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Harmony Harvest Bowl
After indulging in the Herbed Chicken with Wine Sauce from the Windermere Recipe Book—an absolute flavor-packed delight—we couldn’t let a single bite of leftovers go to waste. Determined to find a follow-up recipe just as delicious, we set out to create the perfect next-day dish. And trust us, it did not disappoint!
This Harmony Harvest Bowl brings a vibrant dish to the table. It is a flavor-packed bowl featuring tender shredded chicken, crisp colorful vegetables, hearty grains, sweet bursts of fruit, crunchy nuts, even cheese! Every bite is a perfect balance of texture and taste!
But don’t just take our word for it. Try it out for yourself and let us know what you think.
You might just find yourself preparing this ahead to send it in lunches, or feeding an entire crew by setting out all the fixings and more to let everyone Mix-and-Match to their liking.
Lets get to it.
Harmony Harvest Bowl Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of wild rice blend
- 2 2/3 cups unsalted chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp. butter – try Karrygold pure Irish Butter its a fan favorite
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1 lb of Brussel sprouts – washed, trimmed, and cut in half
- 2 small sweet potatoes – cut into small cubes
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne
- Shredded chicken from Herbed Chicken with Wine Sauce or a rotisserie chicken – shredded
- 2 cups of fresh baby kale
- 1 Honeycrisp apple – cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted sliced almonds, salted
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey
- 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove – finely chopped or grated
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450ºF.
- Using a mesh strainer rinse your rice under water for about a minute.
- Add broth, butter, cleaned rice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a medium saucepan.
- On medium-high heat bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook about 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
- Remove the rice from heat but keep covered another 15 minutes then fluff the rice with a fork.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare your baking sheets with foil then drizzle olive oil over Brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes- toss to make sure they are well coated.
- Sprinkle with the remaining teaspoon of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Toss again to coat and spread evenly on baking sheet.
- Place baking sheets in preheated oven for about 12 minutes then stir to flip veggies and continue cooking for another 14 minutes until they are brown and tender.
- While veggies are cooking prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by adding balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper to a jar with a lid. Shake vigorously. Ingredients should be well mixed.
- Add olive oil and shake again.
- Store in the refrigerator and shake prior to each use.
- Prepare bowls with baby kale, rice, Brussel sprouts & sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, apple, goat cheese, top with roasted almonds, and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
We know your tastebuds will thank you. If you tried this recipe and loved it don’t just share it with a friend but also let us know. Email us here.
Guide to Buying a Home in 2025
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or you are looking to buy your next dream home, navigating the real estate market can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. With the right preparation and a solid game plan, you can unlock the door to your new home in no time!
Follow along for 5 key steps to make your home-buying journey a smooth and rewarding one.
1️⃣ Connect with a Real Estate Agent
Even if you are just considering a move, you should start by talking to a trusted real estate agent. A good real estate agent will provide you with up-to-date insights on market trends, mortgage rates, and the home-buying process. Your agent can also help you connect with lenders, inspectors, and other key professionals that will help you every step of the way.
2️⃣ Set Your Budget
Understanding your finances upfront will save you time and stress later. A mortgage advisor can help determine how much you can afford, explore financing options, and find potential loan programs that make homeownership more accessible to you.
3️⃣ Think Long-Term
Your home is an investment. Be sure to consider your future needs. Will you need more space, a home office, or proximity to schools and parks? Choosing a home that fits both your present and future lifestyle ensures a smart and long lasting investment.
4️⃣ Research Neighborhoods
Beyond the house itself, the neighborhood and community matter. Look into factors like local schools, amenities, commute times, and potential future developments. Consider how these factors affect your lifestyle now and in the future. Your home should not only fit your lifestyle, but it should fit your budget as well!
5️⃣ Define Your Dream Home
Make a list of your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Tools like mood boards or Pinterest can help you visualize your ideal space. Always share your vision with your agent—they can help find a home that balances both practicality and potential.
🔹 Bonus Tip: Stay informed! Real estate trends shift constantly, so follow local market reports and keep in touch with your agent for the latest insights.
📩 Ready to start your home search? Connect with a Windermere agent today and take the first step toward your next home!
