do you let friends stay at your second home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I find this thread fascinating! I do not have the means for a 2nd home. But if I did I would think one of the great parts and being able to share that with a friend. These are people who have been to the home before. They know where things are. You've seen them use your stuff. You're not losing money, the place is empty. Why wouldn't you say yes?

People like you have no skin in the game and nothing of value anyone would want to use. Your laissez faire POV is that of a self-serving moocher or taker.

I dont view my possessions and friendships as "skin in the game". I just think it's normal to share with people you like when you can do so. I have never asked anyone to use their property. I have been extended an invitation only once (I dont really run in circles where people own multiple homes). I would presume that someone wanted me use theie home, but also dont think its a huge sin to ask.

I do have a second home and I am always happy for people to stay there. I do expect them to pay for cleaners at the end of the stay. I agree it is part of the appeal of having a second home is to share it with my friends and family.

[Anonymous]

I think the appeal, when we bought it, is to get away from it all and relax as we both have stressful jobs. We realized there was potential to rent it out as there weren't many on the lake doing it. Renting it out pays for all the expenses of the house, boat, lift, property taxes, etc (it does take a lot to run the place) and then allows us to put a little away for traveling or saving for other things. I don't think anyone understands the work (we only hire a cleaner when we can't make it up to clean between rentals. Its important for us to clean after the rental because WE would notice things are gone - life jackets, blow up mattresses and make minor repairs that cleaning ppl don't do) and money it takes - we're currently going to have to buy a new boat lift.
We never bought it with entertainment in mind. But people sure like to visit us, especially our adult children, which is great. The fact that our couples friends love it too? And one of my friends asked if she brought her 15 year old up would we take him tubing? People aren't understanding that it's our time to relax. Maybe we need to make that clearer.