Whidbey Island Naval Air Station Gets Good News

This is really exciting news for Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island and all surrounding areas. We appreciate our military and we rejoice that it looks like NAS Whidbey Island is secure for a long time and that the new P-8 Poseidons will be stationed here. This is also great news for the local economy and for the Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island real estate market.

Whidbey Island Real Estate and Oak Harbor Homes for Sale

Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Update 12/27/2011

As we approach the end of 2011, we wanted to give you a Whidbey Island Real Estate update. Since we are still in December, the final results won't be available  to be posted for a few weeks, but I thought I would give you a taste of the real estate market here on beautiful Whidbey Island.  I will show you a snapshot of total sales and median prices for the three areas of Whidbey Island; North, Middle, and South.  In my next post I will include graphs and explanations for the total 2011 sales.

• North Whidbey Island, which includes every sale north of Libbey Rd, was down both in total transactions and median sales price. Sales were down approximately 6% from 2010 and the median sales prices was down approximately 5%.
• Central Whidbey Island saw a year where the sales increased approximately 6% but the  median sales price remained about the same as 2010.
• South Whidbey Island experienced an increase in sales of approximately 1.5% but declined in median sales price of close to 13%.

As we have always been told, real estate is very local. These few statistics only give a snapshot of the overall market in these areas. Individual homes and locations can vary by quite a large differential. Your Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate professional can help you with your particular property's value and ability to be sold. I will be posting a much more in-depth Whidbey Island Real Estate market report in a few weeks.

Whidbey Island Real Estate and Oak Harbor Homes For Sale

Whidbey Island Home Prices Evaluated

Whidbey Island Home Prices are always a question on local homeowners minds.We are constantly being asked, " How is my home value compared to those in other markets?" For an indepth evaluation of the home market throughout the United States, Coldwell Banker released the 2011 HOME LISTING REPORT. The report lists home values for a 4 bedroom 2 bath home throughout the United States and Canda. To compare your home value to those across the nation or to see where our city ranks please visit Coldwell Banker's Home Listing Report.

Check out America's Top Cities in this video

For information on Whidbey Island home prices or local home values, please feel free to contact us at any time at info@whidbeyrealestate.com or call us at 360-675-5811. We are here to help you with any of your real estate questions for all of Whidbey Island and Anacortes.
Whidbey Island Real Estate and Oak Harbor Homes for Sale

7 Hot Home Improvement Trends that Make Your Home Work for You

Home improvement trends embrace energy efficiency, low maintenance exteriors, and double-duty space.

Trend #1: Maintenance-free siding

We continue to choose maintenance-free siding that lives as long as we do, but with a lot less upkeep. But more and more we’re opting for fiber-cement siding, one of the fastest-growing segments of the siding market. It’s a combination of cement, sand, and cellulosic fibers that looks like wood but won’t rot, combust, or succumb to termites and other wood-boring insects.

At $5 to $9 per sq. ft., installed, fiber-cement siding is more expensive than paint-grade wood, vinyl, and aluminum siding. It returns 80% of investment, the highest return of any upscale project on Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report.

Maintenance is limited to a cleaning and some caulking each spring. Repaint every 7 to 15 years. Wood requires repainting every 4 to 7 years.


Trend #2: Convertible spaces

Forget “museum rooms” we use twice a year (dining rooms and living rooms) and embrace convertible spaces that change with our whims.

Foldaway walls turn a private study into an easy-flow party space. Walls can consist of fancy, glass panels ($600 to $1,600 per linear ft., depending on the system); or they can be simple vinyl-covered accordions ($1,230 for 7 ft. by 10 ft.). PortablePartions.com sells walls on wheels ($775 for approximately 7 ft. by 7 ft.).

A Murphy bed pulls down from an armoire-looking wall unit and turns any room into a guest room. Prices, including installation and cabinetry, range from $2,000 (twin with main cabinet) to more than $5,000 (California king with main and side units). Just search online for sellers.

And don’t forget area rugs that easily define, and redefine, open spaces.


Trend #3: A laundry room of your own

Humankind advanced when the laundry room arose from the basement to a louvered closet on the second floor where clothes live. Now, we’re taking another step forward by granting washday a room of its own.

If you’re thinking of remodeling, turn a mudroom or extra bedroom into a dedicated laundry room big enough to house the washer and dryer, hang hand-washables, and store bulk boxes of detergent.

Look for spaces that already have plumbing hookups or are adjacent to rooms with running water to save on plumbing costs.


Trend #4: Souped-up kitchens

Although houses are trending smaller, kitchens are getting bigger, according to the American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey.

Kitchen remodels open the space, perhaps incorporating lonely dining rooms, and feature recycling centers, large pantries, and recharging stations.

