Things to Consider When Buying a Vacation Home

Consider These 5 Things When Buying a Vacation Home

Buying a vacation home as a private place to retreat when you simply need to get away from it all is a luxury worth investing in –– for many, it’s a dream come true! 

Before you even start to look into buying a vacation home, there are a few things you should consider. Let’s take a look at five important aspects of the process to help you make your decision and to begin enjoying your vacation home. 

1. Determine Your Budget

At the end of the day, your budget will be an influential factor when buying a vacation home. The cost of the home will likely only be a part of your expenses, as there are other ongoing costs that arise with owning any property. Sitting down with your financial advisor to discuss your budget can help you make an informed investment in a second property. When determining your budget, remember to take into account additional expenses, such as renovations, maintenance fees, and club memberships.   

2. Location, Location, Location

In real estate, location is everything, and when buying a vacation home, you should choose your desired location carefully. When deciding where you want it to be, take the time to think about what you want to get out of this second home, whether it be a particular climate, the distance to the activities you enjoy, or access to luxury amenities. 

For example, if you love to spend time on the water, a lakefront home may be for you. Or, perhaps you like to be completely immersed in nature and would prefer a mountain cottage tucked away in the forest. 

Also, keep in mind the surrounding area and how well connected you will be to your main residence. Proximity to airports, nearby towns and major cities will make travel to and from your vacation home much easier. Consider how close you would like to be to the places you will be spending the most time in while on vacation. The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options and determine what is most comfortable for your lifestyle.

3. Buy or Build? 

Some people want to just sign the contract, move in, and start enjoying their vacation home. Others, on the other hand, have been dreaming about building their dream home for quite some time. 

One perk of a custom home design is that it guarantees you have all of the conveniences you want, enhancing your time spent at the property. Not to mention the ability to design a space that matches your unique taste. Keep in mind that if you choose to build, it’s a lengthier process and will require more involvement on your end –– which can prove challenging if your vacation home is located far away from your primary residence. 

If you choose to buy a move-in ready home, remember that it may still require some renovations to create a space where you feel truly at home and that showcases your unique style. 

Get Inspired!

If you are looking to design your new vacation home in the mountains, check out our Design Series where we explore some of the top design trends for your home’s kitchen, dining room, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

4. Type of Vacation Home

Consider what type of vacation home is best suited for your lifestyle. When doing so, determine how often you will be at the property and how you plan to use this space. Will you be hosting large gatherings with friends and family and therefore need a larger, single-family home with multiple bedrooms? Or maybe your home will be a private getaway for just you and your spouse, and a cozy mountain cottage is just the right size. Once you decide what type of home you want, you’re one step closer to buying the vacation home of your dreams.

5. Amenities

Taking a vacation means you have more time to do what you love –– and your second home should provide you with the amenities you need to make your holiday unforgettable. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, look for a home that enables you to stay involved in your favorite hobbies and activities. 

Check if your vacation home qualifies for a private club membership, giving you access to high-end facilities while on vacation. Not every home will come with access to amenities and events, so it is important to decide how essential they are to you before buying a vacation home. 

Buying a Vacation home at The Cliffs

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Cliffs is a private luxury community in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina –– comprised of seven distinct communities. From grand estates to comfortable townhomes, you’ll be sure to find a property that meets all of your requirements for a vacation home.

If you’ve always dreamed of a custom-tailored home, building at The Cliffs is also a possibility. Simply start by finding your perfect homesite, then choose a builder from our list of Preferred Builders. We guarantee they will design and create a luxury mountain home of the highest quality that will exceed all of your expectations. 

If you are looking for a turnkey option, Cliffs Builders has you covered. It’s homebuilding program entirely operated by The Cliffs that combines custom-build gratification with built-for-sale simplicity by offering buyers a range of unique floor plans and interior packages.

Once you have purchased your home at The Cliffs, you will have the opportunity to become an exclusive club member –– one of the most desirable aspects of life at our luxury mountain communities. With two options to choose from, you are able to decide what experience you wish to have while here.

The first is perfect for golf enthusiasts looking to improve all areas of their game. Our full golf membership grants you access to not one, but all seven of the premier golf courses at The Cliffs. Along with golf, our wellness centers make staying fit and active while on vacation possible. You also have the opportunity to participate in private social clubs and meet other members of your new community who share the same interests and passions as you. 

If golf isn’t your passion, the active membership still allows you to access the high-end facilities and social activities at The Cliffs.

Interested in learning more about life in our spectacular mountain community? Contact our Real Estate Sales team. We look forward to meeting you and showing you just how exceptional life at The Cliffs can be.

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