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.

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.

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.

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

Economist panel sees shallow slowdown followed by gradual recovery

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.

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.

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.

Charitable gift annuity trusts can reduce the tax burden on the sale of your home.

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.

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.