Your goal is to make potential buyers feel comfortable by updating the house in line with the rest of the neighborhoods. Invest in improvements that will add at least twice their cost to the home's value.   1. Look for Red Flags. Hiring a home inspector will help uncover major structural issue or another pricey problem.    2. Spy on the Neighbors.You never want to upgrade far beyond neighborhood standards. Attend a few real estate open houses in the area to examine the home interiors.    3. Give the Most Important Rooms Some TLC (tender loving care)Kitchen and bathroom remodels are still high on the must-have list because they're the rooms buyers look at first and use the most. Make it your missing to create bright, clean, and family- friendly rooms.  4. Upgrade the Underbelly Replacing... 12/12/2016

Ready to go proven investment property. Great location with east access to shopping, schools, and beaches. Fifteen minutes to Ault Field.  Don Elliot(360)-224-0795The Ben Kinney TeamKeller Williams Western Realty 11/02/2016

Move in ready home features spacious, modern kitchen with granite tops and plentiful cabinets, dining room and over-sized master suite all on one floor. Want storage? Check the overhead space in the garage. Fine hardwood floors beneath the carpet. Fully fenced private back yard with large patio ready for your outdoor enjoyment. Priced to sell Call today! Don Elliot(360) 224-0795The Ben Kinney TeamKeller Williams Western Realty 10/21/2016

  The Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii patrol squadrons has set a plan to shift or move base to Whidbey Island WA, as they make the transition to the P-8A Poseidon martime patrol aircraft. VP-4 will change duty stations on Oct 1, 2016 from Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island.VP-4 will begin the transition as the last of six active-duty VP squadrons based at Jacksonville completes transition to the P-8A. VP-4 will join three VP squadrons at Whidbey Island and will be followed in succession by the other two VP squadrons based at Kaneohe Bay, VP-9 and VP-47. The Navy’s strategic laydown plan calls for 12 active-duty VP squadrons and two Reserve VP squadrons divided between Jacksonville and Whidbey Island. When completed, it will end more than 80 years of perm... 10/10/2016

4514 Alamo Wy, Oak Harbor 9827   North on 20, right on Troxell Rd, right on Alamo way, follow around bend to the house which is on the left     Enjoy life in this nicely maintained home on a shy half acre just minutes from Oak Harbor. Large living and dining room, master with bath and for outdoor enjoyment an over sized deck await you. Plenty of parking for your toys or RV plus large 2 car garage/shop. Both home and shop feature wood heat as well.       Don Elliott (360) 224-0795 Keller Williams Western Realty    09/27/2016

French Country Living with Expansive Views $650,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms2.5 BathroomsInterior: 2,299 sqftLot: 33,589 sqftYear Built: 1993MLS #: 904114 Location 1362 Bonnie View Acres RdOak Harbor, WA 98277 Description Gorgeous, French Eclectic home with traditional hipped roof and arched dormers on over 3/4 acres, high on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. Most rooms in the home have a spectacular 180 degree view of the water. Immaculate hardwood floors, arched and vaulted ceilings. Upscale French Country kitchen with walls of windows, a Sub Zero refrigerator and an Aga stove. Spacious master features his and hers walk-in closets and an ensuite bath with walk-in shower with French inspired tile and distinctive pedestal sink. A beautiful getaway in Oak Harbor!     L... 09/06/2016

 (Credit to the video owner)  Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce Presents "4th of July at the Park", Rated in the TOP TEN fireworks displays in the country by USA TODAY! Oak Harbor's Old‑Fashioned 4th 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 fireworks, game, music, carnival and of course great foods! The Old Fashioned 4th of July Festival on Whidbey Island offers a weekend-long carnival, plus special events for Monday including a grand parade, a party in Windjammer Park, a beer garden, and fireworks.     Are you now getting excited to experience  Oak Harbor? I know you want to know more about this beautiful city. Our website gives information about the Market Analysis, C... 08/17/2016

