Are you looking for a second home to invest in where you and your family can enjoy vacations? If so, there are many fantastic places. Take Washington State as a perfect example. This city has incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation, beautiful scenery, easy beach and water access, and even affordable housing.
Even though the market in Washington State favors sellers at this time, by working with an experienced real estate agent, you can find a vacation home that fits your living needs and budget.
As this is a big investment, you need to consider several specific things to make sure this is the right decision. Get educated about the market and location and weigh the pros and cons of this decision. That’ll help you decide if buying a vacation home makes sense.
Insurance Protection
Just as you need homeowner’s insurance for your primary residence, you also need it for a rental home. Especially if you go through a lending institution, they will want to make sure they have protection, just in case you miss payments for one reason or another.
Along with that, you should seriously consider buying the best home warranty plan. Not only are these affordable, but the right plans also cover all kinds of things. Remember, as you’re buying a vacation spot, whether in Washington State or somewhere else, you won’t live there year-round. So, after not visiting for several months, you might discover a problem with an appliance, the plumbing, or the electrical system.
Rather than file a claim through your homeowner’s insurance, you could use the best home warranty plan to cover the expense of repair or replacement. All you have to do is file a claim, pay the service fee, which typically runs between $75 and $150 per call, and then let the technician do their job.
Taxes
While you might pay low taxes where you live full time, that might not be the case in the city and state where you buy a vacation property. You’ll benefit greatly by looking at local and state taxes. You certainly don’t want an enormous cost, especially on a vacation home that’s occupied occasionally.
Moving and Furnishing Costs
If you plan to take furniture and other household items you have at your current home or in storage with you, you’ll probably need to hire a professional moving company. First, you need to factor in that cost. Second, you want to go with a source that’s both licensed and insured.
Now, if you don’t have extra furniture or furnishings, then you’ll need to buy them. That too increases the overall cost of buying a house for vacation purposes. After all, you’ll need beds, dressers, a couch, chairs, and even everyday items, such as towels, dishes, and eating utensils.
Size, Configuration, and Type of Vacation Home
All three of these are important when choosing a second home. If you have a large family or numerous friends who plan to join you from time to time, you’ll need adequate space. That includes both inside and outside areas.
The living configuration is another key factor. For instance, if you have small children, you wouldn’t want them sleeping on a different level of the house than you.
As for the type of vacation home, that all depends on your personal preference. For a more rustic aesthetic, an A-frame or traditional cabin is ideal. However, if you prefer a more conventional home, you could opt for a single-family dwelling. Another possibility if you don’t want to deal with a lot of maintenance is to go with a condominium.
The Bottom Line
When investing in a second home to use for vacations, you want something that meets your specific needs. To find a perfect property, work with a reputable realtor with extensive knowledge of the area and the housing market.
By making all the right decisions when buying a vacation property, you can truly relax and enjoy your investment.
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