Not having a second / vacation home makes me feel poor & depressed. Anyone else?

[Anonymous]

We are happy not to have the hassle of a 2nd house. Gives us the freedom to take vacations in different places.

[Anonymous]

I wish I had a second home near the beach or on a lake. A large part of that desire is because for the past 30 years I’ve lived in a tow house on top of my neighbors with a postage stamp sized, humid, mosquito filled backyard, with lots of bustle in the neighborhood.

There are perks to where I live - short commute, easy access to conveniences - but I do miss a more peaceful living environment, and I feel badly that my kids grew up without it other than our one week renting in Bethany each summer (it’s gotten very crowded there over past 25 yrs! but the kids could always ride bikes and were outside constantly) .

I won’t ever be able to afford a second home, but I hope that in retirement I can sell my home and move someplace more scenic and quieter. Whether I had a second home, or my primary home, in such an environment, I’d still want to go on vacations - there are so many amazing places to see and experience.

[Anonymous]

You realize there is a huge percentage of the American population for whom homeownership is out of reach?

Please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With seemingly everyone who has one gone from their main residence right now, anyone else feel this way? Be honest.

Because honestly, this week I can't stop feeling "poor" (not literally, relatively) because we don't have a place to escape to. Relying on whimsical invites to friends' and family vacation homes at this point in our life just feels so low and desperate. I don't care how much or how little financial sense it makes, we need a second home. I'm so over being trapped at home all year, fishing for invitations, or even renting for a week at a time. Perhaps this is the precise feeling that motivates so many to buy a second home?

I can understand how it's hard when it seems "everyone" is doing this. Here's another perspective from a Financial Planner friend: there is a reason many people end up selling second homes after a few years when the novelty wears off: maintenance, expense, not having time to go to the property when kids are younger due to all their activities, not going when kids are older because they have their own lives, managing rentals or rental agencies to earn enough money to cover the mortgage, then having to deal with renters who don't take care of your place. Think of how preferable it is to rent ANY property when you want or to go any of a million other places on vacation and not feel tied to the same old place because you're paying a mortgage there. There is a lot more freedom in not owning a second property than there is owning one.

[Anonymous]

This post made me laugh. Thanks OP.

[Anonymous]

I've had a second home for over 15 years. It was great when the kids were in elementary and middle school. Not so great when their activities started taking up most of their and our time. These days I probably make it there four to six times a year for a night or two and it's less than two hours away. Most of the time I'm doing an obligatory drive by to make sure it's still standing and change batteries in security cameras. I'm hesitant to sell because it would be a great retirement home, but retirement is 10+ years away. I keep thinking I'll use it more but as the years progress I find I use it less. I keep it because I bought it cheap, it's paid off and the carrying costs are a few thousand a year, which isn't really a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are happy not to have the hassle of a 2nd house. Gives us the freedom to take vacations in different places.

People who say this don’t really understand how people use their second homes. Having a second home is a lifestyle and not someplace you vacation.

[Anonymous]

Sitting at our second home now. Bought 20+ years ago. It’s paid off. We used to rent it out but renovated and no longer rent. It’s so nice to roll in late night and leave stuff here, etc

[Anonymous]

This thread is from 2020. Another zombie thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2020. Another zombie thread.

We need to keep this thread alive. The world needs to be made aware about the plight of those unfortunate souls that can't afford a second home on top of their mcmansion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are happy not to have the hassle of a 2nd house. Gives us the freedom to take vacations in different places.

+1

Second homes are more of a burden. Rent!

[Anonymous]

Everyone can afford a second home if they want one. It’s just a question of where and whether it is worth it to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sitting at our second home now. Bought 20+ years ago. It’s paid off. We used to rent it out but renovated and no longer rent. It’s so nice to roll in late night and leave stuff here, etc

Holiday weeks like this it’s priceless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2020. Another zombie thread.

We need to keep this thread alive. The world needs to be made aware about the plight of those unfortunate souls that can't afford a second home on top of their mcmansion.

NP ... but really, does nobody else remember what was going on in May 2020? Yes, people with vacation homes were flooding out of the city to spend time at their remote second home. People stuck in the city were closed up at home. Restaurants and public spaces were closed down. Disappearing to a country home / beach home / whatever was the perfect way to escape the madness. This OP needs to be taken in the context of when it was written.

I have never in my life been tempted to own a second home ... except for a very brief period in May/June of 2020. Even I admit it would have been nice then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is from 2020. Another zombie thread.

We need to keep this thread alive. The world needs to be made aware about the plight of those unfortunate souls that can't afford a second home on top of their mcmansion.

NP ... but really, does nobody else remember what was going on in May 2020? Yes, people with vacation homes were flooding out of the city to spend time at their remote second home. People stuck in the city were closed up at home. Restaurants and public spaces were closed down. Disappearing to a country home / beach home / whatever was the perfect way to escape the madness. This OP needs to be taken in the context of when it was written.

I have never in my life been tempted to own a second home ... except for a very brief period in May/June of 2020. Even I admit it would have been nice then.

Speak for yourself!