Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
2022 Market Forecast
We were so honored to be joined by Matthew Gardener on January 21, 2022. Matthew gave insight into the 2022 housing market, giving his predictions both on the real estate industry as a whole and the future of our local market in the Stanwood Camano area.
.
Take a look at Matthews Slides from the event!
Market Insights | December 2021
DECEMBER 2021 ended with severe shortages in inventory, historically low temperatures, and a blanket of snow, bringing the market to a new year slowdown.
.
The average sale prices in Stanwood and Camano Island rose 21% at the end of December compared to last year. The inventory levels did the opposite. There were 20% fewer listings added to our inventory in December 2021 than in December 2020.
.
There were 76 homes sold in zip codes 98282 and 98292 in December. This was down 18% from a year ago. This is no surprise considering the inventory in the 4th quarter was lower than expected.
.
Despite some of the hurdles that our real estate market faced in 2021, there was a total of 1,113 homes sold last year in our community. 497 on Camano Island and 616 in Stanwood. This volume is up 3.5% from 2020.
.
We are continuing to see an influx of Buyers from south of Stanwood and Camano Island considering telecommuting or completely relocating to our little slice of paradise.
.
SELLERS – There are less than 2 weeks of inventory in the Stanwood Camano area. Said differently, if no other listings hit the market, it would take only 12 days to sell the listings that we have. The Buyer pool has not diminished and is not expected to. Instead of waiting until spring to list, consider doing it now when there is less competition and the rule of supply and demand is in your favor.
.
BUYERS – Good news and bad news. Good news is that we do not expect the prices to rise in 2021 as much as they did in 2020. Bad news is that we will most likely continue to see high buyer demand for each new listing leading to multiple offers. Align yourself with a local real estate broker and be prepared. There will be many new opportunities in future months.
.
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.
.
.
.
Marla Heagle
.
Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®
Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
360-387-HOME
.
Should I Remodel or Sell My Home As Is?
Homeowners who are preparing to sell are often faced with a dilemma about whether to remodel or sell their home in its current state. Each approach has its respective advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to remodel your home, it will likely sell for more; but the increased selling price will come at the cost of financing the remodeling projects. If you decide to sell without remodeling, you won’t spend as much money putting your home on the market, but the concern is whether you’re leaving money on the table.
.
Should I Remodel or Sell My Home As Is?
.
To answer this question, it’s important to understand the factors that could influence your decision and to work closely with your agent throughout the process.
.
Cost Analysis: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is
Home Remodel
.
When you remodel your home before selling, you’re basically making a commitment to spend money to make money. So, it’s important to consider the kind of ROI you can expect from different remodeling projects and how much money you’re willing to spend. Start by discussing these questions with your agent. They can provide you with information on what kinds of remodels other sellers in your area are making and the returns they’re seeing as a result of those upgrades. This will help you determine the price of your home once your remodel is complete.
.
Then, there’s the question of whether you can complete you remodeling projects DIY or if you’ll need to hire a contractor. If hiring a contractor seems expensive, know that those costs come with the assurance that they will perform quality work and that they have the skill required to complete highly technical projects.
.
According to the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com1), on average, homeowners paid roughly $24,000 for a midrange bathroom remodel and about $26,000 for a minor kitchen remodel nationwide, with a 60.1% and 72.2% ROI respectively. This data shows that, for these projects, you can recoup a chunk of your costs, but they may not be the most cost-effective for you. A more budget-friendly approach to upgrading these spaces may look like repainting your kitchen cabinets, swapping out your old kitchen backsplash for a new one, refinishing your bathroom tub, or installing a new showerhead. Other high-ROI remodeling projects may allow you to get more bang for your buck, such as a garage door replacement or installing stone veneer. To appeal to sustainable-minded buyers, consider these 5 Green Upgrades that Increase Your Home Value.
.
Image Source: Getty Images – Image Source: stevecoleimages
.
Selling Your Home As Is
.
Deciding not to remodel your home will come with its own pros and cons. By selling as is, you may sell your home for less, but you also won’t incur the cost and headache of dealing with a remodel. And since you’ve decided to sell, you won’t be able to enjoy the fruits of the remodel, anyway. If you sell your home without remodeling, you may forego the ability to pay down the costs of buying a new home with the extra money you would have made from making those upgrades.
.
Market Conditions: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is
.
Local market conditions may influence your decision of whether to remodel before selling your home. If you live in a seller’s market, there will be high competition amongst buyers due to a lack of inventory. You may want to capitalize on the status of the market by selling before investing time in a remodel since prices are being driven up, anyway. If you take this approach, you’ll want to strategize with your agent, since your home may lack certain features that buyers can find in comparable listings. In a seller’s market, it is still important to make necessary repairs and to stage your home.
