Santa Cruz is famous for its golden shores, natural beauty, and family-friendly vibe. It is no surprise vacationers love it here – the beaches are ideal for surfing, the mountain hikes are perfect for active families, and the charming shops and cafes cater to every taste. For all those reasons, Santa Cruz is also the quintessential location for a second home that can generate its own income.
It’s important to look at some benefits of investing in vacation homes in Santa Cruz and how buying a home here can help you earn passive income through rentals. Here are some practical tips on finding the right home that meets your requirements and maximizing your return.
VACATIONERS LOVE SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz is a vacationer’s paradise. With its year-round warm climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. As a result, a Santa Cruz vacation home can also be a great income source. Not only can you enjoy the area yourself when you are not renting it out, but the city also has a thriving tourism industry. This makes Santa Cruz an ideal place for vacation rental properties, as short-term rentals are in demand throughout the year. Investing in a vacation home in Santa Cruz can be a wise financial decision, as you can use it yourself or rent it out and make money when you’re not using it!
BENEFITS OF BUYING A VACATION HOME IN SANTA CRUZ
Vacationing in the coastal paradise offers all the perks of living in a sunny, sandy destination. There is plenty to enjoy, from year-round sunshine to spectacular beaches and exciting nightlife. By investing in a vacation property, you can create memories that last for years to come.
Santa Cruz also boasts a unique mix of attractions and amenities for vacationers. There are plenty of active outdoor activities, such as surfing and kayaking, and cosmopolitan cities like San Francisco are only a short drive away.
Not to mention, beachfront properties can be great investments and offer the potential for year-round income. Predictably appreciating property value is another benefit of investing in a Santa Cruz vacation home and ensures a dependable return on your investment.
IS A VACATION HOME A GOOD INVESTMENT?
Before you decide to buy, it is crucial to analyze your goals and current financial situation to make sure that this investment makes sense. You will also need to research rental trends, calculate rental yields, and understand mortgage options to maximize your return.
With careful planning and research, buying a vacation rental home in Santa Cruz can be an excellent investment. In addition, keep in mind the costs associated with owning a property outside the mortgage – property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance expenses, and marketing costs. You will also need to invest in attractive furnishings and market your rental property to attract guests.
FINDING THE RIGHT VACATION HOME
Before looking at Santa Cruz real estate, it is vital to set a budget and consider location, seasonal appeal, and size factors. Start by creating a list of priorities – after all, you need this vacation home to meet your needs. By knowing what you want for yourself out of a vacation home, you can guard against future regrets.
Look out for properties that are accessible year-round and feature immediate access to nearby attractions. Also, consider properties with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms to increase rental income. And, of course, you should always work with a real estate agent familiar with Santa Cruz real estate in general and vacation homes in particular.
MAXIMIZING RENTAL INCOME
While vacation properties offer a lucrative income source, making sure you get the greatest return requires substantial effort. If you decide to manage everything yourself, it can help to list the property on top rental platforms. You will also want to set a competitive price and research your competition. Of course, you can also hire a property management company, but make sure you thoroughly vet anyone with whom you work. Your agent can be an excellent resource for finding dependable property management companies to engage.
Another benefit of working with a property manager is that you will not have to worry about learning all the ins and outs of the local rental market, such as calculating and reporting occupancy taxes. A professional will also have experience in marketing the property. While you may pay anywhere from 10% to 15% of your rental fees to have someone else manage the property, it may result in higher profits for you by attracting more vacationers.
ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS
As you lay down your vacation home plans, you must also account for ongoing expenses such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Buying a property can be expensive, and mortgage payments, property taxes, and interest charges can quickly add up. In addition, the cost of insurance for a holiday home in Santa Cruz may be higher than for a primary residence due to the increased risk associated with a vacant home.
Also, consider the additional costs associated with owning a holiday home in Santa Cruz, such as transfer taxes, association fees, and other expenses that may vary from property to property. In addition, you should set aside emergency funds to cover less predictable costs such as replacing a water heater or major appliance. When you are simply buying a vacation home for yourself, it may be acceptable if the home is without hot water for a few weeks. When you are using the property to generate income, that is time you are unable to accommodate any vacationers.
UNDERSTANDING RENTAL INCOME TAXES
As with any other income source, you need to account for how renting out your vacation home will impact your taxes. First, the IRS requires that the vacation home be rented out for fewer than 15 days a year to qualify for deductions and not report income. You will also need to account for state and local taxes, such as occupancy taxes levied on short-term rentals.
In addition, there may be sales taxes to calculate. Making sure you report everything correctly and do not incur any fees from missed payments can be another good reason to hire a professional to help manage any rentals.
FINDING THE RIGHT GUIDE
The most crucial step when considering homes for sale in Santa Cruz is finding a real estate agent who can guide you through the process. Select an agent such as Scott Poncetta. Scott’s experience with vacation home rentals and solid understanding of the local market and trends gives him a needed edge when helping clients find the perfect vacation property. Reach out to Scott and Poncetta Real Estate Group when you’re ready to get started with your Santa Cruz home search.
