[NYNick]

Covid has changed everything and has especially caused people to reevaluate where they live and why. Zoom and working from home are the new normal. I'd love to see the statistics showing the number of relocations or real estate sales in the last 2-3 years versus pre-pandemic.

Even retired, we reevaluated our living situation and sold a property that we would never even consider selling, EVER, just 3 years ago. Now we are seriously considering selling another one we've owned for over 40 years. Never say never.

Still, location is always the key word. While multiple homes are a great way to dodge the weather, make sure you choose your locations and structures very carefully. Just like buying an old 911, you cannot do enough research into buying real estate. Hell, before I bought a condo in FLA I had developed spreadsheets outlining pricing, square footage, comps, taxes, time on market, bedrooms etc. Of course, I was in the RE business at one time.

So many of our friends have made stupid real estate purchases its commonplace. They let their emotions drive their decisions or relent to a one sided want from their spouse. Some have sold everything to move to Shangri-La only to discover they hate it long term and can't afford to move back. Happens all the time.

Be careful. Do your homework. Don't follow the masses.
Whatever you buy, make sure it has a great location.