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Local Market Stats for June
Insights From Marla
Local Thoughts on Big Ideas
Every month, Windermere Stanwood-Camano publishes a snapshot of the local real estate market. Our Brokers use this data to help determine listing prices, realistic offers, and tailored advice for their clients. We also like to make this information public, to help you with your real estate journey. Here are our key takeaways from June 2018.
Camano Island
85 homes for sale, 260 sold YTD
Number of homes sold in June 2018 (74) was more than double the number of homes sold in May (35).
Stanwood
72 homes for sale, 236 sold YTD
In the $250,000 – $300,000 price range there are 0 homes for sale, 7 homes under contract and 20 homes sold YTD. The lowest price home for sale in Stanwood as of 07/17 is $320,000.
For advice on how to buy a home in this seller’s market, read our blog on navigating the seller’s market.
What to Expect From Property Taxes in Washington State in 2018-19
Why have property taxes gone up so much in Washington State this year and what can we expect them to do in 2019? Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner answers the question that many homeowners are asking.
Local Market Stats May
Insights From Marla
Local Thoughts on Big Ideas
Every month, Windermere Corporate publishes a snapshot of local markets. Brokers use this data to help determine listing prices, realistic offers, and tailored advice for their clients. On top of that, we like to make this information public, to help you with your real estate journey.
Camano:
Despite inventory being 28% lower than it was at this time last year, there have been 182 homes sold on Camano Island in 2018 compared to 184 homes sold in the same time frame last year – only a 1% decrease. What this means is that there are a similar number of homes for sale – but they’re selling quickly!
Stanwood:
Homes within the price range of $250,000-299,000 are extremely active. Within this price range, there is currently one home for sale, 9 homes pending and 14 sold so far this year. Again, this shows that there is a decent volume of inventory, but they’re selling fast!
For advice on how to buy a home in this seller’s market, read our blog on navigating the seller’s market.
Commuting From Camano
The Krieg children enjoy the much-loved tire swing at Freedom Park on Camano Island.
Seattle zoning laws are creating a residential climate similar to the one already being felt in cities like San Francisco. With land restrictions that limit residential development to only single-family homes, real estate is at a premium.
Home prices are skyrocketing. The Seattle Times reported that, in 2017, single-family home prices were pushing $820,000. Similarly, one-bedroom apartments in the city average $2,000 per month in rent. People simply can’t afford to realize the “American Dream” at this pace.
Known for its talented workforce, Seattle has been at a real estate crossroads for some time. Over-inflated home prices, a result of an imbalanced supply and demand, are creating an unfriendly home buying atmosphere and pushing Seattle-based professionals and families to find alternate solutions when homes simply aren’t available or, in most cases, just too expensive.
So, what does that mean for us? Are we protected from this real estate trend or will we, as a community, feel the ripple effect?
Located a comfortable distance from the hustle of Seattle, it’s safe to say that we’ve already noticed an increase in home-buying trends from individuals and families opting for affordability over convenience. It has proven an option for those seeking the benefits of Seattle’s flourishing job market, but the beauty and island lifestyle that we are able to offer.
One Camano Island family has followed suit
After months of endlessly searching for a home to accommodate their growing family, Erik and Danielle Krieg put their West Seattle home on the market back in 2014 and expanded their search north. At the time, what they found was a friendly housing market that combined their needs of quality, community, and affordability.
Danielle, who has built a reputation as a successful interior designer at a leading architecture firm in the Pacific Northwest, Stuart Silk Architects, has maintained the same workload with a slightly altered schedule since her family relocated. Currently, she commutes to Seattle 3-4 times a week, with 1-2 days spent in her home office on the Island.
“The trade-off of leaving the city for a more peaceful, affordable life on Camano Island has been worth it,” said Danielle Krieg. “Don’t get me wrong, on some days the commute into Seattle is horrendous and I find myself questioning my sanity – but on most days, I’m just grateful that my family found such a great community to call home. It’s been life-changing for each one of us.”
