Wanna Get Away?
Buying a vacation or second home
It is a rhetorical question folks. The answer, as the marketing geniuses have correctly assumed, is YES! Everybody wants to get away for a vacation, be it short, long, or somewhere in the middle. So, does that mean you have to jump on a plane to escape? Heck no! Or, maybe? It all depends on what you want to purchase, and where you want to spend your vacations. Let's look at a few options.
Close to Home!
Alabama Getaway
Probably the most common getaway spots for the folks of Birmingham line the banks of the lakes making up the proverbial "Lake Triangle". As it so happens, Birmingham sits at the mid-point of this "Lake Triangle". Stretching from Clanton, to Anniston, to Cullman, the triangle includes, Lay Lake in the south, Smith Lake in the north, and Logan Martin to the east. Many Birmingham natives make the weekly pilgrimage to one of these three lakes to enjoy weekends on the water with friends and family!
Vacation homes for sale along the lakes in the Birmingham area range in price but one thing can be certain, a weekend at the lake can definitely put you in the right frame of mind for the week ahead!
Shopping for Lake Front Vacation Homes:
- Be sure to investigate the property for lake access rights.
- Find a rental and stay the weekend to give it a test run.
- Locate properties that fit your vacation needs.
- View Waterfront Homes
Somewhere in the Middle
Standing on a Beach
Since the beaches of Alabama and the Panhandle of Florida are so popular in terms of vacation spots for central and northern Alabamians, you'll even find homes and condos for sale along the Gulf Coast in the Birmingham MLS! Although roughly a five hour drive to the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, the beauty of the white sand beaches definitely makes the trip worth while! I myself have made this trip many weekends throughout the year to spend a few relaxing days shopping, golfing, or snorkeling.
Beach Vacation Homes and Condos:
- Find a local RealtorŪ to assist in locating the right condo or home for your family.
- Since you won't be living in the home year round, be sure to inquire about property management.
- If shopping on a budget, consider looking for property inland from the beach.
- View Condos and Homes for Sale in Orange Beach and Destin
Going the Distance
Maybe off on some high cold mountain range
Ok, so you want something different. What about finding a vacation home in the desert southwest? Or maybe in the Colorado Rookies? Or, like a friend of mine, buy a vacation home in British Columbia, Canada. Situated among the Canadian Rockies, his vacation home in Whistler is awesome! How do you find a place in Canada? Simple, do your research! Visit websites created by local real estate professionals. That site in particular has information regarding Nanaimo British Columbia including hiking, parks, accommodations, restaurants and more!
Another long distance hot spot is Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, I know a guy that maintains a condo near the casinos just to go play poker a few times a year! Yet, like any other long distance real estate purchase, if considering something like Las Vegas real estate, I recommend contacting a local RealtorŪ that can provide detailed, honest, information.
Long Distance Vacation Home Ownership:
- Find a local RealtorŪ to assist in locating the right condo or home for your family.
- Since you won't be living in the home year round, make sure to set up a property management plan.
- If you are considering using the home as a rental, be sure to discuss the legality of landlord/tenant relationships with an attorney.
On a Back Porch in July
Regardless of the type or location of the vacation home that you select, be sure to select the one that best "fits" your family. Remember that investing in a second or vacation home is not to be taken lightly. We strongly recommend discussing your options with a qualified financial specialist and a real estate professional before jumping in with both feet!
