Owning a vacation home can be a dream, but it requires proper maintenance and care to avoid costly issues. Unlike primary residences, vacation homes often remain vacant for extended periods, which can lead to problems if not properly managed. Plumbing failures, storm damage, and pest infestations are just a few of the potential issues.
To ensure a hassle-free experience, it’s important for vacation homeowners, especially first-time buyers, to consider key maintenance tasks. Here are some essential tips for keeping your vacation property in top shape:
Work from a Checklist Use a detailed checklist to manage home maintenance. Having local service professionals who can check on the home during inclement weather is vital. For example, in snowy areas, a service can clear ice dams and plow driveways, while in hurricane-prone regions, shutters and furniture can be secured. Key systems like heating and water should be turned off when the home is unoccupied.
Embrace Smart Home Technology Smart devices can help monitor your property remotely. Apps like Nest and Arlo allow you to track temperatures and security, while tools like MyCentriq simplify home maintenance management. These technologies ensure you can stay on top of potential issues, even when you’re away.
Hire a Property Manager Consider hiring a property manager to oversee routine maintenance and check-ups, especially after storms. Many property management services offer packages that include security checks, appliance monitoring, and even concierge services, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Review Insurance Coverage Insurance for vacation homes is similar to primary residences, but coverage may differ due to the increased risks of vacancy. Vacation homes are more prone to damage, vandalism, and long-term issues that go unnoticed. It’s crucial to understand your policy and consider additional measures like automatic water shutoff alarms.
Plan Before Buying Before purchasing a vacation home, it’s wise to rent first and explore the area to understand the upkeep involved. If you plan to rent out your property, make sure to check for any HOA or local restrictions regarding rentals.
With these preventive measures, vacation homeowners can enjoy their property without the stress of unexpected problems, ensuring their investment remains a source of relaxation, not headaches.
For more information: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/help-homeowners-maintain-their-vacation-homes
Real Estate Outlook for 2025: Key Trends and Predictions
The housing market has faced challenges in recent years, but brighter days may be ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), shared an optimistic forecast for 2025 and 2026, predicting an uptick in home sales and more stable mortgage rates. Check out the link to find out more: https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/whats-next-for-the-2025-housing-market
Rising Home Sales
Yun expects home sales to rise in the next few years. He predicts existing home sales will increase by 9% in 2025 and 13% in 2026, with new home sales also seeing growth. The improving economy, job gains, and increasing home inventory are all contributing factors to the positive outlook.
Mortgage Rates to Stabilize
Mortgage rates are expected to moderate, though not drop drastically. While recent Fed rate cuts may offer some relief, Yun cautioned that high budget deficits could prevent mortgage rates from returning to low levels seen in previous years. However, the “locked-in” effect of homeowners with low mortgage rates will gradually ease over time, creating opportunities for buyers and sellers.
Home Price Increases to Slow
After years of rapid price growth, home prices are predicted to rise slowly in the next few years. The NAR forecasts a 2% increase in median home prices for both 2025 and 2026. While home equity gains have benefited current homeowners, affordability remains a challenge for many buyers.
Changing Buyer Demographics
The profile of homebuyers is shifting. All-cash buyers have become more common, accounting for 26% of home sales in the past year. First-time homebuyers are older, with a median age of 38, and many are relying on financial help from family or drawing from savings and assets. Multigenerational households are also on the rise, driven by cost-saving efforts and the need to care for aging parents. Additionally, single women buyers outpace single men, with women making up 24% of the home-purchase market.
Looking Ahead
Overall, while challenges persist, the outlook for the housing market is improving. With rising job numbers, moderating mortgage rates, and changing buyer trends, 2025 could be a year of recovery and growth for the real estate market. Real estate professionals should prepare for a busy year ahead, as more Americans may be ready to make a move.
