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How to be a Good Renter
If you’re trying to find a house or apartment to rent and haven’t had any luck, don’t worry—this article is here to point you in the right direction.
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Most landlords and property managers are looking for tenants who will pay rent on time, respect their property, and not cause any trouble. That’s why, when looking for a renter, many property owners examine particular criteria that will help them determine what kind of person their prospective tenant is.
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This kind of screening typically features mandatory checks, including credit checks, rental history assessments, income and employment assessments, and even criminal background checks. With that said, even after all that information, it can be difficult for landlords to determine who will be a good tenant. As a prospective renter, there are several things you can do to stand out and be considered for a home—keep reading to learn more!
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What Makes a Good Renter?
Put yourself in the position of a property manager. What kind of person would you want living on your property? Probably someone responsible, reliable, and with a stable income. Along with that, you will likely want to rent to a person that will respect your property and won’t cause issues with neighbors.
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Finding a person like that can be accomplished with the help of written applications, but final decisions regarding whether a renter is a good fit often depends on a conversation. That’s why making a good first impression on your prospective landlord is vital.
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Do your best to be communicative, polite, well-dressed, and well-mannered. Almost like a job interview, you’ll want to put your best foot forward to help property managers feel secure in your intentions, income, and reliability. Along with that, having a well-written renter application is a must, as that’s the first step towards getting noticed by a property owner.
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How to Write a Good Renter Application
Even though the contents of a renter application may vary depending on the apartment or house you’re applying for, there are still some general rules you should follow. Those include:
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Proving You Have Stable Income
Your landlord will want to have some reassurance that you can pay your rent each month. In many cases, you need to prove that you make three to four times the rent to qualify as a tenant.
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When providing proof of income, many landlords will want to see three or more recent payslips or bank statements showing that you have a consistent stream of revenue. Some property managers may also want to see tax records or W2s. Additionally, you may need to get proof from your employer regarding your position and your salary.
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Credit Card Check and Credit Score
When you apply to rent a home, you will almost always have to allow your property manager to check your credit score. That’s because your level of financial responsibility is thought to be a good indicator of whether you will be able to pay your rent on time.
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Background Check
As part of the application, you will often go through a background check. Similar to the credit check we already mentioned, this is used as a way to prove that you can be trusted and depended upon. In this case, any previous convictions or charges may hinder your application and lead to you not being able to rent the property.
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Rental History, Previous Feedback from Landlord, or Personal References
Make sure to prepare your rental history beforehand, as it will make the application easier. If you have any positive feedback, you should highlight it, as it can give you a bit of an advantage.
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On the other hand, if you don’t have any rental history, you can provide personal references, which can come from people like your employers, colleagues, college professors, etc. These references are used to give your prospective landlord a better idea of who you are as a person and what they can expect if you become their tenant.
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Remember to Prepare!
Preparing your application and being ready to answer all kinds of questions from a potential property manager are vital parts of the renting process. However, along with that, working with a reliable partner like Windermere is one of the best ways to ensure you rent a home you truly love.
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The property managers at Windermere can help you find your perfect rental and guide you through the application process so you can get settled down that much sooner!
Home Safety and Security
It’s true that your home is an investment and an asset, but most importantly, it’s your livelihood, so taking measures to adequately protect it is well worth your time. An unfortunate reality of being a homeowner is that your home can be a target for mischievous and/or criminal acts.
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Fortunately, there are tools and systems you can use to mitigate damage from these kinds of attacks and keep your home safe, in both everyday home life and during the selling process. Sometimes the best part of security systems is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. Many of our personal items can be replaced thanks to homeowners insurance, but you cannot put a price on feeling safe at home.
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Home Safety and Security
Technology
As time goes on, home technology continues to improve and become more closely integrated with the way we think about a home’s basic functions. There are countless products that can help to automate the systems in your home while better protecting it. When considering these tools, educate yourself about the risks the devices may pose if the proper safeguards aren’t in place. For example, some smart speakers and voice-activated assistants may make everyday home life easier but can leave the door open for potential breaches of personal information if the proper security measures aren’t taken.
