You know you want to find the perfect farmhouse in the Hudson Valley, but with so many options out there, how do you know where to start? Before you go hunting for that dream home, it helps to know what makes the area so desirable in the first place. This guide to searching for your ideal vacation home in Upstate NY will help you narrow down your search by providing tips on what properties to look at and avoid, along with insider knowledge on some of the best towns in the region.
Searching for the perfect farmhouse to rent or to buy in the Hudson Valley and Catskills – by Dino Alexander, NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker
Preparing for your Hudson Valley Farmhouse Vacation
A Step-by-Step Guide: In preparation for your next house hunting (or rather a farmhouse hunting) trip to Upstate New York’s Hudson Valley, take some time to thoroughly research and prepare. There are many things you can do now before your vacation begins that will ease your transition into enjoying each moment of your time at one of our amazing local farms. By taking a few steps beforehand you will be able to relax completely and let yourself truly enjoy your vacation. Read more about how to prepare for your farmhouse stay.
Create a Budget and Create Time
The first thing you should do when searching for a vacation rental is to determine your budget. You’ll want to factor in room and board, travel expenses, and any activities you plan on doing while visiting, like hiking or kayaking. Then set aside some time to search—it can take several weeks (or months) of research before you find just what you’re looking for.
Check Out Hudson Valley Airbnb Listings
If you’re looking to get away from it all and embrace some peace and quiet, a rental home (i.e., an Airbnb property) is a great option. Airbnb allows hosts to list a variety of different homes: cabins, cottages, lodges, houses—even whole mansions—so you can find something that meets your unique needs. If you’re hoping to make some new friends along with some great memories, consider renting out one of these seven luxurious cabins on Airbnb. You won’t regret it!
The Location is Key
The first thing to consider when looking for a vacation rental is location. Ideally, you want to find something that’s close enough to New York City (or whatever your primary destination is) that it’s convenient—but far enough away that you have a little peace and quiet. We love Saratoga Springs—it’s an easy commute from NYC, but far enough upstate that there’s plenty of room between you and your neighbors!
Know Who You’re Dealing With
It’s true that most listings will tell you how many bedrooms and bathrooms a house has, but they won’t provide a lot of information about what else is available to make your stay more comfortable. If you’re looking to rent a vacation home or apartment, it’s worth asking exactly what you’ll have access to. For example, can you wash your clothes? Are there kitchen amenities? Will the owner be available if anything goes wrong?
Hire an Agent, Even if Not Necessary
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it might seem easier to just start looking. Don’t do it! Whether you’re buying with a partner or on your own, find a good real estate agent and work with them. Agents can help you assess locations before making a final decision, keep things moving along quickly once you buy (you don’t want to be one of those people who has been looking forever), negotiate with sellers, and much more. Look for an experienced broker—and ask family members and friends if they have someone they recommend—then check references carefully before signing any paperwork.
Ask Lots of Questions Before Booking
Farmhouses are one of those things that people love to romanticize about—an epic country getaway with your family and friends. But before you embark on your search, consider asking questions that can’t be answered by simply perusing listings. How far is it from a grocery store? Is there good cell phone reception? What time does it get dark during the winter months? Can we have pets or will I need to pay extra cleaning fees?
Conclusion
While there are countless things to do in New York State, there is nothing quite like spending a winter vacation at a quaint and rustic farmhouse surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The Catskills have long been attracting young city-dwellers looking to take time off from their busy schedules. If you’re searching for an ideal vacation rental in Upstate NY, continue reading. We’ve put together some tips on what exactly to look out for when renting a country house…
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