Best books for empty nesters

The cost to build a luxury home depends on several factors such as lot size, home dimensions, finish quality and regional labor rates. On average, building an entry-level luxury residence costs between $200 and $500 per square foot. This means that an average 5,000 sq ft luxury home costs between $1 million and $2.5 million to build. For a more detailed understanding of how much you’ll spend when you Breaking down the luxury home build cost by tier When calculating the Common custom luxury home cost drivers Building custom luxury homes isn’t a one-size-fits-all process — there are more cost variables compared to a standard new build. Therefore, understanding the most common cost drivers can help you form a more accurate budget. Location  The location of your luxury home build plays a large role in its overall cost. This is because median home prices vary widely across the country. Land  One of the first expenses in building a luxury home is the cost of your homesite. According to the National Association of Home Builders, lot costs constitute about For example, a fully wooded lot will require tree removal, rocky soil will cost more to excavate for a foundation and land with a steep grade might need extra engineering to make it suitable for building. Plan for 3-8% of your budget to go toward site prep alone (excluding the cost of the land itself). Architectural and design fees Luxury home building is all about customization, and there are a few options when it comes to creating blueprints for your new home. The least expensive is to work with a developer and choose from pre-existing floor plans, with some customization options.  For a fully custom home, you’ll need to hire professionals to put your vision on paper, including an architect and engineer, and possibly an interior designer. These are often considered “soft costs”, meaning they're not direct construction costs, and they vary greatly. According to Ralston Architects, you can expect to spend Construction According to the National Association of Home Builders, construction costs make up Luxury add-ons make up the remaining 10-15% of your construction expenses. This includes radiant floor heating, intercoms, security systems, built-in stereo systems, smart home features, central vacuums, indoor pools, spas and more.  Getting these systems right the first time is worth it in terms of both money and hassle down the road. Interior finishes This is where you get to have the most fun and implement your favorite Exterior finishes The cost to build a luxury home also includes essentials like roofing and siding, and the materials you choose will impact your budget. Some of the You’ll also need to budget for paving walkways and driveways, as well as landscaping, including outdoor lighting and sod. Expect to use 15-20% of your budget for this important exterior work. Extras Approximately 17% of your budget will go toward paying your contractor and covering miscellaneous expenses, such as site waste removal and building permits, so be sure to factor those costs in. You may also run into building issues, authorize overtime hours for laborers or select additional upgrades that further add to the luxury home build cost. Benefits of owning with Pacaso vs. building a luxury home Choosing to build luxury homes is an ambitious endeavor, but it’s not the only option. It’s less hassle than calculating the cost per square foot to build a luxury home, and Pacaso offers right-sized ownership of ⅛ to ½ of a managed second home if you don’t plan on being there full-time.  Take a look at The Pacaso difference for owning a luxury home If a luxury second home is in your future, but the time or cost to build a luxury home feels out of reach, Pacaso might be the perfect fit. Pacaso’s co-ownership model offers all the comfort of a fully furnished, professionally decorated luxury home in a stunning location. Plus, you’ll get the peace of mind of integrated property management from the experienced Pacaso Crew. 

