There’s something magical about an area where bald eagles regularly soar above you, Mount Baker beckons from the distance, the water is blue, and the sunrises and sunsets take your breath away. Whether you’re a kayaker, whale watcher, mountain biker, camper or boater, our parks, beaches and forests – and our proximity to salt and fresh water – offer you access to some of the best recreational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.

Anacortes is also home to several community events that attract thousands of visitors each year, including the Anacortes Arts Festival, Anacortes Jazz Festival, Waterfront Festival, The Oyster Run, First Friday Art Walks and Shipwreck Day to name just a few.

If you’ve ever wanted to live in an area that is truly stunning no matter which direction you look, come see Anacortes and Fidalgo Island.

Latest News

This morning, I pulled out my ballot and Voters Pamphlet so I could do my duty as a citizen and vote. Most of the issues didn’t impact me personally but I diligently conducted my research and filled in the black box associated with my chosen answer. At one point in time, I actually called one of my county’s officials to ask them how a specific referendum would impact me in my geographic locale.

Will my choices cause any great change in the status quo? Probably not, but collectively our choices determine the essence of the community we live in. Every day, we make decisions that impact our world…whether to buy locally or not, follow the speed limit or not, recycle our waste or not, attend the open house at the school or not, attend a city council meeting or not. Mostly we make decisions based on convenience and price. Is that always the best for our community? Probably not.

Voting doesn’t cost us anything and filing an absentee ballot is pretty darn convenient. Who knows? Collectively we might actually make a difference.

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

L ove where you live…this mint condition townhome is only steps from the beach! Stainless steel appliances, gas heat, hardwood floors from foyer thru dining area, gas fireplace in two-story living area, lots of natural light, and an amazing view of bay from the master bedroom. This townhome also comes with equally amazing view of Skyline Marina from guest bedroom, a courtyard entry, and a waterside patio for BBQ or lounging. Priced $75,000 below assessed at a time when our average sale is at the assessed value - this is a great value! Possible seller financing with zero interest note to qualified  buyer.

If being at the water’s edge restores your soul, imagine what living here might do for you!

Click here for photo’s and information on this listing!

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

T oday is a very special day here at Windermere Real Estate Anacortes Properties, it is our annual Community Service Day.  Every year our Northwest offices dedicate a day to working in our community to make things a little brighter for our neighbors. Our Southwest offices have Community Service Day on October 21^st.

We will be spending the day cleaning up the landscaping at the W.T.Preston Snagboat in Old Town Anacortes. The W.T. Preston was the last sternwheeler to work the Puget Sound, and one of only two remaining snagboats in the contiguous United States.

We appreciate your patience if it takes us a little longer to return your call or respond to your email.

Every year since 1984, Windermere associates have dedicated a day of work to complete neighborhood improvement projects as part of Windermere’s Community Service Day.

Creating vibrant communities is one of the things that inspire all of us at Windermere to be involved in Community Service Day as it gives us an opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work.

After all, real estate is rooted in our communities. And an investment in our neighborhoods gives us all a better place to call home.

See a list of some of the projects happening across the region. More information about the projects, organizations and photos will be share on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/windermererealestate.

« 1 comment so far. Share your thoughts... »

Here is something fun for you and your family to do on May 21^st,  the 2nd annual High Tide Ride. The High Tide Ride begins at Seafarer’s Way, right next to the Cap Sante marina, at 8:00 a.m. pm the 21^st. This is a great way to get out and enjoy Skagit Valley, get out of your car, and see things from a fun and different perspective - from the seat of your bike.  The Course is well marked and there will be rest stops along the way.   

Choose from approximately 25 miles, 50 miles, 75 miles or a 5 mile family fun ride! A fully supported, beautiful ride on Fidalgo Island (Anacortes, WA) and surrounding communities with breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands. This ride begins and ends at the Anacortes Waterfront Festival. All proceeds and additional fundraising support North Islands Young Life.

Click on the link below to read the routes and to register.  Enjoy your ride!

Register at Active.com!
http://www.active.com/cycling/anacortes-wa/high-tide-ride-2011

Event Sponsorships available- contact the North Islands Younglife office! (360)941-1091

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

W e believe your yard should be a masterpiece that reflects you.  We’re here to tell you it’s not as hard as you think!  Landscaping doesn’t have to be too expensive, too difficult or take too long to accomplish.  It’s about making the right choices on how to spend money wisely in your yard. 

