Destination WhidbeyLangleyNeighborhoodsPlacesThings to Do on Whidbey September 27, 2021

Downtown Langley

On the southern side of Whidbey Island along the Saratoga Passage lies the lovely little town of Langley. With a population of just over 1,000, this quaint town is home to a creative culture and endless entertainment.

Established in 1891, Langley served as South Whidbey’s trading center for all types of goods with the wharf connecting Island merchants to Everett and Seattle. In the 60s and 70s, that same wharf brought in a wave of hippies who would forever shift the culture of South Whidbey. Although the Langley docks no longer see the traffic they once did, downtown is filled with remnants of the original trades-town married beautifully with the artistic culture of the mid-century hippies. 

Enjoy browsing the Star Store, grabbing a cup of coffee from Useless Bay Coffee Co., or watching a film at the Clyde Theater.

Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.

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Real Estate September 20, 2021

4 Online Resources That will Blow Your Mind!

…and help when buying vacant land on Whidbey Island.

ICGeo

This is a sophisticated GIS mapping tool for Island County that can show layers and layers of geographically specific data overlaid on a map. Just turn on the layers of data you are interested in and search till your heart is content!

Island County Public Portal

Use this tool to look up a parcel number or a street address to determine if there are any site registrations, septic permits, or septic as-builts done for the parcel. It will also disclose any permits a property has recently applied for and its status.

Groundwater Spatial Analysis Report

This tool analyzes the potential groundwater quality at any given spot on the island by grabbing the data on wells within 1/8 mile of the point you choose on the map (or the nearest 40 wells). It automatically generates a phenomenal report. Just submit the application and the report is emailed to you almost immediately.  This document will offer you more detailed information on what you get in the report

Washington Coastal Atlas Map

With the Shoreline Photo Viewer, you can compare what has happened to any stretch of shoreline over the last 50 years through photography! This tool uses 5 photo sessions capturing images of our shoreline all the way back to 1970. Even if you are not currently buying waterfront land this is a fun tool to compare what has happened to any section of our shoreline. There are even aerial photos from the 1940s. Check out the image below taken before Rolling Hills or Penn Cove Park were developed.

4 Online Resources That will Blow Your Mind!

To find more amazing tools at your disposal or to get help using these tools to find specific information you can call us, and we will connect you with one of our knowledgeable Windermere brokers. You don’t have to be actively selling or buying a home! We just love to help! Contact us here. 

Oak HarborReal Estate September 16, 2021

Is the Oak Harbor Housing Market Getting Squishy?

Written by: Kristen Stavros

16 September 2021

There is a general feeling amongst brokers that the Oak Harbor market has softened up just a bit. As Branch Manager and Co-owner of Windermere Whidbey Island I pay close attention to what my brokers are seeing and feeling out there in the market. When I begin to sense a theme I go to the numbers to see if they are telling the same story.

Is the Oak Harbor Housing Market Getting Squishy?

I’ll be really curious to see how these numbers change when we can add September data to them but I’m seeing the teensiest sign that there may be some easing.

For the first time all year, we’ve seen a dip in closed sales in August.

At the same time, new listings continue to rise every month.

Average days on market has plateaued.

Does this mean buyers can start getting homes for less $$$?

The answer is emphatically, NO. As you can see from the graphs below prices continue to climb, inventory is still at a record low, and homes are still moving off the market incredibly fast. This just means that instead of being up against 10 other buyers you now may be up against just 2-3 other qualified buyers. Instead of great homes going for up to 10-20% over list price, the good ones may just end up 5-8% over list. The pressure on buyers is still decidedly strong but the dial has been turned down ever so slightly.

Average Price Per Square Foot.

Months’ Supply of Homes (based on closed sales).

Average Days on Market.

Sellers still have a fantastic advantage in this market but things are changing weekly so we are encouraging sellers to not get too greedy or assured because doing so may mean you overprice the market, lose the opportunity to garner multiple offers out of the gate, and ultimately make less profit on your home.

Working with a smart and sophisticated listing agent has never been more important in the previous 3 years than it is RIGHT NOW. You need someone who is really going to take their time analyzing the market against your specific home before giving you pricing advice. Call us today to be connected with a market pricing expert!

This analysis focuses just on the Oak Harbor market but we have the same analysis going on for all of Whidbey Island! If you are interested in knowing more about any aspect of Whidbey Island real estate let us know and we are happy to share.

