Already own a home and thinking about buying another? There are benefits to purchasing a vacation home or a second home. Before you make your decision, do the following:

Consider Your Goals

Maybe you want a vacation home to visit on weekends, holidays or in the summer. Or you’d like to live in the home when you retire or pass it on to your children. Owning a second home may come with perks, like potential tax write-offs, depending on how you use it.

But a second home for vacations is very different from an investment property you buy to generate income. That difference can affect your finances, including the taxes you owe on the property and the type of insurance coverage you need.

Run The Numbers

First things first: Consider whether you have the down payment you need and if you can afford to take on a second home mortgage. Do you have a stable income and a cash reserve? Keep in mind the additional expenses of owning a second home such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, furnishings and property-management fees.

The tax implications of a second home largely depend on the type of property you buy and how you use it. Consult a mortgage advisor for guidance on how a second home purchase could affect your taxes, since you may be eligible for mortgage interest deductions. Learn more about preparing your finances and the other stages of the home buying process.

Understand Your Mortgage Options

You may be able to get a lower interest rate on your loan if you make a large down payment, since you borrow a smaller percentage of the property’s value. (This is the loan-to-value ratio.) Loans available for vacation homes tend to be more conservative than those for primary residences, and you may need a down payment of 20 percent or more, especially if you need a jumbo loan.

A professional mortgage advisor can help you better understand the costs of purchasing a second home and the available loan options. You can also be prequalified or pre-approved* for a loan before you start looking at properties. Your advisor looks at your current financial situation and the property you want to purchase and advises you on your eligibility for different types of loans.

Final Thoughts

Buying a second home can be complicated and may take some time, but with forethought, preparation and some help from experts, you can make an informed decision that's appropriate for your situation.
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*A pre-qualification is not an approval of credit and does not signify that underwriting requirements have been met. Pre-approval is based on a preliminary review of credit information provided to Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation which has not been reviewed by Underwriting. Final loan approval is subject to a full Underwriting review of support documentation including, but not limited to, applicants’ creditworthiness, assets, income information, and a satisfactory appraisal.