Nantucket home vacation market

Nantucket home vacation market

Many people are purchasing vacation homes in Nantucket and it’s easy to see why it’s a leading destination for such investments. First of all, the island has a great environment, suitable for people who want to keep away from the bustle of the city.

Secondly, the prices of vacation homes are more buyer-friendly at the moment compared to the prices in 2021. As a real estate investor, now is the best time to venture into Nantucket’s property scene. If you’re interested in the market insights, you’re in the right place. We’ll take you through what you need to know about this island’s home vacation market.

Living on an island

When thinking about getting a home in Nantucket, you have to remember that it’s an island. It’s only 30 miles off Cape Cod, but it’s still remote, and access is either by sea or air. Commuting via ferry or plane may seem fun and adventurous for the first few days, but it may become tiresome very quickly for some.

Also, you have to consider the added cost of getting supplies in from the mainland. The remoteness can make deliveries pretty slow and pricey.

Far from the downsides of having property on an island, you’ll enjoy the weather, the ocean’s scenic view and the beaches. It’s a sound move to choose Nantucket as your vacation or retirement destination. You could have a primary property in Nantucket if you work on the island or don’t mind commuting to and from the mainland.

Which neighbourhood to live in?

Once you’ve decided on having a house in Nantucket, next you’ll determine in which neighbourhoods to search for property. For the most part, the island has a quiet and calm ambiance; in the town centre you’ll find historical buildings preserved to maintain the traditional essence of Nantucket.

The good thing about being based in the town centre is the proximity to amenities; most facilities are within easy reach.

Brant Point is an excellent neighbourhood to consider. Its main attractions are the many lighthouses and attractive beaches. Green lawns or waterfront porches punctuate many of the residences. The safe, peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal if you’re looking for a retirement home.

Other districts to look for a vacation home include Cisco, Dionis, Madaket and Miacomet. Consider issues that may be important to you in your search such as accessibility, transport links, local schools and more.

Return on investment

Many property investors consider the potential return on investment when purchasing real estate. A vacation home can be considered like an investment that you can sell in the future for a profit. Alternatively, you can rent out the property when you are not in town.

Nantucket is constantly growing and developing, and experts praise its active real estate scene. The prices are steady, with demand being high. It means you will not have a hard time entering or exiting this island’s property market.

Keep in mind the matter of taxation to have a clear and realistic picture of the market. Property owners pay 2% of their property price as a transfer fee to the Land Bank. As a first-time homeowner in Nantucket, you are exempt from paying this tax for the first $850,000.

Rules and regulations

Nantucket has strict regulations governing home ownership and construction. Your vacation home should stick to these rules to avoid problems with the local authorities. Find out about the colour codes and construction style before breaking ground or buying a house.

Summary

Nantucket is gradually taking its place as a top real estate investment hub. The vacation house market is one of the most lucrative, seeing that Nantucket is a leading tourism destination. The beautiful oceanic view, relaxed beaches and unique culture are among the things that attract visitors and incomers to the island.

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North Carolina solar: 3 things you should know

North Carolina solar: 3 things you should know

Is inflation driving you crazy? North Carolina residents expect a reasonable cost of living, but prices on everything from food to electricity and beyond are going up, up, up! If you’re looking for ways to save, you’re not alone… and you’re in luck.

Believe it or not, you can cut if not eliminate your electricity bill by tapping into natural North Carolina solar energy. You already love the warm sun that makes the Tarheel State paradise, so why not harness its full potential?

Keep reading to learn how it can help you save money, too.

1. There are North Carolina solar incentives

If you’re itching to go solar, North Carolina is an ideal state in which to live. There are several North Carolina solar incentives from the state government to help you afford a home energy system.

One awesome advantage of installing solar panels North Carolina residents love is higher property value. Yet, home-owners worry that value comes with raised taxes.

Lucky for them, North Carolina has a property tax abatement for solar electricity systems. That means you won’t pay taxes for the amount of property value added by installing solar panels.

Net metering is another state incentive. This policy lowers your electricity bill when your solar power system generates electricity you don’t use. The excess energy converts into a credit to your account.

