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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 12 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.
Cap Sante Park: Anacortes’ Natural Treasure
Located in central Anacortes, discover Cap Sante Park. This park is a beloved gem both to residents and tourists alike. Cap Sante Park offers visitors a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s stunning natural beauty. The park’s name, “Cap Sante,” which translates to “Cape Health” in French, was bestowed by Anne Curtis Bowman in 1877. Notably, Anne Curtis Bowman is also the inspiration behind the name of the city itself, “Anacortes,” which was derived from “Anna Curtis.”
Trails:
Spanning 37 acres, Cap Sante Park is a rich, wooded haven that invites both locals and visitors to explore its scenic landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who enjoys a leisurely stroll, the park’s variety of trails caters to all abilities. Each path winds through dense forest, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Views:
But what truly sets Cap Sante Park apart is its breathtaking vistas. Perched high on Cap Sante, the park offers an unparalleled, front-row seat to one of the most spectacular views in the region. From this elevated vantage point, visitors are treated to a panoramic overlook of the Marina, the charming city of Anacortes, and the expansive waters of the Salish Sea. On clear days, the views extend even further, revealing the majestic peaks of the Cascade Mountains.
Wildlife:
Cap Sante Park is not only a place for scenic beauty but also a sanctuary for wildlife. As you traverse the park’s trails, you may encounter a variety of local wildlife species, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Sunsets:
One of the park’s most enchanting features is its ability to transform with the time of day. While Cap Sante is beautiful at any hour, it truly comes alive during sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with a palette of warm oranges, purples, and pinks, creating a nightly spectacle that is both mesmerizing and soul-stirring. It’s a moment that makes time seem to stand still—a reminder of the timeless beauty and serenity that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or just stopping by to take in the view, Cap Sante Park is an essential destination for anyone looking to experience the natural wonders of Anacortes. So, pack a picnic, bring your camera, and immerse yourself in the splendor of this unique park. As you stand at the edge of Cap Sante’s lofty perch, you’ll find yourself deeply connected to the landscape, and perhaps, you’ll understand why Anne Curtis Bowman chose to immortalize this spot with a name that reflects health, wellness, and a sense of place.
In a region known for its natural beauty, Cap Sante Park stands out as a crown jewel—an invitation to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate the extraordinary landscapes that define Anacortes and the surrounding areas.
If you visit and find yourself falling in love with the city of Anacortes and all that it has to offer, connect with us so that we may help you find your dream home or vacation home.
The Debt-to-Income Ratio
If you are a first time home buyer, or are considering buying you might find yourself wondering, “what the heck is my debt-to-income ratio? And how does it affect me in purchasing a home? If this is the case, follow along. We have connected with Michelle Schmidt from Movement Mortgage who has provided information from a lenders perspective on how to not only determine your debt-to-income ratio, but also how it affects the purchase of a home.
Michelle explained, “The debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a financial metric that compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. It is expressed as a percentage and is used by lenders to assess your creditworthiness and ability to repay a loan.”
Let’s first discuss how you can determine what your debt-to-income ration is.
To calculate your DTI, you will need to:
- Add up all of your monthly debt payments. This includes things like your mortgage or rent, car payments, student loans, credit card minimum payments, and any other recurring debt obligations.
- Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Your gross monthly income is your income before taxes and deductions.
- Multiply the result by 100% to express your DTI as a percentage.
For example, if your monthly debt payments are $1,000 and your gross monthly income is $4,000, your DTI would be 25% (1,000 / 4,000 x 100).
Is a higher or lower ratio better?
Generally, a lower DTI is better. A DTI of 36% or lower is considered to be good, while a DTI of 43% or higher is considered to be high. However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and lenders may have different DTI requirements depending on the type of loan you are applying for.
Click here for a debt-to-income ratio chart
Here are some of the things that can affect your DTI:
- The amount of debt you have
- Your income
- Your interest rates
- Your minimum payments
You can improve your DTI by:
- Paying down debt
- Increasing your income
- Negotiating lower interest rates
- Making larger loan payments
Improving your DTI can make it easier to qualify for loans and get better interest rates. It can also help you save money on interest and free up cash flow for other things.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-debt-to-income-ratio-en-1791/
- Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/081414/what-counts-debts-and-income-when-calculating-my-debttoincome-dti-ratio.asp
- NerdWallet: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/personal-loans/calculate-debt-income-ratio
If you found this information is helpful but still have other questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Michelle Schmidt from Movement Mortgage or message us here to connect with one of our agents.
Skagit River Sunsets
The Skagit River is one of the largest rivers in the state of Washington. The Skagit Rivers is 150 miles long making it the biggest river in the Puget Sound, encompassing nearly 1.7 million acres. The sunsets over the Skagit River are a natural masterpiece, casting a warm, golden glow over the tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes. As the day comes to a close, the sun descends over the Skagit Delta, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. This combination creates astonishing Skagit River sunsets.
Home to local Wildlife
The river is renowned as a home to bald eagles and runs of salmon and steelhead. In fact, the river is home to three particularly special bird species that return to the river system each year amongst numerous others. Those three are: the trumpeter, the tundra swan, and the majestic bald eagle. Five commonly found salmon species in the Skagit River System are the chinook, coho, pink, chum, and sockeye.
A little Skagit River History
On October 2, 1968 the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act was signed into law to preserve forever in a free-flowing condition some of the nation’s most precious rivers. Nearly a decade after the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS) was created the Skagit River was added as part of the National Parks and Recreation Act in November of 1978. At the time it was the largest parks bill in history. The Skagit system was the first of its kind to be included. In fact, the Skagit River, along with its tributaries the Sauk, Suiattle and Cascade Rivers, were the first rivers in Washington to be included in the National Wild and Scenic River System. To learn more about the Skagit River click here.
So whether out fishing or just enjoying the incredible view, continue the tradition of preserving the rivers natural beauty and natural habitats while catching your very own special glimpse of these beautiful sunsets and wild animals.
If you have fallen in love with this beautiful river and wish to make Skagit your home, connect with us we would be happy to help you find your dream home.
