Buying a homeNorthwest lifeSenior Housing October 31, 2024

Plan ahead for retiring and buying vacation home

Photo of vacation home patio

Relaxing at vacation home can a retirement dream come true.

Adding a vacation property for your retirement years can be a dream come true.

However, to make sure that process is also vacation, here are a few things to consider:

Location, location, location

  • Make sure it’s a place you’ll love visiting regularly and is accessible year-round.
  • Before buying, do a test run and rent a property for a season. That way you can make sure that this location is right for you.

Budget for maintenance, insurance, and property taxes

  • A second home comes with additional expenses beyond the purchase price, including utilities, repairs, insurance, and property taxes.
  • Many people underestimate these ongoing costs, so plan carefully to avoid surprises.

Rental potential

  • Will you rent it out when you’re not using it? Be sure to research local regulations and demand.
  • Don’t forget—you’ll also need to manage the logistics, like bookings, maintenance, and guest communication.
  • Consider hiring a property manager to handle rental-related services for you.

Healthcare access

  • As you age, proximity to reliable healthcare services is crucial, but don’t forget to consider access to pharmacies, specialists, and emergency care.
  • You’ll want to ensure the area has the support services you may need in the long term.

Resale value & estate planning

  • Consider the property’s long-term investment potential and appreciation and how it fits into your estate planning.
  • Will the property be part of an inheritance?
  • Make sure your plans for the home are aligned with your future financial and family goals.

Carefully weighing these factors and more outlined in this article a kiplinger.com to help make the appropriate decisions for adding a vacation home in retirement.

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