9 ways to winterize your second home

• Turn off the water
• Keep the heat above freezing
• Unplug electrical devices
• Empty the fridge
• Prevent pests
• Wash towels and bedding
• Cover your plants
• Store your valuables
• Leave a light on

1. Turn off the water

Make sure the water is turned off completely at the main supply point to prevent busted pipes. Don’t forget to turn off your irrigation system, too, if they’re on separate main supplies. A $500 replacement for a cracked backflow preventer is the last thing you’ll want to come home to. You should also drain anything that holds water, like toilets, pools, fountains, and sinks. If temperatures get extra low in the area, you may also want to pour an antifreeze solution down the drains.

2. Keep the heat above freezing

While you do want to conserve energy while you’re gone, don’t set your thermostat too low. Make sure it’s warm enough to keep the inside of your home above freezing. In general, aim to keep the temperature around at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent mold and mildew that may form from condensation.

3. Unplug electrical devices

If you leave your power on, unplug all your electrical devices (microwaves and TVs included) to prevent fire hazards and save energy. You may want to leave larger appliances, like your washer and dryer, plugged in to decrease the hassle of getting everything set back up when you return.

4. Empty the fridge

It goes without saying that you should throw out any perishables. Especially if you’re going to be unplugging the fridge, it’s best to take everything out, wash both the fridge and freezer thoroughly, and leave the doors open to prevent any mold or mildew growth.

5. Prevent pests

After you take the trash out, wash the trash cans and put away any soaps, sponges, candles, and other possible food sources for vermin. Try not to leave any food items in the home, even staples like pasta and canned goods. Winter is a great time to donate any usable items you clear out to local food drives and shelters.

6. Wash towels and bedding

Linens, bedding, and towels should be washed and stored in plastic containers. Open up the drawers and strip the beds to let the mattresses air out. That’s one less load of laundry waiting for you when you return.

7. Cover your plants

If you have outdoor plants that don’t do well in the cold, cover them up with an old blanket to prevent frost damage or bring them inside. For plants that require more maintenance, consider bringing them home with you or providing a key to a neighbor you trust who can check in and water them occasionally.

8. Store your valuables

Any boats, dirt bikes, canoes, bicycles, cars, etc. should be stored in a garage while you’re gone. If there are any window views into your storage space, cover them. You don’t want people to see into your house and be tempted to take anything.

9. Leave a light on

A certain Christmas movie comes to mind for this one, but you probably don’t need to go to such extreme lengths as that kid left behind for holiday vacation. A single light left on in a central area will do the trick. You can also install timed lights to create the illusion of an occupied home. It’s a good way to add some extra security while you’re gone.

Do I need to winterize my second home if it’s in a warm area?

If your vacation home is in a warm climate (beach house, anyone?), you probably don’t need to do much to prepare it for cold weather. For the sake of security, energy conservation, and keeping your home clean, however, you’ll still want to turn off/unplug any unnecessary devices and lights, throw out any food, and make sure valuable items are stored out of sight. And of course, don’t forget to lock the door.

Before your leave your second home for the winter, don’t forget to turn off the water and gas, empty the fridge, and secure your valuables.

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1. neighborhood watch

One of the most important elements in buying an investment property is the neighborhood it’s located in. The quality of neighborhood in which you purchase your property will not only influence the types of tenants you attract, but your vacancy rate as well. For example, if your property is located near a college, your tenant pool will likely be mostly made up of students and you will probably encounter vacancies during the summer months. The surrounding areas can also offer public amenities that can boost the value of your property. Knowing the neighborhood you’re buying in and planning accordingly is key in owning a successful investment property.

2. beware of property taxes

No matter where you go, taxes will follow. Property taxes are always something to look out for as an investor as you’ll want to know how much money you’ll be losing to them. High property taxes aren’t the worst thing if your property is in a prime location for long-term tenants, but the two don’t always go hand in hand. The municipality’s assessment office will have all the tax information you need on file, but it’s also a good idea to talk to some homeowners in the community before you make a purchase.

3. Check the number of listings or vacancies

Check for other listings and vacancies in the area. If there is an unusually high number of listings for an area you’re interested in, it may be a sign of a seasonal cycle or it could mean that the neighborhood has “gone bad.” Make sure you know which one it is before you buy. You’ll need to know whether you can cover for any seasonal decreases in vacancies or if the neighborhood just isn’t a viable option for an investment.

4. See the future

It’s important to see what the plans are for the area you’re planning on investing in. You can check with the municipal planning department for information on all the new developments that are coming to the area to get a good glimpse of where it’s heading. If you find that a lot of new apartment buildings, business parks, and malls are in the works, it’s a good sign that the community is growing. On the other hand, you’ll want to be wary of developments that could hurt the value of your property such as the loss of activity-friendly outdoor spaces and additional housing developments that could compete with your property.

5. Price check

It goes without saying that rent payments will be the primary source of income from your investment property, so you’ll want to know what the average rent in the area is before you set your price. If the average rent isn’t enough to cover your expenses (mortgage payment, taxes, etc.), there will be no return on your investment and you’ll have to find somewhere else to buy. Make sure you have a good grasp on where the neighborhood is heading because big future developments could mean an increase in not only rent, but property taxes too.

6. Prepare for a big down payment

Mortgage insurance isn’t available for investment properties, so you’ll need at least a 20% down payment to attain traditional financing. And putting even more down can get you a better rate. You’ll want all the help you can get as loan costs are typically higher for investment properties. If you’re serious about real estate investing, start saving up now! And give us a call. We’d love to help you finance your next investment property.

