Lying on a beach towel, you scan the horizon from left to right. Your gaze pauses when you notice the deep blue hue of the ocean and then quickly move on to the intense orange hue of the sky as it meets the horizon line. It’s like no other view in the world. You’re in paradise, and that is what Oxnard Beachfront Homes offer.
So, you want to buy a beach home in Oxnard, CA, but are unsure what to consider? That’s okay — there’s plenty to think about when dipping your toes in the Oxnard Beach real estate.
This guide will walk you through some of the important things you should consider when looking for Oxnard beach property. Let’s start with the perks.
Benefits of Buying an Oxnard Beach Home
There are several perks to living in Oxnard Beach, which includes Hollywood Beach, Silver Strand, and Oxnard Shores:
» Convenient Beach Access
With a home in Oxnard Beach, you enjoy all that comes with such an environment without paying an extra dime. With a beach in your backyard, there’s no more fighting for towel spaces on crowded beaches. And the best part, you can access the beach and head back inside your home at your convenience.
» Relaxing Sound of Waves
Isn't there something within us that loves the idea of waking up to the sound of waves every day?
If you live by the beach, you’ll also be able to enjoy sitting outside your home and listening to the rhythm of waves lapping against the beach and rocks. This natural noise can help you unwind after a stressful day at work or just help you relax in general.
» Tranquil Panoramic Views
Imagine waking up every day next to dazzling Pacific Ocean views. Couple that with glorious sunrises and sunsets every day. These beautiful sights can lift your spirits and make your day better! Many Oxnard Beach homes have panoramic windows that provide that feeling of vastness, of being away from everything and in your world.
» Provides Serenity
Another prominent benefit of living by the Oxnard Beach waters is minimal traffic noise. That means no noisy cars revving their engines at 3 AM outside your window, just to let everyone know they are awake. And no blaring horns from impatient drivers.
» Therapeutic Advantage
Beaches are therapeutic. If you live in a big city, you might need a break from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine more than you realize. The quiet sound of ocean waves is the perfect way to reduce stress, prevent depression and even improve your overall well-being.
Other therapeutic perks to living by the Oxnard Beaches include:
- 276 days of sunshine per year guarantee unlimited access to vitamin C dosage
- Soaking up sun rays can help boost your mood and lift your spirits
- Sand naturally exfoliates your skin
- Ocean minerals can enhance skin elasticity and alleviate eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
» You Can Rent Out Your Oxnard Beach Home
The beach homes in Oxnard, CA’s real estate is primarily a seller's market, characterized by high demand for housing in Hollywood Beach, Silver Strand, and Oxnard Shores. And considering beach homes offer proximity to local attraction sites (including the beaches), they are always in high demand. As such, you cannot go wrong with adding your Oxnard Beach home to your investment portfolio.
The best way to generate income on your beach property is by renting it weekly or monthly to vacationers. Such an arrangement allows you to spend time in your home at your convenience and make money while away.
Choosing a Beach Home in Oxnard, CA
When you're looking for a beach home in Oxnard, California, there are plenty of things to consider. This area has excellent weather, beautiful beaches, and an active community. However, it's also an area that can be highly competitive during the best of times. Finding a beach home that meets your needs means taking your time and planning carefully.
» Know Your Location
Location matters for real estate on any level. When you're looking at beach houses in Oxnard, you want to find one that offers everything you want in terms of views and atmosphere and makes it easy for you to get around and that meets your other lifestyle needs.
Oxnard Beach homes are located right along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. You'll have access to a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing and even whale watching if you choose the right time of year. If you're interested in wine tasting or just enjoying some small-town activities, there are places nearby where you can enjoy these things as well.
Below are a few questions to ask when determining the convenience of a neighborhood:
- Is it easy to drive around?
- Are there healthcare facilities nearby?
- How far are the schools?
- Are there shops and groceries nearby?
Your choice of the Oxnard Beach neighborhood will also depend on your preferred lifestyle. For example, if a resort-style living tickles your fancy, you are better off with communities such as Channel Islands Harbor and Mandalay Beach.
Seabridge ticks all the boxes of a nautical lifestyle. It is a prestigious neighborhood dating back to 2006 and mainly comprises luxurious townhomes and single-family homes.
» Pick Between an Oceanfront and Off-beach Home
When exploring coastal properties in Oxnard, CA, it is good to know the difference between oceanfront and off-beach homes.
Oceanfront homes are right on the beach; they might be homes in a gated community, or they could be homes with private access to the water. The great thing about oceanfront houses is that you hear and see the waves crashing on the shore from your back porch or your living room. And the sand and water are only a few steps from your door. However, homes with waterfront views can cost significantly more than their off-beach counterparts.
Off-beach properties lack direct access to the beach. These can be subdivisions or other developments that still have ocean views and beach access, but residents probably have to cross a road to get there.
While often cheaper than comparable beachfront homes, off-beach properties typically offer larger spaces for additional amenities, including tennis courts, multiple swimming pools, and even golf courses.
Insuring a beachfront home is often costly due to a heightened risk of weather and storm damages.
