If you're someone lucky enough to be able to afford a vacation getaway home, you're to be congratulated. With so many people in the U.S. who cannot even afford their first home, being able to afford a cottage or country house is a rare luxury. But before you drop your hard-earned money on that beautiful home you have your eye on, what are some things you should first think about before making that purchase?
For one thing, be practical and realistic about what you can afford by way of a vacation home. If you're just making ends meet right now, no matter how much you love that little country house now, you may wind up resenting it when you realize what a dent it's taking out of your budget. And this means other expenses beyond the mortgage or purchase price, including furniture, utilities, upgrades, and things such as these. If your getaway home is near a certain lake or country club, are there dues or fees you will need to figure as well?
Also, how often will you be using your vacation home? If you seriously can get away for only a few weeks every year, then is it worth outright ownership? Would a timeshare be more appropriate? Is it worth actually purchasing a getaway home you're only going to use so infrequently? Are there other arrangements you can make, such as having friends rent it for a few weeks every year so as to cut down on your expense?
Are you planning on renting your getaway home when you are not using it? Who will maintain and clean between rentals? Who will actually rent the home? If you live close enough to your vacation home then you could take care it your self but most people do not live close by.
You may want to consider a rental management firm to take care of your rental for you. Most management companies charge between 8 and 12 percent of the income which does not include maintains or maid service. Be sure to include these figures in your budget prior to purchase.
Some people purchase a vacation home now, intending to move there after retirement. If this is your thinking, remember that your life and your circumstances may be very different when you reach retirement age. Will you still be interested in water skiing or hunting when you're in your sixties? You may want to purchase a home that offers a bit more well-rounded interests. Is the retirement home accessible to those who have physical limitations - in other words, when you're at retirement age, your knees may not be able to handle all those stairs, and you may not appreciate being in a "winter wonderland" when you have arthritis and poor circulation. No one wants to think about how they'll change physically as they age, but in order to make your vacation home a proper investment for your retirement years, you need to be practical and realistic.
Purchasing a vacation home for your enjoyment now can be a great investment for families that are really going to make use of it, and for those who are looking forward to a permanent residence upon retirement. Use common sense and be practical, and you're sure to make a wise decision that will serve you well for years to come.
You’re oh-so-excited about your next vacation, and you’ve even started packing already. You check things off in your head as you sit in traffic; ski gear, sweaters, new boots…what else is there to do? You suddenly realize you’ve been avoiding something because it’s such an integral yet tricky component of the leaving town process; locating a place to stay that won’t let you down or break the bank. This is your least favorite part about preparing for a trip, (who daydreams about booking a hotel?) but you know it has to be done.
It sounds like you’ve yet to become acquainted with the idea of a vacation rental. Perhaps you always thought it would cost too much to stay in a well-equipped condo with tons of amenities. Sure, you’d like more space than you usually get in the average hotel room, but isn’t traveling supposed to be a little tight? Not necessarily. Things will go a lot smoother and tempers will flare on far fewer occasions if everyone in your group has enough room to spread out and enough conveniences to feel taken care of.
For example, your upcoming trip to Winter Park, Colorado is something that everyone has been looking forward to. You chose this spot for its amazing ski conditions, snowboard-friendliness, and for the fact that it’s the closest major resort to the Denver airport. Why not continue the theme of expediency as you pick out a place to stay?
A ski-in, ski-out condo with cathedral ceilings and a wraparound deck offering a staggering view of the magnificent peaks would be your dream set-up. There is a place like this, a few places like this, actually, and they aren’t just reserved for the rich and famous. Every year, normal, noisy, fabulous-in-their-own-way families just like yours unpack their bags in spacious mountain homes with all the amenities of home.
Don’t worry about packing your hair dryer or your favorite robe, as these will be waiting for you in your home away from home. Don’t even make the mistake of bringing too many clothes along, because the washer and dryer on the premises will let you keep your laundry perpetually clean and your suitcases light.
Your last vacation usually took a nose dive in the evenings, when everyone fought over the shower, sleeping arrangements, and what to watch on TV. This time, you’ll have the kids inventing all new things to argue about as there will be plenty of bathrooms, beds, and entertainment options for all. From the pool table to the hot tub, everyone will keep themselves busy in the not-too-close quarters of your temporary hideaway.
Some vacation rentals are more extravagant than others of course, but with a little research you’ll surely be able to fine one that suits you and your companions as well as your pocketbook. Remember, Winter Park is also an exciting place to visit during the summer, and the prices will be much lower.
After you’ve heard about the hiking, biking, kayaking, festivals, shopping, and dining options that the warm weather months offer to visitors, you’ll feel perfectly pleased to check out the Rockies in their summer splendor. A chalet tucked away in a grove of blue spruce or an apartment within the village, which will be bustling with music and entertainment of all kinds, by the way, will make you happy that you chose to come during Winter Park’s “off" season. As you’ll tell your friends when you return, there’s nothing very “off" about wildflowers, refreshing breezes, and all the rugged outdoor adventures you could ask for.
If you still feel a bit hesitant, just think of the heroic role you’ll play in the eyes of your family after they walk through the doors of a vacation rental that exceeds their highest expectations. Just a little research on your part will surely uncover the perfect place, so take your time to locate the getaway spot that will truly take you far from your present state of mind.
Go online to find a Winter Park Vacation Rental that you’ll feel comfortable in, and get ready to replace your daydreaming with a bigger and better reality.
Both David Cowley & Caitlin Moore are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Cowley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Aging Supplement and Heart Conditions. David Cowley has created numerous articles on real estate investing. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to real estate investing. Visit . David Cowley's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.
Caitlin Moore has sinced written about articles on various topics from Food And Drink, Travel and Leisure and Vacation Rentals. HomeAway.com has thousands of vacation rental listings located all over the world, so make this your first stop on the way to planning a fabulous trip.. Caitlin Moore's top article generates over 301000 views. to your Favourites.