4 Things Aspiring Island Owners Don’t Know

Billy Milliken is both the Broker/Owner of Bold Coast Properties and the long-time owner of Duck Ledges Island in Addison, Maine. Accordingly, he has a unique 3 prong perspective on island ownership: as a buyer , seller and listing agent.

Often, curious folk like the idea of remote island living but don’t really understand what is involved. Island brokers must have patience. Intrigued but clueless lookie-loos abound.

Thus, Billy exclusively gave Maineterrain.com his Top 4 list of things aspiring Maine island dwellers do not know about island life.

1. Tides impact your movements.  New buyers don’t realize the significance of the shifting tides. “If you are coming or going and plan to leave your boat by the shore, make sure it’s flood tide… It won’t happen twice…” 
2. Winter solitude. Even if buyers are used to Maine winters, island winters involve serious isolation. “If you try to live alone on one through the winter, you’re going to die…. You’ll slip and fall and yell for help but nobody will hear you..” Billy is not one to mince words.
3. Planning skills required.  Remote island living in Maine requires a high level of planning. Island dwellers do not quickly run to the store. Trips & purchases must be planned out carefully and executed well. “Become a good planner, a trip to the store may be tide dependent or even worse for a forgotten gallon of milk.” 
4. Unexpected visitors. Island life may seem like getting away. However, Maine islands are often shared with maritime workers. “Commercial harvesters have rights to be in the intertidal zone (you own to the low water mark but the intertidal zone is subject to some rights to the public).  You might have a visit from a friendly clam digger or wrinkle gatherer. ” 

Billy is deeply rooted in Downeast Maine, the 6th great-grandson of the first English Settler of Jonesport, Billy is actively involved in local politics and serves the community in a number of positions. His real estate career began in 1988, closely working with his grandfather who started the firm in 1965. Billy is totally focused on his clients making a fully informed decision and provides a local perspective newcomers to the region should know. Billy also advocates for commercial fishermen and public access to the shore. Billy is an expert in local zoning and can help you navigate complexities that emerge when buying or selling.

Although today, Billy’s full-time real estate business requires most of his time, he enjoys moonlighting occasionally as a herring fisherman (a nighttime activity) and holds a recreational lobster license. An avid outdoorsman, Billy’s other interests include golf as well as a variety of seasonal outdoor recreation and he has coached little league for several years. Billy resides in Jonesport, has three children and two grandchildren.

source: Bold Coast Properties