When owning a second home keeping it in top-notch condition from far away can seem challenging. To make home management easier than it seems, we suggest following these simple steps:

Step 1: Get a low-maintenance home

Not all homes are equal in terms of maintenance needs. The features and location of the home can play a direct role on its maintenance needs. Homes in areas with seasonal changes and extreme weather will need more assistance than those in areas with amicable climates. A modern home usually asks for less upkeep than an older one. Features like elevators, pools, decks, saunas, and gyms, usually come with a higher operational cost.

Step 2: Install trusted systems

Homes away from home should count on a great security system to protect your home when you are away, and to protect you and your loved ones when it is in use. Security systems allow for monitoring of activity, and facilitate working with the authorities in case of an incident. Homeowners can focus on leisure when they are confident that their property is secure. Along with a security system, it is crucial to keep the home’s technology updated. Smart home gadgets and features will make your second home comfortable and liveable. It is best to have the tools ready in case you need to check in on work from your vacation destination. Technology can also assist by simulating activity during periods of time when you are away, or letting you know of potential maintenance problems. As a final trust system, we encourage you to become part of the community. Neighborhoods are safer and more pleasant when people care for one another. You could even leave a key with a neighbor for emergencies!

Step 3: Hire Locally

We suggest covering service needs for your home locally. If possible we recommend seeking a local property manager or management company to keep your home in optimal condition. Such a service can handle housekeeping, landscaping, and even rental management. However, this option can be costly, which is why we alternatively suggest sourcing janitorial and landscaping staff directly from the community.

Step 4: Be proactive

Staying alert about the condition of the systems and appliances in a home can save you money, time, and a lot of frustration. Regular upkeep may prolong the life cycle of a home’s systems, while raising a red flag if anything isn’t working as it should.

Step 5: Keep owner’s storage

Regardless of whether your second home is rented, used by friends, or left vacant for weeks and months throughout the year, it always help to keep some belongings there. Storage space for essentials, heavy use items, or even tools that only you can access, makes for a smoother experience.

These steps can help in creating a less stressful and smoother management experience. Still, in practice it will most likely be costly and a lot of hard-work to manage a second home. We would like to offer a simpler and transparent option, fully managed co-ownership. With Secconda, all an owner has to do is show up and enjoy, everything else is taken care of. So what exactly do we take care of?

Maintenance services

Our full management services cover all of the hassles connected to ownership that may disrupt your enjoyment if done independently. After each co-owner stays at the home, we conduct a thorough inspection and cleaning. Any complications are noted and solved, and repairs are carried out immediately whenever possible. Preventative maintenance work is scheduled and supervised by Secconda, with reserve funds set aside from day one to confront any unexpected challenges. Short lifespan objects such as batteries and lightbulbs are provided at the home for swift replacement. Landscaping, snow removal, and facade upkeep are also taken care of so your home can shine brighter with every stay. We also provide scheduling technology through the Secconda Owner App, so you can stay at your home equitably.

Design and furnishings

Setting up a home tastefully with luxury and comfort in mind is no small feat. We take care of this challenge, as our interior design team carefully curates an ideal environment of aesthetic beauty and practical functionality at each Secconda home. Furniture, accessories, artwork, and decorative items are all hand-picked for maximum comfort and elegance. We ensure that homes are fully equipped, which is why we also provide linens, kitchenware, electronic devices, and leisure items like books, board games, and more.

Budgeting and billing

It can be difficult to keep track of every transaction made for your second home, and even more difficult to keep the bills from piling up. Secconda assists owners by producing a comprehensive annual budget with all estimates for operating costs. These are split into 12 installments to be paid monthly to the home’s limited company account. Secconda gathers the funds from all co-owners to pay the bills. To get an early estimate on the operating expenses of a home, such information can be found on its listing. These payments cover management, taxes, maintenance and repairs, and utilities.

Owner support

Secconda is here to help before, during, and after you buy into a second home. Through our partnerships with real estate agents and local property managers, we strive to ensure that you have everything you need for a streamlined, smooth, and enjoyable experience. For direct assistance, each home comes with a representative who keeps communication between all owners and the property manager clear, as well as making sure owners’ needs are being met. They are a direct line of support that can quickly clear out issues or assist with long term obstacles.

Managing a second home is no small feat, but Secconda is prepared to offer its full services to craft an excellent experience for you. In our view, second homeownership should be all about enjoyment, making memories, and living to the fullest. We can take care of the less glamorous aspects of homeownership, so you don’t have to.

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