» Beach House or a Beach Condo?
Oxnard Beach real estate market offers both homes and condos. Making a concrete decision between the two can be difficult if you're unfamiliar with their differences. Choosing between a beach home and a beach condo often comes down to personal preferences and needs.
The biggest difference between these properties has to do with ownership costs. When you own your home, you are responsible for all the costs associated with owning and maintaining it, including real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, landscaping, etc. You still have to pay for all these costs when you own a condo, but they are spread out among all owners within the complex (association fees).
In some cases, the price difference is a matter of lifestyle preferences, which is why some condos have comparable costs to a beach house. Of course, that will vary with the luxury and amenities scales.
Both properties have unique layouts, but condo units tend to be smaller than beach house designs because they must fit into specific spaces within buildings.
You'll also find that many condos feature open floor plans that maximize space without sacrificing comfort. A beach home is your best bet if you want more rooms, square footage or entertain guests often.
Condo-style beach homes offer more convenience when it comes to maintenance, but they don't have the same level of privacy that a detached home offers.
» Know Your Budget Limit
While Oxnard Beach homes for sale are among the priciest in California, you want to make a sound investment. That starts with determining how much you can afford to spend on a beach property.
Knowing your budget will help you determine what kind of property you can afford. This saves you from overpaying for a home and getting house poor. House poor or "house rich, cash poor" is a descriptive term for an individual who spends an incredible portion of his income/savings on house ownership but ends up struggling with obligational expenses, including car payments. It, therefore, helps to stick within your means.
The Oxnard Beach homes real estate experts, Arlene & Keith Beckwith, recommend discussing the economic sense of purchasing an Oxnard beachfront home with a competent financial advisor. One of the main points that will suffice is that beachfront properties demand more maintenance than inland homes.
Weather elements and seal water may cause significant wear and tear to oceanfront houses. Additionally, they require more frequent inspections, adding to homeownership costs. Be sure you can meet these additional expenses.
Talking of purchasing costs, let us highlight a few of the neighborhoods that the Arlene & Keith Beckwith Team focuses on in Oxnard Beach real estate:
- Oxnard Shores: Here, beachfront homes have a median list price of $1.3m, and a median sold price of $950K.
- Hollywood Beach: This beach community boasts a median list and median sold price of $900K and $620K, respectively.
- Silver Strand Beach: Based on Realtor.com data, homes for sale in this neighborhood range between $950K and $3.6M.
- Channel Islands Harbor: Waterfront homes in Channel Islands Harbor have a median listing price of $1.6, with a square foot typically costing around $643.
» Work with a Competent Oxnard Real Estate Agent
It is tempting to skip a local realtor when buying a beach home in Oxnard, CA. After all, it cuts the agent's commission. If that's your thinking, consider this: saving money upfront is important, but so is the overall cost of buying a home.
A real estate agent will help you get your offer accepted and guide you through negotiations with the seller. You may end up paying more, but if the real estate specialist ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish, that is money well spent.
An experienced Oxnard Real Estate Agent is intimately familiar with the local market and the neighborhood's history. They can point out things that might be an issue later on, like flood zones.
A competent realtor will determine whether you qualify for any government programs that could help lower your home buying expenses. They also know what's available on the market at any given time and can steer you toward properties that aren't yet listed.
Ask the questions below when vetting an Oxnard real estate agent:
- What is your experience with the Oxnard Beach real estate?
- Any references I can contact?
- Do you work with both sellers and buyers?
- Do you work full-time as a realtor?
- Do you have any concerns with this beach property?
- What is your availability?
- Can you recommend mortgage brokers, home inspectors, real estate attorneys, and escrow agents?
» Hire a Home Inspector
It is easy to focus on what you think you can afford and forget about the actual quality. A professional home inspector suffices to help you avoid unpleasant surprises and get rid of all defects or problems on the property before making an offer on it.
Some issues that inspectors usually look for include:
- Poorly constructed roofs and floors
- Inadequate insulation
- Water damage
- Broken HVAC units
- Faulty wiring and electrical outlets
- Cracks in ceilings and walls
- Lead paint in older homes
- Asbestos (if the property was built before 1980)
You can always negotiate or back out of the deal should the inspector discover serious problems.
The cost of home inspection in Oxnard, CA, ranges from $300 to $550 depending on the square footage. Expect to pay more for complex and inaccessible spaces, termite inspection, and sewer line inspection.
Bottom Line
Beach homes in Oxnard, CA attract many investors and home buyers. Whether or not this type of property is the right investment for you will largely depend on your personal preferences.
But if you’re thinking about making a purchase, there are plenty of things to consider. And with the right help, it should be a smooth ride. In any case, this article should ensure that you do not overlook any major factors.
Oxnard Real Estate Professionals, Arlene & Keith Beckwith, provide personal, attentive service to help you buy an Oxnard Beach home that matches all your criteria. They invite you to browse their catalog of Oxnard beach homes for sale. You can reach them at 805-338-4466 for expert assistance with your real estate transaction in Oxnard, CA.