Press Release: EscapeHomes
December 5, 2001
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- EscapeHomes, America's leading resource for ``vacation living'' properties for sale since
1999, has watched as more buyers -- since the September 11 attacks -- are seeking vacation homes deemed more secure
in small, secluded, sanctuary-like communities, away from the troubles of the world. Family planning, diligence,
and travel considerations have increasing importance in a new, different world climate. As EscapeHomes gears up
for a re-launch of its award-winning Internet service next week at (www.escapehomes.com),
it offers its Top 10 Steps for families thinking of buying a second home or timeshare:
Ten Steps For Finding An ``Escape'' Home
1. Define your choice of lifestyle. For example, recreational, education-cultural, or retirement use. 2. Research locations keeping in mind climate, cost of living, and family proximity. 3. Choose a location interest. Perhaps beach, golf, skiing, or urban shopping! 4. Determine ideal travel distance. Near or far? Drive or fly? 5. Contact a knowledgeable real estate professional. 6. Make inquiries with locals, Visitors Centers or Chambers of Commerce. 7. Visit desired destinations. Spend a little time there on vacation or through a timeshare promotion. 8. Review financing options such as cash, a line of equity, portfolio investment, etc. 9. Purchase through a well-informed entity like a real estate agent specialist. 10. Enjoy the process of familiarizing yourself with a few different towns.
As more and more buyers near the age when they are most likely to make a lifestyle change and buy a vacation
home, there is a convergence of compelling conditions likely to help them make the move. An increase in home equity,
favorable tax laws, record-low mortgage rates, and a change in lifestyle priorities have all come together at an
opportune time to make buying a vacation-living home a dream come true. According to preliminary estimates (November
2001) from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), vacation, retirement and second homes sales were up an estimated
40 percent during 2000, up from the 296,000 in 1995.
Residential real estate transaction fundamentals still apply, but why, where, and how one approaches the vacation
home purchase requires additional considerations. The location decision is always a personal one, but one that
tends to lead many vacation buyers to California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania, the most common vacation
home areas, according to NAR. ``The best vacation homes are those within easy traveling distance of your primary
residence,'' said Clark Thompson, EscapeHomes CEO. ``If it's too far or too expensive to reach within a few hours,
you likely won't use it enough to substantiate the cost as an owner-occupied vacation home.'' No matter what state
or country they choose, when it comes to type of community, buyers most often seek lakeside, beachfront, mountain
and other resort communities.
EscapeHomes showcases a ``town'' page for each destination, illustrating the unique flavor of the community --
i.e. climate, local attractions and annual events. Additionally, EscapeHomes has formed exclusive arrangements
with the world's top timeshare developers, brokerage firms, agents and real estate professionals providing them
unprecedented visibility together in a unique online marketplace.
For more information on EscapeHomes, visit www.escapehomes.com or call
800/937-9090.
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Contact:
EscapeHomes
Ken Brunt, 925/254-4141
ken@escapehomes.com