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Second Home First
Second Home First
Author: Second Home First
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© 2025 Second Home First
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What if your 401(k) came with a fire pit and a lake view?
Hosted by hospitality veteran and short-term rental expert, Katie Cline, Second Home First is a brand new podcast that explores an unconventional path to homeownership.
For Katie, living in New York City made buying a home feel impossible, so she decided to flip the script and buy her ‘second home’ first.
With renting now more affordable than owning in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros, buying any home–let alone a ‘second’ one–has never felt more out of reach.
But Second Home First shows listeners how to make homeownership not only possible, but profitable by purchasing a vacation home that can double as a short-term rental—building wealth for tomorrow while providing a place to vacation for free today!
What 401(k) can do that?
As a 3x vacation home owner, Katie breaks down her proven strategy step by step, sharing actionable lessons each week so listeners can do it too. In addition to tactical solo episodes, the show will feature exclusive interviews with experts, real stories from people who’ve done it too, and Q&A coaching sessions with aspiring second home owners.
Second Home First gives listeners the tools, insights, and inspiration to make their dream vacation home a reality.
Hosted by hospitality veteran and short-term rental expert, Katie Cline, Second Home First is a brand new podcast that explores an unconventional path to homeownership.
For Katie, living in New York City made buying a home feel impossible, so she decided to flip the script and buy her ‘second home’ first.
With renting now more affordable than owning in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros, buying any home–let alone a ‘second’ one–has never felt more out of reach.
But Second Home First shows listeners how to make homeownership not only possible, but profitable by purchasing a vacation home that can double as a short-term rental—building wealth for tomorrow while providing a place to vacation for free today!
What 401(k) can do that?
As a 3x vacation home owner, Katie breaks down her proven strategy step by step, sharing actionable lessons each week so listeners can do it too. In addition to tactical solo episodes, the show will feature exclusive interviews with experts, real stories from people who’ve done it too, and Q&A coaching sessions with aspiring second home owners.
Second Home First gives listeners the tools, insights, and inspiration to make their dream vacation home a reality.
18 Episodes
Reverse
Owning a vacation home that pays for itself doesn’t have to mean handing over control—or handing over your profits. This week’s episode reveals how technology has made self-managing your vacation home as a short-term rental easier than ever, allowing you to earn more while doing less.
This Week’s Expert Guest:
Shaun Shirazian is the CEO of Lodgify, a short-term rental software designed to simplify the management and marketing of your vacation home. He breaks down how self-managing a vacation rental can be far easier than most people think, especially when you have the right systems in place.
Tune in to learn:
-What it actually takes to manage your home as a short-term rental.
-How Lodgify helps hosts get more bookings with less effort
-Ways to spend less time managing and more time enjoying your property
-How advancements in AI are shifting software to become your personal assistant
Want to own a vacation home that pays for itself? Learn more about the Second Home First Academy at https://www.BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Academy
Key links:
–Lodgify: https://lodgify.com/?afmc=28y
–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
What if buying your second home first was the key to more freedom, flexibility, and options than you ever thought possible? That’s what happened for this week’s guest, whose decision to skip buying a primary home in Brooklyn set off a chain reaction that changed her career and her life for the better.
***Interested in learning to buy a vacation home that pays for itself? I’m launching the inaugural class of the Second Home First Academy. Join the waitlist to receive priority access, plus a special launch discount available only to subscribers. https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/academy ***
This Week’s Guest:
Blythe Graham-Jones was living in Brooklyn when she started exploring what it would take to buy in her neighborhood. The numbers were staggering. Instead of locking herself into that version of homeownership, Blythe chose a different route. She purchased a home in the Hamptons and thanks to strong summer rental demand, literally received a check at closing—the rent payment from the summer tenants, that would cover her costs for the next year.
Tune in to learn:
-Why Brooklyn’s price tags pushed her to question the “primary home first” narrative
-The biggest misconceptions about buying in the Hamptons
-How to get paid at closing
-How buying her second home first unlocked a whole new career
Key links:
–What type of vacation home owner would you be? Take the 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 (mailto: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
What if 99% of real estate agents are the WRONG agent for you? This week, our expert guest is exposing why that is—and what to look for in order to avoid a six-figure mistake.
