Mortgage Rates Are Moving in 2026: What Whidbey Island Buyers & Sellers Should Know If you’ve been watching mortgage rates lately, you’ve probably noticed two things: they’re moving fast, and headlines are coming in hot. For Whidbey Island buyers and sellers, the best move is to stay grounded in what actually changes your options—your payment, […]
Halloween Events on Whidbey Island - 2022
Halloween is coming up and if you're looking for something to do on Whidbey Island, we've got you covered. From family-friendly events to things that are perfect for adults only, we've got something for everyone. Check out our list and start planning your festivities!
The Black Cat Ball
Bayview Community Hall's Black Cat Ball is a spooky celebration of all things Halloween. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best costumes, and there will be live music, a vinyl DJ set, and live visuals throughout the night. The event is a fundraiser for the hall, with bar proceeds going to support its operations. This year's Black Cat Ball is sure to be a night to remember!
Live Music / Vinyl DJ Set / Live Visuals
DJ Hall Pass / DJ MMD
Haunting Autumn / Woodbae & Treestar + special guests / Live Visuals
Donations at the door!
Get directions: 5642 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Visit event page on Facebook
Spooktacular Langley
Bring the family for trick or treating in Langley!
Langley invites families to bring their super heroes, goblins, and ghosts to downtown Langley for a safe and fun trick or treating experience this Halloween.
Participating Langley merchants will have treats waiting for the kids from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
The whole town is dressed for the season, with merchants in costumes, lighted trees, crows, pumpkins, and more decorating the town, brought to you by Langley Main Street Association.
Get directions: Second Street, Langley, WA
Visit event page on Facebook
The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari
With Live Music by: Gideon Freudmann
On Sunday October 30th at 2:00 p.m. at the Clyde Theater in Langley you can have the distinct pleasure of hearing Gideon Freudmann, cellist and composer, play accompaniment to the classic silent film: The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari.
Burton's Halloween Fantasy
Guest Conductor Gabriela Garza is back to lead the Whidbey Island Orchestra this October 29th at WICA in a Halloween concert: "Burton's Halloween Fantasy."
The program is full of Tim Burton movie themes, including inventive and humorous scores for "Beetlejuice," "Batman," "Edward Scissorhands," "Alice in Wonderland," "Willie Wonka," and "The Nightmare Before Christmas."
Atomic Bombshells: Put A Spell on You
Halloween Burlesque returns on Friday, October 28, 2022 at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts! Show goes from 7:30 PM 9:00 PM.
Featuring the Atomic Bombshells, Seattle’s “most dazzling burlesque troupe” (Seattle Weekly).
Have yourself a risqué Halloween Day!
The Haunting of Coupeville
The haunting of Coupeville goes all month long and features a large variety of fun spooky events and activities. These include the Haunted Fort Casey, Pumpkin Patches with Trolley Rides, The Scarecrow Trail (Hocus Pocus themed this year), and more!
Torchlight Parade and Street Dance
You don’t want to miss this Coupeville Halloween tradition with a twist!
Join us at 5pm at Cook’s Corner on October 29th for our traditional costumed Torchlight Parade, immediately followed by a street dance and trick or treating. It will be a night of costume prizes, music, candy, and fun!
October 29th 5pm to 7pm - No Vehicles allowed
Family Halloween Party
Fun for the whole family at Oak Bowl & Mario's Pizza. Starting on Oct. 30th 5:30 to 7:30 is a 2 hour unlimited Glow Bowling event. Also includes treat bags & a costume parade for the kids.
You must make reservations online
Get directions: 531 SE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Halloween Zombie Corn Maze
Looking for a terrifyingly good time this Halloween? Will you find your way out of our Corn Maze or will you encounter a collection of gruesome ZOMBIES?
And keep one thing in mind - if you make a wrong turn, you’ll be forced to turn around and come across one of the maze monsters a second time!
Friday October 28 + Saturday 29 | 6pm - 10pm
Get Directions: 1422 N Monroe Landing Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
WISBA Spooktacular Trunk or Treat
Come on out with the whole family for WISBA's first Trunk or Treat!
After you trick or treat outside make sure you make your way into the Elks Lodge for WISBA's Spooktacular Vendor Event! There will be 20+ vendors to shop from!
If you would like to participate in the trunk or treat, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/brpAGLWZ3X9JCj7L8
Any questions can be emailed to
No Tricks Safe Treats
Trick or Treating at Historic Downtown Oak Harbor Merchants. Free hot dogs! Puppy costume contest! What more can I say?
Article contributed by:
WHIDBEY ISLAND GROWN COOPERATIVE
“Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative is a group of farmers, small businesses, and community members working to build a strong, resilient local food system on Whidbey Island.”
