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Community • Living • We Are Stanwood Camano • November 16, 2021

Shop Local for the Holidays

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

Huge corporations and commercial stores see a big jump in sales over the holiday season. While the deals they offer can be enticing, the products they carry aren’t all that unique, and they almost certainly don’t need your patronage as much as a local shop does.

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After such an unexpected and difficult couple of years, everyone could use some extra support from their local community. Keep reading to learn about some local shops in the Stanwood and Camano Island area that you should keep in mind when conducting your holiday shopping.

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Why You Should Shop Locally for the Holidays

If you live in the area or come to visit Stanwood/Camano Island this year during the holidays, you should take a moment to stop and shop for gifts from local merchants!

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Not only do locally owned small businesses create special items with character and personality, but when you purchase them you’re also helping the community stay afloat. Coming together as a community to support our neighbors and friends has been especially important over the last several years of uncertainty.

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Take Part in the “Shop Local, Win Local” Event

Seeing how hard recent times have been for all small businesses, local shops on Camano Island came up with a fun idea intended to encourage locals and tourists to buy from the island’s small businesses as opposed to opting for bigger retail stores.

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“Shop Local, Win Local” is a shopping event that will be happening from the 15th of October to the 19th of November. In order to partake in the event, you have to buy an item from any of the businesses that are participating. You will receive one free drawing ticket and an additional one for every $5 you spend.

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Everyone with a ticket will be eligible to participate in the Weekly Drawings and in the Grand Drawing that will be done on Thanksgiving day.

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This event provides a great opportunity to buy items from terrific stores like Ladders Clothing Company, Just James Boutique, Uff Da Shoppe, The Spare Room Vintage Flea Market and Camano Island Marketplace, and also gives you the chance to win an extra prize for doing so!

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Not only are the holidays the perfect opportunity to nurture relationships with family and friends, but it’s also the perfect time to give back to the community and the small businesses that shape it.

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Gifts won’t buy themselves, but the community can support itself with your help! Remember to shop local, and have a magical holiday season.

Buying • Market Insights • Selling • We Are Stanwood Camano • November 16, 2021

Market Insights | October 2021

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

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OCTOBER 2021 showed signs of a seasonal slowdown in the Stanwood Camano Island market. There is historically a decline in listings as we head into the 4th quarter. This year, the work from home uncertainty from some employers, wetter weather and a very slight uptick in interest rates were probable factors for the slower listing and sales activity in October.

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Our zip codes had 88 pending sales in October, a drop of 5% from last year. This could be due to the increasing low inventory, making it harder for Buyers to find their dream home.

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There were 93 closed sales in our market in October, down 10% from October 2020.

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Buyers had 87 new listings added to our inventory last month – this is down 16% from the volume of new listings added last October. The month ended with only 57 active listings in Stanwood and Camano Island.

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SELLERS – We are approaching a time where we historically have very little new inventory. If you don’t have to wait until the new year to list your home, do it now. A home listed now will have a larger audience since the Buyer pool has not gone down. At the pace of the market, a correctly priced home offered now could sell very quickly.
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BUYERS – As the weather cools and holidays approach, the intensity heats up for each new listing. Lock in your interest rate now and be ready when that new listing hits the market. Stay in the market during this time if you can – you may find less competition.
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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 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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Stanwood Market Insights

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Camano Island Market Insights

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Marla Heagle

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Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®

Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island

marla@windermere.com

360-387-HOME

windermerestanwoodcamano.com

 

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Community • Living • We Are Stanwood Camano • November 9, 2021

Restaurants in the Stanwood and Camano Island Area

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

The Stanwood and Camano area is home to many incredible local restaurants. Why not give them a try while you’re in the area? You don’t have to travel far to get a great meal at these or any of our other hidden gems!

Stanwood

No matter what you’re craving, you’ll be able to find it in Stanwood! Home to amazing restaurants and some of the region’s most beloved favorites (like The Stanwood Cafe), there’s no shortage of deliciousness to be found here. 

Jimmy’s Pizza & Pasta

Owned and operated by John and Chris Markezinis since 1986, Jimmy’s got its start when their dad Jimmy put his house down as collateral and said “Don’t screw it up.” Thirty-five years of constant popularity later, it’s obvious that the brothers have done many things… but screwing it up isn’t one of them!

Jasmin Thai Cuisine and Sushi

Jasmin’s offers authentic, creative Thai cuisine with many incredible vegan and gluten-free options. You can’t leave without trying the homemade coconut ice cream!

