Real Estate Tools and Articles on Vacation, Retirement and Investment Homes

What to Buy? House, condo, land, on a lake?

Preserve Equity, Build for the Future: Using a 1031 Tax Exchange 5/4/2005 9:57:16 AM
Thinking of trading up on an investment resort property? If so, look into 1031 Tax Exchanges (based on IRS Code Section 1031), which allow taxpayers to defer taxes on capital gains resulting from the sale of investment real estate, often a sizable sum since combined Federal and State taxes can run as high as 38 percent.
Thinking of trading up on an investment resort property? If so, look into 1031 Tax Exchanges (based on IRS Code Section 1031), which allow taxpayers to defer taxes on capital gains resulting from the sale of investment real estate, often a sizable sum since combined Federal and State taxes can run as high as 38 percent.

Thinking of trading up on an investment resort property? If so, look into 1031 Tax Exchanges (based on IRS Code Section 1031), which allow taxpayers to defer taxes on capital gains resulting from the sale of investment real estate, often a sizable sum since combined Federal and State taxes can run as high as 38 percent.

The Listing Contract: It's All in the Details 5/4/2005 9:55:24 AM
Now that you’ve chosen a real estate professional to sell your home, you’ll need to work together to complete a listing agreement.

Now that you’ve chosen a real estate professional to sell your home, you’ll need to work together to complete a listing agreement.

Retirement, Some Housing Considerations 4/27/2005 11:52:36 AM
Are you nearing retirement age and are you and your significant other thinking about purchasing a second home?

Are you nearing retirement age and are you and your significant other thinking about purchasing a second home?

Interested in Relocation, Consider Your Dog 4/4/2005 10:17:26 AM
There is no doubt that pets are part of the family these days, and believe it or not it can pay off to consider your dog before you buy or move into a new home.

There is no doubt that pets are part of the family these days, and believe it or not it can pay off to consider your dog before you buy or move into a new home.

Exploring the Elements of Retirement Communities 1/19/2005 10:05:38 AM
When you start to consider retirement communities, there are many factors to evaluate.

When you start to consider retirement communities, there are many factors to evaluate.

House or Condo? One Person’s Story on Why the House ALWAYS Wins. 1/6/2005 11:11:53 AM
When deciding to purchase a new home, whether it is for living, investing or vacationing, one of the first questions a buyer has to ask is whether or not they want a house or a condo.

When deciding to purchase a new home, whether it is for living, investing or vacationing, one of the first questions a buyer has to ask is whether or not they want a house or a condo.

Hidden Vacation Home Bargains 10/26/2004 5:20:27 PM
Looking to buy a second home property, but working with a low budget? For the bargain hunter looking for deals under $200,000 there are a variety of potential properties available.

Looking to buy a second home property, but working with a low budget? For the bargain hunter looking for deals under $200,000 there are a variety of potential properties available.

Twenty Essential Steps To Buying Rural Property Right 8/31/2004 1:23:43 PM
When you are looking for that perfect vacation home, often an idyllic rural area can be part of the dream. What does it take to find really good, livable rural property?

When you are looking for that perfect vacation home, often an idyllic rural area can be part of the dream. What does it take to find really good, livable rural property?

Buying Rural Land 3: Asking the right questions 8/31/2004 11:15:52 AM
Once you find the location you want, asking questions of realtors, neighbors and the county will reveal the facts you need to find the right country property.

Once you find the location you want, asking questions of realtors, neighbors and the county will reveal the facts you need to find the right country property.

Buying Rural Land 2: Finding the Location 8/31/2004 11:10:32 AM
How much land do you need? And how do you know if the location will work? It takes time and some patience, but you can get your dream rural property.

How much land do you need? And how do you know if the location will work? It takes time and some patience, but you can get your dream rural property.

Buying Rural Land 1: The pleasures and the pitfalls 8/31/2004 11:01:53 AM
Buying rural property today doesn't have to be an unrealistic dream for the "average" person -- if you're willing to plan ahead and resist the urge for instant gratification.

Choosing resort real estate for year-round living 7/26/2004 12:30:57 PM
Are there different considerations for selecting a home for vacation versus real round? Some destinations, like the Outer Banks, are increasingly popular as places to start vacationing and then move to permanently. What do you need to consider?

Are there different considerations for selecting a home for vacation versus real round? Some destinations, like the Outer Banks, are increasingly popular as places to start vacationing and then move to permanently. What do you need to consider?

