If you are looking for the best things to do on Whidbey Island from April 7 through the end of the month, this is the stretch where spring really starts to feel alive. The island’s event calendar shifts into a more energetic rhythm with theater, whale-season traditions, Earth Day gatherings, live music, plant sales, workshops, and one of Oak Harbor’s signature spring weekends.
This guide is designed to be more useful than a random list of dates. Some events are better for a relaxed date night, some are ideal for families, some are stronger if you want live music or food-and-drink energy, and others are the kind of seasonal traditions that help you experience what Whidbey actually feels like in spring. If you are still getting to know the island, this is also a good month to notice how different places like Langley, Freeland, Greenbank, Coupeville, Clinton, and Oak Harbor each have their own rhythm. You can explore more of that local context through Windermere Whidbey’s Whidbey Island area guide, or take a closer look at communities like Langley and Freeland while you plan your outings.
Date: April 10–12, 2026
Location: South Whidbey / Langley-area programming
This is one of the most distinctly Whidbey events on the April calendar. Orca Network’s annual Welcome the Whales celebration centers on the return of the “Sounders” gray whales and blends marine education, parade-and-festival energy, and family-friendly spring programming. If you want something that feels local, seasonal, and memorable rather than generic, this is one of the strongest picks of the month.
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Camp Casey – 1276 Engle Rd, Coupeville, WA 98239
This is one of the better community-minded spring events on the island. The event is geared toward hands-on Earth Day activities, nature experiences, and family participation, which makes it a good fit for anyone who wants something more active and purposeful than just browsing booths.
Date: April 25, 2026
Location: Royal Alvin Hall – 9372 WA-525, Freeland, WA 98249
Little BIG Fest’s Earth Day edition looks like one of the more playful late-April community events. It brings together music, food, and a spring community vibe that feels more celebratory than formal. If Camp Casey sounds a little more educational, Little BIG Fest sounds more social and music-forward.
If you only have bandwidth for one bigger spring weekend, pick the event that matches how you actually like to spend a day. Holland Happening is the obvious all-in festival choice, but if you prefer something more Whidbey-specific and less crowded, Welcome the Whales or Camp Casey Earth Day may be the better fit.
Date: April 9–25, 2026
Location: Whidbey Island Center for the Arts – 565 Camano Ave, Langley, WA 98260
WICA’s production of Sense & Sensibility looks like one of the strongest arts anchors on the island this month. The run spans much of mid-to-late April, which makes it useful for planning because you have multiple chances to catch it. If you want one event that can anchor a dinner-and-show kind of outing in Langley, this is probably the easiest recommendation in the whole guide.
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: WICA – 565 Camano Ave, Langley, WA 98260
This pairs naturally with the Sense & Sensibility run and gives the month a nice literary through-line. It is a good choice if you want something quieter, more thoughtful, and less crowded than the bigger community weekends.
Date: April 16, 2026
Location: The Clyde Theatre – 217 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
This one is more about fun than refinement, which is exactly why it belongs here. If the goal is a lively night out with crowd energy, nostalgia, and a built-in social atmosphere, this is one of the clearer April picks.
Date: April 17, 2026
Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: Freeland Library – 5495 Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
This is a nice lower-key music pick if you want something artistic without the structure of a bigger festival or evening show. It adds depth to the month’s cultural calendar and gives Freeland a stronger arts foothold in the roundup.
Date: April 28, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Coupeville United Methodist Church – 608 N Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239
If you want something more musically formal and less casual than the wineries or festival stages, this is one of the strongest high-culture picks in the back half of the month.
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room – 204 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
This is a strong date-night pick if you want something intimate rather than large-scale. The published description points to a lively blend of Latin rhythms, jazz-funk, and flamenco energy, which gives it more identity than a generic tasting-room performance listing.
Date: April 18, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room – 204 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
This is another strong Langley evening option, especially for readers who want something musical but still easy to fold into a polished evening out.
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ott & Hunter Winery Tasting Room – 204 1st St, Langley, WA 98260
If you are trying to build a polished late-April night around Langley, this is one of the cleaner picks on the calendar.
Date: April 16, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Hierophant Meadery – 5586 Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
This is one of the more lifestyle-friendly events in the month because it lands in that sweet spot between niche and broadly appealing. It works for readers who want a social outing that is lighter than a big festival and more specific than just grabbing drinks somewhere.
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
Location: Thirsty Crab Brewery – 9000 State Route 525, Clinton, WA 98236
This is one of the better food-and-drink picks in the later-April run. If you want an event that feels local, springy, and easy to fold into a Whidbey afternoon, this stands out.
Date: April 8, 2026
Location: Bailey’s Corner Store – 5590 Bayview Rd, Langley, WA 98260
Bailey’s belongs on the radar if you are trying to widen the event lens beyond the usual polished cultural anchors. This kind of smaller recurring venue energy helps round out what actually feels alive on South Whidbey in a given month.
Date: April 24–26, 2026
Location: Downtown Oak Harbor
Holland Happening is one of the clearest headline events on Whidbey in late April. It returns as Oak Harbor’s major spring celebration, with Dutch-heritage roots but a broader community feel that includes a parade, street-festival energy, vendors, food, entertainment, and the well-known Klompen races. If you only pick one major festival-style weekend this month, this is the default choice.
