Selling a coastal home is different from selling a traditional home. Waterfront properties come with incredible lifestyle benefits, but they also have unique features that buyers pay close attention to. After helping clients buy and sell waterfront homes throughout Anacortes, Whidbey Island, Guemes Island, La Conner, and the surrounding Skagit County area, I've learned that the homes that stand out are the ones that have been thoughtfully maintained and strategically prepared before they ever hit the market.
I recently had the opportunity to contribute to a Redfin article on this very topic, sharing tips on how homeowners can maximize the resale value of their coastal properties. If you'd like to read the full article, you can find it here:
How to Increase the Resale Value of a Coastal Home
https://www.redfin.com/blog/increase-resale-value-of-a-coastal-home/
In the meantime, here are a few things I encourage every waterfront homeowner to consider before selling.
Stay Ahead of Maintenance
Living near the water is beautiful, but it can also be tough on a home. Salt air, moisture, wind, and sun all take a toll over time. Buyers notice peeling paint, weathered decks, moss-covered roofs, aging windows, and deferred maintenance almost immediately.
Taking care of these items before listing doesn't just improve appearance. It gives buyers confidence that the home has been well cared for and can help reduce concerns during inspections.
Make the View the Star
One of the biggest reasons buyers choose a waterfront home is the view. Clean windows, neatly maintained landscaping, and outdoor spaces that showcase the scenery can make an enormous difference during showings.
Sometimes the smallest improvements, like pressure washing a deck, replacing worn outdoor lighting, or refreshing landscaping, create the strongest first impression.
Invest in Outdoor Living
In the Pacific Northwest, buyers love spaces where they can enjoy the outdoors year-round. A comfortable deck, covered patio, outdoor seating area, or fire pit can help buyers picture themselves enjoying the property long after they move in.
These spaces often become some of the most memorable parts of a showing.
Keep Records of Improvements
If you've invested in your home, don't let those improvements go unnoticed.
Whether you've replaced the roof, updated windows, completed shoreline work, upgraded mechanical systems, or obtained permits for improvements, having documentation available helps buyers understand the value they're purchasing. It also makes the transaction smoother when questions arise during inspections or escrow.
Price Strategically
One of the biggest misconceptions about waterfront homes is that they can simply be priced higher because they're on the water.
In reality, today's buyers are incredibly informed. They compare recent sales, condition, location, views, shoreline features, and overall value. A well-priced home typically attracts more interest, creates stronger competition, and often produces better results than a home that starts too high and sits on the market.
Every waterfront property is unique, which is why it's so important to work with someone who understands the nuances of our local market.
Thinking About Selling?
Every coastal home has its own story, and every property appeals to a different type of buyer. My goal is always to help sellers determine which improvements are worth making and which ones won't provide a meaningful return on investment.
Whether you're in Anacortes, Guemes Island, La Conner, Whidbey Island, or anywhere throughout Skagit and Island Counties, I'd be happy to help you create a strategy that maximizes your home's value before it goes on the market.
