The Real Estate Book of Skagit, Island, San Juan, and including Snohomish Counties

home w/ original charm. Covered front porch, large foyer w/built-ins, and beautiful architectural details. Original fir floors. Mountain view from newer windows. Main level has 2 bedrooms + full bath & Bidet. Spacious updated kitchen w/SS appliances + breakfast nook. Upstairs 2 bedrooms & bath w/walk in shower. Basement 5th bedroom + 962sf unfinished space. Pre-inspected.

MID-CENTURY MODERN Daylight rambler w/ mountain views! Open living rm w/ wood burning fireplace, large windows for lots of light & gorgeous Tiger Strand Bamboo flooring. Spacious kitchen has SS appliances, an eating bar and beautiful Brazilian cherry floors that extend into dining area. Large Master plus 2 more bedrooms and full bath on main level. Generous family rm, laundry/storage & another bath down. 2-car garage. Fenced w/ shed.

| $749,950

Updated MONTE CRISTO AWARD

EVERETT

Apartment

1 bedroom with

walk-in closet. All of this on over an

of creek frontage. Raised garden beds,

fruit trees, raspberries, hazelnut tree,

Outbuildings, and Private Creek

GRANITE FALLS

LAKE STEVENS

ARLINGTON

1520sf

acre corner lot. Breathtaking

from the upper deck! Fully fenced backyard wtih a fire pit.

to schools,

and

SEATAC

downstairs

of

GRANITE FALLS

LEAVENWORTH

LEAVENWORTH

lots sold together

acres.

water.

25 (0.32 acres)

(0.40 acres)

water, power, septic and a small trailer. Ponderosa

in

STUNNING VIEWS OF MILLER BAY

Luxurious home w/stunning views of Miller Bay, Whidbey Island & the Cascade Mountain range! Custom details & features throughout include dramatic arched porticos at entry & deck, stressed hickory floors, solid wood doors & Pella windows! Vaulted wooden ceiling & stone fireplace adorn the great room! Gorgeous kitchen w/large island, built in buffet & wine bar, plus high-end Bosch & KitchenAid appliances. Direct deck access primary bedroom enjoys an ensuite with a deep soaking tub & double headed tile shower! Lovely, manicured landscaped grounds w/sports court, outdoor hot/cold water spigot & equipment shed. Bonuses included wired for generator plus eave outlets for decorative lighting. Enjoy state parks and lakes just steps away! MLS:1984211 $2,400,000

GARAGE + SHOP

OAK HARBOR

in the heart

accents, custom

PENDING - BACK UPS REQUESTED

VIEW ACREAGE

TIMBER FRAME ON 20 ACRES

HOME

CENTRALLY LOCATED ACREAGE

VIEW ACREAGE

SHOAL BIGHT WATERFRONT

DARRINGTON

private, and

acres w/ amazing mountain

Inside city limits, potential for development. Mostly level w/ old barn.

FALLS

0.83 acres. Gorgeous kitchen w/

stainless appliances. Newer roof & windows. Fully fenced. Covered RV parking

STANWOOD

HAVE A CALMER, HAPPIER FALL

By Tackling These Household Projects

As

summer wraps up and fall and winter approach, there’s plenty to do to get your home ready for the coming season.

To figure out what seasonal tasks to tackle first – yes, starting today – we spoke with Joni and Kitt of Practically Perfect, a Los Angeles-based organizing and lifestyle company, and Ria Safford of RiOrganize, a Southern California-based organization company, to see what organizing must-dos can help prepare your home (and your mind) for the busy fall and winter seasons.

Whether you’re getting ready for a mild winter or a season full of snow, prepping ahead will help you tackle whatever the season throws your way.

Get rid of things you didn’t wear.

“The end of each season is the time to look through your entire closet with a fresh set of eyes,” says Joni. “Think to yourself, ‘What did I actually wear and use in this last season?’”

Clearing out unworn bathing suits, shorts and sundresses at the end of summer means you’ll have less clothing to store–and fewer extra accessories to deal with–once spring and summer roll around again.

Put out-of-season items in storage.

To save time and maximize your space, your closet should have only in-season items stashed in it. Store out-of-season items in labeled bins, then swap those items with what’s in your closet when a new season rolls around, suggests Ria Safford, of RiOrganize.

