How to Get The Most Out of a Shared Vacation Home?
A vacation home allows you to plan your holiday anytime you wish. With such a property, you forget about booking hotels and spending on costly apartments. However, owning such a home can be costly, and most people are now opting for shared homes. Do you know that you can co-own a vacation home with other families? Well, this is possible, and there are many benefits of owning shared vacation homes.
Here are ways to get the most out of a shared vacation home:
1. Choose Your Investment Partners Wisely
Buying a shared vacation home isn’t all about friends. You can buy the property with other new families and make it a success. However, your investment partners matter, and you should own the property with reasonable people. This way, you will feel comfortable dealing with issues and vacation schedules together.
2. Have Clear Rules
A shared investment is different from solo ownership. You need clear rules and regulations to avoid misunderstandings. This is the foundation of a good partnership, and you will have to agree on some issues. Examples include;
- Maintenance– Shared vacation homes mean shared costs. Have a list of repairs needed and have everyone assigned.
- Pets– Almost everyone loves pets but some people may be uncomfortable with pets on the property. Also, if the pets are destructive and can damage parts of the house, you should set rules concerning the same.
- Cleaning– Agree on a cleaning service, and the cost beforehand. But, if you opt for self-service, have a checklist for everyone to follow and the penalty involved for anyone who contradicts the rule.
- Breakages– Determine the necessary repairs and when to handle them. For instance, you don’t want to arrive on a cold night to find out the heater isn’t functioning. You can agree that if something breaks under your occupancy, you fix it immediately.
3. Think of an Exit Strategy
What happens when one partner wants out? Who is responsible for finding another family? Think of all this and agree in advance. Doing this will ease the exit process, making it hassle-free.
4. Budget for Common Expenses
Discuss the fixed monthly expenses such as mortgage, insurance, and property taxes. Determine the monthly utiles, and confirm how this will be like for each co-owner. You may also want to set an emergency fund, and this should be discussed early enough. You also need to furnish your home and should discuss this and plan for the associated expenses. Budget for all the expenses, and plan when to submit the payments.
5. Discuss Occupation Time& Duration
Everyone wants to vacation over the holidays, and you should divide the prime days equally. You can pick all the holidays first, then decide on the remaining days.
A shared vacation home is a cost-effective way to own your dream vacation home. Nowadays, it’s easier to do so, thanks to the many professional companies available. Therefore, determine the location, and the type of desired home, and join other families in the ownership journey.