.
In a buyer’s market, there are more homes on the market than active buyers. If you live in a buyer’s market, you may be more inclined to remodel your home before selling to help it stand out amongst the competition.
.
Timing: Home Remodel vs. Selling Your Home As Is
.
Don’t forget that there is a third option: to wait. For all the number crunching and market analysis, it simply may not be the right time to sell your home. Knowing that you’ll sell your home at some point in the future—but not right now—will allow you to plan your remodeling projects with more time on your hands which could make it more financially feasible to complete them.
.
- “© 2021 Hanley Wood, Complete data from the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.”
.
Written By Sandy Dodge
Winter Activities in Stanwood and Camano Island
Finding things to occupy your time on cold winter days can be a struggle, especially if you want to do more than lounge at home. If you’re close to the Stanwood/Camano Island area this winter, look no further for some fun activities that will get you out of the house and bring some joy to you and your family.
.
6 Winter Activities To Do in Stanwood and Camano Island
1. Go to the Movies
Going to the theater is always a fun experience, especially when you get a nice cozy reprieve from the cold conditions outside. Check out the films playing at Stanwood Cinemas, get some classic movie theater snacks, and turn an average evening into a great one in no time.
.
2. Visit Local Coffee Shops
If you’re an avid coffee drinker or if you need a place to stop for a hot beverage, make a stop at two local coffee shops that are sure to impress:
Camano Island Coffee
This coffee shop sells ethically sourced coffee, meaning that they take into account everything from farmer safety to habitat preservation while sourcing their coffee beans. Camano Island Coffee creates unique blends and brews that deliver different flavors such as cocoa, fruit, nuts, and subtle sweetness.
Locals Espresso
Locals Espresso has been voted as the coffee shop with the best espresso in Stanwood/Camano Island for the last 14 years. This shop prides itself on being loved by the Stanwood area locals, so you know it’s good! Locals Espresso offers all kinds of coffee drinks, as well as pastries and kid-friendly drinks.
.
3. Get Out in Nature
Nature is beautiful all year round, and if you’re dressed properly for the weather, winter walks can be incredibly refreshing. They also offer some incredible sights that can only be witnessed during the chilliest time of the year.
Take a trip to Camano Ridge Trail at Camano Forest Preserve to witness the beauty of evergreens in winter, or head to the Eide Road Preserve located in Stanwood for a breath of fresh air.
.
4. Sled at Terry’s Corner
Terry’s Corner isn’t only home to the Camano Commons Marketplace and our Windermere office, but it’s also the location of Freedom Park, a great place to go sledding with the family. You’ll also find the Camano Island Coffee stand in the same vicinity, so you can stop for a hot drink before hitting the hill.
.
5. Participate in the Great Northwest Glass Quest
This event is “a unique treasure hunt for hand-blown glass balls,” that takes place in Stanwood and Camano Island. This year, the Great Northwest Glass Quest starts on February 12th and ends on February 21st. When you find a small plastic ball hidden in the area, you get a free hand-blown piece of art! You don’t need to pay to play, but you can donate to the cause and learn more about the event here.
.
6. Take the Stanwood Ski Bus to Mt. Baker
The Stanwood Ski Bus is a service specifically for school-aged kids that want to ski or snowboard on Mt. Baker. The Ski Bus will be back in action for the 2022 season and will be heading to Mt. Baker on Saturdays for 4 weeks starting in March. This is a great opportunity and experience for those wishing to sharpen their winter sports skills and shred some snow!
Even though it can be tempting to stay inside all winter and wait for the warmer months, it would be a shame to miss out on all of the fun activities in the Stanwood/Camano Island area. Whether you live in this corner of the PNW year-round or you’re just visiting for a weekend trip, be sure to keep this list in mind while planning out your season.
Must-Haves and Nice-To-Haves Lists
Finding your dream home may not be easy, but there are things you can do to make it easier, like creating a “Must-Haves” list and a “Nice-To-Haves” list. These lists allow serious homebuyers to save time, energy, and ultimately, money as they prepare to buy a home.
.
A Must-Have List is exactly what it sounds like, a checklist of the details that are non-negotiable for your new home. It’s essential to sit down and think about the things you need in order to feel comfortable there for the next 7-13 years.
.
Your “Nice-To-Haves” list is a checklist of details that you’d like to have, but you can live without. This list is great for those things that you’ve always dreamed of but may be out of reach for reasons such as your budget or location. This list may include things like fireplaces or gas appliances, a pool, or other non-essential items.
