9 Fundamental Reasons You Just Shouldn't Buy a Vacation Home

Many people consider a vacation home a great real estate investment. But owning a second property isn't for everyone, and it often comes with headaches. 

Whether you simply don't have the time or where you stand financially isn't ready for such a large financial commitment, here are some reasons you should think twice before buying a vacation home.

Are you chained to your desk all the time? Buying a vacation home might seem like an excuse to get away from your job.

But if you are a workaholic, you are more likely to just grab your laptop and spend much of the time at the second property working instead of enjoying a vacation.

If you aren’t taking advantage of vacation days now, expect to continue that habit even after you buy a second home.

If you're a homebody, a vacation home might not be a great choice.

Chances are good that the second property will be some distance from your primary home. That means you will face the dreaded tasks of packing and driving or flying to a different location.

Those who dislike travel might enjoy less frequent getaways. If that sounds like you, skip the vacation home and stick with the occasional hotel or Airbnb.

Investing in a second property likely means a lot of your money will be tied up in two pieces of real estate. That leaves less cash for retirement accounts or saving for your kid’s college tuition.

If the money in those other accounts isn’t what you would like, reconsider adding another home to your portfolio. It may push you further behind in your overall savings goals. 

Some people love to try a variety of new experiences when they travel more or enjoy time off. A vacation home, however, means you will be in the same place doing the same things vacation after vacation.

It’s fine to crave variety when you’re taking a break. But that spirit does not fit with owning a vacation home that you return to over and over again.

Owning rental properties can be a rewarding way to make extra cash. But if you already have investments tied up in real estate, do you want to add more?

A vacation home — even if you plan to use it yourself — is another property in your portfolio. You might want to consider diversifying your investment portfolio instead of adding more real estate to it.

Before buying a vacation home, consider the extra costs. They might include:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Upkeep and repairs
• Taxes

It’s a good idea to sit down and create a budget for all your estimated costs. This might include everything from winterizing your home to hiring someone to care for it between visits from you.

A vacation home needs the same level of care as your main residence. You’ll be responsible for mowing the lawn in the summer and removing snow in the winter. You should also take into account maintenance and repair issues.

It can be daunting to take over the care of two homes instead of just one. So, factor in any time you will have to spend caring for the property or finding other people who can care for it while you’re gone.

A vacation home can seem like both a good place to stay and something you can rent out to visitors when you’re not there.

But do your homework first. Some cities and towns that are popular vacation destinations have increased regulations or even banned homeowners from using their homes as Airbnbs.

And even if you are allowed to rent out a vacation home, doing so can be more of a headache than you think.

If you have a lot of money but don’t know where to invest it, a vacation home can sound like a tempting solution.

But before you simply throw that excess cash into a vacation home, check with a financial advisor to get a better idea of what else you can do with the money.

Perhaps there are other ways to invest it that make more sense than simply sinking cash into a vacation home.

For many people, buying a vacation home is not the right choice. However, others may feel differently.

Still want to own a vacation home? Check with lenders about rates and costs associated with closing on a vacation home.

If you buy a second home, get in touch with local rental agencies to see if there are ways to earn extra income with your property and boost your bank account when you’re not using it.