Maximize Your Tax Refund
Maximize Your Tax Refund: Invest in Your Future Through Real Estate
Tax season often brings a pleasant surprise – a refund. As of February 7, 2025, the IRS reported an average refund amount of $2,065. That is an 18.6% increase from the previous year. Check out the details here.
If you’re contemplating how to make the most of this windfall, consider channeling it into real estate. Continue reading to discover several ways you can maximize your tax refund by investing in real estate.
Building Wealth Through Homeownership
Homeownership is a proven strategy for building wealth. Consider this, median sales price for all the Northwest MLS Housing Market (Washington State), rose to $640,000 in 2024. This is up 6.7% from the year prior. This positive increase reflects steady appreciation over the years.
By investing in property, you not only secure a place to call home but also position yourself to benefit from potential market gains.
Smart Ways to Utilize Your Tax Refund in Real Estate
Boost Your Down Payment
Saving for a down payment is often a significant hurdle for prospective homeowners. While the traditional 20% down payment offers benefits like avoiding private mortgage insurance, it’s not a strict requirement. If 20% seems unattainable you’re not alone. NerdWallet exposed that in 2023, first-time buyers typically put down 8% of the home’s purchase price.
Whether your goal is 20 or 8% your tax refund can bring you closer to this goal. The closer you are to your goal makes homeownership more attainable.
Cover Closing Costs
Closing costs encompass various fees, including loan origination, appraisal, and title insurance, typically ranging from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. For example, you would pay between $10,000 to $25,000 in closing costs in addition to the down payment on a $500,000 home loan.
Allocating your tax refund toward these expenses can ease the financial load at closing, allowing you to preserve other savings.
Purchase Mortgage Points
If current interest rates are a concern, consider using your refund to buy mortgage points. Each point, costing 1% of your loan amount, can reduce your interest rate, leading to substantial savings over time.
This upfront investment can lower your monthly payments and decrease the total interest paid over the life of the loan.
Make Extra Principal Payments
Applying additional funds directly to your mortgage principal can shorten your loan term and reduce the total interest paid. Even small extra payments can have a significant impact over time. Always consult with your lender to ensure there are no prepayment penalties.
Hot tip: Consider making an extra payment every year (perhaps your tax refund) and you could save thousands in interest over the course of the loan. For example, if your monthly mortgage payment is $3,000 and you making one extra payment a year it has the potential to save you $100,000 in interest and could cut 6 years off your mortgage.
Just imagine your future self, lounging in your dream home, sipping a cup of coffee, and thinking, “I’m glad I invested that tax refund wisely!” By making strategic decisions today, you can pave the way for a comfortable and secure tomorrow.
Partner with a Real Estate Professional
Embarking on the real estate journey can be complex. You don’t have to navigate it alone. A knowledgeable real estate agent can provide personalized advice, helping you make informed decisions that align with your financial goals. If you’re ready to explore your options, connect with us today. Let’s turn your tax refund into a steppingstone toward your dream home.
Herbed Chicken and Wine Sauce
A Taste of History: Rediscovering Windermere’s 1972 Recipe Collection
Some stories are best told through flavors, and today, we have a special one to share. This story begins in 1972 when a group of Windermere real estate agents compiled a collection of their favorite recipes into a cherished cookbook. Over the years, this book found its way into the hands of a Seattle attorney, who, decades later, was preparing to sell his home. In a heartwarming twist of fate, he reached out to his Windermere broker and returned the cookbook, bringing it full circle after all these years.
Now, as we flip through its well-worn pages, we are excited to bring these timeless recipes back to life. Among them, we discovered a delightful classic—one that captures the warmth and community spirit that has always defined Windermere.
HERBED CHICKEN AND WINE SAUCE
A timeless treat from the pages of the 1972 Windermere cookbook.
Ingredients:
- 1 cut-up fryer
- 1/2 C butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 C white wine
- 1 T thyme
- 1 T rosemary
- 1 T sage
- 1 T basil
- paprika
Instructions:
Place chicken in a Pyrex casserole dish, cover with wine and melted butter. Sprinkle with paprika. Crush and sprinkle spices over chicken. Bake in 275 degree oven for 2.5 hours, or until chicken is cooked, basting occasionally.
