Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention

Four tips to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in your home this winter.

1.  Test your CO detectors and replace batteries every time you change your clocks (fall and spring).

2.  Use the fan over your gas range to vent air outside.

3.  Adjust your burners so you get a blue flame; a yellow-tipped flame produces more emissions.

4.  Get a furnace inspection to ensure the safety and efficiency of your heating system.

Small tips can add value to your home and increase your personal safety.

Beginning of the End for Kaneohe Bay Squadrons | Military.com

Wondering what's going to be happening to the housing market in Oak Harbor?  Or Whidbey Island in general?  Read the article below.  3 new squadrons preparing to relocate from Hawaii to NASWI means a whole lot more people coming our way.  The first relocating squadron is due to deploy from Hawaii in the spring, ending their deployment in Oak Harbor, Washington.  Rumor has it that any active duty military members who are being assigned to that command from here on out, will have their dependents relocated to Oak Harbor first, while the military member is sent geo-bachelor to Hawaii... to be reunited after that next deployment.

Read the full article by following this link to Military.com...
Beginning of the End for Kaneohe Bay Squadrons | Military.com

Central Location for this Updated Contemporary Home

1465 E. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, 2400 SF - MLS# 850089

$274,900 $269,900  SOLD!

Cozy, updated home. Walking distance to schools and minutes to NASWI. New laminate flooring, new roof in 2013 and fresh paint (inside & out) in 2015. Oversized bonus/family room could be used as a 4th bedroom. Upstairs nook, currently a nursery, could be your home office. 2 car garage is a handyman's dream with plenty of attic storage space & plumbing for potential bathroom. RV hook-ups in driveway plus space to park your boat. Enjoy the seclusion of your private deck and cozy fire pit.

Welcome home to 1465 E Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277

for $272,000

Contact me for a private showing at (360)929-2932 (talk/text) - Email Me  -  

or show this listing to your realtor so they can show you around

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School Boundaries

Are you curious about what school your child would attend if you were to purchase a particular house?  I found this map on the Oak Harbor School District website (www.ohsd.net) which helps to show you where the various school boundaries.  This could be very helpful if you are wanting to be sure your child doesn't have to change schools as result of your desire for a different house. 

This map can be found on the OHSD website

Naturally it is best to verify, with Oak Harbor School District, that your address is slated for a particular school as the map is wonderfully helpful, but things may have changed since this map was last updated (though clearly things don't change too frequently since the map was created in 2007 and I downloaded a copy of it today 8.31.2015).

Whidbey Island Naval Air Base Jet Noise

If you currently live in Oak Harbor or Coupeville, Washington... or are moving to the area you may be interested to know what parts of the island experience the least and the most jet noise. I recently was showing some houses to a family that were interested in finding a home that experienced similar flights to those in their current home and showed them some maps that show the typical flight zones. These could be handy for anyone living in the area, looking to move to a different home in the area, or those looking to move to the area.

 The maps were developed to assist new home builders in knowing what amount of noise insulation/buffering they needed to have in a house that was being constructed depending upon where it fell on the map. The way other homeowners could use this map is to find a home that meets their needs while taking into consideration what amount of noise they may experience. Clearly those homes located closer to the base, in Oak Harbor, or the outlying field (OLF), in Coupeville, will be the most aware of flights happening... while homes further out from these locations will experience the least amount of noise.

**maps pulled Island County Noise Zone Maps - Washington State Building Code Council 2002

The Feel of Whidbey Island

Beautiful video that gives you the feel of what it's like to be on Whidbey Island.  

Most Common Pitfalls of Selling a Home

Selling your home can be an exciting, yet challenging, time for a homeowner and it is important to know to how to approach each stage of the sale to get best value for your home. Many people get excited when selling their home because of the potential of making good profit as well as moving to a new home.  Often homeowners make some mistakes which can put your sale process off track resulting in either your home not selling or you getting a less desirable price for it. In this article we will discuss some of the most common pitfalls of selling a home and how to avoid them.

1) Selling Your Home Without Being Ready

You may have lived in your home for several years and even have an emotional attachment to it.  Many homeowners put their homes up for sale without being mentally prepared for it. You should analyze why you want to sell your home and if you are really prepared to move to a new home. You can talk to your family, friends and even neighbors if necessary to help you make the right decision.

2) Entering the Housing Market Without Research

The second mistake that many people do when trying to sell their home is not doing any research about the housing market. The supply and demand curve of the housing market keeps fluctuating so you should know what the present situation is before trying to sell your house. When you know the market conditions you will list your house for the right price which will facilitate a smooth sales process and good profit in a timely manner.

3) Choosing the Wrong Realtor

This is another common mistake that many homeowners make when looking to sell their home. Choosing the right realtor can make a lot of difference in whether or not your home is sold and the amount of profit you make from it. You can take suggestions from friends and relatives about a good realtor but also do your own research and never hire someone just based on recommendation of others.  A good realtor will let you know the steps that will happen before your home is listed for sale and will also keep you updated routinely about feedback from showings and help with offers.

4) Neglecting Necessary Repairs

You will have to sell you home for a lower price resulting in less profit if you don't complete the necessary repairs before putting it up for sale. You would have to spend some money to complete the necessary repairs but if potential buyers see these faults in the home they may either refuse to buy it or bargain for a lower sale price.  If they notice one repair that has not been completed, they will immediately assume that there are other things you have neglected in the home.  You should avoid this and complete all the necessary repairs before selling a home so that you get the best price for it.