.
Your “Must-Haves” list focuses your search and helps your agent narrow down which homes are worth your time. Your “Nice-to-Haves” list will help you determine what you’re willing to sacrifice, which will ultimately solidify your must-haves.
.
These lists can also help manage your expectations regarding price. Take your lists to your real estate agent, along with your pre-approval from a lender, and you’ll be able to work together to determine what is a reasonable ask within your budget and your desired location.
.
Creating Your “Must-Haves” List
.
The first step is to think about the essentials. If things like location and number of bedrooms and bathrooms are a priority, then you’ll want to include them in your must-haves. Consider where you live now and use that as a starting point; what do you love and what are you missing? You may need more storage space, or an extra room to work remote, or a larger backyard for the newest member of the family.
.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Must-Haves” list:
- Where do you want to live? (Be as specific as you can.)
- What do you have now that you can’t live without?
- What are you missing now that you may need for the next several years?
.
If you’re struggling to determine what it is you need to have, you can start working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list. This can also help you determine what is essential. For example, it may be nice to have five bedrooms when in reality, a three-bedroom house with a flex space that works for an office or guest room would do the trick.
.
Creating your “Nice-To-Haves” List
.
While you’re working on your “Nice-To-Haves” list, you’ll be thinking about the parts of a home that would be great to have but aren’t as important for you. You might also want to take into consideration what is reasonable in your area and if it’s a common amenity.
.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you build your “Nice-To-Haves” list:
- What home upgrades are you willing to make?
- What is something you’d like to do in your house more often?
- What do you have in your current home that you love, but don’t need?
.
Searching for Your Next Home
.
These lists will help guide you and your real estate agent as you search for your next home. During this process you might realize some aspects aren’t as important to you as you thought, and vice versa. Keep your agent in the loop as you update your lists so they can continue to search for the perfect home for you.
.
Written By Meaghan McGlynn
In-Style Home Trends for 2022
Staying at home for prolonged periods of time has left many of us with a desire to redecorate our spaces and align them with the current trends. Rearranging and redecorating can spice things up and give a fresh feeling to your home that is sure to lift the mood in 2022.
Keep reading to learn about the upcoming trends in 2022 and get a glimpse of what’s “in” in the world of interior design.
5 Key Interior Design Trends for 2022
Basic Colors
This has been an up-and-coming trend for the last several years and the pandemic helped establish it even further. More natural, neutral shades are now preferred by many, as they bring a sense of calmness to the home.
This includes four main colors: black, white, grey, and beige. Beige tones and muted sage green are likely to be some of the most popular colors of 2022.
Rounded Shapes
More soft, feminine, and natural shapes will continue trending in 2022. The sharp, hard edges of the industrial modern design are losing popularity in place of rounded shapes and soft edges. This applies to coffee tables, chairs, sofas, vases, lamps, decor, and more.
Minimalism
During the pandemic, many of us tried to get rid of unneeded items (KonMari method, anyone?). This push towards functionality and mindful shopping has made minimalism the “it” trend when it comes to interior design. Some may consider this the beginning point for the other in-style home trends such as neutral colors. If you don’t know where to look for minimalistic decor pieces, try Viva Verde Home in Stanwood.
Nature-Inspired Interior Design
This is one of the main trends for 2021 and 2022, and it will likely remain popular for a long time to come. The idea is to use more nature-inspired materials and textures such as onyx, marble, granite, and wood. Bringing nature into the home in the form of patterns (woodgrain, bark, leaf veins, rock formations) and materials emphasizes a more organic and pure feeling. If you are looking for inspiration be sure to check out Madak Interiors!
Having a Home Garden
In a similar vein to nature-inspired design, plants are becoming the ultimate decoration. This is poised to become an even bigger trend in the future as the need to connect with nature and live in an eco-friendly way becomes more prevalent. To find plants that work for your spaces and your lifestyle, check out Cactus + Co. on Camano Island.
During the pandemic, many people started trying to grow plants inside their apartments and houses and found the activity enjoyable. As a result, the “greenhouse room” trend got started and is likely going to last for many years.
Honorary Mentions
Here are a few other promising trends for 2022:
- Combined spaces with privacy (multifunctional spaces)
- Zen interior design
- Sustainable & organic materials
It’s fun to follow trends and refresh our spaces, but it’s important to remember that trends come and go quickly and you should always decorate for your own tastes!
Market Insights | November 2021
.
NOVEMBER 2021 did not bring any downtime for buyers in our market! Usually, buyers tend to take a break as the holidays approach, but demand remained high last month. Our inventory is down 35% in Stanwood and 6% on Camano Island from one month ago, with only 39 active listings in our two zip codes, 19 on Camano Island and 20 in Stanwood.
