Are you a “snowbird?” Are you thinking of becoming a “snowbird” in the near future? When you’re looking for a seasonal home in Scottsdale, there are a few things you need to keep in mind to make sure you’re buying the right property to suit your needs. Buying a home for year-round living isn’t quite the same as the experience you may have shopping for a seasonal home, and the factors you’ll need to keep in mind may be quite different than you expected. Check out our tips to help you learn how to make the right decision so that you can find a seasonal home you’re sure to love for many years to come.

Are you allowed to rent the home?

If you’re not considering renting out your home during the time you aren’t living in it, then there’s no need to worry about this one. However, many snowbirds living in Scottsdale prefer to rent their homes during the months they aren’t occupying them. If you’re going to do this, it’s important that you buy a home in a community where you’re allowed to do this. Some neighborhoods monitor this very closely and you may be unable to rent. And if you purchase a condo instead of a single-family home, the limitations may be even more extreme.

Are you ready to handle the taxes on a second home?

This is going to be a potential cause for concern no matter where you plan to buy your home—including Scottsdale. While you may be able to afford the initial cost of buying a second home, don’t forget you’ll need to pay taxes on it, too. You’ll also have to keep up with home insurance whether you’re staying there or not, and you’ll have to pay for utilities when you’re there. And, finally, if you aren’t renting your home, you may need to pay someone to stop by and take care of it periodically when you aren’t there, too.

Is the location right for the lifestyle you’re looking for?

Are you looking for something close to golf courses? What about something near hiking or other outdoor experiences? Would you rather live in the heart of the city or near the mountains? This is all going to help you decide where to buy your seasonal home. You need to be sure you’re very satisfied with the location, because you don’t want to end up deciding to sell your seasonal home in just a couple of years when it doesn’t turn out to be what you’re looking for.

As a North Scottsdale local area real estate expert, I can help you find the perfect house that meets your needs.  Click here to get started with a custom home search.