Oversized and high-priced commercial appliances—did we ever fire up six burners at once?—are yielding to family-sized, mid-range models that recover at least one cabinet for storage.

Since the entire family now helps prepare dinner (in your dreams), double prep sinks have evolved into dual-prep islands with lots of counter space and pull-out drawers.

Trend #5: Energy diets

We’re wrestling with an energy disorder: We’re binging on electronics—cell phones, iPads, Blackberries, laptops--then crash dieting by installing LED fixtures and turning the thermostat to 68 degrees.

Are we ahead of the energy game? Only the energy monitors and meters know for sure.

These new tracking devices can gauge electricity usage of individual electronics ($20 to $30) or monitor whole house energy ($100 to $250). The TED 5000 Energy Monitor ($240) supplies real-time feedback that you can view remotely and graph by the second, minute, hour, day, and month.

Trend #6: Love that storage

As we bow to the new god of declutter, storage has become the holy grail.

We’re not talking about more baskets we can trip over in the night; we’re imagining and discovering built-in storage in unlikely spaces--under stairs, over doors, beneath floors.

Under-appreciated nooks that once displayed antique desks are growing into built-ins for books and collections. Slap on some doors, and you can hide office supplies and buckets of Legos.

Giant master suites, with floor space to land a 747, are being divided to conquer clutter with more walk-in closets.

Trend #7: Home offices come out of the closet

Flexible work schedules, mobile communications, and entrepreneurial zeal are relocating us from the office downtown to home.

Laptops and wireless connections let us telecommute from anywhere in the house, but we still want a dedicated space (preferably with a door) for files, supplies, and printers.

Spare bedrooms are becoming home offices and family room niches are morphing into working nooks. After a weekend of de-cluttering, basements and attics are reborn as work centers.


By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Published: May 13, 2011


Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a HouseLogic contributor and homebuilder.





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Bowling for Kid's Sake - Koetje Insurance Team

Recently, many organizations and individuals participated in a fundraiser for our local Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.  One of those fun-filled teams was the Koetje Kingpins from Koetje Insurance Agency. I had the opportunity to video them.  Here is the Koetje Kingpins having fun for a good reason.

Home Seller Tips

Recently I was reading an article regarding home seller tips in Money Magazine. I was so impressed by what the article had to say, I thought that I should share some of the highlights with our Coldwell Banker Koetje readers.


The essence of the article was that if you are a home seller in this market, you probably feel you can't catch a break. To help overcome that, you need a bit of razzle-dazzle to nab a buyer today. The following attention-grabbing home seller tips will get prospects to your front door.

• Slash Your Price, Bigtime

Many sellers give in to the temptation to list the property above fair market value to see what happens. Big mistake. About a quarter of sellers in the past year initially listed too high and were forced to knock the price lower, according to Trulia.com. Think you can always drop the price if your home doesn't sell. Bigger mistake. The first 30 days on the market are the most important. That's when your home will receive the most attention and get the most showings. So get aggressive right out of the gate.

• Hire a Stager

Veteran real estate brokers interviewed by Money Magazine say that proper staging can speed the sale and often increase the price too. The key is to get it done right. Staging, increasingly popular with homeowners trying to sell mid-range houses, can extend from simply rearranging existing furniture to repainting, replacing fixtures, and bringing in new furnishings. The goal: to highlight the house's best features while making it as easy as possible for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

• Find the Right Hook

These days it's going to take far more than a For Sale sign in the front yard and a spot on the multiple-listing service to get potential buyers in the door. That means getting the word out in a creative fashion-and finding a Realtor who is willing to do the same. "The more eyeballs that get on the listing, the better," says Katie Curnutte of the real estate information website Zillow.com. To do that, you need a multi pronged marketing plan of attack.

To read the whole article in Money Magazine please click here.



To discuss these homes seller tips, plus many other ideas for getting your home sold, please feel free to contact us at anytime at Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Survey Finds Spike in Gas Prices is Impacting Where Home Buyers Choose to Live

Rising Gas Prices Drive Desire for Shorter Commutes and Home Offices

 The high cost of gasoline is not just emptying wallets; it is also impacting where consumers choose to buy a home. According to a new Coldwell Banker survey among its network of real estate professionals, 75 percent said that the recent spike in gas prices has influenced their clients’ decisions on where to live, and 93 percent said if gas prices continue to rise, more home buyers will choose to live somewhere that allows for a closer commute to their work.


The Desire to Be Close to Work, or Work from Home

Out of those who said gas prices affect where consumers want to live, being closer to work was the leading consideration.

• Drive time and racking up miles en-route to the office caused 89 percent to say buyers look for homes closer to work. Forty-five (45) percent are seeing buyers choose homes closer to shops and services as a result of increasing gas prices.*

Some buyers are skipping the commute altogether.

