Detached houses in the Village make up the heart of the island market. Lots are small and streets are close, so the details that separate one house from another matter a great deal.
- What defines it
- Detached homes on compact lots, from older cottages to newer construction.
- Typical properties
- Single-family houses in a range of ages and sizes, including rebuilt and remodeled homes.
- Where you find them
- Throughout the Village, within a short walk or ride of Orange Avenue.
- An agent checks
- Lot size, setbacks, remodel permits, parking and the age of major systems.
How an agent values one
A sound valuation compares houses by size, lot, condition, quality of finishes and how close they are to the same block. Two homes a street apart can sit in different value ranges, which is why island-wide averages are not much help.
What gets checked
- Lot and setbacks. These shape what could be added or rebuilt, so confirm with the City before you count on it.
- Permits. Confirm that remodels and additions were permitted.
- Systems. Roof, plumbing, electrical and heating and cooling in older houses.
Marketing
Buyers weigh walkability, light, layout and outdoor space. Good presentation of the yard and indoor-outdoor flow tends to matter here.
For sellers
Prepare disclosures and permit records early, and consider a pre-listing inspection so surprises come up before an offer, not after.
For buyers
Be ready with financing and be clear on what you would change. Ask what improvements were made and by whom.
Other home types
- Historic Cottages and Victorians — Older homes with character, and the permit and preservation questions that come with them.
- Oceanfront Condominiums — High-rise living on the sand, where the association matters as much as the unit.
- Waterfront and Boat-Dock Homes — Homes with water at the back door, where the dock and seawall are part of the deal.
- Townhomes and Village Condominiums — Low-maintenance homes near Orange Avenue, and what buyers should learn about the association.
- Single-Story and Mid-Century Homes — Ranch-style and mid-century homes, many updated, in the quieter northwest of the island.
General information only. Boundaries are informal and details change, so confirm specifics for any property you consider.