SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - May 8, 2001. Everyone knows about popular vacation-home spots like Palm Springs, Phoenix and West Palm Beach. But what about those relatively undiscovered areas just bursting with potential for people seeking a different way to fulfill their vacation-home dreams? This is the idea behind EscapeHomes' "Diamond in the Rough" award, given today to Whidbey Island, Wash. As Baby Boomers enter their retirement years, the "Diamond in the Rough" towns are poised to make a big impact in the vacation-home sector.
Whidbey Island, located just a short ferry ride from the Washington Peninsula and about an hour from downtown Seattle, has seen a boom in the vacation-home market during the past few years. "We have become a lifestyle destination location," said EscapeHomes Affiliate and Whidbey Island Realtor Frank J. Meyer. "Many buyers are the Baby Boomers, telecommuters or business persons still actively working and traveling to and from the Island."
Meyer said that approximately 60% of homebuyers on the Island are from Western Washington, with about 20% coming from California and the rest from all over the U.S., most notably Alaska. The most popular buys are waterfront cabins, with average prices on the Island about 30% lower than similar properties in Seattle, according to Meyer. "Real character, excellent schools and limited growth by the State Growth Management Plan make Whidbey real estate an excellent investment," he said.
Whidbey Island features over 100 homes on the National Historic Register, adding to its appeal as both a cultural and recreational destination. "Our choice of Whidbey Island as a Diamond in the Rough is certainly a reflection on current trends in the vacation-home sector," said Clark Thompson, EscapeHomes CEO and nationally recognized "Second-Home Expert". "People are seeking out the perfect union of sound investment with the active lifestyle. Whidbey Island is a desirable place both to live and to vacation."
People interested in finding out more about vacation and retirement living can do so at at www.escapehomes.com. EscapeHomes offers visitors to its website a place they can go to dream about the best vacation home for them. Using the company's online network, consumers can search for information on over 250 popular vacation-home destinations. Within each community, consumers can choose from a number of local agents with current listings, each one including information such as price and amenities, as well as full-color photos and virtual tours.
About EscapeHomes:
EscapeHomes is a complete network directory for people to find places to live and play outside their home communities. EscapeHomes was founded in April 1999 and is based in Orinda, Calif. The EscapeHomes website houses the largest listing of second homes on the web and has received numerous awards, including a Forbes Best of the Web Award. Additional information can be found at www.escapehomes.com.
###
For Immediate Release
Contact: Greg De Martini
800.937.9090
greg@escapehomes.com