.
There were 33 homes sold on Camano Island and 45 homes sold in Stanwood last month. Down 18% from November 2020 volume sold.
.
In our combined market, there were 79 new pending sales and 78 new listings in November. The pending sales are continuing to slightly outpace new listings.
.
Here’s some good news – the FHA loan limits were raised for 2022, up to 511,750 on Camano Island and 891,250 in Stanwood.
.
SELLERS – If you don’t have to wait until the new year to list your home, you might consider do it now. A home listed now will have a larger audience since the Buyer pool has not gone down. If you list your home in early to mid-December, there is a high possibility that it could be off the market by Christmas.
.
BUYERS – As the weather cools and holidays approach, the intensity continues to heat up for each new listing. Lock in your interest rate now and be ready when that new listing hits the market.
.
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.
.
.
.
.
Marla Heagle
.
Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®
Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island
360-387-HOME
.
Make Your Move
Moving is stressful, whether it is across town or cross-country. Once you have closed on your house, the reality of packing, moving, and setting up a new home can become overwhelming. While no list can make a move “stress-free,” planning ahead and staying organized can help make your move a little smoother. Here is our list of tips:
Getting Started
Once you know your prospective move date set up a quick timeline to make sure you can get all the important tasks done and ready in time for your move.
Consider how much stuff you have by doing a home inventory. This can help you decide whether you need to hire movers to help you or if you will be managing your move on your own. Many moving companies supply inventory lists to help you assess the size of truck you will need. You can use your list as double duty for insurance purposes later.
As soon as you decide how you will be moving, make your reservations. In general, moving companies and truck rental services are over-booked at the beginning and very end of the month. If you are planning on hiring a moving company, contact a few in your area for a price quote. To find companies ask your real estate agent, family, or friends, and consult online reviews. It is also a good idea to request a quote and compare companies.
Preparing for Your Move
- Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of clutter, junk, or outdated items. Set aside some time to sort through your closets, storage spaces, files, drawers, and more. Go through cluttered areas and organize items by “keepers”, “give-aways” and “garbage”. You will have less to pack and an opportunity to update after you move. Contact a local nonprofit organization for your donations; some will arrange to pick up larger donations like furniture. If you have items of value, eBay or craigslist are good options.
- Changing your address is one of the more tedious tasks in the moving process. You will need to change your address with the United States Post Office. You can find the online form here: Movers Guide.
You will also need to change your address with each account you have. Here is a list to get your started:
- Employers
- Bank(s)
- Utilities (Electric, Water/Sewage, Oil/Gas)
- Cable/ Telephone
- Cell phone service
- Credit Cards
- Magazine subscriptions
- Insurance companies (auto, home/renters, health, dental, vision, etc.)
- Pharmacy
- Other personal services
Let the Packing Begin
Before you start packing, it may help to visualize where everything you have will go. Perhaps furniture will fit better in a different room? Consider the floor plan of your new home and figure out what will go where. This will aid in packing and labeling as you box everything up.
Use a tool like floorplanner.com to plan where furniture and items will go.
When it comes to packing you have some options. You can work with a service that provides reusable boxes for moving or you can reuse or purchase cardboard boxes. Make sure you have enough boxes, packing tape, dark markers, and packing paper.
Pack rooms according to your floor plan. Label boxes with contents and room. This will make it easier to unpack your home, knowing where everything is going.
Real Simple magazine has some great tips on packing for your move.
If you have to disassemble any of your furniture, make sure you keep all the parts and directions together. Make sure you set aside your necessities for the day you move. Being tired and unable to take a shower or make your bed can be hard at the end of a long moving day. Here are some ideas of what you may like to pack in your “day-of-move” boxes:
- Clean linens for the beds, pillows and blankets
- Clean towels
- Shower curtain, liner and hooks
- Toiletries, hand soap, tooth brush, etc.
- Disposable utensils, cups, napkins, etc
- Rolls of toilet paper
- Snacks and water
- Change of clothes
- Tools for reassembling furniture, installing hardware, and hanging photos
Making Your Move
- Come up with a game plan with your family, so everyone has a role and a part to play
- Once the house is empty, do a once over on your old place to make sure it is clean for the next owners/occupants. Here is a useful checklist for cleaning.
Warming Your New Home
Once you have settled into your new home, warm it up by inviting friends and family over to celebrate. Here is a great infographic about housewarming traditions and symbolism. Announce your move to far-away friends and family through moving announcements to make sure you stay on the holiday card mailing list.