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Smart Home Devices
The concept of a “smart” home has shifted over the years, but what does this term really mean? And what makes a device “smart”? In essence, a smart device is one that uses technology to make home life easier, more efficient, and more convenient, saving you time in the process. Often using automation and/or remote control, these products allow you to customize the systems in your home to best fit your lifestyle and the needs of your household.
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Home Security Apps
Home security apps help to manage your home’s security systems all in one, centralized location. This makes it easy to closely monitor your home even when you’re far away. These apps are typically capable of connecting to door and window sensors, cameras, thermostats, and control lights while allowing you to set alarms and various other home protectants. These apps can offer peace of mind that your home is safe, even when you’re not there.
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Alarm Systems
If you are considering an alarm, you have an array of options that vary from self-install motion detection kits to full-service home security systems. If you choose to set up your alarm system yourself, you’ll want to install motion detectors on your doors and windows, especially if they can be easily accessed on the ground floor. These kits will often offer a 24-hour support line whose services may come at an extra fee.
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Full-service security systems can include everything from an alarm system and panic buttons to and integration with your smoke detectors and/or fire prevention system. These services can be expensive up front, but usually have a reasonable monthly rate. In some cases, having a home security system installed can reduce your insurance rates.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: BrianAJackson
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Upgrade Your Locks
After you’ve moved into your home, it’s a good idea to change the locks. This will give you peace of mind that, once the new locks are installed, no one outside of your household will be able to access your home. Also consider getting a high-quality front-door deadbolt. A poorly installed or weak one can make it easier for an intruder to kick in your door. Front door locks come in many forms, from the traditional models with keys to digital options that require passcodes or fingerprints. It’s also a good idea to check all the locks on your windows. Some older models are easy to jimmy open with a little wiggling. For ground floor windows, you may want to consider double locks.
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Security Cameras
Nowadays, security cameras are widely available for home installation. When shopping around, compare different products’ capabilities to find the one that best suits your own security needs. Installing security cameras in high-visibility locations with clear sight lines can help to deter intruders. At the very least, they ensure that you’ll have evidence of an intrusion, should one occur. With so many home security products available, you won’t have trouble finding a system that’s easy to set up. Professional systems, however, generally have more robust monitoring services and require professional expertise to install.
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Exterior and Interior Home Lighting
Having exterior lights and/or flood lights on timers or motion sensors is a good way to deter nighttime intruders. Add sensor lights to key entry points on your home, including the front door, back door, and/or basement entries. If you have an unused side yard, consider lighting there too. Keeping your home well-lit makes unwanted visitors weary of being seen.
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If you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time, consider using timed lighting options in your home to give the appearance that someone is home. You can select timers for bedrooms or living areas and program a radio or TV to provide some white noise while you’re away.
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The Importance of Community for Home Safety
Programs like Neighborhood Watch and NextDoor are very successful in some communities, by creating an environment where everyone is looking out for each other. Building close-knit relationships with your neighbors can go a long way in making you feel safe at home. Whether this is through a formalized program, or a shared agreement with your community, developing relationships with your neighbors is a great way to keep your home safe.
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Written By Windermere Staff
Navigating the Property Management Industry
Do you have a second home or investment property you are not using? Would you like to make an income through this property? It may be the time to become a landlord. In 2021, over one-third of households lived in rental properties. That means the demand for rental housing is high, while the need for trustworthy landlords is greater than ever.
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If you’ve ever considered becoming a landlord, now might be the perfect time to take the leap.
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Duties of a Landlord
Landlords have a rather hefty list of situations they should be prepared for. This includes marketing rental units, screening applicants, facilitating communication between tenants, and keeping in compliance with local codes and regulations, among many other daily operations and tasks.
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It is also important to have a catalog of resources for any maintenance and repairs that may be needed to guarantee your tenant has the best possible rental experience and to insure the quality of your property stays intact.
