3 Crazy Reasons Why People Have Purchased a Second Home

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For retirees, high-earners or those with substantial savings and investments, buying a second home is not out of the question. People purchase homes for a multitude of reasons — whether they want to start a family, downsize or have access to a nicer view.

Here are three of the strangest reasons people buy additional homes.

Pets

According to the National Association of Realtors, “43% of households would be willing to move to better accommodate their pet(s), demonstrating that this is a priority among consumers.”

This one may not come as a surprise — it’s no secret that humans love and cherish their furry friends.

Many pet owners prioritize having a spacious yard or a safe neighborhood away from predators to give their pets the highest quality of life possible. 

“You would be shocked at how many people buy a house for their dogs, cats or whatever other pet,” wrote Realtor Leslie Heindel in an article for Be New Orleans.

Feng Shui

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese practice that priorotizes harmony with the surrounding environment.

Some examples of feng shui include the placement of the house, the directions the windows face, and the proper arrangement of furniture.

According to a study published in Heliyon, “Nearly 70% of people would not buy a house with serious Feng Shui problems, and the impact on the price of real estate was about 10% of the total price.”

Purchasing a home to ensure the feng shui aligns harmoniously is a popular reason to buy.

Storage for Hobbies

The Miller family, passionate puzzlers, purchased an $80,000 Italian castle to retire and maintain their vast puzzle collection. On a whim, the Millers purchased a second home in Italy.

As highlighted by The New York Times, “They packed their puzzle collection into five 40-foot shipping containers and, for their own transit, booked a cruise from Miami to Rome.”

With enough passion and disposable income, buying a second home can even allow for hobby storage.

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