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The Benefits of Shared Second Home Ownership
The idea of owning a second home is a dream for many—but the reality often comes with high costs, logistical hurdles, and much more upkeep than expected. And as home prices continue to climb and travel habits shift, buyers are starting to ask: is there a better way?
In partnership with Windermere, Esterre offers a fresh new answer to that question with an innovative shared second home ownership model, allowing buyers to co-own a thoughtfully curated portfolio of vacation homes—without taking on the full-time costs, upkeep, or responsibilities of owning a second home on their own.
Understanding A Shared Ownership Model
Shared, or fractional, ownership is quickly emerging as a practical and flexible alternative to second homeownership—one that makes vacation homes more attainable without the stress of going it alone. It’s a concept that’s been around for years, but today’s models offer a more refined, accessible experience. So, what does shared ownership really mean, and how does it work?
Shared ownership allows multiple buyers to co-own a home, splitting both the costs and the responsibilities. Each owner typically holds a defined share of the property, with usage and expectations outlined in a clear agreement. While different models exist, many shared ownership opportunities offer real estate equity, meaning owners can benefit from long-term use as well as a potential share in the home’s value over time. When applied to vacation homes, shared ownership presents a more accessible way to enjoy meaningful time away—without the full-time costs or commitment of owning a second property outright.
Below are some key benefits of shared ownership.
Benefits of Shared Ownership
- Lower upfront cost compared to buying a whole property.
- Shared responsibility for maintenance and property management.
- More efficient use of the home throughout the year. Greater flexibility in travel and vacation options.
- Real equity, with the potential for long-term financial return.
- Accessible entry point into luxury vacation real estate.
How Esterre is Reimagining Shared Ownership
Esterre is bringing a fresh take to the shared ownership space. Unlike traditional timeshares or fractional ownership models, Esterre offers co-ownership in a curated portfolio of fully managed, high-end vacation homes across Washington State. Each property is thoughtfully chosen for its location, design, and year-round appeal. Rather than being tied to a single home, owners hold real equity in the entire portfolio and benefit from a growing collection of properties as new homes are added. With access to over a month of stays annually at any home in the portfolio, owners can enjoy variety and flexibility without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Esterre also simplifies the process from start to finish. Maintenance, furnishing, landscaping, and cleaning are all handled on your behalf so you can focus on enjoying your time away. A standout feature of Esterre’s model is its built-in 12-year exit strategy. When the time comes, the homes are sold, and the proceeds are divided among the owners, with 20% of the appreciated value going to Esterre. It’s a modern approach to second homeownership—designed to offer ease, flexibility, and a clear path forward.
Discover more at esterre-wa.com.
Windermere Partners with Esterre to Reimagine Second Home Ownership
As more and more people desire an escape from everyday life, the appeal of second home ownership has grown stronger. But when the dream of owning a vacation home meets the reality of maintenance, expenses, and logistics, many buyers begin to question whether the rewards outweigh the challenges. Esterre, in partnership with Windermere Real Estate, is changing the narrative by introducing a fresh, innovative approach to second homeownership that redefines what’s possible. Here’s all you need to know about this exciting new partnership.
The Challenges of Owning a Vacation Home
Beyond the upfront purchase of a vacation home, the ongoing costs of maintenance, landscaping, and furnishing can quickly add up, making the experience feel less like a relaxing retreat and more like managing a second job. On top of that, many owners find themselves traveling less and tied to their vacation homes to make the most of their investment. While the idea of having a dedicated getaway is appealing, it can limit the freedom to explore new destinations and create diverse experiences. These common hurdles have left many wondering if there’s a more flexible, hassle-free way to enjoy the benefits of second home ownership.
Meet Esterre
Esterre, founded in Seattle in partnership with Windermere in 2024, is redefining what it means to own a second home. By introducing a fresh approach to second homeownership, Esterre enables individuals to have an equal equity ownership in a portfolio of carefully curated properties in some of Washington State’s most desirable destinations. This model eliminates the headaches and stress of maintenance, furnishing, landscaping, cleaning, and financial management, offering owners a seamless, stress-free experience. Each home in the portfolio is thoughtfully designed and fully managed, allowing owners to simply enjoy their time away.
How Windermere and Esterre Are Simplifying Second Home Ownership
Windermere’s collaboration with Esterre marks an exciting step forward in the real estate world. Combining Windermere’s trusted expertise with Esterre’s innovative concept, this partnership offers a flexible, transparent, and economically sensible solution to traditional vacation home ownership challenges. For a fraction of the cost of purchasing a single vacation home, buyers gain equity in a portfolio of high-end properties across Washington State’s most scenic destinations, including Snoqualmie Summit, San Juan Island, Whidbey Island, Fidalgo Island, and the Olympic Peninsula, with more locations to come. These homes, all within a 2- to 3-hour drive from Seattle, are thoughtfully chosen to provide guests with various environments and experiences. Owners can enjoy over a month of annual access to these luxurious properties, with unlimited short notice stays available within 5 days of booking. And, unlike traditional timeshares, Esterre also incorporates a built-in exit strategy, selling the portfolio after 12 years and distributing the proceeds to owners.
