Thinking of Getting a Vacation Home? Here Are Some Tips
You are tired of renting a hotel room every time you want to travel with the family. It would be nice to have a home away from home to enjoy when you need to get away from the routine of life. Buying a vacation home may be an alternative for your family. Do not search for your home away from home, though, until you have read these tips for getting a vacation home.
Decide If You Want to Rent or Buy
More than 50% of renters think that renting is a better choice than buying because of how much easier it is on their budget and stress levels. Not everyone will have the capacity to own two homes at the same time. Some individuals who are tired of the hotel scene choose to rent vacation homes until they are ready for the commitment that comes with owning real estate.
You should thoroughly research the person you choose to rent from before agreeing to live in their home for a period of time. Remember that you will likely be responsible for broken or damaged items, which can become expensive if the homeowner charges you for items that were in need of repair before you occupied the space with your family.
It is a good idea to thoroughly read over the contract and to take pictures before and after you leave the home. You may even go so far as to have the homeowner agree to not hold you responsible for damages that go beyond your security deposit, so you are not held liable for exorbitant amounts to pay for damages you may not have caused.
Only Buy What You Can Afford
Those who choose to take the plunge into buying a vacation home can have the benefit of coming to the location as they see fit. You need to be aware, though, of a few elements attached to homeownership that apply regardless of whether you occupy the home throughout the year.
You need 20% as a down payment for your vacation home. You should also consider purchasing a residence that does not exceed 36% of your income with other debts, such as cars and your primary residence, included.
Repairs and regular maintenance are necessary even if you only visit your vacation home two times per year. It may be a good idea to hire someone in the area whom you trust to check in on the residence now and again so there are no surprises when you come with your family.
Figure Out What Kind of Location You Want
Determining the environment that best satisfies your need to relax is the first step in buying the vacation home of your dreams. About 36% of vacation home buyers purchase property in a beach city. You may not want to live near the water, though. You may want to look in the desert if you enjoy hot weather. The mountains may be a keen place for those who love to explore nature. Buying a vacation home in an atmosphere that you love will eliminate the dread that some homeowners feel when visiting their home away from home.
Consider Taxes and Insurance
Taxes are inevitable on your second home. You need to ensure you can afford to comfortably pay for these obligations before committing to a mortgage that lasts up to 30 years.
Remember that taxes are required on vacation homes even if you pay for them in cash. Such is the reason why you should only purchase what you can afford and not view a vacation home as an opportunity to buy the house you have always wanted but cannot maintain.
Make Sure You Have Access to Your Favorite Activities
What is a vacation if you cannot have fun? Your vacation home should give you the opportunity to enjoy your favorite activities. For example, if you have a pontoon boat with a maximum capacity of 11 people, you’ll want to be sure that you have a place to store or dock your boat at your vacation home. Having a vacation home with a boat dock is a great way to explore the wonders of the activity at your leisure.
Getting a vacation home is an exciting experience, but you have to make sure that you’re being smart about your decision-making process. Keep these tips in mind and you can get the best vacation property for you and your family!
