Your Second Home, Smarter: What to Consider Before You Buy

Buying a second home is about more than finding the perfect view, it’s about aligning lifestyle dreams with smart investment decisions. From defining your goals to understanding costs, location logistics, and long-term value, Engel & Völkers advisor Dan Anton shares expert tips for making your purchase a success. Whether it’s a coastal escape or a mountain retreat, learn how to choose a property that delivers both enjoyment and enduring value.

A second home offers more than just a getaway — it’s a lifestyle enhancer, a potential income stream, and in many cases, a legacy property for future generations. But before diving into the second-home market, it’s important to think beyond pretty views and vacation vibes.

Whether you're eyeing a beachfront condo in South Carolina or a mountain retreat in the West, the smartest second-home purchases are rooted in thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and a clear understanding of your goals.

Dan Anton, Engel & Völkers brand affiliated advisor, Engel & Völkers Hilton Head Island Bluffton, offers insights into what every second home buyer should consider — no matter where they’re searching.

Define Your Purpose: Lifestyle, Investment, or Both?

“The first question I ask is, why are you looking for a second home?” says Dan. Some clients are investing in future family time and R&R, while others are seeking income-producing vacation properties. Many want both. Understanding your true goal helps guide every decision that follows — from location to layout to management options.

Dan notes that in places like Hilton Head, homebuyers are drawn by golf, beaches, and warm winters, but every market has its own lifestyle benefits. Make sure your second home aligns with how you plan to use it — and how often.

Choose a Location That Works for You

Location is everything — but not just in terms of scenery. Practical factors like accessibility, rental regulations, and local infrastructure matter just as much. “In our area, Hilton Head Island offers more short-term rental flexibility, while Bluffton, on the mainland, might suit homebuyers looking for long-term use or quieter surroundings,” Dan explains.

Consider the logistics of traveling to your second home, the traffic patterns (especially during tourist season), and proximity to amenities like airports, shopping, or healthcare.

Understand the Costs — Up Front and Long Term

Second homes come with ongoing expenses that can catch homebuyers off guard. “Taxes are often higher on second homes than on primary residences,” Dan says. “Insurance can be, too, especially in resort or coastal areas.”

Also factor in HOA fees, maintenance, and management — particularly if you plan to rent the property. Short-term rental management fees can range from 15% to 30% of rental income, while long-term rental services typically cost around 10%, Dan notes..

Think Long-Term Value, Not Short-Term Gains

While real estate tends to appreciate over time, don’t bank on quick flips. “Think of a second home as a long-term investment,” Dan advises. Even if you break even on rental income the first few years, the lifestyle value — and eventual resale potential — can make the investment worthwhile.

Request rental projections from your real estate agent to get a realistic sense of income if the property will be rented. And always keep resale in mind, even if you plan to enjoy the home for years to come.

Consider the Legacy Factor

A second home can become more than an asset — it can become a gathering place for extended family and a touchstone for future generations. Dan shares a story about a client whose adult children and grandchildren frequently used their Bluffton home. “It wasn’t just the homeowners who were going to miss it when it sold — it was the whole family,” he says.

If legacy matters to you, choose a second home property that’s comfortable, accessible, and appealing to multiple generations.

Leverage a Trusted Network

Finding the right second home starts with finding the right real estate agent. Dan emphasizes the power of the Engel & Völkers brand’s referral network: “We have high standards across the board, and it’s easy to find someone who understands your market and expectations,” he says.

Whether you’re buying in Hilton Head or halfway across the country, working with an Engel & Völkers brand affiliated real estate advisor helps ensure you’re getting guidance that’s consistent, informed, and invested in your success.

Looking for your perfect second home? Whether you’re dreaming of golf courses and ocean breezes or snow-covered slopes and cozy weekends, an Engel & Völkers brand affiliated advisor can help match you with the right property — and the right plan. Let your second home be a smart investment in every sense.