Taking a Vacation While Buying a Home? Here’s How to Do Both Without Losing Your Mind (Or the House)

The Lighter Side of Real Estate • July 31, 2025

Real estate agents often joke that the best way to guarantee something big happens with a client is to plan a vacation. The minute their out-of-office email is set, sellers decide to list, buyers find their dream house, and offers start flying.

But it’s not just agents. If you’re in the middle of buying a home, odds are that as soon as you finally book that much-needed vacation, the perfect property will hit the market—or your lender will suddenly need one more document before they can clear your file.

So, what do you do if you’re house hunting—or already under contract—and also have a trip on the calendar? Cancel everything and put life on hold?

Not at all.

With a little planning and coordination, you can keep your transaction moving while still getting the break you deserve. Here’s how to juggle both without losing sleep—or the house of your dreams.

Choose the Right Agent (And Empower Them)

If you’re going to be out of town, your real estate agent becomes even more important than usual. You need someone who knows your preferences inside and out, can jump on new listings quickly, and is comfortable communicating across time zones and tech platforms.

During the search phase, that might mean giving you a live FaceTime tour from a showing or sending over detailed videos. Once you’re under contract, it means staying on top of every little detail and making sure the transaction doesn’t lose momentum while you’re away.

If you haven’t found the right agent yet, don’t wait until you’re packing your bags to start looking. The earlier you establish that relationship, the smoother things will go when you need them to step in on your behalf.

Line Up the Rest of Your Team in Advance

Buying a home takes more than just you and your agent. Lenders, inspectors, title reps, insurance providers—they all play a role, and each of them will likely need some kind of document, signature, or decision from you at some point along the way.

You’re always free to choose who you work with, but if you don’t have go-to contacts, your agent likely does. Leaning on their network of trusted professionals can help make the process smoother. These are people your agent already has a working relationship with, which can lead to quicker responses, clearer communication, and fewer dropped balls. Either way, make your choices early and connect your team members with your agent so everyone is in the loop when the time comes.

To avoid last-minute scrambling, try to front-load as many tasks as possible. Your lender may be able to gather key documents like pay stubs, bank statements, and ID copies ahead of time and keep them on file. If the timing works, you might even be able to knock out inspections or appraisals before you leave. At the very least, let your core contacts know your travel dates and the best way to reach you if something needs your attention.

And if there’s someone you trust—like a family member, close friend, or legal rep—consider giving them written permission or even power of attorney to act on your behalf while you’re away. It’s an extra layer of protection in case something time-sensitive comes up, and your agent or attorney can help you get that paperwork squared away.

Make Sure You’re Tech-Ready

Most real estate transactions today can be managed remotely, at least to a degree. But that only works if you’ve got the right tools in place.

Check that your phone plan includes coverage wherever you’re going, especially if you’re heading out of the country. If not, upgrade or add international service temporarily. Bring a laptop or tablet, make sure you know how to use e-signature platforms like DocuSign, and test your access before you leave.

Wi-Fi may not always be reliable, so plan ahead for backup options. If you need to print, scan, or fax something, scope out nearby business centers or office supply stores at your destination. Many hotels offer these services too—worth confirming before you check in.

Store Documents Securely (But Accessibly)

Buying a home involves a surprising amount of sensitive paperwork—Social Security numbers, financial records, legal IDs, and more. It’s risky (and stressful) to travel with those items physically, but you may need them while you’re away.

One smart solution is to upload essential documents to a secure, password-protected cloud storage service. That way, you can access and forward what’s needed from anywhere, without carrying paper copies through airport security. Just make sure you’ve tested access and organized your files before you take off.

If there are a few documents you’ve been specifically told to bring with you, keep them on your person—not in checked luggage—and secure them in a locked bag or safe at your destination.

Set a Daily “Check-In” Time

Even on vacation, it helps to stay lightly engaged with your real estate team. You don’t have to be glued to your phone all day, but having a set time each day to check email, return calls, and review any updates can go a long way in keeping things moving.

Let your agent and lender know when you’ll be available, especially if there’s a big time difference. It doesn’t need to be a long call—just enough to make decisions, sign what’s needed, or give the go-ahead on the next steps.

