‍The world of real estate is exploding, and vacation homes are just the latest treasurable investment opportunity to hit the market. As with other types of assets, such as stocks or bonds, vacation homes come with their own risks and rewards. But that’s precisely what some investors have been doing this past year, according to data from research firm Zillow. Since then, more than 1,600 vacation home sales have taken place in the U.S. alone - and most of those transactions involved potential homebuyers who had never invested in real estate before. Here are some things you need to know about investing in vacation home.

The World of Vacation Home is Real

A vacation home is any real estate held or operated in a strategic location for the exclusive use of the homeowner and their family or guests. This usually includes vacation rentals, houses, and condos. The type of vacation home determines the type of investor you are. As an investor, you want to make sure you’re following the proper rules and playing fair with all parties in your home’s ownership, management, and operation. Investment in vacation homes is very attractive to first-time homebuyers and other individuals who may not have the money or experience for which other investments are pricey. However, you should avoid buying a vacation home if you have no experience in real estate. 

Not all vacation homes are created equally, and some may be much less attractive than others. The best way to get a feel for a property’s value is to tour it, research it, and then make an offer on it should it all check out. If you’re able to test drive a few of the properties on Zillow, you’ll be able to see how they compare.

Windsor Island Steps to Clubhouse 621JL - Nova Vacation Homes

What Makes a Good Vacation Home?

The beauty of vacation homes is that the owners can choose to live somewhere else, work remotely, or both. That flexibility makes it very attractive to families, senior citizens, and individuals who want to be able to pick and choose whom they want to visit. 

Some vacation homes are equipped with pools, hot tubs, gardens, and other amenities that make them ideal for people who want a more private vacation. Other vacation homes come with amenities that are more tourist traps, like helipads, sandbars, and other attractions that might be too touristy for vacationers.

best vacation home lakeview
Pool Villa Lakeview with Game Room themed rooms - Houses for Rent in Four Corners, Florida, United States - Airbnb
best vacation wonderland
Wonderland 10BR, private pool/spa, Disney Area - Houses for Rent in Polk County, Florida, United States - Airbnb

How to Buy an Investment in Vacation Homes

Since most vacation homes frequency-based investments, you’ll need to buy a large number of them to make a real investment. The best way to buy an investment in vacation homes is to talk to a professional vacation homes property management company. It is usually better to take the guess work away from the equation. 

A professional company that specializes in vacation homes will be able to help you from the very beginning of your journey. This includes completing your tax information, compliance records, and ensuring your property is set up for success. If you are looking for a professional management company that specializes in vacation homes, then do consider Nova Vacation Homes. We are a local company that specializes in vacation home rentals in Orlando, Florida. 

 If you’re able to test drive a few of the properties on Zillow, you’ll be able to see how they compare. If you’re still not sold on the properties, consider taking a look at other blogs that we have created to help guide you with some of the questions you might have. 

The Best Time to Buy an Investment in Vacation Homes

As soon as you’ve chosen your top three or four properties to consider, it’s time to pick the best time to buy an investment in those properties. There are many factors to take into consideration when buying an investment in vacation homes, such as:

  • the market value of the properties
  • how far into the year the buyer is willing to go
  • the amount of time it will take for the market to adjust to the new purchase price. 

So, you’ll want to make sure you’re targeting the right time to invest. Most construction is just about completed by now, so you can expect to see some bargains on the market this time of the year. You can also consider using a home equity loan to make the deal easier.

Plan Your Finances Properly

Before you make a purchase decision, talk with a mortgage loan organization representative to get tips on how to go about it. Before you sign any contract, you’ll want to make sure you’re clear on your personal finances. Obtaining a loan can be difficult, especially if you’ve been paying attention to your income and spending habits. 

To avoid paying interest on unsecured loans, it is best to secure your loan with a high-interest insurance policy. It can also be smart to get your name on a list of prime candidates for a mortgage. This way, you’ll be able to get a better price when interest rates go up.

financial planner

Why Invest in Florida

First, select your top three or four properties to consider, . It’s time to pick the best time to buy an investment in those properties. Florida has great weather. It’s the perfect state to break even or make some money off of a vacation home. The tourist industry is strong in Florida, and vacation homes are a popular rental between the Eastern and Western states. Florida’s economy is also very stable, which is crucial when dealing with a investment like this. The best time to buy an investment in vacation homes in Florida is in the first half of the year, when most people will be in vacation mode. You’ll have more time to shop around and make final selections.

Real Estate Investment Trusts and other investments

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are open-ended investment partnerships with various partners. Unlike other types of investments, where all you have to do is put up a dollar amount and trust it to work, in a REIT you will need to put up some money yourself. The money has to come from somewhere, and you’ll have to invest it yourself. This can be a challenge, and it’s great to start small. You can start with a couple of hundred dollars, or you can start with a few million dollars.

Conclusion

Real estate is a wonderful investment. It provides a variety of benefits, including tax-free housing, high-quality real estate, and economic benefits. But before you buy a home, you need to decide if you want to be an investor or an owner. If you’re an investor, you’ll want to carefully research the merits of different properties before making an offer on them. If you’re an owner, you’ll want to take a good look at the properties you’re considering buying. Talk to an advisor and your property manager. If you’re an investor, you can also take a hard look at the market yourself and see if any of your choices are worthy of purchase. If you want to really consider getting into this space, then contact us here now. Let’s talk.