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Good advice before buying summer home

By Douglas Hunter (Cottage Life Books, $35)

Never having owned a summer home, but having enjoyed many visits to cottages owned by friends and relatives, I didn't realize all the possible pitfalls. This book explains them.

Heavy emphasis is placed on the income tax aspects for both buyers and sellers.

If the book has a flaw, it is that author Douglas Hunter is Canadian and he constantly over-emphasizes the Canadian taxation and ownership laws. However, most of the book applies to buyers and sellers of virtually all vacation cottages.

Approximately half of the book is devoted to locating a suitable area for acquiring a cottage. After the search narrows, Hunter explains details of what to look for because buying such a property is much different than purchasing an urban house or condominium.

Unique methods of financing the purchase of a vacation cottage are explained, but without great detail. Hunter suggests contacting local mortgage lenders. He explains the tax consequences of deducting mortgage interest on a second home.

Unexpected in this book are the very complete discussions of sharing cottage ownership with friends or relatives and possible pitfalls to anticipate and resolve."

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