I believe a great yard should have these three characteristics:  Number one, it should be designed to last.  Number two, it should be an inviting place for you to spend your time.  Number three, it should desirable to look at and enjoy 24 hours day, year round!

Do you ever long for that thick, green lawn? How about healthy plants, that are vibrant and full of color?  If you don’t have a sprinkler system yet, chances are your lawn isn’t evenly green all the way across.  If you are watering by hand or with a hose/ sprinkler set-up, then you are wasting your valuable time and money. There is no better way to water than with a properly designed underground sprinkler system.  Let the sprinkler system automatically do the work, applying just the right amount of water to each section of your yard at the correct time of day, so you do not waste water.  You will no longer have to worry if your yard will survive the ‘heat wave’ while you are on vacation.  When it rains, the rain sensor will delay the system from watering at all until it dries out.  Most importantly a sprinkler system increases your property value and saves you money over the long run!

Does your yard feel boring? Do you want it to feel like a relaxing vacation?

  Water features are the #1 way to create a paradise in your yard!  Water features simply make your yard come alive.  The natural sound of a water feature is relaxing; it drowns out street noise or your neighbor’s loud gatherings.  Imagine yourself sitting in your backyard simply taking it all in, the refreshing sound of cascading water, the beauty of a natural waterfall.  Gazing through clear water, looking at brightly colored fish swimming around flowering water plants in your custom made natural looking pond.  Can you see yourself there? It’s easier than you think.  These days’ people will pay millions for a great view. Water features bring not only a great view, but something you can interact with for a lot less money!

 Properly designed water features filter water naturally.  When water is filtered naturally (through biological filtration) and used in conjunction with a fish friendly liner, it stays clear and the maintenance is low.  Plants and fish actually help because they complete the ecosystem.  For some homeowners a pond is not a feasible option due to limited space or young children. But, I want to tell you that there are several other options out there!  A pondless waterfall is one option; it is a simple waterfall without a pond.  You will still have the beauty and sound of a waterfall without the maintenance and space needed for a pond.  Bubbling rocks are also a great inexpensive choice for water features and work as a great alternative.  Bubbling rocks still provide the sound and beauty of a water fall, but take up a much less space. 

One of the things that really set a yard apart from the rest is how it looks at night.   Many yards actually look better at night than they do during the day.  Properly placed lights can illuminate specimen trees and other interests, so they stand out at night.  Lighting is valuable because it allows you to enjoy your yard at all hours of the day. Imagine stepping into your backyard onto your patio relaxing and enjoying the evening after dark.  Character plants will be softly illuminated, water features will have underwater lights to illuminate waterfalls and fish; possibly even some ‘down lighting’ from a nearby tree to cast a soft glow on your seating area.  Also, having a well lit home at night ensures it will not be appealing to burglars.  Keeping your steps, pathways, and driveway edges safely illuminated is also very important.  It ensures that yourself and your guests will be able to walk safely to your door and won’t have trouble backing out of your driveway.

            Having a beautiful yard that stands out as a work of art is just a phone call or e-mail away! We are here to provide you with a free consultation to see how you can transform your yard into its greatest potential! Please visit our website www.everflowirrigation.com for more information on our services. 

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

S tory Quilts by Mary Lou Weidman will be on display starting April 2nd. The Curator will be giving tours with Ms Weidman on the opening day. The artist ill be present from 10AM-12Noon.

Also, there will be a beautiful collection of quilts for sale, to benefit the Capital Campaign to restore the Gaches Mansion, home of the museum. If you go to the museum, they are on display. You can also see them on-line at the museum website. 

Always in need of volunteers to help greet guests, work in the museum store, or help with special projects, please contact Stephanie Metzger at (360)299-2535 or Breta Malcolm at (#60)391-0441.

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

T he Museum Of Northwest Art will celebrate the work of Artist James B. Thomson, Professor of art at Willamette University with a lecture by the artist on April 2nd at 2PM. His topic, related to his paintings of “The Vanishing Landscape. Thompson’s work is in the small gallery on the first floor, which is usually a glass gallery

The main floor gallery is all glass this time! Pilchuck School glass students in this group refer to their group as “Act 2″ because most of them have had other unrelated careers and came to art glass later in their lives.

