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Landscaping Tips That Can Increase Your Home’s Value
When you own a home, there’s a natural desire to invest in landscaping projects that help beautify your yard. But for those who are preparing to sell, the emphasis should be on specific projects that boost your home’s curb appeal and add to its value. The following landscaping tips can help you position your home to sell at the best price. We also recommend talking with your agent about the best landscaping ideas for your home that buyers in your area are looking for.
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Landscaping Tips That Can Increase Your Home’s Value
Flower Beds
Beautifying your flower beds is a matter of making improvements in two areas: the flower beds themselves and the border surrounding them. Flower-lined pathways leading toward your home’s front door help guide buyers’ eyes and create a natural aesthetic order to your front yard. Plant colorfully to inspire a vibrant look or choose fewer flowers for a more uniform consistency. Add fresh mulch or beauty bark to your flower beds to make them pop. Creating a border with stone, brick, clay, or another similar material will help delineate flower beds from grass while delivering a clean, refined aesthetic to your property.
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If you’re designing new borders to your flower beds, think about the traffic patterns, the orientation of the house in relation to the rest of your neighborhood, and your front yard’s location to ultimately settle on the best sight lines. Spend time weeding the area where your border will go. To dissuade future weed growth, consider adding a thin layer of sand or gravel between the dirt and your border pavers. Finally, clean your hardscaping with an outdoor cleaner or pressure washer to get rid of built-up dirt and moss.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Elenathewise
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Lawn Care
A fresh lawn will make a solid first impression on prospective buyers. Here are a few basic lawn care tips:
- Fertilize at the appropriate time of year for your local climate
- Set your lawn mower blades at the proper height to ensure you’re not cutting your grass too short
- Water regularly to keep your lawn healthy
If you live in an arid climate, grass alternatives may be a more popular local choice. No matter where you live, once you’ve decided to sell, you can rest assured that spending time and energy on caring for your lawn will pay dividends once you’ve staked your “for sale” sign.
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Landscaping Lighting
Once you’ve fixed up your garden beds and tended to your lawn, you’ve done well to ensure that your home’s landscaping will look its best—during the daylight, that is. To ensure that buyers feel the work you’ve put into your home around the clock, consider installing landscape lighting. This will help to put your home’s qualities on full display during the nighttime, while also adding a welcoming touch for potential buyers and passersby.
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Front Porch
Add planters to your front porch to create flow from your front yard to your entrance. For the ultimate front porch aesthetic, think of ways that you can create symmetry with your planter boxes. Nest them along the borders of windows, select planter boxes with dimensions that compliment a seated bench, or place identical boxes on either side of your front door. This will direct attention to your home’s front entry and helps to instill that all-important first impression in buyers’ minds.
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To learn more about quality landscaping projects, read our blog post on 5 Design Projects to Improve Your Backyard.
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Written By Sandy Dodge
Home Maintenance Tips and Tricks
Frankly, it can be a hassle to properly take care of a home—if only there was a landlord you could call to fix your garbage disposal or tend to your leaks! But, there’s always a price attached to great things, and owning a home comes with a lot of perks.
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To keep your home completely functional and looking wonderful, keeping up on routine maintenance is a must. It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to sell soon or likely to stay put for a long time to come; there are a few things all homeowners should add to their home care routine.
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Not to worry! Keep reading to learn about some of the most essential home maintenance tips and tricks that will enable you to properly care for your house without sacrificing too much of your time or money.
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Regrout and Recaulk Your Tub, Bathroom Fixtures, and Showers
When your grout or caulking show signs of wear, it’s a good sign that they need touchups or complete replacements. So if you notice any crumbling, peeling, shrinking, or even mildew, then it’s time to get to work.
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Using a bleach solution to clean moldy caulk or grout is a quick fix that will help for some time. However, you should plan on recaulking your commonly moist spaces (like the bathroom) about every five years in order to keep it in the best possible condition.