It has been nearly four years since the Krieg family left Seattle, a city they both lived and worked in independently for more than 20 years each. But, it’s been a decision that their family hasn’t regretted.
The Krieg children enjoy the much-loved tire swing at Freedom Park on Camano Island.
“Not for one second,” Krieg concurs. “Being able to come home to the beauty of Camano Island each afternoon, watch our kids run and play in the backyard, and being active members of a community that values family – it’s changed us for the better. We still work hard, professionally, and value what Seattle has to offer us for that, but now we can wind down and enjoy life as we’re meant to.”
This trade-off seems to be one that others are heeding – and for good reason.
The Stanwood-Camano Island communities have proven themselves a viable option for this home-buying demographic. Our growing business community and lifestyle brand, Discover Stanwood-Camano, continues to showcase why we are relevant and desirable for full-time residence; we’re not just a commuter town. Our commitment to family, reflected in the recent $147 million bond passed to build a state-of-the-art high school campus, combined with Paine Field offering passenger flights to many western U.S. cities this September, has aided in this enhanced appeal.
The country remains a seller’s market with home prices and values continuing to rise. Single-family homes in the metro King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties have risen faster than anywhere else in the country since mid-2016, according to The Seattle Times. As this trend continues with no end in sight, and people continue to search for affordable housing options in viable communities, Stanwood-Camano Island will continue to see and feel the impact.
We are part of the hottest market in the country. (Hang on tight!)
Brand-new track, permanent Camano home for Soap Box Derby
Races involving 73 cars are on Saturday at a converted ranch where striped pavement belongs to kids.
CAMANO ISLAND — The cars sat in rows inside a big red barn, recently renovated.
It was quiet at the ranch-turned-racetrack last week.
It won’t be on derby day.
The cars were built by drivers ages 7 to 17, supervised by parents, grandparents, friends and volunteers. They’ll be raced in the 11th Stanwood-Camano Soap Box Derby on Saturday. Two winners from the day-long event head to Akron, Ohio, for a national competition in July.
The Stanwood-Camano race has drawn hundreds of spectators in past years. 
This year, instead of speeding down the slope of a closed city street in Stanwood, the racers will hurtle down a freshly paved track on an idyllic Camano Island property. A double yellow line splits the new black pavement into two lanes from the top of the hill to the end of the track, beyond which lies a green field and a ridge of trees.
Randy and Marla Heagle, who own the local Windermere Real Estate offices and started the event a decade ago, always had a vision to build a permanent home for the Soap Box Derby. They wanted someplace that wouldn’t inconvenience neighbors and traffic with a road closure, and where drivers could practice more often. They also see opportunities for more events, including regional rally races and team building activities for adults.
The couple bought the 20-acre property at 615 Arrowhead Road two years ago and began fixing it up. The Arrowhead Ranch was in rough shape, Randy Heagle said. They hauled four bins of garbage out from the barn, which has been transformed into derby headquarters.
Last week, workers were finishing putting in guardrail along the track.
“I just want to build a place that helps give kids memories, and when they look back at being a kid on Camano Island, this is one of those hero moments,” Marla Heagle said.
They started the derby because they wanted an event that brought together kids, businesses and the community. Ten years from now, Randy Heagle pictures derby cars on display in nearly every local business so when people arrive in Stanwood, they know it’s a derby town.
There are 73 cars for this year’s race, up from 24 the first year. Businesses sponsor many of the cars so that children can participate regardless of family income. Some private donors also have offered to cover the entry fee for children who otherwise couldn’t afford it, Randy Heagle said. Attending as a spectator is free.
There aren’t many Soap Box Derby races in the Pacific Northwest that can qualify a racer for the championship in Akron. This is the only one in or near Snohomish County. One local driver has placed sixth nationally and hauled home a large, shiny trophy.