Whether it’s a serene island retreat or a mountain escape, this partnership creates a unique opportunity for agents to connect with clients who dream of owning a second home but are deterred by the high costs and responsibilities. Together, Windermere and Esterre are opening doors to a more accessible, flexible, and memorable way to explore Washington State and build lasting memories.
Discover more at esterre-wa.com.
Kicking Off the 35th Anniversary of the Windermere Foundation
This year we’re celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Windermere Foundation, the non-profit arm of Windermere Real Estate. Since 1989, agents and offices across our network have given back to the communities where Windermere operates. We’ve raised over $53 million and supported thousands of our neighbors in need throughout the Western U.S.
Last year the Windermere Foundation donated $3.7 million to 607 non-profit organizations dedicated to assisting low-income and homeless families. Donations provided emergency assistance, supported youth programs, food support, and shelter.
Our 2023 Community Impact Report outlines our efforts and is available to download and read here.
To start off 2024 on the right foot, our offices in Spokane, WA, and Lake Oswego, OR are doing their part to support low-income and homeless families in their communities through grants and fundraising events.
Helping Refugees Thrive in Spokane, WA
Image Source: Windermere Spokane
In their annual grant review, Windermere Spokane considered 32 applications for their 2024 Windermere Foundation donations and were able to grant funds to 11 organizations. While they were able to support a handful of organizations they have donated to previously, they were able to add some new non-profits to their list, including Thrive International.
The stories submitted by Thrive about their temporary housing for refugees struck a chord with a group of Windermere Foundation representatives who come from seven Spokane-area Windermere offices. The funds will help refugee families access housing in a moment when shelter is so important. In addition to temporary housing, Thrive also offers education and empowerment programs to residents, which have helped lead so many into further housing and successful transitions as immigrants to the greater Spokane area. Read on for a story about Yuliia, a Ukrainian refugee who was assisted by Thrive.
Yuliia’s Story
Image Source: With Permission from Thrive International and Windermere Spokane
Yuliia is from Ukraine. She unexpectedly started her journey to come to the United States in May of 2022, just three months after the Russian-Ukrainian war started. Initially, leaving her homeland was not a part of Yuliia’s plans. However, when bombs blasted in her city, she made the difficult decision to seek a secure haven for her family.
“Everything was so good. My life was good before everything happened,” said Yuliia. She was a hardworking administrative manager at a company in Ukraine. Yuliia and her husband had just bought their first home; however, their lives took an abrupt turn when their city became a danger zone, leading them to sell their car to afford flights for their journey to the United States in pursuit of refuge.
Arriving in the U.S. with little more than the clothes in their suitcases, Yuliia faced the daunting challenge of rebuilding her life from scratch. She said, “When we came here, we didn’t have anything. We didn’t have money. We didn’t have any documents. It just looked like we were starting from zero.”
Amidst linguistic and cultural barriers, Yuliia discovered Thrive Center in June, becoming one of its first residents. With the support of Thrive staff, she found not only employment but also a community where she could make connections with other Ukrainian refugees and get help with medical insurance, workshops, and educational resources. Starting as a front desk assistant at a dental clinic, Yuliia’s journey has come full circle as she now serves as the Assistant to the General Manager at Thrive Center.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given, Yuliia finds joy in empowering others to thrive. Yuliia’s story shows resilience and hope amidst adversity. From the once-thriving administrative manager in Ukraine to the unexpected refugee seeking safety in the United States and helping others at Thrive Center, her journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Stories like Yuliiua’s inspired the Windermere team reviewing applications to fulfill the grant with their available Windermere Foundation funds.
Emma Reeves, with the Windermere Foundation in Spokane, said, “we are excited to continue working with Thrive in the future to ensure that having a ‘home’ is a possibility for all.”
Sally Knauss Tulip Sale in Lake Oswego, OR
Image Source: Windermere Lake Oswego
The agents at the Windermere office in Lake Oswego, OR hosted their 27th annual Sally Knauss Tulip Sale in March. Named for the Realty Trust agent who started it, who has since passed away, the tulip sale culminated in an order for 8,000 tulips from Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, which were used to create 800 bouquets.
“Rain or shine each year [our office] is happy to enable this iconic event,” said Valerie Ross, Principal Broker at Windermere-Lake Oswego
Taking shifts from 8am to 1pm on Friday, March 29, fifteen Windermere agents volunteered for the cause, which raises money for the office’s Windermere Foundation fund. Donations from the sale allow the office to support local non-profits throughout the year. This year’s sale raised $5,800 which will go to one or more of their favorite organizations, like Clackamas County Women’s Shelter, Bridge Meadows, New Avenues for Youth, and Friends of the Children.
NAR Settlement Statement from Windermere CEO and Co-Presidents
Recent developments in the real estate industry concerning the settlement of a class action lawsuit by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has raised a number of questions, especially as it pertains to agent compensation.
