Come visit Whidbey Island...it's a beautiful area with affordable homes for sale.........
Oak Harbor is located on beautiful Whidbey Island, Coupeville is just a few minutes south, both these quaint towns are ideal for families looking for a better and more carefree lifestyle. Whidbey Island and Fidalgo Island are connected by Deception Pass bridge one of the most visited tourist attractions in Washington state. There is another way to access the Island and that is by ferry at Mukilteo on the mainland, the ferry ride is about 20 minutes and drops you off at Clinton at the southern most tip of Whidbey. I have been a Realtor in Oak Harbor for 14 years and truly enjoy the laid back lifestyle that this area offers. I specialize in assisting buyers and sellers with their home purchase and sale of residential, waterfront, condos, acreages and investment properties on both Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands. I am also a military relocation specialist for Coldwell Banker Koetje and assist military families and first time home buyers relocate to Oak Harbor. I try and keep the home purchase or selling transaction stress free as it was meant to be. With my vast knowledge Whidbey Island and excellent negotiating skills, my clients can be assured their best interest is my top priority. Our population of 37,065 for Whidbey Island, consists mostly of retirees and military families. Oak Harbor hosts Naval Air Station Whidbey Island which is in a transitioning stage from the EA6-B Prowler, to the new EA6-18G- Growler. Boeing is another major employer for Islanders, some families living on the south end of the Island consist of retirees or are employed at Boeing. Boeing is located in Everett which is near Mukilteo, so taking the ferry is an easy and fast way to commute to Boeing from Whidbey Island. . Whidbey Island offers a wide range of real estate homes, ranging from rural farms in the county, waterfront estates or new construction in an urban setting. With so much variety a buyer has so many choices of neighborhoods and communities to choose from - depending on his families needs and interests You will love Whidbey Island, it is 50 miles in length and we are surrounded by beauty in every direction. With the Olympic Mtn. range to the south, the Cascade Mtn. range to the east, and Mt. Baker to the north. Seattle is only 2-1/2 hours drive south of Oak Harbor, and Vancouver BC is 1-1/2 hours to the north. There are plenty of activities in the area as well as parks and nature trails, plenty of fishing, hiking, boating, clamming and beach walking activities. Forget the long lines at the grocery store, or traffic jams, come and enjoy the slower pace and carefree lifestyle Whidbey Island has to offer.
Why buy a home on Whidbey Island?
Living on an Island is exciting!
Great shopping
Lots of recreational activities
Located close to major cities
Conveniently located Marina
Beautiful golf courses
Awesome parks
Breathtaking scenery
Low property taxes
Low crime rate
Affordable homes
Low Interest rates
$8,000 buyer tax credit
What are you waiting for!!
Oak Harbor Stats
Great info to know about Oak Harbor.......
The population of 98277 is 37,065.
That's #1662 out of all 42,305 zip codes.
79% of the population is white, which is 5 points more than the national average.
The average household income in 98277 is $41,891, which is $12,193 more than the typical average.
This contributes to the average house being worth $157,100. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 100% from the typical value.
Men make up 51% of the population, and the typical age in this part of WA is 30.4.
Stats about: Oak Harbor, WA
Population: 37,065Number of Households: 14,159
Average House Value: $157,100
Average Income per Household: $41,891
Elevation: 2 ft
Population Breakdown:
Coupeville stats
The population of 98239 is 5,853.
That's #11571 out of all 42,305 zip codes.
92% of the population is white, which is 18 points more than the national average.
The average household income in 98239 is $46,235, which is $16,537 more than the typical average.
This contributes to the average house being worth $169,000. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 115% from the typical value.
Men make up 48% of the population, and the typical age in this part of WA is 46.5.
Stats about: Coupeville, WA
Population: 5,853Number of Households: 2,953
Average House Value: $169,000
Average Income per Household: $46,235
Elevation: 2 ft
Population Breakdown:
Oak Harbor & Coupeville RE Stats for Nov. 2009
What's been happening in the real estate market
My residential stats according to the northwest multiple listing service are based on "residential" homes and "exclude condos and new construction" for Nov. 2009.For Nov. 2009 Oak Harbor had 39 "new listings", 28 are "pending" and 38 are "closed sales", compared to 20 "closed sales" back in Nov. 2008. The lower priced homes continue to be in demand and are selling fast. Buyers are looking for deals on bank owned properties and short sales, fortunately Oak Harbor has it's share.
"Active" listings 2009-YTD 721 vs. 2008-YTD of 747
"Pending sales" 2009-YTD are at 461 vs. 2008-YTD of 393.
