Waterfront: Financial Advantages
07 June 2025
A sought-after beach destination
In need of a quick escape after a long week of work, away from urban traffic & stress... craving for that perfect island lifestyle while not wanting to wait in a ferry line to feel nature and water around you? There is another option: Three Tree Point. This little community is within an uncomplicated 15 to 20-minute drive from Downtown Seattle, about the same travel timeframe (or even less) as if you were going from Madison Park to Queen Ann on a good day.
Take 509 south and exit either at 148th or 160th and set your GPS to Three Tree Point. The minute you cruise along the tree lined roads, you will start relaxing and wishing you had packed a picnic to eat at one of the public beach accesses. Here relaxed locals are walking dogs, chatting with neighbors, enjoying a refreshing beverage at the Three Tree Point store (perfect place to buy something delicious to nibble on); fragrances of salt water and fir trees are floating in the air.
Here, dramatic panorama of sea and mountain scapes including the Olympics and Mt Rainier snowy peaks and the green islands across the bay.
As you are gazing at the deep blue water, a shiny head pops up... a curious seal swimming along the shore. Maybe you are spotting a pod of porpoises in the channel...
Residents love and are proud of the convenience of their community nearby an International Airport (without the noise factor), the laid-back spirit, the stunning natural beauty and the general quality of life.
Equity & Wealth Building
Many local beachfront owners have found a clever way to enjoy/preserve their waterfront lifestyle while making money/offsetting their property taxes, by renting part of their home: a great way to grow their investment portfolio in a rather fast timeframe and build steady equity all in one. Among the wide array of real estate investments, the purchase of a TTP Puget Sound property is, in my professional view, a safe/reliable way to build wealth especially with the growing demand of Puget Sound living and the fresh/country like Three Tree Point way of life and its close proximity to the Greater Seattle Area combined with the convenience of its public transportation including Light Rail, bus and airport.
Short-Term Rental Income Potential
Over the last 8 years, Three Tree Point has seen a growing demand for short term rentals (Airbnb and VRBO) especially when it comes to waterfront properties which are generally booked months ahead and this all year round with a surge during the nicer seasons. In fact, numerous homeowners have expressed that some of their renters keep coming back and have done so for the past decade or longer. TTP has become their little "me-time" and bit of heaven.
A growing number of residents and buyers entering the waterfront market are looking for properties offering the ability/option of building a separate ADU on their lot or make adjustments to their home to allow for such seasonal rental.
How to find/select the perfect TTP investment opportunity?
As a general rule, your beach ADU will be more popular if easily accessible, cozy and charming in design with coastal, uncluttered decoration and great amenities: washer/dryer, tiled floors, big views, A/C for occasional hot summer days... Privacy is also important (from neighbors and from the street) as well as ample parking. Are kayaks, paddle boards available onsite?
Lots of stairs, walk-down or tram accesses can lower desirability as well as challenging beach entry points or barnacle shorelines versus sandy ones.
Example of versatility of use: one single property
This property has versatility of uses with its 2 units (which can be used separately or turned back into one home) + a well curated and totally charming cabana along the beach. The homeowner has used the waterfront property as a reliable source of income over the years and has built equity doing so.
Puget Sound: Low vs High Bank
30 April 2025
You've decided to purchase your own piece of Puget Sound – congratulations!
But now comes the critical decision: which type of beachfront is right for you? This isn't just a matter of preference; it's a strategic choice impacting your lifestyle, investment, and long-term enjoyment. Let's delve into the nuances of low bank and high bank properties, considering key factors like lifestyle, budget, and risk.
Lifestyle and Goals
Your lifestyle and goals are paramount. Are you envisioning a serene weekend retreat, a luxurious retirement haven, or a productive remote work sanctuary?
If this new beachfront is going to be used as your primary residence, consider the practicalities of daily living alongside the waterfront experience.
You are dreaming of a fun summer hideaway, perhaps a more rustic charm aligns with your vision.
Think deeply about your relationship with the water
Are you an avid boater, kayaker, or paddleboarder? Do you dream of leisurely beach walks, fishing, or crabbing? Daily beach use often favors low bank properties, with ample frontage for storing watercraft. Boating closer to main urban areas and on the mainland typically involves buoys, while islands and protected bays may offer piers or docks.
Conversely, if you seek elevated, panoramic views and a sense of commanding your surroundings, a high bank property may be the right choice for you. You'll gain expansive vistas of islands and mountains, while enjoying a degree of shelter from the elements.
Let’s compare low and high bank waterfront properties starting with defining low bank versus no bank.
low bank living
Low bank properties feature some form of shoreline stabilization, such as concrete bulkheads, boulder riprap, or timber structures. One distinguishes low bank from no bank which boasts a natural, untouched beach (no seawall).
- Low/No Bank Advantages: Direct, easy beach access for recreation. Enhanced space for gatherings and entertainment. Convenient launching of small watercraft.
- Low Bank Considerations:Increased vulnerability to tidal flooding, especially during King Tides and winter storms. Higher maintenance due to saltwater exposure. Potential impacts from rising sea levels. Expensive/lengthy bulkhead repair Less privacy compared to high bank.
High Bank... living on a bluff
High Bank Advantages:
- Unparalleled panoramic views.
- Enhanced privacy and seclusion.
- Reduced risk of tidal flooding.
- A sense of dramatic natural beauty.
- High Bank Considerations: Limited or challenging beach access, often via stairs or trails. Risk of landslides and bluff erosion. Maintenance of access infrastructure. Difficult boat launching.
risk factors
Beyond aesthetics, risk assessment is crucial. Low bank properties require careful consideration of flood zones and potential erosion. High bank properties necessitate geological surveys to assess landslide risks. Always consult with qualified professionals, including geologists, structural engineers, and insurance specialists, to understand and mitigate these risks. Due diligence is the key to protecting your investment.
price range
Your budget will significantly influence your options. In the Puget Sound area:
Under $1M: Expect cottages or smaller homes, often on high bank properties.
$1M - $2M: This range offers more “true” homes with improved access and views.
$2M - $3M+: This is where you'll find premium properties with exceptional beachfronts and high-quality construction.
Location Matters: Mainland properties become more affordable further from urban centers, particularly along the southern shores. Each island (Bainbridge, Whidbey, Vashon etc.) offers a unique lifestyle and price point. Consider your priorities and explore different areas to find the best fit.
Geological Surveys and Due Diligence:
Before purchasing any waterfront property, it is vital to have the property inspected by qualified professionals. Geological surveys, structural engineers, and insurance professionals are a must.
Environmental Considerations
Puget Sound is a delicate ecosystem. Be sure to understand the rules and regulations along the shoreline and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
Working with a Professional
Choosing a Puget Sound waterfront property is a significant decision. By carefully considering your lifestyle, budget, and risk tolerance, you can find the perfect beach haven to enjoy the unique beauty of the Puget Sound region. If you're ready to explore waterfront opportunities, our Belle Residence Team is here to guide you making the right choice.
A Day on Puget Sound
20 March 2025
Puget Sound. Just saying the name stirs the soul—visions of shimmering water, snow-capped mountains, and the fresh scent of sea air fill the mind.
But beyond the postcard-perfect scenery, living here is an experience, a way of life that connects you deeply with nature’s rhythm. If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to breathtaking beauty and embracing a life of adventure, serenity, and wonder, let me take you on a journey through a day in this magical place.
This is no ordinary morning. This is Puget Sound, where nature itself greets you each day with open arms.
Morning Serenity: A Gentle Awakening
Imagine waking not to the harsh blare of an alarm but to the soft lull of waves against the shore. The distant cry of a gull drifts through the crisp morning air. You step onto your deck, coffee warming your hands, and inhale deeply—the fresh scent of pine and salt fills your lungs. The water before you glows with golden sunlight, a mirror of the sky’s morning pastels. A harbor seal bobs in the gentle tide, curious about the day ahead, while a bald eagle soars overhead, a symbol of wild freedom against the endless sky.
Adventures on the Water: A World to Explore
Mid-morning calls for adventure. Maybe you slip into a kayak or hop on your board; the water smooth like glass, beckoning you toward hidden coves and secret inlets. As you sail over the Sound, the world slows, and the stresses of modern life melt away. A playful otter splashes nearby, a heron waits patiently in the shallows, and the rhythm of your paddle becomes a moving meditation, reminding you that you are part of something greater—a vast, living ecosystem that thrives around you.
Or perhaps today, the fishing rod is calling. Standing on the sand or drifting on a boat, you cast your line into the cool depths, anticipation buzzing in your chest. Here, the water provides—whether it's salmon, rockfish, or Dungeness crab, every catch is a connection to the sea and a reminder of the natural abundance that sustains this place and its people.
Life here moves at nature’s pace—unhurried, intentional, and full of beauty in every moment.
Afternoon Delights: The Simple Joys of Life
Lunch isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Maybe it’s fresh seafood sandwiches on the deck, the salty breeze playing with your hair, or a bowl of creamy clam chowder savored as you watch the waves dance. Here, food isn’t rushed; it’s celebrated, sourced from the very waters that surround you.
The afternoon is yours to shape. Maybe you set out on a boat to explore the nearby islands, each one a paradise of mossy forests and rocky shores. Maybe you hike along coastal trails, the scent of cedar and earth filling the air as eagles glide silently above. Or perhaps you simply relax on a quiet beach, toes in the sand, eyes on the endless blue horizon.
Golden Hour Magic: When the World Stands Still
Then, just when you think the day has given you all it can, the sun begins its descent. And this is where the real magic happens. The sky ignites with color—brilliant oranges, passionate pinks, deep, velvety purples. The water mirrors the masterpiece above, a reflection of pure artistry only nature can create.
This is the moment to pause. To breathe. To soak it all in. To share stories with loved ones or sit in quiet gratitude. Every sunset on Puget Sound is different, yet each one leaves the same feeling—awe, wonder, and the deep understanding that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Evening Tranquility: A Life Well Lived
As the stars emerge, twinkling like diamonds against the dark canvas of night, the water whispers its lullaby. The distant call of a foghorn hums in the background, and the cool air wraps around you, carrying the scent of driftwood and the sea. Sitting by a crackling fire, wrapped in a blanket, you reflect on the day—on the adventure, the beauty, the peace.
Living on Puget Sound is more than an address. It’s a calling. It’s a life where the tides set your rhythm, where nature is not just a view but a presence, a companion, a guide. It’s where every morning feels like a gift, every evening a masterpiece, and every moment a reminder that life should be lived with wonder.
This isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to feel alive.
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