Curious if you're headed in the right direction for retirement?

Intuit found that 69% of people feel today’s financial landscape makes it hard to plan ahead, and 68% worry they might never be able to retire. Because of this, a lot of folks are looking for new ways to create stability and secure long-term income.

That’s exactly why real estate plays such an important role.

Why consider real estate? Here’s how it can benefit you.

If the finances add up, buying a second home can be a smart move for your retirement plans. It can help you:

Build wealth over time: As home values go up over the years, your second home can grow in value too—boosting your net worth along the way.

Bring in extra income: Renting out your second home can give you a nice boost to your retirement savings. Just keep in mind, some of that rental income will go toward covering the mortgage and upkeep.

Make a future profit: If you decide to sell the second home later on, you could pocket a nice profit to help grow your retirement fund.

Add variety to your finances: Owning real estate gives you a solid, tangible asset—so you're not relying only on stocks or savings. It can help make your financial situation more balanced and stable.

Most Second Homeowners Aren’t Big Investors

If you’re wondering whether owning multiple homes is just for big investors, the data says otherwise. A lot of homeowners who purchase a second property aren’t the high-profile investors you often hear about. They’re regular folks, just like your neighbors.

Data from BatchData and CJ Patrick Company reveals that 85% of people who own multiple properties have between 1 and 5 homes (see graph below).

That means the majority of people who own multiple homes are individuals—not big investors—who have purchased an extra property to either rent out or keep for future use.

Why Now Might Be the Right Time

Right now, the opportunity might be opening up for buyers like you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

““. . . the balance of power in the housing market keeps shifting in favor of homebuyers. . . A confluence of factors—including more homes for sale, rising price cuts, and slower-moving inventory—is giving buyers more leverage than they’ve had in years . . .”
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— Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com

If you’re in a neighborhood where home prices are likely to go up, buying a property now and selling it later can be a smart way to build your financial future. Alternatively, you could rent it out right away and start earning income from it.

Start with Just a Few Trusted Pros

If this sounds like something you're interested in, the first important step is to reach out to a few key people who can help guide you through the process.

A neighborhood real estate expert who truly knows the ins and outs of the local market.
A lender who focuses on loans specifically for second homes or investment properties.

Having the right professionals by your side from the start gives you the confidence to make smart decisions throughout the process.