Blog - Gwen Rhines

Oak Harbor WA

The Island Engine: 5 Surprising Reasons Why Oak Harbor is Washington’s Most Resilient Real Estate Secret

1. The Hidden Hub on Whidbey For many, Whidbey Island evokes postcards of fog-drenched piers and sprawling, silent state parks. However, perched on the rugged northern shoulder of the island is a community that defies the sleepy coastal stereotype: Oak Harbor. Serving as a strategic “middle ground” between a dedicated military enclave and a burgeoning […]
Newsletters

January 2026 Newsletter

January 2026 Newsletter
Market Stats

Island County Stats Nov 2025: What’s Happening as We Head Into Winter

November brought a gentle shift in Island County’s real estate landscape, and it’s one that feels a bit more relaxed than what we’ve seen in recent years. Even with fewer new listings coming to market, buyers stayed active — pending sales rose more than 15% compared to last November. That tells us people are still […]
Market Stats

Island County Market Snapshot – October 2025: A Steady Shift Toward Balance

Residential Trends New listings were up 2.9% year-over-year, and year-to-date listings climbed 17.3%, giving buyers a wider range of choices across the island. Pending sales rose 51% compared to last October, showing that motivated buyers are still out there — especially for well-maintained, move-in-ready homes. Closed sales dipped slightly (–9.6%) and homes are taking a […]