Packet pickup / late registration: April 25, 2026
Race day: April 26, 2026
Location: Windjammer Park / Oak Harbor race weekend
The marathon weekend is a strong fit for readers who like activity-based events, destination energy, or race-day spectator atmosphere. Even if you are not running, events like this bring out waterfront energy, volunteers, and the kind of community momentum that makes a weekend feel elevated.
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Location: Freeland Library – 5495 Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
This is one of the better family-friendly late-month picks if you want something playful without having to commit to a giant festival. Mini golf through the library, games, trivia, and pizza give it a broader appeal than a simple library listing might suggest.
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: reportedly 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Greenbank Farm Barn A – 765 Wonn Rd, Greenbank, WA 98253
For readers who immediately perk up at the phrase “plant sale,” this is one of the more practical and appealing events in the whole month. Published listings indicate a large annual sale with locally grown plants and a mix of vegetable starts, herbs, perennials, shrubs, and garden-related extras.
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Coupeville
This is a good inclusion for readers who want practical spring energy instead of pure entertainment. It adds a home-and-garden angle that helps the month feel more complete, and it fits naturally with broader spring-reset thinking around gardens, homes, and seasonal routines.
If you want the most distinctly Whidbey spring event, start with Welcome the Whales. If you want the strongest arts-and-culture option, go with Sense & Sensibility at WICA. If you want the biggest all-around community weekend, Holland Happening is the headline pick. If you want something more family-friendly and outdoorsy, Camp Casey Earth Day and Little BIG Fest Earth Day are strong choices. And if you want a slower, more browseable spring outing, the Greenbank Garden Club Plant Sale is one of the most naturally satisfying picks in the whole month.
Late April is one of those windows when Whidbey starts showing more of its full personality. You get some of the first bigger spring crowds, but the island still feels more breathable than peak summer. Community events are back in motion, outdoor spaces are waking up, and it becomes easier to picture the rhythm of actually living here instead of only visiting on a sunny July weekend.
For people who are still getting to know the island, event calendars like this are useful for more than entertainment. They show how community life actually works here, which is one reason these seasonal guides pair naturally with broader real estate questions. If you are thinking about making a move, comparing neighborhoods, or just figuring out which part of the island best matches your rhythm, Windermere Whidbey can help connect the lifestyle picture with the actual market.
Some of the most prominent late-April events include Holland Happening in Oak Harbor, the Whidbey Island Marathon weekend, Little BIG Fest Earth Day, and WICA’s Sense & Sensibility run.
Family-friendly options in this stretch include Welcome the Whales, Earth Day at Camp Casey, Little BIG Fest Earth Day, and Holland Happening.
Yes. Stronger arts picks include Sense & Sensibility at WICA, Art Talks with Rebecca Albiani: Jane Austen, the Steps MAMMA MIA! Sing-Along, and several live music nights like Deseo Carmin at Ott & Hunter.
Check the official event page for final times, ticketing requirements, venue details, parking information, and any weather-related updates.
One of the best ways to understand Whidbey is to see what fills the calendar in different communities. If you are starting to imagine island life for yourself, those lifestyle cues matter just as much as square footage or list price. When you are ready to connect the event calendar with neighborhoods, homes, and what different parts of the island actually feel like, Windermere Whidbey can help.
Spring is one of the best times to experience Oak Harbor at its most festive, and Holland Happening 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest reasons why. If you are planning a day trip, a weekend visit, or simply looking for a fresh reason to get out and explore North Whidbey, this annual celebration blends parade energy, waterfront charm, family-friendly activities, and a distinctly local sense of community. From the Dutch Dinner kickoff to the parade and the two-day street festival at Windjammer Park, this guide covers what to know before you go.
There is something especially fun about Whidbey Island in late April. The weather can swing between crisp, sunny, breezy, and drizzly in classic Pacific Northwest fashion, but the tradeoff is a lively shoulder season packed with local events and scenic waterfront energy. Holland Happening stands out because it is not just a festival to attend. It is a window into how Oak Harbor celebrates community.
For visitors who are still getting to know the island, this is the kind of weekend that makes it easier to explore Whidbey Island with a little more intention. You get the activity of a major local event, plus a strong sense of North Whidbey’s personality, public spaces, and waterfront lifestyle.
Holland Happening & International Festival returns to Oak Harbor for a full weekend celebration in 2026. The event honors the community’s Dutch roots while also embracing the broader multicultural energy of modern Whidbey Island.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Traditional Dutch Dinner kickoff event
This opening event helps launch the weekend with a more community-centered gathering before the larger public festivities begin. It is a good fit for locals and returning visitors who want to lean into the event’s heritage side before parade day and festival crowds arrive.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Route: Along Bayshore, starting at SE Midway and ending near Ace Hardware
The parade is the official kickoff to the biggest public portion of the weekend. Expect local groups, performers, businesses, and community personalities along the route, with plenty of family-friendly energy and a classic small-town festival feel.
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Windjammer Park, 1600 SW Beeksma Drive, Oak Harbor
The street festival is free to attend and serves as the heart of the Holland Happening experience. This is where you will find food vendors, artisan booths, entertainment, family activities, and some of the most recognizable traditions tied to the event.
One reason Holland Happening works so well as a travel-worthy local event is that it offers more than a single parade or food booth strip. It spreads the energy across a full spring weekend and gives visitors multiple ways to engage depending on whether they want heritage, shopping, family time, or just a scenic afternoon out by the water.
