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Home • Real Estate • March 21, 2022

Best ways to increase curb appeal for under $100 this spring

by Windermere Whidbey Island

Even in the hottest seller’s market Whidbey Island has ever seen, it’s obvious that curb appeal is still fetching top dollar. In fact, now more than ever a phenomenal home that is attractively presented is able to create such a stir that buyers are battling over who will get it. If you are selling soon don’t skimp on the power of curb appeal, the return on a small investment of time, elbow grease, and new plants will never be higher! We’ve prepared a list of 6 ways to increase your curb appeal and sell for top dollar. Don’t leave anything on the table in this market!

Perhaps you are not planning to sell… these tips will help you fall in love with your space that much more without breaking the bank. So, keep reading.

 

1.       Mailliard’s Landing Nursery plants!

 

A manicured lawn, established trees, shrubs, and plants are all obvious ways to increase your home’s curb appeal but adding some seasonal flowers for a pop of color or replacing anything that’s looking a little scraggly and old is the all-important icing on the cake!

During the month of April, Windermere Whidbey Island partners with Mailliard’s Landing Nursery to offer you 20% off your purchase of plants when you present our Mailliard’s offer card. Don’t have this card but want one? Email us your address and let us know you want the Mailliards card and we will pop it in the mail for you. Eager to get it sooner? Just stop by our office and pick one up.

*Expert-tip: start small with a few fast-growing trees like these top picks!

Crape Myrtle

Emerald Green Arborvitae

Prairie Crabapple

Dawn Redwood

Paper Birch

Sargent Cherry

Leyland Cypress

In addition to being fast-growing these trees need little maintenance, just water them regularly and fertilize them in the spring and fall. Doing so will not only increase your home’s curb appeal but will also, increase your property value, reduce your utility bill, improve air quality, and even reduce your stress.

2.       Paint the front door!

Give your entrance a huge boost with a fresh new look. A gallon of exterior paint costs roughly $35 – $50 dollars and is an instant way to make your home stand out! It is ok to go bold here just be careful to make sure it accentuates the rest of your home.

 

Before you start, ensure that the door is properly prepped for painting to get the best results that will last for years to come.

 

We love before and after pics of front door refreshes! When you’re finished post a pic to your social and tag us so we can see what you’ve done!

Instagram: @windermere_whidbey_island

Facebook: @WindermereWhidbeyIsland

 

3.       Pressure wash!

Cleaning out not just the front entrance but a quick wash for the entire house to make it look fresh and well cared for. This includes your driveway, walkways, fences, gutters, siding, garage doors, and patio furniture. Living in the Pacific Northwest means mold, moss, and just general organic growth can cover most surfaces. What may be almost imperceptible to the naked eye will still look freshened up with a good scrub. If you don’t have a pressure washer you can rent one here.  Don’t forget to always start on the lowest pressure to prevent damage to your surfaces. *Pro-tip: move from top to bottom and out towards the street.

4.       Define your yard’s entry.

 

If your walkway starts at the street, make it a grand entrance to make your guests feel welcomed and invited. A good way to create this feeling is by decorating your entrance with planters, a fence, pavers, gravel, or solar path lighting.  Remember to request your 20% off at Mailliard’s Landing Nursery card so you can get plants to fill the planter boxes.

 

5.       Replace your mailbox

 

If your mailbox is old, dented, or rusty and a little cleaning doesn’t do the trick, purchase a new one some of them are as little as $20! If you are moving the placement, make sure you are following regulations. You can find them here at the United States Post Office website.

 

6.       Clean or update your house numbers and lighting

 

Do something chic with your house number. Make sure the numbers are visible from the street and that they add to the appeal of your home. Get creative, put them on planters by your new grand entrance or add a succulent planter box at your front door and display your number across the front. Let your creativity flow. Post a picture to your social when you are done and tag us in it. We would love to see your finished product!

Instagram: @windermere_whidbey_island

Facebook: @WindermereWhidbeyIsland

 

If you are considering buying or selling and would like to dive deeper into this subject we would be happy to schedule a consult with you at your home to show you even more low-cost tricks and tips for maximizing your sale price! Call us today at 360.675.5953.

