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FOR ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE AND LIFESTYLE ON THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Feb 3, 2021

Remodeling Homes in the San Juan Islands

While showing property I am often asked, if the home could be renovated and/or increased in size as the lot is perfect but the home is too small or too dated for the prospective buyer. As I have said numerous times, it is still more cost effective to buy existing and remodel than it is to build new construction. With new homes, the cost is $400-$500 per square foot, and it is 20 months before you can walk over the threshold. If you are buying a home that you intend to remode

Apr 3, 2020

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of 2020

The average American homeowner spends more than $1,200 a year on homeowners insurance. That’s about $100 a month, year after year, for a product most of us will never use. It makes sense to find the lowest rates possible. But get this: The average homeowners insurance claim pays about $16,000 to fix damage caused by wind, fire, hail, lightning, and other perils. If you needed to use your policy, you’d want a company that would come through for you. The $50 or $100 you’d

Apr 11, 2019

SAN JUAN ISLAND REAL ESTATE MARKET 1Q 2018 SUMMARY

The first quarter results for San Juan Island were very similar to the first quarter results last year. San Juan Island’s dollar volume for the quarter reflected a decrease of 12.5% as compared to the same quarter in 2018. The first quarters are often a roller coaster for our islands and are affected by weather, local and national events. The number of transactions was down 31%. The County’s first quarter dollar volume reflected a decrease of 25% as compared to 2018 and t

Feb 15, 2019

Are You Considering Selling Real Estate on San Juan Island? Past Version

Thinking about selling your property? You may want to consider researching, collecting and completing the items detailed below. This is not a check list for planting flowers on your porch and painting your front door, you can go to the internet for that information. This list is to prepare sellers in San Juan County for marketing their property. The issues below are for regulatory compliance, contract performance, will prove beneficial and are worth the effort in the mark

Jan 22, 2019

Roche Harbor 2019 Salmon Derby Video

Below is a video link to the San Juan Islands Lifestyle video sharing the Roche Harbor 2019 Salmon Derby. We had a blast!!!! g #RealEsateMarketupdateforSanJuanIslandWA #MerriAnnSimonson #FishingintheSanJuans #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250

Jul 16, 2018

San Juan Real Estate Market Update Q2-2018

The second quarter results which complete the first half of the year for San Juan Island were similar to the first quarter. Per the NWMLS, the dollar volume on San Juan Island was $56,399,689 with a total of 108 transactions. The numbers reflects a 18% decrease in transaction number and a 22% decrease in dollar volume as compared to the same period in 2017. For San Juan County, the total dollar volume was $143,972,044 with a total of 245 transactions. The County’s gain wa

Nov 8, 2017

San Juan Island Lifestyle Video about Septic System

This video is about everything you want to know about your septic system and lots more. #fridayharborrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #PropertyBuyersinSanJuanCounty #SanJuanRealestateforsale

Sep 20, 2017

San Juan Island Lifestyle Video with Tips on going to Splash in Victoria

This video highlights a trip to Victoria to watch the concert from your boat in front of the Empress hotel. #fridayharborrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #PropertyBuyersinSanJuanCounty

Sep 18, 2017

San Juan County Waterfront Parcels - Past Version

If you own a waterfront parcel in the County, or hope to purchase one, I have detailed below some items to take into consideration. Historically, waterfront parcels were the most coveted investment in the islands but due to ever changing regulations, they are now the most confusing parcels to develop. For REALTORs they can be a challenge to sell due to our inability to give buyers concrete answers to their questions while on site. Important Considerations Timing Once you p

Aug 16, 2017

San Juan Island Summer Brunches Video

This lifestyle video offers tips on hosting a successful summer brunch; what to serve, what to drink and how to have fun. #fridayharborrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #PropertyBuyersinSanJuanCounty #SanJuanRealestateforsale

Jul 7, 2017

4th of July Island Style Video

This lifestyle video offers tips on how to enjoy the Fourth of July in Friday Harbor. #fridayharborrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #PropertyBuyersinSanJuanCounty #SanJuanRealestateforsale

Jun 26, 2017

Almost Everything You Want to Know About Septic Systems - Past Version

As a Real Estate Agent, we are constantly learning and then sharing our knowledge with our clients. We must even expand our knowledge into some related industries that are not comfortable to discuss with a client, such as septic systems and their functions. The real estate industry isn’t just cars and contracts; it includes other really interesting stuff as well. SEPTIC DESIGN AND INSTALLATION. The process starts off with unimproved land. A property owner or buyer must f

Jun 7, 2017

Wells on San Juan Island - Past Version

Unlike liquor, your water source in San Juan County is not guaranteed and must be acquired and cared for. When you first consider purchasing an unimproved parcel of land you should condition your purchase upon a satisfactory water source. The days of clients purchasing land without the water source determined are long gone. Further, if one hopes to use institutional financing, the lender will require that the water source be acceptable in quality and quantity. Lenders will

Apr 18, 2017

Real Estate Market Update – San Juan Island

The first quarter results for San Juan Island were pretty exciting as the real estate dollar volume reflected an increase of 31% as compared to the same three month period in 2016; darn nice production for the start of the year. The number of transactions reflected an increase of 30%. Overall, the County had a 23% increase in volume and 28% increase in the number of transactions. Coldwell Banker San Juan Islands was up 49% as compared to last year same period. The most ob

Feb 20, 2017

Tiny Home, Park Model RV, Trailer, Recreational Vehicle What is it?

If you have been watching HGTV recently, you have been exposed to the latest craze of the Tiny Homes. As an agent I have received numerous inquiries about how San Juan County will regulate this new industry. I have processed some research which I have shared below: WILL IT BE POSSIBLE TO BUY 5 ACRES AND INSTALL 20 TINY HOMES AND RENT THEM OUT AS NIGHTLY OR MONTHLY RENTALS? THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS “NO”. If you purchase a Tiny Home mounted on or as part of a trailer and the whee

Nov 4, 2016

Making Chutney on San Juan Video

This video offers tips on make plum chutney. I am sure you are wondering how plum chutney is related to our life4 style or real estate so I invite you to watch the video, I do make the connection. #fridayharborrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #PropertyBuyersinSanJuanCounty #VacationRentalHomes #SanJuanRealestateforsale

Oct 17, 2016

San Juan Islands Real Estate Market Update

Per the NWMLS third quarter results for 2016 reflect a dollar volume increase of 22.6% for San Juan Island but the year-to-date dollar volume reflects a 14% increase. In both the quarter and year-to-date, the transaction numbers reflect an increase; 22% for the quarter and 10.6% for the year-to-date period over 2015. The 2016 third quarter volume for San Juan was $35,251,524 as compared to $28,732,100 in 2015. If this dollar volume pace remains steady, we will finis

Sep 30, 2016

San Juan County Waterfront Lot Development - Past Version

Aug 31, 2016

Fire Pits on San Juan Island and their importance in our Life Style Video

San Juan Island life style video about island fire pits, their use and social importance. #fridayharborrealestate #sanjuanrealestate #MerriAnnSimonson #ColdwellBankerSanJuanIslandsInc #realestate98250 #TaxAssessmentsinSanJuanCounty

Apr 15, 2016

Vacation Rental Versus Long Term Rental – San Juan Island – Washington - Past Version

Considering Buying an Investment Property? Now would be a good time to purchase property held for investment and due to market conditions, a rental home in the San Juans would be the most appropriate. We are not like the metropolitan areas nearby with multiple offers on every property and robust appreciation; we remain in a buyer’s market in most categories of property. Once you have made the decision of the type of property to purchase, then how you intend to use that prope