Thinking of investing in a Second home or vacation home?  The San Juan Islands, located in Washington State, offer some of the most majestic sights from ocean views to whales, and a multitude of activities from kayaking, biking, hiking and more.  The Island's close proximity to Seattle and the Eastside make it easy to travel to the islands either by car and ferry, plane, or boat.

According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Services in San Juan County for the month of June 2008 looking at Single Family Homes and Condominiums there were 66 new listings for a total of 429 active listings, 18 Pending transactions (those under contract that have not yet closed), and 12 closed sales.  The average sold price in San Juan County for the month of June was $914,799 while the median closed price was $501,250.  Yes, our inventory is up, but so is our closed sale pricing....how many markets can say that?

Buyers, we have affordable waterfront -income producing properties-currently on the market.  There are great deals out there!  Limited land on the islands coupled with destination location status will continue to always make this an attractive place for buyers.  Our close proximity to Seattle (Microsoft and Boeing) make the San Juans an ideal vacation home getaway.  Our real estate values are solid and still affordable compared to other waterfront areas in the US.

My comments to sellers in this market: consider the 4 P's of marketing- Product, Price, Place, and Promotion.  Make sure your home shines when potential buyers come through. Qtip clean, clutter free, and if you need help staging ask a professional!  You have all the control over making your home put its best foot forward.  Make sure you price accordingly.  You'll get overlooked by overpricing a home in our current market.  You don't have much control over location...it is where it is.  Knowing your audience helps with promotion.  The internet is a cost effective way to advertise and hit a large number of interested consumers - locally and internationally.  For specialty markets (such as the San Juans where people are contained on a ferry for hours at a time) print advertising is still effective.  Promote to your target consumer.

If you're looking for a place that offers a little rest and relaxation and you've never visited the San Juan Islands you should consider doing so!  Visit www.sanjuanpm.com for vacation home rentals on San Juan Island.  There are a wide range of homes and prices.  If you're thinking of a vacation home as an investment contact the experts in the Islands....Sybil and Michele at www.SanJuanConnection.com.