Questions to ask before buying a vacation home………

Buying a home is a big step in life that requires financial planning, saving and lots of upkeep. And yet, many people find that they like being a homeowner so much that they want to purchase a second home as a recreational or vacation spot. For those who are financially secure enough to do so, a vacation home can be a great investment for the entire family and increase wealth as property values continue to climb. Before jumping in with both feet, here are a few questions to ask yourself before applying for a loan or making an offer on a second home:
What will I use it for?

If you’re looking to purchase a property that you will only visit a few weeks out of the year, then it might not make financial sense to buy. Instead, you could consider renting during the time that you want to spend away from home. For the person who will be able to spend at least two months or more at their second property, it can be a good investment.

Beyond your personal or family use, you can consider buying a home that will be rented out as a vacation property. Instead of leaving the house vacant all year round, you can lease it to make some money or help pay off the mortgage. However, this may require additional insurance or coverage options to ensure that you are protected when someone else is staying in your second house.

Are you preapproved?
Before shopping for a home, the best way to see if you are financially able to purchase is by getting preapproved for a home loan by a lender. Taking on a second mortgage is a big responsibility, but you may have options to consolidate your debt. If you are financially secure enough for a second mortgage, you may keep them separate. Furthermore, you need to be confident that you can make a down payment. For a second mortgage, you may not have the same types of options for a home loan, which means you may need to make a down payment up to 20 percent. Other costs need to be accounted for as well, including maintenance, homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance (if required).

Are you sharing ownership?
It’s not uncommon for family, friends, or even business partners to go in together on a property for shared ownership. This can help cover all the additional costs if you can’t afford a second recreational house on your own. In theory, splitting up the expenses and sharing property sounds like a great idea. However, in practice, it can be complicated and stressful. For instance, if there are upgrades or repairs that need to be completed on the home, all owners might not agree on what should be done, while others might be unwilling to pay. In these instances, it may be unclear who will cover the cost, which can strain relationships and finances. Carefully consider these situations before agreeing to a joint ownership.