Lodges are increasingly becoming famous due to the flexibility and financial benefits they provide. There are thousands of lodges for sales in the US, which makes it easy for you to find a suitable one depending on your needs. Lodges are not only easier to stay in, but also easier to invest in.
Buying a lodge can open up the doors to a new life. While there are several benefits of buying a lodge, a quick decision can make you regret later. So take every step wisely.
And once you have decided to experience the lodge life, you can begin your research to buy a lodge of your dreams.
To choose the right lodge for you and your family, there are several fundamental points that you need to consider, and here are some of them. Let’s take a look.
1. Pick Your Location
Your lodge site is one of the crucial things you need to look at. There are countless lodge sites in the US, which are connected to almost every region. It means you have plenty of choices when it comes to selecting your lodge location. If you’re purchasing a lodge by the lake or by the sea, ensure to check the background history of the property. For instance, if you want to buy a lodge near the shore, make certain it is safe. Once you make your decision, the next step is to get in touch with the site owner or a real estate agent to discuss further things.
2. Consider Your Budget
Another thing you need to consider is – your budget. When it comes to the lodge budget, the surroundings of the property plays a huge role. There are several things you need to keep in mind to decide your budget. Is the view amazing? Is it located in a higher area for a stunning sight? If yes, would you mind heights and climbing? Does it have a sunset view? Is the lodge by the side of the lake? If yes, what’s the size of the lake? Can you do water activities in the lake like fishing or boating? All these points together play a huge role in deciding the overall cost of the lodge.
For example, a lodge with a sunrise view can be a cheap option as compared to one with a sunset view. So, looking at the lodge surroundings is something you should never forget if you don’t want to go over budget.
3. Check the Local Amenities
If you are planning to spend a lot of time at the lodge, you must check the local amenities, including hospitals, grocery stores, the fire hall, and more. Even if you are looking for a lodge in an isolated place, these things can make a huge difference and can majorly affect your insurance costs. Therefore, before you decide to buy a lodge, do a little neighborhood research and make sure all the local amenities are available in the area, both for convenience and safety purposes.
4. Availability of Transport Links
Another essential factor to take into consideration is the availability of transport links. This will make traveling much easier, especially when you are planning to go on an impromptu weekend break from your lodge. Hence, ensure there is an airport, train station, or a good rental service nearby so that you can go anywhere without having to think about it.
Also, it is wise to check whether the lodge gives you easy access to your favorite pastimes such as tennis or golf clubs, beaches, sports fields, etc. — close proximity to these places will boost the value of the property.
5. Check the Existing System
This is another important aspect you need to consider to make the right decision. You must check the water, cooking, cooling, and heating system of the lodge if you’re going to buy one for the first time. Also, It is recommended to take help from a professional inspector to check out and review the existing system of the lodge. For example, if the area is cold, ensure the lodge is insulated. In this case, you can also look into the possible installation of a stove or fireplace to keep you warm at low temperatures.
6. Consider Maintenance Costs
Lodge maintenance is very different from maintaining a full-time residential property. As you won’t be there most of the time, you might need someone to look after and keep up the property.
For instance, cleaning up after storms, mowing the lawn, watering the plants, and more. There are so many such things that can add a lot to your overall maintenance cost. So before buying the lodge, look into the maintenance costs carefully so that you can plan your budget accordingly.
7. Get an Insurance
Last but not least, getting an insurance for your lodge. Depending on where your lodge is situated, vandalism and theft could be a potential risk factor. No matter how much you care for the security of your property, there is always a risk that someone might break in, cause damage to the property, or steal your possessions. Other adverse situations like bad weather conditions — flooding, hail storm, or snow, may also harm the property. So it’s important to get an insurance that provides coverage against all miss-happenings and natural calamities.
Having insurance will give you the security that if something wrong happens, you can immediately put things at the right place and enjoy the rest of your future holidays at the lodge.
Conclusion
These are some of the essential points you need to keep in mind before buying the lodge of your dreams. Consider all the aforementioned options and decide what you and your family actually want before picking a location. Make a list of your preferences and determine what kind of lodge will be an ideal fit for your living. Also, remember all these aspects entirely depend on your personal choices and inclinations, so consider them before investing in a lodge.