For more than 50 years, Windermere has put integrity and professionalism at the heart of our business, especially during times of change and uncertainty like we’re seeing today. Our agents take their responsibility to their clients very seriously and are committed to guiding them through any changes that may result from the NAR settlement.
There has been a great deal of coverage about NAR in the media, which has led to a tidal wave of misinformation. There is also still a lot that is unknown about how the proposed settlement will affect the home buying and selling process. With that in mind, we felt it was important to provide clarity on two of the proposed changes that will likely have the most impact on home buyers and sellers. NAR’s settlement has not yet been approved by the courts, but if it is, the following two items will go into effect in July 2024.
Buyer Agency Agreements:
Agents representing buyers in every market touched by the settlement agreement across the U.S. will be required to enter into a written agreement with their clients called a Buyer Agency Agreement. These agreements cover critical elements of their working relationship such as the term of the agreement, the exclusivity of the representation, the agreed compensation rate, and the agent’s responsibilities to the buyer. We firmly support the requirement of a Buyer Agency Agreement as an opportunity to provide increased protections for buyers and their agents and to create a more informed real estate environment for all parties involved. It’s worth noting that Buyer Agency Agreements are already required by law in certain states where Windermere operates, including Idaho, Utah, and Washington.
Decoupled Commissions:
The commissions that are paid to a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent will be decoupled, a change that is intended to provide more transparency about how agents on both sides of the transaction are compensated. This means that what was once customary, which was for the seller to pay the entire commission to be divided between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, will now be separated. Under the proposed new rules, the seller will pay the listing agent and the buyer’s agent will be paid by the seller or the buyer—or a combo of the two. That’s not to say that the seller has lost the option to pay the buyer’s agent, and in many cases they may choose to do just that. One example might be when the buyer is using a VA home loan which doesn’t allow them to pay a commission by law, or to help a first-time buyer who lacks funding for the commission cost on top of the down payment and closing costs. It could also be a seller who understands the value that a buyer’s agent brings to the transaction and wants to ensure they are compensated for their work.
As stated earlier, there are still many unknowns about how the NAR settlement will impact the home buying and selling process, but what we do know is Windermere agents are ready to fiercely support their clients’ best interests through these changes, as they’ve always done. We will stand alongside them and continue to use our influence to advocate for a fair, transparent, and equitable real estate experience for all involved.
Thank you,
Geoff Wood
CEO & Co-President
Jill Jacobi Wood
Co-President
OB Jacobi
Co-President
Windermere Foundation Brings Cheer, Laughter, and Basic Needs in the Final Months of 2023
Windermere Real Estate offices throughout the Western U.S. brought holiday cheer and laughter to their local communities during the holiday season of 2023, wrapping up a year of giving that raised over $2.9 million for the Windermere Foundation, bringing the total raised since 1989 to more than $53 million.
Here are a few examples of the support provided by Windermere offices through the Windermere Foundation in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Bringing Holiday Cheer
Under Cover Elves in Central Washington
Windermere Group One continued a tradition and brought some holiday cheer to 21 deserving local families with their “Under Cover Elves” program. Since 2010, they have worked with the counselors at local schools to find and “adopt” families who were not able to buy gifts due to their financial situations. This year, some of the families were homeless, others were struggling after layoffs.
The school counselors mentioned too, that many support programs were not happening this year for families in need and they were grateful that the local Windermere offices were making this happen with Windermere Foundation funds.
More than 40 Windermere Real Estate agents and staff volunteers went shopping with the kids to buy presents for their parents and siblings. Many of the kids didn’t ask for things themselves, most lists consisted of everyday essentials like food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. But the volunteers were determined to add a few surprises too, so they did some digging while they shopped to find toys that they could add to the presents under the tree.
“The families were blown away from this event, so many thank you’s and tears of gratitude,” said Mikaya Blossner-Hill, the Marketing Director for the Windermere Group One offices.
Image Sources: Windermere Bozeman, MT on Facebook
Giving Back in Bozeman, Montana
The team at the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office is fully devoted to supporting their neighbors in need and have a collective commitment to bettering the community they call home. One example of this is the $5,000 donation they made from the Windermere Foundation to the during the Greater Gallatin United Way weeks leading up to the holidays. The Greater Gallatin United Way raises funds from the community in order to invest in local non-profits working in four impact areas: basic needs (shelter, food security, transportation, and childcare), early learning, youth success, and behavioral health and mental well-being. The members of the Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office say that they feel incredibly fortunate to have the Greater Gallatin United Way looking out for their neighbors and their community.
Image Source: Melissa Freels, Director of Marketing Windermere Services, Oregon
Raising Funds with a Crowd Favorite in Portland, Oregon
The Windermere Johnson office in Portland, Oregon held a fundraiser that made many people smile and raised money for the Windermere Foundation. At the end of 2023 they put together a “Dogs of Windermere” calendar for the year 2024. This adorable fundraiser earned over $1,100 for the Windermere Foundation by selling copies of the calendars and with submissions from agents who sent in the cutest photos of their dogs they could muster; it wasn’t that hard. With such a successful first run they plan to do it again next year.
