First-time snowbirder with a house

[ChristinaC71503]

Hello.

I live in Vermont and after long Covid delays (shutdowns, crazy interest rates), I really do not want to be here all of winter 2024-2025. This is a one-time transition, though I may do it seasonally in the future to visit someplace warmer so long as my state of residence, and health coverage, does not change. I consider this as an experiment for the future. I see this upcoming winter as dead time that could be used in finding new doctors and setting up my new home to return to Vermont in early March. Vaguely aware about not being gone longer than 182 or 183 days or I will get hammered with nonresident property tax rates. 

My long-term goal has been to move to an even Bluer state for health benefits. Higher income limits will put me into QMB so I can get health care again. I just checked my old email and today makes 50 weeks of torture from Medicaid Unwind. Medical care has been paused since late May, except for my optimistic therapist who thinks she will get three months of retroactive payments. I am so glad the Part D Donut Hole closed because at least I have no trouble getting my meds with zero copayments. 

I did read some advice here from 2019. Is turning off the main water switch the only concern? Does it require a plumber? I have seen evidence of snowbird activity in the neighborhood in the past -- dark houses, no plowing, so I don't think, even with the local severe housing shortage anyone would break-in and just set up shop but would invest in whatever surveillance experienced snowbirders would advise. My house is just under 600 sq ft with a crawlspace and up a steep hill. New neighbor across the street has serious nose problems which would afford me some protection now. Anything she thinks could potentially affect her and her home's value and she will call the cops. (Have been on the butt end already. NO ordinance violations found.)

Why now? For access to health care and transportation, first and foremost. I am hoping for less competition on the buying end today and increased sale price of my current home in the spring when everyone else is out shopping for a home. Plus this is a short commitment preview. I don't know anyone in the new state so I cannot know everything, and figure I can sell again in a couple of years for something better. Right now, it will be similar to what I have and whatever I can pay for mostly in cash. 

What are other mothballing strategies? I am concerned about the mail. I plan to tie off my mailbox and use Informed Delivery to put a hold mail order up for the 30 days allowed, and am tempted to just walk away, leaving my mailbox shut with twine. I get almost everything electronically and rarely get real mail. Will supply key players with my temporary address so I still get my water bill, for instance. 

I might have a neighbor who may be able to help, with home monitoring, emergency key access. I haven't spoken to him in years. I know when I moved in, the house across the street was an estate sale and he and his teen children had been hired to clean it up and strip it for easier sale. He may be willing to act as a similar go-between for my house. As I would still likely own it in early spring, I planned to return, hire for final projects, and stay in spurts until it is sold. Not taking my furniture with me.