Navigating how to buy a house in another state adds a little extra complexity to the second-home-buying process. Because you might not be able to tour the home in person or handle paperwork face-to-face with your real estate agent, it’s essential to have a plan in place to keep everything on track. We've compiled the following steps to help you get started with buying a house out of state. Let’s dive in.  1. Get pre-approved for your new home Mortgage pre-approval gives you the buying power to make an offer on a home. Through this process, a lender reviews your finances and issues a conditional commitment outlining how much you may qualify to borrow. If you’re buying a second home, expect stricter requirements. Many lenders require larger Even if you’re approved for a higher loan amount than you anticipated, focus on what fits comfortably within your budget. You can use a Pre-approval shows what you can borrow, but only you can decide what monthly payment makes sense for your financial situation. Once you set a realistic price range, you can start exploring buying a home in another state.  2. Research your target destination If you can’t visit your target locations, a little online research can help give you a better feel of what it’s like to vacation in different states. Websites like Don't stop at just the property listings, though. Community websites and social media groups can offer additional insights into what it's like to vacation or live in a place. The more research you do online, the more prepared you'll be to narrow your search and find a place that truly feels like home. Consider these location factors to decide if a destination is right for you. 3. Visit the area Even if you can only swing a weekend visit, seeing a prospective area in person is the best way to experience a new place and decide if it’s right for you. While visiting, think about: Browse Google Maps to check out local shops and restaurants, and see which neighborhoods have the amenities you love. Then, spend as much time there as possible. 4. Determine your home preferences Before contacting a real estate agent, decide what type of home and features you want. Talk with your family about what matters most in a vacation home and what you need to feel comfortable.  For example, consider whether you’re Create a clear list of must-haves and nice-to-haves to guide your search and help you compromise when needed. Sharing your preferences for home features and neighborhood will help your buying team narrow down the best options. 5. Find a local buyer’s agent  Your real estate agent is a valuable resource, especially when buying property out of state. While finding the right buyer’s agent in another city can take effort, online reviews and video interviews can help you choose the right fit. A local agent does more than show homes. They provide insight into neighborhoods and market trends, Consider joining local Facebook groups for recommendations on the best real estate agents in the area. Residents often share honest experiences and can point you toward agents who understand the local market. 6. Go on virtual tours  When you can’t tour a home in person, virtual tours, videos and listing pictures are the next best things. Many online home listings even include floor plans to get a better feel for a home’s layout.  A good agent will take you on a virtual tour of a home via FaceTime or Zoom. Many websites also offer Even if you can visit a home in person, be sure to take videos and photos so you can revisit your open house experience when deciding whether to make an offer. This will also allow you to share the home with your family and friends to get their opinions.  7. Get a house inspection You should always get a home inspection when buying a house in another state, even though it’s not required. During this process, a licensed inspector examines the home for major issues, like roof leaks or plumbing issues.  Afterward, you’ll receive a report outlining any problems or needed repairs. You can use this information to negotiate repairs, request a price reduction or walk away from the deal. If you waive the inspection, you agree to buy the home as-is and take full responsibility for any issues after closing. 8. Understand state-specific rules  Real estate laws and closing procedures vary by state, so it’s important to understand the rules where you’re buying. Differences may include disclosure requirements, earnest money practices, property tax assessments and whether a real estate attorney is required at closing. Your agent and lender will explain how local regulations affect your buying process.  9. Close remotely  Many states allow remote closings, making it possible to finalize your home purchase without being physically present. Depending on the state, you may be able to sign documents electronically and use remote online notarization. Your title company or closing attorney will explain the process and provide instructions for signing and securely returning the documents.  10. Plan your visits and logistics If this will be your primary residence, start by planning the logistics of your move. Coordinate transportation for your belongings, transfer utilities, update your address and schedule your move-in so everything is ready when you arrive. If this is a vacation or secondary home, plan seasonal visits to handle Buy your second home with Pacaso  Buying a vacation home in another state can feel complicated, but Pacaso makes it simple. We guide you through the buying process and use a Pacaso handles maintenance and billing so your out-of-state home is always ready for you. With

