Waterfront Wisdom With Corina Cisneros on New Hampshire Lakefront Real Estate

Corina, what is the first thing buyers should understand before shopping for a Lake Winnipesaukee or Lakes Region waterfront home?

Most buyers start by focusing on the view, but each lake has its own personality. Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, and Squam Lake function very differently because of depth, access, and community style. The key is to start with how you want to use the water. If boating is your world, you want deep water access and a protected dock so you can dock larger boats without issues. If swimming and family time are the priority, you might prefer sandy frontage or a gradual walk-in. Lifestyle always dictates the right shoreline.

You talk a lot about dock legality. Why is that such a major factor in the NH Lakes Region?

Because a dock can make or break a waterfront purchase. Around Lake Winnipesaukee especially, docks and boathouses are heavily regulated. Buyers should never assume a dock is legal just because it exists.

How should buyers evaluate year-round access?

Access is a major factor, especially for second-home buyers from out of state. Some lake roads are not plowed in winter. A home that feels cozy in July can feel isolated in February. Buyers need to know who maintains the road, if utilities work reliably in winter, and whether the property is truly year-round.

How important is it to understand the character of each lake community?

Very important. The NH Lakes Region is diverse. You have quiet coves, marina-centered communities, busy village areas like Meredith or Wolfeboro, and private stretches with almost no traffic. Some people want restaurants fifteen minutes away. Others want total privacy. The community you choose will shape your experience far more than the finishes inside the home.

How much do shoreline condition and water quality affect long-term value?

They matter a lot. Shoreline slope, erosion control, natural vegetation, and how the land meets the water all impact property health. Lakes like Squam maintain strong conservation standards that keep the water clearer. Buyers should also look at watershed reports and understand the history of algae or cyanobacteria blooms. These details influence marketability years down the road.

Are inspections different for waterfront homes?

Absolutely. Waterfront inspections require someone who understands moisture, drainage, foundation stability, shoreline seepage, and septic performance.

Buyers often ask about assessed value versus market value. How should they think about pricing?

You need to know the difference between all four numbers.

Assessed value is for taxes

Asking price reflects the seller’s goals and sometimes event-driven timing

Appraised value

True market value is the price that a buyer and seller agree to after negotiation

On Lake Winnipesaukee, two homes with similar square footage can differ by millions because of frontage, water depth, views, privacy, access, and dock status. Price per square foot is not enough. Waterfront is a world of its own.

What is your guiding principle for helping buyers choose the right property?

A true waterfront home should match how you want to live. If your ideal day is fishing at sunrise, cruising at sunset, or hosting family weekends, the home should support that lifestyle comfortably in every season. When the property fits your daily rhythm, you enjoy it more. My job is to filter out the risks so you get the right home, not just the pretty one.