When it comes to buying a second home or a vacation home, it's best to know the cycles of the market where you want to buy. There are certain times of year that are better to buy than others -- and it's all based on your desired location. The best times of year are generally the opposite of peak season. For example, try looking between the summer and the fall if you want a vacation home in a mountain state that has winter ski activity. But conversely, midwinter is the best time to buy in the Great Lakes, the Northeast or Canada; hardly anyone else will be looking and you may meet up with a desperate seller. So if there's a particular lake, ski resort, beach or mountain that you want to own on, study the rhythms of the local market and know when to strike. Knowing the calendar could save you tens of thousands of dollars.