Stanwood Cafe

Take a nostalgia trip to the Stanwood Cafe, a delightful diner that might just have the best breakfast in town. The Stanwood is a cozy establishment where the waitstaff is friendly and the must-try pancakes are the size of a dinner plate. 

Spartan Drive-In

The Spartan’s staff know two things: great burgers and standout service. Their burgers have been voted the best in Stanwood five times since they opened in 2013!

Wayne’s Corner Cafe

Wend your way to Wayne’s for a wonderful Waffle Wednesday! In addition to this alliterative weekly special, Wayne’s is known for its signature hash browns all week long.

Camano

Looking for something a little more adult? A night out and something to drink or an evening of seafood cooked to perfection? Camano has what you want, and more, with some of the best upscale dining and nightlife in the area. 

Tapped

Tapped Public House takes its inspiration from the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Their PNW seafood chowder made from fresh local fish and the regional beers on tap will make you feel right at home. 

Cama Beach Cafe

Whether you’re in the mood for a big breakfast or just a cup of coffee, Cama Beach Cafe has you covered. Their claim to fame is classic cooking with local twists, like wild foraged mushrooms in the biscuits and gravy. 

Pub 282

Pub 282 bills itself as “another reason not to leave the island.” After trying tasty treats like their mac and cheese, and their innovative, creative pizzas like the Saratoga Steak and the Maple Grove pies, you might not want to leave the island either!

Rockaway Bar & Grill

Voted “Best Place To Eat On Camano Island,” Rockaway’s patrons rave about the portobello mushroom fries and the fun beer selection. The rustic decor and attentive service make for a fun evening, whether you’re out with friends, family, or on a date.

Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria

You don’t have to travel far to get an authentic New York-style pizza. Brooklyn Bros. uses family recipes from the 70’s and high-quality ingredients to make delicious, award-winning pies.

DIY • Living • Selling • November 2, 2021

Deciding to Sell Your Home

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

Deciding when to sell your home can depend on a variety of factors. Perhaps your local market conditions are favorable to sellers, or you’ve recently changed jobs, or your family is growing and you need to upsize. Whatever the case may be, making the decision to sell your home is the first step in your selling journey.

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Deciding to Sell Your Home

Once you know it’s time to sell your home, it’s natural to feel a wave of emotions. A home is an integral part of a homeowner’s life. They provide countless memories and, for many homeowners, are their greatest investment. But once you’ve decided to sell, it’s important to look at your home with an objective eye to appeal to a wide variety of buyers.

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Which repairs should I make before selling my home?

To get your house in top selling shape, identify its outstanding repairs. As you fill out your list, separate the projects into categories which are DIY-eligible, and which require a professional. This will help you to budget for your overall repair expenses and build a reasonable timeline. Some of the most important repairs to make before listing your home include fixing appliances, making sure your sinks and faucets work properly, repairing any cracks or holes in the walls, fixing all leaks and water damage, and ensuring that all systems in the home are functioning properly. Making repairs before you list your home will bode well for home inspections, negotiations, and can even give your home an advantage over other listings. Your agent may suggest a pre-listing inspection to make your home more competitive in a seller’s market.

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Which upgrades should I make before selling my home?

When you sell your home, you’re inevitably competing against other listings in your area. The aesthetics of a house play a significant role in its ability to catch buyer’s attention, which emphasizes the importance of improving your curb appeal as you prepare to hit the market. Landscaping projects, new exterior paint, and upgrading your front entry are just a few ways you can spruce up the outside of your home.

And what about the interior? Consider upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient models, which are known for their high ROI potential. This is a great time to repaint your home’s interior as well. Consider using a neutral color palette to make it as appealing as possible to a wide-array of buyers. It’s also a good idea to identify rooms in which the flooring should be replaced or repaired. If it makes most sense to completely re-do your home’s flooring, choose a material that is within budget and has good resale value.

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Working with an agent

Listing agents are trained professionals who work with homeowners to sell their homes. Your listing agent will be there to answer any questions you may have throughout the selling process and will negotiate with buyers’ agents to get the best price for your home. But their value doesn’t stop there. A listing agent will list the home, coordinate showings and open houses, and market the home. When choosing an agent, find someone with whom you are compatible both emotionally and professionally, and who cares about the goals of you and your household.

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What’s my home worth?

Homeowners can get a general idea of how much their home is worth by using online home value estimators, like Windermere’s free Home Worth Calculator. Though these tools can provide some context behind the value of your home, nothing compares to the in-depth analysis of an agent’s Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Using a CMA, an agent can accurately price your home to get it sold quickly.