In the age of infinite design inspiration, it’s easy to curate a vision of your perfect sanctuary. However, translating a mood board into a cohesive, luxurious environment often requires technical skills and a lot of time. Unless you Whether you’re trying to turn your new We’ve pulled everything you need to know about hiring an interior designer so you can make an informed decision for your next home project. What does the average interior designer cost in 2026? The average cost for an interior designer ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the project. That ‌fee typically pays for the designer’s time but often excludes the cost of furnishings, artwork or materials. Rates vary wildly depending on the scope of your project, your location and the designer’s level of service. Because so many factors play a role, it can be hard to know exactly how much interior designers charge until you get a personalized quote. Interior designer rates and pricing models Interior designers set their rates in varying ways. When first meeting with an interior designer, ask how they’ll charge for their services so you can plan your budget. 1. Hourly Residential interior designers commonly charge by the hour. An interior designer’s hourly rate ranges from Your interior designer will bill you per hour for: This rate doesn’t include the cost of any furnishings, which an interior designer will bill you for separately. Depending on their policy, your interior designer may charge you at cost for furnishings or charge a commission fee (see below). Hourly rates let you control how much you pay, but if the job doesn’t go as planned or you need to make changes, you might pay more than you expected.  If you just need a professional eye for a few hours to help pick paint colors, or if you want a designer to “consult” on a room you want to 2. Flat rate pricing (per room or square footage) Designers at an interior design firm frequently charge a flat rate by room or square footage. The flat rate covers a certain number of changes but doesn’t cover furniture, which would cost extra. If a designer charges by the square foot, you’ll pay about $5 to $15 for each square foot. They also usually have a minimum project size requirement. The flat rate works well for basic projects. But, you’ll probably pay more for add-ons than you would if your designer charged you hourly or by percentage of the project cost. That said, this rate is the easiest to budget because you’ll know exactly what you’ll pay for the project upfront. 3. Percentage of project cost Some interior designers may set their rates as a percentage of the project cost. They’ll add up all the construction costs and then charge you an additional 10% to 30% as their design rate. Like the other types of rates, this doesn’t cover the cost of furnishings. Other interior designers may use the cost-plus method to calculate their rate. They’ll total the cost to complete the entire project, factoring in construction costs, permit fees, furnishings and related expenses, and then charge an additional 10% to 45% as their rate. The benefits of this type of rate are that you get a fair estimate, one that’ll likely not change so you can budget accordingly. There won’t be any massive surprise bills waiting for you if things go wrong.  4. Commission and furniture markups Your interior designer often buys furnishings at a wholesale price (usually 20% to 40% off retail), but they’ll charge you the full retail cost. The difference between the two prices is the commission. Alternatively, some designers use a “cost-plus” model. In this scenario, they buy items at their discounted cost and bill you that amount plus a markup fee, which typically ranges from 10% to 30%. Regardless of the method, you can expect to pay a commission on top of their hourly or flat rate. To see exactly where your money goes, ask your designer to share receipts for all purchases. You should always do this when you are planning to use pieces from Online interior design services (e-design) For people who just need a design roadmap, online interior design services (often called e-design) are a flexible alternative. These platforms generally charge a flat fee per room, ranging from However, this is a more hands-on approach. You’ll need to take your own measurements and photos, handle the ordering and tracking of furniture and manage the assembly and installation yourself. While you save money on design fees, you miss out on the full-service management, custom furniture sourcing or trade discounts that interior designers offer. E-design makes the most sense if you’re okay with managing the logistics, but need professional eyes to pull the look together. Factors that impact interior design cost Regardless of how your interior designer sets their rates, a few factors can affect how much you’ll pay for a design project: What does an interior designer do? Interior design combines creative vision with technical skill to build a space that fits your life. Professionals in this field undergo extensive training and often hold specific credentials or licenses that allow them to practice. Your designer focuses on