Planning For A Second Home
When you want to get away from it all, where does your heart and mind wander
to in your daydreams? Whether it’s beachside, a mountaintop, or a small town,
the perfect spot for a getaway home is any place that renews your spirit and let
you do the things you love.
What do you want?
To make the best choice in deciding where to buy a second home, shop with a
clear vision of what you really want. Ask yourself:
• What hobbies do you want to divulge or develop? If you enjoy antiquing,
is there a nearby town with antique shops or a great flea market?
• Do you crave serenity or do your prefer a more bustling atmosphere? If a
peaceful environment is at the top of your list, for example, you might want
to choose a lake that doesn’t allow noisy jet skis or cigarette boats.
• How often do you plan to get away? It’s easy to “vacation” every weekend
if you choose a site that is a two-three hour drive from home.
• How much light do you need? You may prefer a bright beach house
instead of a log cabin in the woods.
From Second to Primary Home: Beyond the weekend retreat
Does spending more than the occasional weekend at your cottage figure into
your plans? Taking retirement or early retirement can open up new possibilities
for enjoying your second home. As you shop, keep in the mind that the right
location and the right home could be the long-term answer to change – planned
or unexpected – that may come your way.
If you’re eyeing a second home as a retirement spot, select one with enough
footage to accommodate your future needs, or one that can be remodeled.
Retirement reality check
In evaluating a retirement location, consider:
• What’s the quality and accessibility of health care?
• Is the area safe, with a low crime rate?
• What’s the cost of living?
• Are there opportunities for part-time work?
• Is the climate comfortable?
• What are the cultural and educational offerings?
When researching for a second home, here are several tips to consider when
shopping for a location:
• Visit a potential getaway for two or more years in a row.
• Take home-swap vacations to check out different locales.
• Take a virtual vacation, touring homes and locations on the Internet.
Your motivations and objectives for buying a second home may be more
complex as part of a larger plan for retirement and other lifetime goals. If you are
thinking of buying a second home, use the experience and knowledge of a
Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) to carefully guide you through your
transactions. SRES® designees are REALTORS® who have demonstrated the
knowledge and expertise to counsel senior clients through the major financial
and lifestyle transitions involved in relocating, refinancing, or selling a family
home. A REALTOR with the SRES designation can also refer you to other
professionals such as a C.P.A., estate planner, or attorney who also have a
specialty interest in senior clientele issues.
Source: MSN.com. “Planning for a Second Home”
http://houseandhome.msn.com/Improve/PlanningforaSecondHome0.aspx
Angie Shull
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
REMAX Property Centre
1134 W. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
386-295-9605
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