Second Wind

Chris Palmeri
August 09, 2005



Second homes are hot right now with lots of folks plunking down spare
cash on weekend retreats to give themselves an escape and a nice
return in their investment. Michael Maynard, a principal at Quechee
Lake, a private home community in Vermont, has these words of advice
for buyers. Avoid cookie-cutter properties that look like all the
others around them. Stay away from properties in buildings or
developments that are rarely occuppied by owners. Look for areas with
natural beauty and natural boundaries--protected lands for example--
that will guard against overbuilding. And pick places with amenities
that match your lifestyle interests, be they golf, skiing or boating.
"It's rarely a smart move to invest in second residence just to get
in on a real estate frenzy," he says. "People should really want the
home and want to use it." Maynard's got an interest in this--he sells
second homes. Still his words of caution are worth noting.