You are getting sick of the New England winter weather and are seeking refuge in a vacation home down South. You are an avid skier looking to make a secondary purchase in Colorado's snowy mountains. Or maybe you are looking to buy another home in your town for rental purposes. Whatever the case, buying a second home can be an exciting prospect as long as you are prepared for the financial commitment and all the other nuances attached to dual ownership.
- Vacation home or rental property? Decide whether you can afford to have a second home as a place where you (and possibly your family or friends) can gather when it is convenient, or whether you are interested in renting it out for part of the year for income. Many people find that supplementing their income with rent is a great way of making mortgage payments.
- Location. Where do you want to spend your time when you are away from your primary residence? Examine the area of interest with a discriminating eye. Look at tax rates, crime rates, and talk to locals about what they see as the pros and cons of the town, city, or region. For crime information take a trip to the local police station. You can find most crime stats and town/city information online. The information you garnish here will help you determine first, if you want to spend time here, and second, if the location has good renting and/or resale capability.
- Water, water everywhere. Many second homes are coastal or near the water. Know the history and the lay of the land. If you are thinking of making a purchase on the water, make sure you know if the region experiences flooding and explore insurance options if this is the case.
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Author: Grace Bloodwell