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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Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age

By KCM • May 24, 2026
Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Age At some point, as you start thinking about the years ahead , this question tends to come up: “Could I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?” It’s not always urgent. It often shows up in small moments, like going up and down the stairs, keeping up with the maintenance, or just thinking about what the next chapter of your life might look like in this home. And for most people, the answer is simple. They want to stay. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found about 90% of adults over 65 prefer to stay in their homes as they get older (see below): But even if staying feels like the right answer, it’s still worth thinking ahead about what that might actually look like. That’s where the right agent can really help. What You Need To Plan for If You’re Staying in Your Home Aging in place is definitely possible. But it’s better if you have a plan. And here’s why. The home that once worked perfectly may need to change with you over the years. And it’s easier if you can anticipate those expenses. Sometimes that means small updates: like adding grab bars in the shower. Other times, you’ll have to make bigger decisions: like reworking layouts or moving key spaces to the first floor. Some of those changes are going to be simple. Others can be a meaningful investment. And that’s why thinking about it early matters. Not because you need to decide anything right now, but because it gives you time. Time to understand what your home may need. Time to explore your options. Time to find the right contractors. Time to space out the expense of the upgrades. According to ElderLife Financial, here's a rough baseline of what it could cost depending on what needs to be done (see below): And don’t worry. If your heart is really set on staying, but the costs feel like a concern, it helps to know you have options. Depending on your situation, there may be financial assistance programs available, along with tools like home warranties to help manage unexpected costs. Just remember, if you’re thinking about making updates, it’s always worth having a quick conversation before you start. A real estate agent can help you understand which changes tend to make sense for your situation and how they may impact your home’s value based on your local market. When Moving Might Make More Sense But staying isn’t always the best fit for every situation. According to Pegasus Senior Living: “While most seniors hope to age in place, practical considerations sometimes make selling a home the wiser choice.” Sometimes, it comes down to a simple shift: when the home that once made life easier, starts to make it harder. That might look like: Maintenance or yardwork that's starting to feel overwhelming Stairs or layouts that are getting harder to manage day-to-day Or needing more support or care or being too far from loved ones And sometimes, it’s not about necessity at all. It’s about lifestyle. Some homeowners just don’t want to live through major renovations. Others are ready to simplify, downsize , or move somewhere that better fits this next chapter, whether that’s a smaller home, a 55+ community, or a place closer to family. For them, moving simply means making daily life easier. Bottom Line There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some people stay and make updates. Others move to simplify things. Either can be the right choice. The goal isn’t to pick one today. It’s to understand your options early, so when the time comes, you feel confident instead of rushed. And if you ever want a sounding board to think through what the future could look like for you, let’s connect.

Is Late May the Best Time To List Your House?

By KCM • May 21, 2026
Is Late May the Best Time To List Your House? You may have heard April 12-18 was the “best week” to list your house. That’s based on a report from Realtor.com. But now that it’s passed, you may be wondering if you missed your moment. Here's the good news – you didn’t. Because the reality is, there isn’t just one perfect week to sell your house this Spring. There’s a window. And right now, you’re still in it. Your Window To Sell Is Still Wide Open Here’s why. Different organizations run studies like this every year. And they don’t always land on the exact same week. That’s okay. It’s because they're using different research methods and even different definitions of what “best” means. But the fact that the results vary points to a larger trend. While there may be sweet spots, the entire Spring season gives sellers an opportunity to get some of the best conditions (and best sales prices) of the year. And it’s definitely not too late to jump in. Why Listing in Late May Is the Perfect Play According to Zillow, the best time to list your house this year is the last 2 weeks of May. And that’s approaching fast. Based on their analysis, this is the ideal time to do it if you want to make top dollar. Because, in this 2-week window, homes sell for more . Sometimes, quite a bit more. Depending on where you are and the price point in your area, some homeowners may even net tens of thousands of dollars extra in this sweet spot. As Zillow explains: “Why late spring? Buyer demand typically peaks before Memorial Day. Families want to move during the summer and settle in before the new school year. More buyers shopping at once can spark competition and lift prices .” And they’re not the only ones saying listing in May could be the key to selling for more. ATTOM Data analyzed almost 52 million home sales over the past 10 years and found sellers in May are achieving some of the highest returns . That means the ideal window this year is very much still open. What This Means for You If your goal is to sell for the strongest possible price, this is where timing and strategy come together. And you want to be sure you’re ready to make the most of it. So, what should you be doing right now? When prepping for a fast-moving window like this, you don’t want to waste time or money on the wrong prep work. And your agent is your go-to to make sure you’re focusing on the right things. They’ll be able to tell you if the “best week” is slightly different in your market. And what quick repairs or updates can help you get a higher price, without taking a ton of time or effort. Here's a quick example of things an agent may recommend based on information from Redfin: At the end of the day, when your prep time’s short, doing the right things matters more than doing more things. Bottom Line Zillow says the best time to list your house is just around the corner. Are you ready to make the most of it? If you want to take advantage of this Spring sweet spot and get top dollar for your house, let’s talk about what you need to do now to get ready to hit the market.

