Real Estate Market • July 28, 2020

Bainbridge Island Market Review and Forecast – Q2

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

Windermere Bainbridge Island studies market data each quarter to evaluate trends and stats in order to convey a valuable review to our clients and community. Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner also contributes his broad, expert analysis of the Western Washington market, which we share below to illustrate a complete picture and forecast.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND MARKET REVIEW & FORECAST: SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (PDF)

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the Bainbridge Island real estate market continues to press on. June 2020 saw a dramatic rise in the number of pending sales from the same month last year. Mortgage rates remain historically low and multiple offers are once again commonplace, indicating our spring market may have been delayed but is now taking hold. For these reasons, our forecast speedometer continues to show a solid seller’s market.

Western Washington Review and Forecast

The following is a summary of The Western Washington Gardner Report provided by Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. He analyzes and interprets economic data and its impact on both local and national levels. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and the U.K.

Average Days on Market, Western Washington | Q2 2020

WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME SALES

Total Sales: 22.2% drop from Q2/2019, but 30.6% rise from Q1/2020
Homes for Sale: 37% fewer than Q2/2019, but up 32% from Q1/2020
Pending Sales: up 35.7% from Q1/2020

WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME PRICES

Average: $559,194 (up 3.5% from Q2/2019, up 6.6% from Q1/2020, suggesting that any concern regarding negative impacts to home values as a function of COVID-19 may be overblown.)
What to watch for: Significant price growth in less urbanized areas going forward may be an indication that COVID-19 is affecting where buyers are choosing to live.

DAYS ON MARKET, WESTERN WASHINGTON

Average: 40 days (matching Q2/2019, 14 fewer days than Q1/2020)

Conclusions

What a difference a quarter makes! Demand has re-appeared remarkably quickly and interest rates remain historically low. It certainly remains a seller’s market and I don’t expect this to change in the foreseeable future.

Community • July 16, 2020

Our Windermere Foundation Scholarship Recipients

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

We have recently awarded our Windermere Foundation Scholarship to two incredible graduates from Bainbridge High School’s Class of 2020. There were many talented applicants and it was difficult to choose only two recipients. However, the two students we selected are remarkable individuals. Congratulations to Shea Dephinedae and Libby Clements Hall! Read on to find out more about our scholarship and these well-deserving recipients.

The Scholarship & Our History

Every year, Windermere Bainbridge offers two to three scholarships to invest in Bainbridge Island’s youth. We award the Windermere Foundation scholarships to students based on a variety of their community service involvement and scholastic achievements.

Community service is our primary focus since we pride ourselves on our own community involvement. You will often find our agents and staff volunteering and supporting local organizations. Giving back is a big part of who we are. For the past 15 years, a portion of every agent’s commission has been donated to the Windermere Foundation of Bainbridge Island. All agents participate, and with this common purpose, we collectively show how much our community means to us.

We’re also proud to be part of the broader Windermere Foundation. It impacts communities across 10 states and has raised over $41 million for programs that provide shelter, food, children’s programs, and more.

Scholarship Winner Shea Dephinedae

Shea was an active member of cheer throughout high school and participated in basketball, arts, and community service activities. Also, Shea enjoys cartooning, sculpting, and writing poetry.

When describing community service experiences, Shea said one particular moment that stood out was when they helped senior citizens with technology. “[We] visited a nursing home and helped them to use their phones and tablets. It was always so pleasant to see such kind-hearted people be able to use their phones more effectively and communicate with their families easier.”

A highly active student, Shea was also a member of the National Honors Society for all four years. Additionally, Shea worked for Bainbridge Gardens and still managed to maintain a high GPA.

Now that Shea has graduated, he plans to attend the University of Washington and major in Sculpting. After receiving the Windermere Foundation scholarship, Shea said, “I would just like to say thank you. Windermere’s incredibly generous scholarship was such an amazing and exciting surprise during a rough time. I know this money will greatly benefit me and I hope to one day give back to my community just as you all have.”

