(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) June 4, 2002—EscapeHomes, America’s leading online authority for vacation homes and rentals, timeshares, recreational and retirement living announces a new top ten list. In response to the growing demand of vacation homes and resort living Escapehomes.com has put together a valuable guide to assist buyers and sellers in their quest. Family planning, diligence, and travel considerations have increasing importance in a new, and changing world climate.
Ten Tips For Finding A Perfect Vacation Home
Define your lifestyle interests
Determine ideal travel distance
Research locations
Select desired location
Make inquiries with locals or Chambers of Commerce
Contact a real estate professional
Visit destinations
Review financing options
Purchase through a resort specialist
Enjoy the process
“As an alternative to stock market investing, buyers are seeking vacation homes and resort living options and there are still a number of undiscovered vacation destinations where the housing prices are a steal,” says Clark Thompson – CEO of EscapeHomes
As more and more buyers near the age when they are most likely to make a lifestyle change and buy a vacation home, there is a convergence of compelling conditions likely to help them make the move. An increase in home equity, favorable tax laws, record-low mortgage rates, and a change in lifestyle priorities have converged at an opportune time to make buying a vacation-living home a dream come true. According to new estimates (June, 3, 2002) from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), vacation/second home sale prices were up 27% since 1999, from $127,000 to a whopping $162,000.
Residential real estate transaction fundamentals still apply, but why, where, and how one approaches the vacation home purchase requires additional considerations. The location decision is always a personal one, but one that tends to lead many vacation buyers to costal towns in California, Florida, Texas, South Carolina and North Carolina, the most common vacation home areas, according to NAR. “The best vacation homes are those within easy traveling distance of your primary residence,” said Clark Thompson, EscapeHomes Founder and CEO. “If it's too far or too expensive to reach within a few hours, you likely won't use it enough to substantiate the cost as an owner-occupied vacation home.” No matter what state or country they choose, when it comes to type of community, buyers most often seek beachfront, lakeside, mountain and other resort communities, EscapeHomes’ user statistics show.
EscapeHomes showcases a "town" page for more than 275 destinations, illustrating the unique flavor of each-- i.e. climate, local attractions and annual events. EscapeHomes is the Internet's most comprehensive online resource for second homes, vacation homes and rentals, timeshare resorts, recreational and retirement real estate. Additionally, EscapeHomes has formed exclusive arrangements with the world’s top timeshare developers, brokerage firms, agents and real estate professionals providing them unprecedented visibility together in a unique online marketplace.