Real Estate • Real Estate Market • October 27, 2021

The Q3 2021 Western Washington Gardner Report

by Windermere Whidbey

The following analysis of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Download the report HERE

Do not hesitate to ask us anything. We will be certain to respond. Email us directly WhidbeyInfo@Windermere.com or call us at 360.331.6006.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Update

by Windermere Whidbey

🚨 Here it is folks! Your year-to-date Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Update. CLICK HERE TO GET THE PRINTABLE PDF!

🗺️ Stats are separated by area: South, Central, & North Whidbey.

🏡All stats represent only the residential & condo sales, except for the ones specifically for vacant land. May not represent all market activity.

If you want help interpreting this data and what it means for you. Feel free to message us and setup a free buyers or sellers consultation.

📱 360 331 6006

✉️ whidbeyinfo@windermere.com

🤗 Enjoy!

#wearewhidbey #windermereEconomics

Created by Si Fisher

Data supplied by the NWMLS. Neither the

Board or its MLS guarantees its accuracy. May

not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Real Estate • Real Estate Market • August 16, 2021

JULY 2021 Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Update

by Windermere Whidbey

.
🚨 Here it is folks! Your year-to-date Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Update. CLICK HERE TO GET THE PRINTABLE PDF!

🗺️ Stats are separated by area: South, Central, & North Whidbey.

🏡All stats represent only the residential & condo sales, except for the ones specifically for vacant land. May not represent all market activity.

If you want help interpreting this data and what it means for you. Feel free to message us and setup a free buyers or sellers consultation.

🤗 Enjoy!

#wearewhidbey #windermereEconomics

Created by Si Fisher

Data supplied by the NWMLS. Neither the

Board or its MLS guarantees its accuracy. May

not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Places • Things to do on Whidbey • February 25, 2021

Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey

by Windermere Whidbey

Windermere Whidbey is a proud supporter and celebrator of Black History Month. This year we wanted to do something extra special to commemorate the month, so we have collected a list of Black-Owned Businesses on Whidbey that we think you are going to love visiting.

Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ | 656 SE Bayshore Dr Ste 1, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Orlando’s Bar and Southern BBQ is a community treasure that started with nothing more than two cast iron pots, a tent, and a woman with a vision. Starting at the local farmer’s market, Ms. Jackie and her family served up southern-style food that took the Oak Harbor community by storm. Within a few years the business grew from a tent to a truck, and now an incredible downtown restaurant few can resist. Whether you’re looking for the best-grilled catfish on the island or just a friendly upbeat atmosphere to enjoy, Orlando’s is an establishment you do not want to miss.

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A post shared by Orlando’s Bar + Southern BBQ (@orlandosbbq)

CreAda’s | 910 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Ada Moseley is the owner and head stylist for CreAda’s Hair and Wig Salon. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she is a stylist that provides the highest level of hair care and knowledge to her clients. She is known for making her clients feel special from the moment they walk through her door as well as cultivating a respectful and diverse atmosphere within her salon. If you’re looking for experience and compassion from your stylist, she is the one to call!

Shaw Photography | No physical Location

Shaw Photography is owned and operated by Willie and Kelsey Shaw. Whidbey Island natives, Willie and Kelsey met in high school and fell in love. As adults, the couple has built a business combining their skills in photography and videography that allows them to work together and gives them more time with their two young sons. Willie is an especially talented videographer who you may recognize as the cameraman behind Annie Cash’s Your Local Look Videos. If you’re looking for an engagement, maternity, or family photographer, you can’t go wrong with this insanely creative couple.

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A post shared by Bellingham Photographer (@teamshawphotography)

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A post shared by KELSEY SHAW (@_im_a_bird)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bellingham Photographer (@teamshawphotography)

Lesedi Farm | 2812 Thompson Rd, Langley WA 98277

A truly unique treasure for Whidbey Island, Lesedi Farm is owned and operated by Dorcas Young. Dorcus was born and raised in Botswana on her family’s 500-acre farm where she learned the art of cultivating crops and raising livestock. After meeting and falling in love with a Washington State native, Dorcus moved to Whidbey Island with her husband and four children. She brought with her seeds from Botswana to plant in her garden and soon followed the inspiration for her farm. Dorcas now sells produce from her garden at local farmers’ markets as well as Botswana-styled meals and food products. You can find her products at Pike Place Market, West Seattle Farmers Market, and Bayview Farmers Market.

