Purchasing a vacation property can be one of the most exciting things to plan—imagining where you want to live and what you want in your dream home. The logistics of actually finding and buying the house are what tends to trip people up. If you’ve got the travel bug but want one place to call home away from home, Gulf Shores, Alabama, has the perfect vacation home for you, and we’ve got the tips to help you get it.
1. Consider What You Want in a House
How will you be using your vacation home? If you’re looking for a vacation property that’s your own private getaway, your needs will be vastly different from someone looking for a house big enough to accommodate small children. The first step is to write down all the elements of your dream home in order of importance, but don’t skimp on the stretch items. If you want a beachfront property with a pool out back and a master bedroom balcony, go ahead and include them. If your vacation home desires are all laid out in front of you, you may not be able to get a house with everything on the list, but it can help guide your search.
2. Research the Location
If you’re interested in purchasing property somewhere completely new to you, we suggest you visit first. But if you can’t make it out before buying your new vacation home, we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to do some research on the area before discussing your needs with an agent. There’s nothing worse than purchasing a property and realizing it’s on the opposite end of town from the places you grow to love and wish were walkable, or worse: discovering that the area’s culture doesn’t suit your style. While Gulf Shores has a lot to offer residents of all demographics, learning more about the community can give you an understanding of whether it’s the place for you.
3. Do the Math on All the Costs
When you buy a vacation home, you’re not just paying for the property. It’s important to sit down and take a look at your finances and allocate the amount you’re willing to spend once all is said and done. Understand the costs of home insurance in the area, as well as the property taxes, utilities, trash collection, landscaping, and more. Knowing the average amount of money homeowners spend after closing on a home in your preferred area is vital. Providing the full scope of your budget to your real estate professional can help them narrow their search and provide you with a list of options that won’t make your heart stop.
When you’ve considered all these factors and are ready to start searching, Kris Powell is here to help. Contact us today!
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