Articles Tagged "indianlakeproperty"

Purchasing a second home can be a big step. Whether seeking a cabin in the woods, a getaway beach home or modern condo in the city, buying another property is a big decision. Here's how to know if now is the time to buy.

Affordability

Assessment of personal finances is critical in determining whether to purchase a second home. Beyond the cost of a second mortgage are other financial issues such as what interest is charged on a second mortgage. It may also depend if the home will be rented out as lenders consider rental properties a higher risk than those listed as primary residences. Other factors may include:

• Insurance

• Property taxes

• Ongoing costs such as utilities (water, electric, gas, trash removal, etc)

• Unexpected maintenance charges such as landscaping

• Cost to hire a property manage to check on the property while away

Location

Having a property by the beach may sound great but it may not be a great investment. Some things to consider include:

• Ability to visit the second home as often as desired

• If not used as a rental, will home get used enough to make it worth the investment

• Decide where is the ideal location before buying and whether it is affordable versus the time that will be spent using the property before purchase

Investigate

Chat with the insurance company to see what is next after finding the general area in which to buy a second home. Begin by speaking with the current insurer with whom a relationship is already established. A better rate may be available for multiple lines (existing home, cars, etc). Better rates may not necessarily be more inexpensive. If potential new property is prone to flooding, insurance rates may be higher. Homes with swimming pools also have higher rates as do pools with no fence or gate which may not have coverage available at all.

Find the Home

After all possible expenses are accounted for and a neighborhood is identified, contact a real estate agent to get started. Once settled, soak in the benefits of the new home. A vacation in the comfort of one's own home is a true luxury. When time is spent with family and friends in the new home, the cost savings will become apparent compared to vacation rentals. Privacy and no crowds (like in hotels) are another added bonus of having one's own property. Financial benefits may exist in the long term even if the property is not rented out. Tax benefits may help lessen the financial burden. A vacation home is a space to unwind, relax and enjoy time with loved ones. Soak it in and enjoy the new home.

Get more advice on the steps that you need to take to owning a second home.

Contact one of our agents today.

The entryway is a high traffic area in most any home. Coats, backpacks, shoes and accessories tend to be dumped as soon as people enter the door which leads to an accumulation of stuff which makes it difficult to wade through. Learn some practical tips and ideas to help manage a high traffic hallway with minimal effort.

Display accessories. Outdoor clothing is usually stored near the exit but does not have to be hidden from view. Find attractive hooks to hang coats, hats and scarves to avoid a messy pile up. Swap out the winter accessories for sun hats, beach bags and blankets in the summer.

Add furniture. Create more surfaces to place items such as an upholstered bench, basket and coat rack for the hallway to provide spots for outerwear. The space will also look more cozy and welcoming with a personal touch.

See through a child's eyes. Kids need dedicated pegs to hang coats and hats easily without throwing items in a heap on the floor. Let kids choose a hook and give lessons on how to install safely for a fun learning opportunity which can motivate kids to use the hooks.

Repurpose dishes. A small dish or plate on a table can create order with minimal effort. Creating a small space to drop items quicklysuch as keys or loose change keep things orderly.

Use ledges or shelving to elevate items. Install a small shelf or ledge to place bags or purses on the wall. Not only will this save space but makes it easier on the body by not lifting heavy objects off the floor.

Opt for open. Rather than hiding the family's items from sight, create a system of open storage that makes it easy to grab and go. Separate pieces can add character to the hallway.

Line up baskets. Crates, baskets and salvaged drawers are an affordable yet visibly appealing way to create extra storage. Make the most of a series of containers against the hallway wall.

Make a feature. Get creative by making a beautiful backdrop for coats and bags and other bobbles which accumulate around the hallway. Frame the space with antiques such as a dressmaker's mannequin to hold coats or hats and similar pieces which add a bit of fun and flair to any space.

Stay hidden. Large pegs and shoe racks help keep items hidden with minimal fuss behind doors. Install shelves and hooks where needed and work out where the family will place individual shoes, gloves, helmets and other items to keep the space clutter free.

Upgrade the umbrella stand. The messiest item in the house (aside from muddy boots, children coming in from outside and pets) is a dripping wet umbrella. Leave it by the door in a fancy stand which keeps water from the floor, avoiding a potential slipping hazard.

Get more advice on unique ways to keep your hallways tidy!