7. Start small

The process of buying, repairing, maintaining, and managing an investment property isn’t one to make light of. It’s a lot of work! So if you’re just starting out, try to avoid buying a major fixer-upper or a large property. Get your feet wet by purchasing a single apartment, condo, or duplex to get used to the work of investing in real estate and figure out if it’s really right for you.

Do you have any additional tips for anyone looking into real estate investing? We want to know! Tell us on social media!

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When thinking about the “best places to retire,” most people’s minds automatically go to a quaint little coastal town somewhere warm, but according to Forbes, there are more important traits to look for than warm weather when considering a place to retire. Taking things such as cost of living, cultural events and attractions, and quality of life into account, we’ve pinpointed 12 of the best places to retire that may be a little underrated.

1. Athens, Georgia

Home to the University of Georgia, Athens, known as “the Classic City,” is the quintessential college town. Just 70 miles east of Atlanta, it’s only a short drive away from one of the South’s most happening cities. The cost of living is 8% below the national average and the median home price is $161,000. The climate is generally warm and the city has a vibrant downtown area that plays host to several cultural events throughout the year, from music festivals to bike races.

2. Bella Vista, Arkansas

Admit it. Nobody thinks Arkansas when thinking about a potential retirement home, but the charm of this small Ozark foothills town may surprise you. Located right on the Mississippi River, Bella Vista offers beautiful views of the river and the Ozark Mountains. With a cost of living that’s 13% below the national average and a median home price of $160,000, your retirement money can go a long way here. We can’t say the same for a pricey beach town.

3. Clemson, South Carolina

The second college town on the list shares its name with the university that calls it home. Clemson is settled on Lake Hartwell and is about an hour from Athens and about two hours from Charlotte, NC, the second most populous city in the South. The cost of living is right at the national average and the median home price is $129,000. With a warm climate and a high walkability rating, Clemson is a great place to be during any time of the year.

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Described as an “outdoor playground,” Colorado Springs is a city of about 455,000 just 60 miles south of Denver. The cost of living is a little high at 5% above the national average, but Colorado Springs has plenty of activities to get involved with to lead an active lifestyle well into retirement age. Bikes are very popular, as are volunteering and nonprofit organizations. The city also is home to several well-known cultural events throughout the year. The median home price is $242,000.

5. Green Valley, Arizona

Green Valley is a collection of dozens of retirement communities with a total population of about 32,000 just 20 miles south of Tucson. The cost of living is 4% below the national average and the median home price is $157,000. Days are hot, but nights are a lot cooler thanks to the town’s 3,000-foot elevation, and winters are barely winters at all. The crime rate is low and there’s a very good tax climate for retirees with no state income tax in Social Security benefits. Green Valley is the perfect place to settle in with plenty of things to do for retirement-aged people.

6. Savannah, Georgia

Just 30 miles inland from the Georgia coast lies the lush river city of Savannah. Savannah has a population of around 146,000 and is one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities. The cost of living is 14% below the national average and the median home price is about $118,000, making Savannah one of the country’s biggest retirement spots as far as value goes. It’s a walkable city with a lot to do and get involved with, especially in the summer months.

7. Port Charlotte, Florida

Finally, a Florida town! Just 100 miles south of Tampa, Port Charlotte is a small inlet town of 56,000 on the Gulf Coast. You can expect the typical Florida weather, but with a cost of living at 6% below the national average and a median home price of $150,000, you’ll get more bang for your buck here than other places on the Florida coast. It’s a relatively new area as well, as it was founded in 1757 but remained undeveloped for more than two centuries.

8. The Villages, Florida

The Villages is a fast-growing, senior citizen-oriented community of about 171,000 just 60 miles northwest of Orlando. The cost of living sits right at the national average and the median home price is $250,000. There’s plenty to do for retirement-aged people including golf, recreation centers, entertainment, town squares, nature trails, and an abundance of lakes and rivers to explore. With the typical Florida climate and a thriving local economy, The Villages is a great place to start the next chapter of your life and invite your family to come hang out during the summer months.

9. Peoria, Arizona

Settled just northwest of Phoenix, Peoria is a decent-sized desert suburb of about 167,000. The climate is hot, and the cost of living sits at 9% above the national average, but this desert utopia more than makes up for it with plenty of golf courses, recreation centers, museums, and nature trails to spend time exploring. Median home prices are around $240,000 and the city has a thriving local economy. As the icing on the cake, Arizona doesn’t carry a state income tax on Social Security benefits.

10. Ocean Pines, Maryland

A beautiful, bikeable community on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean Pines is a coastal town without the touristy feel of other popular retirement spots. It’s a small town of 12,000 just eight miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a bit pricier than some of the other places on this list with a cost of living sitting at 5% above the national average and a median home price of $215,000, but its moderate climate and coastal location make this wooded, waterfront paradise a retirement hotspot.

11. Wenatchee, Washington

150 miles east of Seattle on the scenic Columbia River lies the sunny city of Wenatchee. Thankfully, since it’s situated on the dry side of the Cascade Mountain Range, Wenatchee doesn’t see nearly as much rain as other cities in Washington. Known as the “Apple Capital of the World,” the city is home to a population of about 33,000 and a median home price of $225,000. The cost of living is about 11% above the national average, but it consistently ranks highly on lists of best cities for successful aging. If you’ve been interested in exploring the Pacific-Northwest, Wenatchee may be the place for you to retire.

12. Maryville, Tennessee

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville, Tennessee is a charming small town of 28,000 just 18 miles south of Knoxville. The cost of living is a whopping 13% below the national average and a median-priced home will run you about $154,000. The weather is mild for most of the year, but there is some snow during the winter months. The local economy is thriving and you’re just a few miles from beautiful mountain views and the Tennessee River.

Looking to buy a retirement home in one of these awesome cities? Give us a call and get pre-qualified today!

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