flow and functionality from the very start. They often bring a clear design strategy and become involved during the architectural planning phase to be sure the room works as well as it looks. Such expertise is particularly useful if you plan to create anything from Services vary by professional, but you can generally expect them to handle these tasks: Interior designer vs. interior decorator You might hear the terms designer and decorator used interchangeably, but the roles are quite different. An interior designer brings technical know-how to a project. They know how to move walls, reroute plumbing and change the footprint of a room, all while planning in details like the You can expect to pay more for a designer because of that specialized training and project management scope. Decorators generally cost less since they work within the existing structure. A common misconception is that the title doesn’t matter, but it dictates what you can legally change. Benefits of hiring an interior designer If it fits within your budget, hiring an interior designer offers many practical advantages. More experience and training Thanks to their training, interior designers understand the functionality of space at a deeper level. They also view design as an art form, so they know how to use lighting, texture, color theory and negative space to Access to tools and exclusive designer networks A major perk of an interior designer is their access to tools that make the design process more efficient, especially at the start. These help them visualize a space before moving a wall or adding a coat of paint, saving you from making a costly design mistake. In addition, interior designers can buy from wholesalers that are not available to the public. Increased resale value An interior designer knows exactly what changes to make to a space for maximum return on investment. A professionally designed space often has a bigger wow factor than a DIY space, which can impress potential buyers. It’s also why so many real estate agents recommend homeowners get their homes professionally staged before putting them on the market.  Less stress and more time Managing a home renovation often feels like a full-time job, especially when construction crews get involved. Your designer acts as the project manager to handle the chaos while keeping the timeline on track. They coordinate with contractors, oversee deliveries and solve problems before you even know they exist. You’re free to enjoy the creative parts of the process without the daily headaches of logistics. Whether designing a How to pick the right interior designer for you Hiring a professional who fits your specific style makes the whole project more manageable. You can find the right match for your home by following these tips: Questions to ask potential interior designers Once you narrow your search, you can set up consultations with a few candidates. The point of this meeting is twofold. You need to determine if the designer is the right fit for your project. You also want to give them an idea of what you want and let them see the space. Use these questions to help you see if they're a good fit.  Experience questions: Project process questions: Budget and payment questions: Luxury and value questions: How to get the most out of your interior designer investment Since you’re paying a pro for their vision and their access to exclusive resources, you’ll want to get the best bang for your buck. Here are a few Interior designer vs. Pacaso Hiring a designer adds layers of contracts, timelines and budget management to your life. Pacaso solves this problem by including professional interior design directly in the purchase model. Here’s how Pacaso compares to interior designers: Own a professionally furnished home with Pacaso Stop calculating how much an interior design project costs and start enjoying your time away. We handle the entire

Zillow is the undisputed giant of online real estate, clocking more than The other problem with general search engines like Zillow is that they often lack curated inventory for nuanced searches. For example, if you're looking to Niche Zillow competitors solve this problem because they list quality over quantity, often without the spammy agents and marketing material. Use this guide to find the Zillow alternative that best aligns with your search for a new or 1. Realtor.com Realtor.com is one of the best alternatives to Zillow for home listings due to its size and accuracy. The site has a direct link to the National Association of Realtors and updates its MLS data every 15 minutes. That speed is especially useful in a hot market, where a short delay often means losing a house. You also get a cleaner feed that ignores “pre-foreclosure” bait, so you only see inventory that’s actually available to buy. 2. Redfin Redfin operates as a brokerage, which means it can offer lower listing fees and commission refunds at closing. Plus, you’ll often find the Redfin Estimate is more accurate than ‌Zestimates because it uses active MLS data. The platform also has one of the most efficient home-buying apps for booking tours and getting instant alerts. It’s best suited for major cities, but you might find gaps in coverage if you look in rural or less populated areas. 