Windermere For Kids in Bellevue, Washington
Continuing their yearly tradition, Windermere East, Inc. helped deliver holiday spirit to low-income and homeless families from in and around Bellevue, Washington with their “Windermere for Kids” event. In December, they invited over 100 local children to the Marketplace at Factoria to do their holiday shopping with 250 agents from six Windermere offices.
Each child and their families received $250 to buy gifts at Target, which were then wrapped by the Windermere Real Estate agents while the families enjoyed snacks and took photos with an elf. And as an added treat, the agents who helped them shop added a surprise gift for each “Little Shopper.”
Image Sources: Windermere Missoula, MT on Facebook
Can the Cats in Missoula, Montana
The agents in the Windemere Missoula office continued their tradition of collecting and donating food to the for their annual “Can the Cats Food Drive”. Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Can the Cats Food Drive is held every November leading up to the University of Montana vs. Montana State University “Griz-Cat Brawl of the Wild” rivalry football game. Missoulians are encouraged to donate food and cash which benefits thousands of households experiencing food insecurity in Missoula County. The Windermere Missoula team collected over 2,000 pounds of food from their local community which was delivered in bags donated by WinCo Foods Missoula. This was the eighth year Windermere Missoula participated in this event which Managing Broker John Brauer says is great fun and an incredible team-building experience.
Bringing Laughter and Raising Funds in Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington
Comedy Night
The Windermere Foundation expanded the annual comedy night held in Portland, OR for the last 22 years to bring even more laughter and raise more money with another event in Seattle, WA.
Both events in 2023 featured Saturday Night Live comedian, Colin Jost. Together they raised over $1.1 million for local organizations supporting youth and families in need.
The annual Steve Allen Comedy Show in Portland, OR was founded by Windermere and benefits non-profit organization New Avenues for Youth, which is dedicated to the prevention and intervention of homelessness for Portland-area young people. The event helps New Avenues for Youth provide programs and services to young people in Portland that focus on the individual – their experiences, identities, needs and goals—and helping them make positive changes in their lives. From meals and counseling to job training and housing, their equity-based services address the many barriers to stability and well-being that young people face.
The inaugural Windermere Foundation Comedy Night in Seattle was organized by and benefited the Windermere Foundation, which has been giving back to the local communities where Windermere Real Estate agents live and work for 35 years. More than 400 people came together for a laughter-filled evening that included dinner, drinks, and an amazing amount of generosity. The money raised from ticket sales and the paddle raise will support organizations in the Seattle area that provide services to low-income and homeless children and families.
Windermere Offices Support Communities Through Donations & Volunteerism
Windermere Offices Donate to Local Organizations
The true essence of the Windermere Foundation’s work is to make enduring community connections . The relationship between Windermere Columbia River Gorge and SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center of the Gorge is a shining example of that mission. Last year, someone close to the Windermere Gorge family experienced an unfortunate and devastating situation. SafeSpace came in with open arms and resources to support all members of the family, and their care and dedication to the community struck a positive chord with Windermere Gorge owner Kim Salvesen. Feeling inspired to sing their praises, Salvesen hosted a podcast episode to help bring attention and donations to the business. She followed that up by making SafeSpace the beneficiary of her Windermere golf tournament in 2022. Sadly, Kim Salvesen passed away earlier this year. In her memory and her support of the organization, the Gorge office is donating $10,000 of Windermere Foundation funds to sponsor a room at SafeSpace’s new care facility. It will be named “The Kim Salvesen Room.”
The Windermere Coast offices in Oregon know that reading is the gateway to learning and opportunity for young children, a belief shared by local organization SMART Reading. For the past 13 years, they have supported SMART with their donations and volunteerism to help them continue to provide resources and education to local kids. This August, the offices were proud to present a $1,000 check to go toward their educational programs.
Pictured L to R: Deborah Marion, Pam Ackley, Melissa Eddy, Stacy Goodwin, Sharon Benson | Image Source: Pam Ackley
For years, the Windermere Spokane offices have hosted a socks and shoes drive for local low-income schoolchildren. Over time, the event has picked up steam and continued to grow. For the local Windermere staff, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get to pick out a brand-new pair of shoes is the best part. This year, the Spokane offices put $6,484.49 toward the drive, providing 148 kids with new socks and shoes to go into the school year. It’s fulfilling for the Windermere folks to know that these kids children will walk into their new classrooms proudly.
Pictured: Terry McKanna | Image Source: Emma Reeves
This summer, Windermere Utah continued their tradition of supporting the local Make-A-Wish Foundation. Their support goes back several years to the point where now, Make-A-Wish is an ingrained part of our Windermere community in Utah. Windermere agent Cathy Sneyd has been volunteering with Make-A-Wish for years and is passionate about helping children live the best lives possible. She started the relationship several years ago with the idea of granting the wishes of local children experiencing critical illnesses. This has become a staple of Windermere Utah’s giving. This year, they made a $5,000 donation, which is enough to fund one full wish for a child in the Make-A-Wish program.