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A post shared by Lesedi Farm (@lesedifarm20)

Jahleel Vester with Summit Funding, Inc. | 275 SE Cabot Drive, Suite A8

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Jahleel Vester is a Whidbey Island native who absolutely loves his community. Anyone who meets Jahleel knows that he has a passion for living life to the fullest and serving his clients well. As an individual who knows all too well the historical struggles of the black community within the housing market, he desires to be a role model and trailblazer for others. Working with Summit Funding has given Jahleel the opportunity to build a business that aligns with his vision and dreams. If you’re looking for a passionate loan officer ready to educate you and find the solutions you need, look no further.

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A post shared by (@jahleelvestermortgage)

Ozell Jackson with HomeBridge | 32650 State Route 20, Suite 201, Oak Harbor, Washington 98277

Ozell Jackson is a Puget Sound native who greatly values community and making a meaningful impact. Through the years he has served the community as a football, basketball, and soccer coach, instilling the discipline of making plans and taking responsibility for mistakes in his students. This passion for service drives his career as a Loan Officer and is why he chooses to work with Homebridge, who he feels shares this goal with him.

Posted by Team Jackson Ozell & Julie Jackson, Loan Originators on Sunday, June 23, 2019

We’re committed to helping you with your homeownership questions through this turbulent time. Send me a message today to…

Posted by Team Jackson Ozell & Julie Jackson, Loan Originators on Thursday, April 2, 2020

Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon | 715 SE Fidalgo Ave. suite #201, Oak Harbor

Mrs. Billies Beauty Salon is located comfortably within The Loft on Fidalgo and Dock in Oak Harbor. Billie Foster is an incredibly talented hairstylist with over 26 years of experience who offers a variety of services to any and everyone regardless of their hair type or texture. She’s known for receiving a great amount of joy in making her clients feel good about the way they look. Whether you want to switch up your color, try extensions, do silk presses or relaxers; Mrs. Billie has got you covered.

Dean’s Sports Plus | 730 N Oak Harbor St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Dean Lewis, the owner of Dean’s Sports Plus, always had the vision to own his own business and be his own boss. His sporting goods store is the realization of the dream. Having spent the last 30 years servicing clients’ sporting needs, he not only has returning customers but multiple generations of them. He has earned a reputation within the community for being an outstanding repairman for sports equipment ranging from bicycles to snow skis. So the next time you need a chain fixed or a wheel adjusted, you know who to call!

Did we miss a business? Let us know in the comments!

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Real Estate • February 4, 2021

Buying Vacant Land on Whidbey Island

by Windermere Whidbey

If you have always dreamed of building your own home, choosing your own layout, selecting dream finishes, and want all your desires in a home met then you will be looking for vacant land. This is a completely different world than buying a preexisting home where there is complete certainty when it comes to electricity, water, sewage, and condition. Uncertainty is not comfortable for everyone so let’s make sure you feel prepared and empowered.

First and foremost, if you ask anyone who has built their own home, they will tell you that even if you build a home from scratch you will not end up with a 100% perfect house. There are always compromises and unforeseen issues with layout, etc. Remember, vacant land is scarce and becoming scarcer, so if you find the perfect property with an imperfect house, perhaps you can consider a major remodel.

When buying vacant land, it is all about the level of certainty a parcel can provide you. A parcel that already has a water source, septic system, access/driveway, building site laid out, and electrical nearby is going to be extremely rare. Such a parcel will cost more because of the time and expenses already invested by the seller. There is also inherent value in the confidence you as a buyer can have that you will not run into complications that may make the land unsuitable for development.

Below are our TOP 5 recommendations when considering buying vacant land:

Find a vacant land purchasing specialist.

Complex is the word that comes to mind when thinking about vacant land purchases. Having a trusted guide who loves the complexity that comes with purchasing land is something you really want. Many brokers groan when they think about helping buyers with vacant land but there are a special few who just dig it! Find them! It will make all the difference. If you need a recommendation just call (360) 675-5953 and ask for a recommendation on a vacant land specialist from the manager.

Know your corners.

In the best-case scenario, there has been a survey done and the corners are clearly marked with modern official survey markers however, this is rare. You may need to negotiate to have this done by the Seller. There are other signs that can give an idea of where property lines fall though. One of the coolest technologies that most agents have nowadays is an app that uses geo-spatial technology to locate your position on a map in relation to property lines. An old-fashioned surveyor’s tape measure can help as well if you have a marker of some sort to start from. Fence lines, survey tape marking trees or branches, driveways, and other identifiers can give clues. Nothing beats a proper survey though and you are going to want that when it comes time to build.

Get as certain as possible on the big 5.

Water, sewage, electricity, access, and building envelope. These are the big 5 mysteries when you first look at a raw and overgrown piece of land. The more that these 5 things have been figured out and addressed by the Seller, the more valuable the property is. You are buying risk when these 5 are unknown. You cannot avoid risk completely but figuring out as much as you can about these 5 will help you move forward more confidently.

