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

Private sub-divided 11.19 acres

ARLINGTON - Immaculately maintained custom cedar one-story home, with daylight basement. Open concept main level with hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and custom plantation shutters. Granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Fresh paint and new carpet in bedrooms! Newly stained exterior, 50-year Presidential roof, upgraded windows and brand-new water filtration system! Amazing westerly views! Mature orchard, berry patches and 12x20 greenhouse with water and power! Large barn with chicken coop and loft. Property fenced/ cross fenced and ready for livestock! Open space property reflects low taxes, zoned R5. Private country setting yet close to amenities, I-5 and Highway 9!

3BD • 3BA • 2346 sf • 11.19 acres

MLS: 1975458 | $1,499,000

Ryan Nobach

ARLINGTON - Beautiful acreage with tons of potential in desirable Arlington location! Mostly cleared and ready to build! This property includes two separate parcels totaling approximately 31.5 acres! The slight slope from the road leads to a level shelf with amazing views of the valley and mountains. Currently zoned R-5 with the possibility of more parcels! Buyer to verify all information to their satisfaction. Great location with easy access to I-5 and amenities!

31.50 acres Zoned R-5

MLS: 1982141 | $1,890,000

Beautiful acreage!

BRAND-NEW MODERN VIEW HOME

MOUNT VERNON

TUDOR CHARACTER & CHARM

FREELAND

WATCH THE SHIPS GO BY

SEDRO WOOLLEY

ONE-LEVEL HOME

MOUNT VERNON

BACK ON MARKET

THE EPITOME OF LUXURY AWAITS

Penthouse condominium, moments from downtown Anacortes. Rarely available, the coveted Crest condominiums offer pure architectural magnificence paired with spectacular sweeping Puget Sound water and views. Situated in a quiet and private cul-de-sac bordering Western Washington University-owned forestlands. The thoughtful open floorplan with chefs kitchen center stage boasts Viking appliances, granite countertops, two pantries & more. Enjoy evening entertaining with front-row western sunset viewing from the substantial deck. Primary suite features vaulted ceilings, spa-like ensuite bath. 4 underground parking spaces, incredible storage. Offered at $1,650,000

The Courage Group

IMPROVEMENT

LITTLE WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN WITHOUT RENOVATING

While we all might have visions of our dream kitchen dancing in our head or multiple images pinned to a Pinterest board, doing a full-scale renovation might not be in the budget at the moment. But that doesn't mean that there's nothing you can do. Here are a few easy ways to update your kitchen – no remodeling necessary.

1. INTRODUCE OPEN SHELVING.

If you've got a massive blank wall to fill, you might want to consider adding some shelves. They're a great way to show off your beautiful glassware, a collection of serving ware, or gorgeous cookbooks – and they'll give the room even more storage space. Add sculptural or minimal brackets for that extra touch of elegance.

2. PAINT THE CABINETS.

Yes, painting your cabinets is quite a bit of work, but it's incredibly affordable! It's the cost of a can or two of paint (plus primer!) and some elbow grease if you're doing it yourself. Whether you opt for a dramatic black or a soft dove gray, a couple of coats of paint will completely transform the look of the entire space.

3. SWAP OUT THE HARDWARE.

You won't believe how quick and easy it is to give your old, outdated hardware a refresh. Warm up your finishes with a brass option in a sleek, modern shape. This will instantly make your kitchen look on-trend, but it won't cost a fortune to achieve.

4. ADD UNDER-CABINET LIGHTING.

Give this space some drama while showing off pretty display pieces. You can find a bunch of options, including LED battery-operated versions that just stick on. It's a softer lighting option than overhead lighting – and it creates a warm ambiance at night.

5. PAINT THE WALLS.

Maybe you love your cabinet color, but the rest of the kitchen is feeling a little blah. Punch it up with a new color on the walls. Whether you opt for a bright white or a darker hue, just make sure to pick a color that complements your cabinets.

6. RETHINK YOUR CABINET SPACE.

If the main reason you're wishing for a reno is to gain more storage in your current space, reconsider the cabinets you currently have. Double your cabinet space by purchasing graduated shelving inserts, dividers or a turntable. Just assess your storage needs before going nuts at The Container Store.