Pictured L to R: Summer Ehrmann and Grady Kohler | Image Source: Alisa Scott
This year, Windermere Gig Harbor made a lasting connection with a local organization. The NW Furniture Bank’s mission to help restore hope, dignity, and stability in the community by recycling donated furniture makes people feel at home, a notion that the Windermere Gig Harbor folks understand well.
They transformed their office parking lot into a quick and easy one-way drive-through for friends, neighbors, and clients to donate. NW Furniture Bank parked their box trucks on-site and the Windermere team got to work unloading, loading, passing out donation receipts, and cheering visitors on. They also presented the NW Furniture Bank with a $2,000 check of Windermere Foundation funds. Jeremy Simler, Executive Director of NW Furniture Bank said that the event “far surpassed their expectations” and that they “would love to make it an annual event.”
A group of Windermere agents and staff from Gig Harbor, WA present a $2,000 check to NW Furniture Bank | Image Source: Claudia Gentzkow
Other notable contributions from throughout the network included a $5,000 donation from the Windermere Sun River office in Oregon to Neighborhood Impact, a housing assistance program based out of Bend dedicated to strengthening the Central Oregon community through homeownership opportunities, and the Camano Island office’s backpack drive that donated over $800 worth of backpacks to local schoolchildren in need.
Pictured L to R: Denise McDonald, Jerry Evans, Doug Nemo, Jill Vail, Dianna Pence | Image Source: Dianna Pence
The Salt Lake Parade of Homes brings awareness to homelessness in Utah by gathering community members from throughout the region. The Windermere Utah office was involved in this year’s parade, trading off shifts at the tiny home known as the HomeAid Collaboration Cottage. This project helped further HomeAid’s mission to build safe housing for the local homeless population by introducing visitors to their work. The cottage is one of 10 units in a planned village to provide affordable housing for those transitioning out of chronic homelessness.
Windermere Utah also recently gathered for an annual tradition: The Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This event is near and dear to the Windermere community, particularly agent Lisa Jungemann. Here’s what she had to say about this year’s effort:
“Windermere Real Estate Utah is proud to be a sponsor for the fourth year in a row. They have backed me and my team for several years. Our local chapter of the Windermere Foundation is focused on kid-related organizations in need of help, and we all know that suicide has wreaked havoc on our youth. We are very proud to be here and to step up our efforts by having our agents volunteer to help this year.”
The Utah office also donated $5,000, which will go toward bringing AFSP’s Interactive Screening Program to a college or university. The online program allows mental health services at institutions of higher education to provide a safe and confidential way for individuals to take screenings for mental health conditions and anonymously communicate with program counselors to receive support.
A group of staff from Windermere Utah at the Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention | Image Source: Alisa Scott
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the button below.
Featured Image Source: Alisa Scott, Windermere Utah
Windermere-UW Aspire Internship Builds in its Third Year
Written by: Samantha Enos – Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Windermere Real Estate
Formed in partnership with the University of Washington College of Built Environments, Windermere’s Aspire internship program launched in July 2021. The internship offers financial support, mentoring, and skill-building through academic and professional office settings to students, with a focus on those from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups.
After a successful first iteration of the Aspire internship in 2021 that saw all eight University of Washington students complete the program, Aspire 2022 had more than double the number of participants. This year, the Aspire program hosted 10 students over eight weeks. The interns met with seven Windermere offices from around the greater Seattle area and three of the company’s ancillary partners (CW Title, Penrith Home Loans, and HomeSight). This year’s curriculum covered the following topics:
- Raising visibility of subsidized programs for home ownership
- Affordable housing design
- Financial literacy for young adults and the role of building wealth through homeownership
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the role for real estate agents as trusted partners
Throughout the course of the internship, the students impressively identified gaps within the housing industry and offered solutions to create meaningful change. With educational backgrounds ranging from architecture and communications to real estate and beyond, this year’s aspire students brought their unique perspectives together to propose practical solutions to some of the most pressing issues in the housing industry. To complete the program, students created presentations on diverse subjects such as access to fair housing, possible solutions to affordable housing issues, and methods of increasing financial literacy among youth. In return, they received invaluable insights into the residential real estate industry and a $3,000 scholarship to go toward their tuition at the University of Washington.
We would like to thank the Windermere owners and leadership team members who helped make this year’s Aspire internship possible. We can’t wait to work with a new group of students next year.
To learn about our DEI initiatives like the Aspire internship program, visit windermere.com/dei.
Samantha Enos currently serves on the Seattle-King County REALTORS® Board of Directors, is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® Mentorship program and is the Chairperson of the Seattle-King County REALTORS® DEI committee. She also volunteers on the Juanita High School DEI committee.
Featured Image Source: Windermere Real Estate
Stories and Memories from Windermere’s 39th Annual Community Service Day
Community Service Day has been an annual tradition at Windermere since 1984. Each year in June, our offices close their doors for a day to volunteer in their local communities. Windermere agents, office owners, and staff join together to complete various neighborhood improvement projects for local organizations. Here are several Community Service Day stories from across the Windermere network this year.
