Buying a vacation home in Clarksville
If you have the opportunity to buy a vacation home, you’re among the lucky few. Those who are fortunate enough to own a second home should not approach the home buying process unprepared. There are many things to consider when buying a first home, and when buying a second one, even more questions tend to arise. To achieve the best result and get that vacation home in Clarksville you have always dreamed about, you need to do a lot of research and plan each step ahead. Below are the most important tips for buying a vacation home in Clarksville TN and KY Lake every buyer should be aware of.
Explore the area before buying a vacation home in Clarksville
One of the downsides of owning a vacation property compared to renting or staying in a hotel is that you are tied to one place. Although Clarksville is absolutely beautiful, you may get tired of the scenery. So, picture yourself vacationing there for many years before making a commitment. The best way to make sure you are truly in love with the area is by visiting several times and spending some time there.
How will you get there?
The distance between your two homes is one of the main factors to take into consideration when buying a vacation home in Clarksville. Decide what the most convenient and affordable transportation option is. Will you be flying or driving? Perhaps taking the train or bus? If you don’t live far away, that won’t be an issue. However, when moving from one state to another one, time and money is a major part of the equation.
Will your vacation home actually be used?
Everyone needs to escape the routine of everyday life, relax and have some fun. So, the question is not whether you need a vacation home, the question is whether you will actually use it. There is no point in having a property you don’t even get to visit. How busy is your schedule and how often can you go to Clarksville? Try to be as realistic as possible. Perhaps your friends or relatives can use this home, too. That is also something to think about.
Set your budget for buying a vacation home in Clarksville TN
So, you want a vacation home. So does everyone else. But the question is – can you afford one? Learn about Clarksville properties for sale and compare the prices. It is critical that you set a realistic budget from the start.
First, you should get a mortgage pre-approval. This step is very important whatever type of home you are interested in, and becomes even more important when buying a vacation property. Why is it more important, you ask. Well, because different rules apply to this type of homes, the biggest one being a 20% down payment requirement. Since some homes can be quite pricey, 20% of the total amount is a lot of money. Also, you should discuss the financing of the vacation home with a local lender.
Calculate the total price of owning a second home and decide whether it makes sense. All the expenses, including property taxes and insurance, may be more than you can handle. Do not forget to take gas, electrical, water, trash removal, landscaping, and other maintenance costs into account as well.
Hire a top real estate agent in the Clarksville area
Purchasing a vacation home in Clarksville, just like purchasing any other home, is a huge investment. Therefore, you need to keep your eyes open and surround yourself with the right people. Unless you are one yourself, you should turn to an experienced professional, someone who knows all the homes for sale in Clarksville TN inside and out and has your best interest in mind. A reliable agent can advise you on finding the best neighborhood for your needs and help you with the paperwork. Working with a new real estate agent with little experience could cost you a lot.
What to do when you are not there
The management fee is another expense to take into consideration. Hiring a local property manager to take care of the maintenance is recommended in case you are not able to visit the home frequently. This may sound like an unnecessary expense but trust us – the consequences of neglecting a home over a longer period would be more expensive.
Furthermore, you need to make sure your vacation home is safe during your absence. Having a neighbor you can trust is priceless, especially if you live far away. They can watch over your property while you are not there and inform you of any changes. Additional exterior lighting and an alarm system are also good ideas.
Consider renting your vacation home
Investing in Clarksville real estate really pays off if you play your cards right. Look for a home that has rental potential. This is a smart way to eventually pay off the property and have a stable source of income, plus, your home won’t be vacant when you are not there. For example, I have a client who owns a lake house on KY Lake and she gets $500 a night during the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Consult local Clarksville agents and do some research on occupancy rates so as to know how often your vacation property will be vacant. Know your client base, will this be a hunting cabin, an antique shoppers rental or a fisherman’s paradise on the lake or river?
Settling in
After signing all the papers comes the most exciting part – decorating and moving in. Consider hiring professionals experienced in moving vacation homes. For example, the Best Movers in Florida or California execute this type of relocation all the time. If you have some money left, consider hiring a professional to decorate your new home – not only to make it prettier for yourself, but also to make it more attractive for potential renters.