7. COVER YOUR COUNTERTOPS.

Unfortunately, we don't all have the countertops of our dreams. A quick way to refresh is by covering a section of your counter with an oversized cutting board or a slab of marble. This idea works especially well if you'd like to camouflage a damaged spot until you're ready to redo the entire countertop.

GOLF COURSE VIEW

HARBOR

RAMBLER

STUNNING NW STYLE HOME

HOME + BUSINESS

ABOVE FISHERMAN

TERRITORIAL PASTORIAL

MOUNT

STANWOOD

BURLINGTON

to The Cedars, a beautiful 55+ community. one-level 2BD

detached condo. Lg kitchen w/

parking avl.

MOUNT VERNON

acre

conveniently located in Clear Lake.

w/ 3BD septic already installed.

water,

at the street.

FIVE FALL HOME PROJECTS

1 2 3 4 5

Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching.

If you’re relatively handy, you can handle many these check-ups yourself; if not, have a trusted home repair pro (ask neighbors for their recommendations) come out and take a look. The process should be quick and easy, and if any repairs are needed, you can start coordinating those ASAP.

CHECK YOUR ROOF

The summer’s sun exposure – plus general wear and tear since the last time you had your roof checked – can cause roof and siding materials to warp, chip and more. Look for any cracks or other damage; it will be much easier to fix these issues now than in the midst of winter if it starts to leak or is otherwise damaged.

SWEEP THE CHIMNEY

If you plan to use the fireplace this fall and winter, make sure the chimney is clean and in good shape. (And make sure no squirrels or other critters have taken up residence inside!) A blockage in the chimney can cause a fire or other hazards and be an inconvenient mess. Get ahead of any smoke- or ash-related issues by giving the whole set-up a good cleaning.

CLEAN THE GUTTERS

Yes, fall will drop a ton of freshly fallen leaves into your gutters no matter what you do, but getting ahead of that can prevent water damage and other high-cost repairs. Take some time (or, better yet, have a handyman come by) to check your home’s gutters for dead leaves and other potential blockages. If there are any, have them cleared them out so water can properly drain.

LOOK AT THE WEATHERPROOFING

Doors and windows should be sealed against the elements with weather stripping and/or caulking. These protective materials keep nasty weather out and the heat in – cracked, chipping or otherwise damaged seals can cause much higher energy bills as you lose heat to the outdoors. Also check that doors and windows are properly attached to their frames, with no gaps or cracks.

EXAMINE YOUR FLOORS

Summer’s heat and moisture (thanks, humidity) can cause signs of wear and tear in floors, especially if you have real hardwood flooring. Scratched, dull or damaged floors can be sanded down and refinished; more substantial damage, such as loose floorboards or deep scratches, may call for replacement boards.

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

GIVE YOUR HOUSE FALL CURB APPEAL

The blaze of red, gold and orange is Mother Nature’s note that fall is here. Make your home one that says “welcome” to all with some fall touches that also add great curb appeal. The best part is that most of the elements are ones you can gather around the house and near where you live. And if your home has a for sale sign out front, nothing is as captivating to a buyer’s eye as a home with the warmth of fall colors.

LEAVES AND LAWN

An emerald lawn is never as beautiful as it is with a smattering yellow and red leaves, but there can be too much of a good thing. Keep up the maintenance on your lawn by keeping it trimmed and leaves raked from the grass and blown from the sidewalks and driveway. Be sure to keep up with edging, and trim up any dead limbs or branches from trees and shrubs so the yard looks tidy and attractive.

In your planting beds, add a mix of fall flowers. Even just of few inexpensive and abundant mums planted near the porch entry will perk up the house and the landscape. Give your mailbox some attention with a garland of fall leaves and a pot of mums at the base.

GUTTERS AND FIXTURES

Keep the roof and gutters neat with frequent cleanings. Doing so will make your home look better and also help prevent damage from backed up gutters over the winter. Give your home’s lamppost and light fixtures a wash and polish. Outdoor fixtures that sparkle are always a part of wonderful curb appeal. You may also want to add a decorative element, wrapping a light pole with dried corn and fall florals.

