Real Estate in the San Juan Islands - December 2011

REAL ESTATE in the

San Juan Islands

PROPERTIES BOUGHT & SOLD ........................... page 4

DECEMBER 2011

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

ORCAS ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Photo by Marie Baxter

WESTSOUND ACREAGE Wooded and level

VILLAGE LIVING AT ITS BEST Craftsman

WATER VIEW OVER EASTSOUND 2

GRACIOUS TRADITIONAL-STYLE HOME

3.87 acres. Walk to marina. Power, telephone, and well on property. Seller fi nancing available. #291447 $199,000

home with view, many high-end features. Walk to the village or the public waterfront park. #203603 REDUCED $369,900

miles from Eastsound village. 3BD, 2BA + 500 sf of shop area on 1.6 acres. Many energy-efficient features. #203533 $450,000

Just outside town. 4BR, 4.5BA with guest apt., media room, office, garage, patio, & sport court. #265421 $629,000

WATERFRONT LOT Beautiful southwest exposure! Installed 3BR septic, paid water, 1/4 mile to marina. Just 1 mile to Moran State Park. #56887 $295,000

METICULOUS HIGHLANDS HOME

Private 3BD, 2BA on 1.57 acres. Updated kitchen, 2 sunrooms. Fully fenced, hot tub, & pond with water feature. #240169 $595,000

LIVE OFF THE GRID Tranquil 5.62 acres with 2 Craftsman-style cottages. Bathhouse/ woodstove sauna, composting outhouse, water catchment & solar power. #295123 $289,000

VIEWS GALORE Totally private 7+ acres with breathtaking western views. Minutes from Moran State Park & Eastsound. Approved & installed 3BD septic. #244436 $555,000

ONE-LEVEL VIEW HAVEN HOME Unique

BEYOND COMPARE Spectacular views & fi ne

LARGE WALKOUT BEACH Waterfront patio!

IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED Remodeled

1972 home and storage shed on nearly an acre.

Includes a garden that’s ripe with possibilities! #293624 $259,000

fi nishes throughout this nearly 4000 sf home w/view guest house. Chef’s kitchen, large shop and more. #171949 $795,000

3BD, 2BA on 5 acres with study & open floor plan. Nearly 700’ of waterfront. Great transient rental history. #29064419 $737,000

turn-of-the-century 3BD, 3.25BA home on fenced, park-like grounds. Includes rental apt. #146878 $365,000

HILLTOP HOME Tri-level with unsurpassed views on 5+ acres. Vaulted ceiling, stone fi replace, master suite, and chef ’s kitchen. Adjoins Moran State Park. #213748 $1,495,000

DEER HARBOR Views over Cayou Quay Marina from 3+ acres. Includes 25’ slip on protected jointuse dock and small cove beach. #18702 $459,000

PRIVATE ISLAND RETREAT Young Island, Anacortes area, offers a unique getaway with cove beaches, small cabin, and picturesque terrain. #24081749 $1,900,000

SHAW ISLAND WATERFRONT NW style 3BD, 2BA on nearly 5 acres, recently remodeled with 2 BD, 1BA apartment. Includes private beach. #210587 $1,295,000

www.Orcas-Island.com | 18 haven road | eastsound | 360.376.8000 | 800.842.5770

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r December 2011

ORCAS ISLAND $995,000.00

Covering Orcas Island.

Make Offer

Subscribe Today!

376-4500 Cherie Lindholm

A RARE FIND - LOW BANK WATERFRONT Close to Eastsound.

From your deck hear the waves and watch the Sea Life, or eagles and boat traffic. This home offers a chance to relax in a chair around a barbeque by the water’s edge. Fish from the beach in front of the home, or maybe hunt for sea shells. Charming quest house on the property.

Serving Orcas Island for OVER 43 YEARS! Professional Property Management Available

Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate ÂŽ

P.O. Box 66 - Eastsound WA 98245 4BMFT r

3FOUBMT r

www.orcashomes.com

ORCAS ISLAND ASSOCIATION of REALTORSÂŽ

PO Box 171 Eastsound, WA 98245 360.376.2145 www.orcasislandrealty.com

O R C A S I S L A N D R E A L T Y llc Located next to the Historical Museum on North Beach Road

Contemporary Home with Acreage

Lush Landscape

Guthrie cove waterfront home with stairs to a low bank beach with views of the Lopez ferry landing, the Olympics & Mt. Baker. Three bedroom, 2 bath home offers plenty of potential with decks overlooking the beach.

A dock, mooring buoy, boat shed & private tidelands make for ideal access to West Sound – one of the most coveted boating locations. High quality & superb detail in this modern 3 bedroom with separate guest suite.

Enjoy sunset and marine views on 2 fenced acres in West Sound. Three bedrooms and 2.5 baths with nice finishes. 5� inch white oak plank flooring, custom stone hearth, granite counters, family room and office.

