We’ve only just begun… and yet, I already have A LOT to write about. We started looking at this particular piece of land in July 2020. We had made an offer on another location (a year+ earlier) but it fell through (thankfully!). They wanted more than their lot was worth; we didn’t budge. They sold it a year later for what we had offered. But, we’re still glad they didn’t accept it. Could we have loved it? Could we have been happy there? Most definitely. But, we already knew it didn’t tick every box and so when they didn’t budge, neither did we. It was a sign.
We had been thinking we wanted waterfront property. But, island property in the San Juans or Whidbey is at a premium. And, while gorgeous, we might become dependent on (and resentful of) ferries, tourists (the islands can get busy during the summer), and “island life.” I don’t know for sure because we didn’t choose to move there. And, I could be wrong; we may have absolutely adored it.
But, this is a BIG part of why I’m writing this blog. You need to take time to REALLY figure out what YOU REALLY WANT. You might think you want waterfront and that you’re willing to compromise on the lot size (for location) or the view (for price) or the road noise (for the view). But, in the end, you need to love it.
A long while after the failed Whidbey Island attempt, we found completely vacant land. No septic. No well. No electricity. Land actually designated as forestland. Could we build on it? What would it take to get a well? Could we even get a well (this is a LONG story)? What about power (another very long story)? Time to do a feasibility study. By December 2020, the seller finally agreed to a Purchase and Sale Agreement that was contingent on our feasibility study and financing and more. There are so many twists and turns, I’ll have to write posts about all of these.
But, in the end, you want to choose a location where – once purchased – you have little (some is OK, IMO) to NO buyer’s remorse. You want your forever home location to be perfect. But, perfect doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.
So… that is why I want to write this blog. We bought a forest and now everyone we know is asking – Why? Wow!? How interesting! Are you crazy? How did you decide to do this? Wait, it’s actually kind of cool… give me some insight. And, here’s where we are.
More’s coming soon! Stay tuned!
Thanks for reading!
–kimberly
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