Property Management Spotlight: Tips for Extending the Lifespan of your garbage disposal
Keeping up with your home’s garbage disposal might seem like a small task, but it has huge benefits. As our property expert Lucy Hinson explains, regular upkeep of this important kitchen appliance has huge benefits.
While it might not cross your mind often, your garbage disposal is an essential appliance in your kitchen that deserves some care and attention. While not overly expensive, preventative care of your disposal can save you from costly plumbing issues in the future. After all, your garbage disposal is connected to your home’s plumbing system. When you grind food waste, it travels through a network of pipes—so it’s important to ensure your disposal is functioning properly to avoid clogging or damage.
Here are some key tips to help keep your garbage disposal running smoothly:
Run it Regularly
Using your garbage disposal frequently helps keep it in good working order. A well-used disposal is less likely to develop issues, as it keeps food waste moving through the system.
Use Cold Water
Always run cold water while using your disposal. Cold water helps solidify any fats or oils, making it easier for the disposal to grind them up without causing clogs in the pipes.
Avoid Large Food Chunks
To prevent overworking the motor, avoid putting large food pieces into the disposal. Cut larger items into smaller pieces before grinding.
Clean it Every Two Weeks
Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can cause odors and reduce efficiency. Clean your disposal at least once every two weeks to maintain its performance.
Grind Thoroughly
Always ensure that the disposal has ground the food completely before turning it off. This prevents leftover debris from clogging the pipes.
Keep Fibrous Foods Out
Certain foods like celery, corn husks, and potato peels can cause blockages because they tangle around the blades. Avoid putting these fibrous materials downthe disposal.
Skip the Bones and Eggshells
While it might seem tempting, bones and eggshells can damage the blades or cause clogs. They should never be put in the disposal.
By following these simple tips, you’ll help ensure your garbage disposal works efficiently for years to come, avoiding unnecessary plumbing headaches and costly repairs.
If you have any questions about your rental properties or questions about rental homes, how to get your homes listed to ReMax Heritage, feel free to reach out to our amazing Property Manager, Lucy Hinson, at lucy@bardellrealestate.com.
How Our Partnership with Motto Mortgage Makes Homebuying Easier
At RE/MAX Heritage, we’ve spent over two decades guiding clients through the complexities of real estate, from buying and selling to investing. One of the most challenging aspects of any transaction is securing the right mortgage. That’s why our partnership with Motto Mortgage Homewise is such a valuable asset and we know how you, our clients, can take advantage of this partnership. We didn’t partner with just any lender—we teamed up with Motto Mortgage because they bring real solutions that simplify the mortgage process, offering clarity and efficiency for our clients.
What This Partnership Means for You
Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, having a trusted mortgage partner is key to a smoother transaction. Here’s how our partnership with Motto Mortgage makes all the difference.
For Buyers: Simplifying the Path to Homeownership
As a buyer, navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming. With questions about affordability, borrowing limits, and timing, it’s easy to feel uncertain. But with RE/MAX Heritage and Motto Mortgage working together, we help take the guesswork out of securing a mortgage.
Fast Loan Estimates: In just 15 minutes, you can receive a loan estimate without affecting your credit score, giving you immediate insight into how much home you can afford.
A Variety of Loan Options: Whether you need an FHA, VA, or a flexible down payment assistance loan, Motto Mortgage offers diverse solutions tailored to your financial situation.
Quick Closings: Once you find the right home, there’s no need for delays. With Motto Mortgage, we aim to close loans in 14 days or less, ensuring a fast and efficient process from start to finish.
For Sellers: Faster Closings with Confident Buyers
As a seller, having financially prepared buyers means fewer delays and smoother transactions. Our partnership with Motto Mortgage allows us to ensure that potential buyers are pre-qualified quickly, so you can sell with confidence knowing your buyer is ready to close.
Imagine showing your property to a buyer who has already secured their financing. This peace of mind minimizes uncertainty and helps facilitate quicker sales, giving sellers the advantage in today’s competitive market.
