If you have always dreamt of having a house on the ocean to either live in year-round or visit during a vacation, you may be excited about the view and smelling the ocean breeze from your porch. However, before you commit to buying an oceanfront property, you need to check a couple of areas to make sure that the ocean water you are excited about does not negatively impact the house or landscape.

1. Look at the Ground Around the House

Either before or after you view the house itself, make it a point to walk around the yard so that you can get a better look at the ground. Ideally, the land should be sloped slightly toward the ocean so that the water from the tides and rainfall does not run toward the house itself.

However, if you notice channels carved into the ground that seem to travel toward the house, this could be a sign that the water does not drain properly from the yard. If there is a basement or crawlspace, there could be problems with flooding and water damage that could impact the structural integrity of the house, as well as encourage the growth of mold. If you are unsure as to whether the channels flow toward the ocean or the house, visit during high tide on a rainy day. Then, you can observe how the water flows to determine whether it will be a problem if you were to purchase the property.

2. Inspect the Bulkheads at the Shoreline

Especially if the property is directly on the beach or shoreline, you want to inspect the bulkheads to make sure they are intact. Since the bulkheads help keep the ocean's water from flowing onto the property, they are vital for ensuring that the yard or house does not flood during high tide or a storm.

While looking at the bulkheads, look for any signs of deterioration, rot, or pulling away from the shoreline. Even if they appear to be in good condition to your eye, you should ask your real estate agent about having them professionally inspected before you buy the property to make sure they are in good condition. If not, you will have to have them repaired or replaced to keep the water from damaging the property.

Checking out the above areas before buying the property can give you an idea as to how the water from the ocean will affect the house and landscape. For more information about what to look for when searching for oceanfront properties for sale, contact a real estate agent.