The Klompen Canal Races are one of the most memorable festival traditions. Participants buy small wooden shoes and race them down a water-filled canal, creating one of those charmingly specific local experiences that people actually remember afterward. It is playful, photogenic, and very easy to imagine becoming part of a family’s annual Oak Harbor routine.
The festival also features traditional klompen shoe-making demonstrations, giving visitors a more hands-on look at the Dutch influence behind the event. This adds a layer of authenticity that helps Holland Happening feel rooted in place rather than interchangeable with a generic spring fair.
Festival-goers can expect local food vendors, artisan goods, handmade crafts, family attractions, and plenty of room to wander. The waterfront setting at Windjammer Park helps the event feel open and relaxed even when the weekend is busy.
For adults, the beer garden adds a casual social hub to the weekend. Combined with the park setting, views, and shoreline proximity, it gives the event more of a destination feel than a parking-lot festival. If you have not spent much time in Oak Harbor before, this is also a great reminder that the city offers more than quick errands and ferry pass-through assumptions. There is a real sense of place here.
If you are heading to Holland Happening from elsewhere on Whidbey or from the mainland, a little advance planning will make the weekend smoother. Parade-day road impacts, popular festival parking areas, and spring weather all matter here.
The parade route follows Bayshore from SE Midway toward Pioneer, ending near Ace Hardware. Spectators can line the sidewalks along the route, and the event includes a quiet viewing area near Hal Ramaley Memorial Park for guests who prefer a lower-sensory parade experience.
Late-April weather on Whidbey can turn quickly, so layers are your friend. A rain shell, comfortable shoes, and a warm outer layer are all smart calls. If you plan to linger for performances or want a more relaxed festival day, a blanket or compact chair can also make sense.
Visitors coming from off-island should check current Washington State Ferries schedules and allow extra time if the weekend weather is unpredictable. Public transit options are also available via Island Transit, though some roads may be affected during parade hours. For people turning the weekend into a broader island outing, it can also pair nicely with a drive south to places like Greenbank or a stop through central Whidbey before heading home.
Events like this are a big part of what helps Oak Harbor feel livable instead of purely transactional. Holland Happening puts the community out in the open in a way that is easy for newcomers to understand. You see families using the parks, neighbors showing up for traditions, local groups participating in the parade, and visitors getting introduced to North Whidbey in a way that feels welcoming rather than staged.
That community dimension matters if you are researching what different parts of the island actually feel like beyond listing photos. For buyers who are comparing areas, following local events and public gathering spaces can be just as useful as watching inventory. If you are starting that process, it is worth keeping an eye on current market trends and exploring the broader options available when you are ready to buy on Whidbey Island.
Holland Happening 2026 runs from Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26. The Dutch Dinner is on Friday, the parade is on Saturday, and the street festival runs both Saturday and Sunday.
The main festival takes place at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. The parade runs along Bayshore, beginning at SE Midway and ending near Ace Hardware.
Yes. The event is designed as a community festival with family-friendly activities, parade viewing, food vendors, artisan booths, and traditions like the Klompen Canal Races that appeal to all ages.
Dress for shifting spring weather. Layers, waterproof outerwear, and comfortable walking shoes are your safest choices for a late-April event on Whidbey Island.
Absolutely. It is one of the best ways to experience Oak Harbor’s community character in a single weekend, especially if you want a practical feel for the area beyond the usual day-trip highlights.
Written by
Si Fisher.
Winter on Whidbey Island is often overlooked by mainlanders, but for those of us who live here, it is our best-kept secret. While the gray clouds might settle over the sound, the island transforms into a peaceful retreat defined by roaring fireplaces, empty hiking trails, and a community spirit that shines brightest during the “Quiet Season.” Whether you are looking for things to do on Whidbey Island in Winter to escape the city or you are scouting for your future home, February 2026 offers a unique window to experience the island at its most authentic.
Winter on Whidbey Island offers a peaceful reprieve from mainland congestion, characterized by misty coastal landscapes and shorter ferry lines. With frequent breaks in the clouds thanks to regional topography, it is the ideal season for “slow travel,” featuring boutique shopping in Langley and world-class shellfish dining in Coupeville without the summer crowds.
Many visitors are surprised to find that exploring Whidbey Island in the winter feels more like a private invitation than a tourist trip. The traffic on SR-525 thins out, and the pace of life slows down to match the tide. It is the perfect time to visit local landmarks like the Bayview Corner galleries or take a long, uninterrupted walk through the evergreen woods surrounding Greenbank.
The 2026 Langley Mystery Weekend, held February 21–22, invites amateur sleuths to solve the “Terminal Velocity” case. This 41st-annual event transforms the seaside village into a live game of Clue, where participants interview suspects and scour local businesses for evidence to solve a fictional murder mystery before the Sunday reveal.
This year’s theme, “Terminal Velocity,” brings a steampunk flare to the streets of South Whidbey. If you’ve never experienced it, the Langley community goes all-out with costumes and elaborate clues hidden in plain sight. Beyond the mystery, winter is the best time to enjoy local culinary staples. You can grab a sophisticated lunch at Savory or warm up with wood-fired comfort food and expansive water views at Village Pizzeria while watching the whitecaps on Saratoga Passage.
Penn Cove Musselfest 2026 runs from March 6–8 in historic Coupeville. The festival celebrates the world-famous local shellfish with chowder tasting tours, mussel farm boat excursions, and chef demonstrations. It is a cornerstone of Whidbey’s winter culinary scene, drawing foodies to the island’s central waterfront for a weekend of maritime tradition.