• More than three quarters of the real estate professionals surveyed (77 percent) said more buyers today are interested in having a home office compared to five years ago, and 68 percent of those respondents said that they believe the high cost of gas contributes to this new work from home trend.

• Currently, there are more than 25,000 homes available on coldwellbanker.com that include “office” as part of the listing description.

“The decision to buy a home has always been tailored around the personal, multi-faceted lifestyle needs of each buyer,” said Jim Gillespie, CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. “Today, rising fuel costs and a person’s decision to commute or perhaps work remotely are additional factors of the decision home buyers must consider.”

An Increased Interest in Urban Living

One trend continuing to rise in popularity, partly because of the gas price phenomenon, is the interest in urban living.

• Fifty-six (56) percent of the real estate professionals surveyed said that they are seeing more home buyers interested in urban living compared to five years ago.

• Of the subset that recognized this trend, 93 percent strongly agreed or agreed that one reason is an increased interest in shorter commutes.

• Eighty-one (81) percent of these respondents also strongly agreed or agreed that the desire to reduce spending on gas is a factor.

According to those who have seen an increased interest in urban living, other reasons behind this trend are:

• Having everything at your fingertips (91 percent strongly agreed or agreed)

• Being able to walk to places (76 percent strongly agreed or agreed)

• Being near public transportation (52 percent strongly agreed or agreed)

Methodology: Coldwell Banker Real Estate conducted an online survey among 1,188 Coldwell Banker real estate professionals across the United States about the impact of gas prices on home buying decisions and trends surrounding urban living. The survey was fielded between April 28, 2011 and May 3, 2011.

Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate is a full service brokerage in Oak Harbor, WA. Serving the real estate needs of Oak Harbor, Anacortes, and Whidbey Island for over 60 years. We are VA and Military Relocation Specialists.

*Some answer percentages in the above may not total 100 percent, if only the most popular responses are listed. In other cases, respondents had the option to check all that apply, which may mean that percentages total more than 100 percent.

Oak Harbor, WA. What a Great Place to Live and Work

Oak Harbor, WA. What a Great Place to Live and Work

What's it like around our town, the city of Oak Harbor, WA. We are a Navy community with a Naval Air Station (NAS Whidbey Island), which we are very proud of, a bar-b-que joint that is fantastic, a Dutch heritage that permeates our town, and just all-around good people. I think it you watch this video, produced locally in Oak Harbor, you will get a taste of what our town has to offer. Come visit and stay awhile. I think you will be glad you did. You may wonder why a real estate broker would be writing a blog like this. It's because we love living here and are very proud of our home town. Why do I love it? Oak Harbor, WA. What a Great Place to Live and Work

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Ranked as Fastest-Growing Real Estate Franchise System by Entrepreneur Magazine

Entrepreneur Magazine recently ranked Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC as the fastest-growing franchise among real estate companies for 2011 and the No. 14 fastest growing franchise in all business categories. Coldwell Banker Real Estate also was ranked No. 75 in the Entrepreneur 2011 Global Top Franchises list and No. 90 in the publication’s 32nd annual U.S. Franchise 500® rankings.

"In the midst of a challenging market, we are proud of our expansion and recognition as an ever-growing franchise," said Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. "We're always moving, and that means forging new relationships and gaining presence in new markets, while empowering our existing franchisees and their sales associates with the tools they need to continue to succeed."

Among these tools is the recently released Coldwell Banker Managing Broker Academy, an online learning portal for managers and brokers. The newest tool provides videos, podcasts and social learning aids focusing on long-term educational planning and timely educational tools.

Additional training and ongoing support Coldwell Banker offers offices and agents includes:
• Intensive multi-day introductory training sessions offered at Coldwell Banker's headquarters and franchisee offices
• Diverse classes and continuing education programs available in person or online
• National and local advertising, including television, online and mobile
• Management conferences and regional training events
• Field operation evaluations
• Grand opening support
• Weekly newsletters

Entrepreneur’s 32nd Annual Franchise 500® report is based on its own proprietary rankings formula using financial and statistical data from July 2008 through July 2010. For more information on the rankings visit: http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/franchise500/about.html

For employment opportunities with Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate, please contact us at info@whidbeyrealestate.com

How's The Oak Harbor Real Estate Market (Part 2)

In my last post, I explained my answer to "How is the Market". As part of that answer, we must consider what effect the distressed homes are causing on values.  Because of the economic conditions in our country over the past few years, homeowners are losing their homes through foreclosure because of loss of jobs, changing terms of mortgages, inability to sell, etc. Foreclosed homes then sell at a price that is usually less than comparable homes in the market, driving down the prices of homes. Other homeowners that need to sell are experiencing another difficulty. Their home is worth less now than when they purchased it and they must sell at a loss. If they don't have the funds to make up the difference, then negotiations with the bank may allow them to sell short, or as is commonly called, a Short Sale. Short sales also have the result of causing prices to decline in the local area.  These are factors that have resulted in the way that I answer the question, How Is The Market.