Scholarship Winner Elizabeth “Libby” Clements Hall

Throughout high school, Libby was an active member of band and theater, participating in Les Miserables, Radium Girls, Glee voice, and dance. A performing arts enthusiast, Libby has been doing theater since she was three.

Regarding community service, Libby was an assistant in ILC, a special education classroom at Bainbridge High School. Libby said that experience was the highlight of senior year.

A very active student, Libby also volunteered as a BPA main stage volunteer, Island Theater volunteer, NAACP member, and a Bainbridge Pride Volunteer. Libby also maintained a high GPA and received awards and recognition: the Silver Presidential Service Award and honors in theater. Additionally, Libby lettered in band, theater, and winter guard and was an officer of the International Thespian Society.

Libby plans to attend Seattle University, majoring in History, English, and Interdisciplinary Arts with a focus on Music and Theater. “I plan to get a master’s degree in education and become a special education teacher.” Libby was excited to receive our scholarship and said, “Thank you for this awesome opportunity!”

Here at Windermere, we strive to make a difference, big and small and it’s an honor to support Shea and Libby through the Windermere Foundation scholarship. Please join us in wishing them the very best! We know they will make our community very proud.

Community • July 7, 2020

Best Summer Activities on Bainbridge Island

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

There’s something magical about Bainbridge Island in the summer. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular tourist destination. While it’s nice to know what tourists enjoyed about the area, it’s even better to get the inside scoop from locals. And, many of our real estate agents are 2nd and 3rd generation islanders. So we are happy to share our agents’ favorite Bainbridge Island summer activities.

If you are planning on visiting or partaking in these activities, please make sure to brush up on the most recent Bainbridge Island Covid-19 rules to make sure you are prepared. Also, look at businesses’ websites or Facebook pages before visiting in person so that you have all the latest information regarding their current operating hours and the protocol they’re following.

Enjoy the Island by Water

What better way to experience island life than by water? After all, we are surrounded by it. Many of our agents are avid kayakers and sailors.

best summer activities on bainbridge island

Our very own Patti Shannon loves kayaking. Catch her if you can!

Kayaking

If you are itching for some classic summer fun, Kayaking in the Puget Sound is a wonderful activity. Our local SCUBA and kayaking center, Exotic Aquatics has kayak rentals and guided tours at their kayak dock at Waterfront park. Exotic Aquatic will also deliver kayaks to your location, and they also have kayaks for purchase at their store on Madison.

Our Managing Broker, Patti Shannon is an avid kayaker. Keep your eye on the water for a chance to say hi!

Sailing

- Looking for a chartered sailing adventure? Check out Sail Bainbridge or Dreamboat Adventure Sailing. If you have children who want to learn how to sail,
  Bainbridge has a great sailing camp. Courses are taught by certified instructors. For more information, check out the sailing section on Bainbridge Island Parks’ website.

Low Tide Beachcombing

If you aren’t familiar with our area, we have incredible swing tides. The beaches double and triple in size, showing off all the wonders hidden by the Puget Sound. Seaglass, shells, and hidden secrets hide beneath our high tides. Don’t forget to skip a rock or two.

Fishing and Crabbing

There’s nothing like a feast of crab and freshly caught fish to show you’re savoring summer on Bainbridge Island. Whether you want to fish or crab with or without a boat is up to you, but always make sure you have a license. Check out more about the optimal times and places to go.

Explore on Your Own Two Feet

Bloedel Reserve

The Bloedel Reserve’s mission is “To enrich people’s lives through a premier public garden of natural and designed Pacific Northwest landscapes.” With 150 acres and beautiful trails that weave through forests, meadows, sculpted gardens, this will not disappoint. “Walking in Bloedel is special! It’s gorgeous and full of nature’s best and local history!” Says Broker, Diane Sugden.

Fort Ward Park

Looking to go on a nice stroll with a wide, open path free of cars? Fort Ward Park is an excellent spot. “I love the closed road at Fort Ward Park,” says Managing Broker, Susan Grosten. “No cars are allowed in and it is a level road. A lot of young kids practice their new bike riding skills there without fear of traffic. It is like ‘training wheels lane’!” Diane Sugden also recommends a visit to the park. “Walking or biking at Fort Ward is great. It’s fun because there are old wartime bunkers there and the kids love to explore. The beach there is rocky so it’s fun to turn the rocks over and find crabs.”

The Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial/Pritchard Park

“Our family, grandkids, and dogs especially like visiting Pritchard Park during the summer,” says Managing Brokers Maureen and Ed Buckley. “You can swim, sit on a sandy beach or a log, and have a beach fire or barbecue.”

“The Japanese Exclusion memorial at Pritchard Park is a beautiful tribute to the first Japanese American families removed from their homes and put into camps in World War II. In this time of inclusion awareness, this is a good reminder for everyone. It needs to be age-appropriate for the kids, as it is a difficult time in our history, but it is important,” says Susan Grosten.

Have Fun with the Kids

Kids Discovery Museum

There’s no better place for young children than Bainbridge Island’s museum for kids. The Kids Discovery Museum aims to spark children’s curiosity through experiential learning. Right now, they’re offering summer camps and a virtual art room to feature kids’ creations online. They also have at-home activities that promote STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math).

Pick Fresh Berries

If you’re not from the PNW then you may be surprised to find that there are blackberries all over our island. Enjoy some free fun with the family by seeing who can pick the most and then use them to make delicious pies or jam.

There are also opportunities to pick other types of berries on the island like the strawberry patches at Suyematsu Farms. For the blueberry lovers in your family, visit Bainbridge Island Blueberry Company.

Inspire the Artist in You

BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network)

BARN’s mission is to “build and support an open, intergenerational community of artisans and makers who are dedicated to learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, craftsmanship and community service”. They are now offering a series of online classes and will be reopening when Kitsap County has entered into Phase 3 of Covid-19. Susan Grosten enjoys BARN and what it offers. “It is such a cool and creative place for artists and woodworkers. It was built with community funds. They have great classes including jewelry making, woodworking, writing, creating fabric arts, and using 3D printers.”

Eagledale Pottery Studio

Bainbridge Island is home to one of the best-kept secrets: the Eagledale Pottery Studio. A simple, WWII-era cinderblock building, this pottery studio houses a vibrant community of ceramic hobbyists of all ages and skill levels. They have classes for kids and adults, individuals, and school groups.

There are so many great summer activities here on Bainbridge Island. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to wear your mask, follow the Bainbridge Island COVID-19 rules, and take pictures of all the fun you’re sure to have. We hope you have a healthy, happy summer!

Home Sellers • May 27, 2020

Home Seller’s Checklist: How to Successfully Sell Your Home

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

Adequately preparing your home before putting it on the market will help you successfully sell it. There are some important steps to take that can drastically improve your home’s appeal, ensuring it will sell for the best price and in a timely manner. Here’s our home seller’s checklist to help you get ready.

Preparing Your Home for Market

We highly recommend listing your home at least three months before your ideal “closing date”. The listing date is an important factor and it’s crucial to make data-driven decisions. That’s where a real estate agent with expertise comes in to inform and guide you through the process. An experienced, local real estate agent knows the market and can help you properly prepare your home. Agents can point out necessary changes, but it is important that you take care of any projects you have been avoiding so that everything is done before your listing date.

Decluttering

Since you will be moving, jump-start the packing process by decluttering your home. Don’t forget to donate unwanted items to Goodwill or the local Rotary Auction.

Clutter and random items should be packed away, including most or all of your family or personal photos. This gives the prospective buyer a chance to envision themselves in your home.
If you can move out and allow your agent to stage your home, this will take all of the responsibility off your plate. Here are the benefits of staging your home.

Appearance and Hardware

Before putting your home on the market, take a look at your home’s overall appearance and hardware.

Ask yourself a few questions:

When was the last coat of fresh paint? (Inside and outside)
Is the landscaping up to your standards? Are there any patches of dead grass or any dying trees?
What condition is the flooring in?
Is the hardware in your home working properly? (Sink hardware, doors, windows, light fixtures, and appliances)

Agents Are Your Best Resource

Any good home seller’s checklist makes one thing clear: it takes work to properly get your home ready to sell. But if you have a great agent, they will help you every step of the way and make this the best experience possible. Here’s what they can do so that it’s not up to you to navigate all of this on your own.

