Important factors for second home buyers

Just after the holidays is about the time I begin to receive massive inquiries from people looking for vacation/second homes in Tucson. It's not surprising that their interest peaks about this time of year; most of them are living in cold, wet climates and see Tucson's dry, mild temperatures as perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation. Whether you're looking for the haven you plan to retire in or a home where you'll spend your vacations, it's important to think about what features and amenities are important to you now as well as in the future.

Finding the "perfect" second home is no easy task, especially when you need to think about what your future wants and needs may be to ensure you make a wise investment. Although our personal tastes may change with time, we're generally drawn to communities that fit our lifestyle. Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a second home include -

Cost of living - It's amazing to see the difference in cost of living between cities. This difference can have a major impact on how much you enjoy your time in your new home. Make sure you review the cost of living to see if you can afford to live there while enjoying the lifestyle you planned so long for. Check out a cost of living calculator to see what you'll be paying in Tucson.

Weather - This is one area where Tucson stands out. We see 325 days of sunshine a year; who wouldn't love that? Still Tucson does see some hot weather that might not appeal to everyone. Even if you only plan on living in your second home part time, it's important to think about what the weather is like throughout the year. In the Midwest you'll see the occasional tornado and flood, and in Florida you might be prone to hurricanes. Besides being scary and inconvenient, these weather forces also impact your insurance costs.

Health care - If you're searching for the home you plan to retire in, access to adequate health care could be one of your top priorities. It's important to know if there are good hospitals, clinics, specialists and dentists in the area you plan to live, so research is key to ensuring you'll be close to the facilities you may need. The American Hospital Directory lists all Tucson hospitals and their locations.

Outdoor Activities - Are you the outdoorsy type that enjoys walking and hiking, or spending the weekend at the lake on your boat? It's important to ask yourself what your favorite outdoor activities are so that you buy a home that's close to what you love to do. In Tucson you can hike in one of our desert's beautiful canyons, coast on endless bike routes and paths, or spend the day playing a round on any one of Tucson's championship golf courses. During the winter you can even find skiing on Mount Lemmon. But you won't find any lakes close by! Before you buy, find out if the activities you love are close by so you can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

Active Social Life - If you enjoy having an active social life it's important to look at homes in communities that promote social bonds and togetherness. Active Adult communities are great for meeting and socializing with neighbors that share similar interests by participating in various clubs and organizations. It's also important to have easy access to amenities like restaurants, entertainment and shopping so you'll have more activities to share with your new friends.

Property Tax Rates - Property tax rates vary from city to city and state to state, and it's an important factor to consider before you buy.

Covenants - These rules and restrictions are passed on to buyers when they purchase a property, but you can obtain a copy before you decide to buy. They're common in almost every Tucson community, so it's a good idea to review the bylaws beforehand to see if there are any rules you don't feel you can follow. If you don't like the rules then cross that community off your list and move on.

Safety - This is one of the most important factors to consider when you're searching for your home. Too often buyers fall in love with a home and jump into the purchase without finding out anything about the neighborhood. Researching local crime stats helps you to know if you'll feel safe and comfortable in your new community, and it's also a predictor of future appreciation and resale potential for the home.

These are just a few of the things to consider when you're beginning your vacation/second home search. The all important first step is to think about what you enjoy in life and then find a place where you can live and continue to enjoy it. The rest is just some investigation, most of which can be done on a computer in the comfort of your own home!