Move-Up vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right For You?

Move-Up vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right For You?

 The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home.

In a recent survey, 66% of respondents said they would consider moving if they no longer had to commute as often. Some of the top reasons were to gain a dedicated office (31%), a larger home (30%), and more rooms overall (29%). And now that virtual school has become a reality for many families, that need for additional space has only intensified.

If you’re feeling cramped in your current space, you’ve probably considered a move. But what type of home would suit you best? Would you benefit from from a larger, move-up home with adequate space – or a second home that offers a convenient escape? Let’s explore each option to help you determine which is right for you.

If you’re struggling with a lack of functional space in your current home, a larger move-up home is a great choice that can improve your everyday life. And with mortgage rates at their lowest level in history, you may be surprised how much home you can afford to buy without increasing your monthly payment.

One major benefit of choosing a move-up home is that you can typically afford a nicer place if you spend your entire budget on one property. However, if you’re longing for that vacation vibe, a second home may be a better choice for you.

Home sales are surging in many resort and bedroom communities as city dwellers search for a place to escape the crowds and quarantine in comfort. And with air travel on hold for many families, some are channeling their vacation budgets into vacation homes that can be utilized throughout the year.

One advantage of choosing a second home is that you can offset a portion of the costs—and in some cases turn a profit—by renting it out on a platform like Airbnb or Vrbo. However, be sure to consult with a real estate professional or rental management company to get a realistic sense of the property’s true income potential.

You may read this and think: I’d really like both a move-up home AND a second home! But if you’re dealing with a limited budget (aren’t we all?), you’ll probably need to make a choice.  These three tactics can help you decide which option is right for you.