Questions About Buying a Second Home for Investment - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

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Published Date: February 2, 2024

Questions About Buying a Second Home for Investment - Pacaso | Pacaso (1)
With careful planning, buying a second home for investment purposes can potentially help you generate passive income and prepare you for an early retirement.What is an investment property, you ask? If you plan to generate income from value appreciation or renting, your second home can become an investment property. Unlike conventional investment products such as mutual funds and stocks, purchasing a second home for investment entails additional costs like maintenance, insurance and property taxes. But it also may offer some tax benefits.A simple cost/benefit analysis can help you decide if a second home investment property is right for you. Answering the following questions can also point you in the right direction.
  • How much do second homes really cost?
  • How will you use the property?
  • What are the mortgage and tax differences between types of properties?
  • Will I get a good return on my investment?

How much do second homes really cost?

The median U.S. home price is $389,500. However, the sales price of your second home is just the first expense in your “business” as a second home owner.To truly understand the financial responsibilities of second home ownership, be sure to budget for:
  • Property taxes
  • Utilities
  • Repairs
  • Homeowners Insurance
  • Property maintenance
  • HOA fees (if required)
  • Furnishings/household necessities
  • A property manager (if needed)
It’s also important to consider the non-monetary costs. It takes considerable time and energy to maintain a second home and/or be a landlord if you rent it out. But remember: Both the sweat equity and cash you put into a second home could increase your return on investment.

How will you use the property?

Most people invest in second homes for one of three investment purposes:
  1. A personal vacation asset to hold for later resale
  2. A short-term rental property for a variable income stream
  3. A long-term rental property for a sustained income stream
Each reason has pros and cons as an investment tool, and it’s important to understand the differences between a rental home and a second home before investing.

1. Personal vacation asset for later resale

If you’re buying a home as an investment but have no intention of renting it out, your purchase falls under this category.
ProsCons
Allows you to enjoy your second home whenever you wantProvides no active income streams
May not require a property managerRequires higher insurance rates because it's not a primary residence
Avoids hassles and damage from rentersMay require paid services for lawn care and snow removal
Easier to finance than a rental property
Buying a second house to rent is a different story.

2. Short-term rental

Renting out a second home to short-term tenants has grown in popularity. Here’s what you need to know about doing the same with your property.
ProsCons
Can use it as a personal vacation homeMore expensive in popular destinations
Generates an income stream to help defray mortgage and maintenance costsMust be furnished and decorated upfront
Undergoes frequent maintenance and cleaning for guests, helping it maintain valueRequires you to maintain an active listing on a short-term rental site
Positions you as the responsible party for guest problems, complaints, etc.
May not be allowed under HOA regulations or local laws
May not provide consistent income if reservations fluctuate
May require a business insurance policy in addition to higher insurance rates
The other way to convert a second home to an investment property is to find long-term tenants.

3. Long-term rental

Long-term rentals are like the “set it and forget it” option of the real estate world, but you still need to be prepared for the investment.
ProsCons
Provides a reasonably consistent income streamMay not be as lucrative as a short-term rental
Requires less work than a short-term rentalPuts more wear and tear on the house than short-term rentals
Allows you to vet home occupants before renting to themMay create additional hassle if renters don't pay
Doesn’t require furnishing, decorating or household itemsMay sit vacant for long periods without viable rental applicants
The second home investment type you decide to go with will also come with specific differences in taxes.

What are the mortgage and tax differences between types of properties?

When considering investing in a second home, you can expect higher interest rates, down payments and credit score requirements on a mortgage for investment properties compared to primary and second homes.The criteria lenders use to determine taxable rental income and tax benefits for second homes are often similar to those the IRS and tax professionals use. Tax benefits for investment properties include deductions for rental expenses, depreciation and losses.The following general rules apply:A second home:
  • Must be occupied by the owner for 14 days or more each year
  • Cannot be used as a rental property for more than 180 days each year
  • Must be located at least 50 miles from the owner’s primary home
An investment property:
  • Is used by the owner(s) fewer than 14 days each year
  • May be used as a rental property for any period
  • May be within 50 miles of your primary residence
Use these differences in lending terms and taxes to help inform your decision about how to use the property.

Will I get a good return on my investment?

To determine how much you’ll make from renting out a second home — and when you can expect a return on your investment — you will want to research the average rent occupancy rates and real estate appreciation in the area where you’re looking to buy.Factor all the above in, along with an emergency fund to pay for unexpected maintenance and mortgage payments (for months with no renters) and a budget for property management, if needed. If you’re aiming for future resale, create a timeline and budget for property improvements to increase the home’s resale value.Once you’ve calculated the costs, weighed all the pros and cons, and decided on the best way to use your property, you should know if a second home “business” is a smart investment for you.
Questions About Buying a Second Home for Investment - Pacaso | Pacaso (2)

Co-ownership option

If buying a second home for investment purposes sounds like too much of a hassle, consider becoming a co-owner of a turnkey and fully managed vacation home with Pacaso. Own a share of a home, starting at 1/8, and enjoy it several times throughout the year while saving on the total cost of ownership. Plus, Pacaso takes care of the maintenance, taxes and bill payment responsibilities so you can focus on enjoying your second home.It's not a timeshare — you can sell your portion of ownership on the Pacaso marketplace if you decide later to move on. DISCLAIMER: This content is published solely for informational purposes and it is not intended to be investment advice. You should consult with an appropriate professional for specific advice tailored to your situation.

Buying a second home for investment FAQ

Is a second home considered an investment property?

How you use your second home will determine if it’s considered an investment property. Generally, a second home is one that you own in addition to your primary residence, and you will often use it for personal enjoyment, vacations or as a seasonal residence.

Renting out your second home to generate income may be categorized as an investment property.

