Purchasing a second home is a huge financial investment that requires a large amount of capital. When you’re looking to buy a second home, you will already have some experience of the fees that go into it. Additionally, there are maintenance and repair costs to consider. Buying a second home can be a dream for many, but with a smart savings plan, you can make it a reality. We want everyone to be able to buy their ideal second home, and therefore here are some of the best savings tips to reach that goal.
Clarify the Purpose of Second Home
Many people have an idea of a second home but aren’t too sure of what the specific purpose will be. Will it be your main home? A summer home? Or will it be an investment property? The answers to these questions will have a significant impact on long-term affordability. Additionally, it is important to take into account that costs will be higher if you don’t intend to use the second as the main residence.
Figure Out What You Can Afford
Before adopting a savings plan, it is important to be realistic on the affordability of a second home. It is vital to take into account all of your savings and debt obligations. This will give you a chance to see which costs are fixed, and which ones can be budgeted. Figure out the down payment requirements of your ideal home, and the type of mortgage you can afford. Closing costs are a figure that can also contribute significantly to the final cost. Once all these have been calculated, you will have a better idea on what type of home you can realistically afford after budgeting.
Create a Realistic Budget Plan
The key thing to understand about budgets is that they should be long-term and focus on consistency. There is no point making a plan that will be impossible to keep to. Saving small on a regular basis is the best method. The first thing to figure out is the timeline. When do you plan to buy your second home. Many people will expect to purchase one in the next 5 or 10 years. You can break this down into an annual savings goal, and then a monthly savings goal based on how much you need to get to your target.
Consider your fixed costs and disposable income for each month. You can then start to see which non-essential costs that can be removed. It is important not to remove all luxuries, but instead to put aside a portion of your free disposable income each month. This will allow you to reach your target and buy the perfect second home. Remember that buying a second home is a marathon and not a sprint. Also, be sure not to forget the costs that come with owning a second home.
When you’re ready to buy that second home, it is important to find an experienced real estate agent that can get the best price for you. At David & Sunny, we are dedicated to changing lives through homes. We make the home buying process simple and easy; our knowledge of the local market makes us the standout option. Contact us at 650.489.6251 or send an email to davidandsunny(at)compass(dotted)com.