Snowbird wants advice on finding second home

Q: I'm a snowbird and I plan to live in Las Vegas half of the year. I need a lock-and-leave place. I would like a nice condo, but would go for a nice house if I could find one that was low-maintenance enough. I know the town is full of snowbirds and people who travel a lot for work. Can you give me some ideas on what I should look for when trying to find my lock-and-leave Vegas home? — Snowbird

A: There is a variety of options available for snowbird accommodations. Since many snowbirds also maintain a home elsewhere, budget concerns are a big consideration. If the Las Vegas area is not familiar, you might want to consider renting before buying to experience the area and make sure it is a good fit. As for a place, I offer the following considerations:

• A single-family home would be the most costly and could require maintenance people if not in a community that offers that as part of its homeowners association. You might consider one that has extra security, such as guards that track traffic at the gate. If you are 55 or older you might consider an age-qualified community that has a house with desert landscaping in the rear and no pool or spa that would require maintenance.

• A condo/townhome in a 55-plus community would be one alternative. This might require a higher monthly association fee, which usually includes common area and community facilities such as pools and yard care. Many are single-story and have a common wall with a neighbor, which could be a bonus during the away time. In Las Vegas, you also have the option of a condo in a high-rise building (these have more of an apartment feel). This could offer the lowest maintenance and highest security during away times depending on the building accommodations.

Another alternative would be a manufactured home. These are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and Las Vegas has a few parks where you can own not only the home but the land under it. If you don't own the land, you will normally have a monthly lot rental fee, but it provides some of the feel of both a house and a condo.

The decision is really one of personal preference, location and desired amenities.

Linda Hildebrant, Keller Williams Realty, The Marketplace One