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The Perfect Time For You
The housing market is continuing to shift as inventory levels rise and buyers gain more options. If your home search was put on pause these past few years, you’re not alone. Luckily for you, there are options. Today’s current market might be the perfect time for you to resume looking. Let us explain why.
Currently we are seeing an increase in homes for buyers to choose from. In addition to the increase in inventory many buyers are noticing that prices have begun to level off in many areas. Pair increased inventory and leveling prices with mortgage rates that have begun to ease, and today’s market is currently the one many have been waiting for.
Continue reading for the breakdown.
Increased Inventory
With more homes coming onto the market and months of inventory increasing, we’re moving away from the highly competitive seller’s market we’ve experienced over the past several years. Buyers now have more choices, additional time to make decisions, greater negotiating power, and less competition with other buyers. Allowing buyers a more enjoyable purchasing experience and the ability to truly find their perfect home. While well-priced homes are still selling, the increase in available inventory is creating a more balanced market. A balanced market offers opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Therefore, if you are selling, now more than ever it is of the utmost importance to have a trusted, professional realtor on your side. Your realtor can help position your property appropriately, be more strategic with pricing, and increase your homes presentation to stand out to get your home seen by potential buyers. Need a trusted realtor? Connect with us.
The Big Picture
The United States is experiencing more homes on the market compared to the same time last year. We know what you’re thinking. “Not every market is the same, and how does it compare to pre-covid numbers?”
In the South and the West inventory has fully recovered and in some places even surpassed pre-pandemic levels. However, supply remains tighter in much of the Northeast and Midwest where inventory is still below the historical normal. It is important to always discuss with your Realtor what the market looks like in your market.
More Choices Everywhere
Even with not every area fully recovered it is still a win for everyone. When you look at the bigger picture, inventory is up in every region. That means more choices everywhere, even though some areas have more homes for sale than others. With fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done.
What’s happening in your area might look different than the national or regional trend. It’s important to work with a local Realtor that can help you understand your market and positioning. If you previously paused your home search this could be the time to take another look.
Maybe you’re still not ready. Connecting with your trusted Realtor now can help you prepare your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you fill prepped when the right home does show up on the market.
Giving Back Together at YMCA Camp Casey
One of our favorite traditions at Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island and Windermere Property Management is participating in Windermere’s annual Community Service Day. Since 1984, Windermere agents and staff have dedicated a day each year to giving back. Together they have contributed more than one million volunteer hours to support local organizations and community projects. We’re proud to continue this longstanding tradition and invest in the communities where we live, work, and play. For 2026 we’re giving back together at YMCA Camp Casey.
This year:
This year, our Windermere Whidbey Island and Property Management teams spent the day volunteering at YMCA Camp Casey in Coupeville. We joined forces with Jake Carlson’s team to help tackle a variety of projects throughout the camp. Some of those projects included gardening, landscaping, and furniture building. It was incredibly rewarding to roll up our sleeves and contribute to maintaining a place that serves thousands of youths, families, and community members each year.
About YMCA Camp Casey:
YMCA Camp Casey has a rich history on Whidbey Island. The camp is located on the historic grounds of the former Fort Casey military reservation. It offers transformative outdoor education programs, youth camps, leadership development opportunities, and family retreats. With its stunning waterfront setting and diverse programming, Camp Casey provides a welcoming environment where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, and create lifelong memories. The work done by volunteers helps ensure the camp remains a safe, beautiful, and inspiring place for future generations to enjoy.
Collaboration didn’t stop there:
Our day was made even better thanks to the generous support of Global Credit Union Home Loans. They sponsored lunch for all the volunteers. Sharing a meal together gave everyone an opportunity to connect, recharge, and celebrate the progress we made throughout the day. We were thrilled to have Liz Carlson from Land Title and Escrow join us. Her willingness to jump right in and lend a hand exemplified the spirit of collaboration and community that makes events like Community Service Day so meaningful.
What it all means:
Being part of Community Service Day is a reminder of the difference we can make when we come together to support our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with organizations like YMCA Camp Casey and to be part of a company that believes in giving back. A heartfelt thank you to YMCA Camp Casey for welcoming us, to our community partners for their support, and to every volunteer who dedicated their time and energy. It’s an honor to be part of a tradition that strengthens our community. We look forward to continuing that commitment for years to come.
From our participants:
“What a great way to spend Eric and I’s 25th Community Service Day with Windermere.” -Aleshia Mitten, Co-Owner
“It was refreshing to see the Real Estate and Property Management departments of Windermere to come together to do a project for the community. I enjoyed every bit of getting dirt under my fingernails and bonding with everyone. What a great way to start the weekend.” -Adella Sanders, Property Manager
“I’ve truly enjoyed participating in our Community Service Day each year for the past 9 years and each experience reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of a company that truly values giving back to the communities we serve. This year, our team spent the day volunteering at YMCA Camp Casey. It was wonderful to spend time working alongside colleagues, helping with projects that will benefit a lot of families and visitors throughout the year. There is something incredibly rewarding about coming together, rolling up our sleeves, and knowing that our efforts are making a positive impact.” -Simona Groves, Broker
“It was a great day at Camp Casey! I am grateful that our team had the opportunity to connect with them and help wherever we could. I am also hopeful it is the start of a collaboration for many years to come.” -Andrew Hosford, Broker
Can you see yourself as part of this experience next year? Connect with us to talk about starting your Real Estate career today.
Whidbey Water Life
On Whidbey Island, boating isn’t just a hobby, it’s part of everyday life. It’s Whidbey water life. Surrounded by water on all sides, the island offers effortless access to some of the most beautiful and dynamic waterways in the Pacific Northwest. From the calm, protected waters of Penn Cove to the open stretches of Admiralty Inlet and Saratoga Passage, there’s always a reason to head out on the water.
The Marinas
One of the things that makes boating here so enjoyable is how well supported it is. Marinas in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and Langley serve as community hubs for boaters. The marinas offer things like convenient moorage, fuel docks, guest slips, and winter storage. Whether you’re heading out for a quick afternoon sail or planning a longer cruise through the Sound, everything you need is close by and easy to access.
The Services
Boat ownership on Whidbey also comes with a strong network of trusted marine services. Local professionals handle everything from routine engine maintenance and electrical work to bottom painting, fiberglass repairs, and scheduled haul-outs. With weather and tides that can change quickly, having skilled marine support right on the island makes it easier to keep vessels safe, seaworthy, and ready to go year-round.
The Whidbey Water Life
What we love most is how seamlessly boating fits into island life. One day you might be crabbing or fishing in Penn Cove, the next you’re sailing past beautiful shorelines with the Olympics in the distance. Even in the quieter winter months, there’s comfort in knowing your boat is cared for and waiting for the next calm day on the water.
It’s this connection to the water that defines life on Whidbey Island. It is here that homes, harbors, and horizons all feel linked. Boating here isn’t just something you do; it’s part of what makes this place feel like home. Ready to call Whidbey home? Let’s connect.
Photo By: Cynthia Woerner Photography
