Buying a second home: your experiences

[ursulawrite]

We''re going to be in a position in the next twelve months to buy a weekend home, somewhere in Fairfield County, CT, but we''re not exactly sure which town.

This is all very preliminary, but we have started looking at homes within our price range, both with a broker and onine. Needless to say, we''re very excited at the thought of leaving our NY apartment -- albeit temporarily -- to get some country air/beach time.

Anyway, I would LOVE to hear the experiences of all you weekend home-owners, good and bad, pre- and post-sale, on Pricescope. Thanks!

 

[AGBF]

You can contact Susan Connal, the realtor we used to sell our house (our only home) in Fairfield County last year.

You can e-mail her at: susan.

connal

@

cbmoves.com
or
susan.

connal

@

coldwellbanker.

com

I believe she only works in one town, but is just a helpful woman who could give you some ideas. She is also experienced as a second home owner. She lives in Greenwich, but rents out a home in a Vermont ski area for extra income. She is very down to earth and sweet. How many realtors take care of your dog (and with love) as you sell your house? She was able to keep Biscuit from biting any prospective buyers, the only problem occurring when she gave him a marrow bone (which I had approved) and it did not agree with his digestive system! I was in Virginia, so Susan dealt with that, too!

Deborah

 

[fire&ice]

The biggest thing with a second home is that you have to use it. A leaky pipe can go unattended for two weeks. And, if you aren''t going to visit with frequency, you have to arrange to have someone cut the grass and tend to things like that.

Our situation is a bit different as the second home is a stragetic location to service clients within a radius to far from our home. But, it''s the same in that one house is a little city house & one is a country home. I LOVE having both. I love the fact that I can walk to restaurants, be a block from one of my best friends, etc. I also like the fact that I can "get away" to the peaceful country. BUT, you do live out of a suitcase - and tend to buy duplicates of your favorite clothing articles.

But, keep in mind - it is DOUBLE the expense. There is some shared savings; but, usually it''s double. You also have to be of the mind to do it yourself. At our age we have accumulated sooooooo much STUFF that we were able to furnish a good deal of the second home with our seconds. Being particular about my kitchen, I did buy double pots, knives, new utensils etc. Many items came from Ebay. I needed a stainless dishrack. Did an ebay search and found several Williams Sonoma overstocks (listed by private individuals) for 75% off the retail price.

Another thing to consider - some of my friends are selling their second homes because of activities they have going on with their children on the weekend - soccer, baseball, etc.

Good luck. Personally, I enjoy the change of scenery - so do our dogs.

 

[ursulawrite]

Date: 7/28/2005 12:15:10 PM
Author: fire&ice
The biggest thing with a second home is that you have to use it. A leaky pipe can go unattended for two weeks. And, if you aren''t going to visit with frequency, you have to arrange to have someone cut the grass and tend to things like that.

Our situation is a bit different as the second home is a stragetic location to service clients within a radius to far from our home. But, it''s the same in that one house is a little city house & one is a country home. I LOVE having both. I love the fact that I can walk to restaurants, be a block from one of my best friends, etc. I also like the fact that I can ''get away'' to the peaceful country. BUT, you do live out of a suitcase - and tend to buy duplicates of your favorite clothing articles.

But, keep in mind - it is DOUBLE the expense. There is some shared savings; but, usually it''s double. You also have to be of the mind to do it yourself. At our age we have accumulated sooooooo much STUFF that we were able to furnish a good deal of the second home with our seconds. Being particular about my kitchen, I did buy double pots, knives, new utensils etc. Many items came from Ebay. I needed a stainless dishrack. Did an ebay search and found several Williams Sonoma overstocks (listed by private individuals) for 75% off the retail price.

Another thing to consider - some of my friends are selling their second homes because of activities they have going on with their children on the weekend - soccer, baseball, etc.

Good luck. Personally, I enjoy the change of scenery - so do our dogs.

My dog loves the countryside, too! I have no plans to have kids for many years (I''m only 28 and my husband is just a few years older), so the sports games engagements aren''t a concern.

Good idea on sourcing things from ebay. I can imagine I''ll be hitting craigslist for random items of furniture, too.

The biggest dilemma will be whether we buy for beach access (Westport) or the coutryside (Easton/Redding). Hmmm...