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Written by Sandy Dodge

Community • Living • We Are Stanwood Camano • October 26, 2021

Parks in the Stanwood and Camano Island Area

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

Parks in the Stanwood and Camano Island Area

Lovers of the outdoors are sure to fall in love with the greenery that exists within the Stanwood and Camano Island area. Whether you’re taking your pooch for a walk, going for a jog, or biking with friends, you’ll find a park that’s close to home and perfect for you!

Camano Island

If you live on or near Camano Island, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for you to enjoy. There’s green space to fit any activity. Bring your friends along for a picnic, or just go on a serene hike by yourself. No matter what you want to do, there’s somewhere nearby for you to have some outdoor fun!

Camano Island State Park

You can sit by the shore or hunker down for some camping at the Camano Island State Park. This massive chunk of preserved wilderness includes areas for fishing as well as a 244 acre campground. There are also convenient places to pick up day passes or permits for boating on the  Puget Sound.

Cama Beach Historical State Park

Not too far from Camano Island State Park is a gem from the past. At the Cama Beach Historical State Park, you can spend the night in an old resort cabin. When you wake up in the morning, you can fuel up for your adventures at the on-site Cama Beach Café! Some of this park even has high speed Wi-Fi access, so you can document and upload your thrilling expedition as you go.

Freedom Park

You won’t be camping or boating at this park, but your kids will definitely thank you for bringing them. Freedom Park is a huge playground! This 12,000 foot paradise for kids was built in five days by volunteers and dedicated to the memory of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. For patrons who are a little too big to swing on the monkey bars, the park also hosts a sculpture garden.

English Boom Trail County Park

For fans of hiking, there are also plenty of spots to discover. One of the most scenic and memorable is English Boom Trail County Park. This sliver of land borders Skagit Bay and offers beautiful views of its waters. Hailed as a hidden treasure, the English Boom Trail also hosts a variety of picnic areas and historic signage. A day trip to this bayside jaunt is the perfect way to learn a little as you exercise.

Stanwood

Residents of nearby Stanwood also have a variety of choices when it comes to parks. There are just as many places to have some old-fashioned outdoor fun here as there are on Camano Island.

Church Creek Park

While Stanwood’s Church Creek Park also hosts a hiking trail, the real joy of this recreational spot is its community. You’ll find plenty of places to play as a family, including basketball courts and a little league diamond. The manicured grounds of this park also hold an eighteen-hole disc golf course and multiple picnic areas.

Heritage Park

Much like Church Creek Park, Heritage Park is another fantastic family getaway. Its half-mile hiking trail compliments the variety of activities that this park offers. For sports fans, Heritage Park has a track, soccer field, skate park, and plenty of open space. Canine lovers can rejoice and relax at the dog park. There’s even a playground for the kids. If you’re looking for something more reserved, the area also hosts a variety of picnic areas and fantastic birdwatching.

Lake Goodwin Community Park

For a park with only fourteen acres, Lake Goodwin packs in a whole lot of fun! The shore offers access for swimmers to enjoy its namesake lake, while docks enable boat access. Back on dry land, visitors can enjoy its playground, picnic areas, and plentiful green space. If you’re looking to enjoy this fantastic recreational space, it’s recommended that you stop by early. Parking is limited, and the park is incredibly popular.

Kayak Point Regional County Park

Adventurers looking for a more rugged, traditional experience should dive into Kayak Point Regional County Park! This massive, gorgeous plot of land is perfect for hiking, camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, and (of course) kayaking. The superb campgrounds of Kayak Point Regional County Park offer visitors the option to enjoy privacy within one of ten maintained yurts or at one of its thirty campsites. When you’ve had enough rough-and-tumble activities, you can relax on the shores of Port Susan.

It doesn’t matter which park you choose. All of the parks on Camano Island, and in Stanwood are gorgeous and lovingly maintained. All you’ll need to worry about is having fun, staying safe, and enjoying some outdoor time!

Buying • DIY • Living • October 19, 2021

10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have purchased a home before, the same mistakes can rear their head at any point in the buying process. By working closely with your agent, you can identify these pitfalls ahead of time and adjust accordingly. Mistakes in the buying process can lead to higher costs, added stress, and even terminated contracts. Here are ten common mistakes to avoid when buying a home.