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Clean Your Gutters
You should do gutter maintenance at least twice every year as the seasons change. Gutters that are overfilled with debris cannot do their job, which can lead to costly water damage. That’s why it’s so crucial that you check and clean your gutters every fall and spring, making sure to clear any muck and seal any leaks. If a gutter needs to be replaced, don’t put it off for too long! Excess water can cause damage to both your siding and your foundation.
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Clean Your Garbage Disposal and Vent Hood
Food and debris easily get stuck in your garbage disposal, especially if you use it on a daily basis. As food begins to decay, it also starts to smell bad. In order to avoid that scenario, you should clean your garbage disposal often, as that’s the only way to fully eliminate any unpleasant aromas. Regular cleaning also keeps your disposal working well.
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Along with that, your vent hood is likely to turn greasy quickly, especially if you cook often. If you do cook very frequently, you should clean your vent hood about once every two weeks to keep it both fully functional and looking nice.
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Change and Clean Filters in Appliances
Filters in your refrigerator, air conditioning unit, and many other household appliances have to be changed often. Otherwise, they simply stop doing their job, and in such cases, you might end up with bad-tasting water, dirty dishes, and a higher electricity bill.
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It can be helpful to have a schedule for when each filter should be changed. For example, you will likely need to change your fridge’s air filter once every six months to a year; however, when it comes to your Brita, you should probably change the filter every one to two months.
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Flush Your Water Heater
It’s recommended that either you or a professional plumber drains your water heater at least once per year. Draining your water heater will flush out any debris or minerals stuck in the system, thus ensuring that it runs more efficiently.
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Inspect the Exterior for Water Damage or Foundation Problems
If you see any signs of water damage, you must address them right away. Not only can water damage deteriorate the home’s look, but it can cause long-lasting problems. Some signs might be worsening gaps between windows or doors, cracks in exterior or interior walls, a leaning chimney, slanting floors, and water intrusion in the basement.
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Wash Your Sliding
To greatly improve your curb appeal, you should clean your home’s siding at least once every year. It’s a good tip to do it in the spring to get off any grub from winter. You can either hire professionals to power wash your siding, or you can rent a power washer yourself and dedicate an afternoon to the project. Be sure to do your research first, as using high pressure incorrectly can damage and crack your siding.
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Change your HVAC Filters and Have It Serviced Regularly
Your HVAC filters should be changed frequently, and along with that, you should make sure that the entire HVAC system is getting serviced at least once per year. That will ensure that it keeps working efficiently and delivering its peak performance.
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Check and Clean Your Dryer Vent
Having a clean dryer vent is crucial, as lint often clogs it up and prevents it from working as it should. This can also be a fire hazard. To keep things running smoothly, you should clean it at least once every few months.
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Make Sure Your House Number is Visible from the Street
The outside of your home may turn dirty quickly, especially if you live in places where it often rains or dust gathers quickly. And while it may be a bit of a stretch to clean the whole exterior of the house, keeping your number visible is vital so that mailpeople, authorities, invited guests, prospective buyers, etc., can recognize your house if needed.
How to Find the Right Lighting for Your Home
The right lighting can give your home the quality and mood you’re looking to achieve. Knowing about the different temperatures of light, lighting types, and how to blend lighting elements will help you narrow down your choices and find the best fixtures for your home.
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How to Find the Right Lighting for Your Home
Before taking a trip to the hardware or lighting store, it’s worth your time to understand the different types of lighting and how they complement each other to fill the large surface areas of your home while spotlighting the nooks and crannies. Ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting are the three basic lighting types that cover the spectrum of illuminating a home.
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Ambient Lighting
Ambient light is what fills a room. Also known as “general light,” this is the primary light source for the spaces in your home. When selecting your ambient lights, know that your choice in color will play a significant role in the atmosphere of that room, since this type of lighting is so widely distributed.
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Accent Lighting
Accent lighting has a smaller footprint than ambient lighting. It is meant to direct focus and attention to a specific spot. By pulling the eye toward this spot lit area, it allows you to highlight décor and design pieces, such as picture frames and artwork, houseplants, or small sculptures.