FRONT DOOR/STOOP

More than any other place on your home, your front door conveys a message of welcome. If it needs a paint touchup, grab the paintbrush before the cool temps settle in and while you still have a warm afternoon or two left to get the job done. Add a new doormat and a grouping of fall accents to draw the eyes of passersby. A seasonal wreath on the door will add a nice touch, as will some pumpkins, a lantern with a candle, and urns or a pot with a mix of fall plants.

Create your own fall planters using the landscaping design credo of fill, thrill and spill. Try an urn with some tall fall grasses, a mum or colorful proton or decorative cabbage and a plant like creeping jenny or English ivy to spill out of the container. A punch of green, like the chartreuse potato plant, will bring a spark to your planters and your door.

EXTRAS

Add some inexpensive burlap pillows to chairs or porch swing. For the adventurous, carve out pumpkins and fill in with mums and fall plants to create a fun fall grouping.

IF YOU’RE PLANNING A NEW GARAGE, GO BIG

the home three years before, and Dr. Larsen and his wife trusted me. Little did they know, I had no clue how to build the three simple walls needed for the small new bathroom.

By Tim Carter

spaced center

of drywall so you

standard

Don't

’ve built several garages for myself, my daughter and clients that have gotten pretty close to the dream level. It’s not hard to do, but it does require a little more space than you might realize.

DIo you want to build a new wall inside your home? Perhaps you're trying to create a new small space for a home office or hobby room, or maybe you have a bigger appetite and are transforming a dank basement into a finished living space. But you have no idea where to start. I've been there. I've experienced your anxiety.

To solve any planning problem, you must start from the inside and work out toward the outer walls. You can do this with simple 1/4-inch graph paper. A simple sheet that’s 8.5 inches by 11 inches will accommodate your perfect garage. Each block can represent one foot in your plan.

I survived with the help of a few phone calls to my boss. It was a humbling experience as I discovered you don't know what

You can't always do this in an existing home, especially if the ceilings in the room are finished with drywall or plaster. As you tilt the wall up, it binds against the ceiling. If you're challenged by a finished ceiling, you'll most likely have to install your top and bottom plates, making sure the plates are

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor.

how cramped it is between the side of your car and whatever is stored along the wall.

you My your it at rough measurements

I suggest we solve the garage width issue first. The biggest thing that goes in most garages is a car or truck. My neighbor once tried to get his powerboat and trailer in his garage at an angle and got frustrated in a hurry. He was fuming, but that’s a story for another day.

Every now and then it's interesting to go back in time. I clearly remember having to build my first partition wall inside a house. I was a soaking wet-behind-theears carpenter working for a small remodeling company. One of my college professors, Dr. Larsen, had asked me to install a half bathroom in his home. I had no idea what to do, so I told him that my boss could do the job.

you don't know. Keep in mind this was decades before the Internet and YouTube. You have no idea what an advantage you now have when you have to educate yourself about how to repair and build things around your home. Count your blessings!

Consider a narrow 6-foot-wide overhead garage door for the rear wall to give you easy access for lawn equipment going in and out.

Once the simple plans were drawn and the contract signed, I was sent to my professor's house to start the job. I had painted the outside of

Cars are bigger than you think. My 1969 VW Beetle was over 13 feet long. My current pickup truck is almost 21 feet long. My truck width with the side-view mirrors out is almost 9 feet. My car’s width is close to 7 feet 6 inches. Most car and truck doors swing out about 3 feet. Do you see where this is headed?

You’d be wise to incorporate 10-foot-wide garage doors that are 8 feet tall for starters. If you’re going to have two doors, make sure there’s 4 feet of space minimum between the two openings. This allows you to open the car doors and not bang them into the one in the other bay.

Let’s talk about the sidewalls of the garage. You already know you need 3 feet of space to open a door, but now you need to think about what’s stored on the wall. Garbage cans can be 30 or 36 inches deep or in diameter. Go into your existing garage and see

You’ll quickly come to the conclusion that you need at least 5 feet of space from the garage door opening to the inside surface of the sidewall. You may get by with 4 feet, but you’ll eventually shake your head at not going for the 5 feet. Add all these numbers up and you’ll discover that your garage foundation should probably be 36 feet wide.

