Real Estate Blog

Tag: vacation homes

  • Top East Coast Locations for Owning a Vacation Home

    In 2025, the vacation rental market is booming, with Airbnb’s gross bookings jumping 32% from last year. Travel spending is set to rise by 10%, hitting $1.2 trillion, according to the U.S. Travel Association, showing just how much folks are craving extraordinary travel experiences. Owning a vacation home is a smart investment, and this piece highlights some of the top spots on the East Coast.

    10 Top East Coast Locations for Owning a Vacation Home

    If you want to own a vacation home on the East Coast, you’re in luck. There are so many incredible spots, each offering its unique charm, growing economies, and a bit of something special for every type of traveler. Let’s look at some of the top locations that make owning a vacation property on the East Coast a great investment.

    1. Hatteras, North Carolina

    This place is a hidden treasure located in the Outer Banks, It attracts all the lovers of nature and people who love outdoors with its very nice beaches. Approximately 500 people live in this community year-round, but during the summer months, the population grows, this place is normally full. For any water sporting action, like kiteboarding, this place is perfect. Well, for tourists, Hatteras does have an alive-and-well tourism scene going on.

    • Typical home value: $350,000
    • Occupancy: 60%
    • Average daily rate: $250
    • Average annual revenue: $55,000
    • Unique Feature: Hatteras is home to the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in America.

    2. Key West, Florida

    Key West is a vacation spot for a reason. Its laid-back island vibe, its culture, the seafood-it’s really hard to find things not to love about this place. The population is about 25,000 year-round, but the tourism industry here is booming. Economic growth is strong thanks to tourism, and real estate values have increased.

    • Typical home value: $1,200,000
    • Occupancy: 75%
    • Average daily rate: $500
    • Average annual revenue: $135,000
    • Unique Feature: Key West is known for being the southernmost point of the continental U.S.

    3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

    Myrtle Beach is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast for reasons such as being a family-friendly city with a breathtaking coastline. There are about 35,000 people in this coastal town, full of entertainment options ranging from golf courses, theaters, and shopping. The real estate market has noticed solid growth recently, especially as more discover its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful coastline.

    • Typical home value: $350,000
    • Occupancy: 70%
    • Average daily rate: $230
    • Average annual revenue: $60,000
    • Unique Feature: Myrtle Beach is famous for its 60-mile stretch of sandy coastline.

    4. Delaware

    Source: unsplash.com

    A state that’s often overlooked, Delaware offers some amazing spots for vacation homes. From coastal towns like Rehoboth Beach to more rural retreats, Delaware is gaining popularity. Its real estate market is growing, especially in beach communities, attracting families and retirees alike. Its lack of sales tax is a nice bonus for investors.

    • Typical home value: $600,000
    • Occupancy: 65%
    • Average daily rate: $325
    • Average annual revenue: $75,000
    • Unique Feature: Rehoboth Beach is a year-round resort town known for its boardwalk trendy boutiques.

    5. Charleston, South Carolina

    Charleston is Southern charm at its most refined, with a touch of modern style. With around 150,000 residents, it is a vibrant and growing city. Charleston truly is an economic powerhouse in South Carolina, from its booming tourism to its equally hot tech industries. Real estate markets are hot, everything from historic homes to sleek, and modern luxury condos across the city.

    • Typical home value: $504,000
    • Occupancy: 68%
    • Average daily rate: $386
    • Average annual revenue: $86,000
    • Unique Feature: Charleston boasts a rich historic district filled with cobblestone streets, antebellum homes.

    6. Navarre, Florida

    Tucked between Pensacola and Destin, Navarre’s a hidden gem in Florida that’s been quietly getting some well-deserved attention. It’s still a small town with about 40,000 peoples, but it’s fast becoming the go-to spot for anyone looking to dodge the crowds at Florida’s bigger beaches. The real estate market’s been picking up, A nice mix of affordable homes and some seriously beautiful coastline.

    • Typical home value: $450,000
    • Occupancy: 68%
    • Average daily rate: $280
    • Average annual revenue: $65,000
    • Unique Feature: Known for its stunning, unspoiled white-sand beaches, Navarre is often called “Florida’s best-kept secret,” offering peaceful retreats with less crowded beaches.

    7. Outer Banks, North Carolina

    The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, known for its natural beauty and history. With a population that fluctuates between 50,000 to 60,000, the Outer Banks draws in tourists year-round. From Corolla to Hatteras, the Outer Banks offers a mix of vacation homes with plenty of potential for rental income.