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Task Lighting
It’s all in the name when it comes to task lighting. This form of lighting exists to help you perform tasks. Whether it’s cooking, working on arts and crafts, tinkering away at a desk, or tending to your indoor garden, having task lighting in place will ensure that you’re able to see while you work. Feel free to experiment with closeup light sources when installing task lighting to provide the maximum attention to detail while you work. Task lighting fixtures can be as simple as a floor lamp or desk lamp.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: TG23
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Different Temperatures of Light
There are three basic light temperatures: warm, cool, and neutral. Warm light creates a cozy, comfortable feeling, and functions best in rooms where you plan to kick back and relax, such as the bedroom or the living room. Cold light encourages attention to detail, and therefore works well in places like the kitchen and bathroom. Neutral light sits between warm and cold light but functions like cold light in that it can help you focus on the task at hand in the rooms where it’s used. Places like the garage, home office, or bonus/utility rooms are all fitting homes for neutral light.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: imaginima
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Different Lighting Fixtures
After you’ve researched the different types of lighting and decided which temperatures fit best throughout your home, it’s time to pick your fixtures.
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Chandeliers
Chandeliers have been around for centuries and they are still popular today. Due to their formal nature, they can set the stage for dining rooms and foyers alike with traditional style. Chandeliers typically give off lots of light, making them perfect for filling larger spaces.
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Surface Lights
Surface lights sit flush against the wall where they are installed. These lights are typically used in smaller areas such as hallways.
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Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are commonly found in the kitchen or the dining room. Suspended from the ceiling, pendant lights come in a variety of styles, but often appear as a linear series of lights that run the length of a table or slab underneath them.
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Recessed Lights
Recessed lights sits inside the wall and provide a level distribution of illumination. These lights are a popular choice for vaulted ceilings, where you’ll usually see them spaced evenly apart to fill the room with ambient light.
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For more information and resources on putting together the home you envision, read our blog post on how to upgrade your dining room:
How to Upgrade Your Dining Room
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Written By Sandy Dodge
Get Outside and Explore
New experiences make life more exciting. There’s nothing wrong with having a cozy stay-at-home weekend, but going out to explore every now and then is what keeps us lively, curious, and full of that child-like wonder we all miss so much! There’s even some evidence that having new experiences and getting a change of scenery helps improve learning, memory, and cognition.
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The point is, you should take some time to have fun, get outside, and explore. And when you live in a place as beautiful and fun-filled as the Stanwood and Camano Island area, there’s no excuse not to! Keep reading to learn about seven places worth exploring right by home.
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Cama Beach State Park
This state park on the southwest shore of Camano Island combines historical discovery with awe-worthy views. Cama Beach was originally the location of a resort commonly used as a vacation destination in the mid-1900s. Transformed into a state park in the 2000s, you can still rent out a cabin for a night away or have a blast with daytime recreation.
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Like you might expect from a park on the water, there’s boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming in the summer. Visit this historic destination to brush up on your knowledge while enjoying the raw beauty and pastimes of the PNW.
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Matzke Sculpture Park and Gallery
Stanwood and Camano Island are home to some of the PNW’s best artists, so if you live in the area, it’s well worth it to check out their work! One of the best places to do so on Camano Island is at Matzke Sculpture Park and Gallery, owned by artist Karla Matzke. With both an outside nature park set up for displaying sculptures and an inside gallery, this is a great adventure option for any weather.
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Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens
This native botanical garden northeast of Stanwood is a breathtaking slice of natural beauty and a great source of environmental education. Go to Bonhoeffer Botanical Gardens to take a boardwalk path through the indigenous flowers, trees, ivy, and shrubs, mosy around ponds, learn about different flora in the gardens, and get a breath of fresh air amid the curated beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
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Iverson Spit Preserve and Trail
This Camano Island beach-side trail certainly fulfills the “outside” part of “get outside and explore.” Get stunning views not only of Camano Island’s shoreline but of Port Susan Bay and the Cascade Mountains as well.
