In an e-article recently published by Kiplinger.com, they outlined the four most important questions to ask yourself when considering buying a second home. Suffice to say, we couldn’t agree more!

First: How accessible is the property?
Kiplinger: Gas prices dim the appeal of a place that’s hundreds of miles away. You can usually hop a cheap flight to Florida, but that’s not necessarily true of Corpus Christi, Tex., or Durango, Colo.

Seabrook: We always stress to potential buyers that the way to reap the most benefit from a second home or investment property is by using it as often as possible. For investment properties, it makes sense to maximize both income and time spent at your property by spending that time visiting during the off-peak seasons. Nevertheless, Seabrook inherently fosters lifelong memories and how can you create memories without investing some time in a little R&R?

Second: Is the community well planned?
Kiplinger: In rural areas, a beautiful new cabin may adjoin a cluster of rusting trailers.

Seabrook: We’ve got plans for everything!
Third: Is the house in good shape?
Kiplinger: New construction is fine, but an older place or summer home is likely to be the victim of deferred maintenance and premature wear. Instead of asking for a price concession, you may be better off asking the seller to hire a carpenter and a painter.

Seabrook: New construction = ready to enjoy/rent ASAP

Fourth: Will you feel at home there?
Kiplinger: “[...] nothing beats a visit to see if the locale offers what you’re looking for.”

Seabrook: On numerous occasions, our homeowners have said to us that they know their neighbors in Seabrook better than they do their neighbors at their primary residence. This goes back to our detail-oriented planning, but simply put our pedestrian-friendly town plan does wonders for neighborly relations. This being said, we know neighborly relations doesn’t always imply a feeling of home. We firmly believe home is where the heart is and we invite you to take Kiplinger’s advice. Your heart will not want to leave!