$795,000

$2,300,000

$595,000

Private Point & Beaches

Amazing Cove Beach

Incredible 18 acres in 3 parcels with 1200’ of varied shoreline on Judd Cove. Dinghy dock & buoy near Eastsound. Craftsman style home at the water’s edge, shop with lift, 3 boat bays & 3 guest apartments. $2,100,000 for house on 1 lot.

$2,800,000

Gary Ivans Broker

MLS#85064

Deborah Hansen Broker

Harvey Olsan Broker

MLS# 104051

Mary Clure

Owner/Broker

Lisa Wolford

Owner/Broker

MLS# 226612

Victoria Shaner Broker

Kristen Zbornik Broker

MLS#29086034

Marty Zier Broker

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

REAL ESTATE LISTINGS REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS - NOVEMBER 2011 San Juan Island

of Seattle for $1,875,000.

November 1

November 29

Scott Brennan, Successor Trustee of Brennan Family Living Trust of Friday Harbor sold land and a building, 690 Larson, to Cliff Jeffries and Pat Ball of Friday Harbor for $174,382.

Northwest Trustees Services Inc. of Bellevue sold land and a building, 387 Jennifer Place, to Federal National Mortgage Associates of Dallas, TX for $409,090.91.

Tamara Weaver of Friday Harbor sold land only, 100 Victoria Dr., to Keith and Jane Wentworth of Friday Harbor for $122,500.

November 30

November 3

Islanders Bank of Friday Harbor sold land and a building, 275 Lighthouse Lane, to John Waters of Renton for $366,000.

Lopez Road, to Mary Reece of Mercer Island for $500,000.

Deye Ln., to Monika Aring of Seattle for $53,000.

David and Lisa Steinbrueck of Lopez Island sold land and a building, 153 Limes Rd., to Buck and Megan Batway of Lopez Island for $190,000.

November 17

November 10 Jeremy and Jodie Snapp of Lopez Island sold land and building, 102 Williams Lane, to Thomas and Sarah Zerkel of Lake Forest Park for $305,000.

November 16

John Castaneda, Trustee of Joan Castaneda Trust of Friday Harbor sold land and a building, 32 Heron Ln, to Albert and Kirsten Olsen of Friday Harbor for $117,475.

November 10 John and Linda O’Neil of Hillsboro, OR sold land and a building, 322 Kiya Way, to Karla Sabin and Benjamin Troutman of Friday Harbor for $417,000.

Fannie Mae of Dallas, TX sold land and a building, 550 Linder Street, to Farhad Ghatan of Friday Harbor for $100,000.

Fannie Mae of Dallas, TX sold land and a building, 817 Argyle Avenue, to Joseph and Nan Miller of Bellevue for $210,000.

Ray Hendrickson of Friday Harbor sold land and a building, 245 Marguerite Place, to Norman Varsovia of Friday Harbor for $175,000.

November 18

Lopez Island Steven and Debbie Cutting of Friday Harbor sold land only, 134 Leeward Road, to Stephen Rockstroh and Gay Wilmerding of Friday Harbor for $140,000.

Allan and Deborah Shayo of Phoenix, AZ sold land and a building, 595 Park Street, to Roxanne and Douglas Kasman of Spokane for $582,500.

November 28 Richard Durhack and Virginia Norgaard of Indio, CA sold land and a building, 1758 San Juan Drive, to Kelly Development LLC

Lopez Island Arnold LLC of Port Townsend sold land only on Bakerview Road, to John and Eleanor Roser of Mercer Island for $170,000.

November 21 Donald George of Bellingham sold land and a building, 1840 Lopez Sound Road, to Michael Hollister of Lopez Island for $200,000.

Orcas Island November 3

Deer Harbor WI, LLC of Newport Beach, CA sold land only, 200 Deer Harbor Road, to Deer Harbor Marina, LLC of Mercer Island for $2,070,000.

November 18 Charlotte Christensen, Trustee of Charlotte Christensen Revocable Living Trust of Vancouver sold land and a building, 59 Raccoon Point Road, to Ronald and Teresa Gilleland of Eastsound for $252,500.

November 21 Northwest Trustees Services Inc. of Bellevue sold land and a building, 110 Bartel Rd., to BMO Harris Bank NA of Milwaukee, WI for $150,000.

November 22 Gregg Herrell of Redmond sold land only, Lot 50, section 31, township 37 N R 1 W at Rosario Palisades, to Paul and Pamela Elsner of Portland, OR for $60,000.

November 2 Joann Graham of Lopez Island sold land and a building, 290 Perkins Lane, to Nancy and Carl Searls of Oakton, VA for $631,800.

Maj Geogia, Limited Partnership of Atlanta, GA sold land and a building, 161 Summit Rd., to Anna Tabor of Chapel Hill, NC for $200,000.