 

HomePlacesThings to Do on Whidbey September 15, 2021

Rainy Days: A Whole New Perspective

Do you find that these rainy days bring you down? Or do you find the excitement of your day “rained” on? We’ve made some suggestions below that may have you looking forward to the next rainy day we have on Whidbey Island!

Don’t worry, these activities cater to everyone. Give them a chance and you may find that you enjoy them. So, if you’re looking for a reason to unplug on a gloomy day, hopefully, one of these tips spark an interest.

(This includes those of us who still want to be in comfy clothes or wrapped in a warm blanket with a hot tea or coffee – something about gray skies brings out the cozy vibes for everyone.) 

Write!! A Blog, Article, Poem – anything!

Anyone that has social media or a business website can utilize a rainy day to get on producing content. Nevertheless, writing doesn’t need to be shared with anyone!

Write that poem or short story and get your creative energy flowing. Writing can be like braiding and twisting pieces of dialogue, action, conflict, and characters together to create a piece of art. 

Whether it’s a personal piece or an informative article, writing encourages creativity and critical thinking that’ll leave you feeling inspired.

Suddenly…despite the rain, you created a whole other world – or you’ve taken your own learned information and found a way to pass it along to others!

Don’t know where to start a blog or website?

Tidbit: Sites like Wix and Squarespace are super easy to set up to begin blogging!

Youtube, Instagram Live, Tiktok 

Not a writer? Maybe video/film is your way to share and interact. 

While these apps/sites seem like only pure entertainment and meant for confident extroverts, they’re actually more resourceful than we realize!

Catch up with your long-distance friends and family with a “Day In My Life” video or record a family recipe that everyone can’t stop asking you about. 

Even better…use these resources to promote your business! Make that video explaining your industry, showing off your product, or interacting with an Instagram live audience.

Go Local – Greenhouse & Plant Store

So you can’t exactly go on that view-worthy hike in this kind of weather – doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to bring that greenery home.

Here on Whidbey Island, we have many different places that’ll provide all sorts of plants and flowers.

Greenhouse Florist & Nursery

has everything from floral arrangements to beautiful sprouting plants. Looking to up-size a pot? They’ve got those too!

Mailliard’s Landing Nursery

provides the plants and flowers but also incorporates other plant needs like soil blends, tools, and bark. Want a plant but feel it needs something? Explore their pottery and home decor.

Let this rainy day be the time to bring in plants that’ll liven up your home.

Time For Self-Care

Rainy Days: A Whole New Perspective

Okay, you’re only interested in staying in your comfy clothes on a rainy day but no longer want to watch TV or scroll through social media.

Take the day and replenish yourself! Spend time on meditation either with a calming Spotify playlist or in complete silence (if you can shut out the rain). 

Check out our  Spotify playlists:

Cozy Corner

At-Home Workout

Use a face mask, moisturize and hydrate yourself. Use the time to rest while letting any worry or stress fade away for the meantime. 

Self-care doesn’t have to be spa or pampering-related. It’s all about doing what brings you peace and a sense of calm. 

Aka…sit back, and relax!

Need a little more guidance with your trip into self-care?

Tidbit: Read this Psychology Today article.

Get Artzy! Paint, Sketch, Maybe a little…wine?

Rainy Days: A Whole New Perspective

Not everyone has art materials lying around the house…but it’s certainly worth the rain for this one!

Gather any family and friends, bring a cocktail with your canvas, and paint anything. This isn’t a contest of skill, it’s one of lighthearted and possibly tipsy fun. 

Check out our  Spotify playlists:

Cocktail Party

Once all of the pieces are done – take a picture to share, and hang! If all the wine is gone…maybe hang them somewhere away from the eyes of guests but still where you can get a laugh and remember the good times.

Organize Your Life

Rainy Days: A Whole New Perspective

Do we all drag our feet thinking about the list of things that need to be done around the house? Rainy days seem to force us to come face-to-face with everything that has been pushed off. 

Of course, this doesn’t apply to those of us that truly thrive off of being organized. But then again, even you can find that errant task that can be done on days like these!

Check out our  Spotify playlists:

Cleaning Motivation

Coffee House Blend

Garage Rock 

Work From Home 

Have a calm morning with a hot coffee and get to the laundry and deep cleaning. Put away all the items that have been misplaced or strewn about. Don’t forget the best part…sitting in a newly cleaned and organized space!

Do you have clothes that you or your family haven’t worn in over a year? Time to bag them up and donate! 

Need a place to donate on Whidbey Island?

Tidbit: Habitat for Humanity 

It’s Raining?

The dreary grey skies may get you down every now and then – but you have these activities to fall back on! 

Once you’ve built these habits, a rainy day becomes a time to either enjoy rest or get on those pesky home tasks. 

Don’t forget to lean back on that old favorite rainy day activity if all else fails….movie marathons!

Things to Do on Whidbey September 14, 2021

Must Watch Movies and Shows Filmed on Whidbey

 

Destination WhidbeyNeighborhoodsOak HarborPlacesThings to Do on Whidbey September 13, 2021

Bowman Bay

Although not technically on Whidbey, Bowman Bay is a large part of our island’s local culture. This bay, which is located on the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass, has a rich history spanning back to the late 1800s. Originally a settlement to a large Samish village, the bay has since served several purposes including a military reserve and salmon hatchery. Download the CCC Scavenger Hunt for a fun way to learn some history! Between the charming old hatchery building, long dock stretching into the bay, boat launch, picnic shelters, playground, and scenic surrounding trails that provide unique views of the bridge itself, this park is one you do not want to miss! Learn more about Bowman Bay here.

Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.

 

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ClintonCoupevilleFreelandGreenbankHomeLangleyNeighborhoodsOak HarborReal Estate September 6, 2021

Staging a Home

Should You Stage Your Home?

Every home is changed by those who live in it even under the care of the most vigilant homeowners. Staging a home for sale is one tactic that may take the attention away from less than stellar paint, flooring, or kitchen cabinets and convince the buyer that they can make the property the home of their dreams. 

If you are preparing to put your home on the market, staging provides the advantage of appealing to the buyer audience. It is no longer a nice idea, but one of the most important things you can do when selling your home.

What is a Staged Home?

Staging a home is one possible step in preparing a property for sale in the housing market. It is primarily focused on the appearance of the home and making the space feel a specific way. Depending on the type of pieces brought into the space the staging can make the home feel lighter, larger, or more modern. 

Most staged homes include art, rugs, furniture, plants, and other decors.

Staging a home, Homes for sale Whidbey Island, Realtors on Whidbey, Windermere Real Estate, All in for you

Attract More Home Buyers

Properties headed to the market need to be presented in a way that is going to attract the most possible buyers. Staging a home allows buyers to picture themselves in that space. Inviting furnishings and decor, combined with subtle accessories distributed throughout the home pulls everything together to help produce higher-quality images of each space in the home.

It has also been proven that if the home is attractive in pictures buyers are much more likely to come and see it in person. The quality of online images directly affects a buyer’s interest in a home. 

Buyers confirm that they were more willing to walk through a home they saw online (41 percent), and buyers’ agents identified that staging would positively impact the home value if the home was decorated to the buyer’s taste (39 percent). 

Your first impression is your last impression, so make it count!

Tidbit: 

A 2021 National Association of Realtors study on home staging reported that 82% of buyer’s agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. 

Staging A home, Windermere Real Estate, Whidbey Island Homes for Sale, Sale with a Windermere Agent

Increase Home Sale Price

Ultimately the purpose of home staging is to set your listing apart from others on the market and yield higher offers. 

According to the National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Staging 2021 when staging a home, 23 percent of sellers’ agents reported an increase of one to five percent of the dollar value offered by buyers, in comparison to similar homes. 

Notably, none of the respondents in the above study reported that staging a home had a negative impact on the home’s dollar value.

It’s advantageous to keep in mind that home staging does put costs on the sellers’ agent or the seller depending on the scenario. The median dollar value spent when using a staging service was $1,500, compared to $300 when the sellers’ agent personally staged the home.

Tidbit:

The most common rooms that were staged included the living room (90 percent), kitchen (80 percent), master bedroom (78 percent), and dining room (69 percent).

Staging a home, Whidbey island Living, Sale your home, WhidbeyIsland Homes for sale, Sale with Windermere

In conclusion…

By creating space that buyers fall in love with, sellers can expect offers of higher quantity and quality. Get in touch with one of our agents today.