If you’re buying a second home in Seattle, it means you’re not a complete homebuying rookie. But keep in mind that the purchase of a second home presents a different set of challenges and considerations. Namely, you should get familiar with what a second home is and what to factor in before you invest in it. It will make all the difference.

Home, sweet second home

First things first, do you know which two criteria a property has to meet to classify as a second home?

1. You can’t rent it out (longer than fourteen days a year) and use it as an investment property.
2. It needs to be far enough away from your primary residence, so a second/vacation home label makes sense.

Buying a second home in the area if you already live in Seattle will certainly raise the loan underwriter’s eyebrows. More importantly, you may not get your loan approved. When looking for a second home, always keep in mind what qualifies a property as such. Why does that matter?

Considerations to make before buying a second home in Seattle

There are two major implications of buying a second home, and it’s wise to carefully assess them both.

• Who’s going to assist you in the process?
• Your current and future expenses.

If you’re familiar with the situation with the Seattle real estate market, you understand the importance of having a professional, experienced, local broker to help you prepare for the home-buying process and remain by your side until the deal is closed. And as you’re already a homeowner, you should be well aware of all the costs that fact entails and that owning a second home – doubles them. But there’s more to it.

Why it’s vital to partner with the pros

You may be familiar with the Seattle area through work or even be a native Seattleite, but it doesn’t mean much in the real estate market. There are important aspects every broker worth their weight in Pacific salt handles quickly. So, what would you need to do without them?

• Look into the building year and property condition on your own. Just because the home in Seattle is old doesn’t mean it’s affordable. And just because it’s expensive, it doesn’t imply quality work. Dealing with a home inspection is unavoidable if you want to make a good deal.
• Compromise between commute time and home price early in the process. Most people who purchase a second home in the city center do it to get closer to work. However, every downtown in every metro area spells a long commute time.
• Check building regulations if you own a dog. The closer you get to downtown, the offer of houses with yards diminishes in favor of condos. Known to be partially pet-friendly, condo buildings can have rather strict policies you should get acquainted with before buying a second home in Seattle.
• Weigh the home layout against its square footage. A bigger home doesn’t have to be as functional. Consider your way of life, your family needs, and short and long-term plans before settling on an ideal layout. Why should you pay more for a big home that doesn’t fulfill even your basic requirements? Especially since smart working joined the fray.

Of course, you can start your search for a second home on your own, explore the target neighborhoods, and see how you fit in. However, the benefit of having a local broker by your side is being able to make a quick move when the right opportunity arises. And when the time comes for relocation and equipping your second home with furniture and appliances, you’ll find out why local experts are your best allies and the most affordable and stress-free solution.

Budgeting: what to look for?

Depending on the reason for purchasing a second home in Seattle, there are certain budgeting adjustments you should take into account.

If you plan to buy a vacation home, there’s only so much time in a year you can spend there. However, the bills and maintenance costs will burden you on a regular basis. Keep in mind that you need to hire a professional to inspect your vacation home for issues from time to time.

Buying a second home to use as an investment property is subject to tax. Calculate how much you should report on time if you plan to rent it out longer than fourteen days a year. On the other hand, a true second home can earn you property tax and mortgage interest deductions under the right conditions.

Consider the home insurance expenses, too. Next to your credit score and amount of coverage, insurance cost also depends on the ZIP code of your second home. It means that if your vacation home lies near a beach, it is well advised to invest in flood insurance aside from the standard homeowner’s policy.

Finally, make sure you can handle two mortgages at the same time. If you’re already burdened with a mortgage for your primary residence, getting pre-approved for another may be slightly more challenging. Get in touch with mortgage brokers, carefully explore different loan options, clarify financing terms, and ensure that your chosen lender will be at your service even on short notice. A successful real estate purchase in a complex market such as in Seattle demands it.

Time your search, tame your credit score, and team up with experts

Before you initiate the process of buying a second home in Seattle, plan it out, choose the right season, and outline your budget. Make sure that you have accounted for all the expenses this investment will burden you with and that you can outsource key tasks to Seattle’s experts. To start the second home buying process on the right foot, get in touch with an expert broker first, and allow them to lead you toward your goal. In today’s Seattle real estate market, which is practically sold out, every (mis)step counts.