SOURCE: Windermere

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.

SOURCE: Windermere

SOURCE: Windermere

As manufacturing technologies continue to drive down production costs and increase the availability of electric vehicles (EVs), they are becoming more affordable and accessible than ever. And as the shift from gas-powered cars to EVs continues to accelerate, more and more consumers are recognizing the significant benefits of this transition, like lower running expenses, a smaller carbon footprint, and improved driving ranges. Additionally, many EV owners find that at-home charging stations provide the ease of refueling at home while alleviating the pressure on the overburdened public charging infrastructure, becoming an essential asset for their daily routines and enhancing their overall EV ownership experience. Before making the switch to an EV, preparing your home for this new lifestyle is important. Here are some key preparation tips to ensure you are set up for success when welcoming an EV into your garage.

Selecting a Charging Level

Charging at home has become the most convenient and cost-effective way to maintain a healthy charge for your EV. Countless EV owners express an appreciation for being able to organize a personalized charging schedule, optimize energy use, save on costs, and avoid the hassle of searching for available public chargers. As you are considering making the switch to an EV or setting up an at-home charging station, it’s necessary to acknowledge the different levels of EV charging to determine which best suits your lifestyle and offers peace of mind.
There are currently three models of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 or DC fast charging. Deciding the right level depends on your driving habits, current home electrical setup, and the model of your car or if it is a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 is the slowest option available and uses a standard 120-volt outlet that you can typically find in any room of your home, including your garage, which means there may be no additional installation work needed. Oftentimes, when you purchase an EV, it may come equipped with a level 1 charging cable; however, this approach can take up to 50 hours to fully charge a BEV, making it a more suitable and sufficient option for those with lower mileage and range needs, or owners of a PHEV which can be fully charged in 5-6 hours.

Level 2 Charging

Most used for residential installations are Level 2 chargers, which utilize a 240-volt outlet, like those used for an electric stove or dryer. These can charge BEVs from empty to full in about 4-10 hours and PHEVs in just 1-2 hours, making them the efficient choice for those looking to maximize charging speed and convenience. Level 2 chargers have higher upfront costs and installation processes because they often require upgrades to your electrical system and a licensed electrician for professional installment. However, the benefits far outshine this initial investment, as with level 2 charging, owners can optimize time efficiency and integrate a charging schedule by plugging in at night, guaranteeing a full charge in the morning, saving them money on fuel prices, and reducing reliance on public charging.

Level 3 or DC Rapid Charging

DC rapid charging is the fastest charging method available, using 480 volts to charge EVs in as little as 30 minutes. DC rapid chargers are primarily found at public charging stations, making them ideal for quick “fill-ups” on road trips. They are rarely installed in homes due to high costs and the significant electrical upgrades that would be required.

Safety Measures for Preparing Your Garage and Using an At-Home EV Charger

It’s important to follow specific safety procedures when preparing your space for installation. Start by checking if your current electrical infrastructure is up to code and ready to support your new charging system. This may require help from a licensed electrician who will do a full assessment beforehand and recommend any necessary upgrades. Once your home’s electrical panel capacity can handle the load of the EV charger, you are now ready to follow these few safety measures to prepare your garage and start using your EV charging system:

• Always invest in certified equipment that meets current safety regulations and is covered by a warranty. Low-quality equipment can lead to safety hazards, damage to your vehicle, or expensive repairs.
• Consider the location of your charging station and make sure it is easily accessible, adequately placed three to four feet off the ground, and away from any water source or flammable materials.
• Climate-control your garage with proper insulation to maintain charging efficiency, especially in cold climates, as colder temperatures can adversely affect charging times.
• Only utilize a dedicated circuit, and never use multiple adapters or extension cords.
• Avoid overcharging your EV or leaving your EV plugged in longer than necessary.
• Regularly inspect the charging station, cable, and outlet for signs of damage or wear and tear that could be potentially dangerous. Avoid attempting to repair electrical equipment on your own.

Installing an At-Home Charging Station

Now that you’ve taken all the safety measures, you can install your EV charging system. If you’ve opted for a level 2 charger, the best thing you can do is get in touch with a licensed electrician. Consulting with a professional is recommended for more than just assessing your home’s electrical capacity but also verifying that your setup meets safety standards and that the electrical connections are securely installed and working correctly. With the proper installation and precautions in place, you can now enjoy safe, reliable, and efficient at-home EV charging!

SOURCE: Windermere

SOURCE: Windermere

Think of all the ways you use water at home. Whether it’s meal preparation, laundry, or doing the dishes, we use a lot of H2O. In fact, the average U.S. household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day, with a majority of the water usage coming from three primary sources: the toilet, the shower, and the faucet. But there’s good news! Adopting more sustainable practices at home can cut down on wasted water and can save you money on your utility bills. Let’s take a look at some simple ways to use water more efficiently at home.

5 Ways to Save and Reuse Water at Home

1. Reuse Drinking Water

Dumping half a water bottle down the sink may not seem like a significant waste, but over time, discarding extra drinking water adds up. Use water from bottles and glasses to water plants or rinse a plate with it and give the kitchen faucet a rest. Water purifiers can help cut down on the amount of bottled water you purchase and ensure that you have a healthy water source available at all times.

• 5 Ways to Create a Sustainable Kitchen

2. Water Plants with Leftover Water

It takes a lot of water to get your pasta just right, or to wash your fruits and vegetables enough so they taste as fresh as possible. Can all this water go somewhere? Fortunately, yes! Reuse that pot full of pasta water to quench your plants in the garden. Collect the water used to wash your produce and shower your house plants with it. Instead of just pouring excess water down the drain and letting it go to waste, little methods like these give it a purpose.

• How to Plant an Herb Garden

3. Use Barrels to Collect Rainwater

Check local regulations before setting up a rain barrel to collect runoff from your gutters. But once you have the green light, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your rain barrels will fill up, especially if you live in a rainy climate. Remember that water can get very heavy very quickly. It’s important to support your rain barrel with a solid foundation, using patio pavers, plywood, or cinder blocks to prop it up and make it easy to access the spout. And don’t forget to empty it before the freezing temperatures arrive.

• DIY Projects: How to Install Patio Pavers

4. Energy Star Appliances

Appliances are the true workhorses in a home, making our lives easier with how efficiently they tackle some of the most common household chores. However, some appliances are more efficient than others. Energy Star products are more efficient than other home appliances and are also held to a higher standard of efficiency by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Next time you’re shopping for home appliances, look for the Energy Star badge on certified devices. These special products will help you save water with every cycle.

• What Are Energy Star Appliances?

5. Garden Irrigation

Water is the lifeblood of a healthy, thriving garden, but there are ways to use water more efficiently in your garden beds. It starts with the plants you choose for your garden. Plants that are naturally acclimated to your local climate with thrive more easily. Group plants together based on the amount of water they need, so you don’t waste water running from one end of your garden and back with the hose running. Healthy soil is key to proper plant hydration, so it’s worth your energy as a gardener to focus on making your soil as rich and fertile as possible.

• A Quick Guide to Urban Farming

For more information on sustainable practices, cleaning tips and more, visit the Living section of our blog:

Windermere Blog | Living

SOURCE: Windermere