Musselfest is more than just a food festival; it’s a celebration of the unique maritime heritage that defines Central Whidbey. As you walk the historic wharf with a cup of chowder from Front Street Grill, it’s easy to see why Coupeville’s preserved Victorian architecture makes it such a sought-after community. This timeless appeal is a major driver for the local economy; you can see the long-term stability of the area reflected in the latest market trends and graphics, which highlight why Central Whidbey remains a premier choice for those looking to invest in the island lifestyle.
The Whidbey Island real estate market in early 2026 remains resilient, with a median sale price of $547,030 across the island. Buying during the winter “Quiet Season” often yields a strategic advantage, as reduced competition allows for more thoughtful inspections and negotiations compared to the frantic spring and summer surges.
While inventory is typically lower in February, the buyers who are searching right now are serious. If you are looking to buy a home on Whidbey Island, the winter months provide a clear view of how a property handles the PNW elements. For those looking at North Whidbey, the dining scene is equally robust; check out the authentic flavors at Naung Mai Thai Kitchen in Oak Harbor for an authentic winter warmer. For sellers, using programs like Windermere Ready can help your home stand out in a market where buyers are craving move-in-ready comfort.
Data Fact: Whidbey Island Housing Market — Median Sale Price — $547,030 (Source: https://www.redfin.com/city/30785/WA/Whidbey-Island/housing-market)
For outdoor enthusiasts, winter hiking on Whidbey Island is defined by Ebey’s Landing and Deception Pass. These trails offer dramatic storm-watching views and “rain shadow” protection. February and March are peak months for spotting Bald Eagles and migrating whales from the high bluffs overlooking the Admiralty Inlet and Saratoga Passage.
The bluff trail at Ebey’s Landing is a local favorite because the wind keeps the air crisp and the views of the Olympic Mountains clear. After a morning on the trails, many locals head into the Freeland community for a warm bowl of Pho at Fare Market. It’s the perfect end to a “micro-adventure” that feels worlds away from the mainland hustle.
The Quiet Season won’t last forever. As we move closer to the spring of 2026, the market will accelerate and the crowds will return to the ferry lines. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway to Langley or are ready to make a permanent move to our shores, now is the time to act. If you have been considering how to sell your Whidbey home to take advantage of current equity, or if you are ready to start your island chapter, our team is here to guide you.
Written by Si Fisher.
If you’ve lived on Whidbey for a while, you know the feeling: the view is still spectacular, but the acreage that used to be a joyful hobby is starting to feel like a full-time job. You aren’t alone. For many homeowners in our community, retirement isn’t just a distant date on the calendar anymore—it’s happening right now.
And with that transition comes a big question: Is this the right home for my next chapter?
A wave of homeowners is choosing to “right-size” this year. They aren’t just moving to smaller spaces; they are moving to better lifestyles. Here is why so many of your neighbors are deciding that 2026 is the year to make a move, and why it might be the perfect time for you, too.
The word “downsizing” often sounds like you are giving something up. But on Whidbey Island, it’s usually the opposite. It’s about trading a riding mower for a kayak, or swapping a weekend of preparing your home for repairs for a Saturday afternoon browsing the galleries in Langley.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently identified the top reasons people over 60 are moving, and they almost all point to one thing: Lifestyle Quality.
For many islanders, “downsizing” often means moving closer to the ferry in Clinton or the bridge in Oak Harbor to make those trips to see grandkids in Seattle or Everett easier. It’s about reducing the friction between you and the people you love.
We love our forests and green spaces, but maintaining a large property on Whidbey requires serious effort. Many sellers are looking for single-level homes in communities like Bayview Corner or Greenbank where the yard work is minimal, the stairs are non-existent, and the floor plan is designed for the future, not the past.
Utilities, insurance, and maintenance costs on older, larger island homes have risen. Moving to a smaller, more energy-efficient home in town—whether that’s Coupeville, Freeland, or Oak Harbor—can significantly reduce those monthly expenses. This leaves more budget for travel and fun, especially when you have a solid financial plan for buying.
If the lifestyle benefits are the why, the financial landscape is the how.
According to recent data, the average homeowner with a mortgage has nearly $300,000 in equity. On Whidbey Island, where many residents have owned their homes for decades, that number is often much higher. To stay on top of these shifting values, we recommend subscribing to our Market Pulse reports.
When you decide to sell a long-held property here, two powerful things happen:
This combination puts you in a powerful position to buy your next home—often with a significant cash down payment or even an all-cash offer. This allows you to secure a smaller, more manageable property without the stress of a large monthly payment.
Downsizing on Whidbey Island isn’t about closing the book; it’s about starting a new, more exciting chapter. It’s about ensuring your home serves your life, rather than your life serving your home. Once you are ready to make the leap, our Moving Checklist can help you stay organized every step of the way.
If you are curious about how much equity you’re sitting on, or just want to chat about what “right-sizing” looks like in our current market, we are here to help.
Want a step-by-step roadmap before you list? Grab our Seller Resources guide and start planning with confidence.
Written by Si Fisher.
This report provides a Local Look at the June 2025 Northwest MLS data, with a keen eye on how it impacts the Whidbey Island real estate market. There have been interesting shifts, and this analysis aims to offer a straightforward perspective, blending broader market insights with our hyper-local reality. The primary focus for tracking market supply and demand includes closed and pending sales, reflecting demand, and new and active listings, indicating supply.
