About San Juan County, WA

Even the smallest amount of antifreeze can be fatal. Antifreeze is a necessity for our vehicles to operate properly in the cold weather, but unfortunately is very deadly to cats and dogs.

Often antifreeze is spilled on the ground or leaks from vehicles. Although it is usually neon green and looks like it would be unappealing to anyone, it actually has a very sweet flavor that attracts animals. Often cats will walk through a puddle and then lick it off their paws. A few tablespoons are enough to kill a medium-sized dog.

· Store antifreeze containers away from pets.

· Check your driveway and under your car regularly for antifreeze leaks.

· Thoroughly clean up spills and discard cleaning rags where pets can't reach them.

· Keep pets away from the area when changing antifreeze.

· Immediately clean up the spill when your engine boils over, no matter where you are.

· Take a pet to the vet immediately if you even suspect it's been exposed to antifreeze.

P.Stone, RRES

You don't want to see a lot of changes in the islands - the quaintness of our surroundings is what makes us so unique and distinct. However, the new Lopez Village Market is a nice change! The new market opened a few blocks down the street from the old store in Fisherman's Village and has many great updates and new offerings. The new store feels much larger with spacious, well marked isle ways which makes it easy to find what you're looking for. The addition of Bonnie's Deli is great - with seating and even a fireplace - and convenient as I've eaten there several times. On my last visit they were installing WiFi - YES! And oh, did I mention the great wine selection - a must have for any island market! The new store even has a gas pump - now we're talking about a one-stop shop!

The new market is a great upgrade on Lopez Island and is complimented by their friendly staff. Not sure how convenient it is to the boating community, but its great for islanders an touring visitors. Decent hours...open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week.

We're getting ready for that big summer push here in the islands. Regardless of the increasing ferry fares, the tourists and vacationers look to be returning for yet another season. My husband runs a vacation rental management business, www.sanjuanpm.com , and bookings are looking good for yet another record season! The restaurants, variety of retail shops, and the kayak and whale watching businesses are all in full gear. The question many of us have is how will this affect our real estate market?

There's no question that the San Juan Island market is different from mainland suburbia. Limited, pristine land and stunning waterfront can make a place stand out not to mention the tranquil setting offered to boaters and kayakers. I continue to love every minute I'm here in the islands and I think we'll continue to see that from others...in strong numbers. Who wouldn't want to be a buyer in this market? We have record listing inventories and certainly some motivated sellers and good buys. No, do not expect to come in and pick up a waterfront home for pennies on the dollar. There are reasonable values out there with solid investment potential. Although not a lot compared to years past, the San Juan Islands do have a wide price gamut of properties currently under contract - single family residences ranging from $199,000 up to $1,495,000.

There is something here for everyone. As baby boomers continue to look for second homes, investments and retirement properties I think its safe to say that the San Juan Islands real estate market will continue to be a solid market to invest in and I think this summer, more then ever, we'll see people realize the value and concur that there isn't a better time to buy in the islands then now!

The federal Home Buyer Tax Credit ends in less then 1 week! If you haven't acted on this great opportunity then you have a little time left!

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers and $6,500 for existing homeowners who have lived in their home consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

To take advantage of the program home buyers must sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by July 1, 2010. To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase. Existing homeowners qualify if they have lived in their home consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

For more information visit http://wahomeowners.com/home-buyer-tax-credit.html or contact Sybil Mager, Island Group Sotheby's International Realty at 360-378-2151 or sybil@sybilmager.com.

One of my current home sales is in the Cape San Juan community on San Juan Island. When my husband first introduced me to the island, this was one of my favorite areas of the island. It's been awhile since I've spent much time at the south end, but I remember the draw. The Cape San Juan community is at the southern tip of San Juan Island and looks over Cattle Pass to Lopez Island and you look out to the Strait of Juan de Fuca making it a beautiful drive.

The community itself is unique in that it offers a private marina (homeowners only) and boat launch, a community swimming pool, and private, no bank, sandy beaches, The community has an established, organized homeowners association, Cape San Juan Homeowners Association, and earned its Firewise certification in 2007. The community is serviced by a private, community water system. The community members, or "Capers", organize several events throughout the year including a Salmon BBQ, Cookie exchange, Potlucks, Pancake Brunch, and community clean up day.

If you can't get enough in the community itself you're within walking distance to some of the most stunning beaches and trail systems the San Juan Islands has to offer. You can walk to the Cattle Point Interpretive area, the Cattle Point Lighthouse, South Beach, Fourth of July Beach, Jakle's Lagoon, and American Camp National Park. Visit the San Juan Islands Trails Committee page for details about the trails at the south end of San Juan Island.

On my various visits out to the Cape I have taken my 4-year old son. On our way home we have enjoyed several afternoons and evenings exploring the beaches, building driftwood forts, tossing rocks, and watching the boats. It is a beautiful area with scenery that never grows old. If you're considering a home on San Juan Island you might explore the Cape San Juan community!