Focus on space-saving solutions.

Once you’ve cleared out unused items from the previous season and tucked warm-weather clothing away, it’s time to bring out the sweaters, coats, scarves and more – items that tend to be much larger, physically, than their spring and summer counterparts.

To add extra space for your fall and winter things, Kitt suggests taking advantage of vertical space, especially in apartments or smaller homes. “Get beautiful hooks that can hold bulkier coats,” she says. “Those won’t look like an eyesore hanging in the middle of your apartment.”

Cascading hangers, clever folding methods and spring-loaded drawer dividers can all help you fit more cold-weather clothing into a limited amount of space, she adds.

Simplify your school (or work) morning routine.

For starters, make sure that the everyday essentials your family needs to get ready in the morning are easily accessible, from their toothbrushes to the clothes they’re wearing that day. (If you have younger kids, you might want to consider lowering their closet bars so they’re able to get themselves dressed in the morning, says Safford.)

If packing lunches tends to slow you down, consider setting up an assembly line of sorts so everything you need – plastic bags, ready-to-go snack packs, sandwich supplies and so on – is grouped together, she adds.

To get out the door faster, Joni and Kitt suggest creating a “launch space” in the entryway or mudroom where kids (or adults) can grab backpacks, homework, sports gear and whatever else they need for the day on their way out.

©2022 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

How To Get Your House

READY TO SELL

f you’re thinking about selling your home, it’s a good idea to get it into a show state before the for-sale sign is out front.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Everyone has heard that you only have one chance to make a first impression, and it’s true. Begin with a deep clean. Outdated light fixtures are forgivable, but a dirt ring where the carpet meets the baseboard isn’t. It makes potential buyers wonder what else was missed. A deep clean includes steaming carpets, dusting walls, cleaning HVAC returns and vents, and polishing light fixtures.

Even refrigerators and ovens should be cleaned and look appealing. For one homeowner, while everything looked neat, one peek inside the oven killed any potential sale. It looked like a war had been waged there, and made a sight that couldn’t be unseen. Avoid that mistake by cleaning everything, everywhere, thoroughly. Make windows and light fixtures sparkle, and touch up paint dings and smudges.

Really motivated to sell? Have the house painted inside in one neutral color. Fresh paint has a smell that registers as clean and fresh to buyers, and helps them envision living there.

REPAIRS

Give your home a head start by hiring an inspector before the sale. This enables you to find problems before a potential buyer does. Plus, having a list of corrections that were made in advance of the sale makes a positive impression that the house is in good shape. Look at areas of use, such as door handles. Ensure that all the doors, including garage doors, are oiled and are squeak-free.

MORE THAN SUPERFICIAL

Think home buyers won’t look in drawers and under the sink? Think again. Go through cabinets and closets, and pare down. Throw out excess, and keep all closets, cabinets and drawers orderly. One rule of thumb is to remove 30 percent of everything you have to create more visual space. This means having closet rods that aren’t packed full and bending in the middle.

Clear off countertops in the kitchen and bathroom, and make as much clear, open space as you can. If decorating isn’t your strong suit, hire a home stager to help you work with what you’ve got before the Realtor sends a photographer to put up photos that will either close or sink the deal.

ADD STYLE

Nothing can sell a house like curb appeal. It’s like a pretty box with a satin bow: visually inviting. Polish up your home’s look so that the sale isn’t lost at the street. Find small ways to update, like fresh mulch in the front yard beds or a pot of welcoming flowers by the door. Create a welcoming entrance at the foyer, and before long you’ll be putting “sold” sign out front.

How to Look for a HOUSE in Another State

home warranty?

have purchased and most of Home warranties replacement

By Ilyce R. Glink & Samuel J. Tamkin

By Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

Can you give me any advice on how to make

It sounds like you’ve seen a number of properties in the area –or maybe the market is so hot that the four-hour drive has prohibited you from seeing properties in person. If that’s the case, spend a weekend in the area and use it to tour neighborhoods and compare even the exteriors of homes that were for sale (that your agent has, hopefully, seen) so you can learn what true value looks like in your neighborhoods of choice.

