Second Home First
Second Home First
Second Home First
Five Resolutions to Make 2026 the Year You Buy a Vacation Home (That Pays for Itself!)
27 minutes Posted Dec 30, 2025 at 8:00 am.
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What if, a year from now, you were ringing in the New Year from your dream vacation home? One that builds equity, appreciates and grows your wealth, all while someone else is paying your mortgage. Oh, and gives you a place to vacation for free! 

Sign Up for the Live Masterclass to Help You Buy Your Second Home in 2026: https://secondhomefirst.kit.com/7a034eb70d

On this episode of Second Home First, host Katie Cline walks you through exactly how to turn the idea of “someday” into a plan (and a purchase!) in 2026. Instead of vague resolutions, she shares five clear, doable steps that move you closer to owning a vacation home that fits your life and your finances.

Katie also shares her own story of buying her second home first, providing listeners and viewers with the master plan she wishes she had when going through the process herself. Whether you’re just starting to dream or already dabbling on Zillow, this episode is your roadmap to make 2026 the year you buy your vacation home.

Tune in to learn:
-Why talking to a mortgage lender early is a power move
-How to decide where to buy, and why your first choice may not be your final one
-The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to understanding short-term rental regulations
-How to find the right real estate agent
-Why touring homes before you’re “ready” is one of the smartest steps you can take

Download the free Starter Kit: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/set-goals-that-work-for-you/starter-kit 

Vacation Home Owner Archetype Quiz: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/quiz 

Where to Buy links:
–WHERE Should You Buy a Vacation Home? A Step-By-Step Guide: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-should-you-buy-a-vacation-home-a-step-by-step-guide/id1849178409?i=1000737452794 
–The Secret to Picking the Perfect Place For Your Vacation Home on Substack: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-picking-the-perfect 

Regulations links:
–Download the Due Diligence Worksheet: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-worksheet  
–Download the Due Diligence Checklist: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-checklist
–Is Renting Your Dream Vacation Home… Illegal? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-renting-your-dream-vacation-home-illegal/id1849178409?i=1000740372286 
–Is Renting Your Vacation Home Even Legal? on Substack https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/is-renting-your-vacation-home-even 

Other key links:
–Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe 
–Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com
–Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst
–Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com 
–Say Hi! [email protected] 


A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors:
Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y
Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans

Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome  
Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit.

Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first 
Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean

Flytographer: https://www.Flytographer.com/SHF  
Use code SHF25 for $25 off your first shoot

PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/signup/?referral=secondhomefirst 
Use code SecondHomeFirst (all one word) for a 30-day free trial, plus $10 off your first invoice