"Closed sales" 2009- YTD 366 vs. 2008-YTD of 370.
The average sales price for 2009-YTD was $264,195 vs. 2008-YTD of $302,187, this is over $37,000 drop in price. The average days on market 2009-YTD is 108 days, compared to 2008-YTD of 128, so homes are selling in less time.
In Coupeville "active listings" for the month of Nov., was 17, "pending" was 6 and "closed sales" was 5. Sales are down a bit from last month.
YTD "active" 2009-YTD was 198 vs. 2008-YTD of 222 "Pending sales" 2009 YTD 97 vs. 2008 YTD of 90. "Closed sales" 2009 YTD of 66 vs. 2008 YTD of 71.
Average sales price 2009-YTD $306,101 vs. 2008 YTD of $341,890. Average days on market 2009-YTD is at 164 days vs. 2008-YTD of 116 homes continue to take just over 5 months in which to sell.
Whidbey Island offers a wide range of real estate homes, ranging from rural farms in the county, waterfront estates or new construction in an urban setting. With so much variety a buyer has so many choices of neighborhoods and communities to choose from - depending on his families needs and interests.
Oak Harbor is now experiencing more foreclosures which offers some really good deals to buyers, as well as "short sales". A 'short sale' is where a seller maybe still living in his home but has authorization from his mortgage lender to sell his home for less than he owes. The mortgage lender still has to approve any offers and there is a time factor to tend with in these type of transactions. There are some good 'short sale' deals out there, but a buyer needs to beware and have great patience, some of these transactions can take up to 6 months to close.
Tax credit extended to April 2010!
Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach
· Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers
until April 30, 2010.
· Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new
or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island in pictures
Some awesome sceneries to behold......
One of my hobbies is photography, and Whidbey gives me so much to work with - it's inspiring to live in such a beautiful picturesque place!! If you like these check out more on our online art gallery at Fine Art America - or at Imagekind or Finerworks - enjoy.
Orca breaching
Springtime purple Iris
Race Week 2007
Windjammer Park
Oak Harbor sunrise
Early sunrise
Bald Eagle
Race Week 2006
Orca whale
Anacortes Ferry
Deception Pass Bridge
Pink tulips
Olympic Mtn. range
Admiralty Head Lighthouse
Olympic Mtns
Majestic Mt. Baker
Dutch Boy statue
Fun events on Whidbey Island
What's happening.....things to do.....places to go.....things to see......
- Coupeville Arts & Crafts Festival
- Established in 1964 - the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival is one of Washington State's oldest, continuously run festivals. The Festival is renowned for its primary focus on quality arts and crafts, handmade by artisans from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The historic town of Coupeville is located on Penn Cove, Central Whidbey Island, WA. Shoppers, vendors and visitors will all be charmed by the waterfront views. August 1 - 2, 2009.
- Anacortes Festival
- On August 7, 8 and 9, 2009, the streets of Anacortes fill with 250 outstanding juried Booth Artisans, first class Fine Art Exhibitions, Culinary Art with an international selection of foods, and a creative Youth Activities area for the youngest artists. Pre-Festival activities begin July 31st with the Opening of the Arts at the Port fine art exhibition. And to kick things off... the Art Dash on Saturday, August 1.
- Whidbey Island Race Week
- Annual Whidbey Island sailboat regatta - July 12th thru 17th. Awesome event and features spectacular sailboats with views from Oak Harbor to Coupeville. You won't want to miss this event.
- Holland Happening
- 40 Years of Holland Happening, A Community Tradition Continues!
Happening April 23 - 26th, 2009
Oak Harbor proudly presents Holland Happening, an annual three-day celebration that honors the unique Dutch Heritage of Oak Harbor. - Penn Cove Water Festival
- The Penn Cove Water Festival features annual tribal canoe races, Native arts and crafts, demonstrations, storytelling, dance performances, artist demonstrations, authentic Native foods, children's activities, and exhibits and displays. Come visit this year or get involved today!
May 16th - from 11am to 6pm. - Penn Cove Mussel Festival
- This is the 22nd year where the community surrounding central Whidbey Island celebrates the onset of spring with annual Penn Cove Mussel Festival. This year's festival will be held March 7th and 8th in Coupeville, Washington. It will once again be headquartered at the Coupeville Recreation Hall downtown near the stores and restaurants along Front Street. Tickets for all festival activities must be purchased here.
