A Vacation that Pays: Investing in a Vacation Home
In the middle of winter it’s hard to find solace in the same four walls you’ve been hibernating in.
The birds have long since flocked south, and soon, throngs of youth will be flocking to the resort beaches as well. While there’s no denying the luxury these resorts provide, why not have the best of both worlds with the refuge of your own property, but in a holiday location. The added incentive is that a vacation home is not just a retreat, but can also function as a retirement home, and work as a sensible investment opportunity.
Be it a summer cottage, a beach front home, or a winter chalet, whatever your preference, investing in real estate is a serious commitment – equivalent to investing in a business. Just as you would a business, there are some criteria you should take into consideration to maximize profit and ensure a valuable investment.
One of those, as Mark David identifies as first and foremost, is to identify the demographic and economic trends of the place in which you wish to purchase property. If you are considering a Canadian property, government information such as Statistics Canada’s Census reports provide this data so you can find areas with increasing populations, diversified employment, and burgeoning infrastructure projects – especially transportation. These factors predict a greater demand for real estate, and will therefore help guarantee tenants to rent your property when you are not using it.
Depending on that area and your own needs, the type of place you are purchasing should be taken into consideration. Who will your future tenants be while you’re not occupying the residence? Is the area popular for young travellers or mature couples? Is it an area associated with students for the university semesters? Accordingly you will have to choose from a condo, a detached home, multiplex, or perhaps a conversion of which will be best rentable to others visiting or living temporarily in the area.
As Mark David also warns, be prepared for the hurdles: Mortgage programs are constantly in flux; Documentation will be key – bank statements, tax filings should be up to date, you may be asked for proof that debts have been paid; Just because you have been pre-qualified previously, or because or you have a steady income does not guarantee you a second mortgage approval. But, with the help of a mortgage broker, they may be able to get you pre-approved by a letter of employment. Herein lies the benefit of professional help of an experienced mortgage broker.
So whether you’re trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, considering your dream retirement retreat, or you’re just looking for an additional income opportunity, an experienced mortgage broker is best suited with this venture. Some banks do not deal with mortgage brokers, and others limit you to solely the mortgage products they offer, but as an independent mortgage broker in Ottawa, I can find the best products for you. While the process may seem daunting, what better reward then to land your perfect investment property that you can profit from both recreationally and financially!