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The great escape – buying vacation property

You might be hitting the slopes in Whistler or going for a bike ride around the Gulf Islands when it hits you; this is how you want to spend your recreational time.

You begin thinking about buying a place to get away more often and start considering the prospect of investing in a vacation property. One of your first steps should be dropping by your local real estate office or browsing listings on your realtor’s website.

In order to help your REALTOR® find your dream getaway, think about when you’d be most likely to use your vacation home and what you like to do to relax. Do you like to vacation in winter or summer? Are you an athlete or a reader? Would you use your vacation home year round or in a specific season? Here are a few considerations when looking for that home away from home.

Winter Wonderland

If you spend your free time devising the quickest way to get to the mountain, Whistler might be the ideal spot for you. World-class slopes and trails make this the perfect destination for any snow lover. And this vacation spot can be used throughout the year. Whistler boasts golf courses, mountain bike trails and white water rafting to satisfy your needs during the warm summer months. Accommodations range from small condos on the side of the mountain to beautiful homes on the area’s lakes.

Fun in the Sun

Perhaps getting away from the city heat during the summer appeals to your vacation dreams. Consider the Gulf Islands or the Sunshine Coast. Mere hours from the city, you can enjoy solitude, wilderness and the beach. Your free time can be spent sailing, hiking or just reading a good book by the water. From tiny cottages hidden in the woods to spectacular waterfront homes, there’s a place in the sun for you.

Sports Enthusiast

Or maybe it’s not the seasons, but sports that create the desire for a vacation property. Golfing, cycling and skiing can be found all over Greater Vancouver. Even in the city! Recreational property doesn’t have to be far away to be inviting. Vancouver is internationally renowned for its abundant amenities and activities. Consider buying a condominium with a view of the water or a property close to shopping, galleries, parks and the seawall.

The purchase of recreational property is popular for baby-boomers looking to buy a future home for retirement, or families wanting a place of leisure. If you plan to buy recreational property write your own personal “wish list.” Sharing your needs and preferences with your REALTOR® will make your purchase much smoother and quicker.

You’ll want to purchase in the neighbourhood that suits your lifestyle best, so take the opportunity to visit the area before you buy. Time spent in the area can help you choose the location which best matches your life and leisure requirements. And don’t forget to enjoy yourself – you’re on vacation!