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10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

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1. Not getting pre-approved

Getting pre-approved is a key component of the early stages of the buying process and will help to maximize your chances of getting your offer accepted. Getting pre-approved will give you a concrete idea of how much you can borrow, how much house you can afford, the estimated monthly costs of your mortgage and its corresponding interest rates. It also communicates to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

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2. Not identifying your price range

Pursuing listings you can’t afford is a surefire way to start your home buying process off on the wrong foot. Buying a home that’s outside your budget will put added pressure on your finances and increases your chances of foreclosing, should your financial situation take a turn for the worse. Use the general rule that your house payment should never be more than 25-30% of your take-home pay, and as you prepare for talks with your lender be sure to account for all the expenses you will incur, including private mortgage insurance (PMI) if applicable.

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3. Taking on new credit

Opening new lines of credit at any point in the home buying process will slow things down and can affect your chances of getting a home loan. Adding another credit card to your collection or taking out a loan will change your credit score, causing a ripple effect that can bring the buying process to a halt. Because new credit changes your debt-to-income ratio, lenders will likely want to review your mortgage approval and your risk of non-payment. This forces sellers to wait around for your application while competing buyers speed ahead of you in line.

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4. Not purchasing adequate homeowner’s insurance

It’s understood that a home is a valuable asset that needs to be protected, but it is still all too common for homeowners to be under-insured. A homeowner’s insurance policycovers your home, your belongings, living expenses and injury or damage to others that occur on the property in the event of a disaster. Work closely with your insurance broker to make sure you have adequate coverage for the most common risks in your area like flood, earthquake, and more.

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5. Not looking for other loans

With a little resourcefulness, you can tap into new sources of financial support that will help to ease the burden of making a home purchase. VA Loans can be a lifesaver for active service and veteran personnel, offering zero down payment and lower-than-average mortgage rates. Other government loan programs such as USDA and FHA loans can greatly aid homebuyers with favorable loan terms. Be sure to thoroughly review the qualifications of these loans before applying.

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6. Misunderstanding the down payment

When it comes to down payments, it’s not twenty percent or bust. Granted, with a twenty percent down payment your lender won’t require you to purchase mortgage insurance; but even if you’re short, there are a number of alternatives to private mortgage insurance (PMI) available to you, such as Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance and a piggyback loans strategy. Work with your agent to identify trusted lenders in their network that can help you secure the right loan.

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7. Not working with a buyer’s agent

A buyer’s agent will help you to identify which homes you can afford, work with you on formulating a competitive offer and preparing for negotiations with sellers and listing agents. Buyer’s agents will also handle the paperwork when it comes time to close the deal. A home purchase is an intricate transaction with many moving parts and having an experienced professional by your side who can navigate each step is invaluable. Typically, the buyer’s agent splits the commission of the sale with the listing agent, which is paid by the seller, so generally their services come at no additional cost to you.

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8. Underestimating repair and remodeling costs

Regardless of whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or a home that needs a few simple upgrades, you can usually expect some repair and remodeling expenses once the home is yours. Before you start swinging hammers or tearing up drywall, take time to assess the scope of the projects and whether you can do them yourself or need a professional. Talk with your agent about which remodeling projects have the highest resale value for comparable homes in your area.

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9. Buying a home without an inspection

Buying a home without having it inspected opens the buyer up to added risk. Without a home inspection, you forego the ability to negotiate repairs and concessions with the seller. Getting a home inspection is a small investment and alerts you of any potential home disasters that may be on the horizon. However, this mistake comes with an aside. In a seller’s market where a high number of buyers are competing for a limited number of available listings, waiving the inspection contingency is a common tactic for buyers looking to make their offer stand out. Work with your agent to figure out what’s best for you and your situation.

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10. Forgetting about moving costs

It’s easy to get so focused on the purchase of the home that you forget about what it will cost to move there. Moving expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’ll be traveling across state lines or across the country. If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, there’s also the question of where you’ll live in between closing on your current home and closing on your new one. If these costs aren’t accounted for, you can quickly be over budget before you set foot in your new home..For more information on how to make the buying process smoother, read about how you can Increase Your Buying Power..

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Written by Sandy Dodge

Buying • Market Insights • Selling • We Are Stanwood Camano • October 13, 2021

Market Insights | September 2021

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

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SEPTEMBER 2021 insights sound a little bit like a broken record. The Stanwood and Camano Island markets continue to be driven by low-interest rates, pent-up Buyer demand, job and lifestyle changes, and inventory shortages. These all add up to a very active market..There were 92 new listings added in September in the 98282/98292 zip codes. This was slightly less than a year ago (107). This volume is also shy of the total listings added in August (131). The 92 listings added last month fell short of the number of pending sales (98) emphasizing continued Buyer demand.

