Pied-a-where?
Dear Friends and Family,
Autumn is in full-swing here in New York and it's one of the best times of year to enjoy great outdoor weather. While the start of the season has been pleasantly warm, I know some of you are already on your way south for the winter as we head into "radiator season" here. Warm coastal retreats are increasingly more than mere vacation homes. With changes in climate, work-from-home policies, and general ease of travel, many coastal homes are functioning as second or even primary residences for many owners.
Not everyone is a snowbird, though! There are plenty of people (myself included) you could call snowchasers—leaving our primary residence in winter for somewhere with snow and all that it has to offer.
Whether it is sun or snow you are after, or just the peace and quiet of a home-away-from-home, the pied-a-terre market has expanded greatly over the past few years.
Ski-In, Ski-Out
If you follow me on social media, you're probably familiar with my passion for Aspen, CO. I’ve fallen in love with this charming town and surrounding mountains, and found myself flying in for a long weekend whenever I could. So, after talking with my good friend and fellow Compass agent, Ann Abernethy, I finally got my own pied-a-terre! I am a born-and-raised New Yorker, and always will be, but with my visits to Aspen growing each year, it made sense to make an investment in the area. And waking up each morning with uninterrupted views of the mountains each day doesn't hurt.
New Locale, Different Rules
When I started considering a place in Aspen, I browsed online first (like about 90% of buyers), but once I got serious, I knew I had to enlist the help of a local agent. I’ve known Ann for years, and she’s an expert on the Aspen market. Even with over 40 years of experience in NYC, I recognize the importance of working with a local advisor who knows not only the ins-and-outs of the local process, but has the deep local market knowledge that only comes with experience.
Foot to the Ground
The idea of a pied-a-terre usually conjures up images of a studio apartment in midtown that is occasionally occupied, but not used for extended durations. Yet, the pied-a-terres of today, sometimes far away from the primary residence, are commonly used for weeks to months at a time. When looking for a second home, considering how often you will live there is an important factor in determining your overall needs. These second homes can be more than just a beach cottage or a snug cabin upstate. Space for guests and family is often a must, not to mention the amenities that your current home may lack.
From Bar Harbor to Bozeman
Escaping in winter doesn’t always mean avoiding the snow. While upstate New York has seen a significant rise in second home purchases the past few years, residents of the Northeast have enjoyed decamping to the mountains of Vermont or the coast of Maine for decades. People flock to where their interests lie, whether for sailing, hiking, or snowboarding. Further afield, from Yellowstone Club to Snowmass Club, the access and availability of outdoor wonderlands have grown with the advent of hybrid and remote work. Researching and finding the right place for yourself, whether it is a second or third home, is no easy task.
Know Someone Who Knows
Cultivating relationships with agents outside of NYC is an integral part of my business. When a client asks about buying or selling anywhere else in the world, I can personally introduce and refer them to a trusted broker I know in that area to ensure that they are well taken care of, wherever their real estate journey takes them. By working with a trusted partner, I am able to represent my client as their advocate throughout the process, in partnership with the referred broker. Basically, a referral is two agents for the price of one, so, regardless of where you might be looking, ask me for a personal referral!
A second home can serve many purposes, from escape and relaxation, to focus and investment. It never hurts to look, and it might surprise you where you end up! Send me a message and let’s talk about where your interests lie.
All the best,
Toni Haber
