Have you been dreaming of owning a summer property, such as a summer home, cottage or cabin, or other kind of recreational property? It doesn’t have to just be a dream.
A summer cabin or recreational property is a fantastic way to get away from the city when the weather is hot and let your hair down. There is a world of difference between staying at a hotel when on vacation, rather than simply spending some time at your second home.
If you’re in the market for a summer cottage, cabin or otherwise home-away-from-home, there are quite a few things you’ll need to know and consider.
Before you outright buy a place, you should have spent some time in the area, possibly renting a cabin for a few summers, to make sure it’s ideal for you and your family.
You should take some time to get to know your neighbours. If you share a lake with other summer home owners, those other people will likely have an effect on your experience. It will help if you like them!
Don’t forget to do your financial homework as well. Owning your own special summer getaway property may seem like a dream, but you’ve got to make sure your head isn’t in the clouds when it comes to dollars and sense (see what I did there?). Get pre-approved first so you know what your budget is and you can stick within it.
You may have other costs that don’t come with a regular mortgage to consider as well, such as boat fuel, docking costs, as well as possible maintenance and repairs.
With those monetary concerns in mind, make sure you weigh your needs and wants to ensure you purchase the right summer property for you. For example, how much space do you need? Do you want enough room for all of your large family to visit? Do you want to be close to water? Would you then want a private dock? Do you prefer to be more remote, or be closer to amenities?
The best way to strike a balance between your needs, wants, and your budget is to seek the expertise of a realtor who knows the area. Realty in Red Deer has access to multiple recreational property listings in Central Alberta and can help you find the right one for you.
To get started looking at properties, go to our property search page and select “recreational” under property type to find some great country getaway options or contact us.