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Staying Up to Date
Once you’ve learned about what it takes to become a landlord, it’s time to go through the process of renting out a home. But before diving in, it’s important to be informed on the basic do’s and don’ts of renting out a property. Staying up to date on the industry’s best practices is a great way to keep yourself educated.
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Engaging platforms such as blogs, podcasts, or any media outlet highlighting property management news and trends will allow you to adapt with the market and keep potential tenants interested in your properties. This will also give you insight into devising an effective marketing plan, which is crucial for your success in the property management industry.
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Working With a Property Manager
Now that you know what it takes to be a landlord it is important to know where you can find help! Navigating the rental market can be overwhelming, here at Windermere we have a team of individuals with ample experience and knowledge to make renting your property as smooth and simple as possible.
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By working with a property manager you will be able to gain a peace of mind about your property as they facilitate the relationship between you and your tenants. Our property managers will provide a market analysis to help determine the best price for your property. We will do all of the leg work from advertising to collecting rent so that you can sit back and enjoy your new life as a landlord
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As a full-service, family-operated real estate company, Windermere brings value to the community through positive relationships between clients and team members.
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Get in touch with our property management team today
Market Insights | April 2022
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Marla Heagle
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Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®
Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
360-387-HOME
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Choosing the Right Fence and Gate for Your Home
Whether you are looking to improve your curb appeal, create more security or privacy, or cordon off a side garden, a fence or gate can be a practical and creative solution. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which material is best for your home. By focusing on your budget and which materials best complement your home, you’ll eventually find your answer. Here are some options to get you started in your search.
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Different Types of Fencing
Consider your priorities before choosing materials. Perhaps your fencing will serve the exclusive purpose of providing a designated area for pets and/or children to play, or you’re more focused on matching the wood grain with that of your home, or maybe you’ve simply always dreamed of having a white picket fence. When compiling your budget, account for materials and labor if paying a professional. If you plan to install on your own, know that a fence installation can be a physically demanding project. If your fencing is going into soft soil, you’ll have an easier time with installation. But for those who will be post-hole digging into rocky dirt or gravel, you can expect a challenge.
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Natural Fences
Consider using a natural fence such as shrubbery, hedges, or trees to create a perimeter around your property. Natural fences create a barrier while bolstering your landscaping design and help to create a flow between your garden beds, yard, and the house itself. In comparison to other fencing solutions, natural fences may be a more affordable option, especially if you can plant them on your own. However, unless you’re buying full-grown shrubbery, natural fencing will take time to grow, whereas other types of hard-material fencing are functional as soon as they are constructed.
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White Picket Fence
White picket fences, though traditional and simple in design, are effective. They are easy to maintain while complementing various home styles. Due to their sturdiness, they do well to keep pets in your yard and provide a safe designated area for them to roam. White picket fences reflect light and can make the colors in the shrubbery/plant life surrounding them pop. For the green thumbs that aspire to grow a flourishing garden, a white picket fence may be the perfect solution for magazine-quality grounds. However, with white picket fences, their strength is also their weakness. White is more prone to noticeable stains, meaning you can expect to set aside time for touch up painting at least once a year if you want to keep your fence purely white.
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Wood Fences
There are many types of wood to pick from when choosing fencing. Local climate looms large in the decision-making process. It’s important to understand how the wood will hold up throughout the seasons and what kinds of treatments and/or stains are required to keep it from weathering. Wood fences work with many home styles. You’ll often see natural wood-colored fences used to reflect the aesthetic of Craftsman homes, while different paint colors and stains may be used to complement a more modern home style.
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Different Types of Gates
Garden Gates
- Ivy or Flower Archway: Use a simple wooden arch gate to allow flowers, ivy, or grape vines to grow along the gate creating a framed, lush entryway.
- Vintage Gate: Use an old, wired gate to create a rustic vintage feel that leads to your personal garden.
- Driftwood: Create your own gate by collecting wood or driftwood. You can then use twine, wire, or rope to create your own design.
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Driveway Gates
- Security Gates: Using a security gate is one of the easiest ways to make your home safer and more secure. There are many types of security gates, but steel provides protection without the need for much maintenance.