Coupeville • Places • Things to Do on Whidbey • January 10, 2022

The Price Sculpture Forest

by Windermere Whidbey Island
the Sculpture Park

After purchasing 15.1 acres in 2008 conservationist Scott Price and his family decided to develop their home elsewhere. After doing so they journeyed down a long road of determining what to do with the property before concluding a sanctuary where art and nature entangle as one. After years of dedicated time and development, they unveiled The Price Sculpture Forest to visitors on October 23, 2020.

Initially…

the community’s solution to the Prices issue was to clear cut the forest to create clear views of Penn Cove and Mount Baker then subdivide it for residential development. Price’s inner conscious could not allow that to happen. Price had other plans. Price wanted to conserve the property and protect it for years to come. While it would be a challenging road ahead Price rolled up his sleeves and got to work. After reaching out to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust who reached out to the US Navy to aid in preserving the property a creative plan had begun to make Price’s dreams a reality. Price purchased two smaller adjacent parcels bringing the total property to 16.3 acres.

The solution…

The Price Sculpture Forest. A place where visitors are welcomed to the property to experience a magical place where nature and art entangle as one. As you walk down the trails you encounter art exhibits, many of which play on the existing natural habitat. A prime example is Nature’s Keystone by Anthony Heinz May who used a fallen tree and cut up bits of one end into square blocks designing the fallen tree to look like a living masterpiece exploding right out of nature. Turn another corner and come face-to-face with Tyrannosaurus Rex a driftwood masterpiece by Joe Treat that might catch you off guard.

Feel in awe as you walk beneath the Flying Fish by Daniella Rubinovitz and wonder how they got the incredible piece of work up there.

The best part of the journey is that the park is still growing. You might find yourself lucky enough to meet an artist on your trip like we did.

Visitors and residents alike find continued joy from Prices’ selfless act as they return to the sanctuary to be close to nature and enjoy the local art exhibits. This is just one of the many gems that make Whidbey Island such a unique and wonderful place to live. If you enjoy this you might also enjoy visiting the Earth Sanctuary between Freeland and Langley.

Coupeville • Destination Whidbey • Things to Do on Whidbey • December 6, 2021

Ebey’s Landing

by Windermere Whidbey Island
Ebey's Landing

In 1850, local history was made on the shores of Whidbey Island when Isaac Ebey landed on a rocky westside beach and became the first official white settler on the island. With an entire island to choose from, Ebey couldn’t have done much better than the pristine pastureland of what is now known as Ebey’s Landing. This brilliant landscape is situated right at the southwestern side of Coupeville and features breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountain range. The landing’s soft rolling hills blanketed in rich soil—perfect for cultivating crops—was this area’s true draw to its original settler. Today this landscape remains largely unchanged from the early days of settlers thanks to Ebey’s Landing Reserve. It’s the perfect place for a long walk to get lost in the life of the past.

 

Email for more

Things to Do on Whidbey • September 14, 2021

Must Watch Movies and Shows Filmed on Whidbey

by Windermere Whidbey Island
Must watch movies and shows filmed on Whidbey

 

Clinton • Coupeville • Freeland • Greenbank • Langley • Neighborhoods • Oak Harbor • Places • Things to Do on Whidbey • June 14, 2021

What is Your Go-to for Managing Stress Since the Pandemic?

by Windermere Whidbey Island
What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? Yoga, Ebeys Landing, Whidbey Island, Washington, stress relief

For some, it might be a nice glass of wine from Vails Wine Shop in Coupeville in the evening. Perhaps calming music, a soak in a deep tub with bubbles, or a good book. But for many, it is turning to nature. While there are various ways to find peace, internal healing, and reduce the stress our bodies are managing these days, nature seems to have a way of calming our nerves and clearing our minds.  This makes Whidbey Island the perfect retreat for the Zen you have been yearning for and if you are lucky to live here, it’s right out your door!

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? Wine, Book , Bath

Many people find comfort along the water’s edge where they rest atop beached driftwood. Some sit on a hillside looking as far as their eyes can take them to let the bustle of their busy mind get lost in the view. Others like to stroll along West Beach while listening to the sound of the waves crashing in then receding across the pebbles. It is important to take into consideration the tide heights for these beach walks. Low tide offers the best option, but you don’t want to get caught by an incoming high tide. Check out this site to know before you go.