3. Homes.com Homes.com recently cleared out the clutter on its site to give you a cleaner and more functional search experience. What stands out is that you can message the actual listing agent directly, instead of dealing with random salespeople who buy your data. That direct line saves you from the spam calls you get with many other real estate sites like Zillow or other larger platforms. The map feels smooth and easy to use, even if it lacks some of the deeper filters you find elsewhere. 4. Pacaso Most alternatives to Zillow help you find a home, but none make it easy to get a luxury second home. Former Zillow executives founded Pacaso to solve that specific aspect of With the co-ownership model, you purchase an ownership interest ranging from 1/8 to 1/2. This gives you ownership of a true real estate asset — They also created a process for managing and 5. Apartments.com As the name implies, Apartments.com specializes entirely in rentals, which is something of a secondary focus on many sites like Zillow. The site prioritizes managed buildings with verified availability and active property managers. You can filter by specific amenities and view reliable 3D tours to see exactly what you get before you book a visit. 6. NeighborhoodScout Standard listing sites often gloss over safety ratings to keep you browsing, but NeighborhoodScout gives you detailed insights about crime and school quality. It has block-by-block heat maps that show exactly where the safe zones end and the risky areas begin. Certainty like this helps a lot when you’re relocating and can’t visit in person. The reports aren't free, so it makes sense to wait until you’re serious about a place before you pay. 7. FSBO.com Zillow hides “for sale by owner” listings under a confusing secondary filter that most buyers miss. FSBO.com puts these off-market homes in one place to help you find deals without agent fees. You speak directly to the seller, so you often get straightforward answers about the house's history. The platform doesn’t offer much support for the paperwork, though. You’ll likely need to hire a real estate attorney to make sure you close the deal safely. 8. Foreclosure.com Foreclosure.com is the leading search engine for investors hunting for distressed real estate. It aggregates messy public records into a clean list of tax deeds, bankruptcies or sheriff sales. Standard sites miss these opportunities because they rely on agent feeds rather than court filings.  It also lists the specific name of the trustee or asset manager, so you know exactly who to call to make a deal. Access to detailed listings requires a subscription fee, which is most practical once you are seriously evaluating distressed properties. 9. LandWatch LandWatch specializes in rural real estate, farms and hunting properties. Homesteaders and investors check here when they want 10 or more acres instead of a standard subdivision with an HOA like on Zillow.  You can filter by specific needs that standard sites ignore, such as mineral rights, timberland or water access. The search tools also let you hunt for auctions, owner financing deals or land with existing structures like barns and cabins. 10. Opendoor Opendoor owns the homes it sells, so you never have to coordinate schedules with a seller or an agent. You simply book a tour and unlock the front door with their app. Browsing without a salesperson hovering over your shoulder makes the experience free from pressure. The platform also has a trade-in service that lets you line up your sale and purchase perfectly to avoid paying two mortgages. You’re limited to their specific inventory for these features, but the convenience can be appealing. How to choose the right Zillow alternative for your needs Your specific goal when searching for a property should dictate which app you open first. Primary home buyers need speed and accurate data, like Redfin and Realtor.com, to beat the competition in hot markets. Renters should prioritize verified platforms that filter out expired or fake listings. Buyers and renters should use multiple apps to see every available property and compare similar listings across platforms. Finding the right home starts with the right platform You now have a good list of Zillow alternatives to help you find exactly what you need. Next, you need to keep in mind all the When you are ready to move from searching to co-owning, Pacaso can help with the entire process. We handle the inspections, interior design and ongoing management so you can focus on enjoying the home rather than maintaining it. Plus, programs like

There are so many ways to vacation: the consistency of a hotel, the extra space in a vacation rental, the structure of a These clubs can simplify travel and often offer a consistent quality, but they also come with commitments that may not align with your travel style. To decide if luxury vacation clubs are right for you, here’s everything you need to know about this interesting travel program. How do luxury vacation clubs work?  While each luxury vacation club has its nuances, they typically operate with the same general model. Members usually pay a one-time initiation fee to join. Then, you’ll pay annual dues, with prices fluctuating based on how much you want to travel each year. Costs can range from a few thousand to much more, depending on how exclusive the vacation club you join is.  