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These views aren’t the only reason you should keep your eyes peeled on this preserved nature loop; be sure to watch out for the numerous bird species and aquatic/semi-aquatic wildlife native to the PNW and Camano Island. If you’re a fan of fauna, we advise you to take a camera with you on your adventure to the Iverson Spit Preserve, just in case!
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D.O. Pearson House Museum
If you’re a real history buff that wants to know more about the neighborhood, consider stopping by the D.O. Pearson House Museum in downtown Stanwood on Wednesdays from 1 – 4 pm or Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm. This historical house-turned museum from 1890 showcases artifacts and exhibits about interactions between settlers and the local tribes of Skagit and Stillaguamish.
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Be sure to check out the Stanwood Area Historical Society’s hours of availability or contact them for questions, as hours may vary due to weather or local regulations.
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Kristoferson Farm
From canopy tours to crafting workshops, Kristoferson Farm has something for the whole family to enjoy. The canopy tour offers an unforgettable experience of what the PNW has to offer as you go through the forest by way of off-road vehicles, zip lines, log bridges, and more. Known for their lavender, you can also join summer workshops to craft your own lavender-based products at the farm.
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Arrowhead Ranch
Last on this list, but certainly not least, is Arrowhead Ranch located on north Camano Island. Their newest attraction is ax throwing, which is a surefire way to get some adrenaline pumping.
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In addition to throwing axes, Arrowhead Ranch offers craftsman and workshop classes, so you can learn how to make masterful charcuterie boards for your inlaws or create a cozy birdhouse for your local avian friends.
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Wrap Up
The fresh air and fun activities of Stanwood and Camano Island are calling your name. There’s always a corner of the world you haven’t explored yet, and many of those corners are closer than you think. Help support the community and feed your curiosity—get outside and start exploring!
Market Insights | February 2022
February 2022 in Stanwood and Camano Island ended with a much-needed increase in listings. We are feeling optimistic about the housing market as pandemic-related restrictions ease, but also some hesitancy due to the global economic uncertainty around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Our inventory increased by 66 new listings in the Stanwood Camano Island market in February. A 22% combined improvement from February of last year.
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Sellers accepted 53 offers on their homes last month. About the same as a year ago, but 10% higher than January. Pent-up demand appears to be a factor in the month-over-month increase in pending sales and a shrinking supply of inventory.
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There were 47 homes sold in zip codes 98282 and 98292 in February. This was down 15% from a year ago. This is no surprise considering the low number of listings added to the market in January.
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SELLERS – Industry analysts believe conditions will continue to be in your favor. You are fueling Buyer demand and there are more Sellers entering the market every day. Factors like inflation, new financing options, and rising interest rates are reasons to list sooner than later. Historically the volume of new listings increases in March and April and multiplies again in May and June.
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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. More listings will hit the market this spring, but there is a large pent-up Buyer demand as well. Work with a local agent, be ready, and don’t give up.
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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.
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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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Working with a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home
A real estate agent is an invaluable asset. They will work with you to get your home sold for the best price and in a timely manner. Before you find the right agent to sell your home, it’s important to understand how you can work together toward a successful sale. The following information will help you prepare for your discussions with your agent.
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Working with a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Home
Before you choose a real estate agent, determine your wants and needs and create realistic goals. Even though your agent is the one with the expertise, the tools, and the know-how, no one knows your home like you do, and the clearer you can communicate your aspirations, questions, and concerns to your agent, the more you’ll inform their decision-making process. Even something seemingly small, like sharing your preferred method of communication, can help them understand how you can best work together.
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A great first step is to determine your pricing goals for your home. Your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine the value of your home, which will allow them to price it accurately. If there is a large discrepancy between what you were hoping your home would sell for and its actual value, your agent will be able to explain the factors that influence home prices and clarify whether it’s the right time to sell.
