PRO TIPS ON TRANSFORMING YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN OASIS

By guest writer, Maria Cannon, maria@hobbyjr.org When the weather starts to warm up, it is only natural to want to spend as much time outdoors as you can. From playing your favorite sports to getting out in nature, there are so many ways to enjoy the beautiful days of spring and summer. A favorite way to spend time outside is by relaxing on your porch or patio. However, if you haven’t updated your exterior furniture and decor lately, your outdoor space may need some work. Photo credit: PEXELS The real estate experts at RE/MAX Whatcom County share their top recommendations for creating an outdoor oasis at home on a budget. Add shade to your porch or patio In warmer climates, the sun can quickly make your porch or patio feel like a sauna. To enjoy your main outdoor space to the fullest, Houzz points out that it’s essential to add shade in any areas you plan to spend time. Multiple solutions—that work for any size space—can effectively block the sun and cool the immediate area. These ideas can include a budget-friendly gazebo, a large umbrella, or even an affordable porch screen. If you are looking for a more permanent solution (that can also increase the value of your home), a porch screen with retractable vinyl curtains or powder-coated shutters, a retractable canopy, or an awning is your best bet. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, watch current trends to ensure that you are installing a shade option that potential buyers will like. Buy gently used outdoor furniture Happy Happy Nester notes that making your outdoor space comfortable is an absolute must. If you, your family, and your guests must sit in hard chairs with no space to set food and drinks, it is almost impossible to relax. Update your outdoor furniture to correct this problem. Rather than buying brand-new outdoor table and chairs sets (which can easily cost over $1,000), find pieces that are gently used. Search online neighborhood group boards, consignment stores, and yard sales to find the exterior furniture you want. In fact, it isn’t uncommon to stumble upon excellent furniture for little to no cost when searching local sales groups on social media. Decorate with fabric Using fabric for decorative purposes is a wonderful and budget-friendly way to transform a space — both indoors and outdoors. Browse your local craft store to find patterns that match the look and feel you are trying to achieve on your porch or patio. Also, be sure that the fabrics that you select are sturdy enough to hold up outside. Once you’ve found what you are looking for, you can use the fabric in a number of ways. You can reupholster old cushions and pillows, hang fabric for decoration, or sew a tablecloth for your outdoor table. Additionally, consider purchasing an outdoor rug to create a cozy and inviting environment. Create privacy without building a fence On average, according to The Home Depot, the cost to install a privacy fence can range between $1,000 to $10,000. When looking to stay on a budget, a fence often isn’t a feasible option for your backyard. Thankfully, there are less expensive ways that you can create privacy for your patio area. The Spruce mentions that one creative solution is to plant tall ornamental grass and plants that obscure views of your outdoor space. Bamboo, palms, zebra grass, and feather reed grass are all fantastic options. Another great way to introduce a sense of privacy to your patio area is to set up a tent gazebo that has fabric walls that can be zipped up. Oftentimes, these gazebos range between $400 and $600. Spruce up the deck It’s always a good idea to reseal your deck from time to time to prevent premature aging of the wood surfaces and joints. Add staining to the task and you’ll end up with a like-new feature for your backyard oasis. Also consider adding some lighting to show off the work. This can be hanging outdoor lights, tiki torches, or planters with lights around the perimeter of the deck. Turning your porch or patio into an outdoor oasis doesn’t have to cost a fortune. For several hundred dollars, you can make meaningful changes that create a comfortable and serene environment. About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built.

MORE

COMING HOME: AFTER A DECADE IN NYC, SHE'S BACK IN BELLINGHAM

by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA—FEBRUARY 2022 There's the name: Wilhelmina. Distinctly European. There’s the childhood: born and raised in Bellingham. There's the career: modeling 10 years in New York City. ... Short story The short story is: she's come home to us. Wilhelmina Hardisty lived the NYC bestseller life in her twenties, and she's launching her early thirties in her hometown of Bellingham. Having earned a bachelor’s degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and still modeling, she loves the feeling of home and helping others find theirs. She interviewed at almost all the brokerages in our emergent Pacific Northwest market and chose "the house that Lori built," known as RE/MAX Whatcom County. (Chief Executive Officer Lori Reece founded RE/MAX, her “tiny start-up with a big dream,” in 1991.) ... Long story But the long story is much more interesting, especially with Wilhelmina narrating in charming detail, about where she’s been and where she’s going. With the first chapter of her life story starting in Bellingham, she fondly ticks off her pre-college alma matres: Happy Valley elementary, Fairhaven middle school, and Sehome. Importantly, in childhood, Wilhelmina spent summers living in her ancestral homeland of Holland and traveling Europe. She got used to putting herself in new places. So, after high school graduation, she went to the farthest point east, short of an Atlantic crossing: “When I first stepped into Manhattan, I knew this was home.” Wilhelmina wrapped herself—in gorgeous garms—in that New York energy. She began modeling for Ford Models, the company that ignited the 1980s model-turned-superstar phenomenon. She moved onto a second modeling house, incredibly finding an agency that matched her extraordinary name, Wilhelmina Models. During her time in New York, she worked for major clients, such as Gap, Ralph Lauren, Chloe, Express, Uniqlo, J Brand Jeans, among others. ... Model by day, student by night While Wilhelmina wrapped herself in fabric for her day job, she immersed herself in books at night school. “Model by day, student by night—it was hard,” she declares. “But I was determined because education is very important to me.” From the acclaimed FIT, which specializes in business and design, she earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing along with a minor in economics. What Wilhelmina learned during this journey: “New York is competitive and tough. If you want to stay, you must work hard." So, that’s exactly what she did. ... Coming home Then, the pandemic swept in. Wilhelmina and her film director boyfriend (from California but who she met in NYC) started to crave the west coast lives they had before: trails, lakes, mountains, the Pacific Ocean. They answered their cravings in a month-long road trip, filling up with camping, surfing, backgammon, river showers, all along the winding road of Route 1. While New York called to her a decade ago, Bellingham—her home—was calling her back. “I’m a West Coast girl,” she effuses. “Returning to Bellingham was never part of my plan. But since being home, I didn’t realize how much my soul craved this community. And I haven’t looked back.” ... Finding a new professional home For her next chapter, she did a “very intense” two-week stakeout of Bellingham brokerages, interviewing just about everyone in town. “It was meeting Lori, hearing her story and how she started RE/MAX that inspired me,” reveals Wilhelmina. “Lori is a compelling presence. She’s built strong female leadership. Her philosophy is that education is the most important foundation in growing successful agents," Wilhelmina explains. "Lori was able to reiterate the very goals I had set for myself. I was looking for extremely specific traits in a mentor, and she checks every box.” Wilhelmina feels like she’s found her new professional home. ... First impression to authentic connection As a business professional practiced at honing in on what’s important, Wilhelmina knows how to authentically connect—an important quality for a broker. She's instantly warm and responsive, curious about how to embrace the place and people she left ten years ago. She’s here at RE/MAX to star in her next chapter. She'll tell you her whole story. And she'll want to hear yours, too. About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built. Tara Gilligan Reimer loves to find the story in place and people. This is my ninth feature on RE/MAX, the best brokerage in Whatcom County and the agents who lead, with brilliance and passion. ###

MORE