Episodes

  • [EXPERT] 2026 Predictions: The Top Three Interior Design Trends to Watch

    [EXPERT] 2026 Predictions: The Top Three Interior Design Trends to Watch
    Jan 6 2026
    Are you dreaming of owning a vacation home that looks like it was pulled straight from the pages of Arch Digest? Today’s expert episode breaks down exactly how to design with intention, and shares our expert’s predictions of the top interior design trends for 2026. What type of vacation home owner would you be? Take the quiz to find out: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Quiz This Week’s Expert: Alex McBride is the Senior Brand Partnerships Manager at Minoan, a free platform that helps vacation-home owners furnish smarter and save on the brands they already love. In her role, Alex works closely with more than 180 premium home and lifestyle brands, giving her a front-row seat to the world of interior design. With her finger on the pulse of what’s in and what’s out, Alex helps translate industry trends into practical design decisions for second home owners. Tune in to learn: -The top interior design trends of 2025 -Expert predictions for the top three interior design trends of 2026 -Why vacation homes should be designed differently than primary residences -Why intentionality matters more than ever in vacation home design -The simple trick every owner should use before committing to design decisions -How to earn passive income by making your home shoppable 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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Five Resolutions to Make 2026 the Year You Buy a Vacation Home (That Pays for Itself!)

    Five Resolutions to Make 2026 the Year You Buy a Vacation Home (That Pays for Itself!)
    Dec 30 2025
    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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • [EXPERT] The Real Reason You Need a Vacation Home (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)

    [EXPERT] The Real Reason You Need a Vacation Home (Hint: It’s Not What You Think)
    Dec 23 2025
    What if the most valuable part of owning a vacation home isn’t the real estate itself… but the moments the house makes possible? Just in time for the holidays, today’s expert episode explores how to make the most of the time we share with the people we love, and how to capture those memories to last a lifetime. This Week’s Expert: Nicole Smith, Founder and CEO of Flytographer, reveals how a single bad selfie in Paris sparked a global travel-photography company and completely changed the way millions of travelers document their vacations. Nicole breaks down why meaningful memories matter, how to be more intentional with the photos you take, and the simple storytelling techniques that make family trips (and vacation homes!) feel richer, more connected, and truly unforgettable. Tune in to learn: -Why most travelers are documenting their vacations all wrong (and how to fix it) -How to capture emotion, rituals, and micro-moments that make any vacation home stand out -The storytelling principles every vacation-home owner should use when photographing their property -The biggest mistakes people make when taking photos on vacation -Why your vacation home becomes a powerful marker of time and how to preserve those memories for years to come 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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • [REAL STORIES] She Lives in Manhattan… but Bought a Beach Condo for Half the Price

    [REAL STORIES] She Lives in Manhattan… but Bought a Beach Condo for Half the Price
    Dec 16 2025
    What would you do if the only way to afford a home in your city meant compromising on almost everything you wanted — and spending close to a million dollars to get it? On this Real Stories episode, you’ll meet Leanne, who realized that buying in New York City meant giving up too much… and instead chose to buy her second home first on Hilton Head Island for half the price. In this conversation, Leanne shares why working with a local real estate agent became a game-changer, how hiring a management company turned into an essential part of her success, and the one simple question her realtor asked that completely shifted her buying strategy. Tune in to learn: -The question her Hilton Head realtor asked her that changed everything -Why buying a vacation home made more financial sense than buying in Manhattan -What she learned about closing costs, timelines and out-of-state ownership -Why hiring a local management company became a key to her success -How she balances personal use vs. maximizing revenue -Her advice for anyone scared to take the leap — especially doing it alone 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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Is Renting Your Dream Vacation Home… Illegal?