November 29 Susan Blair of Peoria, AZ sold land and a building, 83 Cascade Way, to Dennis and Lynn Baker of Portland, OR fo $237,000.

November 4

Other Islands

Jona Skerl, representative of Estate of Helen Bittner, decesed of Helper, UT, sold land and building, 406 Burt Rd., Mark and Janet Stuckey of Olympia for $405,000.

Stanley and Tona Armstrong of Eastsound sold land only, 1 Estsound Shores Road, to Alan and Mary Gillard of Marysville for $128,500.

November 7

November 16

John and Marlene Giedd-Clark sold land and a building, 1311

Washington Federal Savings of Eastsound sold land only on

November 16 Nils and Dana Von Veh of Seattle sold land and a building, 8 Harmon Ranch on Decatur Island, to Hans and June Andersen of Stanford, CA for $480,000.

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r December 2011

SAN JUAN ISLAND The Most Trusted, Productive Real Estate Brokerage in the San Juan Islands Since 1960

t

property@sanjuanislands.com 4QSJOH 4USFFU 10 #PY 'SJEBZ )BSCPS 8" Beautiful Home Financial Opportunity 5,450 sq. ft Home on 2.92 acres. Priced $500,000 under replacement cost.

Future development potential. (Ask for details). Excellent location. Separate from, but walking distance to town, airport & new hospital. Valley & Sunset views. #222915 $1,190,000 Steve Buck Lovely Sunny Home

U

D RE

!

D CE

See all listings locally to nationally

sanjuanislands.com Farmhouse Sunny remodeled three bedroom; 1800 sq ft shop with 10’ doors, water, power, and full loft; detached 2-car garage & artist’ studio with water and power, all situated on 3+/- acres pastoral, fenced land. #139357 $425,000 Kelly Snow

Affordable One Acre Parcel Lot offers a mix of trees and sun with mossy rock knoll as a building site. Property is partially fenced and driveway is roughed in. Close to town, yet with a country setting. #152548 $85,000 Kelly Snow Water View Lot

3 south-facing acres with gorgeous views.

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors & solarium. Organic garden, orchard, pond, outbuildings & large shop with power, water, cement floor & loading dock. #286850 $440,000 Maryellen Foster

Manufactured Home 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate office/den/ TV room and an open floor plan for kitchen, dining and great room.

There is a carport and storage shed as well. The common/green area provides lovely views.

Playground for children. #235981 $134,000 Maryellen Foster

Gorgeous views of sunsets, the Haro Straits & Vancouver Island.

End of the road privacy on a rocky knoll facing west. 3-bedroom septic installed with community water system available. #221125

Water View Home

Water View Home

Waterfront Home

Immaculate & spacious 5 bedroom, 4 bath home on 5+/- acres. Sunny oasis with stream fed pond, lush landscaping &private beach access. Oen floor plan, 2 tier deck & more. #28033485

Charming home with 2 bedrooms, loft, wood floors, vaulted ceilings plus 2 bedroom guest house, 2-car garage, workshop & RV bay.

Walk out your door to community beach, pool & marina. #225816

$695,000 Maryellen Foster

2 bed/ 2 bath on Westcott Bay with no-bank on sunny SE exposure with protected moorage. Wellmaintained home offers expansive decking, 2-car garage with transient rental permit and close to Roche Harbor amenities. #293265

$344,000 Peter Wangoe II & Chuck Payne

$675,000 Peter Wangoe II & Chuck Payne

Charming home close to town. Private, south facing sunny 2 bed/3 bath with large deck and indoor lap pool. 1.4 acres of established gardens and beautiful outdoor spaces. Open floor plan with clear fir windows and trim throughout.

Detached storage and double carport. #253597 $550,000 Jane Sawyer

Custom waterfront home on 1.2 acres. Immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with detached 2 car garage, extensive decks and finished daylight basement. Private and quiet with close proximity to Ruben Tarte Park with its excellent fishing and beaches. #28067170 $895,000 Jane Sawyer

Charming & Cozy cabin on 3.3 wooded acres with separate detached studio. 1 loft bedroom and 1 bath.

Private well and 3 bedroom septic installed.

Sunny, tons of privacy and room for garden.

Partial seller financing.