“The kids can practice a lot more now,” Randy Heagle said. “Our goal is hopefully in the next five years we get an Akron champion.”
They’ve spent about $125,000 on building the track and derby headquarters, the Heagles said. A little more than $30,000 has been donated, and they’ve received contributions such as free use of heavy equipment. They are accepting donations at gofundme.com/buildatrack.
They’ve been working with the nonprofit Stanwood Camano Community Resource Center and dozens of volunteers. Windermere employees volunteer with the derby as their annual service project, and former drivers have offered to come back and help, too. One wants to do an Eagle Scout project at the new track.
“I think of all the people who have given time, effort, encouragement,” Randy Heagle said. “We truly couldn’t do it without them.”
On Saturday, people can bring camp chairs, pop-up tents and blankets, Marla Heagle said, and the easiest parking is at nearby Utsalady Elementary School.
The derby starts at 9 a.m. and is expected to continue all day.
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
How to Get Back to a Balanced Housing Market
Developers are not building enough single-family homes to keep up with demand.
The reason why?
Cost.
Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner explains why new construction is so cost prohibitive and how to shift the trend.
On your mark, get set … roll!
The need for speed hits this weekend.
More than 70 young speedsters square off Saturday during the 11th annual Windermere Stanwood-Camano Soap Box Derby, taking place for the first time on the new track at Arrowhead Ranch on Camano Island.
Defending champion Braddock Johnson — the 8-year-old son of Megan and Scott Johnson of Camano Island — is back to challenge other competitors ages 7 to 17. Last year, Braddock advanced as one of only two 7-year-old racers to the All-American World Championship Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
As the only soap box derby in Washington, this event attracts racers from throughout the state.
The local race is divided into two groups. In the stock division, the combined weight of the stock car, wheels and driver cannot exceed 200 pounds. For the super stock division, the combined weight cannot exceed 240 pounds. Stock division drivers must be age 7-13; super stock drivers must be ages 9-17. The top finisher in each division wins a trip to the annual All-American Soap Box Derby Race Week, taking place July 15-21. Champions at the All-American compete each year for the title of world champion and more than $36,000 in college scholarships.
The free, public event takes place at a more leisurely location than in previous years of racing down a Stanwood street. The event starts at 9 a.m. and features food and fun throughout the day, according to event organizers.
“We’re so proud to introduce the Arrowhead Ranch race track and headquarters to our local community in time for this year’s Derby,” said Randy Heagle, who owns Arrowhead Ranch and the local Windermere offices with his wife, Marla. “It’s going to open up countless opportunities for these kids to create memories with their families.”
The Heagles broke ground on the track in April, bringing in 2,000 tons of rock and 563 tons of asphalt to create the new raceway. Surrounding the track are large swaths of lush grass where families can watch the action.
“The support we’ve received from the community throughout the building process has been a testament to the great people who call Stanwood and Camano Island their home,” Heagle said.
The local soap box derby event incorporates science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, while encouraging active mentorship and family collaboration throughout the derby car-building process, according to organizers. Many drivers attended weekly drive clinics and build clinics leading up to race day.
The race is at 615 Arrowhead Road on Camano Island. For more information, visit soapboxderby.org/stanwood-camano-island.
Contact reporter Evan Caldwell at ecaldwell@scnews.com and follow him on Twitter @Evan_SCN for updates throughout the week and on Instagram @evancaldwell.scn for more photos.
Source: https://www.goskagit.com/scnews/news/on-your-mark-get-set-roll/article_144b8d56-6c16-11e8-a264-ebc207d9d5e0.html
Navigating A Seller’s Market In The Stanwood-Camano Island Area
It’s no great secret that right now, in mid-2018, we’re experiencing a seller’s market. Home prices across the country (and especially in Seattle) have skyrocketed. Homes in the King County area gained value at double the national average between 1995 and this year. So what should you do with this information, and how has this trend affected the market in the Stanwood-Camano area?