    Is Renting Your Dream Vacation Home… Illegal?
    Dec 9 2025
    If you’re dreaming of owning a vacation home that pays for itself, there’s one thing you simply can’t ignore: regulations. On today’s episode, we’re diving into this crucial (and often overlooked) step of the buying process. I’ll walk you through exactly how to find out if a property can be legally rented, what existing rules mean for your purchase, and how to track the trends and community attitudes that shape the regulations of tomorrow. Tune in to learn: -How to figure out who’s actually in charge -The easiest way to check short-term rental regulations -How to gauge community sentiment and spot red flags before you buy -What permits you might need—and what’s required to get approved Key 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 –US Census Bureau's Geocoder website (choose “Stateside Parsed Address Processing” under “Find Geographies”): https://geocoding.geo.census.gov/geocoder/geographies/address?form –Is Renting Your Vacation Home Even Legal? on Substack: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/is-renting-your-vacation-home-even –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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *Extended until December 12, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate 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 Keywords: short-term rental regulations, STR regulations, short term rental regulations, Airbnb regulations, rules, permits
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    Less than 1 minute
  • [EXPERT] No Money? No Problem: Buy Your Second Home With Your 401(k)

    [EXPERT] No Money? No Problem: Buy Your Second Home With Your 401(k)
    Dec 2 2025
    What if the money you’ve been saving for retirement could actually help you buy your dream vacation home now… without paying a single penalty? Today’s expert episode unlocks a little-known strategy that could completely shift your mindset around affordability—and show you that your down payment may already be within reach. This Week’s Expert: Olivia Tati, founder of Wanderlust Wealth Academy and real estate investor extraordinaire, is breaking down how she used her 401(k) to buy her first investment property. She demystifies the risks and rewards, explains the step-by-step process, and shows how borrowing against your retirement savings can help you take your second home leap. Tune in to learn: -How a 401(k) loan works and why it’s different from cashing out (no penalties, no taxes, interest goes back to you!) -The exact steps Olivia took to buy her first investment property with her retirement funds -How to evaluate if this strategy makes sense for your own second home goals -Tips for navigating lenders, providers, and maximizing your investment Key links: –Olivia’s 401(k) loan Substack post: https://substack.com/home/post/p-172426546 –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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com –Contact Olivia: @TheOliviaTati and OliviaTati.com A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *From now until December 4, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • Designing Your Dream Vacation Home: The Post-It Note Method That Works

    Designing Your Dream Vacation Home: The Post-It Note Method That Works
    Nov 25 2025
    Before you fall in love with a pool, a fireplace or a view, let’s get clear on what exactly you’re looking for in a vacation home. This week, I’m helping you define your vacation home vision—the details, big and small, that would give a home the real wow factor to you. And by the end of this episode, you’ll have a personalized checklist to scroll Zillow with confidence. Prepare the Pinterest boards! Grab a pack of sticky notes and tune in to learn: -The key questions to ask yourself to uncover what you want -How browsing Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com can spark ideas -Why ranking your wishlist helps you make smarter, faster buying decisions -Ways to align your vision with co-buyers (family, friends, a significant other) Download the Vacation Home Vision template for free- https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/your-ideal-vacation-home/vacation-home-vision Sticky Note Exercise- https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/your-ideal-vacation-home/sticky-note-exercise Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @BuyYourSecondHomeFirst Find us on Substack: SecondHomeFirst.Substack.com Say Hi! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *From now until December 4, 2025, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate 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
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    Less than 1 minute
  • WHERE Should You Buy a Vacation Home? A Step-By-Step Guide.

    WHERE Should You Buy a Vacation Home? A Step-By-Step Guide.
    Nov 18 2025
    You know you want to own a vacation home, but you’re not sure WHERE it should be. The coast? The mountains? The countryside? Choosing the right spot is overwhelming—and getting it wrong can cost you time, money, and stress. On this episode, we’re tackling the biggest question in your second-home journey: Where should you actually buy? We’ll show you how to find your perfect spot—and why having a Plan B (and maybe even a Plan C) is essential. Grab a pack of sticky notes, because this week it’s all about location, location, location. Grab a pack of sticky notes and tune in to learn: -Why this is the most important decision you’ll make (no pressure!) -How to get started when you have no idea WHERE you want to buy -The sticky-note exercise that will help you define your ideal destination -Why you need a Plan A, a Plan B… and maybe even a Plan C Key links: –Sticky Note Exercise- https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/your-ideal-vacation-home/sticky-note-exercise –Take the Vacation Home Owner Archetype Quiz: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Quiz –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! Hello@BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com A Special Thank You To Our Sponsors: Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y *From now until December 4, use code BF65SHFVIP for 65% (!) off their yearly and bi-yearly Professional and Ultimate 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
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    Less than 1 minute