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic?

Many people run the trails at Ebey’s Landing. They get their hearts pumping as they persist along the cliffside hugging the edge with each step until they finally have come far enough to see the geological and ocean anomaly: Perego’s Lagoon. It is at that moment their bodies release all tension. They find themselves in awe of a view they did not think could get any better. The realization sets in that the view is a moment in time made only for them as a congratulatory nod from mother nature for making it to the top. Suddenly they have the stamina to continue and can make the journey down the hillside. You can get a pdf of the entire trail system at Ebey’s Landing here to keep you from getting lost in the maze.

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? ebeys landing, trails, Coupeville, Washington

Perhaps for you, a yoga mat in a grassy patch at Fort Casey is more up your alley? Your muscles relaxed, perfectly rhythmic breathing and suddenly the pose you’ve been practicing for weeks is in reach. You look out across Admiralty Inlet, you strike the perfect pose, sun rays grace your skin and suddenly you are glowing. If you feel the need for some instruction, join the South Whidbey Community for their Yoga in the Park events.

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? Yoga, fort Casey, Breathe, Stress Relief, Sun

A quiet paddle in kayaks across calm waters during sunset never ceases to wash away pent-up tension in the shoulders. The open waters allow the serenity needed while the movement of your body releases endorphins to help your body relax. If you don’t have your own sea kayak you can rent one from Whidbey Island Boats and Boards.

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? Kayaks

Perhaps we can suggest something more.  Find yourself becoming one with nature by enjoying a hot stone massage along Bayshore Drive in Oak Harbor. You can schedule an appointment at Bayshore Chiropractic Or, escape the worries of today where you can recall a simpler time by spending your evening at the historical Captain Whidbey Inn off of Madrona Way in Coupeville.

What is your go-to for managing stress since the pandemic? Windermere Real Estate Whidbey Island

How do you manage stress? Here on Whidbey you can soak up the sun out on a boat, book a massage appointment, or relax with a blanket and cup of tea and soak in the sounds of nature.

Regardless of how you destress, Whidbey Island has a plethora of natural options.

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Everything You Need to Know About Riding Bikes on Whidbey Island

 

Langley • Things to Do on Whidbey • April 19, 2021

The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey

by Windermere Whidbey Island
The Gray Whales Return to Whidbey

Gray Whales Return to Whidbey

As the cold melts away and flowers start to bloom again, Whidbey Island is blessed with a rare and wonderful gift. Many people hike to the very tip of a bluff or edge of the waves hoping to catch a glimpse of this phenomenon. Then it happens – water spurts into the air from nowhere and at the surface, you can just barely see a tail appear.

Oh, what a whale of a tale to tell….

Gray Whales, Whidbey, Ocean, Sea life, whale, Washington, waters, welcome Back

Spring brings with it a special excitement for this curious island. As the waters warm, they welcome back one of our favorite travelers; the gray whale! Migrating every year from their winter home in Mexico to the wild waves of Alaska; gray whales often make a special stop within the waters of the Puget Sound.

As food foragers, the gray whale “dig[s] up the mudflats [on the ocean floor] for shrimp and worms.”1 They then filter these small creatures through their baleen, or whalebone, which acts as a strainer to keep the food in their mouth and push out all the water.2

Given their foraging requirements, gray whales’ proximity to the shore and repetitive presence in the Puget Sound comes as little surprise. While the average depth of the Pacific Ocean is a little over 12,000 feet, Puget Sound’s deepest point is approximately 930 feet. The shallow waters of the sound serve as a great benefit to this massive mammal that relies on both oxygen and access to the ocean floor in order to survive.

On Whidbey Island, we take great joy in the return of these travelers every year. Many islanders and tourists alike find their way to the water’s edge and peer into the waves in hopes of a glimpse. Luckily, sightings are not at all uncommon on the island. To commemorate the love we have for these ocean friends, both Coupeville and Langley have erected what is called a “Whale Bell.” These bells have a simple instruction: “See a whale, ring the bell.” These bells serve as both a monument to the whale’s impact on our island culture and a creative way to notify others of the whale’s presence so they can also look out and see!