Considerations for buying property in developed resort communities 7/22/2004 10:13:14 AM
One convenient way to get your dream house in a top location is to investigate the many planned communities designed for second home and retirement living. Many of these communities offer amenities that go beyond the average home development plans, including recreation (golf, tennis, ski trails, horseback riding trails). What do you need to consider?
One convenient way to get your dream house in a top location is to investigate the many planned communities designed for second home and retirement living. Many of these communities offer amenities that go beyond the average home development plans, including recreation (golf, tennis, ski trails, horseback riding trails). What do you need to consider?

One convenient way to get your dream house in a top location is to investigate the many planned communities designed for second home and retirement living. Many of these communities offer amenities that go beyond the average home development plans, including recreation (golf, tennis, ski trails, horseback riding trails). What do you need to consider?

Beach Properties Appreciate in Value 5/20/2004 11:50:08 AM
One of the most desirable locations for a second home is beach-front property. But what affect is the current appreciation of the housing market having on beach property?

One of the most desirable locations for a second home is beach-front property. But what affect is the current appreciation of the housing market having on beach property?

Is A Residence Club For You? 5/6/2004 4:35:49 PM
Buying a vacation home can be the dream of a lifetime. But if you find yourself fretting about how to take care of the second home, how to rent it out, how to pay for costs and upkeep, exclusive residence clubs may be your solution.

Buying a vacation home can be the dream of a lifetime. But if you find yourself fretting about how to take care of the second home, how to rent it out, how to pay for costs and upkeep, exclusive residence clubs may be your solution.

Think Global: What to Look for in International Property 4/18/2004 5:11:26 PM
Second home living or retirement offers you the chance to expand your horizons outside the borders of the USA. With research and the help of a good agent, you can master the art of buying international property.

Second home living or retirement offers you the chance to expand your horizons outside the borders of the USA. With research and the help of a good agent, you can master the art of buying international property.

What to Look for in Lake Property 4/18/2004 4:58:31 PM
Imagine sitting on the porch of your new vacation home, listening to the wind in the pine trees, enjoying the serene view of the lake, when…roar…the sound of speedboats comes blasting past you.

Imagine sitting on the porch of your new vacation home, listening to the wind in the pine trees, enjoying the serene view of the lake, when…roar…the sound of speedboats comes blasting past you.

What to Look for in Island Property 4/18/2004 4:51:53 PM
Vacationing on your own island property can be a dream come true…or a nightmare if you haven’t researched it first. What should you look for when choosing a second home on an island?

Vacationing on your own island property can be a dream come true…or a nightmare if you haven’t researched it first. What should you look for when choosing a second home on an island?

What to Look for in Beach Property 4/4/2004 9:11:37 AM
Are you drawn to long walks on the beach at sunset, listening to sound of the surf rolling in? If so, you are in good company. High on the popularity list for second home locations are the beach properties found from coast to coast and island to island. While popularity can drive the price up dramatically, the pricing of beach property varies widely, with $3 million homes located just blocks away from $400,000 houses. Here are some tips to find the beach property just for you.

Are you drawn to long walks on the beach at sunset, listening to sound of the surf rolling in? If so, you are in good company. High on the popularity list for second home locations are the beach properties found from coast to coast and island to island. While popularity can drive the price up dramatically, the pricing of beach property varies widely, with $3 million homes located just blocks away from $400,000 houses. Here are some tips to find the beach property just for you.

What to Look for in Golf Property 4/4/2004 9:01:16 AM
Vacation property on golf courses lures golfers and non-golfers alike, offering a social lifestyle in a ready-made community and access to maintained open space. But is this utopian existence all that it’s cracked-up to be? Here are some caveats to consider as you begin the process of looking for your ultimate golf property.
Vacation property on golf courses lures golfers and non-golfers alike, offering a social lifestyle in a ready-made community and access to maintained open space. But is this utopian existence all that it’s cracked-up to be? Here are some caveats to consider as you begin the process of looking for your ultimate golf property.

Vacation property on golf courses lures golfers and non-golfers alike, offering a social lifestyle in a ready-made community and access to maintained open space. But is this utopian existence all that it’s cracked-up to be? Here are some caveats to consider as you begin the process of looking for your ultimate golf property.