Building a new interior wall in an existing house can be much different from doing it on a new home job site. When we carpenters build a wall for a new home, we typically build it flat on the floor. Once all the studs are nailed to the bottom and top plates, we tilt the wall up and secure it so it doesn't fall over.

The depth of your dream garage is simple. Once you do some math, you’ll see that it should be no less than 30 feet deep. This gives you lots of space for a workbench, bikes, garden tools, etc. A garage 34 or 36 feet deep approaches dream dimensions.

Here’s a list of other things that will make your garage one that friends and neighbors will salivate over. Install radiant floor heat. You can create the needed hot water with a simple water heater in almost all cases. Be sure the ceiling height is no less than 10 feet. This allows you to put in a small storage loft that hangs out over the hoods of your vehicles.

Consider a narrow 6-foot-wide

overhead garage door for the rear wall to give you easy access for lawn equipment going in and out. Install floor drains under each vehicle and slope the concrete floor so snow melt runs into the drain and doesn’t pool against the garage doors. You’d be surprised how many building inspectors will permit these floor drains. Install on the house wall a hose hydrant with both hot and cold water so you can hose things off with warm water and wash your car indoors in the winter.

plumb in the same plane. You'll then cut each wall stud to fit snugly between the plates and toenail them in place. Drill angled pilot holes in the ends of the wall studs for the nails. Use no less than 3-inch-long 16d sinker nails to connect the wall studs to the plates.

If there is no ceiling, you can tilt the wall up so long as you orient the wall in the same direction as the floor joists above. You simply make sure the top of the wall rises up in between two parallel floor joists. Once the wall is vertical, you can then slide it into position under

Don’t let the space above the garage go to waste. Build the roof using full attic trusses. These create a massive room above the garage. With creative planning, you can easily incorporate a full regular staircase leading up to this room rather than the steep pulldown staircases. This is where you’ll put all those things you’re storing offsite.

Don’t skimp on electric outlets, for goodness sake! Think about where you’ll have a workbench and provide for plenty of power there. Be sure to put an outlet on the wall in between the two front garage doors. This outlet will come in handy when you’re working on something in the driveway. Think about 240-volt outlets in case you like to weld or have other heavy-duty electric needs.

©2022 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Measure of the where attached the door. measurement. of your much frame the door. be trimming when you want between the top You height just the factory Trust install drywall gap between and the ©2021 Content

HOW TO FIND A HOME REPAIR SERVICE

Ahome is the biggest purchase most of us will ever make. Protect your investment by taking care of repairs quickly and properly. When you have a routine maintenance problem that you don’t have the time or skills to tackle, a home-repair or handyman service can help. These services are generally less expensive and faster than general contractors, who often focus on topdollar gigs like home building and remodeling.

It can be scary to invite a person or crew into your home to do work, especially if you won’t always be around to keep a watchful eye. It’s important to find a home repair service you can trust to provide prompt and quality work. Whether your project is as small as painting one room or as big as rewiring your whole home, follow these steps before hiring anyone.

Get written estimates.

Finally, get written estimates (these should be free) from a few companies before choosing one. Be sure the companies are bidding the same specs for the project so you can compare apples to apples. While reasonable pricing is important, going with the lowest price isn’t always the best bet. A poor repair job will cost twice as much when you must pay to fix mistakes. When working with a new-to-you repair person, particularly someone who doesn’t come with recommendations from people you know well, you might want to give him or her a test run on a small project.

Talk to friends and neighbors.

First, ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, preferably for someone with whom they have a positive, ongoing relationship. If that doesn’t net results, check peer-review sites, such as Yelp or Angi, or do an online search for “home repair” or “handyman services.” Make a list of at least three companies, and call the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against any of them.

Ask for references.

Next, ask the candidates for references. Ask these customers if they felt the service provider was prompt, courteous, professional, affordable, fair and trustworthy. Ask to see photos so you can judge the quality of the work. It’s best to interview customers who hired the contractor for a project similar to the work you need.

