ______________________________
Visit date: __________________ MLS / reference: __________________
Access & boundaries
- Ask for the recorded deed, survey and any easements. Is this private direct frontage, shared/deeded access, or only a view?
- What beach, dock, slip or mooring rights are documented? What transfers with the property? Review association rules and cost sharing.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Docks & boating
- Request permits, approved plans and maintenance history; ask about any changes to the existing structure.
- Check depth, seasonal water levels or tides, boat suitability, removal/storage arrangements and any separate mooring process. A dock photo does not establish legal rights.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Flood & insurance
- Review current FEMA flood information with your lender, insurer and local floodplain administrator; ask about prior flood history and elevation records.
- Get an address-specific flood insurance quote. Confirm coverage, exclusions, deductibles and effective date; most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Septic & drinking water
- Request septic design/approval records, capacity, service history and evaluation reports. Confirm whether a shared system serves the home.
- In NH, ask your licensed evaluator and transaction advisers whether RSA 485-A:39 waterfront transfer requirements apply. In Maine, consult the local plumbing inspector and qualified site evaluator.
- Ask about drinking-water source, available testing and treatment records. Have a qualified professional advise what further testing is appropriate.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Shoreline & planned changes
- Ask the town and relevant state agency about permits for the specific work you intend: vegetation removal, additions, docks or shoreline changes.
- NH and Maine have different state and local requirements. Do not assume existing construction or advertised frontage establishes permission to expand.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Seasonal access & occupancy
- Confirm road status with the town; review easements, plowing, road association costs, winter parking and emergency access.
- Ask about winterization, seasonal water, heat and approved occupancy. Verify any seasonal-to-year-round conversion requirements, including septic capacity.
Notes / follow-up: ________________________________________________
Educational questions, not legal, engineering, septic or insurance advice. Verify property-specific deeds, surveys, permits and approvals with qualified professionals and relevant agencies. NH and Maine requirements differ, and local ordinances matter.