 The largest Island in Washington State composing Island County. This coming September 2016 the yearly festival will be held in Coupeville Washington. Whidbey Island Kite Festival will be all day fun for the residence and visitors too, it will be a fun time with families and friends.  Sport Kite Championships, individual, pair and team events, mass ascensions and so much more all set against the backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, and the Puget Sound.  The highlight of the weekend is the Whidbey Island Sport Kite Championships, one of the premier sportkite competitions in the Pacific Northwest. Competition takes place both Saturday and Sunday. The Whidbey Island Sport Kite Championships is an AKA-sanctioned event. The Whidbey Island Kite Festival is presented by the Whidbey Island Kite F... 08/16/2016

   Should You Borrow From Your 401k?Have you refinanced your home into oblivion? Tapped out every available money resource with a myriad of loans and credit cards? There is one last option: borrowing from your 401(k). If you’ve never heard of this option, it’s because until recently, it just wasn’t done that frequently. But with the market still not fully recovered, and people desiring to cut their high interest debt, more folks are discovering this alternative lending source. Before you go off half-cocked, it is crucial that you understand the pros and cons. Don’t forget that your 401(k) is your retirement nest egg, and you are putting that nest egg into possible jeopardy. If you’re thinking of borrowing from your 401(k) to buy a luxury automobile or a larger home, stop. Mortgaging you... 08/03/2016

  How to Check Your Credit ReportThere are businesses that exist solely to scrutinize your credit history. Credit card companies and other lenders rely on this information, so your credit score determines your chances to borrow money — and how favorable the terms will be. Credit scores can range from 200 to above 800. Scores below 620 are considered risky, but 720 and above should afford you excellent rates and terms for any kind of credit. There are five categories used in determining a credit score:1. Payment history (35% of total score): Late payments and amount owed are the two areas scrutinized most closely. What you may not realize is that recent late payments are more detrimental than those from years before. According to Fair, Isaac, “A 30-day late payment from last month will c... 08/03/2016

   CLHMS. CRS, MRP, IRES11555 SE 8th St Ste #200Bellevue, Wa 98004Cell: 360-929-6650Email: smcneal@whidbey.netWebsite: http://www.shawnsellshomesinwashington.com/   CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALISTS®Members of The Institute who hold the CLHMS designation have successfully demonstrated their expertise in the luxury home and estate market by meeting strict performance requirements. Choose an agent with the CLHMS designation and you know he or she has a solid track record of helping.        My name is Shawn McNeal! In today’s rapidly changing Real Estate Market, choosing your Real Estate Agent is a big decision. When looking for the right one, dependability, knowledge, and a strong work ethic are all essential qualities to seek out. But most important, is picking someone you can ... 07/18/2016

  CLHMS. CRS, MRP, IRES32800 SR 20 Ste 2 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Cell: 360-929-6650Fax:  360-679-3223Email: smcneal@whidbey.netWebsite: http://www.shawnsellshomesinwashington.com/  My name is Shawn McNeal! In today’s rapidly changing Real Estate Market, choosing your Real Estate Agent is a big decision. When looking for the right one, dependability, knowledge, and a strong work ethic are all essential qualities to seek out. But most important, is picking someone you can relate to and trust. If you’re buying or selling a home, or just keeping an eye on the market, you can count on me for up-to-the-minute, accurate information on prices, availability, and the best value for your money. As a broker my goal is to be a professional, knowledgeable source of information for all aspects of Real Es... 07/18/2016

  How to Increase Your Home's ValueThere is really only one reason to try to increase the value of your home: if you’re trying to sell it. If you’re not, deliberately increasing your home’s value most likely will increase your tax bill as well. There are ways to increase your home’s value for resale that range from the very expensive (major remodels and additions) to free (tidying up the front yard). We’ll look at the whole range, noting how much value is added when possible. Before you begin any of these projects, it is important that you do them with the following in mind: you do not want to raise the value of your property too far above others in the neighborhood. Why? Because people who want expensive homes will shop exclusively in higher-value neighborhoods. If you own the “best ho... 06/29/2016