Following a dip in closed sales in May, which was attributed to fallout from stock market fluctuations and economic turmoil in April, the housing market has shown a rebound. June’s residential closed sales across the Northwest MLS were almost precisely at their year-ago level. Pending sales for single-family homes experienced a 3% year-over-year increase. On the supply side, new listings increased by approximately 12% this June, and the total of active listings at month-end was 37% higher than June 2024’s inventory. While this represents a significant increase in inventory, the pace of year-over-year growth has slightly decelerated from the 39% observed last month.
The median sale price for closed single-family home sales climbed 3% from last year, reaching $695,000. This reverses the 1% decline seen in May and establishes a new high-water mark for the year, exceeding the $680,000 price level in April. This indicates that buyers across Washington re-engaged with the market in June, driving both increased sales and higher prices. However, the current high level of inventory suggests that buyers will likely gain more negotiating power later this summer.
Let's narrow our focus to our beloved Whidbey Island. While the broader Western Washington market provides context, a more precise understanding comes from examining our local communities. When it comes to Whidbey Island homes for sale, we track distinct trends, particularly in areas like Coupeville, Oak Harbor, Langley, Freeland, Clinton, and Greenbank.
Residential closed sales in the four-county greater Seattle area saw a slight dip of just half a percent year-over-year. This was largely due to a 3% gain in King County offsetting minor declines in other counties. King County's recovery is particularly notable after its significant 14% year-over-year decline in May, suggesting that some buyers re-entered the market after an earlier pause.
On Whidbey Island, the latest data provides further insight into sales activity:
This demonstrates a clear divergence in sales volume across the island, with the northern part experiencing robust growth while the southern/central areas show a slight contraction. Understanding these hyper-local nuances is crucial, highlighting the benefit of partnering with a Whidbey Island Specialist.
While Snohomish County experienced a 2% decrease in median sale price, King County led with a 7% gain, surpassing the million-dollar mark once again. Kitsap and Pierce counties also saw price increases of 4% and 5%, respectively.
For Whidbey Island, median sales prices continue to show strength:
These figures underscore the continued vitality of the Whidbey Island real estate market, reflecting consistent buyer demand.
Looking ahead, pending sales across the greater Seattle region returned to modest year-over-year increases, totaling 3%. This was led by an 11% rise in Pierce County and a 4% rise in King County, though partially offset by declines of 4% in Kitsap and 5% in Snohomish County.
For Whidbey Island, weekly reports indicate:
This mixed activity in pending sales suggests that while demand is present, buyers are becoming more discerning, a trend that active listings will further emphasize.
On the supply side, the four-county greater Seattle area had nearly 9,000 active listings at the end of June, representing a 40% increase from the same time last year. While substantial, this gain is a smaller percentage than the 45% year-on-year growth observed in May, indicating a deceleration in the inventory buildup.
Here on Whidbey Island, inventory levels reveal an interesting narrative:
This increasing inventory is favorable for buyers, offering more choices and potentially greater negotiating power as the summer progresses. For sellers, it underscores the importance of a well-presented and effectively priced property from the outset. Explore available homes through our Our Active Listings page.
The June report confirmed that greater-Seattle-region buyers re-engaged with the market in June, marking a return to a "new normal" in sales activity after a pause in April. As the seasonal cooldown in demand is anticipated, coinciding with the peak of summer, the market dynamic is likely to favor buyers who continue their home search in the second half of the year. Furthermore, increased inventory is expected to introduce some competitive pressure on sellers who have yet to receive offers.
For those considering a move to our beautiful island, exploring our Explore Whidbey Island guides can provide invaluable insights into communities like Coupeville, Oak Harbor, Langley, Freeland, and Greenbank.
Statistics only tell part of the story. The true value lies in understanding how these numbers apply to your specific real estate goals on Whidbey Island. Whether buying a piece of island paradise or selling a current home, partnering with a local expert is essential. Windermere brokers on Whidbey Island possess an intimate knowledge of its diverse neighborhoods, unique features, and evolving market dynamics. The focus extends beyond mere transactions to fostering connections and building community—a reflection of the "Human Algorithm" philosophy in action.
Don’t just navigate the Whidbey Island real estate market; master it. We are here to provide the insights, strategies, and local connections that make all the difference. Ready to make a move? Connect with us today.
Contributed by Si Fisher
Easter on Whidbey Island is like opening a giant, community-wide Easter egg: filled with surprises, wrapped in the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest, and, let's be honest, probably a bit more chocolate than anyone needs. This year, the island is hopping with activities for everyone from the tiniest of tots to adults who are kids at heart. Here's your golden egg of information on where to find the fun!
Kick-off your Easter weekend with a bang at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club on March 30, at noon. Kids 11 and under are invited to hunt for Easter treasures, enjoy prizes, and munch on hot dogs. And for a little extra magic, the local 4H group will introduce some adorable animals. Don't forget your basket, and try to hop in by 11:30 AM to catch all the fun.
Date & Time: March 30, Noon - 1:00 PM
Location: 3334 Brooks Hill Road, Langley, WA 98260
Prefer a hunt with a side of fizz? Head to The Thirsty Crab Brewery on March 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for an egg-stravaganza that includes more than just hunting for eggs. This event is bursting with activities – think Easter Bunny photos, a bouncy castle, and crafts, making it a perfect family outing. Plus, with age-appropriate hunts for those 12 and under, every child gets a fair crack at finding those hidden treasures.