The number of pending sales fell 2% from a year ago (98 vs. 100). Despite the drop, September was one of the most productive Septembers in more than a decade.
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The average sale price for a home on Camano Island is $700,969. This is down slightly from last month. In Stanwood however, the average sale price of $628,313 is up from last month’s average.
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Inventory has declined 31% from a year ago. At the end of September, there were only 67 active listings in our market. There are .5 months (about two weeks) of inventory available, a decrease from last months .8 months of inventory. There has not been more than one month of inventory available since June of 2020.
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SELLERS – Pricing a property correctly has never been more important. The lack of homes available for sale indicate that properties will move quickly if priced reasonably. Even slight overpricing can lead to extended market time and the possibility offers below list price.
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BUYERS – Low inventory will still pose a challenge to you. Prices are continuing to level out and the market will historically slow down a little as we move into the holidays. Stay in the market during this time if you can – you may find less competition due to inclement weather and holiday travel.
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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 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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Stanwood Market Insights

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Camano Island Market Insights

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Marla Heagle

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Windermere Real Estate Designated Broker | REALTOR®

Owner, Windermere Stanwood & Camano Island

marla@windermere.com

360-387-HOME

windermerestanwoodcamano.com

 

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DIY • Living • We Are Stanwood Camano • October 12, 2021

5 DIY Home Renovation Ideas

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

Getting tired of looking at the boring cupboards, basic light fixtures, and bare walls in your home? DIY projects are a great way of updating your space without spending a fortune. As a bonus, they’re also a lot of fun! Continue reading for five fun DIY renovation ideas that are sure to bring life back into your home.

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1. Paint Your Doors and Cabinets

One of the easiest DIY projects you can get done over the weekend is painting your cabinets and your doors. With some sandpaper, primer, and your new favorite paint color, you can update your kitchen and bathroom cabinets with ease (take it a step further by installing some new hardware)! Your internal and external doors can be spruced up with some wood stain, the proper kind of paint, and some unique door handles.

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2. Paint or Stain Your Brick Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, it’s likely the centerpiece of your den or family room. Updating this beautiful feature in your home doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars or take countless hours of hard labor. Using specialized brick paints and stains make it easy to refresh the look of your fireplace in a matter of hours, and your wallet will thank you too.

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3. Have Fun With Light Fixtures

Look for eye-catching bulb covers and themed wall sconces at the local thrift store, or have a blast building your own. Customizing your own light fixtures allows you to make them as simple or complex you want, and they will always be unique. Let your creativity take the wheel—you can craft modern hanging lights fixtures out of scrap metal, wood, cloth, or any of your preferred materials. For accent lighting, try adding wall sconces, lanterns, and lamps that have your own personal touch. 

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4. Use Adhesive Flooring or Tile as a Backsplash

There’s no better way to change the look of a kitchen than updating your backsplash! If you currently have a bare wall as your backsplash, you could simply paint it a different color for a fresh feeling in your kitchen. 

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An even more exciting alternative involves using adhesive flooring. Adhesive flooring can come in any number of designs, and can easily be mounted or glued to the wall. There are also peel-and-stick tile options available that you simply cut to your desired proportions, peel off, and stick to the wall.

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5. Homemade Art

Imagine beautiful wall hangings, decorative bowls and vases, centerpieces, and so much more, all made by you. When you create your own art, you can use materials and textures that best fit your existing decor and color scheme. You can repurpose old bowls, picture frames, and artificial flowers, use easy-to-find materials such as rope and wood, and get creative with spray paint. 

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Everyone wants to live in a home they love. The good news is, renovations and updates don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With a little ingenuity and a trip to the local home improvement store, you can DIY your way to the home of your dreams.

DIY • Living • October 5, 2021

How to Winterize Your Waterfront Property

by Windermere Stanwood Camano

After the long days of summer have come and gone and fall is ending, it’s time to begin preparations for winterizing your home. When temperatures begin to dip, your lakeside cabin, seaside cottage or mountain lodge will need some extra TLC to make it through the colder months until spring comes around again. Whether your waterfront property is your vacation home or a primary residence, it’s important to properly winterize it in order to avoid potential damage and to save you time and money.

