Second Homes
Your second-home resource
More than 40 percent of Cape Cod residences are second homes. We prefer, however, to call them your "other home."
Find resources and stories designed to help second-home owners enjoy, preserve and grow their Cape home investment - and provide local businesses with insight into this increasingly important community.
Browse all rentals offered by our sponsor, WeNeedAVacation.com
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Today's second-home owner is tomorrow's primary resident
The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute conducted a survey of a random sample of 16,000 second-home owners on Cape Cod for the Cape Cod Commission in the winter of 2007-2008.
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Capturing second-home owners
Sign of the times: Catania Hospitality Group extends reach beyond tourists with grand opening of the Cape Codder Residence Club
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Lodging tax may have long-term negative effects
Massachusetts legislators need to consider the negative ripple effects of the short-term lodging tax proposal. While the tax might give short-term relief to cash-strapped towns, it could result in unintended consequences and may hurt tourism and real estate sales of all homes on the Cape, not just second homes.
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Is a second home on the Cape right for you? And why now?
Is there anything positive about a lagging economy? Quite possibly, especially if you or a friend or relative are considering investing in a Cape Cod vacation rental home. Hundreds of full-time Cape Codders actually own another home here for investment purposes.
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Waiting for housing to rebound
Economist panel sees shallow slowdown followed by gradual recovery
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Working with a contractor: How to assure a happy outcome
Health & Wealth editors sat with Michael Cole, owner of Cape Associates in Eastham and Barnstable, to gain his advice to homeowners on protecting your pocketbook and rights when working with contractors.
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Winter in the Cape Cod garden
Summer may be long gone, but that doesn’t mean your garden won’t still benefit from some attention. Gardening is a year-round activity, especially on beautiful Cape Cod.
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Working out at home
For many, going to the gym to work out is difficult or unappealing – whether because of scheduling issues or discomfort at exercising in public. One solution is a home gym.
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Sell smart!
Charitable gift annuity trusts can reduce the tax burden on the sale of your home.
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Home staging hits the Cape
Home staging is a relatively new trend, but it has begun to take a foothold on the Cape, where real estate is a profession for many and a hobby for many more. We have profiled a few of the firms on Cape Cod exploring this new field.
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Beyond lawns
Not long ago, landscaping on Cape Cod was limited to seeding and mowing lawns – maybe some sod, if you wanted to get fancy – and trimming hedges. And it was reserved for front lawns; back yards were by and large left alone, with pine needles providing a carpet for bare feet.







