As winter approaches, many seasonal homeowners—fondly known as snowbirds—are returning to or considering spending months here in Southwest Florida. Whether you own a second home or relocate temporarily, there are important preparations, maintenance tasks, and opportunities to maximize your stay. Here’s a roadmap to help seasonal homeowners make the most of their time in paradise.home
Before Leaving Your Home State
- Check HVAC & plumbing. Have your AC system serviced, and check plumbing for leaks or damage.
- Pest control & landscaping planning. Schedule lawn/pest services so your exterior is ready, not overgrown.
- Shutter or protect windows. Especially if arriving before hurricane season ends.
- Mail & utilities. Forward your mail, set up utility activation dates, stop package delivery, or use a home watch service.
- Security & access. Ensure locks, alarms, cameras (if any) are functional. Build a relationship with a local home watch or property manager.
- Homeowners insurance & flood insurance. Confirm your policies are active, especially if home was vacant for months.
- Check for any deferred maintenance. Roof, gutters, exterior paint, screens, lighting — having items addressed ahead saves headache later.
Once You Arrive in Florida
- Inspect the property immediately. Note any signs of damage (wind, pests, leaks).
- Test systems. AC, appliances, water pressure, irrigation, pool pumps, etc.
- Opening tasks. Clean gutters, mow, remove debris, trim plants, turn on irrigation.
- Register locally. If needed, vehicles, local utilities, solid waste, etc.
- Meet with local service providers. Establish contacts for plumbing, electrical, pest, landscaping.
- Stay alert to storms. Even in winter, tropical systems on the fringe can bring rain or wind — stay updated.
Seasonal Rental & Income Opportunities for Seasonal Homeowners
- If you’re not using the property full-time, short-term or medium-term rental may help offset costs.
- Ensure your HOA or local rules allow rentals and understand restrictions.
- Work with a property manager to manage bookings, cleaning, maintenance, and guest issues.
- Market to winter tourists, retirees, or remote workers looking for extended stays.
Ongoing Maintenance & Oversight
- Regular walk-throughs or home-watch checks. Catch minor issues (leaks, pests, HVAC faults) early.
- Monitor weather & alerts. Stay plugged in to local storm alerts, especially during the tail end of hurricane season.
- Budget for seasonal repairs. Even homes in active use need maintenance — screens, plumbing flushes, AC tune-ups.
- Stay connected with local community. Join neighborhood groups or networks to keep informed on local developments, safety updates, and social connections.
Why Paradise Realty Supports Seasonal Homeowners
- We can recommend trusted local vendors (home-watch, AC, pest, landscaping)
- We help seasonal owners understand market conditions if they ever consider selling or renting
- We provide regular check-in and market updates throughout the off-season
- We help structure strategies to maximize property returns (e.g. rental, occupancy, maintenance)
If you own a second home or are planning a seasonal stay in Venice or nearby, let us help you hit the ground running. Your comfort and peace of mind are what we do best.