Date & Time: March 30, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Thirsty Crab Brewery, 9000 SR 525, Clinton
Hop your way to Meerkerk Gardens for an Easter Egg Hunt amidst flowers in peak bloom! On March 30, with hunts at 11 AM and again at 2 PM, children 10 & under can explore this botanical paradise for hidden eggs. Little explorers up to age 5 have their own special area near the Gazebo, while the 6-10-year-olds embark on their adventure in a separate spot. Don't miss the chance to meet the Meerkerk Bunny and experience the gardens during the most enchanting time of the year.
Date & Time: March 30, 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Location: 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank
Next on the list, Whidbey Farm & Market is pulling out all the stops for their 2nd annual Easter event, happening on the last two weekends in March. Families can enjoy an egg hunt, a candy cannon, a bouncy house, and a meet-and-greet with the Easter Bunny. And for the adults? An Easter Egg Hunt under the stars on March 29th, with over $500 worth of prizes, games, bonfires, and music to keep the festive spirit alive.
Date & Time: March 30, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 1240 Arnold Road, Oak Harbor
Join the Oak Harbor Main Street Association for a cherished community event at Smith Park. On March 30, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, families can enjoy a sensory-friendly hunt before the main event at 12:30 PM for kids up to age 10. It’s not just about the eggs; learn about the majestic Garry Oak trees and snag some free books in this educational and fun-filled outing.
Date & Time: March 30, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Smith Park, SE Midway Boulevard & SE 9th Avenue, Oak Harbor
Between the egg hunts and the Easter Bunny meet-and-greets, we're reminded of the joys of community and the warmth of coming home. In the spirit of new beginnings this Easter, why not consider finding your perfect nest on Whidbey Island? Working with a local broker who knows the island inside and out can crack open a world of opportunities, whether you're buying, selling, or just exploring your options. Remember, the best hunts end with finding exactly what you were looking for, and in real estate, it's no different.
Happy Easter!
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This video shows Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner’s Top 10 Predictions for 2024. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market. See more market insights on our blog here.
This was number one on my list last year and, so far, my forecast was spot on. The reason why I’m calling it out again is because the market performed better in 2023 than I expected. Continued price growth, combined with significantly higher mortgage rates, might suggest to some that the market will implode in 2024, but I find this implausible.
The U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient, which has led the Federal Reserve to indicate that they will keep mortgage rates higher for longer to tame inflation. But data shows inflation and the broader economy are starting to slow, which should allow mortgage rates to ease in 2024. That said, I think rates will only fall to around 6% by the end of the year.
Although I expect a modest increase in listing activity in 2024, many homeowners will be hesitant to sell and lose their current mortgage rate. The latest data shows 80% of mortgaged homeowners in the U.S. have rates at or below 5%. Although they may not be inclined to sell right now, when rates fall to within 1.5% of their current rate, some will be motivated to move.
While many forecasters said home prices would fall in 2023, that was not the case, as the lack of inventory propped up home values. Given that it’s unlikely that there will be a significant increase in the number of homes for sale, I don’t expect prices to drop in 2024. However, growth will be a very modest 1%, which is the lowest pace seen for many years, but growth all the same.
During the pandemic there were a number of more affordable markets across the country that experienced significant price increases, followed by price declines post-pandemic. I expected home prices in those areas to take longer to recover than the rest of the nation, but I’m surprised by how quickly they have started to grow, with most markets having either matched their historic highs or getting close to it – even in the face of very high borrowing costs. In 2024, I expect prices to match or exceed their 2022 highs in the vast majority of metro areas across the country.
Although new construction remains tepid, builders are benefiting from the lack of supply in the resale market and are taking a greater share of listings. While this might sound like a positive for builders, it’s coming at a cost through lower list prices and increased incentives such as mortgage rate buy downs. Although material costs have softened, it will remain very hard for builders to deliver enough housing to meet the demand.
With home prices continuing to rise and the pace of borrowing costs far exceeding income growth, affordability will likely erode further in 2024. For affordability to improve, it would require either a significant drop in home values, a significant drop in mortgage rates, a significant increase in household incomes, or some combination of the three. But I’m afraid this is very unlikely. First-time home buyers will be the hardest hit by this continued lack of affordable housing.
The government has started to take housing and affordability more seriously, with several states already having adopted new land use policies aimed at releasing developable land. In 2024, I hope cities and counties will continue to ease their restrictive land use policies. I also hope they’ll continue to streamline the permitting process and reduce the fees that are charged to builders, as these costs are passed directly onto the home buyer, which further impacts affordability.
Many expected that the end of forbearance would bring a veritable tsunami of homes to market, but that didn’t happen. At its peak, almost 1-in-10 homes in America were in the program, but that has fallen to below 1%. That said, foreclosure starts have picked up, but still remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Look for delinquency levels to continue rising in 2024, but they will only be returning to the long-term average and are not a cause for concern.
2023 will likely be remembered as the year when home sales were the lowest since the housing bubble burst in 2008. I expect the number of homes for sale to improve modestly in 2024 which, combined with mortgage rates trending lower, should result in about 4.4 million home sales. Ultimately though, demand exceeding supply will mean that sellers will still have the upper hand.