    • Typical home value: $475,000
    • Occupancy: 70%
    • Average daily rate: $325
    • Average annual revenue: $78,000
    • Unique Feature: The Outer Banks is home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first powered flight in history took place.

    8. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

    Rehoboth Beach is a vibrant beach town known for its friendly nature and strong cultural vibe. It’s a summer resort town, and the population swells during the peak months. Competition in the real estate market is strong, and it’s one of the most expensive resort towns in Delaware, but the potential for rentals makes up for that.

    • Typical home value: $650,000
    • Occupancy: 70%
    • Average daily rate: $350
    • Average annual revenue: $80,000
    • Unique Feature: Rehoboth Beach’s iconic boardwalk offers an old-school vibe with amusement rides, arcades, and various shops and restaurants lining the shore.

    9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

    Source: unsplash.com

    Cape Cod probably holds the reputation for being the most popular New England retreat. To the buyers of holiday homes, it signifies charming ocean-side villages with sandy beaches, which is indeed a perfect holiday haven. It has a population of around 200,000 people. The economy is mainly connected to tourism. Real estate market in Cape Cod is more expensive, but it is regarded as a high-demand area.

    • Typical home value: $650,000
    • Occupancy: 60%
    • Average daily rate: $350
    • Average annual revenue: $80,000
    • Unique Feature: Cape Cod’s National Seashore offers miles of pristine, untouched beaches, salt marshes, and hiking trails.

    10. Corolla, North Carolina

    Corolla is a small beach town in the northeastern Outer Banks with only a few residents, around 500. It isn’t as popular with vacationers, in comparison to another busy area right within the premise, but likewise a favorite mainly because of retreating to a more peaceful vibe. Real estates are on one’s way for higher prices as more often people get hooked with this beauty, and most importantly, most sell beachfront properties with stunning Corolla views as an added breathtaking feature.

    • Typical home value: $600,000
    • Occupancy: 65%
    • Average daily rate: $325
    • Average annual revenue: $70,000
    • Unique Feature: Corolla is famous for its wild horses that roam the beach, offering a unique blend of nature and adventure in a peaceful setting.

    Outro:

    The East Coast has awesome spots for owning a vacation home, each with its vibe and rental potential. Whether you’re into the charm of Charleston’s historic streets or Navarre’s laid-back, sandy beaches.

    There is a place just waiting for you, from energetic hotspots to serene retreats, where you can find your place to kick back and relax-and possibly even bring in some more cash.

    The East Coast awaits you, so why wait? Your dream vacation home might just be a beach away!.

  • Building Your Dream Beachside Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Building a dream house on beachfront property is an exhilarating and gratifying experience that blends the appeal of seaside life with the comfort of individualized design.

    Beachside is the hidden gem of Texas coastal living. Yet necessary building on these beaches requires prudent planning, a number of legal considerations, and particular methods of construction your dream home will have to go through to last out the peculiarity of the forces coming from an immediate coastal region.

    Source: beachsidetx.com

    This article will guide you from selecting the perfect site and building solid foundations to permission-handling and a sustainable, eye-catching location.

    1. Initial Planning and Vision

    Define Your Dream:

    • Write down your vision for the home, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, style (modern, coastal, rustic), and any special features like an outdoor deck or pool.
    • Consider your lifestyle needs, such as proximity to the beach, privacy, and accessibility for family and friends.

    Budget Planning:

    • Create a detailed budget that includes the cost of land, design, permits, construction, landscaping, and furnishings.
    • Allocate funds for contingencies, typically 10-15% of the total budget, to cover unforeseen expenses.
    • Consult with financial advisors or mortgage brokers to secure financing if needed.

    Choose the Location:

    • Visit multiple beachside areas to assess their appeal, weather patterns, and community vibe.
    • Consider proximity to essential services like hospitals, schools, grocery stores, and recreational facilities.
    • Research the local real estate market to ensure the land’s value aligns with your investment goals.

    2. Land Purchase and Legal Considerations

    Assess the Property:

    • Conduct a thorough site analysis to understand the land’s topography, soil quality, and potential for erosion or flooding.
    • Investigate the area’s history of natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis.

    Title Search and Legal Due Diligence:

    • Hire a real estate attorney to perform a title search to ensure the land is free of liens, easements, or other encumbrances.
    • Confirm the seller’s ownership and the accuracy of property boundaries.