Recipe provided by: Jane Castleman
As we savor these savory flavors, we celebrate the enduring connections and traditions that bring us together. Whether you’re a longtime Windermere client or new to our community, we invite you to try this recipe and share in a piece of our history.
What’s your favorite family recipe? Let us know. If you contributed to this book we would love to here from you. Connect with us here. If you tried this recipe and you loved it let us know tag us @windermere_arlington on Instagram.
Windermere Agents Shine at the NPSAR Award of Excellence
The North Puget Sound Association of REALTORS® (NPSAR) Award of Excellence is more than just a recognition—it’s a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and community involvement of outstanding real estate agents in our region. This year, Windermere Real Estate agents made a remarkable impact, standing out as the largest group to receive this prestigious honor.
What is the NPSAR Award of Excellence?
This award highlights active real estate professionals who go above and beyond in their field. It not only acknowledges production achievements but also emphasizes leadership, participation, and engagement within the real estate industry. To qualify, agents must be active members of NPSAR in good standing and meet specific transaction criteria:
- A minimum of six closed sides or $3,500,000 in sales volume
- Accumulation of REALTOR® Involvement Points:
- Bronze Award: 100 points
- Silver Award: 125 points
- Gold Award: 175 points
Participation in association events, committees, and continuing education all contribute to an agent’s eligibility, ensuring that award recipients are not just successful in sales but also committed to elevating the profession and serving their communities.
Windermere’s Strong Presence
Windermere Real Estate agents dominated the awards this year, demonstrating both high production levels and a deep-rooted commitment to the industry. Their achievements reflect not only individual dedication but also the strength of Windermere’s culture—one that values education, leadership, and community service.
At Windermere, we believe real estate is about more than transactions; it’s about building relationships and making a positive impact. The recognition our agents received at the NPSAR Awards of Excellence reinforces this belief and highlights the exceptional service they provide to clients and the broader community.
Why This Matters to You
When you work with a Windermere agent, you’re partnering with a dedicated professional who is not only experienced in the market but also actively involved in shaping the future of real estate. Their commitment to excellence ensures you receive top-tier service, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in property.
We are incredibly proud of our agents who were honored at the NPSAR Awards of Excellence. Their hard work and dedication set the standard for professionalism and community engagement in real estate.
Congratulations to all the award recipients! If you’re looking for an expert in the North Puget Sound real estate market, connect with a Windermere agent today. We’re here to help you achieve your real estate goals with excellence!
Don’t be Spooked when buying a rental
Don’t be Spooked when buying a rental –
We have connected with Michelle Schmidt from Movement Mortgage who has provided information from a lenders perspective on DSCR Loans.
Here’s what she has to say:
DSCR loans, or Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans, are typically used in commercial real estate and investment properties. The DSCR is a financial metric that measures a property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its debt obligations. Follow along for a quick breakdown.
Key Points about DSCR Loans:
- DSCR Definition:
- DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI) / Total Debt Service (TDS).
- A DSCR of greater than 1 indicates that the property generates more income than needed to cover debt payments.
- Importance:
- Lenders use DSCR to assess the risk of a loan. A higher DSCR suggests lower risk, as the property is more likely to generate sufficient cash flow.
- 20% – 35% down depending on the scenario to get the DSCR ratio to work.
- Common Ratios:
- A DSCR of 1.2 is often considered a minimum for many lenders, meaning the property generates 20% more income than required to meet debt obligations.
- Types of Properties:
- Commonly used for single family residence, multifamily units, and other income-generating properties.
- Loan Terms:
- Interest rates and terms can vary based on the DSCR, property type, and borrower profile.
- Considerations:
- Lenders may require detailed financial documentation to calculate the DSCR accurately. The appraiser provides a rent schedule to determine the allowable rent.
If you are considering purchasing a rental property and want to learn more about your options, have specific questions or just need more details, don’t hesitate to connect with us and ask. Connect with us here or directly with Michelle by visiting here.
Hocus Pocus, Real Estate Is Our Focus!