And if you’re traveling with others? Give them a heads-up too. A quick explanation that you’ll need 15–20 minutes a day to keep a major life event on track can save everyone from surprises later.

Consider Travel Insurance—Just in Case

If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or dropping a lot of money on travel, it might be worth looking into a travel insurance policy that includes “cancel for any reason” coverage. That way, if a can’t-miss opportunity or closing snag pops up and you have to delay or cancel your plans, you’re not entirely out of pocket.

Even if you don’t go that route, having some sort of backup plan—like refundable bookings or flexible accommodations—can offer a little peace of mind.

The Takeaway:

Timing a vacation while buying a home can feel like tempting fate—but with the right preparation, you don’t have to choose between relaxing and staying on top of your transaction. From lining up a reliable agent and support team to setting aside time for daily check-ins, a little planning goes a long way toward making sure things don’t fall through the cracks while you’re away.
The key is to think a few steps ahead. Have your documents ready, your tech in place, and your people connected. Whether you’re still house hunting or already under contract, you can absolutely take that trip—as long as you take the right precautions to keep everything moving behind the scenes.


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Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First.

By KCM • September 13, 2025
Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First. If your house is on the market but you haven’t gotten any offers you’re comfortable with, you may be wondering: what do I do if it doesn’t sell? And for a growing number of homeowners, that’s turning into a new dilemma: should I just rent it instead? There’s a term for this in the industry, and it’s called an accidental landlord . Here’s how Yahoo Finance defines it: “These ‘accidental landlords’ are homeowners who tried to sell but couldn’t fetch the price they wanted — and instead have decided to rent out their homes until conditions improve.” Why This Is Happening More Often Right Now And right now, the number of homeowners turning into accidental landlords is rising. Business Insider explains why: “While there have always been accidental landlords . . . an era of middling home sales brought on by a steep rise in borrowing rates — is minting a new wave of reluctant rental owners." Basically, sales have slowed down as buyers struggle with today’s affordability challenges. And that’s leaving some homeowners with listings that sit and go stale. And if they don't want to drop their price to try to appeal to buyers, they may rent instead. But here’s the thing you need to remember if renting your house has crossed your mind. Becoming a landlord wasn’t your original plan, and there’s probably a reason for that. It comes with a lot more responsibility (and risk) than most people expect. So, if you find yourself toying with that option, ask yourself these questions first: 1. Does Your House Have Potential as a Profitable Rental? Just because you can rent it doesn’t mean you should. For example: Are you moving out of state? Managing maintenance from far away isn’t easy. Does the home need repairs before it’s rental-ready? And do you have the time or the funds for that? Is your neighborhood one that typically attracts renters, and would your house be profitable as one? If any of those give you pause, it’s a sign selling might be the better move. 2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord? On paper, renting sounds like easy passive income. In reality, it often looks more like this: Midnight calls about clogged toilets or broken air conditioners Chasing down missed rent payments Damage you’ll have to fix between tenants As Redfin notes: “Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems, and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don’t have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind.” 3. Have You Thought Through the True Costs? According to Bankrate, here are just a few of the hidden costs that come with renting out your home: A higher insurance premium (landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more) Management fees (if you use a property manager, they typically charge around 10% of the rent) Maintenance and advertising to find tenants Gaps between tenants, where you cover the mortgage without rental income coming in All of that adds up, fast. While renting can be a smart move for the right person with the right house, if you’re only considering it because your listing didn’t get traction, there may be a better solution: talking to your current agent and revisiting the pricing strategy on your house first. With their advice you can rework your strategy, relaunch at the right price, and attract real buyers to make the sale happen. Bottom Line Before you decide to rent your house, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of becoming a landlord. For some homeowners, the hassle (and the expense) may not be worth it.

