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Question about "winter homes"

post #1 of 21
6/11/08 at 12:02pm
Thread Starter 
Assuming someone from the NE has a winter home in, let's say, Florida - what do they usually do the rest of the year when they're not around?

Is the house rented out? Is it vacant? Is it "looked after" by someone?

Just curious how this kind of stuff works.
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post #2 of 21
6/11/08 at 7:40pm
It depends upon the person. but all my living palces are kept vacant and maintained so as that i can vist them when i wish. Tha does not mean the seravnts do have parties when i am not their but I have never had any problems with the servanst miss using the building and cars yet.

If one can afford mutiplle residences why would one share it with strangers?
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post #3 of 21
6/11/08 at 9:20pm
We let our very close friends and family use our houses and apartments. No one "foreign."
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post #4 of 21
6/11/08 at 9:34pm
Summer homes are much more practical than winter homes. Personally, I hate hot weather.
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post #5 of 21
6/11/08 at 9:39pm
I want servants. Man, I'm such a failure.
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post #6 of 21
6/12/08 at 12:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by whoopee View Post
We let our very close friends and family use our houses and apartments. No one "foreign."

When it's vacant, it just stays vacant? Just wondering if there's a real need for someone to check up on the property when nobody is there.
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post #7 of 21
6/12/08 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gumercindo View Post
When it's vacant, it just stays vacant? Just wondering if there's a real need for someone to check up on the property when nobody is there.

We have staff some places or they just stay vacant between visits. They are cycled through frequently rather than seasonally, so letting them sit isn't a big deal.
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post #8 of 21
6/12/08 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gumercindo View Post
Just curious how this kind of stuff works.
You thinking of opening a second-hand electronics store?
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post #9 of 21
6/12/08 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gumercindo View Post
When it's vacant, it just stays vacant? Just wondering if there's a real need for someone to check up on the property when nobody is there.

I don't own a second home but we just recently went to a condo that is used primarily as a winter residence in FL. This isn't a house but aside from lawn maintenance which can be contracted out, it's fairly similar.

When they leave (each time) they shut off the water, power, close the hurricane doors, and throw away any perishable foods. The car is parked in the garage and away they go. It sits until a family member next comes to stay there.


You have the option of going to a company and having it rented out. They typically do all the dirty work like screening for you. We've rented some homes on Lake Winnipiesaukee before from some single divorced lady who never got to use it as her summer home. We went to the agency, they screened us and provided us with instructions and we lived in it like a normal home for 2 weeks.

I personally wouldn't do this because I don't like the thought of someone else using my toilet, shower, kitchen, bed, etc and if I had enough money to buy a winter home I probably wouldn't need the cash.
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post #10 of 21
6/14/08 at 12:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by visionology View Post
When they leave (each time) they shut off the water, power, close the hurricane doors, and throw away any perishable foods. The car is parked in the garage and away they go. It sits until a family member next comes to stay there.

IMO, this is the best way to go if you plan to own a 2nd house.
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post #11 of 21
6/17/08 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by visionology View Post
You have the option of going to a company and having it rented out. They typically do all the dirty work like screening for you. We've rented some homes on Lake Winnipiesaukee before from some single divorced lady who never got to use it as her summer home. We went to the agency, they screened us and provided us with instructions and we lived in it like a normal home for 2 weeks.


I rented a condo in Kona for a week under a similar arrangement.

I've also heard of vacation home areas where you can hire caretakers who will provide services ranging from drive-by's to maintenance to re-opening your place (including stocking groceries) when you notify them that you'll be arriving.
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post #12 of 21
6/18/08 at 2:17pm
I have a "winter home" near Whiteface and I rent it out when I am not there. It's large (over 7 bedrooms) so I make a good amount of money from it.

One thing you need to remember about "winter homes" is they tend to be in the middle of nowhere, ergo, your taxes will be high. So make sure you can attract people to stay there (for me, Whiteface sells) - you may need to advertise at first, but I'd say about 60% of my guests return year after year - so you can pay for the taxes, insurance, and mortgage note. And then enjoy the time you can when you are there.

I do have somebody take care of the home between guests (just a local maid service), and I have hired a handyman who takes care of any complaints. When you find the property, you'll need to find both so you can have a smooth operation.

It's completely worth it. Just screen who stays at your home and unless the parents of college kids are willing to lease it for the week, do not rent to college kids - make sure the renters have assets. Destroying a property can and does happen.
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post #13 of 21
6/18/08 at 2:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gumercindo View Post
When it's vacant, it just stays vacant? Just wondering if there's a real need for someone to check up on the property when nobody is there.

Yes, pipes freeze. And burst.
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post #14 of 21
6/18/08 at 2:20pm
Er, I am sorry - I mixed up the two locations. But much of my advice stays true.

Sorry.
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post #15 of 21
6/18/08 at 2:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scarphe View Post
It depends upon the person. but all my living palces are kept vacant and maintained so as that i can vist them when i wish. Tha does not mean the seravnts do have parties when i am not their but I have never had any problems with the servanst miss using the building and cars yet.

If one can afford mutiplle residences why would one share it with strangers?

It never ceases to amaze me how people so rich can be such unalloyed socialists.
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