Many large hotel chains, such as Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt and Wyndham, have travel clubs tailored to their own collection of hotels and resorts. However, the most exclusive, luxury vacation clubs operate independently of a single hotel brand, offering their members a wide range of options. In exchange for your investment, you get access to a wide range of accommodations and experiences within luxury vacation  clubs, many with better perks, lower nightly rates and more options than you’d find if you booked on your own. Some also offer a rewards program based on your spend.  The most exclusive travel clubs — among them What are the most popular luxury vacation clubs? Vacation clubs are available at a wide variety of price points, but in the luxury space, there are a handful of clubs that lead the pack among jet-setters. Inspirato Inspirato boasts a portfolio of luxury homes, hotels and experiences, alongside travel planning, an on-site concierge, daily housekeeping and more. Exclusive Resorts  If Inspirato is a luxury vacation club, Solstice Collection Solstice Collection is an intimate vacation club membership experience, with far fewer properties but a promise of better availability. There’s a 6:1 ratio of homes to members, making it easier to book and enjoy time at the ultra-high-end luxury property of your choice. Ritz-Carlton Destination Club The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club provides a hybrid option in the world of luxury vacation club memberships, with partial ownership in their vacation club. Customers choose between a Home Club membership to invest in a single property or a Portfolio Club membership that gives access to Ritz-Carlton’s full roster of their private, multi-room estates. Marriott Vacation Club As one of the largest vacation clubs, Marriott Vacation Club offers travelers a wide range of options through its points-based program. Points are redeemable at both Marriott luxury properties and hotels, with global availability. Members aren’t locked into a single property and can join the Abound program for access to Westin and Sheraton properties. Disney Vacation Club The Disney Vacation Club is focused on access to the brand’s famous attractions, including theme parks, beach resorts, and cruises. They also host members at non-Disney properties and offer tour-based travel options, popular for adventurous families. The flexible points-based system lets members choose exactly how often they want to travel.  Hyatt Vacation Club The Hyatt Vacation Club is one of the best travel clubs for residential-style properties that often come with multiple rooms, fully stocked kitchens and traditional resort amenities. These properties are uniquely available to non-owners via Hyatt’s loyalty program, which incurs points that are redeemable at both resort and hotel properties.  How is Pacaso co-ownership different from luxury vacation clubs? Luxury vacation clubs offer access to incredible properties around the world. So does Pacaso, with one major difference: You own your second home. Pacaso uses an innovative Pacaso takes care of all the details, from setting up a Here are some key differences by feature between luxury vacation clubs and Pacaso’s co-ownership model: Why should I co-own a vacation home with Pacaso? Luxury vacation clubs are a popular option for travelers, but Because owners hold real equity in these homes, they’re more connected to the places they visit, supporting local communities while enjoying a professionally managed ownership experience. 

You’re ready to Whether you’re searching for a dreamy beach house or a condo in the city that can earn you extra income, this guide will show you the pros and cons of owning multiple homes. Advantages of owning multiple homes  There are many advantages to owning multiple houses, starting with enjoying the perks of having It’s important to note that owning multiple homes comes with many responsibilities, such as 1. Earn rental income Owning multiple homes gives you the opportunity to create a sustainable and passive cash flow stream. Each additional property adds to the total rental income, which can help cover mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance costs and other expenses associated with owning multiple rental properties. 2. Diversify your portfolio Rental income from multiple homes also offers diversification. It allows investors to spread their investments across various locations and 3. Enjoy a vacation home (or two) Perhaps the biggest advantage of owning multiple homes is the freedom to travel and make the most out of your properties. Whether Disadvantages of owning multiple properties  Although owning multiple homes can potentially help you earn extra income, diversify your portfolio and grant you access to new vacation spots, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look. 1. Real estate is generally considered less liquid than stocks, bonds or cash. When you own multiple properties, it can be challenging to quickly convert those assets into cash if needed.  2. With each additional property comes a multitude of costs, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, If you buy and sell properties frequently, owning multiple properties may also lead to higher transaction costs, such as real estate agent fees and closing costs. 