Animal Shelters in the Stanwood Camano Area
All animals deserve a second chance, and thanks to the Stanwood and Camano Island animal shelters, this little corner of the Pacific Northwest is able to provide one for them. Keep reading to learn more about all of the good that these local animal shelters do and how you can get involved.
The NOAH Center
Stanwood is home to The NOAH Center (Northwest Organization for Animal Help), which is dedicated to giving pets another chance at life. With a family-friendly pet adoption program that has helped more than 40,000 pets find their forever homes, this organization’s goal is to help companion animals stay alive, healthy, and as happy as possible.
The NOAH Center offers helpful programs like their Spay & Neuter program to help with the pet overpopulation issue, and they also host fun and productive community events. One such event is “Music for the Animals”, which was held on October 2nd, 2021 at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Washington. This event included live music, food and drink, fine art, fundraising for homeless cats and dogs, and more.
Camano Animal Shelter
Camano Island also has its own animal shelter, rightfully named Camano Animal Shelter Association, or CASA. This animal welfare organization includes a no-kill shelter that helps caring people and loving pets connect, and gives them support along the way. You can sign up to foster pets (including kittens and puppies!), volunteer and donate, or simply just use their great services. For example, this shelter offers low-cost microchipping so that your pet can easily be identified and returned to you in the unfortunate case that they get lost.
Why Adopt?
The “Adopt, don’t Shop” movement is intended to bring light to the circumstances of homeless animals and encourage people seeking a loving pet to adopt from an animal shelter as opposed to buying from a breeder. About 6.5 million pets are brought into U.S. animal shelters each year, and only 3.2 million are adopted out. In order to reduce the number of euthanizations and give these loving pets a chance at a better life, remember to adopt, not shop!
For people that are unable to care for a pet 24/7 but still want to contribute to the cause, many shelters (including The NOAH Center and Camano Island Animal Shelter) welcome volunteers to both help with the animals in the shelters and to foster pets at home. They also welcome monetary donations. All you have to do is reach out to your local shelter and ask what you can do to help!
The Evolution of the Home Office
As the popularity of remote work has reached new heights in recent years, the needs of homeowners are changing. Home offices and workspaces have never been higher on buyers’ priority lists and sellers are finding ways to make their homes appeal to a remote working audience. So, what does this mean for the home office moving forward? How will it continue to evolve? Only time will tell. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to curate a home office that fits your needs.
The Evolution of the Home Office
Whether you have a proper home office or work at a chair in your kitchen nook, what’s important is that you create a dedicated space for your work. This allows you to focus by limiting distractions that may arise from other areas of the house. It also brings a sense of work-life balance to your home by physically separating the spaces. Even if your space is limited, design your workspace to feel like its own designated spot by facing it away from an open room or pointing your workstation toward a window.
Continued Remote Work
For those who have worked remotely and will continue to do so, you’ve likely gotten a grasp of how your home workspace can best fit your unique needs. Perhaps you decided to ditch the desk chair for a yoga ball or switched out that old desk lamp for a therapy light. But now that remote work has become your long-term reality, it’s time to think about how the space will fit your long-term needs.
Gone are the days of your home workspace being an afterthought. Working from home long-term means that your home office is now one of the most-used spaces in the house, so it’s important to keep it organized. Declutter the space with efficiency and productivity in mind, prioritizing the items that are essential for your job. We work well when we feel well, and an organized space can help reduce anxiety and work-related stress.
As your remote work continues, it may be time to make investments that you were previously on the fence about making. Whether it’s a second monitor, a supportive floor mat under your chair, a new design on your wall for your Zoom background, or a standing desk, now that you’ll be working from home for the foreseeable future, it’s important that your home office provides you with all the tools you’ll need while inspiring you to do your best work.
Returning to In-Person Work
For those whose days of a fully remote work schedule are coming to an end, your home office needs will evolve, so it’s important that the space reflects those changes.
- Full-Time: Returning to in-person work full-time means your home office will be vacant for extended periods of the day. Because you won’t be using it nearly as much, you have the freedom to either keep it as is or convert the room into something else. If you’ve dreamt of having a game room, a home gym, a playroom for the kids, or creating your version of a home theater, this is the perfect opportunity to do so.
- Part-Time / Hybrid / Flex: A hybrid or flex work schedule allows for flexibility with your home office. Paring down your workspace and transferring some equipment to your desk at work will help you declutter. Outfit both workspaces to fit your needs to avoid lugging equipment back and forth. For example, if one location is primarily meant for attending meetings and the other is for working on projects, you can curate each space accordingly.