Community Service Day 2023
California
The Golden State was well represented during this year’s Community Service Day. The Alameda office’s relationship with their local food bank began three years ago when they helped set up the organization’s Island Community Market, and they’ve done their part to ensure the event goes off without a hitch ever since. This year, Windermere folks restocked shelves and lent a hand wherever they were needed to feed as many people as possible. For their efforts, they got a heartwarming shoutout on social media from the Alameda Food Bank.
Front row (L-R): Karen Bierwith, Kathy Ratto, Karen Miller, Sharon Mancillas, and Peter Fletcher. Middle row (L-R): Dona Fuller, Hanna Fry, and Sally Anne Rudloff. Back row: Chris Curtis & Shannon Reese | Image Source: Shannon Reese
Windermere Tower Properties in Riverside, California has served the local area for over 30 years. The owners, agents, and staff there are deeply connected and care about the wellbeing of the community. These values are shared by local organization Keep Riverside Clean & Beautiful, so they were a natural partner for CSD. 25 agents cleaned up Shamel Park, where many of their children often gather to play. They picked up trash, picked weeds, removed graffiti, and by the end of the day, the park felt brand new.
Top Row: James Monks, Scott Gieser, Dan Clark, Tom Tilden, Brent Lee | 2nd Row: Lisa Buchanan, Leighton Silva, Jonathan Steele, Jacob Gamble, Jake & Roger Halstead | 3rd Row: Sarah Ayala, Cheryl Smith, Tracey Ayala, Patti Triplett, Kelly Alfaro, Carol Karidakes, Chris Silva, Sid Chapoose, Maya Landrum | Image Source: Darla Monks
Oregon
Moving north, the Windermere offices in Oregon were busy helping their communities. The Gearhart office, along with staff from Windermere Realty Trust helped out their longtime friends at Camp Kiwanilong this year, whose mission embodies the positive change the local Windermere offices strive to effect in their community. In the past, they’ve worked together to provide scholarships to families undergoing financial hardships and make sure local kids have equal access to summer camp. This year, the volunteers spent a day painting cabins, power washing canoes, and performing trail maintenance. They also donated $2,250 through the Windermere Foundation for Kiwanilong’s scholarship fund.
L to R: Tina Chapman, Katy Walstra Smith, Jenny Frank, Craig Weston, Pam Ackley, Cynthia O’Reilly, Josie Davis, Pam Birmingham, Kate Merrell, Barbara Maltman | Image Source: Josie Davis
Children experiencing homelessness all too often face the unfortunate reality of not having a place to sleep at night. This is where Portland Shed comes in. The agents and staff at the Portland – MLK Office had been in talks with the local organization for months, trying to find the most effective way they could help. They encouraged Portland Shed to apply for a grant, which was approved by the Windermere Foundation in March for $5,000. When it came time for CSD, the MLK office knew where they were headed. 25 agents helped build 20 beds for Shed’s “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” program, and a small group of agents delivered two beds to children and families in need.
L to R (back): Joe Spanish, Cathe Woodruff, Amy Romberg, Tony Carpenter, Matt Moran, Doug Meyer | Middle/Front: Mel George, Jenny Nickila, Jeanne Dixon, Renee Susak, Teresa Peyralans, Andrea Baffaro, Emma Pulitzer, Daniel Fagan, Andrea Young, Willow Emmett, Darren Balogh, Gina Gunderson, Meg Barrett, Lisa Stevens, Sarah Renard, Chelsie Coon | Not Pictured: Tammy Going | Image Source: Daniel Fagan
Sometimes a common name can bring people together. Windermere Heritage in Salem, Oregon found common ground with Powerland Heritage Park, both in their name and their purpose. Powerland is a community of museums that collectively preserve antique farm equipment. This wasn’t the typical partner for the local Windermere folks’ CSD plans, but they felt the need to do something out of the ordinary this year and raise awareness for an organization people may not have known about. They spent the day boosting curb appeal and completing various landscaping projects. And riding tractors!
Front Row L to R: Melissa Irvin, Ashleigh Fordham, Shelli McKenzie | 2nd Row: Kelly Swift, Patti Williamson, Alysha Condit. Alexandria Dillon. Laura Fordham, Ryan Fordham, Paula Fordham, Juan Vasquez, Debbie Aldrich, Shelly Sampson, Sarah Roelof, Back Row: Chris Aldrich, Jerod Condit, Gerrit Roelof | Image Source: Paula Fordham
Montana
Windermere Bozeman-Downtown continues to do great things in the Bozeman community. For Community Service Day this year, they continued their tradition of volunteering for Eagle Mount, a local organization providing sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and young people impacted by cancer. The Windermere team gathered to set up and support The Western Rendezvous, Eagle Mount’s largest annual fundraiser.
