Whether you're an active senior or have a mobile job, heading to warmer climes in the winter, or cooler temperatures in the summer offers unique challenges and advantages. Buying a second home in your favorite locale, rather than living in an RV or rental, could be the perfect decision for you.
Be close to family
When your adult children take jobs that move them across the country, looking for a second home to spend time nearby—to see those grandchildren, for example—for holidays, the summers, and other special times makes perfect sense. After all, just because you want to be close by sometimes doesn’t mean you want to be there full-time.
Eventually, however, you may want to relocate near to family permanently as you age and find travel between your homes cumbersome. If you purchase your snowbird home with the future in mind—being mindful of stairs, access to exceptional healthcare and other age-related issues—your transition to living there full time will be smoother.
Be fiscally astute
Second homes in tax-advantaged areas—states that do not have an income tax—may reduce your tax liability. Several states including Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming fall into this category. In addition to income tax savings, some areas have a lower property tax than others. The savings on property tax in one state might offset its income tax and vice versa. Before buying property in one of these states for tax advantages, speak with a qualified tax consultant about how it might affect your bottom line.
Be investment wise
One question you may have about a second home is “Can I earn income with it when I’m not using it?” The answer is “yes” and “no.” Online rental portals make the idea of a holiday rental more attractive than when you marketed it with a For Rent sign in the window. But, they don’t always make enough to pay for themselves. Coveted rentals in holiday destinations have high seasons, low seasons, inclement weather, and generally off years and the cost of maintenance and turnover between renters, general repairs and damages might outweigh the value. Unless you intend to rent out your property during the high season, which means you can’t use it then for yourself, you might make enough to break even, but most experts warn that your holiday rental income may not cover your mortgage. If you decide to rent your snowbird home, don't rely on the property to pay for itself.
If you've seriously considered buying a second home and wonder about the advantages and disadvantages, consult a local real estate expert for information on second homes in your desired location.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
