Island Home Group

09/09/2026

🌲 THINK BUYING LAND ON SAN JUAN ISLAND IS SIMPLE?

Think again.

A beautiful piece of land can look like the perfect opportunity, but what you see on the surface is only part of the story.

Zoning. Water. Septic feasibility. Access. Environmental considerations. Permitting.

Any one of these factors can dramatically change what you can build, how you can use the property, and ultimately what it's worth.

The smartest land buyers don't just fall in love with the view. They investigate the possibilities.

On San Juan Island, knowing the land before you buy it can be just as important as knowing the market.

09/06/2026

Getting your credit report hacked can lead to identity theft. Have you taken the necessary precautions?

Checking your credit report consistently for fraudulent activity may not be enough to protect your p...

09/04/2026

🌊 Some homes are purchased. Others become part of a family’s legacy.

Offered for the first time ever, 28 Fir Lane is an extraordinary 1.76-acre waterfront estate at the end of Yacht Haven, where privacy, exceptional boating access, and timeless island living come together.

With 389 feet of shoreline, owned tidelands, a private year-round deep-water dock, mooring buoy, and approximately 64 feet of outside moorage, the waterfront lifestyle here is truly unmatched.

The 4,638 SF residence was designed around the view, with soaring ceilings, walls of glass, expansive entertaining spaces, and effortless one-level living. A separate two-bedroom guest cottage, three-car garage, and versatile outbuilding add even more flexibility.

And then there’s the location: tucked inside Garrison Bay with protected access to open water, putting salmon fishing, crabbing, whale watching, kayaking, and island cruising right outside your door.

✨ $7,690,000
📍 28 Fir Lane, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

For the buyer looking for more than a luxury home—for someone seeking privacy, waterfront access, and a property worthy of becoming a legacy.

09/01/2026

🌊 Some properties offer a view. Very few offer an entire waterfront experience.

At $8.3M, 95 Laurel Point Lane is a truly exceptional San Juan Island estate, where luxury meets the freedom of arriving by boat or seaplane.

With a private 100-foot deep-water dock, 578 feet of waterfront, a mooring buoy, and beautifully remodeled main, guest, and bunk houses, this is island living at its most extraordinary.

Inside, 3,800 square feet of light-filled living space captures sweeping sea views from the chef’s kitchen, living room, study, sunroom, and primary suite.

From sunrise coffee overlooking the water to sunset gatherings with family and friends, every detail was designed to make waterfront living unforgettable.

✨ $8,300,000
📍 95 Laurel Point Lane, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

For those who don’t just want to own a home on the islands—but want to own a piece of the waterfront lifestyle.

08/30/2026

Pass along the financial lessons you've learned to the younger generations.

Teaching children manners and how to tie their shoes is one thing, but financial lessons are often p...

08/28/2026

Mortgage rates slightly increased this week but remained relatively stable as bond markets—coming off a month of volatility—await Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's inaugural keynote address at the annual Jackson Hole conference.

The average rate on 30-year fixed home loans rose to 6.66% for the week ending Aug. 27, up 1 basis point from 6.65% the previous week, according to Freddie Mac. For perspective, rates averaged 6.56% one year ago.

"Mortgage rates changed little this week averaging 6.66%," says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist. "The economy remains resilient, demonstrated by steady consumer spending and rising household incomes. More homes coming on the market and slower price growth in many areas are giving buyers better options and helping create a more balanced housing market."

Continue reading: https://loom.ly/iDWRUgc

08/25/2026

Most people make real estate decisions based on headlines.

Smart people make them based on numbers.

📊 The latest market data is in for Lopez Island, Orcas Island, San Juan Island, and Shaw Island—and what’s happening may surprise you.

Some properties are moving faster than expected.
Some sellers are still pricing based on last year's market.
And buyers who understand the trends are finding opportunities others are missing.

The question isn't whether the market is good or bad.

The question is: What does the market mean for YOUR property and YOUR plans?

If you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply want to know what your home may be worth today, this month's Island Market Report gives you the facts—not the guesswork.

🏡 Lopez Island
🏡 Orcas Island
🏡 San Juan Island
🏡 Shaw Island

Send me a message for the latest numbers and insights.

08/23/2026

Low credit shouldn't stop you from getting a second mortgage to pay off debt or make home repairs. What home project would you use the money for?

If you want to get a second mortgage so you can make renovations to your home, it can be difficult i...

08/20/2026

MYTH vs. FACT 🏡🌊

Myth: Every San Juan Islands property is a good vacation rental investment.

Fact: A beautiful island property doesn’t automatically make a great vacation rental. Rental potential depends on factors like location, local regulations, property type, operating costs, accessibility, and year-round demand.

Before buying with rental income in mind, it’s important to look beyond the view and understand the numbers. The right property can be a great opportunity, but the details matter.

Dreaming of an island investment? Do your homework before you make the move. 🌿

08/18/2026

After a strong spring and promising early summer, July saw homebuying stagnate as a result of rising borrowing costs, forcing sellers to slash prices to revive demand.

The share of listings with a price cut reached 20% in July, nearly even with last year's levels, after running close to 2 percentage points lower throughout spring, according to the latest Realtor.com® housing market trends report released on Monday.

For the first six months of the year, the dominant theme of the national housing market was sellers pricing realistically from the outset to meet buyers where they are to avoid listings going stale.

Continue reading: https://loom.ly/36aPTQ0