I’ve been thinking about second homes a lot lately. Not just because they’re a hot topic in the real estate world, but because my sister just bought the cutest little cabin in Vermont and I’m straight-up jealous. Buying a second home isn’t like picking up a new pair of shoes though. It’s a big deal with lots of moving parts. Maybe you’re dreaming about a beachfront getaway where you can hear waves crashing from your bedroom window. Or perhaps you’re eyeing a mountain cabin where you can escape city noise. Whatever your vision, you need a game plan before signing on any dotted lines. I learned this the hard way when my friend Jake rushed into buying a lakeside cottage without checking flood zones. Two years and one flooded basement later, he wished he’d done more homework. So grab a coffee and let’s walk through how to make a smart…