Today, we believe the number one reason to own a second home is for the sheer enjoyment it brings to you and your family. While the financial implications of a second home carry considerable weight, we hope that your second home is first a place for fun, relaxation, and quality family time.
1. Enjoyment
A second home offers a getaway from the stresses of everyday life, giving us an opportunity to recharge, relax, and gain perspective. Getaways provide us quality time to spend with ourselves, family, and friends—a time to give priority to all the things that take a back seat in our lives, whether it is finally reading that stack of books by your bedside or taking that golf lesson you never seem to get around to. It’s proven that families who own vacation homes take more family vacations. |
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2. Investment
Vacation homes offer an array of investment opportunities.
- Diversification: The stability of real estate value makes it a good choice to diversify the non-aggressive portion of a portfolio.
- Appreciation: Buying a vacation home today is like buying California property in the ’70s—vacation home properties are low relative to where they are expected to be once the Baby Boom generation begins to retire in force. This tangible asset should appreciate over time while providing life-long fun for you and your family.
- Rental Income: Renting your second home is often a good cash source, which can help pay down your mortgage.
- Taxes and Mortgages: A second home may also provide federal tax deductions, tax-sheltered income, or even a reduction in property taxes. Owning a second home allows another mortgage interest write off. With home equity loans, reverse annuity mortgages, and other financing opportunities, securing a mortgage on a second home is easier and less costly than ever before.
3. Retirement
It’s a good idea to get a head start on retirement living. Your favorite location might be a lot more expensive in 10-15 years while 73 million Baby Boomers are begining to retire
. Find your second home before prices become too inflated and you’re priced out of the market. The 1997 tax law changes allow couples to avoid paying capital gains taxes on profits of up to $500,000 on the sale of a primary residence. Equity in your primary residence can help purchase a retirement home. |