3. One significant disadvantage of owning multiple homes is the challenge of property management. As the number of properties increases, so does the complexity and time required to manage them effectively. With multiple homes, the workload and responsibilities can become overwhelming for individual owners, especially if you have to go through your Financing for multiple homes can vary depending on individual financial situations and investment goals. Traditional mortgages are common, but they may become limited as the number of properties increases.  Here are a few ways you can buy multiple properties: Regardless of the method, maintaining a strong credit profile and demonstrating a reliable income stream are essential to secure favorable financing terms and ensure you can By renting out the property to tenants, you can offset some of the However, successful rental income generation requires proper property management, including tenant screening, regular maintenance and prompt response to tenant needs. With careful planning and a proactive approach, using a second home as a rental investment can offer an attractive source of passive income.  Depending on how you’ll use the property, the tax considerations differ. Here’s a quick rundown: Consult with a qualified tax advisor who can provide detailed information based on your individual circumstances and The goal is to co-own homes without the hassle. Here’s the checklist you need to keep everything ready and organized: The weekend escapes, the family holidays, the familiar getaway spot — the idea of a vacation home sounds divine. Second homes come with a lot of perks, but also plenty of responsibilities. Between the upfront costs, ongoing maintenance, and time spent managing the property, full ownership isn’t the right fit for everyone. That’s where Pacaso comes in. Pacaso makes second home ownership more accessible by offering co-ownership of luxury homes in Here’s why Pacaso is a smarter way to own multiple homes: It’s the lifestyle upgrade without the financial overload. Just show up, relax, and enjoy your second home. Pacaso takes care of the rest. Now that you’ve got the full picture of how And unlike a timeshare, this model offers real estate ownership. And with a

You may have purchased your first home using an FHA loan, and now you’re looking into Below, we’ll explain how to finance a second home, the major differences between FHA loans and second home loans and discuss how loans can differ for vacation homes and investment properties. What is a second home mortgage? A second home mortgage finances the Second home mortgage rates and costs You will likely pay a slightly higher interest rate on a mortgage for a second home than for your primary residence due to the increased risk for lenders. In 2025, expect interest rates to be What is an FHA loan? If it’s been a while since you applied for your FHA loan, here’s a refresher on some of the distinguishing characteristics between an FHA loan for a primary home and a conventional loan for a primary home. An FHA loan: Second home mortgages vs. FHA loans A mortgage loan for a second home will differ quite a bit from an FHA loan. Below, let’s look at the main differences and similarities between the two. The biggest difference between FHA loans and second home mortgages is that lenders consider second home mortgages to be higher risk. They know that in a financial crisis you’re more likely to make mortgage payments  on the loan for your primary residence than you are on a vacation home. For that reason, the Loan type  An FHA loan helps first-time homebuyers buy homes. It is backed by the government and usually comes with more lenient requirements.  On the other hand, a second home mortgage can help finance the purchase of a second home, like a vacation home. Usually, second home mortgage requirements are stricter, as you’ll need higher credit scores and down payments. Credit score  Because an FHA loan is designed to help first-time buyers achieve home ownership, the credit score requirements for an FHA-backed loan are lower than they are for a second home mortgage.  FHA loans typically require a minimum credit score of 620, while a second home loan usually requires 680 or higher. Debt-to-income ratio  Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is calculated by comparing the amount of debt you’re carrying to your income. With an FHA loan, your DTI maximum is 57%. But your DTI cannot exceed 45% for a second home mortgage.  Down payment A mortgage on a second home requires a higher down payment than your FHA loan. The minimum down payment required for a second home is usually 10% compared to 3% with the FHA.  However, one benefit of your second home loan is that you can take advantage of your first home’s equity and use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or cash-out refinance to pay for all or part of the down payment for your second home. Debt-to-income ratio  Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is calculated by comparing the amount of debt you’re carrying to your income. With an FHA loan, your DTI maximum is 57%. But your DTI cannot exceed 45% for a second home mortgage.  Occupancy For an FHA loan, the home must be the borrower’s primary residence.   For a second home mortgage, the home must be for personal use, like a seasonal or vacation home, not an investment home. Depending on the property and management company, owners may rent it out — but only for a certain portion of the year.  