- Side Yard Gates: If you don’t have a driveway gate, consider getting a side yard gate for added security and privacy.
- Ornate Gates: Ornate gates don’t always create privacy but can create a beautiful entryway while also offering more control over who has access to the property.
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Written by Sandy Dodge
What to Consider When Buying a Second Home
In some ways, the process of buying a second home is like buying a primary home. However, there are several key differences that require consideration before you make an offer. Whether you have visions of curating your ideal vacation home, are planning for retirement, or view the property as an investment opportunity, a second home can be the answer to your real estate ambitions. Owning two homes, however, means your responsibilities as a homeowner will double. Keep the following information in mind as you work with your agent toward purchasing a second home.
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Costs of Buying a Second Home
Purchasing a second home will typically come with all the expenditures you encountered during the process of buying your primary home. However, you may have to pay more up front for a second home, since loans for a secondary residence are riskier for lenders. Consider how making a lump sum payment may affect your financial health before beginning the buying process.
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To get an idea of what you can afford, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can experiment with different values to get an estimate of your monthly payment for any listing price. By adding your resulting figures to your current monthly mortgage costs, you can make a well-informed estimation of your total monthly mortgage costs for both homes.
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Financing Your Second Home Purchase
Finding the right financing for your second home purchase will depend on how you intend to use it. You and your lender will explore the different home loan types available to you to find the one that best suits your needs. Your lender’s rates and qualification requirements will vary based on how often you plan on living there and whether it’s an investment property, among other factors. If you plan to rent the property periodically, talk with your lender about what parameters would result in it being classified as an investment property. You’ll need to obtain a landlord insurance policy as well, on top of your existing homeowners insurance. These additional costs—along with rental maintenance expenses—need to be accounted for, even though renting out the property will help generate income.
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Other Factors that Influence a Second Home Purchase
Besides being financially prepared, how will you know you’re ready to buy? For starters, finding and buying the right secondary residence is a matter of timing. It’s vital that the purchase of your second home aligns with your life goals. If you’re planning on purchasing the home for retirement, take time to investigate the area’s assisted living resources. If the area is a popular vacation destination, talk to your agent about how seasonality affects the local market conditions, whether you’re buying in a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, and how you can formulate your best offer.
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If you aren’t familiar with the area, get to know the locale before you start sending offers. It’s helpful to schedule your visit off-season to get the clearest picture of what everyday life is like there. Plan to stay for enough time that you can get a sense of the atmosphere beyond a tourist’s first impression. Your experience there will help inform whether it’s the right time to buy.
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For more information on second-home ownership, read our blog post on renovating your vacation home, with a seasonal breakdown of common home improvement projects.
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Renovating Your Vacation Home
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Written By Sandy Dodge
How to Prevent and Deal with Mold
Whether you are buying or selling a home, mold is something to be mindful of. Health concerns and potential damage make mold a red flag for buyers. Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, taking care of mold problems now can prevent even larger and more costly issues in the future. Contrary to what some people think, mold is not a geographic problem—it can occur anywhere, no matter where you live. Here is some basic information about mold and how to deal with it.
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What is mold?
Molds are microscopic organisms that are found virtually everywhere indoors and outdoors. There are thousands of different kinds of mold. Their natural function is to help break down dead materials such as stumps and leaves so the nutrients can be used by the environment. For molds to grow, they need two things: an organic food source—such as leaves, wood, paper, or dirt—and moisture.
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Mold Causes Damage
Mother Nature uses mold to decompose plant material. Unfortunately, when present indoors, it can be equally destructive. Mold growth can damage furnishings, such as carpets, couches, and cabinets. If it goes undetected or neglected, it can also cause serious damage to walls and structural elements in your home.
