6 Things to Look for When Buying a Vacation Home in Laguna Hills

6 Things to Look for When Buying a Vacation Home in Laguna Hills

  • Carly Zamani
  • 09/5/22

A wonderful location to both work and relax, Laguna Hills offers its residents a small-town vibe—without sacrificing urban amenities. The city’s location in Orange County provides a strong economy, exceptional shopping and business districts, and excellent quality of life.

Stunning homes and exceptional schools make Laguna Hills a phenomenal place to relocate or vacation, and its access to breathtaking Laguna Canyon and Laguna Beach makes it an ideal location for those interested in owning a vacation property. Brimming with tourist destinations, year-round activities, and exceptional cuisine, Laguna Hills is a highly desirable location to own luxury real estate—and has more beachfront lodging options than anywhere else in California. The city is also home to more than 20,000 breathtaking acres of protected wilderness and is a prime location for beachgoers.

Consider the following details before beginning your search for a Laguna Hills vacation home.

1. Set your budget


An important first step when purchasing a vacation home is to become familiar with the total expenses involved in owning a second home. This includes property taxes, insurance, and other carrying costs. When homes aren’t occupied, they still incur costs, including water, gas, electrical, trash removal, landscaping, and maintenance charges. Factor these overhead costs into your budget to avoid any surprise expenses that may dampen your vacation home-owning experience.

2. Work with an experienced Laguna Hills real estate agent


When purchasing Laguna Hills real estate, get to know your prospective community by talking with neighbors and a local real estate agent.

Imagine discovering a seemingly picturesque part of town that exceeds your expectations, however, the neighborhood’s main road is scheduled to be closed for a few months out of the next year due to new development. Given you’re aware of the coming disruption, this reality may impact your decision to buy,

When you’re new and unfamiliar with a neighborhood or community, an experienced real estate agent with local market knowledge is an invaluable asset. In Laguna Hills, your real estate agent can help you navigate questions or uncertainties about finding the vacation home that’s right for you and your family. Your agent will also be a great resource for less common information that only a neighborhood’s residents are privy to. This could include community events and lesser-known neighborhood statistics, both of which could help you in the difficult decision of choosing between multiple properties.

3. Spend time in Laguna Hills

Many real estate experts advise spending an extended period of time in an area before buying a vacation home. Immerse yourself in what it’s like living in Laguna Hills for an extended period of time and what would be helpful to you while on vacation.

Owning a Laguna Hills vacation home is a significant commitment, and ensuring you’re happy with your surroundings is a great way to avoid second-guessing your decision. Identifying the right location for your vacation home should also be a top priority, both in regard to real estate market value and whether the home features the right amenities for you.

As you explore Laguna Hills real estate, consider important factors like whether a prospective home is near the beach or hobbies that are important to you. If nightlife, dining, shopping, and entertainment are essential to you, proximity to these venues should also factor into your decision-making. 

4. Plan for your vacation home when you’re away

Prospective vacation homeowners should consider specific expenses, including a management fee, if their home will be visited infrequently. A real estate agent will be able to suggest a local, reliable property manager who can maintain the home while you’re away.

A smart strategy when looking for a vacation home is to include rental potential as a consideration. When managed properly, many of the costs associated with your vacation home can be offset by rental income. As a long-term investment, rental income allows property owners to build equity and pay off their mortgages. Working with an experienced agent with local market knowledge will help you look at area vacation homes to assess rental prices and research occupancy rates as you determine how often the home is expected to be vacant.

5. Determine your preferred season 

One of the best things about owning a vacation home is the freedom it affords you to get away. One of the first, and perhaps most important, things to consider when searching for your perfect Laguna Hills vacation home is determining your preferred season to vacation.

If you’re looking to escape the winter months or trade overcast weather with nearly year-round sunshine, a move to Laguna Hills offers you a homebuyer-friendly coastal zone with attractive real estate offerings. Researching the local climate and seasonal weather is critical when determining your preferred season, but it also helps when considering what type of insurance protection is right for your home. Proper planning and research will help you make the most informed and smart decision for your vacation home needs.

6. Find a space you’ll enjoy vacationing in


A smart consideration when buying a vacation home is to think about how you expect the space to function. If you hope to spend time outside enjoying the incredible Laguna Hills climate with friends and family, then the right vacation home choice might be one with a large backyard space, outdoor kitchen, and access to water.

Likewise, if your plans involve staying in and cooking or catching up on your reading, you might want to consider smaller homes with cozy bedrooms away from the hustle and bustle. The way you envision spending your time while on vacation will help you narrow down your list of preferred vacation homes.

Hunting for a Laguna Hills vacation home?

If you’re interested in Laguna Hills real estate, contact Carly Zamani of the zRE Group.



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