  Make A Good First Impression In today’s age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. Make a smallinvestment in time, money and effort to give your home a solid Advantage overcompeting properties. A Clean neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell fasterand at a higher price, than one that is run down. Some of the items below will be part ofa Buyer’s Inspection. Pay attention to detail now because first impressions count with buyers. You only haveone chance and it starts with what often is referred to as “curb appeal”. Here are sometips to create a better curb appeal. Create A Buying Mood1. Turn on the Interior & Exterior lights2. Turn on the Air Conditioner or Heater, making the temperture comfortable atapproximately 68 degrees3. Open the drapes, curtains & shades4. ... 06/29/2016

                 LUNA SHORES WINS PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD!The Skagit-Island Counties Builder's Association recently concluded its 2015 Home Tour, and Luna Shores was awarded the coveted People's Choice Award! Act now and click here to reserve your time in our award winning beach getaway.  Discover this beautiful ocean at Whidbey Island. Relax as you watch the westerly views of the ocean and the beach from the living room, dining room, master bedroom, guest bedroom and upstairs sitting area. Enjoy the life of the ocean and the sunsets from the outdoor hot tub right on the deck in front of the no-bank waterfront. What is the view really like? Check out the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains, Lopez Island, San Juan Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You can even see the lights of Victoria, B... 06/29/2016

111 NW Columbia #B4, Oak Harbor 98277 Terrific spacious condo. Two huge bedrooms up and comfortable layout down. One car attached garage and private patio/yard in the back. Don Elliott(360) 224-0795Keller Williams Western Realty  05/26/2016

 Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) the main portion of the base is Ault Field, like three miles north of City of Oak Harbor and the other section is called the Seaplane Base for the PBY Catalina flying boats. This station holds most of the island's Navy housing and Navy Exhange and DeCA Commissary.  NASWI is located on two pieces of land near City of Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island in Island County WA. There are 17 active duty squadrons and 3 Ready Reserve squadrons based at NAS Whidbey Island. The air station maintains a Search and Rescue Unit that flies three Sikorsky MH-60S Nighthawks. With the addition of the MH-60S, Navy Search and Rescue provides 24-hour day and night maritime, inland and mountainous rescue support for Department of Defense personnel and the greater Pacific No... 05/25/2016

 The largest of the islands composing Island County in WA. Whidbey Island has 58,211 residents according to 2000 census, estimated 29,000 residents live in rural locations.   EconomyWhidbey Island is divided economically into two different regions: the northern end of the island (encompassing Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island Naval Air Station), and the remainder of the island (encompassing Coupeville, Greenbank, Freeland, Langley, Clinton and the smaller communities in-between).    The economy of the northern end of Whidbey Island is strongly influenced by the presence of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station near Oak Harbor (N.A.S. Whidbey). N.A.S. Whidbey is Oak Harbor’s largest employer; thus, Oak Harbor has a predominantly service-based economy and several national chain stores have been at... 05/25/2016

 On the fence about purchasing a Condo vs a Single Family Home? Below are some things to consider.  For the last few years the number of condiminium owners has increased. Condos may be one of the first options for you because they are often affordable, easy to maintain and no landscaping chores. This is great for the person that has a busy lifestyle, Travels a lot, maybe this is a 2nd Home for them or it's a place for them to just Get A Away from it all!  Condo's serve well as a first home or downsizing from a larger house. Here are some differences to consider:   Condos There are usually fewer maintenance requirements. They can be less expensive than a single-family home. You own the space between the walls so Home Owners Insurance may be less expensive There may be more security with ... 05/04/2016

I would like to both welcome and introduce Craig McKenzie as the newest Homes for Heroes Affiliate to join with Team Crane.  Craig, like many of us, is a veteran of the United States Armed Services having served with the U.S. Navy for eight years.  He has been a successful Real Estate Agent in Oak Harbor for the past 23 years with a reputation for providing exemplary customer service to the many families he has put into homes over the past two decades.  Craig and his wife Lee live in Oak Harbor and take an active role in their community.  He enjoys tennis and fishing in his free time.  He is both excited and honored to be a part of the Homes for Heroes program.  Craig is especially honored to give back to the community of heroes who have helped provide him with the quality of life he an... 03/23/2016