The newly frigid air warns of colder weather to come, and we start to look forward to our favorite part of winter: vacation! If you're one who vacations frequently throughout the year, or  who stays away for extended periods of time, buying a vacation home may be a desirable option for you.

Financial Planning

The first thing to consider is your finances, do you have a good amount of savings tucked away? Can you afford the mortgage, utilities, and hidden costs on a second property? You may also consider how much use you expect to get out of a vacation home. If Vermont winters are becoming increasingly unbearable, or you find yourself visiting family on a regular basis in another state, this second home has the potential to switch to primary status at some point in the future, making it an even more sound investment.

Income Potential

 

 

A vacation home also offers some hidden income potential as a rental property. A condo will better lend itself to this function as association fees cover  the upkeep and maintenance you will not  be around to oversee. Better not to depend on rental income to carry your mortgage for the property, but it is an added benefit to a home that for you will only be used seasonally.

Follow the Market

Most importantly, now is the ideal time to buy your dream vacation home. The unfortunate truth is that the stock market - and the real estate market with it - is at a spectacular low making it the prime time to catch deals and steals on a new property. If you're not looking for a quick turn around on the property, sitting on it until the market improves (and yes, it will improve!) may pay off handsomely should you decide to sell it for a profit later on.

Stressful economic times have us all looking for a peaceful place to escape to, and a vacation home may just be the solution to your winter woes. Investing in a seasonal property can bring you added income from renting now as well as a tidy profit down the road. Or it just may become your primary residence.

And wouldn't you just love to have a place where all your family and friends can convene, enjoying warmer weather and time together!

Sad but true: It is again time to say goodbye to summer's nurturing embrace. Though it's easy to get caught up in all the fall has to offer - leaf peeping, cider festivals, corn mazes, and so much more - it is important not to waste the opportunity to prepare your home before more challenging winter weather sets in. Here are a few simple things you can do right now.

Check Your Heating System

Though still only a distant memory, the time will come when you will need this to be in tip top shape! Have a heating and cooling specialist inspect your filters - they probably need changing - and vents if you use gas heat. Clogged vents could mean carbon monoxide poisoning down the road. Furnaces can also pose a carbon monoxide threat so have them inspected to prevent this as well as to be sure they will be ready for action when those chilly nights hit. Baseboard heating systems need to be checked as well, and if you plan to go away for part of the winter be sure to perform an injection of anti-freeze solution to prevent freezing when they are not in use.

Prepare Your Lawn

Cold winter months mean your lawn won't be getting the attention it needs, so make up for it by fertilizing, aerating and mowing now. Bare patches should be overseeded from now until mid-October, and attack that weed problem before the first frost to have a more manageable lawn come spring. Also be sure to trim back trees that could potentially fall on your roof when weighted down with all that snow!

 

 

Mind Your Pipes

Bursting pipes is one of the most frustrating and common winter weather struggles. Insulate any exposed plumbing pipes and drain your air conditioning pipes. Shut off the water valve to your AC if possible.

Insulate For Warmth

To prevent high heating costs use weatherstripping around your windows and doors. Switch out screens for storm windows or even take this opportunity to buy new energy efficient windows or install premium insulation and claim a tax credit.

Inspect Your Roof

It may be perilous but now is the time to catch that loose shingle or small crack, which can lead to water leaks once the harsh weather hits. Prevent more costly repairs down the road by giving your roof a semi-annual once over.

The moral of the story is that employing simple preventative measures now can save you a lot of unnecessary spending and headaches as we inevitably enter the harsher winter months. Now is the perfect time to address potential issues so you can enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and greet winter worry-free!

If you've been watching the news then you know that hurricane Irene is scheduled to hit the North East late this coming weekend. With winds predicted to reach anywhere from 50-70 mph with heavy rain, weather experts are predicting possible power outages, downed trees, and potential flooding.

While New York and Boston will receive the worst of it, Vermont will still receive some major weather. So what should you do to make sure you're prepared? First things first, stay calm. At the very least make sure that by Saturday night all of you doors and windows are secured and be prepared to stay indoors. If you have any animals be sure that they too are secured indoors and can not easily escape if frightened by the storm. It would also be a good idea to make sure gutters and draining ditches are clear of debris. Secure outdoor lawn furniture and other outside objects that could be blown away as well.

It's best if you have a few extra supplies on hand like flashlights, batteries, non perishable food, extra water, and a full tank of gas in your car in case of power outages or flooding detours come Monday morning. Be sure to check in with local news reports to stay on top of the latest weather alerts and above all, stay safe Vermont!

For more information on hurricane Irene visit:

http://news.yahoo.com/hurricane-irene-marks-1st-big-us-threat-years-071828290.html

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/imagegallery/image_feature_2043.html

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/08/25/hurricane.irene.airlines/