Things to Know About Selling a Secondary Property

May 27, 2024 | Selling Your Home | By: The Goodhart Group

Are you considering selling a secondary property? Whether it’s a vacation home, rental property, or investment property, there are important factors to consider when putting it on the market. Selling a secondary property can be a different experience compared to selling a primary residence, so it’s essential to be well-informed before diving into the process. Here are some key things to keep in mind when selling a secondary property.

1. Tax Implications

Selling a secondary property can have tax implications that differ from selling your primary residence. It’s important to understand how capital gains taxes, depreciation recapture, and other tax considerations may impact your sale. Consulting with a tax professional can help you understand the potential tax consequences of selling your secondary property.

2. Rental Agreements

If your secondary property has been used as a rental, it’s crucial to review any existing rental agreements and consider the impact of those agreements on the sale. You may need to communicate with tenants about the sale and understand the legal requirements for ending a lease or transitioning ownership to the new buyer.

Read more about Selling with a Tenant here

3. Market Conditions

Just like with selling a primary residence, understanding the current market conditions is essential when selling a secondary property. Factors such as local market trends, demand for vacation homes, and rental property vacancy rates can all influence the sale of your secondary property. Work with an experienced Realtor who can help you understand the market and price the home appropriately. We’d love to help! We work with agents across the US and overseas and would be more than happy to make a referral, please don’t hesitate to contact us below. 


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4. Property Management

If your secondary property has been managed by a property management company, you may need to consider the transition of management responsibilities to the new owner. Communicating with the property management company and ensuring a smooth transfer of management services can be critical to the sale process. 

5. Unique Selling Points

Work with an experienced Realtor who can help you highlight the unique features and benefits of your secondary property with a powerful marketing strategy. Whether it’s a waterfront vacation home, a desirable location for renters, or a property with strong investment potential, emphasizing these unique selling points can attract potential buyers.

6. Property Staging and Maintenance

Similar to selling a primary residence, staging and maintaining your secondary property can significantly impact its appeal to potential buyers. Consider investing in staging services and ensuring that the property is well-maintained to make a positive impression on prospective buyers.

Read about The Importance of Staging here.

If you’ve had a tenant living in the home, you may also need to make repairs. Compass Concierge can be a good option for seller’s needing to make updates and repairs to their home in order to bring in top dollar.

Read more about selling a rental with Compass Concierge here

7. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Selling a secondary property may involve specific legal and regulatory considerations, especially if the property is located in a different state or municipality from your primary residence. It’s important to be aware of any local regulations, zoning laws, and disclosure requirements that may apply to the sale of your secondary property.

The Bottom Line

Selling a secondary property can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. By understanding the unique aspects of selling a secondary property and being prepared for the specific challenges it may present, you can navigate the sale process with confidence and achieve a successful outcome. Whether you’re selling a beloved vacation home or divesting from an investment property, leveraging these insights can help you make informed decisions and maximize the value of your secondary property.

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If you are looking to sell or buy a second property whether for investment or personal use we can connect you to agents anywhere in the US and around the world. Contact us today! Call us directly 703-362-3221, email us at sue@thegoodhartgroup.com or allison@thegoodhartgroup.com.

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