Stephen Ahern
6 Considerations Before Buying a Second Home or Vacation Property
A second home can be a dream getaway, a future retirement spot, or a source of rental income. However, before moving forward, it’s wise to step back and consider how this purchase fits into your overall financial life. At Sachetta, we believe owning a second home should be approached holistically. We help you balance your lifestyle goals, financial security, and long-term peace of mind. Here are six key considerations to guide you.
- How Will This Fit Into Your Financial Picture?
Before you begin house hunting, it’s important to look at your entire financial situation. Can your cash flow support the costs of owning a second home in addition to your primary mortgage and other financial responsibilities? It’s helpful to review your income, existing debt, and how a second mortgage might affect your long-term plans. Our team of tax-credentialed advisors can work with you to explore the numbers and see if this purchase fits into your broader financial goals.
- Purpose and Usage: Vacation, Investment, or Both?
Deciding how you plan to use the second home is an essential part of the decision making process. Will it be a personal vacation property, a rental property, or a combination of both? The purpose of your second home influences everything from financing options to taxes. Homes used solely for personal enjoyment have different tax rules than those rented for income. Understanding these differences early on can prevent surprises later.
- Navigating the Mortgage Landscape
Mortgages for second homes usually require higher down payments and come with higher interest rates than primary residence loans. Some buyers refinance their primary mortgage or use home equity to help finance the purchase. However, borrowing against your home carries significant risks if it isn’t part of a thoughtful, long-term plan. It’s important to carefully consider how to structure your mortgage and financing.
- The Hidden Costs of Owning a Second Home
As it is with your primary residence, the purchase price and mortgage payment are just the beginning. Second homes also come with property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and travel expenses. If you plan to rent out the property, you may also want to hire a management company to oversee it. Setting a realistic budget for these ongoing costs helps ensure that owning your second home remains a positive experience.
- Tax Planning for Second Homes
Tax considerations can have a significant impact on second home ownership. Mortgage interest and property taxes may be deductible if the home is used primarily for personal purposes. Different rules apply if you’re renting the property out for income. As a firm that blends wealth management and tax experience, we can help you understand these differences and avoid common mistakes that could result in unnecessary taxes or missed deductions.
- Legacy and Estate Planning Considerations
Owning a second home isn’t just a lifestyle investment. It can also be part of your family’s long-term legacy. Thinking ahead about how this property fits into your estate plan can help minimize future tax burdens and ensure a smooth transition to the next generation. Whether you’re considering using a trust or other gifting strategies, our team can help you include your second home in your broader legacy goals.
Building Wealth, One Conversation at a Time
Owning a second home is a major decision. It is also an opportunity to shape your lifestyle and plan for the future. At Sachetta, we’re here to help you consider all the financial and personal aspects of owning a second home so that it supports your goals and fits within your overall plan.
If you’re thinking about owning a second home, let’s start the conversation. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you plan today so you can realize tomorrow.
Stephen Ahern, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, MST, is President of Sachetta. He holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Bentley University and for over thirty-five years, has provided individual financial, investment, estate, and tax planning, as well as small business consulting, to a diverse base of clients. His clients have included key top-level executives, high-net-worth individuals, business owners, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs. As an established personal financial planner, Stephen has delivered numerous presentations on financial, investment, retirement, and tax planning to corporations and professional groups. He has also written articles on investments, education, and estate planning. Before joining Sachetta, he co-founded and served as President of Wealth Management Advisors, LLC.