This Week’s Expert Guest:
Jonathan Greene is a real estate agent, investor and the host of the podcast Zen and the Art of Real Estate Investing. He’s here to pull back the curtain and give us the good, the bad, and the ugly in the world of real estate agents. Jonathan breaks down how old school mindsets: like “renting is just throwing money away” or you “NEED” a forever home - are not only outdated, but harmful. He also shares insider guidance on how to evaluate prospective agents for your home search, what really matters in an agent-client relationship, and why he believes that 99% of real estate agents are the wrong agent for you.
Tune in to learn:
-Why buying a “forever home” may not be the smartest strategy
-Why more wealthy people are choosing to rent
-What to look for when picking a real estate agent
-Red flags to look out for in the home buying process
Key links:
–What type of vacation home owner would you be? Take the 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
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
Imagine realizing that the down payment you’ve been saving to buy a primary home in Brooklyn would be enough money to buy your second home entirely in cash. On today’s Real Stories episode, you’ll meet Liz, who traded city price tags for the Hudson Valley, and hear why that property didn’t stay her ‘second home’ for very long.
This Week’s Guest:
Liz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. When she and her husband began househunting in Greenpoint, she was shocked to learn that a barely 3 bedroom fixer upper would cost $3 million. So instead, Liz decided to buy her second home first, a gorgeous a-frame in the Hudson Valley’s Dover Plains, for less than a fifth of what a smaller place would’ve cost her in Brooklyn.
Tune in to learn:
-Why making gingerbread houses with her kids sealed the deal on her second home
-How “test-driving” a property by staying there first can change everything
-Why emotional connection matters just as much as the numbers
-The surprising outcome of this purchase that no one saw coming
Key links:
–What type of vacation home owner would you be? Take the 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 (mailto: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
Turno: https://go.turno.com/second_home_first
Use the link provided to get $25 off your first clean.
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
Minoan: https://www.Minoan.com/SecondHome
Use the link provided to sign up and receive a free $25 in credit.
What if I told you that setting up your dream vacation home didn’t have to take months?
In this episode of Second Home First, host Katie Cline breaks down exactly how she and her husband renovated and furnished an entire waterfront vacation home in just seven days — with a newborn and a toddler — while she was only two months postpartum.
Katie shares the full behind-the-scenes of buying the home site-unseen (!), designing the entire house from her apartment five hours away, and using systems, outsourcing, and help from family to get the home renovated, furnished, photographed and welcoming its first paying guest within just 20 days.
Tune in to learn:
–Why Katie felt confident making offer on a home without touring it first
–The system she used to furnish the entire house remotely
–Why using movers, painters, and landscapers saved months of work
–How to trade money for time without burning yourself out
–The real numbers from the first 10 weeks live on Airbnb
Key links:
–The Corresponding Substack Post: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/how-i-renovated-and-furnished-an
–Regulations Podcast Episode:
–”Is Renting Your Vacation Home Even Legal?” Substack: https://secondhomefirst.substack.com/p/is-renting-your-vacation-home-even
–Due Diligence Checklist: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-checklist
–Due Diligence Worksheet: https://www.buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/the-red-tape/due-diligence-worksheet
–Register your interest for the Set Up Checklist: http://buyyoursecondhomefirst.com/like-a-pro/set-up-checklist
–Unboxing Timelapsed Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNEt_FPPWsp/
–Tree Hair Cut Timelapsed Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNGjugNs0qX/
–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 (mailto: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
Are you a “real” adult if you don’t own your primary home? Today’s expert guest, a generational researcher, explains how that definition of true adulthood was shaped by our parents’ era—and why it’s no longer relevant for Millennials and Gen Z.
This Week’s Expert:
Dr. Meghan Grace is a generational expert, researcher, and author who’s spent her career studying how Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the way we think about careers, money, and yes, real estate. She’s here to share insights on why younger generations are especially drawn to strategies like Second Home First—from growing up in the sharing economy to coming of age in a digital-first world. She also breaks down the latest research which just might prove that my Baby Boomer Dad’s skepticism wasn’t personal—but generational.
