Main Content

A guide to buying your second home

After serious contemplation, you have finally decided to buy another property. This second home of yours can provide you with a plethora of opportunities from awesome out-of-town trips to a new source of income.

It may seem that in doing this transaction a second time, things will be much easier. But in reality, compared to buying your first home, there are more things to consider and do this time around.

Follow this handy guide to purchasing a second home for a stress-free transaction:

Consider the location carefully

Location is still a crucial aspect to consider in buying a second home,especially since these are typically found in vacation destinations.The neighborhood will impact greatly on the property’s appreciation value and future resale value.

If you’re planning on making this second home a vacation property, it would also be best to have one that’s close to entertainment and shopping destinations.

Consider what Lake Chelan real estate has to offer if you are looking for a place with a number of recreational opportunities. Lake Chelan is a serene glacial lake where you can boat, mountain bike, hike, fish, and more.

Figure out the purpose of the purchase

Consider what you will use your second home for. Is it purely for recreation and leisure? Do you want to turn it into an investment property? Or maybeyou want a hybrid of a vacation home and a rental property. How about making it your future retirement home?

Each property offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on how you plan to use them. Think about both short-term and long-term goals and how this second home can help you achieve them. Being aware of these will bring more focus to the kind of second home you want, be they Lake Chelan homes for sale, condos or lots to build your propertyon.

Know the costs and tax implications

Some prefer buying their second home with cash while others prefer a mortgage. For those thinking of getting a second mortgage, know thatthe process might be more challenging than the first time. You may want to tap into the home equity you built on your primaryresidence as a more viable option.

Like your first home, still take into account hidden expenses such as closing costs, taxes, homeowners’ association dues, and insurance. Look into the different tax breaks, as well. If you intend to use your second home purely for leisure, then you can get some mortgage deductions similar to the ones you got foryour primary residence.

There are tax breaks and exemptions for those planning to rent out their second home. Find an expert who can help you iron out these details.

Get the help of an expert in local real estate

Find a real estate agent with experience in purchasing homes in your target neighborhood. This ideal agent should also be familiar with the type of property you are looking for.  With the help of an expert agent, you will get up-to-date market information and expert advice on your purchase.

Are you ready to buy your second home? Get in touch with Coldwell Banker Lake Chelan Properties at 509.682.7777, or send an email to [email protected].