Would you Lock and Leave?

OK, so what in the world is “lock and leave”?  Is it a lifestyle or a community, a type of home or facility? Of course as you probably suspect, the answer is “Yes”.

The concept has been around for ages, but the term “lock and leave” is not so old. It’s basically the idea of having the flexibility to take off and leave home, which requires not only a certain personal means but a home that you can leave and be secure in the knowledge that it will be cared for and safe in your absence.

Whether you are from the North or South you know what “Snow Birds” are, so you get the picture.

So, what are the lifestyle components and do YOU fit?

• Spontaneous, adventurous? Methodical / careful advance planning?  
• Could go somewhere short term / long term?  Some of each?
• Interest in different destinations: road trips to see the country or just “jump” to a place of interest? 
• Vacation home of your own?
• Cultural or religious pilgrimage? 
• Children moved out, pets passed away (too morbid?) 
• Have a motor home or camper, drive or would you fly? 
• Maybe retired (with a pocket full of cash from unused vacation pay or severance?

What about the “home” side of the equation – it can’t LOOK like you’re gone:

• Yard maintenance included or available 
• Condo or hi-rise? 
• Neighbors or community-provided security/watchers or House sitters?
• Technology - home automation systems to turn lights on and off  maintain heat and A/C to avoid freeze damage or mold 

Why? Well, as always, changing personal situations can make the idea worth thinking about now where maybe 10 years ago you would blow it off in a second.

I love the folks who come up with stuff like “that’s what the baby boomers want”.  Baloney.  Too broad a statement obviously, but if you just forget about generational pigeon-holing -- X, Y, Boomer, Millennials or whatever – the concept can be interesting if you take it in combination with the long-term idea of aging in place, downsizing, going from two to one story home due to physical mobility considerations. OR maybe the flip side, a job that has you traveling a lot, no interest in being tied down in one place? Something in between?

Just a couple other related ideas, some properties could lend themselves to be rented out with something like Airbnb that would provide some nice added income.  Another interesting concept is termed “co-living”, which I look at as essentially a non-institutional version of an independent living facility.  Some are in an apartment-like setting with shared living, dining and recreational areas, but others consist of a grouping of individual cottages plus the living, dining and recreational facilities in a “clubhouse”.   It seems like an economical arrangement, and you could have various community services such as concierges, cleaning, transportation, maintenance, etc.  I’m sure there are numerous variations on the theme.

So the question is, can you do the “leave” part often enough to change your thinking about your living arrangement?  You don’t need to be “idle rich” (or just rich) for it to work.

What do you think of the idea? Does it make sense?

I’m sure it comes as no surprise, if you happen to need to buy or sell some property to be able to “lock and leave”, I’m ready to help!  Just let me know and we’ll make it happen! CLICK HERE.

Please visit my website jimatthetop.com for a wealth of information and how-tos covering buying and selling real estate, Houston area communities and neighborhoods, financing, helpful resources and more. 

JIM AT THE TOP

Jim Pedicord RE/MAX Top Realty

http://jimatthetop.com
jimpedicord@remax.net

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