The San Juan Islands are a stunning archipelago located north of Seattle in Puget Sound. With 172 named islands in the collection, there are stunning vistas, beaches, and forests at every turn. Three of the San Juan Islands have ferry services and offer the best real estate options, including Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and San Juan Island. Each of these islands has its own personality and unique features.
Orcas Island is one of the best islands to enjoy rugged natural scenery. The horseshoe-shaped island is home to the 5,252-acre Moran State Park. Moran State Park offers over 38 miles of hiking trails as well as many lakes and opportunities for water recreation. Orcas Island has an incredible mix of rural landscapes, artists' retreats, and modern restaurants tucked away along winding roads throughout the island.
Lopez Island is known for its friendly atmosphere and locals who form a tight-knit community. Over 60 miles of shoreline provide countless opportunities for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating. Rolling hills and bucolic farmlands give way to thick forests and pebbly beaches with views of Mount Baker in the background.
San Juan Island is the most versatile of the three and offers a wide range of things to do and ways to connect with nature. You can picnic in lavender fields, observe the herds of alpaca, or go whale watching along the water. There’s always something new to explore on this island.
If you’re thinking of making the San Juan Islands your new home, you’re going to want to ensure you get all the details about your future property. Our guide will walk you through the most important things to know when investing in San Juan Islands real estate.
How much is the home worth?
When you’ve found the property of your dreams, you want to ensure it's priced fairly. This is where it pays to work with a great real estate agent. A skilled agent will have done their research and understand the market dynamics in the area, as well as what comparable properties are selling for. They’ll be able to see what amenities are worth paying for and what the true value of the property is. Your real estate agent is your trusted partner in the home-buying process and will be able to help you understand if the home you love is priced fairly.
How long has the home been on the market?
When searching for a home, you also might want to know how long the home has been on the market. When homes have been listed for longer, the seller may be more likely to budge on the price. Again, your real estate agent can conduct this research for you and get you all the information you need.
Why is the owner selling?
If you’ve found what appears to be the perfect home, you might be wondering why someone would want to sell in the first place. Understanding the reasons why the seller has put their home on the market can help you avoid any potential pitfalls. For example, the seller may be moving to be closer to family or downsizing as they get older. Or, they may be moving because the maintenance is too much work. Knowing these facets of the home’s history can help you make the right choice with your real estate investment.
What kind of upgrades have been done?
When choosing a home, you’ll want to know about any potential upgrades that have been recently done to the property and see the documentation. This is essential for understanding what upcoming expenses might occur. When was the roof last replaced? Have the windows been updated? What about the heating and cooling system? All of these parts of the home can create significant expenses, and you’ll want to know if they have been updated recently or if a renovation may be in your future as a new homeowner.
Does the home need any repairs?
Similarly to understanding what upgrades have been done, you’ll also want to know what repairs are needed in the home. Your real estate agent can help you connect with a trusted home inspector who can help you understand any safety concerns or repairs that will need to be done in the home. This is important to know, as pending repairs can help influence the negotiation process and ensure that you get the best price possible on your home.
Is there flexibility in the asking price?
A great Real estate agent will be able to help you determine if the seller has any flexibility in the asking price and if you can possibly get a better deal. Working with a real estate agent with expert negotiation skills is a must. They will be able to connect with the seller and their agent and create the best offer possible for you.
What is the neighborhood vibe?
Lastly, you’ll want to look not only at the home but also at the neighborhood it is located in. You’ll want to ensure that the neighborhood vibe is a fit for your lifestyle. Do you want a home that is quiet and secluded? Do you prefer to live somewhere where there is a close connection between neighbors and community events? Would you like to live close to a lively downtown? These are important factors to consider when choosing a home. Often, many features of a home can be changed through renovation. However, the location of the house is the one feature that you won’t be able to update.
Ready to make the San Juan Islands your home?
If you’re ready to make the move, it’s time to connect with an amazing San Juan Islands real estate agent. In the San Juan Islands, there is no one better than Mike Konopik. Mike has extensive experience in the luxury island market and is ready to help you through every step of the home-buying process. He can answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect island home of your dreams.