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Every year the town of Langley has pulled together to commemorate the beginning of whale season. Complete with a parade, this festival speaks volumes of the love islanders have for their precious whales. Unfortunately, the event has been canceled this year due to covid for the health and safety of the community continue to check back here for updates. While the ring of the bell brings joyous memories of years past residences and travelers alike look forward to a day where gatherings return to celebrate these incredible creatures.

 

References

  1. “Gray Whales.” Orca Network, https://www.orcanetwork.org/Main/index.php?categories_file=Gray%20Whales
  2. “Gray Whales.” National Geographic, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/g/gray-whale/

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Coupeville • Things to Do on Whidbey • April 9, 2021

QR Codes Connecting Us to History

by Windermere Whidbey Island
QR Codes, History, Coupeville Whidbey Island

Whidbey Island is home to several wonderful little towns each with their own fascinating history and culture. Perhaps the most intriguing is Whidbey’s oldest town; Coupeville, home of the first Whidbey Island settlement.

Coupeville:

coupeville

Coupeville is an adorable waterfront community rich in history and culture. In 1850 Issac Ebey became the first official Whidbey Island settler when he applied for the first land claim on the island. Claiming over 600 acres of what is now Ebey’s Landing, Ebey was soon to be followed by his nephew and many others. By 1854 there were 29 settlement claims in Coupeville alone and in 1881 it officially became the Island County seat.

Preservation:

Although all of Whidbey is covered in fascinating history, Coupeville is unique in its preservation. Where many of the original buildings of Oak Harbor and Langley have been torn down or decimated by historic fires, downtown Coupeville’s original buildings remain intact and in use. In fact, the town of Coupeville has more historic buildings in a condensed area than anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.

Technology:

To celebrate this fact and educate people on these beautiful historic buildings, Island County’s 4-H club took on the project of using modern technology to connect us to the past. Next time you’re in downtown Coupeville, take a closer look at those historic store windows. You might just see one of these:

QR Code, History, Coupeville, 4H, Preservation small towns, oldest town, remembrance, Celebrate the past

 

Scattered down Front Street are tons of these QR codes leading to the Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association website developed by the 4-H club in 2012. This website is full of information gathered from the Island County Historical Society, City Records, and over 100 personal interviews with people recounting memories and stories of the historic downtown. Each building’s QR code will lead you directly to that building’s history: when it was built, its original purpose, and the different stores that have occupied the space.

So, the next time you are strolling down Font Street whip out that smartphone of yours and learn a little bit of history along the way.

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Things to Do on Whidbey • October 3, 2020

Squash

by Windermere Whidbey Island
Squash

It is that time of year when the fruits of our labors begin filling up not only our dinner plates but also become an integral part of beautifying the spaces around us. You guessed it, we are talking about SQUASH.

If you are anything like some of these green thumb agents, you have spent the past several months pouring your heart and soul into your garden prepping to produce these beautiful and tasty gems. But it is quite possible that you now have so many you do not know what to do with them. If that is the case keep reading for places you can donate your extras…. like my office.

Perhaps you are more like those of us that take advantage of the local Farm to Table programs our local farm community has to offer. You may have begun to receive these tasty treats in your special boxes. Keep reading to discover one of my favorite recipes.

BUT….maybe your most like me and you are… “Growing them…well… in the grocery store”. Let’s be honest autumn is my favorite time of year, but I wasn’t blessed with a green thumb. I am more like a big kid eagerly waiting for Shermans Farm to open so I can enjoy the full experience of finding the perfect squash for tonight’s dinner. I like sipping my warm cup of cider while riding on the tractor taking in the beautiful Whidbey farm views and snapping pictures of my kids next to the biggest pumpkins they can find.

Regardless of who you are, there is one thing we all have in common this season. We will all come into contact with SQUASH!

The majority of people will likely only use them as decorations, and that is ok. There is no denying these power-packed veggies are beautiful and studies show that sprucing up the space around you will make you feel happier. So, first things first…

Let’s Get Crafty:

CENTERPIECE

It can take as little or as much creativity as you desire. Place a variety of squash together with some leaves, flowers, candles, or acorns to spruce up your gathering space. For more inspiration follow one of our favorites local to our area: Erin Benzakein, founder of Floret. Floret is a Skagit Valley family-owned farm and seed company and New York Times Best Selling Author of A Year in Flowers for tutorials on arrangements.

