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 a password.
Source: 2019 US Vacation Home Counties Report, Oct. 2019
Vacation/Second Home Market Activity
Colorado Vacation Homes Still on a Rocky Mountain High (nationalmortgagenews.com, Oct. 15, 2019) E
What You Need to Know About Buying a Second Home (WTOP, Aug. 25, 2019)
Nearly Half of Vacation Homeowners Feel Guilty about Low Usage (LendingTree, July 31, 2019)
Who Buys a Vacation Home? (HousingWire, July 11, 2019)
Weekending in the Suburbs (The New York Times, June 14, 2019)
Vacation Communities Got Slammed in the Recession—Is It Safe to Buy There Now? (realtor.com®, May 9, 2019)
Working With Vacation/Second Home Buyers
How to Buy a Second Home (Hint: It Won't Be Like Your First) (realtor.com®, Aug. 28, 2019)
Second-Home Fever? 6 Things to Know Before You Buy a Summer Pad (Bankrate, July 9, 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)
4 Tips for Investing in a Vacation Home (U.S. News & World Report, Feb. 28, 2019)
RSPS (Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist)
RSPS Certification (National Association of REALTORS®, 2018)
Find a RSPS Specialist (National Association of REALTORS®, 2018)
Resort Area and Second Home Specialty, (National Association of REALTORS®, 2018)
NAR Education Matrix—Resort and Second Home Markets, (National Association of REALTORS®, 2018)
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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