Interest rates As you may have guessed, a second home mortgage will have a higher interest rate than an FHA loan. It will also be higher if your second home is classified as an Type of home FHA loans allow for duplexes and other multi-family dwellings, but second home mortgages are for single-unit homes only, unless it’s classified as an investment property. Closing costs  Both FHA loans and second home mortgages require closing costs, but these can vary from lender to lender.  Some closing costs, which may include origination charges, appraisal fees and title insurance, will be higher for a second home mortgage. FHA loans usually have lower closing costs and more flexible terms. Property taxes Many second home mortgages will roll property taxes into your monthly payment, similar to an FHA loan.  Lenders Most lenders that offer FHA loans and conventional mortgages for primary residences also offer vacation home loans. These may be mortgage companies, credit unions or traditional banks. However, the lender must be approved by the Federal Housing Administration for an FHA loan. Second home vs. investment property Loan requirements will vary depending on how your second home is classified, with a vacation home mortgage having more lenient terms than an investment property. But how does a lender differentiate between an investment property and a vacation home? A vacation home: If you fail to meet any of these criteria, your second home will be considered an investment property and you could be subject to income taxes and higher interest rates on your second home mortgage.  But having your second home classified as an investment property isn’t all bad news– lenders may also take into account potential rental income when calculating your DTI for an investment property, so in some cases, classifying your second home as an income property could be to your advantage.  While it’s true that second home mortgage requirements have tougher restrictions than FHA loans, many mortgage lenders will be flexible if you have financial strengths that compensate for your weaknesses. For example, if your credit score is a bit on the low side, but you can provide a higher down payment, a lender will be more likely to work with you. Financing options When looking into financing a second home and how to qualify for a second mortgage, you’ll want to be familiar with the different loan types available. Here are the main ones to know: Financing your Pacaso Pacaso’s LLC co-ownership model includes

Owning a second home is more attainable than ever, thanks to a variety of financing options, moderate interest rates and the new model of LLC co-ownership. But before you take the leap, it's important to know what you're getting into when it comes to financing a second home.  From budgeting for the unexpected to differences between loan requirements, doing your research helps you make the right financing decisions so you can enjoy your second home with no regrets.  What are the hidden expenses in a second home?  When shopping for your ideal second home, it can be tempting to focus only on a property's list price and monthly mortgage payments. However, owning a second home comes with other financial responsibilities. Crunch those numbers, too, before you look into financing. Budget for:  What's different about Pacaso's LLC co-ownership model With What do I need to know about financing a second home? If you own your primary residence, you're probably familiar with the process of financing a home. While many of the steps are the same, there are a few important things that are different when getting a home mortgage on a second home. Here's what you need to know.  Financing options for second homes The good news is there are multiple ways to How is taking out a mortgage on a second home different? Once you've calculated the costs and you know how much you're ready to spend for your second home, it's time to think about financing. Your first thought might be a traditional mortgage — after all, that's probably how you financed your first home.  However, while a mortgage for a second home has all the same elements as a traditional first mortgage — a down payment, credit score checks, debt to income ratio calculations — the qualification criteria isn't quite the same when it comes to financing a second home.  Here are a few things to know about financing your second home with a mortgage: How long it takes to get a second home mortgage Once you've found the Differences between a second home and an investment property People often use the phrases "second home" and "investment property" interchangeably, but practically speaking, they're To qualify as a second home, it must be used by you at least 14 days each year. And, you can't earn rental income on it more than 180 days of the year. The home also must be Alternatively, an investment property is occupied by you fewer than 14 days each year. It may generate short-term or long-term rental income, and it can be within 50 miles of your primary residence. These distinctions can make a big difference in affording a second home. A home mortgage for an investment property often requires a higher down payment, better debt to income ratio and a higher interest rate than a second home, as it's seen as a riskier investment. Pacaso's integrated financing options In addition to the cash and credit options discussed above, Pacaso works with partner banks to offer competitive-rate