Port Angeles Real Estate:
I am living in living in the third Port Angeles house I have purchased during my 23 years of home ownership. To some that may seem like a lot of houses, to others it may seem like I've just started. The simple fact is we Americans move a lot... 11 or 12 times in a lifetime depending on whom you consult. Chances are you are going to purchase a house during quite a few of those moves and somewhere along the line you may have the opportunity to build a new home.
Should you?
Everyone has fantasized at some point about his or her dream house. You may want closets big enough to live in; a bathroom that doubles as a spa; a kitchen in which you could produce programs for the Food Network But, as in most fantasies, there is usually some epic journey required to achieve the goal. And building your dream house follows that plot line all too closely.
But isn't it the dream that makes the quest worthwhile? Yes, if you can weather the storms and battles along the way. And the determination to keep moving forward is usually a function of a strong will and a big heart. But it helps to use your head before you set off on your personal version of "The Lord of the Rings."
It is likely that you have options when you begin the process of buying a Port Angeles home. There may be existing homes in the area that are affordable and that meet your needs. But there are always things about any Port Angeles property or house that don't exactly meet with your approval. The basement may not be finished or the yard may be too small or the interior décor may have to be entirely redone. It is virtually impossible to buy an existing home without making compromises.
Building new allows you to imagine, design and build the home that accommodates needs and amenities that are important to you... within a budget of course. And that is one thing that must be considered. A new Port Angeles home will be more expensive, on a cost per foot basis, than an existing one. That is due to the cost of land, the price of building materials and labor expense. You might also find that taxes are high as a new area is developed and the municipal authorities factor in the required infrastructure for a growing population and the need for services like education, law enforcement and recreation. You may find yourself subsidizing some of these costs as an area develops.
The ongoing costs associated with an existing Port Angeles house are more predictable. However, there will likely be more maintenance expense than for a new house and energy costs tend to be higher with older properties because newer homes are more energy efficient.
Commuting costs may be an issue. Developers must go further and further out to find enough land to accommodate a new subdivision. That may mean higher costs for commuting to work and to access other businesses and venues that may be closer to the nearest major population center. You should consider this from both a monetary perspective and to determine if you are comfortable with an additional investment of time.
If your new Port Angeles house is built in a subdivision there may be ongoing fees required. In addition, there may be covenants that are designed to protect property values that may apply serious restrictions on your ability to enhance your home and/or your property down the road.
A new home needs new landscaping. This may be included in the price of the home but there will likely be a limit to what is covered under the agreement. To landscape the Port Angeles property in a way that is truly satisfying may require an additional outlay.
Beware of construction delays! Building contractors are notorious for setting deadlines they miss and making promises they can't keep. Make sure you do some thorough research about the builder and his track record before you commit. Weather is always unpredictable and may have an effect but that should be factored in from the start.
A new Port Angeles subdivision can be a hornet's nest of building activity. If you move into your home early in the process be prepared for hammering, sawing, trucks, mud and general chaos for quite a while as the subdivision progresses. This is a lifestyle issue and is a temporary inconvenience. But some have found this level of activity disconcerting and disruptive especially when they are settling into their "dream home" and trying to savor the experience.
If you build new be prepared to stay for a while. With new construction all around you it would be difficult to compete with the rest of the properties available for others who want to build a house from the ground up. You would have to make it worth their while and that usually means a compromise in price.
All this being said (and trust me there is more that could be said) there is nothing quite as satisfying as showcasing the house to family and friends that you designed and built and that reflects your unique vision and personality. If you survive the journey, you will likely have turned your fantasy into reality.
There is a lot of free information available to you about buying, selling or investing in Port Angeles real estate. For complete information about the Port Angeles real estate market including, homes for sale, Land for Sale, buyers and sellers info, home values, relocating information ...Please visit my website www.PortAngelesRealEsateServices.com There you'll find everything you need to know about Port Angeles Washington Real Estate
Feel free to contact me (Steve Edwards) at anytime. I'll be happy to answer / address any questions or concerns you may have. Call me anytime ... I can be Toll Free: (866) 359-9099 or mailto:steveedwards@olypen.com
Thank you for your time!
Steve Edwards - Realtor
Windermere Real Estate
Port Angeles, WA
Real Estate Expert / Agent