The Mussel, Beer and Wine Garden will only be going on Saturday, March 7th. Mussels and beverages will be served starting at 11:30 am and go until 5:00 pm. Beer and Wine will continue to be sold until 9:00 pm following the last set of music. - Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks
- Oak Harbor's old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration at Windjammer Park is true community effort. The day blends community spirit, a beach-side carnival and a grand parade in a fun-filled display of patriotism. The streets are lined with American Flags thanks to the efforts of the local Lions Club followed closely by a thunderous fly-over of Navy aircraft to kick-off the red, white and blue filled parade.
Family Carnival, July 3-6
Grand Parade on Pioneer Way, 11:00 am
Food and Arts & Crafts Vendors at Windjammer Park, 10 am-10 pm
Family Games at Windjammer Park Throughout the Afternoon
KT Development Community Fireworks Extravaganza at Windjammer Park, Dusk - Oak Harbor's Eagle Run
- In cooperation with Oak Harbor's Chamber of Commerce, join us Saturday morning, April 25th, 2009 as we help kick-off the city's Holland Happening Festival with a road run. This family-oriented event has become a favorite part of the weekend's celebrations. This fast course is an out and back loop along the scenic shores of Oak Harbor, the Marina and marsh trails; starting and finishing at Windjammer Park. The 1-mile Kid's Eagle Dash takes place entirely within the park. Great prizes will be awarded to division 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the 10K and 5K races, plus every kid will receive a prize.
- Deception Pass State Park
- Deception Pass State Park is a 4,134-acre marine and camping park with 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. The park is outstanding for breath-taking views, old-growth forests and abundant wildlife.
- Ft. Casey State Park
- Fort Casey State Park is a 467-acre marine camping park with a lighthouse and sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A coast artillery post features two historic guns on display. The park features 10,810 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound (Admiralty Inlet), and includes Keystone Spit, a two-mile-plus stretch of land separating Admiralty Inlet and Crocket Lake.
- Ft. Ebey State Park
- Fort Ebey State Park, a 645-acre camping park on Whidbey Island, was originally built as a coastal defense fort in World War II. Concrete platforms mark the gun locations. The park has three miles of saltwater shoreline on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a freshwater lake for fishing, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens
- Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, 3531 Meerkerk Lane, Greenbank, WA
(at Highway 525 and Resort Road)
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, a not-for-profit garden open to the public, encompasses ten acres of display and educational gardens enveloped by forty-three acres of woodland preserve with 4+ miles of nature trails. Friends of Meerkerk memberships, plant sales, admission and contributions combine to care for the Gardens. We hope you enjoy your visit and visit often. - Whidbey Golf & Country Club
- Nice golf course and good food at the Country Club restaurant.
- Oak Harbor Marina
- Oak Harbor Marina is located in Oak Harbor,Washington, conveniently between metropolitan Seattle and the beautiful San Juan Islands. Built in 1974, it is a 420 boat facility with 217 open and 135 covered permanent slips, ample guest moorage slips, limited side-tie moorage and 96 dry storage garage type sheds accommodating boats to 21' in length. The facility is about one mile from most retail services, including motels and restaurants in Oak Harbor. The local transit service provides a free shuttle (Monday - Saturday) upon request, there are several taxi companies, or there is a waterfront sidewalk.
- Whidbey Playhouse
- Community theatre with home town actors and some really great plays to watch for the whole family.
- Gary Oak Gallery
- Garry Oak Gallery offers some of the finest art created by talented Whidbey Island artists. Visit the gallery in the heart of Oak Harbor's Pioneer Way shopping district - A.K.A., Harborside Shops - to find art in wood, bronze, stone, glass, fiber, ceramic, photography, encaustic, pastels, watercolor, monotype, jewelry, acrylic, mixed media, and oils.
Since Garry Oak Gallery is a co-operative owned by the artists, you'll find an unrivalled combination of artistry and value. Visit us at 830 SE Pioneer Way, Suite 101, in Oak Harbor or call 360.240.0222. - Deception Pass Tours
- Take a day and tour the Island on a chartered boat at Deception Pass - it will be an experience of a lifetime.
Daily Tour Schedule: (Closed Wednesdays in April & May)
11:00am, 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm
3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm
Lodging on Whidbey Island
Great places to stay while visiting.......
- Auld Holland Inn
- Your stay at the AULD HOLLAND INN will provide you with relaxation, fun activities and a great home base to tour beautiful Whidbey Island and surrounding areas.
- The Bluff on Whidbey - B&B
- Escape from the hustle of everyday life and enjoy a getaway on northern Whidbey Island, launching point for explorations at Deception Pass, the San Juan Islands, the North Cascades, and the scenic Skagit Valley.