Adjacent 3.73 acres available for purchase also. #282541 $220,000 Jane Sawyer

Comfortable one-story home, on 3.36+/- sunny acres. 3bd., 2 bth with open floor plan and sun room. Attached 2 car garage and a detached garage/shop. Also, 1 bd. Apartment with a separate entrance. Pond, shade trees and lots of space for garden in an idyllic setting. #225913 $428,000 Jane Sawyer

Waterfront Retreat

Expansive Golf Course View

Secluded 4 bed/2 bath cottage with oversized garage, circular driveway & plenty of indoor storage. Remodeled in 1999 with 180-degree views that include Mt. Baker. Popular vacation rental! #124887 $699,000 Paula Sundstrom

$289,000 Maryellen Foster

Quality 2 bed/2.5 bath plus den, great room, cherry floors, clear fir trim, built-in dining nook, fireplace, master suite with covered deck, 2-car garage, rec room & workshop. #236977 $649,000 Paula Sundstrom

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

SAN JUAN ISLAND See all listings locally to nationally

sanjuanislands.com

t QSPQFSUZ!TBOKVBOJTMBOET DPN t 4QSJOH 4USFFU 10 #PY 'SJEBZ )BSCPS 8" West Side View Acreage

Bordeaux Cottage on the Green. In the heart of Roche Harbor.

Designer upgrades include 2 fireplaces, chef’s kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths & private garden/patio.

Great income producer! #226717

Exceptional 8+/- acres bordering 10+ acre nature preserve.

Unblockable views of the Straits, Olympics, Victoria, whales & sunsets. Great privacy. #211127 $595,000 Paula Sundstrom

$895,000 Lanny Carver

Outstanding Equestrian property. 30+/- acres with water view building knoll, community dock with slip on Mitchell Bay. 14-stall barn, 2-bedroom manager house, 80 x 160 covered arena, hay barn, dry pens, etc. #29048343

Waterfront condo at Roche Harbor.

2 bed/2 bath unit with fireplace, hardwood oak flooring, wood doors & trim. Fully furnished with great views plus a 40’ slip in gated marina. #235090

$1,197,000 Nancy Young

$799,000 Nancy Young

Penthouse

Fabulous Harbor View

Commercial condo in town. Great office space with views of the harbor.

824+/- sq ft with vaulted ceilings & skylights.

Off-street parking with possible lease option. #186855

lot in the old part of Friday Harbor. Views in 2 directions. .37+/- of an acre, one of last vacant lots in this part of town.

Double-sized lot with access from 2 streets. #83797

$179,995 Nancy Young

Timeless Architecture waterfront home with panoramic views of the Olympics, Victoria, whales & stunning sunsets. 2.3 acres with 266’ of waterfront. This outstanding home includes a comfortable guest house. A definite must see. #236781 $1,900,000 Lanny Carver West Side Waterfront property that includes 150’+/- of beach, tidelands & a mooring buoy. Custom 2 bedroom home with loft/den plus detached garage/shop with RV parking that includes 720+/- sq ft guest house. #247911 $1,250,000 Nancy Young Waterfront Home on two lots with tideland rights. Older ranch style home with outbuildings and water views that feature sunsets, whales & boat traffic. #221691 $1,245,000 Nancy Young

$320,000 Nancy Young

Waterview

Prime West Side

Cottage Near Town

Harbor view from this 1950’s vintage home in the old Friday Harbor neighborhood on the hill.

Single level 2-bedroom home with basement, new garage completed in 2007. #28110293

Waterfront home, with 180 degree views of whales and boating activity plus the Olympics.

Amenities include waterfront patios & beautiful landscaping.

Access to beach. #80173

3 bed/1.75 bath plus loft, nice deck and patio.

Raised bed gardens with fruit trees surrounded by deer fencing. Japanese, Maple, Cedar and fir trees on property. Detached garage with studio & bathroom. #40498

$455,000 Nancy Young

$1,195,000 Nancy Young

$225,000 Nancy Young

Waterfront

Westside Highlands

2 bed/2 bath waterfront condominium at Roche Harbor with loft and lock-off bedroom. 2 fireplaces, deck and views into resort and marina.

Good income property. #29033004

5 acres in park-like setting prime location on west side of island. Access to miles of hiking with water, power & phone to each lot. Owner terms available. #27092348

$385,000 Nancy Young

$199,000 EACH Nancy Young

Lot at the Cape

Waterfront Home

with 900’ of frontage.

2-bedroom home with office, fireplace, overhang porch with plank & cork flooring. On over 9 acres with western views. #221311

Level .52 acre +/building lot located near the Cape San Juan heated swimming pool. Cape amenities also include a community water system, beach and marina.

Enjoy great hikes on Mt. Finlayson. #229611

Relax in this no-bank waterfront cottage featuring a casual great room floor plan with 3 BRs, 2 BAs and a loft. Detached 2-car garage with shop. Cape amenities. #219349

$649,000 Nancy Young

$139,000 The Holm Team---Judy and Denny

$545,950 The Holm Team---Judy and Denny

Special property on 31+/- acres with 2 ponds, multiple barns, gardens, guest house & fenced paddocks. South-facing with sweeping mountain, straits & valley views.