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Prepare a list of all remodels and renovations you’ve completed on the home so your agent can understand how much you’ve invested in the property and the scope of work it took to get it in its current condition.
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You should also set expectations for open houses and showings. Your agent will go to great lengths to effectively market your home, but by understanding your schedule ahead of time, you’ll be able to better communicate your availability when it comes time to engage with buyers. Talk to your agent about how to prepare your home for open houses and tours, the process for screening potential buyers, and which safety precautions to take before conducting walkthroughs.
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Once you’ve found a buyer for your home, your agent will work with you through the purchase and sale agreement. This contract will outline the terms of the agreement between you and the buyer, spelling out the finer points of the transaction, such as the receipt of earnest money, any addendums and/or contingencies, inspection terms, etc. Your agent will also negotiate with the buyer’s agent to determine a closing date and will communicate which settlement fees you may incur, if any.
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Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: shironosov
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Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
Working with an agent is the best way to ensure that your home is accurately priced. Incorrect pricing can be one of the costliest mistakes in selling a home. Beyond their talent for number crunching, your agent will be there to hear your ideas, answer your questions, and allay your fears. Selling a home can be an emotional roller coaster but having an agent by your side through it all can make it a much smoother ride.
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Not only are real estate agents licensed professionals who possess a wealth of knowledge about the process of selling a home and how to navigate your local market conditions, but they are also well-connected. Selling a home requires looping in multiple professionals from a variety of disciplines. Whether it’s a lawyer, home inspector, appraiser, remodeling contractor, etc., your agent can help you find the professionals you need throughout your home selling journey.
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Now that you know what to expect when working with your agent, learn more about how you can identify the right agent for you.
Ten Qualities to Look for in Your Real Estate Agent
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Written By Sandy Dodge
Market Insights | January 2022
JANUARY 2022 in Stanwood and Camano Island ended slower than January 2021 in sales, pending sales and new listings. The only increase was in the average sale price, $681,807 in our combined market for January. Despite the slower January, we see signs of a busy spring market ahead.
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“The year started off with more of a whimper than a boom thanks to listing inventory being lower than any January on record,” observed Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere.
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The average sale prices rose less than 1% in Stanwood and rose 41% on Camano Island at the end of January compared to last year. The inventory levels were a different story. There were 42% fewer Stanwood listings and 20% more Camano Island listings added to our inventory in January.
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There were 40 homes sold in zip codes 98282 and 98292 in January. This was down 45% from a year ago. This is no surprise considering the low inventory.
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SELLERS – Although the pundits expect prices to continue to increase in our market, we should not expect the same drastic price increases that we experienced last year. We expect many more listings to hit the market this spring and a small decrease in the Buyer pool due to increasing interest rates. These two things may help keep the prices level.
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BUYERS – We expect many new listings to hit the market this spring. That being said, interest rates are slowly on the rise. We do not expect the Buyer pool to diminish, especially in the Stanwood and Camano Island markets. Work with a local agent, be ready and don’t give up.
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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.
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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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7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home
Making the leap from renter to homeowner doesn’t happen overnight; it requires steady planning to put yourself in a good position to buy your first home. Prospective first-time home buyers can often feel like they’re waiting for a sign to indicate they’re ready to start making offers, when really, it’s a combination of factors. Here are seven signs that you’re ready to buy a home.
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7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home
1. You Know Which Homes You Can Afford
To know whether you’re ready to buy, you need to identify your price range. If you’re unhappy with your pre-approval, or need more money for your desired location, there are ways you can increase your buying power. Once you know which homes you can afford, you can work with your agent to find the right home and prepare an offer.
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2. You Understand Your Local Market Conditions
The dynamics of the market in which you’re buying will play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. The local market conditions will dictate what kinds of offers you can expect to compete against, what tactics other buyers may employ, and whether the buyer or seller will have the leverage during negotiations. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market so you and your agent can strategize accordingly.