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Mold is present everywhere, and most people tolerate exposure with no adverse effects. If allowed to spread, however, it may cause problems. As molds grow, they release thousands of tiny spores that travel through the air. When inhaled in large enough amounts, these spores may increase the risk of adverse health effects in some people, particularly respiratory problems. A less-common strain of mold called “black mold” can be particularly troublesome to those who are especially sensitive.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: wattanaphob
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Common Causes of Mold Growth in Homes
No matter your local climate, your home is vulnerable to mold. There are many sources of mold problems, from faulty air conditioners to poorly positioned sprinkler systems. Here are the most common sources of mold inside the home:
- Flooding
- Leaky roofs or damaged gutters
- Heating or cooling system problems
- Poor drainage next to foundation
- Plumbing leaks from toilets, refrigerators, and dishwashers
- Damp basement or crawl space
- Leaking windows or doors
- Steam from shower or cooking
- Indoor exhaust from dryer
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Detecting Mold in Your Home
If you can see or smell mold inside your home, it’s time to act. Any area that has sustained past or ongoing water damage should be thoroughly inspected—you may find hidden mold growth in water-damaged walls, floors, or ceilings. Walls and floors that are warping or discolored can also indicate moisture problems, as can condensation on windows or walls.
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How to Prevent Mold in Your Home
Since mold is always present, there’s no way to eliminate it completely. You can control indoor mold growth, however, by controlling moisture.
- Remove the source of moisture by fixing any leaks or other water problems.
- Make sure your bathroom fans and dryers are properly vented to the outside. Always use the exhaust fan when cooking or showering.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels in the air. Make sure your AC system is well maintained and is the correct size for your home. A faulty AC system can cool the air without removing the water vapor, creating high humidity.
- Insulate your home well to prevent indoor condensation.
- Have your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems professionally cleaned annually. Air-duct systems can easily become contaminated with mold.
- Regularly clean moist areas such as the bathroom with products that treat mildew.
- Dry clean your carpets (as opposed to wet cleaning them).
- Avoid carpeting bathrooms and basements.
- Clean any moldy surfaces as soon as you notice them.
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How to Deal with Mold in Your Home
Mold can be a manageable problem. If you have a mold problem that is isolated to a small area—less than a square yard or so—you can try to resolve it yourself. However, if your mold problem is severe or if you have extensive water damage, it’s best to call a professional contractor who specializes in mold removal.
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Porous items that are hard to clean, such as carpet and drapes, should be discarded. Moldy sheetrock and ceiling tiles can be removed and replaced. Hard, nonabsorbent surfaces such as glass, plastic and metal should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water and allowed to dry completely. For solid items that are semi-porous, such as floors, cabinets, and wood furniture, scrub with an ammonia-free cleaner and hot water to remove the mold. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. After cleaning, apply a mildewcide to kill mold and spores.
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When cleaning mold, remember to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and work in a well-ventilated area. Never mix cleaner containing bleach and ammonia; this can result in the release of a toxic gas. And be sure to throw away any sponges or rags that you use for cleaning. For more information on how maintaining your home can prevent damage, read our blog post on how to handle water damage.
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How to Handle Water Damage in Your Home
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Written By Windermere Staff
Renting vs Buying: Which is better for you?
Deciding whether to rent or buy can be a difficult decision, but with the right analysis, you can determine which is best for you. Knowing whether it’s the right time to rent or buy depends on your buying power, what you’re looking for in a home, your local market conditions, your plans for you and your household, and the responsibilities you’re prepared to take on at your residence.
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Renting vs. Buying: Which is Better for You?
Renting gives you greater flexibility to relocate, fewer home maintenance responsibilities, and can often be more the more affordable option, depending on where you live. The extra costs associated with owning a home—interest payments, taxes, repairs—may be too much for some renters to handle. Becoming a homeowner has its respective advantages. You’ll have stable monthly payments and greater freedom to customize your living space. Advocates of buying will contend that purchasing a home is an investment in equity, which can increase in value every year you live in the home, whereas if you rent a property, you’re essentially paying for someone else’s mortgage.
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Ultimately, the right decision depends on your situation. If you don’t plan to be living in the same place for at least five years, renting might be more logical, as it allows you more flexibility when it comes time to move again. If you’re looking to settle down for the better part of a decade or longer and can afford to buy a home, becoming a homeowner may be the better option. Here are a few additional considerations to guide your renting-versus-buying decision making process.
