Exploring the Thriving Vacation Rental Market and Exciting Destinations on Whidbey Island, WA

Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the world of vacation rentals and uncover the current market trends on Whidbey Island, Washington. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Whidbey Island offers a charming and picturesque getaway with a wide array of vacation rental options. Join us as we explore the flourishing vacation rental scene and discover some of the most exciting destinations this enchanting island has to offer.

  1. The Growing Popularity of Vacation Rentals: Over the past decade, vacation rentals have gained immense popularity as an alternative to traditional hotels. Whidbey Island is no exception to this trend. The island’s unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and quaint small-town charm has attracted an increasing number of visitors seeking memorable and personalized experiences. Vacation rentals provide the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the island’s culture while enjoying the comforts of a home away from home.
  2. Current Market Trends on Whidbey Island: The vacation rental market on Whidbey Island has experienced steady growth, with a wide range of options to suit various preferences and budgets. From cozy cabins nestled in the woods to luxurious waterfront estates, there is something for everyone. The island’s proximity to major cities like Seattle and Vancouver has contributed to its popularity, making it an ideal weekend getaway or a longer vacation destination. Furthermore, the rise of online platforms and booking services has made it easier than ever to find and reserve the perfect vacation rental on Whidbey Island.
  3. Exploring Exciting Destinations on Whidbey Island: a. Deception Pass State Park: Known for its stunning views and outdoor recreational opportunities, Deception Pass State Park is a must-visit destination on Whidbey Island. Hike through old-growth forests, stroll along scenic beaches, or witness the dramatic tidal currents beneath the iconic Deception Pass Bridge.

b. Coupeville: This historic waterfront town offers a glimpse into Whidbey Island’s past. Explore charming shops, indulge in delicious seafood, and visit the Island County Historical Museum to learn about the island’s rich history.

c. Langley: A vibrant and artsy community, Langley is known for its quaint streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Take a leisurely stroll, admire local artwork, and enjoy breathtaking views of Saratoga Passage.

d. Fort Casey State Park: Immerse yourself in history at Fort Casey State Park. Explore the historic military fortifications, climb up the iconic Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

e. Penn Cove: Famous for its mussel farms, Penn Cove is an idyllic spot for a relaxing day on the water. Take a boat tour, go kayaking, or simply enjoy a picnic on the beach while savoring the island’s world-famous mussels.

Whidbey Island’s vacation rental market is booming, offering a diverse range of accommodations for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience. The island’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and exciting destinations make it an ideal getaway for individuals, couples, and families alike. Whether you’re looking to unwind amidst nature or explore the island’s historical sites and vibrant communities, Whidbey Island is sure to captivate your heart. So, pack your bags, book a vacation rental, and get ready to create lifelong memories on this enchanting island.

Where do I start?

First we need to sit down and talk about what your goals are and how much you have to invest. Then we get you pre-approved with a local lender. If you’re buying a 2nd home or vacation home for yourself you need a down payment of at least 10% of the purchase price. For a vacation rental/investment property you will need 15%.

Interest rates for 2nd homes are the same as a first home purchase. If you purchase any kind of rental or investment property the interest rate is usually about 3/8-1/2% higher. Click here to use a Mortgage Calculator. If you are unsure of your interest in a vacation rental, just buy a 2nd home and you can always do a vacation rental later, if you choose. Another option for doing a vacation rental is to purchase a home that already has a second dwelling on it or has the potential for a second dwelling. This is the option I have. There is good and bad with it but, for me, the good outweighs the bad by quite a bit! My vacation rental started out as a full time rental property, which was nice but the tenants were there ALL the time and they left the house in a mess. So I decided to try the vacation rental option and so far, I love it.

My vacation rental is next to my main house so I do see my guests and my backyard is not as private as I would like it to be (you know, you always think people are looking at you through the windows when they really aren’t!), but I can change that. If you purchase a main home with the potential for building a vacation rental you want to consider site location. Can you situate the rental farther from your home? Where is the septic tank (the farther from the septic the more expansive)? What is the size of your septic? 3 bedroom? 4? This will determine the number of bedrooms in your rental or you may have a studio rental. If you purchase a property with the potential for a second dwelling you just need to go through all the permitting a building process and that’s a whole different path. Let’s talk about that in person if that’s what you want to do. Let’s assume you bought a vacation rental or a property with a main home and a secondary dwelling.

What do you do next? You need to furnish it! We’ll discuss that next week. The rest of this series is the fun stuff! If you want to start browsing some homes click here to be redirected to my home search page. See you next time!

You need a Vacation!

Do you have that inner desire to meet people and have fun?

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about buying a vacation home and using it as a Vacation Rental property when the homeowner is not there. So I’m going to do a 5, 6, 10 part blog (however long it takes) to discuss all the issues, considerations and needs for this type of home purchase.

I actually converted my long term rental three years ago into a vacation rental and really love it. I get to meet new people all the time. And since my rental is on my personal property I also get some peace time when I don’t have guests. I think it’s the best of both worlds and I’ll talk about the income later!

Some of the topics people want covered are:

Size (how many people/bedrooms), location (beach, farm, in town), price, how much to do you want to be involved in the renting & turnover process, furnishings, where do you find guests, taxes, accessibility and more. If you have a specific topic you’d like covered please post to my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pamwhitewhidbey or email me at pamelawhite@remax.net

Happy Vacationing!

Pam