As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.
The following analysis of select counties of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate. 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 your Windermere Real Estate agent.
The pace of job growth continues to slow in Western Washington, as the region added only 21,907 new positions over the past 12 months. This represented a growth rate of 1.4%, which was the lowest pace of new jobs added since the pandemic ended.
The regional unemployment rate in August was 5.8%, which was marginally below the 6% rate we saw in the same quarter in 2022. A few smaller counties lost jobs over the past 12 months while King County’s employment levels rose a meager .4%, mainly due to job losses in the technology sector. I’ve said before that I’m not convinced that the U.S. is going to enter a recession; I still stand by that theory. Slowing job growth does not necessarily need to be a precursor to a recession, but I expect that we will see lackluster growth until next spring at the earliest.
❱ In the third quarter of 2023, 14,970 homes sold. This was down 22% from the third quarter of 2022 and 1% lower than in the second quarter of this year.
❱ Sales fell even as the average number of homes for sale increased 29.5% from the second quarter. This is clearly a sign that significantly higher mortgage rates are having an impact on the market.
❱ Sales fell in all counties except San Juan compared to the third quarter of 2022. They were up in 9 of the 14 counties covered in this report compared to the second quarter of 2023. San Juan, Mason, Grays Harbor, and Whatcom counties saw significant increases.
❱ Pending sales fell 6% compared to the second quarter of this year, suggesting that closings in the upcoming quarter may be lackluster unless mortgage rates fall, which I think is highly unlikely.
❱ Prices rose 2.8% compared to the third quarter of 2022 and were .6% higher than in the second quarter of this year. The average home sale price was $776,205.
❱ Compared to the second quarter of this year, sale prices were higher in all counties except Grays Harbor (-.5%), Kitsap (-1.5%), Clallam (-1.6%), Whatcom (-2.6%), and Skagit (-3%).
❱ Compared to the prior year, the pace of price growth slowed in the third quarter. This wasn’t too surprising given that the market was coming off record high prices in the summer of 2022. But what was surprising was that prices rose over the previous quarter despite the fact that mortgage rates were above 7% for almost the entire quarter.
❱ I don’t expect prices to move far from current levels in the coming months, and they likely won’t rise again until mortgage rates start to fall. When prices do rise, I anticipate that the pace of growth will be far more modest than we have become accustomed to.
Mortgage rates continued trending higher in the third quarter of 2023 and are now at levels we have not seen since the fall of 2000. Mortgage rates are tied to the interest rate (yield) on 10-year treasuries, and they move in the opposite direction of the economy. Unfortunately for mortgage rates, the economy remains relatively buoyant, and though inflation is down significantly from its high, it is still elevated. These major factors and many minor ones are pushing Treasury yields higher, which is pushing mortgage rates up. Given the current position of the Federal Reserve, which intends to keep rates “higher for longer,” it is unlikely that home buyers will get much reprieve when it comes to borrowing costs any time soon.
With such a persistently positive economy, I have had to revise my forecast yet again. I now believe rates will hold at current levels before starting to trend down in the spring of next year.
❱ It took an average of 32 days for homes to sell in the third quarter of 2023. This was 8 more days than in the same quarter of 2022, but 3 fewer days compared to the second quarter of this year.
❱ Snohomish and King counties were the tightest markets in Western Washington, with homes taking an average of only 19 days to find a buyer. Homes for sale in San Juan County took the longest time to find a buyer (57 days).
❱ All counties except Snohomish saw average days on market rise from the same period in 2022. Market time fell in 9 of the 14 counties compared to the prior quarter.
❱ The greatest fall in market time compared to the second quarter was in San Juan County, where market time fell 23 days.
This speedometer reflects the state of the region’s real estate market using housing inventory, price gains, home sales, interest rates, and larger economic factors.
Although it was good that listing activity rose in the third quarter, it still remains well below levels that can be considered normal. This is unlikely to change anytime soon given that over 86% of Washington homeowners with mortgages have an interest rate below 5% and more than a quarter have rates at or below 3%. There is little incentive for them to sell if they don’t have to.
More germane is the disconnect between what homeowners believe their homes are worth and what buyers can afford with mortgage rates in the mid-7% range. Most sellers appear to be getting their asking prices, or very close to it, which reflects their confidence in the market. However, home buyers are being squeezed by multi-decade high borrowing costs.
It is all quite a quandary. However, taking all the factors into consideration, sellers still have the upper hand but not enough to move the needle from the position it was in last quarter
Given all the factors discussed above, the needle stays in the same position as the last quarter. The market still heavily favors sellers, but if rates rise much further, headwinds will likely increase.
Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner gives an updated analysis of the U.S. housing market in 2023, using data released by The National Association of REALTORS® on listing activity, home sales, price growth, and more.
This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.
Hello there, I’m Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to this month’s episode of Monday with Matthew. The National Association of REALTORS® released their data on the U.S. housing market in August, and it contained a few things which I found interesting and wanted to share with you.
As you can clearly see here, the number of homes for sale remains at close to historic lows. When adjusted for seasonality, there were just 1.03 million single-family and condominium homes for sale in the month of August, and that’s down 8.3% from a year ago and the second lowest level in 2023. When adjusted for seasonal variations, there were just over 911,000 single-family homes for sale in the month, that’s 15% lower than a year ago and 36% below August of 2019. And the condominium market is not faring any better with just over 123,000 units available for purchase, listing activity was down year-over-year by just over 9%.