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What are the local real estate market conditions?
Investigate the local sales and rental markets. Industry groups put out reports every quarter stating the average national sales price for a home and the average monthly payment for a rental. These reports are typically based on an average of all the cities in the U.S. But what really matters is what the numbers show when you dig into them on a local level. When looking at these reports, you’ll see there are some cities that fall below that average, while others rise above it. When comparing housing costs, be sure to base your evaluation on what’s happening in your city and neighborhood, not the nationwide averages.
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For a quarterly breakdown of local market conditions, explore our Market Updates page. With data analyzed by our Chief Economist Matthew Gardner, each report breaks down the latest figures in home sales, home prices, and days on market for regions throughout Windermere’s footprint. Gardner also provides his estimation of where each market sits on the buyer’s-market-to-seller’s-market spectrum.
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What can you afford?
Making the jump from renter to homeowner is often a question of affordability. Your mortgage rate will depend on your financial strength, your credit score, and other factors, so make sure to talk to a loan officer before you start looking for a home. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will identify what you’re able to afford and helps strengthen your offer when the time comes.
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To get an idea of what you can afford, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can experiment with different values to get an estimate of your monthly payment for any listing price. By using the Home Monthly Payment Calculator, you can make a well-informed estimation of whether it’s the right time to buy.
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Will you need to make repairs to your new home?
Buying a fixer-upper may seem like a great way to get a deal on a house, but if the money you spend on the repairs is too great, your profit could be diminished when it comes time to sell. The same is true for remodeling and improvement projects. There are various renovation financing loans available to you that can help with the costs of home repairs, though extra consultations, inspections, and appraisals are often required in the process of securing these loans. Ultimately, if you can only afford a home that demands major improvements, and you don’t have the skills to do much of the work yourself, you may be better off renting.
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Can you rent part of the house you’re buying?
If you buy a house with rental-capable space (extra bedroom, mother-in-law unit, etc.), you could use the rental income to pay off your mortgage faster and contribute more to your savings. But, of course, you need to be willing to share your home with a tenant and take on the responsibilities of being a landlord or working with a professional property manager to help you with those duties. Renting out a space in your home will also require you to purchase landlord insurance on top of your existing homeowners insurance policy.
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Making Your Decision to Rent or Buy
At the end of the day, the decision is up to you. Based on the conditions laid out above, it simply may not be the right time for you to buy. Fortunately, when it comes to being a homeowner, it’s not now or never. A real estate agent will be your ultimate resource in gauging whether it’s the right time to buy and guiding you through the process toward homeownership. To get started, connect with a local Windermere agent today.
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Written by Windermere Staff
Market Insights | March 2022
March 2022 in Stanwood and Camano Island looked different for our two markets. Generally, Stanwood and Camano Island mirror each other in many ways, but this month ended with the stats looking a little different in each area..New Listings: Camano Island added 20% fewer listings to the market in March, while Stanwood added a much-needed 46% more listings than this time last year. Overall, 81 listings were added to our combined market last month. 66 listings were added in February.
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Pending Sales: Stanwood and Camano Island were similar in this category, with 79 Sellers accepting offers on their homes, 37 on Camano, and 42 in Stanwood. This is a combined 17% increase over last March. Pent-up demand is a factor in the 2022 month-over-month increase in pending sales.
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Homes Sold: There were 78 homes sold in zip codes 98282 and 98292 in March. Camano had 36 sales, a 33% increase over 2021. Stanwood had 42 sales, a 30% decrease from last year. Overall, the volume of homes sold in March was even with last year in our combined markets.
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SELLERS – It is still a great time to come onto the market, and most Buyers are willing to pay a premium. Interest rates are going up, and this will slightly narrow the Buyer pool, but we still anticipate high demand. Make sure your home is in great shape before you list – align yourself with a local agent to be prepared.
