6 Things to Consider 🤔 Before You Buy 🛒 a Vacation 🌞 (or Second) Home in Scottsdale-Phoenix area.

It’s not all sunshine and swimming pools, but vacation or second homes can be smart buys in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe (aka the Valley of the Sun) if you know what to expect, buy wisely, and visit often or plan to rent out the home when you’re not there. Before you buy a second or vacation home in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, or throughout Arizona consider how you’ll be affected by these 6 things.

Location. Location. Location

If the home is very far from where you live, you might not want to make the drive of fly as often as you’re envisioning when you’re in the planning stage. Location also matters for renters, especially with popular areas like Old Town Scottsdale, Mill Avenue – Tempe Town Lake, Downtown Phoenix, North Central Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Silverleaf, and others. If you want to rent out the property, make sure the community attracts vacationers—otherwise, you won’t get the cash you need to cover your expenses.

Know the Costs & Rules Up Front

Hidden costs add up quickly when you’re traveling several hours to a vacation home. Along with gas (or plan ticket) to get there, you’ll need to pay to furnish a second home, pay for year-round utilities, pay taxes on a second or vacation property, and pay any HOA or condominium fees. You may also pay for landscaping or maintenance, plus property management if you rent out the home.

If you’re buying in a residential community, you might face rules regarding your second or vacation home. In some cases, you may be unable to rent out the property. If the only way you can afford a vacation home is to rent it out when you’re not there, this will limit where you can buy.

You May Need to Pay for Care

If you rent your home, you’ll need to pay for care and cleaning in between guests or drive to the property to do it yourself. Handling second home rentals takes time and may include communicating with guests, advertising your rental, using second home rental websites, or hiring a property manager, who’ll take a percentage of the profit.

You may also need to pay for maintenance in between visits and have trusted professionals you can call on in an emergency. Otherwise you risk driving up to find water leaks, downed tree limbs, or even a break-in. Thieves love targeting vacation homes, as they know no one lives onsite. Don’t worry, there are many areas in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe, or throughout Arizona that are very safe and a quick chat with your neighbor to keep a look out will suffice. We are friendly in Arizona and look out for one another, especially our neighbors.

Don’t Expect to Get a Deal

Unfortunately, after a years-long slump, the housing market has recovered to pre-recession years in many parts of the U.S. Scottsdale, Arizona (Phoenix, Tempe, T/O) is one of the best real estate markets, but it has its challenges such as low inventory, higher prices, and fierce competition. If you’re thinking of buying a vacation or second home, you’ll pay more for it now than you would have a couple of years ago. While you won’t get quite the scoop given rising home prices, now is still a good time to buy. Interest rates are low, and portfolios have recovered from the recession.

There are still deals to be found and I can find them. This may take more time and effort than you’re bargaining for, especially if you’re looking somewhere that’s hours away from your current home.

Know Why You’re Buying

Are you buying a second or vacation home with the intent to downsize and live there full-time later on? If so, the considerations are very different than if you’re buying as an investment strategy. Weigh the pros and cons against your personal reasons for buying a second home to make the right decision.

If you decide to move ahead, look for a real estate agent (Like myself Juan Pesqueira) who knows the area where you’re looking. The right person can help you find the perfect community, show you homes that suit your needs and budget, and be an ally during the search for your ideal vacation or 2^nd home.

Know what you’re buying

Finally know the type of real estate you are buying… Each brings a different enjoyable lifestyle.

• Condominium (aka CONDO): 3 reasons to buy a condo and 3 reasons to be aware.  It’s typically cheaper than buying a comparable house in the area.
• Single Family Home: Has been the soundest investment ever. And nobody (Unless you are in a HOA) can tell you what to do with your house!
• Retirement Home: 55+ age limit with lifestyle amenities.
• Penthouse: What is a penthouse.
• Townhouse: What is a townhouse.

If you are lucky enough to afford a Penthouse, then you have every option available to you. No matter what type of property you choose or location a good REALTOR® like Juan Pesqueira is here to help!

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