• Financing: second-home loans typically carry different down payment and rate requirements than a primary residence, and they're treated differently again if you'd ever rent it out. Worth a conversation with your lender early, before you fall in love with a property.

• Insurance: lake and waterfront properties often need separate flood or dwelling coverage beyond a standard homeowner's policy — this is something to price out before you're under contract, not after.

• HOA and lake association rules: many lake communities have their own associations governing docks, watercraft, and shoreline use. I make sure you see those rules before you're attached to a specific property.

Lake Options in Indiana

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Geist Reservoir (Fishers/Indianapolis) for an established lake community close to the city, or Morse Reservoir/Lake Cicero (Noblesville/Cicero) for a slightly more low-key, boating-focused feel. Heritage Lake (Coatesville) for a robust lake community, Lake Maxinkuckee (Culver) for deep history and a clear, natural lake, Lake Wawasee (Syracuse) Indiana's largest natural lake (and home to the "sandbar" party), Lake Monroe (Bloomington) the largest and most visited (and oh the vistas) in Indiana. Just to name a few. In 1956, the US Geological Survey reports of approximately 1,000 lakes in Indiana - so you've got choices!