North Whidbey Island 2010 Statistics for evaluating the effect of Distressed Home Sales:

•  Short Sales were 11.5% of the active listings and 5% of the sold listings.  Foreclosures were 9% of the active listings and 17.5% of the sold listings. 
• The average listing price range of the overall market was $263,000.  The median sales price of non-distressed homes was $250,000, Short Sales was $220,000, and Foreclosures was $160,000.
• The price per square foot for non-distressed sales was $150 per sq. ft., Short Sales was $124 per sq. ft., and Foreclosures was $112 per sq. ft.

Based on these statistics, it can be noted that a larger foreclosed home could be purchased for less money that a smaller non-distressed home. Also it can be noted that more Foreclosures were being purchased than Short Sales which will make the Short Sale homes probably result in Foreclosures.

With all of this being said, I do believe that prices have stabilized in our market. Over the next year, we will see some gyration of values but nothing like we have experienced in the last few years. It is still a great time to buy if you are a buyer, and if you are a seller that has owned your home for more than 5 years it is still a good time to sell. If you purchased your home within the last 5 years and don't need to sell, then I would recommend holding on to it if you can. Call us about Property Management if you need to leave the area. If you are still living in your home and just need more space, than maybe a remodel would be best for you. We know of some outstanding contractors that we would be happy to recommend to you. Whatever the situation is, I can assure you that home ownership is still "The American Dream".

How's The Oak Harbor Real Estate Market (Part 1)

I am often asked, "How's The Real Estate Market in Oak Harbor?"

I was recently asked to speak at the Rotary Luncheon about the state of the real estate market in Oak Harbor. My speaking engagement was postponed for a few weeks, but I thought I would share some of the information in this blog. I will continue with a second blog that will address another area that affects the real estate market, Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties.

The first answer that I have after someone asks me about the real estate market is, "It depends". Now I am not trying to be flippant with that statement, but my answer really does depend on if you are a buyer, a seller, when you bought your home, etc.

• If you are a buyer, the question is a no brainer. The Oak Harbor Real Estate Market is fantastic. In fact, I just helped my niece and her family make a purchase of a home. Interest rates are at all time lows (though they are starting to creep up). There is a large supply of inventory on the market for sale right now and sellers are being very generous in their negotiations.

• If you are a seller and you have owned your home for at least 10 years, than it is a good market. As you can see from the chart, home prices have appreciated 3-4% average over the last 10 years. So if you need to sell, than from an investment perspective, you have made a good decision and the Real Estate Market is good. 

• If you are a seller and you haven't owned your home for more than 5 years, than the value of your home is probably equal to or less than your original purchase price and you might want to consider other alternatives to selling, such as rent, or not moving. If you are in this situation than the Oak Harbor Real Estate Market is not so good but is getting better.

A large component of the Oak Harbor Real Estate Market is Short Sales and Bank Owned Properties. In my next post, I will explain the statistics for these sales and how they are affecting our market.

Contributed By: Rick Schutte
Owner/Designated Broker Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Interview

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jill Johnson, the executive director of the Oak Harbor, Wa. Chamber of Commerce. We were able to discuss the exciting year in front of us and what the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce was anticipating for 2011. In our interview, Jill mentions the updating of Pioneer Way in Downtown Oak Harbor as well as the need for all of the local businesses and Oak Harbor residents to be involved in the community.




If you would like more information about our beautiful city of Oak Harbor, please email us or contact the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Unemployment Takes a Dip

Good news is spreading. In this update you will see several key positive factors trending the economy back upwards. We have seen numerous large companies add large quantities of jobs to their labor force. For instance, Ford Motor Company, just announced on Monday they will be adding 7,000 new jobs nationwide.

The unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage point to 9.4 percent in December, and nonfarm payroll employment increased by 103,000, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment rose in leisure and hospitality and in health care but was little changed in other major industries.

The number of unemployed persons decreased by 556,000 to 14.5 million in December, and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent. Over the year, these measures were down from 15.2 million and 9.9 percent, respectively.

As the unemployment news above shows the economy is healing, slowly but surely. The one month drop was an aberration and even the Department of Labor thought this number would be adjusted next month. For instance the numbers showed that a large number of people simply stopped looking for work. The overall increase in employment is far less than is needed for sustained growth.

But most every indicator of the general economy is headed in the right direction. Once that becomes more mainstream consumer confidence will start to return. This is among the most important indicators for once consumers and families become more certain about their jobs and incomes and with housing prices so attractive, housing will be a large beneficiary.

Courtesy of Real Trends