I go through this in my head all the time, too. I jazz myself up for it, then start going through all the costs (insurance, maintenance, taxes, etc. - let alone the cost of the property and mortgage if you need one) and it just doesn't seem worth it.
Do you hire somebody to do all the handyman stuff around the place, or do you spend your vacation time doing that? How much time can you actually use the place? Calculate your per-night cost on a yearly basis. Personally, I can't justify it, but I definitely get the appeal. And the kids would love it, which has value for sure.
|