It’s that time of year again—when witches take flight, pumpkins glow with mischief, and ghosts give us a friendly spook. As the chill of fall settles in and the Halloween season comes alive it becomes the perfect time to cast some real estate magic and stir up the ideal home for you!
But don’t worry—there’s no need for a magic wand or cauldron here. Just a little expertise, a sprinkle of creativity, and a dash of market know-how to help you find your dream home (or sell the one you have).
Why Real Estate Can Be a Bit Magical…
Much like finding the right spell, finding the right home takes focus. Whether it is your first house or your fifth, the process can sometimes feel like trying to decipher a cryptic spell book. That is where we come in to wave our magic wands and make your dream home appear. Our focus on real estate isn’t just about transactions, it is about helping you unlock the magic of your next chapter while making the transition as smooth as possible so that you can focus on the fun parts of life.
🧙♂️ Buying a Home?
Don’t let the tricks of the market give you the creeps! We will help you navigate the twists and turns, from financing to negotiating, and ensure that you are treated to the best deals out there.
💀 Selling Your Home?
It’s time to show off those spellbinding features that buyers will love! From staging advice to pricing strategies, we will make sure your home leaves an enchanting first impression.
Don’t Be Spooked by the Market!
The housing market may seem scarier than a haunted house at times, but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just like finding the perfect Halloween costume, finding the perfect home requires the right fit, and we are here to help you make sense of it all—no hocus pocus needed.
Plus, remember, Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes—it’s also about making connections, having fun, and bringing a little magic into your life. And that’s exactly what real estate should be, too—a thrilling adventure that leads to something special.
Ready to Make a Move? Let’s Work Some Magic!
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what the market has to offer, we are here to help. Together let’s make this process as enchanting and stress-free as possible.
Drop us a message if you’re ready to get started—and let’s brew up some real estate magic together!
🎃👻 Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
Tips for Halloween Fun at Home:
While you are out house-hunting or preparing your home for sale, why not take a moment to have some fun this Halloween?
- Decorate Your Porch with carved pumpkins, spooky lights, and some friendly (or not-so-friendly!) ghosts.
- Host a Virtual Costume Contest or share photos of your spookiest creations online.
- Get Into the Spirit by making your home feel cozy with seasonal treats and eerie vibes. After all, Halloween is all about making memories—and your home should be the perfect backdrop for those!
So, whether you’re dreaming of finding the perfect haunted mansion or cozy home, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make this Halloween the start of something truly magical!
Fall in the Air, Apple Pie on the Table
A Perfect Autumn Tradition
Fall has finally arrived! There’s something magical about the crisp air, vibrant leaves, and cozy vibes that make this season so irresistible. Everyone has their way of celebrating the transition from summer to fall. Some swap their usual coffee for a pumpkin spice latte, others light up apple cider-scented wax melts, or cozy up in burnt orange coats and fluffy socks. But for us… one of our all-time favorite ways to celebrate fall is with the delicious aroma of homemade apple pie filling the house, and mouths watering as we anticipate the moment that scoop of vanilla ice cream is plopped on top of a warm slice of pie.
And guess what? We want to share that joy with you!
If you don’t have a go-to apple pie recipe, fear not. This quick and easy one is a surefire hit that will have your home smelling like fall heaven in no time.
The Best Fall Apple Pie Recipe 🍏🥧
Prep Time: 30 Min
Cook Time: 1 Hour
Servings: 8
Makes: a 9-inch pie
Ingredients:
- 7-8 Granny Smith Apples
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 thawed 9-inch double crust pie pastry
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into thin strips. Set them aside and try not to sneak too many bites!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Pastry Crust: Press one of the pie pastries into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Roll out the remaining pastry and cut it into thin strips for the lattice topping later on.
- Create the Magic Sauce: Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the flour to create a paste, cooking it for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Sugars & Water: Stir in the white sugar, brown sugar, and water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes before removing from heat.
- Assemble the Pie: Place your apple slices into the pie crust, creating a beautiful mound. Pour the warm sugar mixture over the apples, reserving a bit to brush over the lattice crust.
- Lattice Topping: Use your pastry strips to create a lattice pattern over the apples, brushing the remaining sugar mixture over the top for that perfect golden-brown finish.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the apples are soft and tender.