First Row L to R: Kevin Schwartz, Haley Krueger, Kelly Martin, Bobby Goodman, Tony Neal, Susie Dixson, Kim Stevens, Alicia Schmidt, Sami Ormesher, Tyler Wilkinson | Back Row: Tyler Johnson, Isaac Nelson, Bart May, Jennifer May, Aaron Ziegler, Mike Stem | Image Source: Natalie McDonald
Anyone who’s been to Montana knows how connected the communities are to the natural land. For the residents of Whitefish, knowing about the surrounding wild lands and contributing to their upkeep is of utmost importance. Whitefish Legacy Partners was a natural fit for their CSD efforts, given the organization’s dedication to maintaining Montana’s natural beauty. The Windermere Whitefish team spent the day working as a crew maintaining the existing trail and supporting new trail construction. Not only were they happy to do their part to preserve their natural surroundings, but they also now feel more confident in their ability to teach other community members how they can do the same.
L to R: Seth Dornbusch, Dave Peterson, Trevor Howard, Coco Jensen, Ty Heaton, Ian Padron, Sarah MacCormick, Kelly Ortmeier, Tim Killen | Image Source: Natalie McDonald
Utah
“The National Ability Center is close to our hearts,” says Alisa Scott, Social Media Manager at Windermere Utah. The NAC empowers individuals of all abilities to build self-esteem and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and education. As residents of Utah, the local Windermere team is at home outdoors. They were motivated by the local non-profit’s dedication to providing outdoor recreation opportunities for children and adults who might not otherwise have it, so for their CSD project they completed a variety of landscaping tasks to help improve the facilities. But the connection between these two didn’t stop there.
NAC’s mission aligns with the Windermere Foundation by providing self-esteem, confidence, and a safe place for children to thrive. This inspired Windermere Utah to donate $5,000 last year, and after another year of developing the relationship, they were happy to double their philanthropic efforts for this special organization in 2023. After a long day of hard work, they presented a $10,000 check that brought ear-to-ear smiles throughout the room.
Pictured: Front: Tracy Meyer, Jeff Fons, Leanne Dannacher, Grady Kohler, Monica Wells, Megan Amis, Baylee Vaughn, Lexi Relleve | 2nd Row: Amy Dobbs, Cherie Major, Angelique Mealing, Cameron Carpenter, Karen Brown, Ali North, Jessie Lanning, Michelle Still, Zacharie Dunn | Back: Rachael Burks, Damon Fetters, Kelly Cherry, Peter Clark, Daimon Bushi, Andrew Phillips, Cameron Boone, Jim Kelley, Haley Soto | Image Source: Dallin Green
Colorado
Community Service Day is all about making our neighbors’ day a little brighter. A group of 20 agents from the Fort Collins and Windsor offices in Colorado did exactly that. They partnered up with Neighbor to Neighbor, energized by their dedication to provide sustainable housing, supportive services, and education to local families. The agents helped clean up one of the organization’s properties in a rental community that was undergoing massive renovations. Neighbor to Neighbor needed lots of landscaping help to get the property rent-ready again, and with Windermere Colorado’s help, they were able to get back up and running.
Pictured: Rondi duPont, Jenn Frank, Karla Laferriere | Image Source: Natalie Parsons
Washington
Neighborhood improvement projects come in different sizes. For their community service efforts this year, Windermere Bellevue South dug out an 80-yard-long area that had been taken over by an invasive group of blackberry bushes. They partnered with the Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center, who plan to plant a new batch of native plants in the area. It was hard work, but with a workforce of 40 strong, the Bellevue South team was able to completely clear the bushes by the end of the day. Oxbow looks forward to restoring the balance of natural biodiversity in the area. Great job, team!
Pictured: A group of 40 agents and staff from Windermere Bellevue South | Image Source: Windermere Bellevue South
Windermere Mercer Island started the month of June off with a donation to the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club, combining agents’ “over and above” contributions to the tune of over $2,600. The funds will go toward sponsoring children in summer programs who may not have the means to pay, which means more children can participate in enriching activities and have memorable summer experiences. For CSD, the Mercer Island agents supported the Boys and Girls Club’s All Island Track and Field Event. They helped check in over 1,200 kids, acted as timers on the field, and distributed awards at the end. The event ran smoothly, and the agents left feeling proud they were able to create a meaningful summer memory for so many kids.
Pictured: Doug McKiernan, Lis Brown, Rachel Mehmedagic, Anni Zilz, Donna Cowles, Jake Kanev, Tori Franzen, Jessica Livingston, Trish Coy, Julie Barrows, Jennifer Craven, Erin Ewing, Petra Varney, Allen Hovsepian, Lisa Dong, Yvonne Willard, Robert Craven, Marianne Parks | Image Source: Sara Katayama
Get your tissues ready. Windermere Northwest Living takes pride in their close connection with the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools and the Fruit Valley Community Learning Center, which hosts a food drive for students who rely on the school for food. As summer approaches, this food drive helps families when school is out. After gathering $3,000 in agent donations to buy groceries, they donated over $5,400 for the organization to ensure they’re able to continue to support the community. The agents at Windermere were left speechless by the gratitude Fruit Valley showed them, but Fruit Valley principal Matthew Fechter was able to put the impact of the event into words. Pictured: Matthew Fechter | Video Source: Sophie Dziak
Read more about Windermere’s philanthropic efforts, past Community Service Day events, the Windermere Foundation and more on our blog: Windermere Blog
Featured Image Source: Dallin Green | dallingreen.com
37th Annual Windermere Cup: UW vs Australia
Windermere Cup 2023
One of the premier regattas in the world, Windermere Cup, returns to the Montlake Cut in Seattle, Washington on May 6, 2023. Hosted by Windermere Real Estate and the University of Washington, this year’s event marks the 37th installment in the Cup’s storied history.