Think You Have To Put 20% Down? Most First-Time Homebuyers Don’t.

By KCM • May 20, 2026
Think You Have To Put 20% Down? Most First-Time Homebuyers Don’t. According to Google Trends, online searches for down payment information recently hit an all-time high. And that’s a clear sign more buyers are trying to figure out what they really need to save before making a move (see graph below): If you’re wondering the same thing, you can always turn to the internet for answers. But a lot of the time, it’s better to ask a local expert. Because here’s what a pro would tell you. The 20% Down Payment Myth The idea that you need 20% down to buy a home is one of the biggest misconceptions around the homebuying process. And the data debunks the myth. While there are benefits to putting that much money down, most first-time buyers put down far less. Here’s why. Unless it’s stated by your lender, you typically don’t have to have a 20% down payment. There are even some loan options designed to help you get into a home with a much smaller upfront cost. As the Mortgage Reports explains: “The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your financial goals. If you don’t have a large down payment saved up, don’t worry—there are plenty of options available, and you don’t need to put down the traditional 20% . . . many homebuyers are able to secure a home with as little as 3% or even no down payment at all . . . ” For example, FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5% , while VA and USDA loans offer zero down payment options for qualified applicants, like Veterans. And those options are just one reason so many first-time buyers are able to buy without a 20% down payment. What Buyers Are Actually Putting Down So, if buyers aren’t doing 20%, how much do they actually put down? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is only 10%. That’s half of what you probably expected. That means if you’re aiming to save 20% because you think you have to, you may be setting a timeline that’s longer than necessary. And here’s some more good news. It’s not only that you may be able to buy with less money down than you thought, but there are also options to help you get to your down payment goal even faster. Why You Should Look into Down Payment Assistance Programs There are a lot of programs designed to help you save for a down payment – and they can make a big difference in how fast you hit your savings target. Unfortunately, buyers don’t realize how many there are, or that they may qualify for help. Research from Realtor.com shows almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance (DPA), but only 13% actually use it (see chart below): And that’s another big miss holding would-be buyers like you back. In the U.S., there are over 2,600 homeownership programs available, many offering significant financial support. As Down Payment Resource shares : “ With an average benefit of $18,000, down payment assistance (DPA) remains one of the most essential tools for addressing the nation’s affordability challenges. Programs continue to expand in scope, serving a broader range of incomes, property types and borrower needs, including first-generation, military and repeat buyers.” Imagine how much further your savings could go with an extra $18,000 you can use to buy. In some cases, you may even be able to stack multiple programs, giving what you’ve saved an even bigger boost. Bottom Line The simple truth is: most first-time buyers don’t put 20% down . And if you’ve been waiting to buy until you have that saved, you may be setting a timeline that’s longer than necessary. To find out what you really need to save and if you qualify for any help, connect with a trusted lender who can walk you through your options. You may be able to buy sooner than you thought.
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