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Finding Community on Whidbey Island
Moving to Whidbey Island offers more than just a change of scenery, it’s an invitation to join a warm and welcoming community. Getting involved in local groups and activities is one of the best ways to meet people, stay active, and feel at home quickly.
Here are some great places to start:
Join a Run Club or Outdoor Group
Staying active is easy with Whidbey Island’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Consider joining groups like the Whidbey Island Running Club or North Whidbey Hiking Enthusiasts, where you’ll not only get exercise but also connect with like-minded locals. Participating in group runs, hikes, or bike rides is a natural way to form friendships while exploring the island’s scenic landscapes.
Connect with Local Farmers Markets
Whidbey Island is known for its vibrant farmers markets, like the Bayview Farmers Market in Langley or the Coupeville Farmers Market. These markets offer more than fresh produce, they are community hubs with local artisans, farmers, and fellow residents. Grab a coffee, browse handmade crafts, and strike up conversations with friendly faces.
Explore Art and Craft Co-ops
If you have a passion for the arts, there is no doubt that you will love Whidbey Island’s creative community. Visit local co-ops like the Penn Cove Gallery in downtown Coupeville or the Whidbey Art Gallery downtown Langley, where you can meet local artists, attend workshops, or participate in art walks. Engaging in these creative spaces opens the door to new friendships and shared experiences.
Attend Festivals and Local Events
Whidbey Island’s calendar is packed with events that bring the community together. Don’t miss these annual favorites: the Whidbey Island Fair, Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival, or the Mystery Weekend in Langley. Attending these events is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, meet your neighbors, and create lasting memories.
Get Involved in Community Groups
Whether you are passionate about gardening, music, or volunteering, it is likely that there is a local group to join. Look into organizations like Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative for agricultural enthusiasts, Island Shakespeare Festival for theater lovers, or volunteer opportunities with Good Cheer Food Bank or Habitat for Humanity. Getting involved is a direct path to building meaningful connections on the island.
Make Whidbey Feel Like Home
The key to settling into a new community is active participation. Whether you are hiking with new friends, attending a lively market, or volunteering at a local event, the connections you make will turn Whidbey Island from a new place into a true home.
Ready to make Whidbey Island your home? Let’s connect.
Things to do Today to make you a Homeowner Tomorrow
As the gap between the cost of rent and the cost of a mortgage continues to close, we see an increasing number of renters interested in buying. But how can renters make the transition to owners?
The purpose of this article is to help renters implement three critical changes today to help them successfully purchase a home tomorrow. If implemented correctly, these changes will help renters overcome the feeling of never being able to purchase a home.
Start by talking with a local lender
Do your research. Find a trusted lender in the location you are planning to purchase your home. Why is it important to use a local lender? Each housing market is different depending on location. Despite the similarities in names, what might be happening in San Francisco may not be happening in San Antonio. It is important to talk to a lender that is not only familiar with but understands the current local market and can explain to you what it takes to become a first-time homeowner. Check out our full article here. Your trusted advisor can then look at your specific financial situation and make suggestions to help you navigate the local market, meet your specific needs, and discuss your available options. This conversation can help you build your timeline for when it is right for you to purchase. Having the right team of real estate and lending professionals on your side can help tremendously when planning for your first home. Together they can help you determine your goals, what you can afford, and help you get pre-approved when you are ready. Need help finding a lender? Click here.
Reduce your debt and build your credit
Your first step should be knowing your credit score and what it means. Check out this article here for more information on credit scores. According to the HUD, the average credit score of first-time homebuyers is 716. There are many online tools that can help you determine your credit score. If you don’t already know yours it would be advantageous for you to find out.
If you determine that your score is below 716, don’t freak out.
First, 716 is just an average which means that there are homeowners with credit scores both above and below that number. Knowing your score gives you a snapshot of how you are doing financially and helps you know how to adjust accordingly to reach your goals.
Second, there are numerous ways to increase your credit score BEFORE you apply for your home loan.
- HUD’s number one recommendation is to reduce your debt as much as possible. Start by reducing your current spending. This will not only help you have less debt, but it will also help you have more money to pay down your current debts. Start small, perhaps purchasing one less coffee a week or choosing water instead of the soda or martini. These small sacrifices now will add up to big wins later. We recommend TrueBill as an app that can help find hidden savings by canceling subscriptions you don’t use anymore or negotiating your existing subscriptions down. It can also help you develop and stick to a budget!
- Pay all your bills on time. Set up auto payments to avoid late payments.
- Use your credit card responsibly.
When you have your debt in a manageable place…
Start saving
It might already feel like you are barely making it. But it has been proven that setting aside even small amounts can make it possible for you to save for a down payment on a home over time. Having funds in savings is also taken into consideration when getting pre-approved for a home loan (See why getting pre-approved is imperative). You don’t always need a large down payment when buying a home but you will need a good house fund saved up for ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Many experts suggest using a hidden savings or a “sinking fund” when saving for your down payment. This is an “out of sight out of mind” savings account. Once money goes in you don’t take it back out till you are ready. Make sure you keep it separate from your emergency fund or your short-term savings for expenses. Set small attainable goals that make you feel accomplished rather than the large goal that might feel daunting and overwhelm you. Are you ready for the challenge?
See how long it takes the average person earning a medium-income in America to save for a down payment here.
In conclusion, get some professionals on your team by talking with a lender (ask your trusted Windermere Broker for recommendations) if you don't have an agent contact us here and we will get you connected, build credit, and start saving!