Buying a City Condo… Almost 3/29/2004 7:40:05 AM
After establishing a wonderful home in the country, I was intrigued by the possibility of a second home in the city. My favorite city is San Francisco, I love being by the bay, and buying a downtown city condominium in San Francisco called to me. So I began the search process.

After establishing a wonderful home in the country, I was intrigued by the possibility of a second home in the city. My favorite city is San Francisco, I love being by the bay, and buying a downtown city condominium in San Francisco called to me. So I began the search process.

Go Modern, Go Modular 3/25/2004 7:39:47 AM
You’ve just bought your fabulous property. It’s got the mountain range behind you that you love, the ocean is on the horizon, and golfing and fishing are nearby. All you need is a house. If thoughts of dealing with a year (or more) of construction, detail decision making, and high costs dismay you, why not go modern and go with a modular home? Before you roll your eyes up and say, “Modular? no way!” it might be useful to look at what has happened in the modular home market.

You’ve just bought your fabulous property. It’s got the mountain range behind you that you love, the ocean is on the horizon, and golfing and fishing are nearby. All you need is a house. If thoughts of dealing with a year (or more) of construction, detail decision making, and high costs dismay you, why not go modern and go with a modular home? Before you roll your eyes up and say, “Modular? no way!” it might be useful to look at what has happened in the modular home market.

Fractional Ownership: An Idea Whose Time Has Come 3/22/2004 7:30:21 AM
When you type “fractional ownership” into your search engine, you will, more likely than not, get a dozen or more websites dealing with shared ownership of airplanes. The idea of shared ownership of things, very expensive, is certainly not a new idea. On one of those website home pages, the following insightful observation is made.
$When you type “fractional ownership” into your search engine, you will, more likely than not, get a dozen or more websites dealing with shared ownership of airplanes. The idea of shared ownership of things, very expensive, is certainly not a new idea. On one of those website home pages, the following insightful observation is made.$ Read More

Fractional Ownership 101 3/22/2004 7:04:46 AM
Fractional Ownership is a middle ground solution to second home ownership. It is between whole ownership, with sole responsibility and full exclusive use, and time-shares, where most often, you purchase vacation time in a resort, (about two-weeks) not the real-estate itself. Factional Ownership consists of owning an “Undivided fractional fee-simple interest” in a specific property. In simple terms, you are buying your vacation home in partnership with other owners who share the cost with you.
$Fractional Ownership is a middle ground solution to second home ownership. It is between whole ownership, with sole responsibility and full exclusive use, and time-shares, where most often, you purchase vacation time in a resort, (about two-weeks) not the real-estate itself. Factional Ownership consists of owning an “Undivided fractional fee-simple interest” in a specific property. In simple terms, you are buying your vacation home in partnership with other owners who share the cost with you.$ Read More

Real estate reforms make Mexico a good place for second home, investment 3/18/2004 6:09:35 PM
Do you dream of owning a beachside pied-a-terre, or a retirement home in a picturesque community, or a nice investment property without having to pay tycoon prices? Then consider Mexico.

Do you dream of owning a beachside pied-a-terre, or a retirement home in a picturesque community, or a nice investment property without having to pay tycoon prices? Then consider Mexico.

Adventures in Country Property 2/28/2004 2:21:36 PM
Three and half years ago my fiancée and I bought a country property in the Russian River area of Sonoma County. We were seeking house in a location that matched our desired lifestyle. We decided to prioritize where we would live over what we would do for work.

Three and half years ago my fiancée and I bought a country property in the Russian River area of Sonoma County. We were seeking house in a location that matched our desired lifestyle. We decided to prioritize where we would live over what we would do for work.

Considerations for Buying Land 2/28/2004 2:01:39 PM
Have you ever had this experience? You’re driving in your favorite vacation area and see a gorgeous piece of property, ocean view, mountains behind, no neighbors, and your first thought is, “Why don’t we just buy some land and build on it?” Good question. Buying land is particularly appealing if you consider yourself a staunch individualist, wanting things precisely the way you want them—your design, your locale, your land. There’s a lot to consider, however, so here is some of what’s involved.

Have you ever had this experience? You’re driving in your favorite vacation area and see a gorgeous piece of property, ocean view, mountains behind, no neighbors, and your first thought is, “Why don’t we just buy some land and build on it?” Good question. Buying land is particularly appealing if you consider yourself a staunch individualist, wanting things precisely the way you want them—your design, your locale, your land. There’s a lot to consider, however, so here is some of what’s involved.

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