OVERSIZED ACORN WITH ACORN SQUASH

Acorn Squash,

Supplies you will need:

  • Hot Glue Gun
  • Hot Glue
  • Twine
  • Acorn Squash

Begin by placing a dab of glue at the top of your squash. Make a loop in the twine and attach the top of your squash. Place glue around the top ¼ of the squash and being laying your twine in a circular motion starting at the stem and continuing down to a ¼ of the squash, carefully laying each layer of twine up against the last.

 

For the Tummy:

Most importantly, squash provides a plethora of nutrients for our bodies. It is quite literally called a power-pack veggie. They are high in Vitamin A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium.

The best thing about squash is that there are so many ways to eat it. I love it SO MUCH I am attaching one of my simple favorites.

Acorn Squash

BAKED ACORN SQUASH WITH BUTTER & BROWN SUGAR

Serves: 2-4     |      Preparation: 10min     |     Cooking: 1 HR 15 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 Acorn squash
  • 1 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 2 teaspoons Maple Syrup
  • Dash of Salt

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RECIPE CARD HERE!

 

Uplift the Community with Your Extras:

With all joking aside, if you have been blessed with having too much squash this year, the North Whidbey Help House in Oak Harbor, and Good Cheer Food Bank in Langley would love to have your donations.

 

Stay blessed. Have a favorite squash recipe or idea you want to share? Let us know in the comments below.

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Places • Things to Do on Whidbey • September 3, 2020

Dog Parks on Whidbey

by Windermere Whidbey Island
Dog Parks on Whidbey, Whidbey Island, Washington, Dogs, Parks

If you have been out exploring Whidbey recently, you might have noticed an abundance of furry four-legged creatures. It’s not much of a secret that Whidbey Islanders LOVE their dogs. As self-proclaimed “outdoorsy” people say, they are the perfect pet to have with you when hiking trails, swimming at the beach, and exploring places like the abandoned military installments of Fort Casey and Fort Ebey. 

 

Although exploring all the crevices of Whidbey is amazing, dog owners know there is something special about enjoying time off-leash with their furry friends. Luckily, Whidbey has some INCREDIBLE off-leash dog parks scattered throughout the island. We have listed our favorites below! 

 

 

1.Clover Valley Off-Leash Park | 740 Ault Field Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

 

Although this is one of the smaller parks on Whidbey, Clover Valley is well-loved and frequented by dog owners in Oak Harbor. The fully fenced-in park provides owners the opportunity to socialize their dog in a safe environment while they build friendships with other owners in the area.

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2. Patmore Pit | 497 Patmore Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239

 

Patmore Pit is the largest off-leash dog park on Whidbey. This fully fenced 15 acres of mixed terrain allows owners and their pups the opportunity to enjoy themselves for hours.  The park has 3 meadow areas, 2 wooded areas, an agility course, and a smaller area for more timid dogs.

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3.Greenbank Off-Leash | WA-525, Coupeville, WA 98239

 

Anyone who has ever visited Greenbank Farm knows that the surrounding area is incredibly beautiful with views of our gorgeous waters on either side and an abundance of trails. But did you know there was an off-leash area? Just north of the farm, you will notice they sectioned out parcels of land for low-impact recreation including off-leash play! It’s a wonderful place to explore if you get the chance.

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4.Double Bluff Beach Off-Leash | 6378 S Double Bluff Rd, Freeland, WA 98249

 

Have a water dog that LOVES to splash in the sea? Then you will love taking them to Double Bluff Beach. This location offers pets and owners a two-mile-long stretch of beach to play on without the nuisance of leashes to restrict your dog’s enjoyment.

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A post shared by @caninesnbrews on

 

5.Marguerite Brons Memorial | 2837 Becker Rd, Clinton, WA 98236

 

This fully fenced 13- acre park offers dog owners peace of mind when allowing their dog to explore the various trails and meadows. Central gathering areas provide owners the ability to socialize with others while their dogs play.

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MAP:

Drinking Water on Whidbey Island

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