Vacation Home Buying Tips

Many folks living in Greenville fantasize about running off to their own personal retreat in the mountains, at a lake or at the beach. But how do you know which vacation home is best for you?

Choosing a location

Do you want your vacation home to be in the middle of all the activity, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded location? Is a condo at the mountain your cup of tea or a farmhouse tucked away in the woods? Whichever environment you prefer, here are some things you should consider:

• Popularity. A house in a hot vacation market will usually cost more than a place off the beaten path. At the same time, continued popularity may help you profit from appreciation.
• Proximity to your home.
  If you plan to visit regularly, look for a place that's easy to get to.
• Rental possibilities.
  If you're hoping to offset some costs by renting the home for part of the year, find out about seasonal demand for rentals in the area.

Maintaining your getaway

Regular upkeep is more difficult with a vacation home than with your primary Greenville residence, but no less important. The value of the home, both as an investment and as a place you enjoy visiting, depends on good maintenance.

If your primary residence is not far from Greenville, you may want to make weekly visits to mow the lawn, water the garden, clean the gutters or shovel snow. If doing it yourself is impractical, consider hiring a vacation property management company to provide maintenance services during the times when you're not using the home.

Visit LizFreeman.com and LizFreemanHomes.com to learn more about buying a vacation home or give me a call for more personal service.