Vacation Home Buyers

The three most important words in buying a vacation home are location, location, maintenance. A home away from home is just that. It is a house that will require all the same maintenance needs and costs associated with your principal residence.

One of the most important things to do when considering a vacation home purchase is to find a reputable real estate professional to assist you. You will need to rely on this person even more than you did with the purchase of your principal residence. Because you are buying a property away from where you currently live, your real estate professional will be your lifeline to this property. Select a Realtor® that specializes in vacation home sales. Consider using a buyer's agent who will work exclusively for you.

Once you have chosen the Realtor® you are comfortable with, be certain to ask if they handle or recommend a firm to manage the property when you are not there. This is essential if you cannot visit the home periodically or after storms to assess needed repairs.

After you have found your dream vacation home, the condition of the property is something you will need to pay particular attention to. Remember, the climate in the area where your vacation home is located is generally more extreme that that of your primary residence.

Combine that with the pressure to construct brand new vacation properties quickly, or the lack of care taken by previous rental occupants (re-sale properties), and you can understand why premature aging of elements and systems not is not uncommon.

A professional HouseMaster home inspection report will provide you with an overview of the condition of the property you are considering. Here are some suggestions to assist you in getting the most out of your home inspection and to make your vacation home purchase a successful one.

1. Attend the inspection if possible

This will be time well spent. Very possibly the construction and operation of this home will be unique. Take the time now to know how things works, what repairs are needed, what type of elements or systems are used in the home as well as the age and life spans of these systems. All these issues should be factored into your purchase decision. Your HouseMaster inspection report will outline this information, but being there makes this report that much more meaningful.

2. Obtain firm estimates on any repairs or other remedial needs or suggestions identified in your inspection report prior to closing

Working with local contractors while you are out of town can be a challenge. If the home requires repairs, take the time to gather the estimates now so that when it's time to make those repairs you know exactly what you will have to spend and you have several names of contractors to call.

Following this simple advice as well as advice from your financial planner, or lawyer will help ensure that you and your family may enjoy many years of rest, relaxation and fond memories in your new home.

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