If you’re a Duke Energy customer, you may qualify for a solar installation cash incentive from the company.

In some North Carolina counties and towns, as well as major cities like Asheville and Greensboro, solar panel installation comes with other rebates and credits. They vary across the state and may change, so it’s best to check in with your local government to take advantage.

2. Federal incentives help, too

The United States recently started making a concerted effort against climate change. It’s great news for planet Earth – but also for household energy needs and financial health. Throughout 2022, when installing solar panels, North Carolina residents and Americans throughout the country can receive a 26% federal tax credit.

Keep in mind that in 2023, the credit falls to 22%. In 2024 and beyond, only businesses get a 10% credit. Households will no longer get credits at that point, so make your move soon.

And don’t worry if the tax part sounds intimidating – many online services now offer free tax preparation to help homeowners claim their solar credits without the added stress or cost. It’s a smart way to make sure you don’t miss out on savings you rightfully deserve.

3. You’ll prepare yourself for North Carolina disasters

Coastal North Carolina is dreamy when it’s nice out, but there’s a trade-off. The whole state feels the impact of tropical storms that seem increasingly common every hurricane season.

Those who’ve lived through such rough weather are no strangers to blackouts that could last days. When your only source of electricity is the power grid, you’re lucky to have a generator. Even then, you have to be careful because gas generators emit toxic fumes.

When your main energy source is solar, North Carolina blackouts could be less harrowing. Even if your panels fail in severe weather, you can prepare by charging large batteries before storms and other disasters hit. Storing energy like that is cost-prohibitive on the electrical grid but is free when using solar power.

Clever facts and handy tips

These North Carolina solar facts will help you save on your electricity bills, prepare for disasters and lower your environmental impact.

With that worry off your mind, take some time to learn more helpful tips and facts on this site. Click on another of our great home and lifestyle articles to discover how to make more of your time and energy.

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Designer Desire: Pati

Mosaic of vintage Pati illustrations

Last week, we introduced you to the work of US illustrator, Pati. We have a couple of his (or her) vintage framed prints for sale.

As you can guess, even though we found many, many examples of their artwork, we couldn’t find ANYTHING about the artist. Hence the reason that we don’t even know if Pati is a man or a woman, so no artist’s portrait this week!

Their work was distributed by Soovia Janis Inc. in the 1960s and 70s, along with a couple of other artists doing similar illustrations; Margot Johnson and Jacque. Perhaps we’ll feature them some time in the future.

They include food and cocktail recipes, star signs and the like… all in a colourful, folksy, quirky style.

Recipes in the frame

Vintage Pati recipe prints distributed by Soovia Janis Inc. | H is for Home

We’ve got three of these original 1960s recipe artworks heading for the web shop this week. Aren’t they fabulous?

Vintage 'Gimlet' recipe print by Pati distributed by Soovia Janis Inc. | H is for Home

Each one has a recipe for a cocktail or dessert incorporated into a wonderful hand-decorated art illustration.

Vintage 'Strawberry Bombe' recipe print distributed by Pati for Soovia Janis Inc. | H is for Home

They’re the work of ‘Pati’ who produced them for Soovia Janis Inc of New York. They’re just three of a very large series of works. You’d do very well to track them all down. If you’re a complete-ist who can’t stand not having an entire set of something, tread carefully before you embark on collecting these… it might be a life-long quest!

Vintage 'Stinger' recipe print by Pati distributed by Soovia Janis Inc. | H is for Home

It might be worth it though as they’re so gorgeous. Imagine a wall full of these – what a riot of colour and swirls. Most people will make do with a smaller collection – or a single picture for that perfect spot in the kitchen, bar or dining area. Your choice might come down to which colour design suited your existing décor… or a favourite cocktail maybe. In fact, a whole row of cocktail recipes along a bar would look great… no stop, now we’re mentally making a collection. They’re supposed to be for sale. We haven’t got a bar anyway!

Label on the reverse of a vintage Pati recipe print | H is for Home

Each has their original painted wooden frames and labels to reverse – and measure 42cm x 22cm. They’ll be listed in the web shop soon. However, if you want first dibs as a reader of our blog, just send us a message. They’re £55 each or £140 for the three.