A second home provides an escape from the day to day stresses and that is one of the reasons the second home market is thriving. The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia has become a popular second/vacation home destination in recent years. Since I sell real estate in a second home market and primarily work with second home buyers, baby boomers, future and current retirees, I hope this post will provide a few tips for the potential second home/vacation home buyer based on questions I have gotten from previous buyers.
Climate is important when choosing the location for your second home but so are your personal interests. It is your personal interests that should be the driving factor. Get to know the area, spend some time driving around and mingling in local shops. Check out locations of interest at different times of the day. Subscribe to local newspapers in the area of interest to you in order to become more familiar with the area and talk to local residents and other vacationers when visiting an area. Research as much as possible online. Visit the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Center for additional information about the area such as: events, recreation, amenities, places of worship, hospitals, amenities, pet care, etc. Contact the local police department for information on crime.
- How far will you need to travel, can you drive by car, do you have to fly
- How often will you use your second/vacation home
- Pets and their needs
- Taxes and insurance, maintenance and travel costs in addition to the mortgage payment. Consult with a professional tax advisor and the local county's tax assessor's office. In some instances, interest and property taxes on second/vacation homes may be tax deductible as well as, some rental expenses.
- What type of property is best for your wants and needs, i.e., single family detached; attached housing; active senior adult communities; town homes, condominiums, studios. Talk to a local realtor about the area and have the realtor explain the types of housing choices in the area and the advantages or disadvantages, whichever the case.
- What your financing choices are. Financing terms are changing frequently in today's market so keep in touch with a trusted mortgage broker or Realtor who can refer you to local lenders who will understand the nuances of the area of interest to you. Be sure to calculate the down payment and closing costs and any other additional fees when financing a second/vacation home. Don't forget to include monthly utilities, yard maintenance, and security
- Who will care for your second home when not in use? Property management is a great option while you are away.
- Resale ! This is an important component that can often be overlooked. You may be purchasing your second home for a future retirement home which will become your primary home at some point in time and you think you will retire and be there from now on. But be sure to consider that life is all about change and the day may come when you decide to sell. Keep these resale factors in mind when purchasing your second home:
Homes convenient to shopping, restaurants, recreation and hospitals may be more desirable but privacy and seclusion is also an important factor to some buyers. However, a property that is too remote could be more difficult to sell.
- Easy driving distance may have greater sales potential
- Properties that can be used year round or at least more than one season per year will appeal to a greater number of potential buyers
- Properties with good rental history will be more appealing to a potential investor
Featured Second/Vacation Homes
The Secret of Mountain Charm in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
North Georgia Mountain Custom Log Cabin for the Buyer Who Demands Quality and Luxury!
Mountain Homes
North Georgia Multiple Listings
Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor primarily serving the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains located in Blue Ridge, Georgia. Donna is dedicated to the real estate profession full-time and is ready to help home buyers nationwide. Want to market your property; need buyer representation? Email: Donna@ellijay.com Call 706-633-0644 cell. Visit Donna's website to view great mountain properties: www.move2northgeorgia.net
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Sigh!!!! You almost make me like mountains! Of course I am an Ocean girl! :)