Tips for Whidbey Island Home Sellers

Most Real Estate agents say spring is the season to sell a Whidbey Island home, but don't rule out fall just yet. There may be fewer buyers, but they tend to be more motivated. The key is to find them fast, because you don't have much time before the holidays kick in and real estate really slows down. Try these selling tips:

Price aggressively. You don't have the luxury of starting high and making incremental price drops. Be competitive - price your home 5% to 15% below comparable homes on the market.

Stage it to sell. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year on Whidbey Island, but it can also be hard on home maintenance. Make sure the front yard is clear of leaves, clean out gutters and downspouts, and touch up paint. Incorporate tasteful fall decor. If you have a fireplace, make it the focal point of the room.

Be flexible. Bargain hunters are out in force in the fall, so don't be discouraged by low-ball offers. See them as opportunities to negotiate. If you don't want to come down on price, be creative, such as offering to pay for closing costs or repairs.

Whidbey Island, Island County, Washington Information

Island County is a unique area, well known for its exceptional quality of life. Island residents and tourists alike marvel at the fantastic views of the snow-covered Cascade and Olympic mountains as they relax in this pastoral setting. The islands comprising Island County are Whidbey Island, Camano, Ben Ure, Smith Deception, Strawberry, Baby, Minor and Kalamut.

The two settled islands, Whidbey Island and Camano Island, are favorite destinations for weekend visitors with easy access via State Route 20 over Deception Pass, State Route 532 to Camano, and the State Ferry System routes accessed off-island at Mukilteo and Port Townsend.

Whidbey Island is the longest island in the contiguous United States - 45 miles long with 148 miles of shoreline. Camano is 16 miles long and has 52 miles of shoreline. Whidbey Island is located 27 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of the Canadian border. Island County has a total land area of 208 square miles (Whidbey - 168 sq. mi; Camano -40 sq. mi).

European settlements were first established in the early 1850's in the Penn Cove-Coupeville area. The rich history of this area has been preserved through the establishment of the Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The small communities that were established along these sheltered shorelines in the 1850's are today highly regarded as locations for permanent homes and summer residences as well as small but successful businesses.

Information provided by Island County Economic Development Council

Whidbey Island Habitat for Humanity News

Habitat for Humanity of Whidbey Island will have a "Blitz Build" lead by Jon Roberts of Cascade Custom Homes and Design of Oak Harbor. The home will be completed in three weeks after the foundation is completed. Thank you Jon for putting together such a great team to do this fantastic job for a Whidbey Island family. For further information regarding Island County Habitat for Humanity go to www.islandcountyhabitat.org