- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- article archive
- expert q & a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
A Season to Buy
Why Now Is the Right Time to Make Your Vacation Home
"Make sure you're buying a smart investment," Karpinski says. "This is especially difficult for vacation homebuyers because we're risk-takers who tend to use our emotions more than our heads. It's easy to get caught up and sign on the dotted line when you see that gorgeous beach home or perfect ski resort. Why do you think so many people own timeshares? Because they get caught up in the moment and see only the romantic side of ownership without doing the due diligence necessary."
Never say never, Karpinski says. "Today it may be financially feasible to not rent your home, but what will tomorrow bring?" she says. "What will change in your finances over the years? Will you be retiring? Will your children be attending college? Will the tax rate for the property skyrocket? What about the simple costs of ownership? Buy where you know you can utilize the option to rent your property (i.e., not in an area with a short-term rental ban). You know the old saying 'It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind'? Well, it should be a vacation homeowner's, too."
Worried that it's too hard or time-consuming to become a do-it-yourselfer? Don't be. A survey conducted through HomeAway, Inc., indicates that vacation homeowners who have taken the plunge to rent out their properties "by owner" find it very easy and inexpensive to do so. Being a "do it yourselfer" can save 20 to 50 percent in management company commissions.
"As I mentioned earlier, the Internet has made renting by owner much easier," Karpinski says. "Advertising on the HomeAway.com Network, a group of established vacation rental Web sites, is one simple and nexpensive way to find guests. It costs only $299 a year to list on four Web sites."
Want to see more?
- Home Away from
Home (Really!): 9 Reasons to Go the Vacation Rental Route the Next Time You Travel - Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness – and a Vacation?: A 3-step Plan for Breaking the Vacation Entitlement Mindset
- From Roughing It to Four-star: What Are the Costs of Family Vacations?
- Check out our Article Library.
- Talk about it!