Buying a Vacation Property

There’s something special about owning your very own piece of paradise whether it’s a ski chalet, a cabin in the woods or a luxurious cottage. Here are some important points to consider when purchasing a vacation home:

1. Motives - Determine whether you’re looking for a retreat to enjoy with friends and family or an investment property that you can rent out on a regular basis.
   
   
2. Location - Figure out how far you wish to travel and whether or not you need year round access. Waterfront property comes at a premium so determine if it's absolutely essential.
   
   
3. Cost - Looking for a vacation home is exciting but it shouldn't be an impulse decision. Make sure you can afford the mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc. Don’t forget the impact rising gas prices have on travel costs.
   
   
4. Co-Ownership - Purchasing your new getaway with someone else means you can share the upkeep and expenses. Just make sure you agree on everything from day one so you can spend your time relaxing instead of arguing.
   
   
5. Reno's - Buying a "fixer upper" is a great option as it allows you to add your own personal touch. Major renovations often require permission though so make sure you’re familiar with local zoning rules and regulations.

Buying a vacation home is a huge decision so do lots of research, get your finances in order and seek professional advice before taking the plunge. If you’re considering a few different locations, let me know so I can refer you to a local market specialist who can best assist you with your specific needs.

Buying? get instant notification!

The Internet has changed the way many of us live our lives, and the process of buying a home is no exception. Buyers previously had to visit a real estate office and thumb through a large book of homes to find out what’s on the market. These days, everything's instantly updated online.

Purchasers have fun at first plugging in home preferences and browsing through a variety of homes on mls.ca. But it soon gets pretty frustrating as subsequent searches force you to sift through homes you’ve already looked at just to discover the latest ones that have hit the market. By the time you finally find your perfect home online, it could be too late.

I now offer a service that emails you properties which match your criteria so you won’t miss out on your dream home. Although there’s no obligation, it’s best to stick with one agent in order to build a strong relationship so they'll be better able to understand your needs. Dealing with more than one agent is unnecessary and causes confusion as agents have access to all the same homes.

It’s important to get acquainted with the market so you’ll be confident enough to move quickly when your dream home finally comes along. You’ll want to provide me with a detailed list of criteria that clearly specifies your needs and wants -- for example:
-What style of home do you prefer?
-Where do you want to live?
-What are the minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms?
-Does the house have to be in ‘move in’ condition or are you prepared to fix it up?

It’s important to establish a strong line of communication with me so that I'll be in tune with your likes and dislikes. Be sure to provide feedback when you receive property updates as it'll help me better understand your preferences. It’s a gut wrenching feeling to miss out on a dream home due to miscommunication so make sure you're on the same page.

Finding the perfect home isn't always easy but the right system and clear communication will make it much more enjoyable! If you know of someone who's house hunting, have them drop me a line so I can send them full updates of homes that match their criteria as soon as they hit the market! Instead of playing the frustrating game of telephone tag, they'll be able to sit back and enjoy the process.