Home has been carefully restored & upgraded. #288524

G

IN

C AN

Historic Island Farm

ER

N OW

FIN

$1,895,000 Nancy Young

Lakefront Farm

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

SAN JUAN ISLAND See all listings at

www.SamBuck.com

Sam Buck 360-317-6277

105 Spring Street, PO Box 100, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 HOME NEAR ROCHE HARBOR

WATERFRONT ESTATE

Excellently maintained with 1047± sf, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large decks, newer roof, 1.6± acres with trails, and within walking distance to Roche Harbor village and airstrip. Available “turnkey”. #244106

Very rare opportunity to own 40± acres with over 2000’ of waterfront with gravel beaches and accessible rocky shorelines. Stunning views of Olympic Mtns and sunsets. 3 tax parcels. #28143229

$319,000

$11,400,000

BEAUTIFUL SAN JUAN VALLEY ACREAGE Modest living quarters w/ kitchen, bathroom, and living room, attached insulated 2-car garage, carport, distant mountain views, insulated 3-car garage, storage building, RV parking. #214569

U

D RE

!

D CE

WEST SIDE WATER VIEW COTTAGE Plus detached office on 11± acres above and across the street from 10 acres of public waterfront. Breathtaking mountain and water views with wonderful privacy. #249656

$395,000

$729,000

WATERFRONT HOME

VIEW HOME ON ACREAGE

Magnificent custom lodge with 5100± sf and custom hardware, metal work, and millwork throughout. 17± acres, 925± waterfront with 2 beaches. #28191895

Immaculate condition with a 4350± sf home, 3-car attached garage, shop, and views across the valley. 10± acres of trees & open space in a park-like setting. #28065961

$5,950,000 $995,000 EXQUISITE WATERFRONT ESTATE

ACREAGE 2± acre parcel, 6± acre parcel, & 12± acre parcel; nicely wooded, located close to Roche Harbor. A well producing 1000 gal/ day and a 4-bedroom septic permit will be provided prior to closing. #158739

4 waterfront parcels totaling 18± acres with over 1000’ of shoreline; a 3555± sf timber peg home, two waterfront cabins, private dock, 5600± sf shop/barn, horse barn, and riding arena. #28021162

$135,000 - $270,000

$4,750,000

WEST SIDE WATERFRONT HOME

WATER VIEW HOME

WATER’S EDGE WATERFRONT HOME 3300± sf, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, kitchen with breakfast nook, large family room, vaulted ceilings, skylights, large decks, hot tub, detached two car garage, and backup generator. 1/2± AC & 104’± WF. #73899 $947,500 D I ICE SJ PR ON T T S WE ON LO ERFR T WA

WEST SIDE WATERFRONT LOT 100± high bank waterfront with outstanding views across Haro Strait & whale watching, survey done, community water, and end of road privacy.

Owner terms available. #75831 $295,000

ED SF RIC 0 T P 350 S WE ER LO E OV M HO

HOME ON ROCHE HARBOR HANGAR LOT 4800± sf, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living/dining room, family room, bonus/rec room, solarium, hot tub, and a 2-car attached garage.

1.5± acres with room to build large airplane hangar. PRICED UNDER $104/SF! #186916 $495,408 WATERFRONT CONDO 2 bedroom / 2 bath at Roche Harbor with views overlooking bay and marina from the living room, dining room, & deck. Amenities include restaurants, grocery store & more! #295870 $385,000

WATERFRONT HOMES & PRIVATE DOCK

6800± sf, plus 1800± sf indoor swimming pool & spa area, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, incredible views & sunsets, and beautiful landscaping. 3± acres and 246’± waterfront. #26037558

South-facing with views of bay & mountains, use of 250’± of gravel beach across the road, mature fruit trees, out buildings, asphalt driveway, and a 6 bed / 6 bath, 2800± sf home on 4.5± acres. #260445

3.5± acres (two lots), 400’± WF with beach; 50’ private dock; 3800± sf custom designed home, 1400± sf WF guesthouse, detached WF office w/ 2nd garage, large shop, and more! #86556

$1,950,000

$987,500

$3,500,000

WATERFRONT LOT – HENRY ISLAND

WATERFRONT ACREAGE

WATERFRONT HOME & PRIVATE DOCK Spectacular west-facing home with 6100± sf, 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, paved driveways, 7.5± acres, 130’± waterfront, and dock. Views down the bay to Friday Harbor.

Close to town. #204182 $3,450,000

ED RIC NT P ST RO WE RF LO ATE W

1.7± acres and 156’± of west-facing waterfront with views across the straits to Vancouver Island, shipping traffic, and whale watching.

Roche Harbor amenities are just a short boat ride away. #129659 $99,000

5± acres, low bank common gravel beach frontage, view out of bay; power, telephone, and driveway to property line. Private well and 4-bedroom septic permit to be provided. #255848 $545,000

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

THE BOOK OF THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

EXCERPTS FROM “THE BOOK”

T

he San Juan Islands have not been immune to the tough economy. In many ways, the islands have been affected more so.