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3. You’re Comfortable with the Responsibilities of Being a Homeowner
Having a mortgage instead of paying rent isn’t the only difference between owning a home and renting. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the property, making repairs, and completing remodeling projects. That doesn’t always mean you can’t predict a future need. The best way to prepare for unexpected projects on any home is to get a home inspection before you buy so that you know every inch of the property and can start to save for larger expenses that might come down the road.
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4. You Have Funds Available for Home Buying Costs
The costs of buying a home are more than just your down payment and monthly mortgage. Before you move into your new home, you’ll have to pay closing costs, moving expenses, and appraisal and inspection fees, to name a few. Property taxes can sometimes be part of the mortgage and depending on the time of year may need to be paid before you move in. Once you’re settled, homeowners insurance will enter the fold. If you can afford these costs, it’s a sign that you are ready to buy.
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5. You’re Making Progress on Your Debt
Having zero debt is not a realistic expectation for every first-time home buyer. But, if you have a plan in place for paying off your outstanding debt and can show evidence of the progress you’re making, it will strengthen your buying credibility. Lenders will factor this into their assessment of your financial health during the pre-approval process.
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6. You Have a Strategy for the Down Payment
It is true that lenders view a twenty percent down payment as favorable and won’t require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), but it’s not game over if you can’t make a lump sum payment of that size. With a lower-than-twenty percent down payment, you may incur higher interest and fees over the life of the loan, which could put a greater strain on your finances long-term than waiting until you can pay more principal down. Whichever route you choose, make sure you have a solid plan in place to repay your loan.
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7. Your Life Aligns with Buying a Home
Buying a home means you’ll be putting down roots, so it’s important that you and your household are ready to establish yourselves in one area before you buy. There’s financial logic behind this line of thinking, as well; in general, the longer you stay in one home, the more equity you’ll build. Career and income stability also play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. Landing a job with long-term prospects may be just the thing you need to green-light your decision to buy your first home.
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Written By Sandy Dodge
Local Coffee Stands in Stanwood & Camano Island
From pharmacies and banks to fast food joints and coffee stands, drive-thrus make life more convenient. Drive-thru coffee shops have been around for decades, and one of the first coffee stands actually began in the PNW region一a place called Motor Moka, which was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1990.
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As coffee stands and drive-thrus became more popular, the quality improved, and now your local coffee stand could easily rival a sit-down cafe. Now when you drive through Stanwood and Camano Island you are sure to drive by a few while you are out and about.
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Camano Island Coffee
This family-owned coffee shop has three locations on Camano Island (IGA MarketPlace, Elger Bay, and Terry’s Corner) and is known for serving coffee roasted by Camano Island Coffee Roasters. With the tagline “Caffeine and Kindness”, Camano Island Coffee prides itself on serving the highest quality coffee that is both ethically sourced and fairly traded. With exceptional coffee and a large selection of other drinks available, you don’t want to miss this unique spot.
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Shipwreck Coffee
Shipwreck Coffee is an adorably themed coffee stand located on Camano Island on State Route 532. There is also a location in Marysville just off of Interstate 5. Some of their scrumptious specials include: Castaway, a dark chocolate mocha with orange zest, Seas the Day, a spiced Mayan mocha, Scallywag, a salted caramel mocha, and Anchors Away, a blueberry London Fog tea.
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In addition to having a great atmosphere and serving great drinks, Shipwreck Coffee also has connections to the community and sponsored two racers in the Stanwood-Camano Island Soap Box Derby!
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Wicked Brew Espresso
If you happen to be going east of Stanwood and pass by the juncture of State Route 532 and Interstate 5, be sure to stop by Wicked Brew Espresso. With endless flavor possibilities, Wicked Brew Espresso is committed to providing great coffee in a timely manner. From Salted Caramel Cold Foam with Caramel Drizzle to Dark Chocolate Mochas and sweet treats, you’re sure to find something you like at this welcoming drive-thru coffee spot.
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Locals Espresso
Located in West Stanwood, Locals Espresso takes pride in their product and their people. They have won Best Barista in all of Snohomish and Island Counties and Best Espresso in Stanwood and Camano Island for 14 years! With a large menu and specials every day of the week you are sure to find the perfect drink.