Did you know you can find locally sourced, fresh products for purchase directly from farms and other producers here on the Island and other local farms?
Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative (WIGC) is an online marketplace for the sale of available farm fresh products to the community.
This innovative system (Food Hub) combines Whidbey’s agricultural richness with easy online shopping and pick-up experience while supporting locally owned and operated businesses, for the common good.
Customers can purchase fresh, local, seasonal products online and pick them up at one of four locations in Langley, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor.
How to Buy fresh food from local farmers and producers!
Friday to Tuesday: Log in to https://whidbeyislandgrown.com/ to purchase fresh, local food and other specialty and holiday items from Whidbey Island producers through WIGC’s online marketplace. Ordering closes on Tuesday at 9 pm.
Wednesday-Friday: Farmers and producers prepare their products and drop them at the packing site.
Friday: Volunteers pack the orders and distribute them to four stands on the island:
3-5 PM in Langley - Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (565 Camano Ave).
4-6 PM in Coupeville – Scenic View (formerly Sherman Pioneer Farm - 46 S. Ebey Rd),
4-6 PM in Freeland - Mutiny Bay Blues Farmstand (5486 Cameron Rd)
4:30-6:30 PM in Oak Harbor - Elks Lodge (155 N Ernst St, next to Flyer's Restaurant)
Also, on Friday: Put in your order for next week!
Support local farms and eat great food, all while practicing safe social distancing.
Supporting Local Means Eating Seasonal
Most of us are accustomed to the grocery store, where every type of fruit and vegetable is stocked year-round. Locally, those products are only available in season, and the rest of the year they are shipped in from somewhere else in the world.
In spring and fall, available crops are varieties that like shorter hours of light, cooler temperatures, and even frost. In summer, crops are harvested that prefer long, hot days. Don’t see a vegetable you’re looking for? It may not be in season.
Join the Hub today and start sourcing your good food locally!
Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative
info@whidbeyislandgrown.com
PO Box 472
Coupeville, WA 98239
Learn more about each farm by visiting their website:
Foggy Hill Farm - Fox Tail Farm - Golden Glen Creamery - Grace Harbor Farms - Harbor-Acres - Humming Bird Bakery - Islander Herbs - Lavender Wind - Wild Crow Pie - 1902 Ranch - 3 Sisters Beef - 3 Sisters Market - Acorn Bakery NW - Bells-Farm - Britt's Fermented Foods - Chocolate Flower Farm - Deep Harvest Farm - Eckholm - Little Red Hen Bakery - Mutiny Bay Blues - One Willow Farm - Orchard Kitchen - Organic Farm School - Puget Sound Food Hub - Scenic Isle Farm - Silva Family Farm - Sky Root Farm - Sleepy Bee Farm - Sound Water Stewards - St John Creamery - Sweet Monas - Twin Brook Creamery - Whidbey Sea Foods - Whidbey Pies - Whidbey Wax Works
Written By:
Peggy Morgan - BROKER / REALTOR®
(425) 870-8553 | pmorgan@windermere.com
Whidbey Island - Langley
223 Second Street - PO Box 1068
Langley, WA 98260
Should I wait for mortgage rates to go down?
Contributed by Si Fisher
Homebuyers, are you ready to take the next step but feeling unsure with rising interest rates? Mortgage rates have indeed increased significantly over this past year. But don’t worry because Windermere Whidbey is here for all your needs! We've compiled a wealth of information that can help you make an informed decision when it comes to buying a home in 2022 and beyond - just keep reading below:
First, let’s look at some historic mortgage rate data to put things in perspective. During the Covid pandemic, mortgage interest rates reached all-time lows in 2020 and 2021. Mortgage rates were pushed below 3% and were kept there thanks to emergency measures taken by the Federal Reserve. However, if you look at the chart below you will see that throughout 2022 we have seen interest rates gradually rise.
While this may appear scary, I want to provide one additional piece of information that will give you even more perspective. Examine the chart below:
The graph above certainly tells a different story. Despite recent increases, 30-year mortgage rates now are still below the historical norm. With that being said, a 3% rate does seem a lot more appealing than a 6% or higher rate. Especially when you look at how this will affect your purchasing power.
Contact a local expert about financing your next home
How Will Rising Mortgage Rates Impact a Home Buyer’s Purchasing Power?
Let's say you want to purchase a property for $400,000, and you want to keep your monthly payment at or below $2600. Here is how your spending power may alter if mortgage rates rise, see the chart below.
Are Mortgage Interest Rates Going to Continue to Rise or Go Back Down?
The short answer is that the direction interest rates will go is nearly impossible to predict. According to most experts on the subject, rates may continue to rise for a while as the FED attempts to get inflation under control. However, if we see the rising interest rates start to cause a recession, they might lower. Again, nothing is certain on this front and the rates are dependent on too many frequently changing factors to have a guaranteed prediction.
Conclusion: Should you wait for mortgage rates to go back down before purchasing a home?
If you are a renter who is currently trying to decide if you want to purchase a home or wait on changing rates, I just want to share one image with you:
In essence, it is accurate to say that the cost of purchasing a property has increased since last year. The distinction is that homeownership also involves building equity over time, which will increase your net worth.
It makes little sense for a borrower to attempt to time their purchase based solely on interest rates in this market. Regardless of current interest rates, our best recommendation is to wait to purchase until you are financially prepared and able to afford the property you desire.
Keep in mind that your mortgage rate won't be fixed in stone. Homeowners can always refinance later if rates drop sufficiently to reduce costs.
Final Thoughts:
Situations vary from person to person. Working with a real estate adviser to weigh your options is what can help you make the best choice possible, and it just so happens we have an office full of highly trained real estate professionals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the buying or selling process.
Article contributed by:
Si Fisher
Autumn is here and it is a wonderful time to be on Whidbey Island. One major reason is because all the local farms are sharing their Fall offerings. Today we will answer the question, “Where to buy Pumpkins on Whidbey”. If you are on the search for Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, or Apple Picking locations to visit, then read on!
The Farm Stand at K & R Farms
Fall is the perfect time to visit The Farm Stand at K&R Farms. Not only can you enjoy picking your own pumpkins or getting lost in the corn maze, but you can also take in the beauty of the sunflower field. And if that isn’t enough to get you in the autumn spirit, then maybe the ice cream will do the trick. In addition to all of these seasonal favorites, you can also purchase fresh produce, local honey, and shaved ice. So whether you’re looking for a fun day out or some delicious food, The Farm Stand at K&R Farms has something for everyone.
The Pumpkin patch, corn maze, and sunflower field are open daily from 11 AM – 6 PM
Get directions: 36699 SR 20 Oak Harbor, Washington
Visit them on Facebook
Whidbey Farm and Market
Ready for some serious fall fun? Look no further than Whidbey Farm and Market! Their pumpkin patch and hay pyramid are open from Sunday to Thursday 11 AM to 6 PM, and Friday and Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM. You can get lost in their corn maze daily from 11 AM to 6 PM; it’s only $5 to enter. Feeling adventurous? Check out their night corn maze on weekends; it’s open from dark until 10 PM. And if you get hungry, don’t worry – they have coffee and ice cream available for purchase, as well as many other items at the market. Plus, there’s live music on Saturdays and Sundays. So come on down and enjoy all that Whidbey Farm and Market has to offer!
Check their website for updates HERE
Get Directions: 1422 Monroe Landing Rd, Oak Harbor
Visit them on Facebook
Case Farm
With Fall in the air, it can only mean one thing- it’s time to head on down to Case Farm! This historic farm has been around since 1898 and is currently run by the fifth generation of Cases. When you visit, you’ll be able to experience all the best that autumn has to offer, from picking out a pumpkin in their patch to getting lost in their corn maze. And of course, you can’t forget about the farm animals! They have cows, turkeys, ducks, chickens, cats, and dogs that are all waiting to meet you. So come on down and enjoy all the fun that Case Farm has to offer this fall! PLUS there is even a kid friendly bale stack maze for the little ones to enjoy. SO MUCH FUN!
Check their website for updates HERE
Get Directions: Case Farm, 98 Case Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Visit them on Facebook
Scenic Isle Farm
Formerly known as “Sherman’s Pioneer Farm”
Scenic Isle Farm is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to get into the Fall spirit. Established in 1852, the farm is located in the historic town of Coupeville. Take your visit to the next level with a fun trolley ride to the sprawling pumpkin patch. The perfect place to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or baking. In addition to pumpkins, the farm also sells edible squash and gourds, making it a one-stop shop for all your Fall decorating needs. So whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a unique photo opportunity, Scenic Isle Farm is sure not to disappoint.
Check their website for updates HERE
Get Directions: 46 S Ebey Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
Visit them on Facebook
Rock’n Apple Ranch
Fall is the time of year for fresh apple cider, and there’s no better place to get it than Rock’n Apple Ranch. Not only do they offer delicious cider by the half gallon ($7) or gallon ($12), but they also have U-pick apples for just $1 per pound. So if you’re looking for some fall fun, they’ve got you covered. Open from 10 to 3 pm daily. Whether you’re looking for fresh cider or a fun-filled day out picking apples, Rock’n Apple Ranch is the perfect destination.
Get Directions: 3064 Hunt Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Visit them on Facebook
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