Like passengers on a troubled ship at sea, residents of these ferry dependent islands might feel alone. But like their forebears, who forged a life here when much of the islands were wilderness, they have only risen to the occasion.

Islanders have faced tough times with imagination and innovation. Some businesses closed, but other businesses merged or moved to better addresses. New businesses opened.

Social organizations continue to provide a kind of safety net to meet needs in the community. Local businesses, foundations and non-profits award college scholarships to local students. And the economy hasn’t slowed efforts to build a $30 million hospital on San Juan Island. The hospital, owned and operated

by PeaceHealth, will be called Peace Island Medical Center.

And so life goes on, vibrantly, like a tree standing against a northeast wind.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council provided much of the economic information for this Book of the San Juan Islands. Besides producing economic statistics, reports and research studies, the EDC provides small-business support in business plan development, navigating regulations, and managing assets. The EDC provides classes,

many of them free, to help emerging and existing small businesses with customer service, financial planning, and marketing. We appreciate the EDC’s help in making this Book of the San Juan Islands a more complete picture of the economic climate – and the vibrant future ahead – on the islands.

This magazine is for islanders and anyone wanting to learn more about the islands, and is especially useful for those planning to move here. Use this magazine as your relocation guide. It contains information about health care, local government and schools. You’ll see what we pay in taxes, who to call for public services, where to get day care for your child, where to have fun — and who we are as islanders.

If you need more information, contact us: The Journal of the San Juan Islands, 360-3785696; and The Islands’ Sounder, 360-376-4500.

Or visit us at SanJuanJournal.com and IslandsSounder.com.

WHERE ISLANDERS LIVE Of the county population, 75 percent live outside its three urban village areas: Friday Harbor, 2,045; Eastsound, 980; Lopez Village, 190. The county land area is 174.9 square miles (fewest in Washington). There are 90.9 people per square mile (10th among Washington counties).

Lopez Island: 2,396 residents, 1,922 housing

units.

Orcas Island: 4,894 residents, 3,249 housing units.

San Juan (uninc.): 5,214 residents; 3,217 housing units.

— Friday Harbor: 2,150 residents, 973 housing units.

Shaw Island: 246 residents, 166 housing units.

Total county: 15,900 Source: Washington state Office of Financial Management WHERE PROPERTY OWNERS LIVE The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office mailed nearly half of all 2007 property tax statements to addresses outside of San Juan County.

Treasurer Jan Sears performed an analysis in response to a County Council inquiry during the current round of budget presentations.

Sears found that of the 19,608 statements mailed, 30 percent (5,830) went to other cities in Washington State; 19 percent (3,628) went to 47 other states; and 88 statements were mailed to addresses in 20 foreign countries.

Not all of the statements sent out of county represent non-residents, however. Sears said many island residents have winter addresses in warmer climes and that some statements are mailed directly to financial institutions on the East Coast or to taxpaying services in the Midwest.

No one knows the San Juans like ...

San Juan Island Real Estate

BETTE CANTRELL BROKER, SRES

SAN JUAN ISLAND GOLF COURSE HOME PRICE REDUCTION This builder’s own custom 3,833 sqft. single level Golf Course home is excellent for entertaining. Gourmet kitchen, 5-burner cook top, 2 dishwashers, theater room, 2 master suites, security system, large office, 3-car garage, 1,560 sq. ft. deck and 6-person hot tub. #177768 Offered at $695,000 50 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 • (360)378-3600 • Cell: (360) 298-1736 Bette@windermeresji.com

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

EXCERPTS FROM “THE BOOK�

PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM When San Juan County was formed in 1873, the first property taxes were levied at the county level to pay for roads and general government expense.

Over the ensuing years, county voters established taxing districts in order to support other specific services: cemeteries, fire protection, libraries, medical services, ports, recreation, water service and wastewater service.

State law limits these districts as to how much they can increase property taxes each year. Every year, the total amount of property tax collected by a taxing district can only increase 1 percent; the levy (how much tax a property owner pays per $1,000 of assessed property valuation) is adjusted accordingly.

Property taxes vary on the islands, depending on tax-supported services established by voters of those islands. For example, on San Juan Island, not including the Town of Friday Harbor, there are 11 taxing districts.

The amount you pay can change based on public approval of new tax levies to support certain services, and expiration of existing levies.

Here’s what you need to know about the taxes you pay, according to the San Juan County Assessor’s Office.