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CHOICE PROPERTIES

408 E. MAIN STREET

RUSSELLS POINT, OH

937-842-2244

"YOUR CHOICE FOR BETTER SERVICE"

OPEN HOUSES

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

10:00-12:00            9500 BEECHWOOD, BELLE CENTER

11:00 – 1:00           241 CHASE 1-4-U HARBOURSIDE ON THE LAGOON, RUSSELLS POINT

12:00-1:00              8651 SR 368, #76C LAKERIDGE,  HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              6935 SUNFISH DR, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              9546 E. LAKESHORE, HUNTSVILLE – SHAWNEE ISLAND

12:00-2:00              14251 OAKWOOD AVE, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              9052 HICKORY LANE, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              11599 COOPER, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              10920 CO. RD. 286, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              49 FUN DRIVE, FANTASY ISLAND, RUSSELLS POINT

12:00-2:00              129 CHASE 10-1-U, HARBOURSIDE, RUSSELLS POINT

12:00-2:00              11328 NORTHLAKE DR, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              8907 PARK ST, LAKEVIEW

12:00 - 4:00            9443 HERON WAY, BELLE CENTER

12:00 - 4:00            9627 HERON WAY, BELLE CENTER    

1:00-2:00                 8651 ST RT 368, #84D & #85D LAKERIDGE, HUNTSVILLE

1:00-3:00                 #14 ARTIST ISLAND, RUSSELLS POINT

1:00-3:00                 241 CHASE F-2-U, HARBOURSIDE, RUSSELLS POINT

1:00-3:00                 10192 CHEROKEE, HUNTSVILLE

1:00-3:00                 11193 PARKER DR, BELLE CENTER

1:00-3:00                 11494 HORSEHOE CHANNEL, LAKEVIEW

1:30-3:00                 #61 BEATLEY'S HOLIDAY HARBOR, RUSSELLS POINT

1:00-3:00                 305 W. MAIN, RUSSELLS POINT

2:00-4:00                 9813 LAKE BREEZE, O'CONNOR'S LANDING, BELLE CENTER

2:00-4:00                 8590 ST RT 368, HUNTSVILLE

2:30-4:00                 9569 W. LAKESHORE DR, HUNTSVILLE

2:30-4:00                 11064 NEWLAND DR, LAKEVIEW

2:30-4:00                 9050 SYCAMORE, LAKEVIEW

2:30-4:00                 11337 WILDERNESS WAY, BELLE CENTER

2:30 – 4:30              #24 SUNNY COVE, RUSSELLS POINT

3:00-5:00                 131 BURKHARDT, RUSSELLS POINT

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

11:00-1:00              241 CHASE A-4-U, HARBOURSIDE ON THE LAGOON, RUSSELLS POINT

12:00-4:00              9443 HERON WAY & 9627 HERON WAY, BELLE CENTER

12:00-2:00              10271 CO RD 286 E-6, HUNTSVILLE (ISLANDER BOATEL)

12:00-2:00              8980 TECUMSEH COVE CT, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              8886 ST RT 368, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              9813 LAKE BREEZE, BELLE CENTER

12:00-2:00              9887 FOREST AVE, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              10380 SEMINOLE SHORE DR, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              13452 SEMINOLE PATH, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              9080 OAK, LAKEVIEW

12:00-2:00              7736 EDGEWATER, HUNTSVILLE

12:00-2:00              11635 FRANKLIN DR, LAKEVIEW

1:00-3:00                 14187 BASSWOOD, ISLAND VIEW, LAKEVIEW

1:00-3:00                 13548 SEMINOLE PATH, LAKEVEIW

1:00-3:00                 11193 PARKER DR, BELLE CENTER

1:00-3:00                 11638 CHANNELVIEW, LAKEVIEW

1:30-3:00                 #61 BEATLEY'S HOLIDAY HARBOR, RUSSELLS POINT

2:00-4:00                 10264 ST RT 286, HUNTSVILLE

2:30-4:00                 9327 SASSAFRAS, LAKEVIEW

2:30-4:00                 8125 TR 292 (BLUE HERON COVE), HUNTSVILLE

2:30-4:00                 9291 WILLOW VIEW, BELLE CENTER

2:30-4:00                 9169 BREEZY WAY, BELLE CENTER

2:30-4:00                 11541 CIRCLE DR., LAKEVIEW

2:30-4:00                 9050 SYCAMORE, LAKEVIEW

2:30-4:30                 210 S. OAK, LAKEVIEW

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE LISTINGS, VISIT:

http://ow.ly/YZORY