Craig Venezia is a contributing real estate writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. He has also appeared on CNN/Money’s “Open House” and been quoted by major media including the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and National Public Radio.

A native of New Jersey, Craig spent nearly a decade in San Francisco where, among other things, he served as an executive at Wells Fargo Bank and was affiliated with E*TRADE Financial.

Eventually, Craig returned to the East Coast where worked as a senior executive specializing in structuring private loans between family and friends at a small financial services company in Cambridge, MA. As he spoke with clients, Craig noticed that many of these private loans where being used to buy homes, many of which, were second homes.

After conducting extensive research, Craig realized there was a void in the market for a comprehensive, yet easily read, up-to-date book on how to buy a second home. He developed a book proposal and began to pitch publishers.

Within a few months, NOLO, the nation’s leading provider of do-it-yourself legal solutions for consumers and small businesses, contracted to publish Buying a Second Home: Income, Getaway or Vacation. Subsequently, Craig left his position and spent the next year researching and writing the book.

Currently, Craig resides in a coastal town near Boston with his wife and three children.