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How to Winterize Your Waterfront Property

Pipes and Plumbing

Burst pipes are often the cause of water damage. Prevent a water damage emergency at your waterfront property this winter by being proactive.

If your waterfront home is your summer getaway, then disconnect your hoses from outside pipes to prevent them from freezing and breaking. If you plan to turn the heat off for the winter, turn off your main water supply and open your faucets. Any water left in your hoses can cause damage, so be sure to drain the hoses connected to your dishwasher, washer, and any other appliances.

If you’ll be calling your waterfront property home for the winter, thoroughly inspect the insulation for both your interior and exterior pipes. Any areas where insulation is lacking could lead to a cracked pipe, which has the potential to cause serious damage and could end up costing a significant amount of money to repair.

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Roof and Gutters

Properly winterizing your roof and gutters will help to avoid a buildup of rain, snow, or debris turning into a structural issue. For homeowners with a shingle roof, this is the time to check your roof for any signs of damage and make repairs accordingly. Cracked shingles can be carried off by high winds, torn off in a winter storm, or may fall to the ground after being struck by a fell branch, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.

This is especially important if you will be away from your waterfront property all winter. Since you won’t be around, you may not be aware that your roof has been damaged until it’s too late.

For metal roofs, check to make sure everything is screwed down tight. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris. The heavier your gutters become, the more prone they are to leaks, and could potentially rip away from your roof. Keep your gutters clear throughout the winter. Any blockages of leaves, twigs, or ice could lead to a leak, damaging your walls and insulation.

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Other Areas

Once your plumbing, pipes, roof, and gutters are properly winterized, look to other areas of your property to prepare for the winter ahead. Check all windows and doors to identify any air leaks. If you identify a leak, be sure to patch it before you take off for the winter—or if you’re staying in the home for the season, before temperatures start to dip. Inspect your home’s insulation and weatherstripping and make replacements as needed.

Bring your patio furniture inside and store them in a safe space to keep them in good condition until spring. Inspect your boat lift and dock. Consider investing in a bubbler or agitator system to keep ice away from your dock if you’re expecting freezing temperatures throughout the winter. Follow proper winterizing guidelines for your boat and any other watercraft you have before covering them or placing them in winter storage.

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Written by Sandy Dodge

Community • Living • We Are Stanwood Camano • September 28, 2021

The History of Stanwood, Washington

by Windermere Stanwood Camano
Stanwood

Do you know how Stanwood got its name? Do you know why this town exists in the first place?

Keep reading to learn all about the history of this special town in the Pacific Northwest.

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From Centerville to Stanwood

Stanwood was originally known as Centerville, which was established as a trading post on the South Pass of the Stillaguamish River. Centerville was shortly moved to its current position (Stanwood’s current position) along the waterfront of the Stillaguamish River in an attempt to take better advantage of trade opportunities.

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Businesses lined the waterfront of this small town, and in 1879, a man by the name of D.O. Pearson came to Centerville to construct a mercantile. He became the seventh postmaster of Centerville, and upon being encouraged by the U.S. Government,  Pearson changed the name of Centerville to ‘Stanwood’ after the maiden name of his wife, Clara Stanwood Pearson.

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Stanwood Vs. East Stanwood

Initially, the shipment of products and lumber in and out of Stanwood was largely done by steamboat, so when the Great Northern Railway came to the Stanwood area in 1890, it reduced steamboat traffic. The Railway was placed a mile east of the waterfront town of Stanwood, which created a community based around the rail shipping opportunities there. This marked the start of East Stanwood.

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In the early 1900s, the layout of Stanwood changed, as businesses began moving north from the waterfront to relocate on Market Street, and the H&H Railroad was built to make transportation of goods easier between Stanwood and the main rail in East Stanwood. The waterfront was then primarily used for warehouses and processing plants.

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Stanwood and East Stanwood became the heart of the surrounding area and were well-known by the neighboring small towns of Florence, Woodland, Victoria, Freeborn, Camano Island, and more. Due to financial concerns caused by new requirements for wastewater facilities, the towns of East Stanwood and Stanwood became one in 1960.

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Stanwood Today

In the early 1970s, Highway 532 was extended all the way to Interstate 5 from its initial stopping position of 72nd avenue, which is just east of present-day Stanwood High School. This completed the well-known stretch of Highway 532 that currently exists between Terry’s Corner on Camano Island and Interstate 5.

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Today, the population of Stanwood is about 7,000 people, and it is mostly known for its Scandinavian heritage and its place in the history of the Pacific Northwest in the late 1800s.

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