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

By KCM • August 29, 2025
Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers Not every homebuyer wants the biggest house on the block. Some want something simpler, more affordable, and easier to maintain, especially in a market where every dollar counts. That’s where condos come in. For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget. For downsizers, they offer less space to maintain with the flexibility to stay in a great location. And right now, condos are one of the most buyer-friendly parts of the market. Condo Inventory Is Up, And That Means More Choice According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there are 194,000 condos for sale right now. That’s the second highest amount we’ve seen in the last three years (see graph below): Just remember, this is the national figure. The exact number is going to vary based on where you’re looking to buy. But, generally speaking, you have more options and less competition. You’re not stuck waiting for something to pop up or rushing into an offer just to beat someone else to it. You’ve got plenty to choose from. And if you’re particular about layout, location, or amenities, this is your chance to be selective. That’s a big shift from the market frenzy of just a few years ago. Compared to early 2022, we’ve got nearly double the condos available now. That gives you more breathing room to find the right fit. Prices Are Cooling, and Buyers Hold More Negotiating Power And since there are more for sale, many sellers are more open to negotiating right now. So, you may be able to get a better price. As Redfin explains: “. . . condo buyers in many cities may be able to find sellers who are willing to give concessions and/or sell for less than their asking price.” Condo prices are starting to ease in many markets. According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), condo prices dipped 1.3% in June compared to last year. And over half of the top 100 U.S. metros saw condo prices drop slightly year-over-year. Data from Redfin shows what the recent dip in prices looks like (see graph below): That doesn’t just help with affordability, it also shifts the power dynamic. Condo buyers in many markets are now in a position to negotiate on price and ask for concessions, like help with closing costs. Bottom Line Condos aren’t just a fallback option. In today’s market, they’re one of the most strategic ways to buy. With more options, softening prices, and more room to negotiate, now could be the right time to make your move. Could a condo check more boxes than you expected? Let’s talk through your options and find out.

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead.

By KCM • August 23, 2025
More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead. When you sell a house , the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately. The good news is, it’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is and how to avoid it happening to you. This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through . That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. That’s not too much higher than the norm of roughly 12% from 2017-2019, but it’s still an increase. And it’s one you don’t want to have to deal with. The key to avoiding this headache is knowing what’s causing the issues that lead to a buyer walking away. A recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) finds that agents reported the #1 reason deals are falling apart today is stemming from the home inspection (see graph below): Here’s why. With high prices and mortgage rates stretching buyers’ budgets, they don’t have a lot of room (or appetite) for unexpected repairs. Not to mention, buyers have more options to choose from now that there are more homes on the market. So, if the inspection turns up a major issue, they may opt to walk away. Afterall, there are plenty of other homes they could buy instead. Or, if the seller isn’t willing to tackle repairs , a buyer may back out because they don’t want the expense (and the hassle) of dealing with those issues themselves. The good news is, there’s a way you can get ahead of any unpleasant surprises as a seller, and that’s getting a pre-listing inspection. It’s not required, but the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains why it’s helpful right now: “To keep deals from unraveling . . . it allows a seller the opportunity to address any repairs before the For Sale sign even goes up. It also can help avoid surprises like a costly plumbing problem, a failing roof or an outdated electrical panel that could cause financially stretched buyers to bolt before closing .” What’s a Pre-Listing Inspection? It's exactly what it sounds like: a professional home inspection you schedule before your home hits the market. Here’s what it can do for you: Give you time to fix what matters . You’ll know what issues could come up in the buyer’s inspection. So, you’ll have time to take care of them before anyone even walks through the door. Avoid last-minute renegotiations . When buyers uncover unexpected issues after you’re under contract, it opens the door for concessions you may have to make like price drops or repairs, or worse, a canceled deal. A pre-listing inspection helps you stay ahead of those things before they become deal breakers. Show buyers you’re serious . When your home is clean, well-maintained, and already vetted, buyers see that. It builds trust and can help you sell faster with fewer back-and-forth negotiations. The bottom line? A few hundred dollars upfront can save you thousands later. Should Every Seller Do This? Not necessarily. Your real estate agent can help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation, your house, and your market. If you decide to move forward with a pre-listing inspection, your agent will guide you every step of the way. They’ll: Advise on whether to fix or disclose each issue Help you prioritize repairs based on what buyers in your area care about Make sure you understand your local disclosure laws Bottom Line If you want to avoid potential snags in your deal, a pre-listing inspection could be the way to go. Let’s talk about whether a pre-listing inspection is the right move for your house and market. Would you rather find out about a major repair now, when you can handle it on your terms – or after you’re under contract, when the clock is ticking?
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