Outline your agreement clearly.

Hire only a repair service or handyman who is insured, bonded and licensed or knowledgeable in the type of repairs you need. Before they begin even a small job, get a written contract that outlines the terms of your agreement, including timeline, fees and warranties. Without this step, you’ll have a much harder time recovering your expenses if the handyman doesn’t deliver as promised.

Reasons Why Your Home

WON’T SELL

home warranty?

By Ilyce R. Glink & Samuel J. Tamkin

By Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin

1It looks drab in photos. Since the vast majority of home

polished. Remember, the closer your house looks to the homes featured on HGTV and Bravo, the more likely you’ll be to attract an offer.

If you don’t want or can’t to spend the money on a professional stager, consider watching a few staging videos online. You’ll find out that you need to clear out the clutter, clean off the countertops, clean out closets, get rid of things you don’t need or use, and make your home clean looking, spacious and attractive. I have posted several before/after staging videos at ExpertRealEstateTips.net that you

have purchased and most of the Home warranties replacement of The basic plan typically plumbing and heating with many appliances. items from the list sure that you buy However, most home add coverage for

Some warranties of a specific period and you pay for days later, you won't same problem.

For example, may include additional freezers, pools and appliances and home specific costs for plan. You may also platinum, gold or Be sure to read the specifically under

No one knows it’s there. These days, your property needs the widest possible exposure in order to sell. Online marketing should include a Web site that has the property’s address as the URL (you can sell it to the buyer as part of the house deal) and as many photos, floor plans and video

Keep in mind year and you'll pay plan. But the home working order on agreed to). They broken) at closing. machine is on its buy a home warranty machine the week

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

Offline marketing needs to be topnotch as well. You’ll want to spread the word in the neighborhood, at the office, at your children’s schools and through friends and colleagues. This isn’t the time to be shy.

Your house won’t pass

If your house looks great, but the faucets leak, the windows don’t lock, the ceilings have water stains, and the furnace is on its last legs, buyers may decide to make an offer on the next house. If you are lucky enough to secure an offer, failing a professional home inspection is one way to lose the only offer you may get.

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

If you're looking your favorite internet warranty companies." comparisons of ©2021 Ilyce R. Glink and

taking your home off the market until the economy improves.

3There’s no “Wow!” factor inside. Once you get buyers inside the house, you need them to be wowed by what they see. Hiring a professional stager can work wonders, turning a “blah” interior into one that looks sleek and

Hire a professional home inspector to give your home a thorough inspection before you list it. That way, you’ll know in advance where the trouble spots are, and can take care of them before the first buyer crosses your threshold.

If you know what your home’s problems are, you should try to fix those issues well before listing the home for sale.

Freeland

BURLINGTON

BEAUTIFUL & PRIVATE

Views of Pilchuck River & Mountains. Horse Property w-couple of out buildings for tack or any storage needs. This lovely home sits on 3+ acres, and the home is freshly painted & cleaned. First cedar nostalgic, historical trees. Views of Pilchuck (peek- boo River) & Mountains.Additional 18 acres available to purchase as well to create 21+ acres. #2003642

AMAZING SUNSETS!

Stunning colors & mountains create a picturesque view. Swartz Lake views and sunsets just across the street! Well-kept 2005 Ridgewood built home. Daylight basement is finished and currently being used for entertainment and fun. Large garage w- space for shop. Main floor primary bedroom. This large lot also has tons of parking for boats, RVs, etc. #1939324

PRICE REDUCED!

of City & Beautiful Mt. Baker! Amazing sunsets & peek-a-boo views of water. 3 car garage, plenty of rm for shop area. Kitchen w/ Silestone counters & spacious breakfast bar. Family rm w/gas fireplace. Decks

built-in benches. 3BD 2.25BA.

LUXURY ESTATE

2BA 2465sf has a 3 car garage w-shop space.

high ceilings & large picture windows allow yearround viewing pleasure. Shy one acre lot! Home has approved 4 bedroom septic. Extra large 2nd bedroomsame as master w-walk-in closet! # 1967174