Hot property June 14, 2008

Hot Tip Of The Week

It's summer time ... oh well ... it ought to be...

Things to watch out for when you are on holidays on the Gulf Islands:

All islands properties are great in the summer and when you are there standing on it.

But to have family use, there must be facilities that suit your personal life style and you must be able to get there quick. We have friends who came, saw and bought that great property, but it is so far away, they never use it. It is just a trophy to talk about, but actually walking the beach, picking the oysters and catching that elusive crab . well . it just does not happen.

So...please note:

1. Getting there for most of us is not as easy as just driving to the Cariboo. It usually took you a cvouple of days to get where you are...will you really be able to use it?

2. It took you 2 or 3 Ferries to get there....ditto

3. Thus islands like Saltspring and Pender in the Gulf with car-ferry service have always had better price appreciation. You could own that piece of paradise, get there quick inside 2 to 4 hours travel time and are away from it all. Also, these and other larger popular islands offer schools, shopping where you could actually live there year-around. But because of this fact, these islands are no longer cheap . To get away now for your peace of mind you have to have a second mortgage that gives you ulcers.

4. There are currents, the weather, as well as open exposure to consider, if you have waterfront.

5. If your property lies inland on a 'walk-on only' ferry island, there are transportation considerations.

6. Real close islands properties will get you the most weekend use: Bowen Island, Keats Island and Gambier Island