Work with a local builder.

Get the local builder to the lot sooner than later. Reputable builders on Whidbey will be able to help you through the feasibility process, have a great instinct for what is possible, contacts to get specialists out to the property, and experience working with Island County’s Building department. Here are 5 builders we recommend in no particular order…

Know your critical areas.

Shorelines, native American artifacts, endangered animals and plants, steep slopes and bluffs, wetlands, and streams will affect the property in big ways. There are large set-back requirements for structures, wells, and septic systems around critical areas. You may get into a situation where you do not have much of a choice about where you can position your building site. These unknowns must be understood before you decide to close on the lot. Your Realtor can help you navigate this maze.

Each property is unique, and we could share a lot more with you on the topic of buying vacant land on Whidbey, but the truth is that the best thing you can do is find yourself an excellent guide who will help you assess what it is you are really looking for and how to narrow down the search. Good luck and do not forget your muck boots!

PHOTOS BY: Kelsey Kurtis

Real Estate • January 15, 2021

How to Become a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Washington

by Windermere Whidbey

Pick a school and do your 90 hours of course work. At Windermere, we recommend Rockwell Institute because it is consistent and has proven success at getting people prepared to pass the exam. Current cost $489 (January 2021).
1. HOT TIP: There is an add on to get sample exams and extra cramming practice. GET IT!
Do the following steps as you get closer to completing the 90 hours to break up the studying with actions that will prepare you for taking the exam and getting licensed…
Fingerprints! The closest location to Whidbey Island is in Mt. Vernon. You can schedule your appointment on this IdentoGO site. At the time of this blog post (January 2021), it cost $42.80 for the fingerprints and background check. Go to this DOL site for more info.
Set up a SAW account (Secure Access Washington) if you haven’t already for your driver’s license. For more info: https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/accountaccess.html
Register as a student with AMP through psi here https://ampportal.goamp.com/School/SchoolUser/WAREPStudentRegistration.aspx.
Register for the exam. Cost $138.25 https://online.goamp.com/CandidateHome/examination.aspx?p_category=REAL%20ESTATE&p_client_code=WAREP&p_exam_id=21311
Once you’ve passed the exams apply for your license! https://secureaccess.wa.gov/myAccess/saw/select.do

* Contact the WA DOL Real Estate licensing department if you need extra help. We recommend emailing them instead of calling for a faster response. https://www.dol.wa.gov/business/realestate/contact.html

Follow these suggestions to get yourself mentally and physically ready to launch your real estate career:

Pick a brokerage. Interview the top brokerages in your area. Since the real estate exam process doesn’t really give you what you need to serve people or build your own business you want to join a brokerage with a robust training program and ongoing support. Schedule a no-pressure introduction meeting with our brokerage today! Email us at WhidbeyCommunications@Windermere.com to do so.
Change your phone number to a local area code if it is not already. Nowadays all cell phones have caller ID and everyone is screening calls from out of state numbers. Do not confuse people, all real estate is local and your phone number should be too.
If you are beginning your real estate career in November or December then now is a great time to start collecting mailing addresses for Christmas cards.
Read some books. We give one of our favorites out a lot!
Snoop on the local real estate brokers. What do you see that you like, what don’t you like? Take note! Social media is one good place to find a broker then check out top brokers’ web pages. If you don’t know any go to the website of the brokerage you’re thinking about, head to the agent’s page, and start clicking links. Ours is right here!
Interview brokers you admire. Take a broker that catches your attention online for a cup of coffee (they really do like it!). Ask them all the questions but more importantly LISTEN. Some suggested questions are…
1. What do you like most about being a real estate broker? Least?
2. What do you like most about your brokerage? Least?
3. What advice would you give someone like me who is just getting into the business?
Download our guide to 5 things you can do to give yourself a head start here.

PHOTOS BY: Kelsey Kurtis

Real Estate • Stats • November 23, 2020

Q3, 2020 Report Quarterly Stats

by Windermere Whidbey

Q3, 2020 – Quarterly Stats by Whidbey Communications

Events • Things to do on Whidbey • November 1, 2020

Coats for Kids Charity Drive 2020

by Windermere Whidbey

Windermere Whidbey Real Estate | Coats for Kids

Windermere Real Estate South Whidbey invites you to join us in the spirit of giving this holiday Season!

The Coats for Kids charity drive is back in action for the 2020 Holiday Season! Windermere Real Estate South Whidbey is partnering once again with Readiness to Learn to spread goodwill and the spirit of giving throughout our community.