Sybil Mager

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!

Another summer season has come to an end. The days are starting to get shorter, the wind is picking up and the temperature is dropping. Whale sightings are scarce, kayak tours are not the same with the chill, and only the daring few are still sporting shorts. Yes indeed, fall is upon us!

The quiet season in the San Juan Islands is peaceful - watching the turn of the seasons, fewer crowds to be found, and enjoying the friendly banter in passing with those on "island time". Yes it calms down in the fall, but with a bit of work you can still attract those guests that enjoy the islands year round.

1) Who doesn't want a deal?

It's a no brainer that with the tough economy everyone is watching their spending. People need to feel they are getting the most that they can for their hard earned dollar - can you blame them? Evaluate your homes operating expenses and consider a night free with a minimum stay. Does the cost of one additional nights stay outweigh the income from three nights rental income? Not likely - offer 4 nights for the price of 3 - you just got your prospects attention!

Other special offers may be to specific groups: seniors, military, or specialty groups such as bird watchers, photographers, artists. Embrace those special occasions: anniversaries and birthdays. Don't forget about your past guests...make it appealing and enticing for them to come back again, and again.

If you're not offering a special of some sort expect to be asked to offer a discount, or more then likely you'll simply be passed over.

2) Competitive or set in your ways?

No amount of marketing will help put heads in beds if a property is not competitively priced according to the property condition, location, occupancy and amenities offered. If you're having trouble filling your calendar start with an evaluation of your property in the marketplace as it's changing and far from stagnate. Be sure your pricing is competitive and not out-of-line.

3) Change with the seasons.

The cool weather is rolling in so put away the beach towels, cotton sheets, bedspreads, and fans. It's time for cozy and warm - flannel sheets, extra blankets, down comforters, and throw blankets. Most of us think and furnish our homes for the peak summer, but consider what will make your home just as cozy and enjoyable in the off season.

Another way to set yourself apart in the fall is by taking advantage of the holidays. Add some fall themed wall hangings, decorations, linens, or rugs and highlight in your property description special items such as "turkey roaster, pie plates, extra large dining table, dual ovens" as it will help those looking for a place to spend their special occasion find it more easily.

Easily entice people by showing your home is season appropriate!

4) Time to really push what sets you apart.

Many guests have specific requirements in mind - they may be on a working vacation and require internet access, can't live without watching football on Sunday and require satellite television, or are looking for a romantic getaway and have their hearts set on a home with a hot tub and fireplace. Make sure that your homes amenities are highlighted - especially those that set you apart from others.

5) Highlight the appeal of your location.

Mention what others might not know about your homes location- walking distance to the ferry or private, tranquil acreage. Keep up-to-date with events such as marathons, bicycle races, golf tournaments, gallery schedules, and fishing derbies. If you're in a location convenient to special functions, point it out!

Remember, renting in the off season is often times one of the best ways for guests to get to know your property and want to return in the peak months. Your off season rentals, although not maybe the most lucrative, can be one of your best forms of advertising!