The new millennium has not been good to stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other financial investments. Most investors have found that the best performing asset in their portfolio is their home. Real estate has been a safe haven for investors with appreciation far outpacing other investments. With the security and growing values of residential real estate, a growing number of home owners are now investing in a second home.
There are a wide variety of reasons why people built or buy second homes. City dwellers may want a home in the country for weekends and holidays. Northern may want a home in the sun where they can golf year round; Southerners may want a home in the mountains close to a ski resort. A large number of Baby Boomers are eyeing retirement and are building second homes anticipating it will become their main residence.
The primary reason for owning a second home is still lifestyle, however, the investment consideration comes in a strong second place. There are several reasons why owning a second home makes good financial sense. First, the appreciation of vacation residential property is expected to continue to rise for several years into the...