The basic plan plumbing and with many appliances. items from the sure that you However, most add coverage

Some warranties of a specific and you pay days later, you same problem.

unbiased view of the good, bad and ugly about a prospective property.

Once you’ve done this, your agent will have a better idea of what you’re looking for and how they can help you achieve your goal of buying in that neighborhood.

For example, may include freezers, pools appliances and specific costs plan. You may platinum, gold Be sure to read specifically under Keep in mind year and you'll plan. But the working order agreed to). They broken) at closing. machine is on buy a home warranty machine the

The next step is being comfortable enough with neighborhoods, housing stock and your real estate agent to bid on a home sight unseen. There are some buyer contracts that would allow you to bid on a home with the condition that you must approve the home once you see it. At least that gives you an out if the home fails to meet your minimum

Interestingly, plans now cover locks. With this home will have warranty from

Between the research you do online and in the actual neighborhood and working with a good real estate broker or agent, you may eventually make an offer and close on the right home without racking up the miles on your car.

Before you reviews about them online, long they have that do business minimum, their should be current. pay close attention a pattern indicating

©2022 Ilyce R. Glink And Samuel J. Tamkin. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If you're looking your favorite warranty companies." comparisons

©2021 Ilyce R. Glink

DECORATING TRICKS TO GET YOUR HOUSE READY FOR FALL

Think you don’t have the time or money to redecorate your entire house for fall? Don’t stress: There are plenty of ways to add a cozy autumn theme without a big design budget. It’s all about the accessories and colors; even small changes can make a big difference. Try a few of these ideas to decorate your house this fall.

1Switch out pillows and throws. This is one of the easiest ways to bring something seasonal into a space without spending much money. “I like to add new pillows and throws around my house, when I can, as the seasons start to change,” says interior designer Emily Henderson. “I’ll use thicker blankets with more texture on the back of my couch, or style them in a basket next to an accent chair.” Bring in some chunky knits or faux fur for a luxe look.

4Mix in prints. There’s nothing like curling up by the fire with a cozy blanket or tartan throw. “The patterns of your home decor will naturally tell a seasonal story, just like the colors do,” Henderson says. “Floral patterns and bright colors signal spring and summer. So for fall, try more substantial patterns like plaid or thick stripes, in warmer colors.” This is also a great way to introduce pattern into your home if your current decor contains lots of solids and neutrals. Just a blanket, pillow or rug in these designs will signal “autumn.”

5

Style the mantel. When the days get crisper, nothing sounds nicer than getting cozy by the fireplace. “Make your fireplace the focal point of your living room by restyling the mantel,” advises interior designer Karen Vidal. “Group a different piece of art and some objects from other areas of your home, then enjoy some new scenery by the flames.” This is also a great opportunity to update your fireplace accessories. Consider purchasing a new basket for firewood or a decorative fireplace screen.

2

3Bring the outdoors in. It’s time to showcase the best of fall foliage, such as beautiful autumn leaves and green garlands. “I love layering fresh greenery throughout my house all year long, but especially in the fall,” Henderson says. “Try silver dollar eucalyptus – it will leave your home smelling fresh and it’s very affordable. I like to style branches in vases throughout my house.” Create simple arrangements with in-season blooms like dahlias and chrysanthemums. Place the flowers or branches in a copper vase or even a canning jar.

Accent with seasonal colors. Oranges and reds are staples of the fall color palette. “Fill a vase with orange blooms or fill a bowl with oranges instead of mini pumpkins,” Vidal says. “You can also showcase books with spines or arrange vases or ceramics in the hues more prominently for autumn.” The best part: You can keep these out well into fall and through the Thanksgiving holiday.

Van Zandt

Bellingham

Freeland

#1953900

VACANT LOTS FOR SALE

1311 Olympic Lane $139,000

Ready to build with utilities on the lot.

1309 Olympic Lane $139,000

your plans! Utilities on the lot.

#1953889

1307 Olympic Lane $139,000

Attn: Builders! 1 of 3 lots side-by-side.

#1954211

4617 Beaver Pond Dr S $99,000 Surrounded by greenbelt for privacy.

#1970439

Nookachamp Hills Dr $235,000 Build in the foothills near Big Lake.

#1970452 | Nookachamp Hills Dr $235,000 Ready to Build with utilities in the street.

MOUNTVERNON