Chic vs. Geek: Second Homes

Typically, a second home is used as a vacation home, though it could also be a property in a place that you visit on a regular basis, like a condo in a city where you frequently travel for business. The rest of the year, it could be leased out to generate additional income.

Chic (Pearl)

Second homes, especially vacation homes generally retain or appreciate in value simply because they are located in popular areas with limited housing supply. They have potential for creating personal enjoyment as well as income. And they can also provide convenience and comfort. Whether your goal in buying a second home is recreation, vacation, investment, development, or retirement planning, it’s important to understand local taxes and laws so you know the financial implications. Here’s a good resource.

Geek (Kevin)

The idea of a head start on retirement and access to a vacation home is very tempting. But the inherent inflexibility of visiting the same property over and over makes me think twice. A second home makes sense if you found a place you love that’s like a second home, where you and your family want to be for long periods of time. Personally, I like to keep my travel options open. As usual though, Pearl’s right: If you’re looking into a second home, you might be able to collect a little rent, but you should double-check the local laws.

On the Road: Orlando

Last week, Chic ‘n’ the Geek was in Orlando, Florida, home of Mickey and Minnie M-O-U-S-E! Known for its warm climate, close proximity to beaches, theme parks, and a high quality of living, Orlando was the #1-ranked real estate investment spot in 2018, according to Forbes.

Our goal was to connect with a great agent and learn more about the Orlando market for our clients who are potentially thinking of buying out-of-state property either for a retirement or vacation home.

The median sale price for condos and townhomes in the area is about $170K with single family residential properties around $265K. You could have a starter vacation home for as low as $100K and a luxury home for above $7M. 

Want to own a vacation or retirement home in Orlando, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets every day, around the corner from the Happiest Place on Earth (aka Disney World)? Contact us! We have a great real estate team in Orlando to help you.

Orlando Luxury Property Highlights

The Walt Disney World resort community offers luxury, privacy, and the magic of Disney, with Homes priced from the mid-$2M range..

The world famous Four Seasons Private Residences also features some seriously glorious properties, like this 8,589 square foot home that could be yours for $7.945M.

ADUs in the News

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about accessory dwelling units (aka ADUs or “granny flats”). Maybe you’re considering investing in one on your property, but you need more information. That’s why we’re here! We keep tabs on all the rules and trends so you don’t have to…

Getting fancy with granny flats

These aren’t your grandparents’ ADUs. As state and local laws loosen up across California, a market is emerging for high-end accessory dwelling units with upscale design in place of drab stucco walls. The LA Times has a look at some of the players in this new game.

New California laws pave the way for ADUs

Meanwhile, the new year brought new laws that make it easier for property owners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in an effort to ease the housing crisis. Capital Public Radio has more.

San José to adopt ADU amnesty program

At last week’s city council meeting, San José leaders approved a new policy that offers amnesty for residents with un-permitted ADUs and gives them a chance to bring the units up to code. Get the details from San José Spotlight.

Our Clients: In Their Words

We love asking our clients to reflect on their experiences with us. Whether the stories are good or bad, they help us improve our work and better serve your needs.

Jei and Kyung recently purchased a home in Redwood City, and they sent us this heart-warming review. We’re very grateful to receive this kind of praise. Thank you!

We had lived in the Midwest for more than 35 years before we decided to move to the Silicon Valley where our son's family lived. After we found ourselves uncomfortable in the last two homes in which we had lived for six years, we thought we would give a third and final try to find a home suitable to our needs.

At the first meeting with Pearl and Kevin, we explained our situation to them in detail. They were patient and carefully listened to understand our somewhat unique needs. Pearl was tirelessly searching for the right house in the right neighborhood, and Kevin, as an engineer, gave us his honest and fair evaluations on the foundation, construction materials, and stability of the properties. Kevin also raised a few questions to help reorganize our thoughts.

It took us longer than we expected to find our dream home, but Pearl and Kevin have been there every step of the way. Not only have they helped us settle into our new house, but they ceaselessly assist us with everything from automobiles and plants to furniture and mail. Pearl and Kevin are down-to-earth, genuine, hard-working human beings, and they are our good friends forever.

- Jei & Kyung

Chic vs. Geek: Open Concept Homes

Chic (Pearl)

Open concepts create spaces that are great for entertaining or just hanging out with the family. By choosing a plan that combines spaces for cooking, living, and dining, an open concept can help a family feel together even though each person may be spread out doing their own thing. Here are some interior decoration ideas for open concept homes.

Geek (Kevin)

This trend is absolutely not for everyone. You have to ask yourself: 1. Are you the clean and tidy type with nothing to hide from visitors? 2. Are you a private person who needs quiet spaces to think and work? 3. Are you big on entertaining and need a lot of open space? 4. Are you energy-conscious and environmentally friendly?