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Pink, White or Sugary Shores? Buyers Care

Buyers looking for properties near the beach care about sand because it can impact their overall experience. Agents say high-quality sand is an economic asset.

MIAMI – For buyers looking for their dream beach house, many ask about water access, views and sunsets. However, coastal real estate agents say that asking about the grounds, particularly the sand, is important.

Soft sand is great for sandcastles and beach days, while coarser and deeper sand that slopes can help with getting surfboards in or out of the sea. Additionally, hard, flat sand is better for walking or running. Sand varies by location, such as the sugary shores of Northwest Florida or the grainy seascapes in New England. Sand can also vary from beach to beach.

Agents say that houses on or near unique beaches often carry higher prices and those prices often vary by location. Jonathan Spears of Spears Group in Santa Rosa Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast says that high-quality sand is an economic asset for the region, and Stephen Leatherman, a professor of coastal science at Florida International University in Miami, says that other influences on the value of houses near the beach include cleanliness, amenities and crowds. After hurricanes and other storms, or simply due to erosion, some areas also can see fresh sand hauled in to replenish beaches.

Source: Wall Street Journal (08/29/24) Rohwedder, Cecilie

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