The greater Cle Elum area – with proximity to Snoqualmie Pass and the forest, Lake Cle Elum and Kachess Lake, and the Yakima River, as well as its close proximity to Seattle and loads of sunshine – is a highly-coveted vacation home destination.
There are so many different types of vacation properties to choose from! Highly secluded, access to hiking and snowshoeing, lake or river front, high-activity vacation communities, and even homes that are only accessible by horse or snowmobile. If your heart is longing for a mountain getaway, Cle Elum probably has what you are looking for.
However, there are a number of things to look for when purchasing a vacation property. I have my Resort and Second Home Property Specialist designation which comes with specialized education to help vacation homeowners and purchasers make great decisions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Access is important in our area in terms of both legalities and ease of access in different weather conditions.
- Different communities have different rules regarding whether you can rent your property to others. Some only allow a certain percentage of the units to be rented and you have to wait in line.
- If you are planning on using your property as a vacation rental, you may need to have someone local for coordination and cleaning. I have resources for you.
- Remember also that there are tax rules for vacation rentals and you may not be able to use your property as much as you would like.
- If you are planning on renting your place out and receiving income, remember the weather may play a role. If we have a really dry winter or a really wet summer, that can put a damper on vacation plans. Don’t overextend yourself.
There is plenty to consider when purchasing a vacation property and I would love to learn more about your second home goals. Reach out!