My AirBNB Triumph

[Steven Kopstein]

I bought a house in rural Vermont as a primary residence in 1997 for about $125k.  After a few years, I refinanced into a 15 year mortgage.  I lived there for 8 years then moved back to NYC.  Since moving away I have been renting the house to vactioners first through VRBO and Homeaway and then through AirBNB.  Since the house is located near great skiing and not to far from VT's biggest city, Burlington, I've had great success.  I used the proceeds from vacation rentals to completely pay off the mortgage last year and since then to buy a vacant lot next door and to make improvements.  Plus, I get to use the house for my own when I need to escape from NYC.  It's worked out like a dream and I plan on retiring there - and keeping my place in NYC as well - the best of both worlds.