How to buy a vacation home without getting burned

While sunburn can ruin a holiday, getting burned on a vacation home purchase can sting for much longer. Fortunately, doing your homework will help you find your place in the sun without feeling the heat.

"The market has seen price drops lately, so a lot of people are finding vacation properties at $300,000 or below," said Bill MacDougall, a real estate professional with Optimum Realty Group in Calgary.