The Bluff on Whidbey provides a secluded and private retreat with views of the mountains, ocean bay, and country garden.
Enjoy the tranquility of island life sitting in the hot tub on a chilly clear night, or lying in the hammock on a hot summer's day. Either way, the view is incredible! - The Captain Whidbey Inn
- The Captain Whidbey Inn, located in the heart of Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve is surrounded by forest and hugs the shore of Whidbey Island's Penn Cove. Stepping through the Inn's front door takes you back to 1907 when Judge Still and his men originally cut and placed the first timber and laid the stone for the Inn. Inside, you will enjoy our 100 year tradition of outstanding island hospitality
- The Coachman Inn
- A cozy haven just minutes from the ocean on Washington's beautiful Whidbey Island, the Coachman offers the perfect mix of old-world hospitality and new-world comfort.
- Cliff House - B&B
- Hidden in a lush forest on the very edge of Whidbey Island's west side is a setting so unique, there is nothing anywhere quite like Whidbey Island's Cliff House. A very special place for couples seeking total privacy, this stunning surf side home lies secluded amid 14 wonderful acres on beautiful Whidbey Island.
We invite you to secluded luxury in a natural environment, with sunset views that are simply breathtaking and miles of beach to explore. The stunningly beautiful Cliff House is yours alone to experience its soaring spaces, secluded nooks, and sophisticated and rugged architecture. - Blake Cabin Guest Cottages
- This delightful, self-contained studio cottage is nestled among pines and firs on three park-like acres - a designated wild life back yard sanctuary. The guest cottage overlooks the meadow and pond, with a bird's eye view of local wildlife. There is a picnic table and gas barbecue on the deck
Latest news about Oak Harbor, WA
- Coastal beaches open for digging razor clams
- Smelt fishing has been good in Oak Harbor, Chamberlain said. American: David Anderson of Bill's Boathouse says there still isn't much action on the lake. ...
- Carol J. Swartz
- OAK HARBOR: Carol J. Swartz, 75, of Oak Harbor, died Saturday, December 19, 2009 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo. She was born on January 14, ...
- Foodie news
- 1964 54th St., Oak Park. 619-262-8854. The café offers authentic soul food, from the red velvet cake all the way to the sweet tea. ...
Weather in Oak Harbor, WA
Current weather conditions in Oak Harbor, WA (98277)
Local Pollen Reports
39°F (Feels like 32°F)
Last update: 12/30/09 6:14 AM PST
Humidity: 81%Visibility: 8.0 mi
Dew Point: 34°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 29.93in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 12mph From: Airport Conditions
Today
Light Rain
High: 44°F
Low: 40°F
Sunrise: 8:02 AM
Sunset: 4:25 PM
Thursday
Dec 31
Showers
High: 45°F
Low: 41°F
Sunrise: 8:02 AM
Sunset: 4:26 PM
Friday
Jan 1
Rain
High: 50°F
Low: 45°F
Sunrise: 8:02 AM
Sunset: 4:27 PM
Saturday
Jan 2
Rain
High: 47°F
Low: 42°F
Sunrise: 8:02 AM
Sunset: 4:28 PM
Get some cool books about at Amazon
Great books on Whidbey Island
Amazon Error: Could not open remote connection
Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.My business card
Mary Gaines
E-Pro - Graduate Realtor Institute
Coldwell Banker Koetje Real Estate
415 SE Pioneer Way
Oak Harbor, Wa 98277
Bus: 360-675-5811
Cell: 360-969-1507
www.oakharborhomes4sale.com
LMGaines@whidbey.com
"Making Real Estate - Real Easy"
Have you been here?
What was your experience - what did you like most about our area??
Are you looking to buy or to sell - why not leave me a message or ask a question.....I'll get back to you soon - I promise!
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Reply
- curtman curtman Nov 22, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
- lovely pictures... looks like it is very peaceful and quite there...
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- mgaines mgaines Sep 3, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
- We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful area....thanks for the nice comments and come visit sometime.
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- GrowWear GrowWear Sep 3, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
- Sure sounds like a nice place to live. Your Flickr pix are lovely!
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Reply
- mgaines mgaines Jun 26, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
- Thanks for the nice comment - it's appreciated!
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Reply
- lou16 lou16 Jun 26, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
- Great lens.
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Reply
- mgaines mgaines Apr 6, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
- Thanks - I appreciate that you have a wonderful day as well.
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Reply
- Rick Schutte Rick Schutte Apr 6, 2009 @ 1:30 pm
- Hi Mary, This is great!! I look forward to talking to you about it. Have a great day. Rick
by mgaines
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