Have you ever dreamed of being on a private island? Or just living on an island, away from all the hustle and bustle? Then again, Manhattan is an island, filled with all the hustle and bustle you could ever want.
No matter what kind of island you dream about, property is often available for you to purchase.
Many islands are small enough that most land for sale there is waterfront.
Waterfront can mean anything from being right on the water's edge, so close you can dive in from your deck.
It might also mean you are up on a slight bluff, able to have views of the sunrise across the water.
One such island is Whidbey Island in Washington State.
It has homes on lakes and bays, making it easy to always be on the water.
They might sound exotic, but homes on islands can actually be affordable.
If they are near locations where the housing market is still soft, the island prices are often also in the same range.
Then again, scarcity of available properties might make island homes more expensive than usual.
It depends on where you want to buy, so it pays to do your homework.
Consider an island that features a bay - a home there mean you'll have shelter from storms as well as a lovely view all around you.
Only you know what kind of climate you want to live in, whether you want a temperate climate or a tropical oasis.
Come into the buying process with a budget and a plan of what you are willing to accept as far as the house goes.
Are you willing to buy a fixer-upper? Do you want one that is ready to move into right away? Also, if you are not going to live there year-round, are you going to employ a caretaker or will you rent out the house when you are not living there? When considering the location, do you want to have a small market and even neighbors nearby, or do you want to be completely isolated? What kind of water supply and sewer/septic system does it have? Can it be accessed by a private runway, or do you sail up to it on a boat? Is it a large enough island to have ferry service so you can bring your car? One of the things to look for when buying an island home includes doing a full inspection.
You will want to check for water damage, foundation condition, insect damage, and structural integrity as part of the regular inspection.
You might be able to negotiate the price down if you are willing to do the repairs.
It can be hard to put away the emotions when buying property on an island, or the island itself.
It's necessary though to complete the inspections and deal with the reality of a problem.
Whether you want them for a getaway escape, or you want to live there full time, homes on islands are welcome respites from the everyday.
If you are interested in one, contact a real estate office today, and get started.
Who knows what treasure you might find!