And to give you a little different perspective, this chart shows you the total number of units for sale in the month of August going back more than 20 years and I think it gives a pretty good indication as to how tight the U.S. housing market really is.
Now, we’ve talked before about the reasons why supply is so limited, and the blame is almost totally attributable to mortgage rates with sellers remarkably reluctant to move because that would mean losing the historically low mortgage rate that they currently benefit from. And as the old saying goes, “you can’t buy what’s not for sale,” and this is certainly true in the housing market today.
With such limited choice in the marketplace, it’s unsurprising to see home sales having plummeted following the pandemic induced surge we saw in 2021. At an annual sales rate of 4.04 million units, that is only 40,000 more than the low seen this January and we are now holding at levels we haven’t seen since 2010. Interestingly, single-family sales did see a little jump at the start of this year, but they have since pulled back—likely a function of rising financing costs, which were getting close to 7% in June.
But the condominium market, while certainly down significantly, appears to be somewhat more resilient. I find this interesting as we have not seen any palpable increase in listing activity for multifamily units.
When prices started to fall in the summer of 2022, many expected to see them continue to plunge in a manner similar to that seen following 2007 collapse, but that has certainly not been the case. Sale prices have rebounded and remain remarkably resilient—especially given significantly higher financing costs.
Single-family home prices paint a similar picture with prices down by 1.8% from peak; but up 3.7% year over year, and up 11.2% from the start of the year. Interestingly, sale prices in the Northeast were actually 3.5% higher in August than their 2022 peak. And condominium prices are just 0.1% below the high seen in June of last year. Prices are now up 6.2% year over year and are 11.6% higher than we saw at the end of 2022.
Now, of course the data shown here is unlikely to reflect the recent surge in mortgage rates so it will be interesting to see what impact that has not just on sales but sale prices when the September and October data is published.
My intuition suggests that—even with mortgage rates where they are today—as long as they don’t move significantly higher, prices at the national level are unlikely to collapse. But I do see sales volumes pulling back further as listing activity remains very constrained.
This chart shows a different way to look at the impact that mortgage rates are having on the market. The dark blue line shows year-over-year home price growth, and the light blue line shows the 12-month change in average mortgage payments.
Although we did see that annual growth in mortgage payments fall to just 10% in June of this year—the first time we have seen that since 2021—it has subsequently jumped back up. This means that a buyer of a median priced house in the U.S. is faced with payments that are 26 and a half percent higher than they were 12 months ago. At the same time, home price growth has stalled.
As I’ve mentioned in several past videos, I find it unlikely that inventory levels will increase significantly in 2023, and I also believe that supply will be constrained next year as well as rates remain at elevated levels.
As we know, it is this lack of inventory that has helped to support home prices; however, there is a breaking point. 10-year bond yields are holding at multi-year highs and do not appear to be thinking of pulling back at any time soon—especially given new bond issuances that the country is going bring to market in order to address our burgeoning debt levels.
And it’s because of this that I now expect to see rates remaining higher for longer, and the question then becomes how much tolerance will buyers have if mortgage rates hold where they are today or if they head closer to 8%.
Although I am not expecting this to happen, it is possible. And if it does, then sales will fall further and the underpinning of price stability will certainly be eroded. And there you have it. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject so feel free to leave your comments below. Until next month, stay safe out there and I’ll see you soon. Bye now.
To see the latest housing data for your area, visit our quarterly Market Updates page.
About Matthew Gardner
As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.
In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.
This Charity is being spearheaded by Paula Peters from our property management division in partnership with the Readiness to Learn Foundation. We are on a mission to ensure no child goes cold this winter on Whidbey Island.
📆 Date: Now through mid-November
🌟 Six Glorious Years: This marks our sixth annual Coats for Kids drive. Over the past years, we’ve donated an astounding 1,200+ pieces of cold-weather clothing, with a significant majority being essential coats and jackets!
📦 Donation Boxes: If you would like to HELP, please drop off NEW coats and boots at our offices in Freeland or Langley through mid November
Freeland Office
360/331-6636 5531
5531 Freeland Avenue
Langley Office
360/221-8898
223 Second Street
💌 Distance No Bar: Purchase items online and have items shipped to our offices! Heartwarming support pours in from all corners, including a recent kind donation from a continued supporter in Florida!
💵 Monetary Donations: If you’re considering a monetary contribution, please write checks payable to “Readiness to Learn”.
🎯 100 Coats/Jackets! Alongside, we’ll happily accept rain boots, cozy hats, mittens, gloves, and warm socks.
📲 For our tech-savvy supporters, keep an eye out for our Amazon Wish List. After its success last year, it’s making a comeback!
🙏 When you donate, do let Paula know. Every contributor deserves a heartfelt acknowledgment!
🌈 Donations can range from toddler sizes to adult, and any color is welcome. Just a small reminder, please ensure all donated items are BRAND NEW WITH TAGS.
🔊 Let’s amplify our reach! Inform your clients, chat with your family, call up your friends, and let’s come together as a community for this noble cause.
Warm Hearts Make Warm Kids! Join us in this heartwarming endeavor and ensure every child on Whidbey Island experiences a cozy winter. Your contribution can make a world of difference! 🧡
Want to join the Windermere Team?
Click here for Freeland / Langley
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