[La lamy]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Based on our experience, it’s no less expensive owning a home whether or not you’re actually there (assuming you don’t rent it). When not there you’re electric bill will be a little lower, and if you typically use a lot of water your base water and sewer charge could be a little lower than the actual usage rate. Besides that, there is no savings on homeownership, but there are added expenses such as a home watch service, having to pay someone to pull/spray for weeds, mow, spray for bugs, trim hedges, etc… since you won’t be there to do it yourself. And then there is the homestead property tax benefits that can save you real money, but you won’t be eligible for.

That being said, the worst part about being part time is knowing your home, that you are paying good $$ for on an ongoing basis, is just sitting there empty and you wish you could be there. And when you finally get to your home, there is always a lot of deferred maintenance work to be done, and ditto when you return to your other home. Bottom line, owning and maintaining multiple homes can begin to really wear on you over several years.

I used to be stressed out about my home when I left it, but having smart thermometers that I can control online and security cameras, I don't stress anymore. I highly recommend having a north and south home. Avoiding extreme weather is what I'm after, and it's not a big deal to leave either one with smart technology. If you can afford it, it's the best way to go!!