Vacation season is coming. It is the rush to find an accommodation affordable at your favorite vacation spot. You may have already considered buying a home there. But you probably never made the first step. Maybe this year it’s time to stop dreaming and take actions. Owing a secondary or vacation house has already become a reality for a growing number of Americans. According to the National Association of Realtors, vacation home sales soared by 20% in 2004, topping more than 1 million homes sold for the first time on record. In fact, vacation homes made up roughly a third of all second homes purchases. And this trend will very likely continue. Indeed since baby boomers will begin to retire, studies have shown than 30 million Americans will buy a vacation home within the next decade.

In order to help to make a wise and great investment you should follow a few steps. First you need to know your home-financing options because it can make a big difference in getting your perfect vacation home. Many homeowners are using the equity in their primary home to finance their vacation investment. In terms of financing you would better get approved for a mortgage before you begin looking for a vacation home. Two advantages: you will know exactly how much home you can afford, and it will make your offer more attractive. Indeed with financing in place, the seller or real estate will know the offer is good and will be more confident.

After reviewing your home financing options, there are other factors to think about. First you have to choose a home that fit the needs of your family in terms of space available and activities. Second is travel time. If your vacation home is too distant from your primary residence, you may not visit it as frequently. Two to three hours travel time is ideal. Third you have to consider climate especially during the off-season. Some areas that are warm in the summer can become very cold during the winter months. At last take a look at the healthcare facilities. Why? It is mainly because quality of healthcare should be one of your top priorities if your vacation home becomes your primary residence one day.