According to a survey report by the National Association of Realtors, sales of new and previously owned vacation homes rose last year, while investment-home sales dropped. Here are some of the highlights from the NAR's 2010 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey. The survey includes responses from residents in 1,930 randomly selected households who bought residential real estate in 2009. The association conducted the survey in March 2010 and controlled for age and income.
Vacation-home sales increased 7.9 percent to 553,000 in 2009 from 513,000 in 2008 [3], the report said. The market share for vacation homes rose to 10 percent, from 9 percent in 2008.
"The typical vacation-home buyer is making a lifestyle choice, with nine out of 10 saying they intend to use the property for vacations or as a family retreat. Investment buyers primarily seek rental income," said Lawrence Yun, the association's chief economist, in a statement.
Sales of primary residences grew by 7.1 percent, to 4.04 million in 2009 from 3.77 million in 2008, the report said. With that increase, the share for second homes overall dipped to 27 percent in 2009, compared with 30 percent in 2008.
The median price for vacation homes rose 12.7 percent to $169,000, and 29 percent paid in cash. Even with a rise in vacation-home prices, some Realtors say their clients think now is a good time to buy.
"Ultimately (a vacation home) has been a dream for many, and with the sudden shift in market prices due to the economy, many people realize it is a good time to buy. People are buying today at prices from 10-12 years ago.
Regionally, half of vacation homes sold in 2009 were in the South, 21 percent in the West, 17 percent in the Midwest and 12 percent in the Northeast, the report said.
Channing Boucher
Benson Sotheby's International Realty
Crested Butte Colorado 81224
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