Serve With:
- Vanilla ice cream (of course!) 🍨
- Enjoy slightly warm for the ultimate fall comfort.
A Slice of Fall on Every Plate
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm apple pie to kick off the fall season. It’s the perfect way to savor the season’s best flavors while filling your home with the delightful scent of cinnamon and caramelized apples. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply treating yourself, this pie is guaranteed to bring joy.
So, roll up your sleeves, grab those Granny Smiths, and create a memory-filled fall experience. And don’t forget the scoop of ice cream — because no slice of pie should ever go without!
Happy baking, and welcome to the cozy days of fall! 🍁
Time for a bigger kitchen? Connect with us. We can help with that!
Declutter Before You Go
When faced with a move, people often begin to re-evaluate their belongings. Should you declutter before you go? Perhaps this fresh start in a new home deserves a fresh start with new belongings too. Maybe the hassle of moving across the country with truckloads of items just doesn’t seem appealing or cost effective. It is likely your current belongings won’t fit in your new space anyways. Plus, if you are selling, a staged home tends to sell for more than it’s un-staged counterpart. Yes, you should declutter before you go.
If you have found yourself here, it is time to start decluttering and deciding which items you can part with and which you can’t live without. But how do you get rid of it all? Follow along as we offer key insights into making a successful yard sell and offer some of our favorite places to donate in Skagit and Snohomish Counties.
Host a Yard Sale
Hosting a yard sale is an excellent way to give a second life to your unwanted items, lighten your moving load, make room for new possessions, and potentially generate a little extra cash for the move. Here are some tips to ensure your yard sale is a success.
Separate Sell Items from Keep Items
Apart from keepsakes and heirlooms, a good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used something in over a year it is probably something you can live without and can contribute to the get rid of pile. Another approach is if an item no longer brings you joy or an inkling of excitement then it is likely past its life with you but could bring joy to someone else. Add it to the get rid of pile! Be sure to separate the items you are parting with from the items you are keeping. If you wish to be extra organize sort piles by price ranges. Try color coding your items with stickers to demonstrate your selling price.
Price Flexibility
Keep in mind that people like to negotiate the price. Determine now what items you are willing to negotiate on and which items you don’t feel there is room to budge. Price accordingly. Remember yard sales are not meant to get rich from, but instead helping to reduce your moving load and offer extended life to your unneeded items to keep them out of the waste plants.
Generate Neighborhood Excitement
Plan your yard sale in advance. It is likely you have friends and neighbors that have stuff they would like to part with too. Make it a neighborhood event so that multiple yard sales happen on the same day and same time. Together you can pitch in for signage that can be posted around town directing traffic to your neighborhood yard sale. This will attract more buyers and reduce your overhead costs. At the end of the sale, celebrate your success with a neighborhood gathering like a BBQ dinner or potluck.
Promote Your Neighborhood Yard Sale on Social Media
Boost the visibility of your yard sale by leveraging social media and neighborhood apps. Start by creating a Facebook event page and inviting all your friends. Share the event on Twitter with a fun hashtag and offer a prize for those who repost about your sale. Post a carousel of the items for sale on Instagram to attract more attention. Additionally, use Nextdoor or another neighborhood app to reach people beyond your immediate area. No matter what knick-knacks you uncover, expanding your audience will help ensure they find the right home. You might also wish to list your items on Facebook Marketplace or your local Buy Nothing groups. Check in your local area for local consignment shops that will sell your items for you and you receive a portion of the sale price in return.
Payment Options
Keep in mind that most people don’t carry cash anymore. It pays to have a variety of payment options so that negotiators can’t finagle your price due to lack of cash on hand. Try offering PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or another form of digital payment. You will likely discover more sales and turn passer-buyers into buyers.
Donate your leftovers
The final step to declutter before you go is immediately after your sale, bag up the leftovers and take them to your local donation center. Otherwise, they will find their way right back into your house, garage, or storage and you will end up paying to transport them to your new home. Here is a list of several donation centers in Skagit and Snohomish Counties.
Arlington:
Skagit Valley:
North Cascades:
Anacortes:
If you are looking to buy or sell a home and are not currently working with a Realtor, connect with us. Our realtors can help you.
