Rural Maple Valley Life-I Can’t Complain!

For years prior to our moving to here, one of my favorite escapes was to drive through rural Maple Valley on a sunny afternoon. I’d go past the Olson Mansion, with the Cascade foothills as a backdrop…through Hobart and the flat horse properties with new and turn of the century homes, cruise through Landsburg, past the Cedar River. I LOVED it!

I’m fortunate to have been able to move to rural Maple Valley back in 1994 when my husband and I purchased a home on a few acres. It was a fixer, but we liked the neighborhood and felt as if we had the best of both worlds; room to spread out but a neighborhood setting.

I personally believe acreage is a great investment. They aren’t making any more land, and as I say to my husband, “you can change a house, but you can’t add more property to it-usually!” If you’re thinking about buying a home on acreage there are a few things to consider:

• Are you interested in buying a “non-tract” property? (Meaning, no protective Covenants, no Home Owners Associations?) or would you prefer to have more of a neighborhood feel? There are several acreage neighborhoods in Maple Valley which do have CCR’s and HOA’s.
• What is the zoning? Most of the rural acreage in our area is now zoned 1 home per 5 acres. However just because you’re looking at a 10 acre piece, our friends at King County may still say it’s not able to be divided, yet. In other words, don’t count your money unti it’s a done deal.
• Is the property on a public water system, single well or community well? Is there a generator to provide power to the pump when there are power outages?
• Where is the septic system? What type of septic system is the house serviced by?
• What’s the heat source? A few of us are lucky enough to have natural gas to our homes even though we are on acreage. Other properties are served by propane tanks, oil heat or electricity.
• Don’t assume because there is a big flat grassy area, you’ll be able to erect that barn or shop you’ve longed for. Where is the septic system? Are there any wetlands in the area? What are the setbacks from the well?

While buying a home on acreage may be a bit more involved than say a newer home on a city lot, it shouldn’t be overwhelming. However you definitely should educate yourself so you know what you’re investing in. If you’re used to “city living”, you may need to make a few adjustment and changes but believe me, they are well worth it!

We’ve since moved from our first Maple Valley home, to another acreage property where I’m lucky enough to have Elk visit regularly, am able to see the hang gliders from Tiger Mountain and still be awed by the views over the Olson Mansion on my way home each night.

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser