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Working From Your Remote Whidbey Home
Ah. That’s better. Pardon me as I settle into my favorite chair in the living room with a view of the water. What was the question again? Why work from home? Especially why work from home on Whidbey Island? Even without a view, it can be worth it. Besides, if you’ve bought a house, why not use it? #WorkFromHome is more than a hashtag. Hmm. Maybe it is time to freshen my cup of tea.
Working from home
Working from home existed before Covid. People specifically moved to Whidbey to get away from the traffic of The Big City. They saved hours every workday in changing a commute from something that involved a few thousand pounds of vehicle for whatever fuzzy slippers weigh and cost. They saved money by making breakfast, lunch, and coffee in their kitchen. Looking up from a desk or a computer doesn’t end at a cubicle wall. Depending on the place, it can be the water, a forest, or maybe even mountains. If their house doesn’t have a view, it’s probably a short walk or drive.
None of that is news. But, the pandemic proved the value of staying home to work. It doesn’t work for everyone. People who make things might still have to go to a factory, assembly plant, or construction site. Office workers with the right company and conditions can operate as long as they have a good internet connection. To Microsoft’s, Google’s, and Apple’s chagrin, Zoom has become the new verb and noun for meeting online because meeting online has become so common. People in offices might be meeting online for global coordination’s. Why not meet from home? Put up an artificial background, and a spare bedroom can look like a penthouse apartment that has a view.
High-speed internet opened a pipeline that allowed #WorkAnywhere, not just #WorkFromHome.
That’s not news specific to Whidbey. Of course, that’s part of the point.
Working from your remote Whidbey home
Another enabler has been commercial flights from the mainland. For years, some islanders have commuted to job sites and client visits anywhere in the world with access to a good enough airport. They had to manage Seattle traffic. Now, flying from Bellingham or Everett negates the need for downtown traffic. Get a ride on the airport shuttle, and you don’t even have to worry about driving or parking. Remember that Amtrak runs by the island, too. Catch a couple of ferries and be in Canada.
Whidbey isn’t as isolated as it was, and yet, it is remote enough to be quieter, slower, and more relaxed. Sure, we get sirens, but probably not as many as in some mainland neighborhoods.
The thanks to the enablers don’t stop there. Delivery services like USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc. mean supplies get delivered to your house, and things you need to send have options for how to get there, wherever there is.
Working from home can have its limits. The island does have business centers with their high-capacity printers and some supplies. That trip may require a drive, but the traffic should be more manageable. Also, keep in mind the services available from our libraries. Sno-isle Libraries can fill in gaps thanks to their high-speed internet, printers, meeting rooms (check for rules and schedules), and generally quiet meeting places.
Speaking of meeting places, particularly ones that are more commercial, be glad the island has so many coffee shops. Some even come with meeting spaces to rent for more commercial meetings, privacy, or solitude. And, of course, coffee. Maybe even tea and juice. The concept of working from coffeeshops is common enough that buying a cup of your favorite beverage can be like renting a table for a while. They’re running a business, too, so enjoy the expertise of the barista, the indulgence of good baked goods, and the fact that someone else will do the dishes. Start with breakfast or stay through lunch or dinner and remove those distractions. Or, skip the coffee and meet and work over a glass of beer or wine, and maybe a late day meal.
Check around. Enough people are working from home, or at least from the island, that co workspaces have popped up. They tend to provide some office services, and can be great places for networking and collaborations.
Got a bigger event?
The island is known for hosting seminars and conferences. Rent a space and find that attendees might prefer traveling to an island instead of a generic hotel backroom by some airport. Some sites are even listed as retreats, and retreating can be just what a group needs. Who knows? Maybe they’ll like Whidbey enough to make it a more frequent destination. Maybe they’ll even move here. Bring them to you.
The island isn’t a workers’ utopia.
It will work for some but not for all. Whidbey is Whidbey, which means stories about the bridge, ferries, power outages, and other island quirks. But then, no place is perfect.
In the meantime, boats and whales are cruising by. Calls from our varied wildlife outcompetes our occasional sirens and rare horn honking’s. Ah, there’s the sunshine. OK. Time to take a break for another cup of something, and time to quit looking down at a computer and look up to see if there’s a rainbow. And, there’s that delivery I’m waiting for. Maybe some exercising and stretching. That explains the sweats. Oh yeah, and there’s making a dinner that benefits from more preparation than hitting Start on the microwave. Work? Yes. But life is more than just that. Might as well live where you want to live, and fit work in around that.
If you’d like to brainstorm your ideas about working from Whidbey with some local expertise let us know and we will connect you!
A Bit of Island Airplane History
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) was born suddenly. Before World War II, the U.S. Navy knew it needed a base for its patrol planes, one part of the defense of the northwest corner of the 48 states. The attack on Pearl Harbor energized action. Within a few months, construction had begun. Since then, the base has had a history of adaptation and change. Follow along for a bit of island airplane history.
Flat farmlands were turned into airfields
Space was found and made for seaplanes. Land-based and sea-based planes had found homes. In 1943, OutLying Field (OLF) was born from the need for an auxiliary airfield.
Patrols guarded the entry to the area. Naval gun crews trained on the island.
Seaplanes excelled at long, slow cruises over the ocean looking for – anything. There’s a lot of empty ocean to our west, and there weren’t satellites to show us what was out there. Ships helped, but planes could cover more territory. The PBYs could also stay up for a day searching for other planes, ships, subs, and sailors in need of rescue.
The need for change
World War One proved the need for projected air power, a technology that was changing rapidly. Training was a constant requirement. Flying was still a relatively new thing. The Navy needed lots of pilots, and as airplanes changed, the pilots had to change too.
Aircraft carriers were a new thing, too. That meant more training. They’d used the Great Lakes, but that was rather far from the coast.
Carriers carried fighters, smaller airplanes that were fast, rugged, and capable enough for combat, but that also had to take off and land from a floating sheet of metal and wood. Give an airplane a long enough runway, enough power, and eventually, it will probably fly. Carrier planes didn’t and don’t have that luxury. The end of the world was visible from their cockpits. That training took guts, but it was too much to ask for them to practice at sea. Practicing with a runway on land allowed for a margin of error.
Those planes were props, propellor-driven airplanes that were noisy (it was a war) and new. A decade or two earlier, airplanes were more likely to be biplanes made from fabric stretched across wood frames. The original engines were much smaller, too. A new class of pilots had to learn the latest technologies and how to operate in the new environment that was a carrier at sea in a war.
Whidbey before World War II
Before World War II, Island County’s population was about 6,100. That was all of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. That changed. Service members were assigned here. Businesses and families grew. The location couldn’t be ignored.
After World War II
After the war, many stayed or moved back when they could.
The Navy’s needs increased. War remained, including the Cold War. Fliers still needed to be trained, or retrained. Sometimes, the retraining was because the airplanes’ changes were radical: faster, heavier, more capable. Welcome the jets.
Jets
Jets were being developed during the war, but it took years before jets became viable solutions for the Navy. The carriers were bigger, but the takeoff requirements were tougher. Flying from a deck was never easy.
The tight turning maneuverability of prop planes became less important than the speed of jets. And the jets just kept getting faster. It wasn’t until the mid-50s that A-3D jets began to fly in and out of the Navy’s Whidbey Island facilities. The A-6s were introduced in the mid-60s. The EA-18G began to arrive in 2009. Planes could finally go supersonic and could even accelerate while going straight up. Thrust!
Throughout, propeller-driven patrol planes like the P-2 and P-3 operated and remained on watch. It wasn’t until 2012 that the patrols went to jets with the P-8.
Helicopters were added, something that local rescues benefited from.
The missions changed
Dogfighting wasn’t as important as missiles and electronics. Wait a few years, and the missiles were targeting other missiles in enemy missile systems. Electronic cat and mouse is an understatement for the new fight.
And there are undoubtedly new missions civilians won’t know about. That’s the nature of security.
Welcome the drones. They’re harder to notice, on purpose. Their operators have training and operational needs, but they may be less dependent on places like OLF. Vehicle hardware and software upgrades can happen elsewhere. But drones don’t work alone, or at least don’t have to. Operations can involve several kinds of vehicles with several sub-missions. That coordination takes practice, too.
Whidbey grew
Things have grown. In 1940, Island County (Whidbey plus Camano) had about 6,100 residents. Whidbey alone has over 67,000 now, more than eleven times the population of the County back then. Currently there are about 11,000 personnel associated with NASWI, almost twice that original population. They, and our allies’ pilots who also train here, mean the base is busy. Finding room for everyone has become more of an issue. Both people and planes are taking up more space. There are overlaps. There are adjustments.
The U. S. Navy’s presence has been one of responding to needs and requirements for almost a century. What’s next? At this pace of change in the world, guessing what’s next may be like trying to imagine a supersonic jet from the viewpoint of a grassy strip after the war to end all wars.
There’s more to the story. There always is. If you are interested in digging deeper follow these links to fill out how we got here.
- HistoryLink.org – Island County — Thumbnail History
- U.S. Navy – NAS Whidbey Island History
- National Bureau of Economic Research – Census U.S. Decennial County Population Data, 1900-1990
If you are considering a move to Whidbey Island or are getting relocated to NAS Whidbey make a connection with us here, not only to help you find your home but also to learn about life on Whidbey.
Maximizing Your Purchasing Potential
When it comes to purchasing a home, understanding your buying power and strategically taking steps to enhance your position are key to maximizing your purchasing potential. Beyond just envisioning your dream home, it is crucial to recognize the numerical factors lenders consider when approving you for a mortgage. By strengthening the following key areas, you can elevate your financial standing and position and find success in a competitive housing market.
Strategies to Maximize Your Purchasing Potential
First and foremost, give yourself time to prepare. Change will not happen overnight. Be patient and give yourself grace. Create a list of attainable goals and make consistent efforts to reach them. Over time, you will see the difference. We suggest talking to a lender as soon as possible so they can help identify specific key areas unique to you. Overall, you can increase your buying power by preparing for a down payment, increasing your credit score, and reducing your debit-to-income ratio.
Prepare for a Down Payment
Before 1956, down payments needed to be 20% of the home’s sale price. In 1956, banks adjusted their regulations, permitting homebuyers to make down payments of less than 20%. There was a crucial condition attached to this change. Those who used this option would be required to make an extra monthly payment called private mortgage insurance (PMI). Essentially, PMI serves as a safeguard for the bank in case of default by the borrower. While 20% is not a requirement today, in fact, there are loan options as low as 0 down, there are significant advantages to putting 20% or more down.
Putting 20% down eliminates the requirement for the PMI fee, keeping more money in your pockets. Even more so, making a down payment of 20% or more distinguishes your offer. Doing so, makes it more attractive to sellers and potentially enables you to secure a reduced interest rate for your mortgage through negotiation.
Finally, the more money you put down upfront reduces your monthly mortgage payment and the overall amount of interest you will pay. This keeps even more money in your pocket.
Set aside funds each paycheck
Consider saving by earmarking a portion of each paycheck to bolster your down payment fund. You can steadily accumulate funds over time by setting a clear savings goal and allocating a consistent amount from each pay period. If you prefer a more structured approach, consider opening a separate savings account dedicated solely to your down payment savings. Sometimes, you yield higher interest rates with a savings account.
Explore alternative avenues to boost your income
If you have skills or interests beyond your primary job, consider seeking part-time or freelance opportunities to generate additional revenue. You can expedite your journey toward homeownership by channeling this extra income directly into your down payment fund.
Review your current spending habits
Commit to reducing excessive spending. Perhaps commit to one less meal out a week, make your coffee at home instead of from the coffee shop, or skip out on the big vacation this year to increase your down payment. Consider using one of the many money management apps like Rocket Money to help you with your spending and saving goals.
Increase Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a factor considered when applying for a mortgage. A higher credit score maximizes your purchasing potential by potentially reducing your interest rate. The lower your rate, the more purchasing power you have.
To boost your credit score, prioritize paying down outstanding balances on your credit cards. Prioritize those with high-interest rates. Avoid opening unnecessary new lines of credit and steer clear of significant purchases leading up to the period when you’re ready to make a home offer. Remember that student loans also affect your financial profile, so consistently making payments will enhance your overall credibility with lenders.
Reduce Your Debit-To-Income Ratio
Lenders not only look at your creditworthiness, but they also consider your debt-to-income ratio. How much money do you owe vs. how much you make. This is important because you must be able to afford the home you are buying, pay off your current debts, and have enough money for day-to-day living.
The front-end ratio
Lenders assess your ability to repay a mortgage by examining your housing ratio. This ratio represents the percentage of your monthly gross income that will be allocated to your mortgage payment. It is calculated by dividing your monthly mortgage payment by your monthly gross income. A higher ratio indicates a greater risk of default.
The back-end ratio
The back-end ratio plays a crucial role in assessing your financial health. It gauges the percentage of your monthly income allocated to debt repayment. Included in this calculation is mortgage payments, credit card bills, student loans, and other loan obligations. It is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt expenses by your gross monthly income. This ratio offers insight into your ability to manage debt responsibly and affects your loan eligibility.
Increasing your credit score, reducing credit card balances, and making regular, on-time payments toward your loans contribute to lowering your overall debt while enhancing your debt-to-income ratios. This positive financial behavior demonstrates your ability to manage debt responsibly. In turn, it strengthens your financial position and enhances your buying power.
These key factors are not the only aspects of purchasing a home but they play a significant role. We strongly suggest speaking to a trusted lender early on to get specific recommendations based on your unique financial situation. Remember, increasing your buying power is a lengthy process. Having a specific strategy is key to staying on track. Make an attainable plan so that when your dream home comes along, you are in the best financial position to make it your reality.
Connect with us to get the conversation started.
Tides around Whidbey
Find someone about six feet tall, then imagine another six-foot-tall friend standing on their head, not their shoulders but their head. Tricky but illustrative. They’d still have to hold their breath if they stood at the low tide line. The tides around Whidbey Island can rise and fall about twelve feet. That’s a lot of water. About twice a day, the Pacific Ocean flows into Puget Sound and flows back out. And yet, it usually happens quietly.
Why do Tides happen?
The moon and the sun pull Earth’s waters around the planet. The land gets in the way. Depending on the shape of the shore and the land underwater, the water piles up and drains. In Puget Sound that’s filling a basin 100 miles long across an area of about 1,000 square miles. It all has to flow past Whidbey. Imagine the traffic jam.
Where does all the water go?
Most of the water flows past the west side of the island. Admiralty Inlet is miles across. Some goes through Deception Pass, which is much smaller, and hence the currents are much higher. Particularly at the Pass, but throughout Puget Sound, we can get white water conditions as currents scour geography, continuing the carving of the rocks and the gravels that define Whidbey’s shape. Swimmers, divers, and kayakers beware.
The currents are noticeable, but islanders are more aware of the tides. Sandy beaches can have shallow and long tidelands. Penn Cove, Dugualla Bay, Useless Bay are a few of the beaches where it can be a long walk from the high tide line out to the low tide line. Cultus Bay drains out so far that any crabs wanting to stay wet have a mile-long commute.
Where some see a lot of grey sand, birders and kids, clammers and beachcombers can find plenty to watch, play with, and harvest. Look up and watch eagles duel with osprey over fish. Long-legged heron may define the shelf before the drop-off to the Sounds’ incredible depths.
What should people be aware of?
Boaters may find themselves checking their charts for hazards, or rapidly retreating from the sound of something scraping their boat’s hull. Often enough, some boat will anchor at high tide, then find it tipping over as the water recedes. That’s one way to wake up. Fisherfolk may want to check on the depths they’re casting to. Crab pots need to stay submerged. Beach walks can be interrupted by a returning tide even trapping unassuming walkers in the worst scenarios.
Anyone setting foot out there should check whether they’ll be trying to walk on firm sand, something a bit squishier, and unfortunately, occasionally needing to be extracted from shoe-sucking muck before the tide comes back in. There are many stories of unaware tourists or newcomers getting stuck in an almost quicksand like muck. No one has lost their lives but plenty of flip-flops and shoes have been lost.
Homeowners have another perspective. Waterfront properties are considered premium, for good reason. Unobstructed views of the water and its wildlife are sweet. Being able to launch a boat from the beach can be convenient. Posting sunset or sunrise photos can make an impressive photo gallery on social media.
Homeowners pay for the privilege. Depending on their local geology, they may have to deal with seawalls, maintaining a slope, even accessing the beach in some cases can be difficult to impossible. Low-bank waterfront lots will get you to the waves a lot faster but uncomfortably so, for some.
Tides don’t always act the same way every day.
Every year there are tides that are higher and lower than normal. Near the New Year, there will be King Tides, tides that are higher than normal because of the relative position of the moon and the Earth’s tilt. Take photos, if you can. Scientists are trying to better understand how better to predict the time, size, and impact of the King Tides. They even have instructions about what to include in the photo to make it useful as data.
Storms happen, too. Storms usually happen with lower air pressure zones. Low pressure literally means less air pressure pushing down on the water. It seems like it wouldn’t have much of an effect, but check the Weather Channel’s commentary whenever an ocean storm is hitting land.
Put those last two things together and a storm surge during a King Tide can be impressive, and something to respect. Look at some of the driftwood logs that seem so far back from the waves. There’s a good chance some storm set them there. That’s a good time to be somewhere safer.
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has compiled data and produced maps for the nation’s coastlines because floods and storms happen. If you’re interested in a particular address or neighborhood, you can zoom in to see what the officials expect. Some areas have surprising results because some Whidbey land was wet but is now dry thanks to dikes. Bayview, which doesn’t have a view of a bay, once was an inland harbor.
Nature is wild, by nature. Waterfront views are wonderful, but that wonder takes a bit of effort to live beside responsibly. There is one solution to waterfront views that are more care-free: make sure it is fresh water. Lakeside houses don’t have to deal with tides. Their waters aren’t as dynamic, but can be equally peaceful. You just lose the bragging rights of owning something that touches the Pacific Ocean.
With so many options and such a variety of things to consider you need a shoreline and local real estate expert to navigate a purchase with confidence. Call us today and after we ask you a number of questions about your specific needs and goals we will match you with the perfect professional to guide the way!
If you are considering moving to a waterfront property, talk to your agent about how tides might affect your property. Don’t have an agent? Connect with us.
