It's already June, which means the prime season for rest and relaxation is now upon us. Whether embarking on a cross-country family getaway or going for a simple weekend retreat, this newsletter has something for you:

Pre-Vacation home checklist

Vacations are supposed to be a time of relaxation; a chance to escape the worries of everyday life. Yet many homeowners find themselves agonizing over little details they may have overlooked before leaving town. By paying attention to the needs of your home during the planning stages of your trip, you'll be able to enjoy a carefree vacation:

• If you have a pet, you should begin making arrangements for its care well in advance. Pet hotels and kennels can fill up quickly, especially during busy travel seasons. If you plan on leaving your furry friend with a loved one, you don't want to ask them at the last minute.
• Stop your mail, newspaper, and other regular deliveries. Piled up mail and newspapers are subject to the elements and announce your absence to all who pass by. Even worse: unattended mail often contains bills, credit card applications, and other sensitive materials.
• Make sure all your bills are paid in advance. Don't forget those statements that may be coming while you're gone.
• DO NOT record an answering message that tells people you're out of town. If you need to alert others, send out a large e-mail or make sure certain key people know the situation.
• Leave contact information with a trusted neighbor, and notify your alarm company of your plans if applicable.
• Arrange to have a neighbor park in your driveway while you're away.
• Leave shades and blinds partially open, especially on upper floor windows. A house with closed shades day and night is clearly empty.
• Purchase a timer system for your lights if you don't already have one. The best models allow you to set different times for different days rather than creating a noticeable pattern. Make sure to test the timer for at least two days prior to your departure.
• Before you leave, make one last trip through your house. Make sure any lights not on the timer system are off, as are any unnecessary appliances (computers, TV, etc.). Check that all windows, doors, and other points of entry are securely locked.

The great American road trip is a tradition almost as old as the automobile itself. Here are some helpful tips for those thinking of piling the family into the car for some summer adventure:

• Food and drink go a long way towards making the trip smooth. Make sure to pack plenty of snacks, as well as some simple lunches for those times when you have to eat in the car or at a rest stop. Make sure to have plenty of juice and water to keep everyone hydrated.
• Have at least one garbage sack/can in the car. No one wants to spend the drive with trash at his or her feet.
• Consider packing some wet naps for easy cleanup on the road. They may seem like a luxury, but will come in handy more often than not. A box of Kleenex will be greatly appreciated by sneezy travelers.
• While some drivers won't admit the need for help, maps are not an option for road trips. Keep detailed maps for all places you'll be traveling through. If spending any time in cities, have city street maps to help the navigation process.
• Early morning starts require a little extra planning. Make sure the driver has coffee or tea to help open the eyes. Bring individual juice containers and breakfast snacks for the young ones who are only half awake. Blankets and pillows help too, but make sure someone stays up to keep the driver company.
• Road trips aren't the same without a little bit of music. If you have a teenager, let them choose a handful of albums suitable for everyone. Children should get at least one favorite choice, too (regardless of how you feel about kid's music). If the kids bring portable music players, try to set time limits on their use. A trip with the family isn't the same if everyone's hiding behind headphones.
• Good reading material is also important for long trips. Allow everyone to bring a few favorites along, and let them know that relaxing in a good book for a while is ok. Keep some variety so the ride isn't silent. When bringing books, don't forget the driver! He or she may want a mental break when not behind the wheel.
• Bringing a cell phone is a good idea, but remember that there is no guarantee that it will work once you're off the beaten path. Don't plan on solving any potential problems with a simple phone call.
• No road trip gets very far without one thing: the vehicle. Make sure your car has up-to-date service, including a recent oil change and tire rotation. It's also advisable to have the alignment checked before especially long road trips.
• Be sure to bring along any supplies your car may need as well. Jumper cables, road flares, a flashlight, ice scraper and extra motor oil are absolute musts. You shouldn't even back out of the driveway without a spare tire, jack, and tire iron. If traveling through hot climates, you may want to bring an extra jug of water for your radiator as a precaution.

A blissful weekend getaway in a rented condo might be all it takes to get you thinking of buying a vacation spot of your own. If you can shake the irresistible urge to buy vacation property immediately, you'll find that there are many factors to consider first.

Come back to reality
It's hard to make a rational decision if you're caught up in the euphoria of being on vacation. Buying a vacation home is a serious investment; don't decide it all while on your trip. Come back to the real world and let your brain take over. If after time and careful thought you still think a vacation home is the right idea, you can proceed accordingly.

Be realistic about your vacation use
Is your family really going to use the home the ten or twenty days a year you're estimating? How hard was it to coordinate this year's vacation around everybody's busy schedules? Better yet, is your family going to feel like going to the same spot every single year?

Shying away from the hard questions about future use will only leave you with a vacation cottage you never visit. Vacation homes should be in a place your family loves and have attractions that never get old. For instance, families that ski often will probably get a lot of use out of a nice mountain cabin or condo. A vacation home should be purchased based on your family's identity, not on the success of one weekend outing.

Learn as much as possible about the market
You may not know as much about that "hot" vacation complex as you think, and their realtor may be drawing on your excitement rather than your reasoning ability. What has appreciation in the area been like in recent years? Is this a trendy vacation spot that won't be "in vogue" in two or three years? Is the area popular for vacation renters? Will rapid expansion hold down the rise of your home's value? Approach the purchase of a vacation home with the same care and dedication you did for the purchase of your current home.

Don't expect much rental income
Many people make the mistake of anticipating heaps of income from renting out their vacation home. Though it is possible to see a profit from a frequently rented vacation home, it's not exactly likely. The expenses of owning such a home are constant, while paying renters are not. It's best to view rental income as a way to offset some of the cost of ownership.

Tax benefits are complicated
The potential tax write-offs associated with owning a vacation home rely heavily on two factors: 1) how many days a year the home is rented out, and 2) how many days a year you and your family spend in the home. It's truly territory that requires the help of a good CPA.

Pick your partners well
You may be thinking of splitting the cost of a vacation home with a friend or relative. Such a partnership should only be made with a person you're very comfortable with. You'll have to divvy up costs, decide who gets use of the home at certain times, and deal with potential problems together. Would you be happy spending a weekend in your newly purchased home with this person and their family?

The bottom line
A vacation home should make you happy. While it certainly is a significant commitment of money, thinking solely in terms of profit potential will doom your chances of truly enjoying your getaway spot. Remember that a vacation home should be a place you'll escape to rather than a burden you'll want to escape from.

Cindy Joynt, Prudential Georgia Realty

400 North Lake Lanier

925 Sanders Road

Cumming, GA 30041

Primary Phone: 678-313-4018

Office Phone: 770-844-8484

Business Fax: 770-844-9875

http://www.cindyjoynt.prudentialgeorgia.com