Vacation home buying resources

Here's what you need to know about buying vacation rental property.

Quick-start guides to real estate investing

outdoor pool of Florida vacation home
Four reasons why you should buy a vacation home

When you buy a vacation property, you're making one of the few investments that offers both personal and financial rewards—and you don’t have to be a real estate tycoon to pull it off.

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Wood bench in the backyard of a vacation rental in Litchfield, SC
2021: Top 25 best places to buy a vacation home

If you’re weighing the pros and cons of investing in a vacation rental property, find out the top vacation rental markets that you should be looking at to earn the biggest return on your investment.

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Vacation home with outdoor pool in Marathon, FL
How to buy a vacation home

If you own a primary home, buying a vacation home will feel familiar. However, there are some key differences you need to be aware of throughout the process.

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FEATURED REPORT

2022 Vacation Rental Buyer Report

Curious what other vacation home buyers are looking for? Our 2022 Vacation Rental Buyer Report surveyed 701 people actively in the market to buy vacation rental properties—their mindsets, their behaviors, and the challenges they face.

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Vacation rental exterior in Sonoma
FEATURED ARTICLE

Our ultimate guide to investing in vacation rentals

The smart way to invest in short-term rentals goes way beyond just buying a home and listing it on Airbnb and Vrbo. Learn tips to make a good investment, how to gauge your expected rental income, advice on hiring a property manager, and more.

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Where to buy a vacation home

Our annual data reports rank the best places to buy vacation homes according to cap rate
Best places to buy a beach house 2022
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Beaver Creek, CO ski lift over the mountains
Best places to buy a winter vacation home 2021–2022
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wood dock over a lake
Best places to buy a lake house 2021
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aerial view of galveston, tx coastline
Best places to buy a beach house 2021
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snow-covered mountains in colorado
Best places to buy a winter vacation home 2020–2021
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Evenly groomed back yard of a vacation rental with an outdoor pool and outdoor hot tub in Palm Springs, CA
2020: Top 25 best places to buy a vacation home
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Vacation homes with boat docks by the water in Key West, FL
Best places to buy a vacation home in Florida
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Holiday vacation rental covered in Washington covered in snow
Best places to buy a winter vacation home 2019–2020
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Back patio and pool view of a vacation rental in Scottsdale AZ
2019: Top 25 best places to buy a vacation home
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Beach house rental exterior and lawn with palm trees
Best places to buy a beach house in 2019
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Vacation cabin in Government Camp, OR
Top U.S. winter destinations to buy a vacation home in 2018
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Florida vacation rental with outdoor pool
2018: Top 25 best places to buy a vacation home
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Investing in a vacation home

What is cap rate and why is it important?
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Can you afford a vacation home?
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Vacation home mortgage loan options
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1031 exchanges for vacation homes
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Financing your future vacation home
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Vacation rental in Ocean Bay Park
FEATURED ARTICLE

Eight reasons why vacation home inspections are important

Some vacation home owners, especially those who are planning to rent their homes, don’t bother with a home inspection. However, an inspection keeps you in a position of strength and will benefit you in the long run. Find out why a home inspection is a good idea—and an important part of any vacation home offer.

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Searching for the right vacation home

10 tips for buying a vacation home out of state
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Buying a fixer-upper vacation rental
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