Spring 2015.  What is the best buy in waterfront in the Puget Sound area this year?  I think it is waterfront lots.  For the past five years, few lots have sold.  Part of the reason is that it has been very difficult to obtain a loan for vacant land.  Finally, there are banks that will loan on vacant land that can prove the ability to install a septic systems and have potable water available.  The interest rate with Washington Federal, for example, is 6.75% -- that is down from last fall and will likely go down again.  If you are ready to build on a vacant lot, you can get an even better rate for a construction loan that also pays off the lot.  My favorite home designer is Ann Raab in Port Townsend.  Why?  Because she listens and then designs what YOU want!  Give me a call at 1-800-346-9236 and I will get you in touch with her.

The other reason now is a good time to buy a waterfront lot is that many sellers, anxious to sell, are willing to carry the loan themselves - usually for 3-5 years.  This means that if you do plan to build in a year or so, you will have plenty of time to have a home designed and then you will be able to get a construction loan.

What will you have to pay for a lot?  Anywhere from $125,000 to $300,000 in most areas.  But it is vitally important that you close on your purchase only when you have a septic permit and proof of potable water.  In the olden days, someone would tell you that the lot "perks" and you would close.  That is not what we have to do today -- now you need a septic permit and proof of water.

Remember, I sell properties from Point Roberts in the north to Ilwaco in the South.  I cover the Key Peninsula, Hood Canal, the Olympic Peninsula, Whidbey and Camano Islands --- and the places along the Pacific Ocean like Grayland, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Moclips etc.    Just call me or send me an email at waves@olympus.net and tell me what you would like to find -- low bank, medium bank, high bank, west-facing, south-facing, etc., and let me get started.

Barbara Blowers

After 30 years specializing in waterfront all over western Washington -- from Point Roberts down to Ilwaco, I have found the a lot of folks are actually looking for waterfront in different areas.  The same couple looking for a waterfront home on Vashon Island, may also look at Southworth or on Bainbridge Island or even in Kingston.  It all depends on what they want for a lifestyle.  Some people want a no- or low-bank home so they can easily access the beach for clams, oysters and for a walking place.  Others like high bank waterfront over looking Admiralty Inlet or fro Whidbey Island with views back to the Olympic Mountains and out to the Straits of Juan de Fuca.  If you are seeking waterfront, just write n essay about what you envision for yourself, send it to me, and I will find you the perfect place.  I guarantee it!

Since I sell waterfront all over western Washington, I am often surprised at the differences between areas.  For example, there are just a few good waterfront properties in Jefferson County (Port Townsend, Port Ludlow etc), but when I looked at Kitsap County I found 80 properties!  When I looked in the Pacific County area,(Long Beach, Seaview, Ocean Park), I was surprised at how few there were this year.  And then there is Whatcom County where there are so many waterfront homes available.

Whether you want a cabin or a main house, I can find that perfect place for you.

Oh, I am just getting on Zillow now.  And remember that I am mostly a selling agent -- you ask for something and I find it!

Marrowstone Island -- what a wonderful place to live.  The Olympic Peninsula has many wonderful waterfront communities.  Marrowstone Island, just off from Port Townsend and Port Ludlow and located on Admiralty Inlet on one side and Port Townsend Bay on the other, has views of both the Cascades and the Olympics.  On the north end is Fort Flagler, a truly great camping park with two very different beach areas.   There are also two wonderful county parks, East Beach and Kilisut Harbor.  You can find properties for sale that range from lovely homes on high bank waterfront, to low bank properties  with beaches filled with clams and oysters.  Since the island is narrow, many of the acreage properties have views as well, including one on East Marrowstone Road with views of the Olympics and looing out over pasture.  The little settlement of Nordland features the Nordland Store which has pretty much everything you will need -- including espresso!! 

One of my favorite properties has a great house, many fruit trees, is gated, and has tons of room to play.  It also has a guest area off the garage for friends and relatives.  It is priced around $600,000 and it more than worth it with all the clams and oysters.  Call me at 1-800-346-9236.

Living in the Pacific Northwest is special -- especially when you can take a day off and spend it sitting in the hot pools at Sol Duc Resort, in the Olympic Mountains.  Just a short way west of lake Crescent, this resort has a lodge, two hot pools, a big swimming pool, cabins to rent, a wonderful hike to a beautiful set of falls, and the most relaxing day you can think of.  In the evening, enjoy a gourmet meal in the restaurant.  I spent last Wednesday at Sol Duc, and came a new woman -- refreshed and ready to work again.    They close October 12, so if you want to go you'd better hurry.

Who is Barbara Blowers and what is WAVES Waterfront Properties, Inc.?

In 1987, Barbara was working in a large real estate firm when she realized that folks with waterfront were not being well served. Permits are different, getting septic installations are different, there were issues with bulkheads and water and on and on and on. She decided then to start a real estate company that served all of western Washington listing and selling waterfront.

As a listing agent, Barbara takes care of the difficulties in selling, in particular, waterfront land. In selling waterfront homes, often some of the same issues arise, such as old septic systems, issues of wetland areas, problems with bulkheads or geotechnical issues. Since 1987, she has worked with a variety of specialists to help her clients get through the perils of selling waterfront. Because of her special knowledge, she has saved property owners hours and weeks of grief while trying close transactions on waterfront.

As a selling agent, she works with folks who are looking for that something special. People often look on Whidbey Island, down on the Key Peninsula, on the Olympic Peninsula – always looking for that perfect place. Because she has not been tied to one community, she matches the perfect property to each customer.

In the Port Townsend area, you will find Barbara listing a variety of properties; elsewhere, she sticks mostly to waterfront. Along the Pacific Ocean in places like Ocean Park, Long Beach, Grayland, Westport, Pacific City and others, she particularly enjoys finding places looking out over the big waves off the ocean. “I feel especially at home at the Ocean since my mother grew up in Westport. In fact, my grandparent’s home is now a bed and breakfast called Glen Acres in Westport and I often stay there when I head down to dig razor clams.” Another favorite of mine is Whidbey Island. My favorite restaurant is in Langley and is called Café Langley; it is Mediterranean food and is always fantastic! On Whidbey Island you can find many no bank summer homes that are perfect for families needing a break from city life. My sister’s is in Clinton, and she and her grandchildren have spent countless happy hours just hanging out on the beach.

Whether you need to sell your waterfront or you wish to buy waterfront, giving Barbara Blowers a jingle is a great option. She knows all the areas, all the beaches, whether there are clams and oysters there and whether you can put crab pots out in season. As a native of Port Townsend, she knows the Pacific Northwest very well. 

Give her a call at 1-800-346-9236 or email her at waves@olympus.net.

Summer is winding down which makes September a great time to buy a waterfront home.  Whether you want a cabin on Whidbey Island or a beautifully designed waterfront home overlooking Admiralty Inlet, there are plenty of properties to choose from.  In the past few months, I have seen about a dozen really great homes on medium and high bank waterfront with view that are outstanding.  Finding a property with great views AND a great floor plan is not always easy -- but I have seen many this year just waiting for you.  Call me.  1-800-346-9236