Hood Canal is a favorite vacation getaway. It's only two hours from Seattle and offers so much in the way of waterfront enjoyment like boating, fishing, shellfish, kayaking and beachcombing. Its a hiker's paradise here in the foothills of the Olympic National Forest and National Park. It is remote, yet only two hours from the Seattle metropolitan area. Our market is primarily second homes, vacation properties and is home to many retirees. If you are considering purchasing a vacation getaway, here are some things to think about and get you inspired:

Location. How often will you use it? Is it easy to get to? Do you have to wait in ferry lines or take a plane to get there? The harder it is to get to, the less likely you will use it. If you can't be there very often, can you hire someone to keep it maintained? Is it on a sunny hillside or in a cool valley. How will the weather impact the location. Will your view be affected by anything in the future? Are there any safety issues like weather, floods, fire? How about the crime rate. The great thing about having a weekend getaway is that you can keep it supplied so you don't have to pack and unpack every time you go there. Be sure your stuff is safe and not vulnerable to theft.

Fun and Recreation. What is your lifestyle? Do you need movie theaters, concerts, restaurants or other venues to keep you entertained? Or are you looking to get away from it all and experience the outdoors on a regular basis. 

Services. What kind of services do you expect. Emergency response. Health care. Will you need good health services and if you do how far away are they? How far do you have to drive for groceries? Is there public transportation?

Costs. How much would you have to invest to get the kind of place you would enjoy? How will you finance it? Consider tax advantages. If you are looking at land, can you get utilities and how much will that cost you? Is the area a good investment in the long run if you have to sell? Would it be appealing to others as a vacation rental? If so, would the covenants allow short term rentals? Will you eventually retire there? If so, think about how you might handle spending your old age there.

Spend some time there. Stay in the peak season and during the slow season. Talk to the locals. What do they like about the area? Anything to watch out for? Get to know the prime neighborhoods and the ones to avoid. To save time, make sure to work with an agent that knows the area well.

Family and Friends. Do you have friends and family that will come and visit? Do they have campers, or do you need to put them up? During the peak season expect regular visitors. Its part of the fun to have friends and family over. How will that affect what you buy?

If you do your homework up front you will find that your getaway will reward you with fun and relaxation for years to come. You'll continue to discover special places to explore and create heart-warming memories for you and your family.