second home news

Buying a Ranch in Texas: What is an Ag Exemption? Kathryn Roan Explains on SecondShelters.com

By Joanna England / March 29, 2016 /

Of all the questions farm and ranch Realtor Kathryn Roan gets asked, “What is an ag exemption?” is the one she hears most frequently. With Texas ranch properties getting snapped up left and right, being an educated buyer is critical. Find out more about this real estate misnomer and how you can make sure your…

Berkshire Hathaway Hawai’i Starts from Scratch and Offers Praise

By Jon Anderson / November 24, 2015 /

Out on a morning walk, I saw a sign for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Hawai’i and decided to give them a call. I wanted to get the insight into what Allie Beth Allman’s crew have gotten themselves into. A few days later, I met local president Tracy Bradley at that first-seen home’s open house. The…

Fort Worth Friday: The Perfect Lake Worth Getaway For Your Fourth of July Celebration

By Joanna England / July 3, 2015 /

I really cannot imagine a more perfect spot to enjoy this Fourth of July than right here on Lake Worth. This property is 3.2 acres right on the banks of one of Fort Worth’s best kept secrets, and is only 15 minutes from downtown. Known by locals as “Camp T.,” this property is a great…

On SecondShelters.com: Swirl, Sniff, and Sip at Boot Ranch’s Grape Escape

By Joanna England / May 20, 2015 /

We can’t imagine a more fabulous long weekend than sipping wine produced right here in Texas at one of the Hill Country’s best spots, Boot Ranch. Not only does this luxury second home development have a fabulous Hal Sutton-designed golf course and fully equipped spa, but it also has the daring and creative executive chef…

SecondShelters: Do You Rent Your Vacation Home? You Need to Know This One Fact

By Joanna England / April 29, 2015 /

“The rules and tax-planning strategies for a vacation home are complex if the home is rented,” says Dr. Jerrold Stern, a research fellow at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Truly, that’s an understatement. More and more people are buying vacation homes thanks to growing employment and stock market gains. And as services…