Buying a Second Home in Seven Steps

Follow these seven steps to make a sensible decision about buying your second home.

Can You Afford to Buy – And Own – a Second Home?

A detailed look at the costs of second-home purchase and ownership.

How Will You Maintain Your Second Home?

Maintenance considerations based on different property types.

What is the difference between an investment property and a second home?

Learn the difference between a second home and investment property. It can affect the type of loan you get.

Choosing a Vacation Home Location That Appeals to Short-Term Renters

That out-of-the-way gem may be too far away for would-be customers.

Buying a Home in a Resort Community: Pros and Cons

Will buying a resort home turn your life into an endless vacation?

What's a Better Use of Money: Renting or Buying a Resort Home?

If you often vacation at a favorite resort area, you might wonder whether it might make sense to stop paying rent for your accommodations, and instead purchase your own home in the area.

Checklist: Should You Buy a Resort Home?

Before buying a house in a resort community, ask yourself these key questions.

Budgeting to Buy a Resort Home? Expenses Not to Overlook

From increased taxes to high prices at fancy local businesses, resort home living can be more expensive than you might expect.

Shared Resort-Home Ownership Options (Timeshare, Fractional, Interval, Vacation Clubs)

Don't know someone who will buy in on a resort home with you? Explore the various prearranged possibilities for sharing property with many other owners.

Is it worth sitting through the timeshare presentation to get my freebie?

Will you mind when the "short presentation" turns into a long sales pitch?

Choosing a Home in a Resort Community

Choosing the best single-family home, townhome, or condo in a resort area.