Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/275017
Santa Cruz Sentinel S14 Sunday, MarCh 9, 2014 A dream home means different things to dif- ferent people. To some, an ideal home sits atop a hill and has enough rooms to accommodate generations upon gen- erations of family mem- bers. To others, a home small in stature but with views to die for is all a homeowner needs. While preferences may vary on the home itself, there are a few things buyers of all shapes and sizes prefer when shopping for the home of their dreams. AGREEABLE WEATHER. Vacation home shop- pers often prefer year- round warm weather so they know their respite from the cold is never too far away. For exam- ple, a locale such as Port St. Lucie, Florida boasts an average temperature of 73.7° F, providing the ideal getaway to snow- bound men and wom- en stuck in the throes of winter. AFFORDABILITY. A dream home stays a dream for many people because of the miscon- ception that it is beyond their financial reach. "While a seaside villa in Italy might never be a reality, there are places where it is still afford- able to own and main- tain a vacation home," says Andrew Nadalin, President of Pace 2000 Inc. Compared to neigh- boring counties, St. Luc- ie County and Martin County represent the piece of South Florida that is still considered affordable. Endowed with the rich quality of life South Florida has to offer, both St. Lucie and Martin counties also of- fer and affordable cost- of-living vacationers will appreciate. ACCESSIBILITY OF ACTIVITIES. While an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is great, no one wants to escape to a place with nothing to do. When shopping for a place to buy or build your dream getaway, be sure there's plenty of accessibility to popular activities like boating, fishing, diving, surfing, canoeing, or kayaking. by Metro Creative Services Things to look for when shopping for your dream home