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BUYERS – The ‘supply squeeze’ is real and is contributing to elevated competition amongst Buyers. Prices are still on the rise. If you are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the prices to decrease, you could be waiting for some time. Work with a local agent, be ready to buy, and don’t give up..At Windermere, our responsiveness to the local market, dedication to the community, and commitment to our trade is why we help our clients buy and sell more real estate in Stanwood and Camano Island than any other company..We are all in, for you.
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Marla Heagle
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Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®
Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
360-387-HOME
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Local Gyms and Golf Courses in Stanwood and Camano Island
Whether you live in Stanwood or on Camano Island or you’re just stopping by for a PNW vacation, you should know where to go when you want to work out or have some time out on the course! If you’ve seen one too many hiking trails lately but want to stay active, keep reading for a list of some of the best gyms and golf/disc courses in the greater Stanwood and Camano Island area.
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Anytime Fitness
Anytime Fitness has a location in Stanwood, and it’s a great place to get your workout in day or night. They offer training courses and can help craft the perfect personalized plan for your fitness regimen. You’ll also have access to all the modern equipment you need to get your muscles working and your endorphins flowing.
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Stanwood Swim & Fitness
Stanwood Swim & Fitness is in a convenient location right in the heart of Stanwood that has both gym equipment and aquatic options for all the swimmers out there. For those just passing through, the fitness center offers day passes for $15 and provides a $20 family pass for the swimming pool. They also have monthly and yearly membership options for the fitness center and offer swimming lessons for children.
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Stanwood-Camano YMCA
Stanwood-Camano YMCA is an organization focused on healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. In their sports center, people of all ages can take part in group training sessions, swimming lessons, and other activities such as water fitness, yoga, and even pickleball. It’s a community-oriented fitness center that makes exercise fun while helping you meet new people and explore new and exciting activities.
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Movement Arts (Yoga Studio)
Yoga is relaxing, strengthening, and good for both physical and mental health. You can work on focusing your mind while you work on sculpting your body! The Movements Arts Yoga Studio in Terry’s Corner on Camano Island offers a variety of yoga-related activities, pilates classes, live-stream classes, yoga retreats, and specialty workshops. They also offer Yoga Teacher Training for yogis that want to expand their knowledge.
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Z’s Remedies (Yoga Studio & In-House Aromatherapy)
Z’s is another yoga studio in Stanwood. It offers various yoga classes, from gentle yoga, seated yoga, Vinyasa flows, and even roller yoga, designed to stretch out your tight muscles. The studio has 13 classes each week, and they are all led by certified trainers with years of experience. For now, all classes are held virtually to support the health and safety of all yoga practitioners.
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Camaloch Golf Course
If you love playing golf, then the Camaloch Golf Couse on Camano Island provides great views and great company. The course offers an opportunity to play either 18 or 9 holes and offers different prices according to the season and the time of the week. The golf course also has a Junior golf program designed to introduce kids aged 10 through 17 to the sport, which makes it a great pastime to take up with your children.
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Church Creek Park
The Church Creek Park is a disc golf course in Stanwood, perfect for anyone who wants to have some fun competition while throwing some frisbees. The park also has some playground structures for kids and a unique mix of fields and trees. Have some heated disk golf competitions with your friends, and then enjoy the natural beauty of the park. If it has rained recently, watch your footing and be wary of mud!
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Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort
Located south of Stanwood, Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort is a disc golfer’s dream. The complex has multiple disc golf courses that have varying difficulty levels, so it offers a fun way to spend time for both people with experience in disc golf and for those who are just starting out.
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Along with offering multiple courses, the Kayak Point Disc Golf Resort has a disc golf pro shop, a restaurant and a bar, a tap house, and event rental services. Furthermore, it often organizes special events like work parties and hosts different tournaments.
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Wrap Up
If you live in the Stanwood & Camano Island area or are coming here for a weekend getaway, don’t worry about not having enough to do. If you’re a sports lover or just someone who enjoys being active and trying out new things, the island and its neighboring town have many options to choose from. Put on your fitness gear or your golf apparel, and get out there!
