There’s something magnetic about lake life. The peaceful lapping of waves, the open water views, the promise of weekend boat rides or quiet early morning coffee on the dock. But don’t buy a lake house until you know this… Buying waterfront properties, especially on Lake Marble Falls or Lake LBJ, is about more than just falling in love with the view. It’s about knowing the rules, the rights, and the risks—especially those enforced by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA).
So before you buy that lakefront dream, let’s get real about what it takes to make a smart, successful purchase. This isn’t just a home—it’s an investment. And like any smart investment, you need expertise, strategy, and awareness on your side. Let’s talk about how to buy wisely, avoid costly missteps, and why working with me—Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty—can give you the edge when buying lakefront.
TLDR: Don’t Buy a Lake House Until You Know This…
- Lake houses on Lake Marble Falls or Lake LBJ come with unique LCRA regulations—you need to know them before making a move.
- Waterfront properties aren’t all created equal—there are critical dock, shoreline, and usage restrictions.
- Not all agents understand LCRA restrictions—work with someone who does.
- Robbie English, Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, is a lakefront property expert with decades of experience.
- Strategic guidance, not guesswork, gets results—don’t make a lake house mistake that could have been avoided.
Understanding the LCRA’s Role in Your Lakefront Property
When you buy a traditional home, you think about things like inspections, zoning, and utilities. But when you’re looking at waterfront properties on Lake LBJ or Lake Marble Falls, you’re also dealing with the LCRA—and you can’t afford to ignore them.
The Lower Colorado River Authority controls how shoreline and water access is handled. That means your dock, your boat lift, even your ability to modify or maintain the shoreline is regulated. The LCRA’s mission is to protect water quality, ensure fair water use, and manage flood control. That’s a big deal.
Buyers who skip over these details—or work with agents who don’t understand them—often find themselves stuck. Maybe the existing dock wasn’t properly permitted. Or they can’t expand the structure like they planned. Or worse, they purchase thinking they can rent the home out short-term, only to find LCRA or HOA rules say otherwise.
That’s where experience counts. I’ve guided many buyers through these very challenges. I know what questions to ask, what red flags to look for, and how to ensure you’re buying with clear eyes—not wishful thinking.
Lake Marble Falls vs. Lake LBJ: What You Need to Know
If you’re eyeing this area, you’re probably trying to decide between Lake Marble Falls and Lake LBJ. Both are beautiful. Both offer incredible lifestyle perks. But they’re different beasts.
Lake Marble Falls is more compact, peaceful, and typically sees less boat traffic. Great for someone who values calm over crowds. But access is limited, and homes along the lake are fewer in number. Shoreline space is tight. You’ll want to verify LCRA restrictions early, especially if a dock is involved.
Lake LBJ, on the other hand, is large and constant-level. That’s a massive selling point. It means your lake levels don’t wildly fluctuate with the weather or water management. This lake supports more year-round activity—jet skis, pontoons, wakeboarding, and more. But more activity also means more oversight. You’ll absolutely need to understand LCRA permitting on this lake.
Let’s be blunt: you cannot take dock space or water access for granted. Just because a property looks like it has great water frontage doesn’t mean you can use it how you expect.
The Dock is Not a Given—LCRA Permitting Explained
Want a private dock? Don’t assume you can build one. The LCRA has a detailed permitting process for any structure that touches the water. You’ll need:
- A permit for new construction
- Inspection of existing docks for compliance
- Ongoing maintenance requirements
Even replacement or repair work needs to be reviewed. And if the dock wasn’t previously permitted correctly? You could be responsible for bringing it into compliance—or removing it entirely.
When clients tour waterfront properties with me, I immediately assess the dock status. I’ve trained myself to notice what others don’t. Permits. Setbacks. Floodplain issues. Things that could cost you later. Not all agents do that. Honestly? Most don’t even know what to look for.
The Shoreline Matters More Than You Think
That beautiful rock edge or sloping lawn that dips into the water? It’s not just pretty landscaping. The shoreline is regulated, and that changes what you can and cannot do.
Want to improve erosion protection? Install stairs or paths? Modify vegetation? LCRA might have a say—and it’s usually a firm one.
I’ve worked with clients who planned extensive improvements only to find that their grand ideas were incompatible with shoreline regulations. That’s a frustrating (and expensive) surprise if no one tells you in advance. I tell you in advance. Always.
Let’s Talk Floodplain. No, Really.
Don’t buy a lake house until you know this—floodplain maps matter. Water levels rise. Especially in Texas. And while Lake LBJ is constant-level, flooding is still a possibility under certain conditions.
LCRA maintains elevation maps and sets base flood elevations. If your property sits in a floodplain, it affects insurance, resale, and even renovation planning. Know what floodplain you’re buying into before you sign anything.
It might seem like a technical detail. But it’s not. It’s one of those details that separates a smooth ownership experience from a regretful one. This is part of the value I bring to you—clarity, early on.
Short-Term Rental Rules Can Be a Dealbreaker
Lots of buyers dream of owning a lake house and renting it out when they’re not using it. It’s a solid strategy. But only if it’s allowed. That’s a big “if.”
Some areas around Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls have restrictions on short-term rentals. Others require specific permits. HOAs often have their own rules layered on top of LCRA’s. It gets complicated fast.
Don’t rely on listing descriptions. Don’t rely on assumptions. Rely on a broker who understands both the regulation and the strategy behind investment ownership. That’s me.
I’ve helped buyers secure income-generating lake properties, and I’ve talked others out of properties that would have been investment disasters. Real advice. No fluff.
The Quiet Part Nobody Says Out Loud
Here’s a truth you won’t see on glossy lakefront brochures: many agents don’t understand LCRA restrictions. They might say they do, but few have read the permitting guidelines cover to cover. Fewer still have navigated the permit process alongside a buyer.
This is a niche market. And you need niche expertise.
That’s why my clients choose me. I’m not just a licensed agent—I’m a national real estate speaker and instructor. I teach agents how to do this work the right way. I don’t take guesses. I give grounded, experience-based advice tailored to the exact property and lake you’re exploring.
Why You Need Robbie English On Your Side
Look, anyone can open a door and point at a view. But not everyone can strategically position you to buy a lake house with confidence. That’s what I do.
With decades of real estate experience, I’ve developed a sharp instinct for identifying great opportunities and spotting risks others miss. My role is not just to help you buy a property—it’s to help you buy the right property.
And this is not a sideline for me. I’ve spent years mastering this industry for the benefit of my clients. As a national instructor and speaker, I train others in best practices. And as Broker and REALTOR at Uncommon Realty, I bring that mastery to work for you.
Other agents might dabble. I don’t dabble. I deliver.
Let’s Find the Lake House That’s Right for You
Buying a lake house should be thrilling, not stressful. Whether you’re planning a private retreat, a full-time residence, or an income property, waterfront properties offer lifestyle and value that can’t be matched—if you know how to buy the right way.
And that starts with clarity.
So, don’t buy a lake house until you know this: you need a real estate professional who knows the water, the land, the rules, and the risks. That’s where I come in.
I’ll walk you through what’s allowed, what’s possible, and what you should avoid. Together, we’ll make smart, confident decisions—ones you’ll feel good about for years to come.
Ready to talk lake houses? Let’s schedule a conversation. Because with me on your side, you’re not just buying property—you’re buying wisely.
Remember:
Don’t buy a lake house until you know this… LCRA rules can shape your experience more than the square footage. Waterfront properties are rewarding—but only when handled with expertise. And Robbie English and his team at Uncommon Realty are the advantage you didn’t know you needed, until now.
