Summer weather have you daydreaming of a charming beach house or
rustic mountain getaway? Before you begin house hunting for your family’s
perfect vacation home, keep in mind these tips from the DHM team.
1. Starting in tHe rigHt Direction: Vacation homes are
not one size fits all, so think about all of the options available and
what combination works best for your family. Whether lakeside
lodge, beach bungalow, mountaintop cabin, or sprawling ranch,
envision your ideal locale and research different locations that
offer this type of setting.
2. Meet tHe neigHBorS: once you’ve settled on a location,
reach out to locals for tips on neighborhoods, real estate agents,
and other valuable information during the house hunting process.
Having a local perspective helps you feel more confident in your
decisions, and it will help prevent many avoidable mistakes.
3. Make Your MuSt-HaVeS cuStoM tailoreD: keep in
mind your needs in a second home are different than those in
your primary residence. at home, a few fixer-upper bathrooms
might not be a big deal, but if you want to spend your time
relaxing and enjoying your home away from home, consider one
that’s move-in ready. likewise, your space needs may be different.
Will this be a couple’s retreat for you and your partner, or a
gathering place for the whole family? Make sure your preferences
are specific to your ideal second home.
4. coMMitting: a home doesn’t only need upkeep when you’re
there. consider the routine maintenance you may need for your
home and how much of a commitment this is for your family.
even if you’re not at the beach house for hurricane season or the
cabin for the snowstorm, you may still incur some damage that
needs to be attended to quickly. Plan accordingly in your budget
and your calendar.
5. Financial oPPortunitY: Don’t forget about the evergrowing vacation rental market! renting your home out to visitors
is a great way to offset some of the second home costs. consider
whether renting out is right for you when house hunting. You’ll
have to think not only about what works for your family, but what
renters might want to see there too.
6. HaVe Fun: Don’t forget to have a little fun when picking out
your second home. if you’ve always wanted a rooftop deck
or space for a backyard putting green, now is the time to find
it. no need to worry about your morning commute, instead
think about how far you are to your favorite bike trail or local
restaurant. You’re on vacation after all!
Photo Credits to Patrick Nouhailler, Alexis Lewis, denisbin, Jody Claborn, kcxd
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VACATION
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