J.P. DeBoer
Windermere Stanwood-Camano Broker
First, it’s important to understand why it’s such a good time to list right now. Due to a combination of factors, including low home-availability and decent mortgage rates, the homes that are on the market often sell for above asking price. As CNN puts it:
“The problem is simple: there are more people looking to buy homes than there are homes available for sale.”
“It’s a 180 degree shift from five years ago” said JP DeBoer, a Windermere Stanwood-Camano Broker, “Sellers are definitely coming from a position of strength… When a buyer makes an offer, the agents have been asking me if there’s other things they can offer, like rent-backs or shorter contingencies to sweeten the transaction.”
For a seller, this is great news. Home values are good, and you are likely to get several competitive offers on a listing. For the buyer, this means that the transaction might be a little more tricky. The best thing to do is to find an experienced agent to work with can help you find creative ways to make your offer more appealing, without necessarily having to spend more money.
“Having your ducks in a row is huge” said DeBoer, “I’ve closed several transactions this month where the seller listed below asking price, and because the buyer was ready, we were able to get that price.” It’s good to weight the pros and cons of a property or house, but in this market it’s also important to be ready to move ahead with a transaction, should the right one present itself.
On the buyer’s side, patience is key. While these national trends may seem intimidating, sometimes the right place comes up at the right time. Perhaps a seller is looking to move because of a new job offer, and they’re willing to negotiate on price for the sake of a quick transactionl. Again, working with an experienced broker is key, so you can keep track of new offers near your area of interest. Expect to make at least one or two offers before finding the right transaction, and you should also be prepared to throw in a few little incentives to move the transaction along.
Will Smart Homes be the new Normal?
Lennar, the nations largest home builder, will make home automation standard in their new home construction. With built in Wi-Fi, smart locks, video door bells, thermostats and lights, devices will be controlled by Alexa – Amazon’s voice activated digital assistant. Lennar and Amazon will open 8 model Smart homes in California, hoping to show perspective buyers how this new technology works in a real house and how it could simplify their lives.
According to Steve Youngren of Windermere Stanwood-Camano, buyers in our area are more concerned with security than convenience. In Seattle, Jeff Reynolds of Windermere says his buyers appreciate seeing Ring video doorbells in the homes they view.
With video doorbells, homeowners are notified as soon as motion is detected at their home. Homeowners receive live video of the activity on their doorstep via smartphone or tablet. The smart doorbell also provides two-way audio so homeowners can speak to visitors – even when they’re not at home. It’s this combination of security and convenience that buyers are ready to get on board with.
For more information about the trend toward smart homes, read the USA Today article.
Skagit County STEM
On Tuesday, May 15th, Skagit Valley College at Mcintyre Hall hosted a STEM focused Girls Tech Event with speakers from Microsoft, Amazon, FaceBook, Whatcom Community College and Windermere. The goal was to bring women with positions of leadership to speak from their experiences and into the lives of girls from Skagit and Snohomish counties.The event was organized by 14-year-old Alex Shepler.
Alex has been coding since he was 11 years old and can now code in 7 different languages. He has spent the last year lecturing to young people about the importance of education. “Don’t be a surface learner,” is Alex’s mantra.
Through these lectures, Alex noticed the disparity between males and females who attend computer science classes in college compared to younger students. “In the classes he taught to middle school kids, the groups have been evenly split, boys and girls,” said Alex’s father, Jim Shepler. “But at the college level, it looks more like 5 to 1 males to females.”
To combat this, Alex is encouraging young women to think outside the box about their futures and the integral part that technology has in the changing career landscape. Since STEM-focused education is an interdisciplinary approach combining academic concepts and real world lessons, Alex invited successful female leaders to speak to 8th and 9th grade students from local school districts.
“The event was a great success,” said Marla. “It was wonderful to see the students engaging with such strong, successful women. I was honored to be there.”
To learn more about Skagit STEM visit www.skagitcountystem.com.