Help prevent and reduce stress
Project manage the process of selling your home
Provide you with a list of priorities
Offer their up-to-date market expertise
Utilize their global marketing network and their local connections to excellent stagers, photographers, landscapers, home-repair contractors, etc.

Our Windermere Bainbridge Island real estate agents go above and beyond for their clients. As highly knowledgeable locals, they possess decades of experience and are invested in our community.

Before Showings

Once your home is ready to be listed, here are some key tips for when your home is being shown.

Due to the current pandemic, it is important to know the latest CDC guidelines and specific safety standards that the real estate industry is following.
Make sure your home is set at a comfortable temperature. Usually mid to high 60s is appropriate.
Light up your home: turn on all the lights inside, and in the evenings turn on your exterior lights.
Are you a pet person? Make sure to keep them in a separate area, and if you have cats, remove or hide the litter boxes.
Hide money and valuable items.
Open up all drapes and curtains to fill your home with as much natural light as you can.
Interior doors should all be open except for closets.

During Showings

Sometimes showings can become constant. If you are unable to leave during the showing period, here are some helpful tips.

A buyer will likely feel more comfortable and spend more time in your home if you are not there.
Try to keep your distance, and keep children and pets quiet and out of the way.
Don’t interrupt or follow potential buyers through your home.
Allow the agent to show and sell your home. Rely on their expertise.

Additional Resources

For more information, download our Market Prep Guide and our Pre-Listing Checklist. We also have an extensive Guide to Selling a Home which provides information about the home inspection, settlement and closing, moving, and terms often used. And, if you need further assistance, you’re welcome to contact us.

Community • Real Estate Market • April 23, 2020

The Windermere Difference on Bainbridge Island

by Windermere Bainbridge Island

Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island

Our Agents are Proud, Knowledgeable Locals

Windermere Bainbridge is so much more than a real estate company. Our 36 agents and 5 staff members are all active community members. We share a love of the Pacific Northwest and are proud of Bainbridge Island’s excellent schools and vibrant downtown with its eclectic mix of small businesses. Whether we are helping you buy your dream house or sell your island home, we are here to support you. We have a global marketing network, high quality, local vendors, and vast knowledge of the area that spans generations.

The Pearl of the Puget Sound

Bainbridge Island is a very unique place to call home. It’s nestled between the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound. Ideal for retirees, parents, Seattle professionals who enjoy a beautiful commute by ferry. Fill your need for adventure by exploring the Olympic National Park, kayaking or stand up paddling on the Sound, and taking advantage of nature trails that wrap around the island.

Not only is our location incredible, but the people are as well. We support our community organizations and take care of one another. If volunteering, taking care of the planet, or shopping small are activities you enjoy, Bainbridge is your place. Our Windermere Bainbridge team is highly involved in the community. You will often find our agents strolling the farmers market, enjoying Friday art walks, or participating in community events and programs.

Windermere Bainbridge: All in, for you!

We provide a range of real estate services. If you are a first-time homebuyer checking out homes for sale, we will listen to your wants and needs and help you find a home in the neighborhood that best suits you. Thinking of moving? We have agents who are relocation specialists who will support you through this transition. Perhaps you’d like to downsize, sell, or purchase an investment property. We are here for you. Many of our agents are luxury home experts who specialize in the unique needs of our premier clientele and the distinctive marketing tactics required to sell premier properties.

Our team possesses a range of 4 – 37 years in the industry with an office average of 16 years. We know the ins and outs of the island’s housing market, the current mortgage rates, and more. “All in, for you” isn’t something we simply say. We really do go above and beyond for our clients.

Learn More about Bainbridge Island

If you’d like to learn more about our wonderful island community, check out our Newcomer’s Guide to Bainbridge Island. In it, you’ll find videos, articles, and helpful links to learn about our neighborhoods, schools, outdoor activities, local home buying resources, and much more.

Community • February 7, 2020