A vacation home can either be very beneficial or extremely costly. If you own a vacation home, its condition is of utmost importance, as it is both a financial and emotional investment.
If you are considering buying a vacation home, you need to carefully consider the location, size, and condition of the house. Make sure that there is enough room for everyone to have their own sleeping quarter. Also, make sure the real estate market is strong in your particular area so that if you ever do choose to sell, it could be sold at a price you want.
Before you buy or rent out a vacation home, make sure that you understand the following:
- The mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and other costs associated with owning this property
- What kind of renter you would like to attract (e.g., families with children, couples, etc.)
- The difference between an owner-occupied and investor-owned property
Live in it or Rent it Out?
If you plan to live in this vacation home or you just visit occasionally, it is important that you understand the financial responsibilities that come with owning a second home. For example, if you choose to rent out your property or use it as a second home, your mortgage company may require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). This protects the lender against a default in the event that you cannot make your monthly payments. PMI rates vary but can be as high as 1.5% of your loan amount per year.
Additionally, if you live in your vacation home for more than a certain number of days (varies depending on your trusted mortgage lender), you may be subject to income tax on the rental income that you earn.
If you choose to rent out the vacation home, you will also be responsible for advertising, finding tenants, and maintaining the property. In addition, you may need to hire a property manager to take care of these tasks for you. This can add an additional cost of anywhere from 7% to 10% of the monthly rent.
Learn about the different types of vacation home rentals available in your area (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.), as this can help you attract the right type of renter. Investor-owned properties tend to provide a higher rate of return than owner-occupied properties.
Keep or Sell?
Depending on your financial situation and how well you manage your vacation home’s upkeep and maintenance, the property’s condition may affect its value when it comes time to sell.
You may choose to sell your vacation home in the future. If it has appreciated in value since you purchased it, you will be taxed on any profit that exists between what you originally paid for the property and any capital gains when it is sold.
If you decide to keep the house for yourself and your family, be prepared to pay property taxes on it every year. These taxes are based on the assessed value of the home, which may be higher than the purchase price if the home has been improved or remodeled.
In order to make sure that you are making the most financially sound decision when it comes to owning a vacation home, consult with a financial advisor and/or real estate agent. They can help you understand the tax implications and other associated costs of owning a second home.
The Downs
Do not forget about the costs of maintaining your vacation house, including repairs, painting, furnishings, and other amenities. Not to mention the upfront cost of buying the property and the monthly amortization (if you apply for a mortgage).
Be prepared for the emotional toll that comes with owning a second home. Vacation homes can be a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but they also require a lot of upkeep and can be quite costly. If you’re not able to visit your vacation home as often as you’d like, the property can start to feel like a burden.
The Ups
On the other hand, if you are able to visit your vacation home frequently and take care of its upkeep, you can enjoy all the benefits that come with owning a second home. You can use it as a place to relax and escape from the world, or you can rent it out to generate some extra income.
If you are able to make the necessary sacrifices in order to own a second home, it can be a great investment. Think of your vacation home as a place for you and your family to create beautiful memories together.
Remember that owning a vacation home is a huge responsibility. Make sure that you understand the possible consequences of owning a second home before you purchase one. If you follow these steps before buying a rental home, you will be in a much better position when it comes time for you to sell or rent it out.
Meta title: The Ups and Downs of Owning a Vacation Home
meta desc: Owning a vacation rental is convenient, but it also comes with plenty of responsibilities. Read on to learn the pros and cons.