In Southwest Florida, properties make for some of the best vacation homes in the country. Whether you’re looking for an attractive condo or an affordable single-family home, you have numerous choices. And best of all? Most of them are only a short drive to the very best beaches in the entire world.
Once you add in the fact that we have growing food, entertainment, and art scenes, you can see why more and more people are choosing Southwest Florida. And I haven’t even mentioned all the other outdoor amenities yet! So, today, we’re going to review several factors you should consider when buying a vacation home in Southwest Florida.
Choose an area that makes sense for you
For local properties, you can choose between many different options to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in a slower paced island life or hip and trendy downtown fun, there’s something for you. In fact, you can choose to be more rural or right on the beach; the choice is yours.
Formulate a plan during your off-season
In our area, we have countless snowbirds that enjoy their vacation homes each year. But what do you do with yours during the off-season? From AirBnB to sharing your property with family and friends, you’ll want to have an idea of what might be best for you.
Set a budget for your Southwest Florida vacation home
You’ll be happy to know that property is still very affordable for local vacation homes. Whether it’s a luxury home or cost-effective condo, you have a range of prices to go with. Set your budget ahead of time to narrow in on the properties you’ll want to tour.
Understand the insurance you might need
As a real estate agent and investor, I recommend covering your vacation home even if you don’t necessarily have to. After all, while it may not be your principal residence, it still is a financial asset. On that note, I also recommend that anyone considering a vacation home should also take a look at flood and hurricane insurance for our area.
Looking after the property when you’re away
For many owners of vacation homes in SWFL, the choice is dedicated property management. Even if you won’t be using the property while you’re away, you can have a professional regularly check on the property for you. These services aren’t expensive in many cases and can give you peace of mind.
Review your tax situation
Finally, with a vacation home, you might also want to review your tax situation. Although it may not make a large impact, it can matter for some people. Getting a good idea of how this might change your budget, or factor in with your upkeep for property taxes, can give you additional perspective.
Thinking about a vacation home in Southwest Florida? I’m happy to help you find your next dream home!
Terry Records
Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service