HOW IS MY PROPERTY VALUE DETERMINED? The assessed value is 100 percent of true and fair market value. It is an estimate of value using one or more of three methods. t .BSLFU ćJT NFUIPE VTFT TBMF DPNQBSJTPOT PG QSPQFSUJFT UP QSPWJEF estimates of value for similar property. t 3FQMBDFNFOU $PTU ćJT NFUIPE EFUFSNJOFT UIF SFQSPEVDUJPO PS SFplacement cost less accrued depreciation of the improvements. t *ODPNF ćJT NFUIPE NFBTVSFT UIF JODPNF TUSFBN XIJDI XPVME be expected from a prudently managed piece of property. The income method may be used for business property valuation.

How often is my property revalued?

3FBM QSPQFSUZ JT SFWBMVFE FWFSZ UISFF ZFBST PS XIFOFWFS UIFSF JT OFX construction.

If you think the assessment of your property does not reflect market value, you should consult the county Assessor’s Office. The appraisal will be reviewed, and if you still think the assessment does not reflect market value, you may petition for a hearing before the county Board of Equalization by July 1 or within 30 days of the mailing of the revaluation notice.

WHEN TO PAY YOUR TAXES Property tax statements are mailed in February. To avoid penalties, at least half of the amount due must be paid by April 30 and the balance by Oct. 31.

You may pay your property tax in person or by mail. When paying by mail, be sure to write the tax parcel or account number on your check and include the tax statement payment stub. .BOZ MFOEJOH DPNQBOJFT QBZ UIF QSPQFSUZ UBY GPS UIF IPNFPXOFS from a property tax reserve account. In this case, tax statements are sent directly to the lending company. If your lending company pays the tax directly and you would like to receive information, contact the county treasurer’s office.

DEFERRAL PROGRAMS t %BNBHFE QSPQFSUZ *G ZPVS QSPQFSUZ JT EBNBHFE PS EFTUSPZFE ZPV may qualify for a reduced assessed value for taxes payable in the following year. Application forms are available through the Assessor’s Office. t $VSSFOU 6TF 0QFO 4QBDF 1SPHSBN 0XOFST PG BHSJDVMUVSBM PQFO space or timber land may qualify for a reduced assessed value under the DVSSFOU VTF PQFO TQBDF QSPHSBN 5BY QFOBMUJFT BOE JOUFSFTU DIBSHFT NBZ apply when property is removed from this classification.

"QQMJDBUJPOT NVTU CF NBEF CZ %FD GPS DMBTTJÄ•DBUJPO JO UIF GPMMPXJOH

year. Application forms are available through the Assessor’s Office. t ćSFF :FBS 5BY &YFNQUJPO PO 7BMVF PG 3FNPEFM *G ZPV JNQSPWF ZPVS single-family residence, such as adding a new room, deck or patio, you may qualify for a three-year tax exemption on the value of the improvements. Normal maintenance does not qualify.

To receive the exemption, you must apply through the county Assessor’s Office prior to completing your remodeling project. t 4FOJPS $JUJ[FOT BOE %JTBCMFE 1FSTPO 1SPQFSUZ 5BY &YFNQUJPO 1SPgram: If you are a senior citizen or a disabled person, you may qualify for a property tax exemption or deferral. Household income and age, or disability determines eligibility. ćF 4FOJPS $JUJ[FOT BOE %JTBCMFE 1FSTPO 1SPQFSUZ 5BY &YFNQUJPO 1SPgram freezes the value of your residence, (as of Jan. 1 of the initial year of application), exempts all excess levies, and may exempt a portion of regular levies, thereby reducing the amount of property tax due. ćF 4FOJPS $JUJ[FO BOE %JTBCMFE 1FSTPO 1SPQFSUZ 5BY %FGFSSBM 1SPgram allows you to defer your property taxes and special assessments in BO BNPVOU VQ UP QFSDFOU PG UIF FRVJUZ JO ZPVS IPNF 6OMJLF UIF UBY exemption, deferred taxes are a lien on the property. This lien becomes payable, together with interest, upon sale, transfer, or inheritance of the property. t 0UIFS &YFNQUJPOT $IVSDIFT HPWFSONFOU VOJUT BOE NBOZ OPO QSPĕU agencies are exempt from property tax if they use property for a taxexempt purpose. ćF TUBUF %FQBSUNFOU PG 3FWFOVF EFUFSNJOFT XIJDI QSPQFSUJFT BSF FOtitled to the exemption based on laws enacted by the Legislature. ‰ 0OMJOF 7JTJU XXX DP TBO KVBO XB VT BTTFTTPS UP EP BO POMJOF QBSDFM search, view an interactive parcel map, and read property tax statistics.

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r December 2011

SAN JUAN ISLAND No one knows the San Juans like ...

San Juan Island Real Estate

Is your home really worth $1.3 million?

That’s a tough price point because there hasn’t been a sale between $1M and $1.6M in the last 6 months.

Before you decide on a price, know the facts. Look at the videos we have online of most homes. Call your real estate professional and take a tour of the competition.

The experts at Windermere have decades of experience in pricing homes and revealing investment opportunities for San Juan Island real estate.

