On 12/16/16,
I'm with Kathleen on this one. The flexibility you would
have is really important. Rent!
Kathleen wrote:
> On 12/16/16, Rob wrote:
>> Hi all-
>> I retired recently as a 69 year old science teacher, and
>> just turned 70. I live in Washington state in
>> Bellingham, and as much as I love the beauty up there,
>> I'm currently experiencing being a snowbird and spending
>> a couple months in Tucson, Az. That limited time really
>> doesn't qualify as a snowbird, but call it what you may.
>>
>> I'm trying to decide on whether I should buy a townhouse
>> in Tucson to spend a few months a year in. Your opinions
>> would be really welcome, but let me tell you what is on
>> my mind about all this.
>>
>> I'm currently in an airbnb, and frankly I could do that
>> every year. Sure it could be $3,000/month, but then you
>> don't have the headache of making sure your place is ok
>> when you are not there. Also, having a second smaller
>> home ends up compelling you to only go between your two
>> homes. It's possible that I could travel to other
>> locations using airbnb.
>>
>> What are your thoughts on retiring with two homes versus
>> owning one home and renting the other when you need to.
>>
>> I certainly do like the summer conditions here in Tucson
>> right now, but understand that from May to October there
>> are numerous 100+ days, according to retirees who are
>> here year round.
>>
>> By the way, a very Merry Christmas.
>>
>> Regard
>
> Rob, I think a couple of months qualifies you as a
snowbird. :)
>
> For all the reasons you mentioned, it seems wise to rent
> rather than buy a second home. Owning is expensive, and
there
> are a lot of worries associated with a second home that
isn't
> in close proximity to your full time home.
>
> Your point about keeping flexibility to go to other
locations
> in some winters instead of being tied to one location is
> another good one.
>
> So, I vote for renting. Enjoy!
>
> Kathleen
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