    Consult Local Authorities:

    • Verify zoning laws to confirm that residential construction is allowed.
    • Understand setback requirements, which dictate the minimum distance between your home and the shoreline.
    • Check for any community covenants or homeowners’ association rules.

    3. Design and Planning

    Hire Professionals:

    • Work with architects, designers, and engineers experienced in building coastal homes.
    • Collaborate with them to translate your vision into detailed blueprints and 3D renderings.

    Account for Coastal Factors:

    • Design elevated structures to mitigate flood risks and comply with FEMA guidelines.
    • Include hurricane-resistant features like reinforced roofs, impact-resistant windows, and steel-framed construction.

    Sustainability:

    • Incorporate eco-friendly elements such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances.
    • Use locally sourced, sustainable materials like reclaimed wood or bamboo to reduce your carbon footprint.

    4. Obtain Necessary Permits

    Environmental Approvals:

    • Submit applications for environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with local coastal preservation laws.
    • Provide documentation on how your construction will minimize disruption to the natural habitat.

    Building Permits:

    • Obtain approval from the local building department for your construction plans.
    • Verify that your plans meet all structural, electrical, and plumbing codes.

    Special Permits:

    • Secure additional permits for any specialized installations, such as seawalls, septic systems, or private docks.

    5. Hire Contractors and Construction Team

    Vet Contractors:

    • Request references and review portfolios of contractors who specialize in coastal properties.
    • Ensure they have experience handling challenges like saltwater corrosion and high-wind construction.

    Review Contracts:

    • Include detailed provisions for timelines, materials, costs, and penalties for delays.
    • Specify quality standards and the process for addressing disputes.

    Monitor Insurance:

    • Ensure the contractor’s insurance covers liability, worker’s compensation, and property damage.
    • Purchase builder’s risk insurance to protect your investment during construction.

    6. Construction Phase

    Foundation Work:

    • Use deep pilings or reinforced concrete slabs to provide stability on sandy or shifting soils.
    • Elevate the foundation to protect against flooding and storm surges.

    Building Materials:

    • Use materials resistant to moisture, salt, and wind, such as marine-grade steel, treated wood, and fiber-cement siding.
    • Apply protective coatings to metal surfaces to prevent rust.

    Regular Inspections:

    • Schedule inspections at key milestones to ensure work meets code and design specifications.
    • Address any issues promptly to avoid costly corrections later.

    7. Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

    Coastal Landscaping:

    • Choose native plants that thrive in sandy soil and saline conditions, such as beach grass or palm trees.
    • Incorporate erosion-control measures like retaining walls or geotextiles.

    Outdoor Living:

    • Design durable outdoor spaces with weather-resistant materials like composite decking or stone pavers.
    • Include features like pergolas, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens for entertaining.

    Beach Access:

    • Build pathways or staircases to the beach that minimize environmental impact.
    • Use non-slip materials to ensure safety.

    8. Finishing Touches

    Interior Design:

    • Select furniture and decor suited for coastal living, such as weather-resistant fabrics and nautical-themed accents.
    • Opt for light, airy colors to complement the natural surroundings.

    Install Systems:

    • Set up HVAC systems designed for humid climates.
    • Add water filtration systems to handle potential salt or sediment in the water supply.

    Secure Home:

    • Install storm shutters, reinforced doors, and home security systems.
    • Use smart home technology to monitor and control systems remotely.

    9. Final Inspections and Compliance

    Inspect for Code Compliance:

    • Schedule a final inspection with local authorities to verify the home meets all building codes.
    • Address any deficiencies noted during the inspection.

    Environmental Audits:

    • Conduct an audit to confirm that your home aligns with environmental preservation commitments.

    10. Move-In and Maintenance

    Regular Maintenance:

    • Set up a maintenance schedule for critical areas like roofing, plumbing, and exterior finishes.
    • Perform periodic inspections for signs of erosion, mold, or salt damage.

    Emergency Preparedness:

    • Create a plan for hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, including evacuation routes and emergency supplies.
    • Invest in a backup generator and waterproof storage for valuables.

    Enjoy Your Home:

    • Personalize your space with artwork, photos, and mementos.
    • Embrace the beachside lifestyle by hosting gatherings, relaxing on the shore, and exploring the local community.

    Wrap Up:

    Building your beachside dream home requires time, preparation, and dedication. With the right technique and expert guidance, you will be able to construct an attractive, durable refuge that will remain long after you’re gone. Take a plunge and turn those fantasies of seaside lifestyle into reality!