That’s one reason why, during 2011, more buyers and more sellers have chosen Windermere Brokers to provide them with exceptional advice.

For your free copy of this complete Market Report with no obligation send us an email at info@windermeresji.com

Windermere has served more Sellers and more Buyers: we’ve earned their trust.

Come by any of our offices and you’ll see why.

Request your complimentary copy of Market Information from: info@windermeresji.com

50 Spring Street, (360)378-3600 or (800)262-3596 • Open Everyday • www.windermeresji.com

1BHF r 3FBM &TUBUF JO UIF 4BO +VBOT r %FDFNCFS

SAN JUAN ISLAND

L

Linda McMahon Broker

San Juan Island Real Estate

Linda@sanjuanlife.com

E

AL

TS OR

SH

Lushly Landscaped w/perennial foliage, filtered light throughout, open kitchen, dining & living room, & skylights. 3BD/2BTH...

Hot tub access off Master bedroom/bathroom landscaped for privacy. Covered patio entry, metal roof, fenced in yard & out building. Walking distance to town amenities. Home remodeled in 2001. #136243 $329,000

Incredible Vistas, 10+ acres at the top of Mt. Dallas some of the most expansive stunning unobstructed 180 degree + views of the Straits, Olympic Mt. range, Trout Lake, Cascade Mt. range & Mt. Baker.Your own hillside paradise with complete privacy. The views from this parcel are indescribable. Optional building sites, private well, power and a gazebo. #29156670 $595,000

Sold Turn Key: 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath home with high ceilings and large laundry room. Just under 1200sf and sits on over 1.38 acres and is within minutes to False Bay or American Camp National Park.Views of Mount Baker, Griffin Bay and Strait from this sunny location. #145682 $360,000

Stunning, newly remodeled, water-front home on San Juan Island.

Expansive views of Haro Straight, Olympic Mts & the lights of Victoria on Vancouver Island, & beyond. This 3bd/4bth home is the premier location on San Juan Island for whale watching in the summer and is a vacation rental on San Juan Island. Income information available upon request. #210083 $1,987,000

Reduced & Bank Owned!

Affordable home and convenient location in town. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Separate, spacious 850 sq ft garage/shop, all in excellent condition. Warm south facing with tons of sunlight. Great rental. Multifamily zoned!

Room to expand! #225294 $275,000

Sunny, garden space, convenient to town, schools and library.

Priced $44,000 below assessed value. #224089 $168,000

One of a kind custom log home that has been given attention to detail throughout. Guard rails & handrails were made to give the best showing & consideration to safety. Chef’s Kitchen.

Large shop that is now used for custom cabinet building but can easily be turned into an artist studio. RV storage & a dog run available.#238567 $745,900

Comfortable and spacious, 2 bedroom, 2 bath home surrounded by natural landscaping. Fireplace and skylights. Kitchen updated with granite counter tops and appliances. Workshop/utility room with backup generator, new deck, detached garage with 12x26’ with a 10’ door and partial fencing. Walking distance to community beach and Roche Harbor Resort. #253508 $460,000

Views of False Bay, Haro Strait, and Olympic Mountains from this 3,200 sq +/- home on 7.5 +/- acres. Perfect mini-farm on San Juan Island. Property includes barn with studio above, green house, orchard, ponds and beach access. #278012 $432,800

Sunny location in the park across from the common area. Open kitchen and living room, 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and plenty of storage. Nicely landscaped with perennials and room to garden.

Backyard is fenced. Deck and sitting area to enjoy territorial views and sunsets. #262524 $95,000

Craftsman style home in new development. Never occupied 2 spacious bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 9’ ceilings on lower level. Living room w/built-in propane fireplace & bookshelves. Separate utility room & single car attached garage. Lovely landscaping in front yard & fenced in back yard. Within minutes of downtown Friday Harbor. Buyer may qualify for a USDA-Rural Development Loan. #275443 $299,900

50 Spring Street, Cell: (360)378-3600 or (800)262-3596 www.sanjuanlife.com • linda@sanjuanlife.com

Commercial/Residential opportunity located within walking distance to the town of Friday Harbor and conveniently close to the Friday Harbor Airport. Filtered water view of Griffin Bay. Currently being used as a residential home, the 3284+/- sf, 5-bedroom, 2-bath building has multiple options for commercial or residential use. A fantastic opportunity for business and/or residence! #251970 $495,000

Estate Property with Panoramic Views of Vancouver Island, Haro Strait and beyond. 22.3+/- acres zoned R-10 (Dividable) with private driveway access from West Valley Road. This property features Old-Growth Fir Trees 5 ft. in Diameter Extremely Rare, Beautiful Madrona, Gary Oak and Cedar Trees. Multiple View Building Sites on the Property. #29128696 $399,000