What type of Snowbird Home is best for you?

There are a variety of options available for Snowbird accommodations.  Since many snowbirds also maintain a home elsewhere, budget concerns are a huge concern.  In this section we examine many types of accommodations and give an example price tag for each. 

Why not rent first?

Transitioning to the Snowbird Lifestyle requires many financial decisions.  For first time Snowbirds it is a great idea to rent for at least one season and “try things out.”  During your first season you will be able to determine whether you want to continue renting, or whether you want to purchase a home.  While living in your rental accommodations, you can also visit the surrounding areas to find the perfect location for your snowbird dream home.  If you are interested in renting, please visit our isnowbird.com Network partner: Village of La Casa Del Sol.  This community offers rental cottages at a very affordable rate along with superb social activities.

Renting vs.Buying

Buying a snowbird home can be a great investment, as well as providing accommodations for your snowbird lifestyle.  It also has its share of risks.  There are substantially more costs associated with purchasing a home such as down payments, mortgage payments, maintenance worries, and HOA fees.  Purchasing a home also requires more commitment to the snowbird lifestyle.  If you own your property and no longer wish to visit due to health, family, or other reasons, you have the added burden of attempting to sell the home from long-distance.  This situation often results in many headaches from finding realtors, signing legal documents, and repairing homes for sale.  Still, many find it worth the inconvenience and financially rewarding as well. 

Renting usually requires far less commitment and money.  You may be able to rent in the same location year after year and make the rental accommodation truly feel like home.  Renting allows you to enter and exit, subject to your lease, with few headaches.

In the next topic, we will examine the types of available rentals and associated costs.