The work is varied and much of it has been inspired by the Pilchuck philosophy which encourages students to focus on experimentation and not on end results. In working with glass many techniques are possible and many techniques are represented by the work of these artists.

The second floor gallery is devoted to the work of Jay Steinsmae (1941-1994).

Members interested in Family Art Days have Session 1: Expand your horizons ith Watercolor on April 23; or Map out your personal Landscape on May21st. Reservations are required due to space. Call (360) 466-4446 ext 108.

Members interested in the Docent Program at the museum can sign up now for training on May 12 and 13th. For more information email Lynnebeebe@msn.com or call (360) 466-4446, ext. 112.

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

That’s what the newest book by Karen Rauch Carter promises…Hmmm, could it really be that easy?

Could the cash flow limitations of the past 2 ½ years, as a struggling real estate agent, be solved by cleaning out the dust bunnies and hanging some purple curtains?  What could I lose?  I’d been looking for something to motivate me into giving my place the spring cleaning it desperately needed and maybe if I used Feng Shui principles, I might reap some additional benefits.

According to Feng Shui, the home is divided into nine areas (each called a gua)…Career, Skills and Knowledge, Family, Prosperity, Fame and Reputation, Relationships and Love, Creativity and Children, Helpful People and Travel; and Health.    Energy (chi) flows through these areas and hopefully provides balance and nurturing to the inhabitants of the home.  When the energy gets blocked in any area, the residents can feel it.  With this new knowledge, I grabbed my dust rag and vacuum and began moving furniture and pictures in order to optimize my chi….It felt great!  The walls all but hummed with new energy and excitement….except in one area.

My Love and Relationship gua was not smiling.  You see, my Love and Relationship gua is my back storeroom where I put everything I either rarely use or just don’t know what to do with…canning jars, Christmas lights, the single boot that’s missing it’s mate (rather prophetic…), etc.  The mice have taken over much of it and the door gets opened about four times a year.  Not exactly, a hub of positive chi!  Does this mean I’m doomed to a remaining life of singlehood due to a lousy floorplan?  Are there enough wind chimes and mirrors to save me or do I just have to sell and move on in search of a new home?  Luckily, the phone is starting to ring again (purple curtains do work) and my mind is busy planning new marketing strategies so I’m not thinking too much about love and relationships. However, sometime before next winter; I’ve got to make some changes….

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »

G ood question….and the answer is:

It depends….

If you’re looking for vacation property or a second home…and you have cash or a fair amount of equity in your primary residence, then the answer is YES!  The market is soft and the inventory is very high….and many sellers are willing to negotiate and you may be able to buy property that a couple of years ago, was way out of your price range.   If your job is secure, you can refinance your primary home at around 4%, and buy your vacation property for cash.  Later on, if the need arises, that property can be sold with seller financing and give you a nice monthly check to supplement your retirement income or social security.  In the meantime, you have the tax benefits of having the mortgage on your principal residence and a wonderful, relaxing “getaway” in the islands for you and your family to enjoy.

If you’re renting and paying over $1000/mo, have a good job and average or better credit….the answer is YES!  You can buy a great home at a wonderful interest rate and begin building equity right away.  When the real estate market starts to improve, you will watch your investment grow and you’ll also have the opportunity to improve your property and build additional “sweat equity”.  Which would you rather do….invest in your own place or pay someone else’s mortgage for them?  At today’s interest rates, you’ll be amazed at how much home you’ll be able to afford and some of the loan programs will enable you to buy with very little down.

If you’re in a “starter house”, and want to move up to a larger home and you have a fair amount of equity, then the answer is YES!  You may need to be flexible in your price and your home will need to be in tip top condition to sell but the market conditions are wonderful for you to find your next (and bigger) home at a very good price and probably a better interest rate than you’ve been paying.

If you’re wanting to “down-size“ and don’t have a lot of equity, you’d better WAIT.  Our current market is pretty tough for home-owners in your situation.  Try to use this time to improve the condition and appearance of your home so that when our current inventory decreases, you’ll be in a great position to put your home on the market and get it sold quickly.

Whatever you decide to do, we’re here to help you!  Give us a call and we can discuss your options…..

Daylight Savings Time ends…November 7^th….Remember to fall back!

« 0 comments so far. Share your thoughts... »