Second Home: A Retirement Option

According to a recent report from Mortgage Bankers' Association, 43 million American households headed by someone 50 or older owned their main residence and 6.6 million homeowners of that age group owned a second home (often located in well-known vacation areas). Although the second-home market is relatively small, within the next 10 years, the number of second homes is expected to grow by 2 million mainly due to the size of the baby boom generation.

Before the changes in the rules of capital gains, many people did not purchase a second home until they had sold their primary home. That was the rule of the day. That's the way they could roll over any gain and avoid a high tax bill. The changes in capital gain taxes now allow couples to pocket a $500,000 gain (For singles, it is just the half - $250,000) on that primary home.

If you want a place to vacation in now and move to later, try to locate a well-populated area with good healthcare facilities and a job market and also a good school district. You may not need the last criteria for your retired life but a good school district is always associated with greater appreciation of your home value.. Also, if you choose an income-tax free state, that can put about 10% of your income back to your pocket after you move.

Last tip: If you live in your second home at least 2 of the last 5 years, you will again be able to get the same capital gain tax break if you wish to sell. These 2 years need not be consecutive. For example, you could live in your house for a year, rent it for two, move back in for another year and rent it again the year before you sell and qualify for the tax break.