5 Steps to Becoming a Snowbird

From warm weather and lower costs of living to amazing communities and more, there are countless advantages to becoming a snowbird. However, if you’re thinking about buying a home in another country, there’s a lot you need to know before you book your plane ticket. 

Here are five steps to becoming a snowbird. 

Dreaming of spending your winters in Florida? We’ve put together a dedicated guide for Canadians on buying a home in the Sunshine State! Click here to read it. 

1. Find Your Destination

As a Canadian snowbird, you have lots of options at your fingertips. You could choose an American state such as Florida, Arizona, or California. There are also a number of popular destinations in Mexico such as Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Ixtapa. You’ll also find a number of great Caribbean destinations too – including Belize, Cayman Islands, and The Bahamas. 

In addition to thinking about the exciting details like outdoor activities, year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, and other perks, you’ll want to mull over a destination’s practicality. Consider the cost of living, access to essential services and amenities, local infrastructure, and other factors that will impact your quality of life. 

2. Do Your Research

It’s important to pick a destination early on because there will be a lot of research to do before you can pack up and go. Most countries have certain snowbird regulations in place which will impact how you can use your home. And, if you only hold Canadian citizenship, some destinations will have restrictions as to how long you can stay throughout the year. For example, if you buy a home in the USA, but you don’t hold a Green Card or citizenship, you can only spend a total of six months at your snowbird home every year. 

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3. Decide What to Do With Your Current Home

Your next step as a snowbird is to decide what you’d like to do with your current home once you’ve purchased a new property outside of the country. Start by considering how long you plan to be out of Canada on an annual basis. If you’re hoping to spend most of your time away, you may wish to sell or rent out your home. However, if you’ll only spend a few months abroad each year, it could be easier to simply hang onto it. 

4. Spread Your Wings

After you’ve moved into your new home it’s time to get out and explore! Leaving familiar surroundings can be daunting, but the potential for new friendships and exciting connections is limitless. 

One of the great parts about buying a home in a snowbird community is the fun neighbourly atmosphere!  Many of these communities routinely organize social gatherings, happy hours, and events to foster a sense of camaraderie among residents.

By getting out in the neighbourhood, making new friends, and taking part in the local energy, you can make the transition to snowbird life fun and exciting. Stay up to date on events in your area by joining various social media groups or spending time in community hubs.  

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5. Work With a Real Estate Agent

If you’re looking to buy real estate south of the border, the best place to start is with a real estate agent who works in your own backyard. A reputable and well-connected agent can put you in touch with a trusted, on-the-ground professional in your buying destination. Together they’ll help you find a home that suits your lifestyle and budget. 

An agent can also help you sort through the various legal factors of buying a home in a different country. They’ll ensure you’re in the loop about any important regulations, restrictions, tax information, and anything else you need to know before you buy. 

Ready to find the perfect snowbird home? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today.