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Bean & Brew On 532
As the name suggests, Bean & Brew On 532 is on the west-to-east State Route 532 that connects Camano Island to the Stanwood area. In addition to their top-notch organic coffee, they serve all kinds of delicious and imaginative drinks to refresh your senses, such as the Strawberry + Kiwi Energy Lemonade Lotus, the Strawberry Shortcake White Mocha, the Oreo Frappe, and so much more.
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If you get hungry in the drive-thru, you can also order scones, biscuits, rolls, breakfast sandwiches… you get the idea! This is a great location for anyone looking for a fun and delicious pit stop.
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Driving through town you are sure to spot one of these amazing, locally-owned, coffee stands. Make sure to stop by any of these locations and get a tasty treat and a refreshing drink to stay energized.
5 Ways to Create a Sustainable Kitchen
In many ways, the kitchen is the heart of a home. All the time spent making delicious food, sharing recipes, and enjoying meals with loved ones gives it a central role in home life. A consequence of the time spent in the kitchen is the creation of waste. But by adopting more sustainable practices in the kitchen, you can reduce waste and make your home more eco-friendly. Here are five ways you can create a sustainable kitchen.
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5 Ways to Create a Sustainable Kitchen
1. Cut Down on Food Waste
It’s no secret that a certain portion of food always seems to go to waste, but how can you avoid throwing away perfectly edible food items? It starts with being intentional about your grocery shopping. This helps to prevent overbuying and will give you a better chance of cutting down your food waste. Food preservation is key, as well. Invest in high-quality, reusable containers to prevent food from rotting, wilting, or expiring before you intend to cook it.
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2. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances
Kitchen appliances generate a significant amount of power. By using an energy-efficient refrigerator, freezer, and/or dishwasher, you can reduce the overall energy consumption of your household. When deciding on which appliance to purchase, the most sustainable choice you can make is the one you plan on sticking with for a long time. When deciding on a gas versus an electric range, know the pros and cons of each option before making a final decision.
Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Pekic
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3. Reusable Materials
Getting more uses out of the items in your kitchen will help make your household more environmentally conscious. Reusable kitchen towels are an eco-friendly replacement for paper towels when you’re cooking, wiping down your counters, or doing dishes. Using reusable grocery bags is an effective way to transport groceries sustainably. It will also help keep your kitchen organized by avoiding a plastic or paper bag pile-up under your sink. This line of reusable thinking in the kitchen can even extend to design. If you’re looking to give your kitchen a makeover while keeping sustainability in mind, consider incorporating reclaimed wood, sustainably-sourced countertops, or natural materials like bamboo.
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4. Use Natural or Organic Cleaning Products
Creating a sustainable kitchen isn’t just about reducing food waste and choosing reusable materials. By using organic and/or natural cleaning products, you can ensure that your cleaning practices are sustainable as well. Using natural cleaners, like baking soda and vinegar, can also create less waste when you repurpose jars and bottles to create your preferred solution. Buy ingredients in bulk, then re-purpose old spray bottles and use towels instead of paper products to clean. Certain conventional cleaning products with synthetic chemicals can negatively impact the air quality in your home, which can have harmful effects on your health, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities.
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5. Be Mindful About Water Usage
Neglecting to monitor your water usage is a slippery slope. Not only will using too much water increase the overall waste output of your home, but it will also increase your water bill. Be mindful about using only the required amount of water for cooking, do your best to avoid leaving the faucet running, and if there is a drip, fix it as quickly as you can. Using too much water can also strain your home’s water systems, putting your pipes at risk of bursting. Tempering your water usage can help to prevent water damage and the high costs that come with it.
Going zero waste doesn’t have to be expensive. Try first to extend the life of the things you already have like plastic bottles and textiles. For more information on how you can adopt sustainable practices at home, read our guide to going low-to-zero waste:
