Vacation homes aren’t just fun, they’re a good investment...

This is a great article by David Jones with the Texas Real Estate Center...enjoy!

Our getaway home at Camp Creek Lake in Robertson County is one of our family’s joys. The deer eat out of our hand, bald eagles circle overhead and river otter romp in the clear water.

Of course, a vacation home means work, too. There is always something that could be repaired if I have the inclination. Rarely do I have the inclination when the fish are biting.

Although I did not buy the Camp Creek property with an investment in mind, it certainly is that. As I cruise the lake in search of the elusive black bass, I can’t help but mentally pat myself on the back for investing in something that’s so much fun.

The stock market goes up and down, but real estate continues to be a bright spot in the U.S. and Texas economies. Nationally recognized second-home expert and EscapeHomes CEO Clark Thompson says the current climate represents a unique opportunity to purchase a vacation home. "Interest rates are low, and there are still a number of undiscovered places where the housing prices are a steal," Thompson says.

Here are Thompson’s top 10 reasons why vacation home ownership is a smart investment:

1. Buying a vacation home today is like buying California property in the 1970s. Vacation home prices now are low relative to where they are expected to be once the baby boom generation begins to retire in force.

2. Families who own vacation homes take more family vacations. 3. The 1997 tax law changes allow couples to avoid paying capital gains taxes on profits of as much as $500,000 on the sale of a primary residence. Equity in your primary residence can help purchase a retirement home. 4. It’s a good idea to get a head start on retirement living. Your favorite location might be a lot more expensive in 10 to 15 years when 73 million baby boomers begin retiring. 5. Owning a second home allows another mortgage interest write-off. 6. Vacation homes are a great way to alleviate stress. It’s good for the soul, says Thompson. 7. A second home is a great way to spend your inheritance. Trillions of dollars are trickling down from the "saving generation" to the "spending generation." 8. Vacation living equals more exercise. More and more people are buying locations close to ski slopes and golf courses. 9. The stability of real estate value makes it a good choice to diversify the nonaggressive portion of your portfolio. 10. Finally, a vacation home is more fun to use than a stock certificate. See you at the beach! For more information: Go Texas Coast