Tune in to learn:
-Why the “forever home” is a myth
-How generational mindset shifts impact our approach to life
-How younger buyers are using short-term rentals to offset mortgages and build equity
-Why renting in high-cost cities can be a strategic financial move, not a failure
-How buying a second home first can unlock both lifestyle freedom and long-term wealth
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 (mailto: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
Imagine discovering that the thing that would unlock more freedom and flexibility for your family wasn’t scaling your business… but owning a vacation home. Today’s guest learned that firsthand when, instead of buying a primary home, she jumped into investing—and watched just two properties earn more in a year than her husband’s lucrative salary as a dentist.
This Week’s Guest:
Kacia Ghetmiri is the host of the wildly popular EmpowerHer podcast, which boasts more than 14 million downloads (!). Based in Denver, she and her husband were saving to buy a primary home when they decided to buy their second home first… or more accurately, homes. They wanted to invest in real estate to give their family more optionality in the future and to find a way to stop trading time for money.
Tune in to learn:
-Why surrounding yourself with people who are already doing what you want to do is the fastest way to prove it’s possible.
-How creative financing can make owning a vacation home far more attainable than you think.
-That YOU are your own target guest.
-Why Kacia believes NOT investing in real estate is actually the riskiest move of all.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
What type of vacation home owner would you be? And more importantly, why does that matter?
Before you start scrolling Zillow or shopping for throw pillows, this is one question you have to answer. On today’s episode, we’re breaking down the three vacation home owner archetypes—and how knowing yours will influence every decision you make.
Take the Vacation Home Owner Archetype Quiz to find out which type you’d be: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Quiz
Tune in to learn:
-About the three vacation home owner archetypes: Profit Maximizer, Sweet Spotter, and First Dibber
-Why your archetype affects everything, from where you buy to what you can afford
-How your archetype can shift over the course of a mortgage (or even a single year)
Key links:
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
Use code SHF20 for an ADDITIONAL (!) 20% their yearly and bi-yearly plans
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
What if your best investment account isn’t your 401(k)… but a vacation home?
On the very first episode of Second Home First, host Katie Cline explores why buying your ‘second home’ first could be the smartest way to build wealth and vacation for free. Katie shares her own journey from renting in New York City to buying a vacation home in upstate New York, and how that decision became a game changing investment strategy for her.
You’ll learn:
–Why buying your second home first just might be the smartest way to build wealth and joy
–How owning a vacation home can build equity and generate income while giving you a place to vacation for free
–Why the “must be nice” mentality might be getting in your way
–The five questions to help you decide if this strategy is right for you
Plus, Katie shares free resources to help you get started:
–The ‘Should You Buy Your Second Home First’ Quiz
–The Second Home First Starter Kit, with the immediate next steps to take to get closer to owning your dream vacation home (sent upon completion of the quiz)
Visit the website: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com
Take the Quiz: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/Quiz
Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter: BuyYourSecondHomeFirst.com/#subscribe
Bankrate article: Bankrate.com/real-estate/rent-vs-buy-affordability-study/
Renting vs. Buying Spreadsheet: BuyYoursSecondHomeFirst.com/your-ideal-vacation-home/rent-vs-buy
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
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
What if your 401(k) came with a fire pit and a lake view?
On Second Home First, host Katie Cline flips the script on traditional homeownership. After years of believing buying a home in New York City was impossible, Katie bought her “second home” first—a vacation property that not only became a personal retreat but also a profitable short-term rental.
Each week, Katie shares strategies, insights, and real-life examples to help listeners take action. Episodes fall into three categories:
Real Stories: Guests share their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned from buying a second home first.
Expert Advice: Specialists—from mortgage lenders and real estate agents, to designers and property managers—offer unfiltered guidance to help listeners make smart decisions.
Deep Dives: Katie walks through her exact process for finding, furnishing, and financing now 3 vacation homes, providing actionable steps to evaluate potential properties and maximize results.
If you thought owning any home, let alone a second one, was out of reach, this is the show is for you.
This is Second Home First.
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


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