Take House-Hunting Tips on Vacation

Don't forget sunscreen, but here's what to do before and during your trip

By Melody Warnick, bankrate.com | Published: 11/01/2007

You should know local home values, how well nearby properties rent and what off-season is like when you look at a potential second home.

While You're There

1. Find the nearest Starbucks.
Not that your dream town needs the ubiquitous coffee chain, but you do need to get to know the area before you drop the cash for a vacation home there. While you're on vacation, scout out the hospital, the restaurants and the grocery store, too, and make sure that the place offers enough of what you love to keep your interest over the long haul.

2. Talk to locals.
You may have been vacationing in the same Berkshires hamlet since you were a kid, but you still probably have no idea what it's like off-season. This is a particularly relevant point if you're hoping to rent your place. So hit up a few locals for their no-holds-barred take on the town.

3. Check out the vacation rental market.
Your agent can clue you in on local home values, but perhaps more important is how well vacation properties rent, and for how much.

<< Before You Go I Vacation House Hunting Tips >>

GO TO: House Hunters Homebuying Guide

Read the Top 10 Things to Know About Buying a Second Home

1. Resist the urge to impulse buy
2. Evaluate your needs and long-term goals
3. Get to know the area before buying
4. Hire a local real estate agent
5. Decide what type of home is right for you
6. Shop around for a mortgage
7. Calculate additional expenses
8. Consider fractional ownership to cut down on costs
9. Look into tax benefits
10. Rent your home out for extra income

More on FrontDoor:

• FrontDoor's Top 10 Tips and Advice on Everything Real Estate
• Search Homes for Sale
• First-Time Homebuyer's Guide
• Explore Cities Across America
• Waterfront Living Guide
• Luxury Living Guide

Comments