For Investors: Optimizing Your Financial Strategy
Investors know that timing is everything, and having the right financing options can make or break your next move. Motto Mortgage specializes in creative loan solutions tailored for investors, including:
Bridge Loans for buying before selling.
Investment Loans with only 15% down, allowing you to leverage your capital more effectively.
Foreign National Loans that can close in under three weeks.
These flexible financing options give investors the edge they need to make strategic decisions and maximize their returns.
A Partnership Built on Experience and Results
Our partnership with Motto Mortgage Homewise isn’t just about convenience—it’s about trust and expertise. With decades of experience in real estate, we know how crucial strong partnerships are to ensuring successful transactions. Motto Mortgage shares our commitment to clear communication, realistic solutions, and fast results.
We’ve built a relationship that empowers our clients to navigate the mortgage process with confidence, ensuring that the entire experience—from offer to closing—is as seamless as possible.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
With interest rates still favorable compared to historical trends, now is a great time to buy, sell, or invest. Having a reliable mortgage partner like Motto Mortgage makes it easier to take advantage of these opportunities. Whether you’re locking in a great rate or exploring new possibilities, we’re here to help you make the most of today’s market.
What’s Next? Let’s Get Started
At RE/MAX Heritage, we pride ourselves on being trusted advisors to our clients. Our partnership with Motto Mortgage ensures that we’re not just finding the right homes—we’re securing the right financing as well. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Housing Market Update: Rising Inventory and Stabilizing Interest Rates Create New Opportunities for Buyers
The real estate market is evolving, with rising inventory levels and steadying interest rates bringing a favorable environment for those ready to buy. These shifts make it a great time to take a close look at your options and consider how today’s market dynamics might work to your advantage.
1. Expanded Inventory Provides Buyers with Greater Choice and Flexibility
Years of limited housing supply created high demand and intense competition. Now, with more properties on the market, buyers have a larger selection and a chance to make decisions with confidence.
More Choices and Negotiating Power: Increased listings mean a wider array of options, so buyers have a greater chance to find homes that fit their needs while negotiating terms that align with their goals.
Time to Compare Options: With a balanced market, buyers can approach decisions thoughtfully, without feeling pressured by high competition or bidding wars.
Advice for Buyers: Take advantage of this opportunity to explore the market carefully, comparing properties to find the one that meets your criteria for price, location, and features.
2. Cooling Prices Offer Improved Affordability
With home price growth slowing, the market is becoming more accessible. As wages rise faster than prices, affordability is improving for many buyers, creating openings in a market that once felt out of reach.
Strategic Approach: Now may be an excellent time to reassess your buying plans, especially if affordability has previously been a concern. Evaluate your budget against current trends to see if this new environment aligns with your goals.
3. Predictable Interest Rates Support Favorable Financing
While interest rates are higher than in recent years, they’ve begun to stabilize, offering buyers a more predictable landscape for financing. This steadiness in rates allows for clearer planning, making it easier to set a budget and explore loan options with confidence.
Financing Tips: Locking in a mortgage rate now could provide long-term savings, particularly if you find a home that meets your financial criteria. With access to a range of loan types and competitive rates, securing a mortgage has become a more transparent and manageable process.
Take Advantage of Market Shifts with Expert Guidance
This period of stability and increased choice presents an ideal time to explore your options and consider whether buying now could be right for you. With expert guidance on the evolving market, you can take advantage of these shifts and make decisions with confidence.
For more insights into the current real estate climate and how you can position yourself strategically, visit the latest updates from the National Association of REALTORS®.
The real estate market is showing signs of promise, even amid a cautious buying environment, as reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Inventory levels are finally rising, giving buyers more options and time to make decisions—important shifts after years of tight supply. The cooling in home price appreciation is another positive, as wages are now growing faster than home prices, signaling improved affordability for future buyers. Additionally, mortgage rates, though higher than recent years, have moderated compared to earlier in 2023, potentially setting the stage for more favorable financing conditions in the coming months.
