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whidbey island

Deception Pass Bridge, a National Historic Monument since 1982, is actually two spans that link Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island (Anacortes) over Canoe Pass and Deception Pass. The bridge, one of the scenic wonders and destinations of the Pacific Northwest, only a 20 minute drive to NAS Whidbey from Fidalgo Island over this spectacular bridge.

With a population of nearly 72,000 people, Whidbey Island is the largest island in Washington State, sitting between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula. Whidbey is home to the cities and towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Langley, Freeland, Greenbank, Clinton, and Bayview; all of which fit snugly into Island County. Whidbey Island's popularity stems from the amazing views of Puget Sound and the plethora of tourist activities available.

You're sure to never have a shortage of activities when at Whidbey. Explore the waters of Puget Sound on a scuba diving adventure. Glide across the sea in silence on a kayak trip to visit the orca and gray whales, sea lions and seals, starfish and crab, and eagles and the porpoises. Whether it's on the mountain or the road, feel the wind in your hair while cycling across the island. Whidbey Island is sure to bring excitement into your life.

For thousands of years, the only people who occupied Whidbey Island were the four Pacific Northwest Indian Tribes. In the spring of 1792, Captain George Vancouver explored the area and named every mountain, island, and waterway he could find. Whidbey Island was named on June 10, 1792 after Joseph Whidbey who proved it was an island when he discovered Deception Pass.

Aside from the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, the island has a strong military history. In 1890, the construction of Fort Casey began. The three-fort defense system was built by the US Army to protect the entrance to Puget Sound. Along with this fort, Fort Flagler and Fort Worden which are located on the Olympic Peninsula, make up the "Triangle of Fire." Twenty years after Fort Casey was built, it became the fourth largest military post and was no doubt the most beautiful. Fort Casey is open to the public, allowing visitors to climb on the ladders to inspect the guns, walk along bluff-side bunkers, and through the dark tunnels that seem to carry the echoing voices of the past.

July 12th, 2011

Lock Closure- Hiram M. Chittenden Locks

Written by Jean Groesbeck

There will be an 8 hour lock closure on Wednesday, July 13th 2011, and a possible 2 hour lock closure on Thursday, July 14th, 2011. Both the large lock and small lock will be closed from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, for an inspection of the Adult Salmon Exclusion Structure. There will be divers in the water during this time period, …

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June 30th, 2011

Pending Home Sales Exceed Expectations!

Written by Jean Groesbeck

Pending homes sales are up according to the National Association of REALTORS as home buyers take advantage of great home values. May statistics for home sales were up higher than anticipated. You can view home sales statistics on our website for Skagit County, La Conner, Oak Harbor, Guemes Island, Samish Island, and …

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June 21st, 2011

Deception Pass Park Foundation

Written by Jean Groesbeck

Deception Pass State Park is a gem of the Washington State Parks system.  They provide recreational and educational opportunities for many visitors.  From the Rosario Tide Pools to the summit of Goose Rock and the old growth of Hoypus Hill, the park encompasses over 4,000 breathtaking acres.  With over 2.5 million visitors …

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April 4th, 2011

Military? You Might Be Eligible For The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Written by Jean Groesbeck

The 2010 home buyer tax credit it still available for some eligible military and certain other federal employees serving outside the United States.  You still have time to take advantage of this great home buying opportunity.  If you're a member of the military, foreign service or intelligence community and  served …

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December 8th, 2010

Christmas Special!! Santa can I have this house?

Written by Jean Groesbeck

Priced to Sell with Stunning Views in Oak Harbor. $399,000.00 Close to Mariners Cove with panoramic views on 1.160 of an acre and over 3000 sq ft with 3 beds and 2.75 baths.   Lots of storage for toys and boats. Take advantage of the fishing and crabbing!  MLS # 105323 Newly updated kitchen and baths. Large open living …

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November 26th, 2010

U.S. extends Fannie, Freddie conforming loan limits

Written by Jean Groesbeck
U.S. extends Fannie, Freddie conforming loan limits

Higher maximum conforming mortgage loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be extended through September 2011, the housing finance entities' regulator said on Friday. The Federal Housing Finance Agency said the maximum for the conforming loans ... generally $417,000 for a single-family home but up to $729,750 in …

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July 6th, 2010

The 30/50 Project

Written by Jean Groesbeck

The retail division of the chamber has been researching a grassroots, shop-local program that really makes sense and is easy to implement.  The premise is to educate consumers on the importance of keeping independently owned businesses healthy, by committing to divert $50 of current monthly expenditures towards three …

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July 6th, 2010

Housing activity: "not as bad as some think; not as good as some would like"

Written by Jean Groesbeck

KIRKLAND, Wash. (July 6, 2010) ... Home sales around Western and Central Washington remained sluggish, but not all the numbers were down. June's pending sales (mutually accepted offers) outgained the total for May by 5.8 percent. Closed sales were up from both a year ago and the previous month. Brokers also applauded …

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July 2nd, 2010

Coldwell Banker is a Finalist in Two Inman Innovator Award Categories!

Written by Jean Groesbeck

We Need Your Votes For BlueScape as The People's Choice Innovator Award You can't spell innovation without "C and B!" Inman has announced the finalists for the 2010 Inman Innovator Awards and Coldwell Banker is the only national real estate brand with multiple finalist entries for both the new BlueScape search and our …

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June 2nd, 2010

Moving This Summer? Check Out These Tips

Written by Jean Groesbeck
Moving This Summer? Check Out These Tips

This month, the kids will be out of school and for a lot of families relocating, it is time to pack up and move. Moving brings on an entire new set of stresses and tasks for the family. Here are some tips for moving, courtesy of Move.com. It might just help save you a bit of time, stress and headache for the move ahead. 4 …

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