The University of Washington men’s and women’s crews will battle the Australian National team in what will be a spectacle of first-class competition from two of the top rowing programs in the world. There will be several races throughout the morning, with the first event kicking off at 10:15 am PST and culminating in the Windermere Cup races at 11:30. The event is also a celebration of the opening day of boating season. After the Windermere Cup is presented to the winning men’s and women’s crews, a cannon will sound and the Montlake Bridge will open, heralding the beginning of boating season led by Seattle Yacht Club’s opening day boat parade.
Windermere Party on the Cut
The weekend kicks off with one of the area’s favorite parties. On May 5, the night before the races, Windermere will host the fifth annual Party on the Cut near the UW Waterfront Activity Center. This exclusive party will be filled with food vendors, drinks, and games, as live music fills the air. Tickets can be purchased for $30 here, with proceeds benefitting the Windermere Foundation and the Joe Rantz Rotary Youth Fund. You must be 21 or older to attend.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit windermerecup.com and follow Windermere Cup on Facebook and Twitter. Join in the fun on social media with the official hashtag of this year’s Windermere Cup: #WindermereCup2023
Featured Image Source: Windermere Real Estate
Windermere Foundation Continues Tradition of Supporting Local Schools & Children
A portion of every commission a Windermere agent earns is donated to the Windermere Foundation and distributed to non-profit organizations that provide support to low-income and homeless families. But it doesn’t stop there, many offices also host fundraisers so they can make a larger impact in their community, or they’ll volunteer their time. Here are a few recent stories about how members of the Windermere network went above and beyond, making a positive impact for children and families in their area.
Pictured above: A group of agents and staff from Windermere Utah volunteering in a warehouse putting together donation kits for local organization Granite Education. Pictured: Back Row L-R: Alice Ray, Brittney Hudalla, Lana Ames, Brendon Drury, Abbey Drummond, Sarah McNamara, Cathy Sneyd, Taylor Peterson – Front Row L-R: Mimi Sinclair, Amy Dobbs, Hillary Walker, Andi Walker
Windermere Kettle Falls
The Windermere Kettle Falls office has a specific process for helping local children in need during the colder months of the year. This process has been refined over 30 years of working directly with representatives within the Kettle Falls School District to donate through their Secret Santa program. Every year, they obtain a list of students in need from administration ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. Each student is interviewed by a teacher and asked what they would like for Christmas. Kettle Falls agents and staff wrap items and deliver them to each student, leaving it up to the school and parents if the children will open their gift on the spot or wait until Christmas. The difference these items make in these students’ lives is evident in their joy and near disbelief when opening each gift. This year, the Kettle Falls office donated $908 through Secret Santa Christmas, plus another $50 in Walmart supplies. Way to go, Kettle Falls!
Windermere Salt Lake and Park City
The Windermere network has a long tradition of providing food supplies to community members who need it, and the Windermere Salt Lake City and Park City offices continued this tradition in February. After an agent identified the Granite Education Foundation as a candidate for their giving, the Windermere offices rallied to partner with the organization and make a positive impact for kids in the community. The offices rounded up $5,000 in donations to boost the organization’s support of local schoolchildren in need and a team of volunteers spent a day creating take-home food packs for students on free or reduced lunch programs.
Pictured: Front: Lana Ames & Brendon Drury – Back: Brittney Hudalla, Alice Ray, and Andi Walker
Left side front to back: Taylor Peterson, Cathy Sneyd, Abbey Drummond, Sara McNamara – Right side front to back: Amy Dobbs, Ani Walker, Alice Ray, Brendon Drury, Lana Ames – Front: Mimi Sinclair
Windermere West Seattle
The Windermere West Metro office in West Seattle wanted to do something special for local school kids participating in an after-school arts program. A West Metro agent knows the folks at White Center Elementary School well and made the connection to the Windermere Foundation reps at the office to discuss how they could help. Shortly thereafter, they donated $2,000 to the school program to purchase supplies. They received the following letter of gratitude from the school’s PTA in response to the donation:
A big thank you for your generous grant to the White Center Heights PTSA! Your funds will make a huge difference in our kids after-school programing. Our after-school art class is volunteer-taught by five middle-schoolers who come from Cascade Middle School, Summit Atlas, and Denny Middle School, and this will be one program which will directly benefit from the Foundation funds to help with supplies for their art program. Thank you for supporting our kids!
To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com. To help support programs in your community, click the donate button below.
Featured Image Source: Windermere Utah