Is buying a second home a good investment?

Whether buying a second home is a good investment depends on various factors, including your financial goals, the intended use of the property and market conditions.

If the property appreciates and generates rental income, it can be a sound investment. But always carefully consider the costs, potential risks and your personal financial circ*mstances.

Which is better for taxes: A second home or investment property?

Since an investment home is considered a business, it is eligible for many tax breaks, like deducting operating expenses. A second home is also eligible for certain tax breaks, but the owner must meet specific usage criteria, like renting it out for less than 180 days per year.

What is the 2% rule in real estate?

The 2% rule helps landlords determine how much they should charge for rent. The rule states that the monthly rent for the property should equal 2% of the purchase price at the very least.

What is the 70% rule in house flipping?

The 70% rule in house flipping, also known as the golden rule, helps buyers decide how much they should pay. The rule says that a house flipper should not offer more than 70% of the home’s after-repair value to buy the house. This figure should account for the estimated cost of repairs.

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Questions About Buying a Second Home for Investment - Pacaso | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Can you Airbnb a pacaso home? ›

Can owners rent out their time on Airbnb or similar sites? No, owners are not permitted to rent out or sell time on vacation rental sites or other public rental listing services. All guests must be registered and have the Pacaso app on their phone to access the home.

Is buying a second home considered an investment property? ›

If you plan to generate income from value appreciation or renting, your second home can become an investment property. Unlike conventional investment products such as mutual funds and stocks, purchasing a second home for investment entails additional costs like maintenance, insurance and property taxes.

What is the 2 rule for investment properties? ›

What Is the 2% Rule in Real Estate? The 2% rule is a rule of thumb that determines how much rental income a property should theoretically be able to generate. Following the 2% rule, an investor can expect to realize a positive cash flow from a rental property if the monthly rent is at least 2% of the purchase price.

What are the disadvantages of owning a second home? ›

The downside of buying a vacation home is that you will have two of everything – mortgages, property tax bills, water bills, fuel bills, etc. It also means additional responsibility for repairs and general upkeep. At the same time, owning a second home can be very rewarding in tangible and intangible ways.

Can you rent out Pacaso? ›

Pacaso homes are designed solely for the personal use and enjoyment of owners and their personal guests. Rental of Pacaso homes is strictly prohibited.

Is Pacaso like a timeshare? ›

With Pacaso co-ownership, you enjoy the benefits of second home ownership without the hassles. Unlike timeshares, a Pacaso is a fully managed vacation home with a property-specific LLC controlled by the two to eight co-owners of the home. Costs flow through the LLC, too, so you're not subject to hidden fees.

What is the IRS rule for second home? ›

For the IRS to consider a second home a personal residence for the tax year, you need to use the home for more than 14 days or 10% of the days that you rent it out, whichever is greater. So if you rented the house for 40 weeks (280 days), you would need to use the home for more than 28 days.

Is a second home a good tax write off? ›

Are Second-Home Expenses Tax Deductible? Yes, but it depends on how you use the home. If the home counts as a personal residence, you can generally deduct your mortgage interest on loans up to $750,000, as well as up to $10,000 in state and local taxes (SALT).

Is it wrong to claim your investment property as a second home? ›

What Classifies as a Second Home. For financing purposes, there are criteria for a second home to be classified as such. First, it can't be an investment property meant to provide rental income. Secondly, the property cannot be located too near your current home.

What is the 50% rule in real estate? ›

The 50% rule or 50 rule in real estate says that half of the gross income generated by a rental property should be allocated to operating expenses when determining profitability. The rule is designed to help investors avoid the mistake of underestimating expenses and overestimating profits.

What is the 50% cash rule? ›

The 50% rule advises investors to estimate a property's operating expenses will amount to roughly half of its gross income. While this estimation proves helpful in projecting rental property cash flow, it is not a flawless measurement and should only ever be used as a starting point for further research and analysis.

What are the pros and cons of owning a second home? ›

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second Home
  • Pro: Vacation Rental Income. ...
  • Pro: Tax Benefits. ...
  • Pro: Potential Appreciation. ...
  • Con: The Challenge in finding renters. ...
  • Con: Struggling to Sell Your Home. ...
  • Con: Affordability. ...
  • Con: Special Attention and Maintenance.

Does a mortgage on a second home cost more? ›

Mortgage rates for second homes are generally higher than those for primary residences.

Is it easier to buy a second home than first? ›

There are often stricter requirements and higher interest rates for second home mortgages compared to those for a primary residence. It is also possible that a secondary residence mortgage will require additional qualifications, including a down payment, cash reserves and good credit.

How does Pacaso homes make money? ›

Pacaso fees and a markup on the property's market value are actually how the company turns a profit. Your co-owner group will be paying for property management in the long run, as with any other high-end vacation home.

What is the unicorn status of Pacaso? ›

Six months after launch, the business scored a $1 billion valuation, record timing in the startup world for achieving coveted unicorn status.

How is Pacaso different from timeshare? ›

Pacaso offers:

A smaller owner group; instead of up to 52 owners with timeshares, a Pacaso has a maximum of eight. Exclusive use of the home by vetted owners and their guests through an equitable scheduling system, with no third-party rentals allowed. Lower operating costs on items such as property management and ...

Who competes with Pacaso homes? ›

Top 4 pacaso.com Alternatives & Competitors
  • arrived.com. 195,763. 58,704. 266.39K. -42.67% 2.3. 59.34%
  • wesleyfinancialgroup.com. 114,558. 27,629. 541.08K. +175.49% 1.0. 99.64%
  • igms.com. 191,271. 66,185. 274.19K. +6.99% 2.7. 67.35%
  • vacasa.com. 27,195. 6,303. 3.26M. +0.35% 2.7. 54.99%

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