Second Homes for Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) (Paperback)

by Bridget McCrea (Author), Stephen Spignesi (Author)
Key Phrases: renovation master plan, perfect second home, condo bylaws, United States, Myrtle Beach, Uncle Sam (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Thinking about owning a second home? Whether you want a relaxing getaway spot, a future retirement home, or just a place to rent out for profit, having a second home has always been a good investment. But how will you know where to look, how to invest, and what you need to avoid?

Second Homes For Dummies gives you the tools you need to handle the entire second-home buying process from concept to completion! This book covers the bases and the basics of buying a second home, presenting all information in a logical and modular format so you can find just what you need on the subjects that interest you. You’ll find out everything you need to know to:

• Determine whether or not a second home is right for you
• Maximize your options for a second home
• Search for a home and find the money to pay for it
• Rent out your home for profit
• Renovate and maintain it to ensure its growing value
• Make your second home your primary home
• Look for and purchase a home in another country

Also provided are a list of the best places in the world to buy a home, ways to improve your home and make it first rate, and rules that you should talk about with your guests. With Second Homes For Dummies, you can make your dream of having a second home come true!

From the Back Cover
Deal with agents, tenants, mortgages, and more

Let your second home work for you now, and retire to it later

Dreaming of that perfect cottage in the mountains or that beachfront getaway? Can you afford it? How do you find one? Will it make money or cost money? What about upkeep and taxes? Relax! This handy book guides you through every step, from assessing your finances and deciding when to buy, to maintaining and maximizing your investment.

• Choose the right home

• Decide whether to build

• How to pay for it

• Go it alone or use a pro

• Find reliable tenants

• Prepare for the retirement move

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (April 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470105224
• ISBN-13: 978-0470105221
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #318,645 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great resource for anyone purchasing investment properties, August 14, 2007

By	Lisa G. Merritt "www.lisamerrittrealtor.com" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Covers most financial aspects of owning non-primary properties, including second homes, vacation homes, rental properties, and strategizing for retirement property. Tax questions are covered in detail.

Could have used more personal examples to give the book a more homey feeling. Also not a great resource for rural or undeveloped land purchases.

Overall, very useful for anyone considering purchasing investment property, including rental property or renting to tenants part time.

Lisa Merritt
www.lockboxdeals.com

4.0 out of 5 stars I would buy this again, February 23, 2009

By	hberrybug (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

The best part of this book is that it doesn't assume why you are buying a second home, it covers all of the bases. Personal use, rental property, vacation home,... Well referenced for quick look ups. I haven't read it from cover to cover, but each time I have a new questions, I can grab it and find pertinent information in just a few minutes.