Owning a second home in 30A is an appealing investment for many property owners for many reasons. This beautiful and inviting area in Florida is undeniably a great place to enjoy time away seasonally. Over time, some second homeowners ultimately decide to transition the property into a vacation rental for added income when they’re away. No matter what your reasons might be for owning a second home in stunning 30A, it’s important to keep in mind that when you’re only living in your home seasonally, there are some inherent risks that come along with leaving a house unattended. Protecting your property from these problematic issues typically begins with partnering with a seasonal property manager to watch over your residence while you’re not in town. If you decide not to partner with our Santa Rosa property management team, the following are five shocking dangers of leaving your home unmanaged for extended times throughout the year that you’ll want to be aware of.
5 Dangers of Leaving Your Home Unmanaged
1. The Potential for Theft is a Scary Possibility
One of the primary dangers faced by homeowners who only occupy their homes for a portion of the year is the unfortunate and scary potential for theft when they aren’t in town. Thieves notoriously target homes that they’re well aware aren’t consistently lived in every season of the year. Many of these homes are especially vulnerable to intruders who have taken time to scope out on-site amenities and features worth swiping when there isn’t anyone to keep an eye on the property 24/7. If your second home doesn’t come with a built-in security system in place that’s evident, there’s even more opportunity for thieves to take advantage of your time away. This leaves homeowners with an understandable sense of fear any time they’re away. It’s also a costly situation to have to remedy if you haven’t put the property insurance policies in place for a second home that’s equipped with typical residential amenities but comes with a higher home invasion risk as a second property in your portfolio.
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Home Upkeep Issues That Are Enhanced When Your Home Stands Empty
When you live in your home full-time, you’re always around to handle daily maintenance issues that might arise. In homes that you live in full-time, it’s relatively easy to keep pace with property upkeep standards that allow your residence to stay at its best now and for years to come. The same isn’t always true when you’re only in your home for a portion of the year. When a property stands empty for any extended period of time, the chances for degradation to the home’s overall quality standard more quickly is something you can count on.
A home is an investment that truly requires full-time attention in order to properly maintain. When you’re not occupying your residence for weeks or months on end, issues can quickly arise around landscaping, especially in Florida, where warm year-round weather is a motivating factor in weed growth. You’ll likely also find your property collects dirt and debris quickly when there isn’t anyone to handle regular power washing of exteriors and driveways. With enough time, this can lead to costly damage to the home’s façade and finishes. Those who own second homes they only occupy seasonally also run the risk of having interior home upkeep issues that, if not dealt with rapidly, can lead to devastating consequences. A prime example would be a burst pipe that nobody is home to notice in the moment that leads to flooding, extensive property damage, and costly repairs to handle upon your return.
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Seasonal Weather Issues to Consider
The weather isn’t something anyone can control, but when you’re not home all year long to deal with the fallout of a pop-up storm or flood, you could be left with some devastating results at your unattended second home. In places like Florida, warm weather and sunshine typically define the daily experience, but so do torrential rains certain times of the year. Depending on when you leave your second property to stay elsewhere for a season, you might be leaving your home vulnerable to water damage that if left unchecked, could threaten the overall integrity of your second residence over time.
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HVAC Decline Can Happen More Quickly Than You Might Imagine
When you’re not home to keep a close eye on the thermostat all the time, your second home could fall victim to a malfunctioning HVAC system without your knowledge. While HVAC systems are designed to be durable, sweltering summers can be tough on properties that don’t have someone keeping an eye on regular maintenance and system repairs. Non-use of an HVAC system can cause it to break down more readily. If faulty wiring goes unchecked in addition to dirty filters, you run a real risk for your home falling victim to a system fire. In the summertime, air conditioning and dehumidifiers can make all the difference when it comes to keeping interiors mold free in humid climates. When you’re not around to check on this regularly, you could run the risk of your home becoming a dangerous place for quick mold build up.
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Pest Damage Can Wreak Havoc on Your Second Home
Those who live in their homes year-round are generally quick to notice when pests become a potential problem. When a second home is one you only occupy a portion of the time, it doesn’t take long for pests to move in while you’re away and cause issues. Pests like termites, birds, and rodents can cause quick damage to roofs, wires, and pipes alike. Not having someone to keep any eye on these scenarios can leave you with an unpleasant reality to walk into when you return to stay for a while.
Reach Out to Dune Vacation Rentals Today to Learn More About Our Comprehensive Services
Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve and let the team at Dune Vacation Rentals handle seasonal property management services for your second home in 30A. Reach out today to learn more about our comprehensive service options available and how we can help you keep your home at its best year-round.
