Photo Credit: www.homebuilder-az.com
For those of Arizonans that lucky enough to be able to own a home in the Valley or one of the many other areas in the state and are looking for a second home somewhere in the high country, this article should help you know what to look for and keep in mind.
Many of us would love to be cabin owners that have the chance to flee to our high country retreats in or near Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson or the White Mountains when the temperatures get uncomfortably close to the triple digits everywhere else in the state.
Realtors in Northern Arizona are saying that now is a wonderful time to start shopping around for a summer home because the home prices are so reasonable and interest rates are so low. However, the prices of summer homes have not declined as much as homes in the Valley have. Still, if you have the means to purchase a second home somewhere with a better summer climate, now could be the best time in recent history.
If you do decide that you want to purchase a summer home, there are many things that you need to consider, perhaps that many individuals don’t realize.
Considerations
You must make sure that the home or cabin home has an adequate water supply. A shared water supply or a well are essential.
You must ensure that the home or cabin’s septic tank or other sewage-disposal system can keep up with the waste from summer guests to the property.
You must make sure that everything works. If the property is an owner-built cabin, it might have problems with the heating, lighting and electrical systems. Have them checked before you purchase the property.
You need to keep others in mind. If you have family members that have various breathing problems, can they acclimate to the higher altitude and thinner air at a mile high or higher elevation?
You must absolutely ensure that they property can cope with fire. Things to consider: does the property have a non-combustible roof, adequate defensible space that is cleared of brush, and will an insurance company provide fire coverage?
If you plan on visiting the property during winter months, you need to know if the roads will be plowed to make access to your property easier.
See more:
Final Inspection, New Home Walkthrough
Arizona Vacation Homes
Museums of Northern Arizona
