Overview
The resort and second-home market differs in a number of ways from primary residential market. Buyer interest ranges from small, rustic getaways to luxury properties, and includes an international clientele and the investment and retirement markets.
Buying, selling, or managing second homes in a resort, recreational, and/or vacation destination requires understanding of the recreation and lifestyle market, tax treatment of vacation and second homes, and real estate investment.
NAR provides specialized training and support for REALTORS® who work in this niche market.
Find a Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS).
References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Source: 2019 US Vacation Home Counties Report, Oct. 2019
Vacation/Second Home Market Activity
Buying Frenzy Heats Up in Second-Home Market (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 9, 2020)
Coronavirus Is Driving a Vacation Town Real Estate Boom (Bankrate, Oct. 29, 2020)
Demand Is Rising for Properties in Vacation Home Markets (Forbes, Oct. 25, 2020)
Vacation Housing Markets Trending Higher with Buyers Amid Pandemic (World Property Journal, Oct. 14, 2020)
No Fancy Trips. Consumers Spending Vacation Money on Pools, Motor Homes due to Coronavirus (NorthJersey.com, Jun. 15, 2020)
People are Buying Vacation Houses Sight Unseen (House Beautiful, May 25, 2020)
Vacation Rentals around the World have Jumped 127% Since Early April in a Sign that People are Slowly Starting to Travel Again (Business Insider, May 27, 2020)
The Latest Trend in Rentals: Long-Term Stays (The New York Times, May 26, 2020)
Vacation Homes are Helping Families Separate During Coronavirus (The Wall Street Journal, Apr. 2, 2020)
Working With Vacation/Second Home Buyers
How to Work with Second-Home Buyers and Sellers (RISMedia, Nov. 8, 2020)
4 Things Financial Planners Wish People Knew Before Buying A Second Home (Business Insider, Oct. 20, 2020)
5 Things To Know About Buying A Second Home (Forbes, Oct. 7, 2020)
Buying a Second Home to Rent: Dos and Don'ts (Investopedia, Jun. 26, 2020)
How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Won't Be Like Your First) (realtor.com®, Aug. 28, 2019)
An Expert Reveals Tips for Second Homes and Resort Sales (Texas REALTORS®, June 17, 2019)
Want to Buy on the Waterfront? Here Is What You Need to Know (The New York Times, June 17, 2019)
Things to Consider If You Want to Buy a Second Home (RISMedia, March 19, 2019)
RSPS (Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist)
RSPS Certification (National Association of REALTORS®)
Find a RSPS Specialist (National Association of REALTORS®)
Resort Area and Second Home Specialty, (National Association of REALTORS®)
NAR Education Matrix—Resort and Second Home Markets, (National Association of REALTORS®)
eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
Buying a Second Home (eBook)
How a Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment (Kindle, eBook)
Second Homes for Dummies (Kindle, eBook)
The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico (Audiobook, eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
The resources below are available for loan through Member Support. Up to three books, tapes, CDs and/or DVDs can be borrowed for 30 days from the Library for a nominal fee of $10. Call Member Support at 800-874-6500 for assistance.
Investing in a Vacation Home for Pleasure and Profit, (Mason, OH: Thomson South-Western, 2006) HD 1341 B69
How a Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment, (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2004) HD 1341 K28
REBAC Roundtable 2004, Volume II, Resort, Vacation and Second Home Markets, (Chicago, IL: Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council, Inc., 2004) CD016
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The inclusion of links on this page does not imply endorsement by the National Association of REALTORS®. NAR makes no representations about whether the content of any external sites which may be linked in this page complies with state or federal laws or regulations or with applicable NAR policies. These links are provided for your convenience only and you rely on them at your own risk.
