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

Bert is based out of the Anacortes John L. Scott office and specializes in clients who are relocating to the area, including Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and the rest of Skagit County. Not only does he bring professionalism and analytical skills to each transaction, he also knows the community really well. Bert is extremely active with the local Kiwanis chapter. He also serves on the Guemes Channel Trail Committee and a local scholarship committee.

In his free time, Bert enjoys doing community service around the Anacortes area, as well as sailing and kayaking.

This office is independently owned and operated.

OAK HARBOR 3BD 2.5BA 2716sf on oversize 0.56+/- acre lot. Fresh paint/ wainscoting & a cozy wood fireplace. Kitchen w/ eating space, and french doors to deck. Detached shop with an adjoining hobby room, chicken coop, fruit trees & outbuildings. #1987303 | $588,000

OAK HARBOR

Oak Harbor Steps to the beach & Windjammer Park! 2BD 2BA 1192sf w/ spacious balcony to enjoy the views. Open living room, dining & kitchen with tons of natural light. Gated entry, convenient shared garage & easy access elevator are great perks! #2002364 | $335,000

OAK HARBOR

Business opportunity! SR 20 highway exposure, 32 parking spaces, and 2 level building Zoned C-3. Main level includes large commercial kitchen, guest dining & a private patio for outdoor enjoyment. Upper level bar w/ view of Oak Harbor. #1868372 | $600,000

COUPEVILLE

Whidbey Island Westside bluff waterfront with panoramic water views from snowcapped Olympic Mountains to the lights of Victoria and beyond to the San Juan Islands. 5 Acre plus parcel is the perfect palette for you to create your estate home.

#1973487 | $1,200,000

MOUNT VERNON - Beautifully Appointed NW Contemporary

3BD 2.75BA 2487sf on 1/3 acre. Upscale touches throughout! Living room has vaulted, beamed ceiling & large windows, providing lots of natural light. Dining room w/window seat & sliding doors to covered brick patio. Kitchen has a breakfast room, window seat, SS appliances, granite counters, and so many cupboards & extra counter space for all your entertaining needs. Primary & 2nd bedrooms both have access to Trex deck overlooking landscaped backyard & concrete patio. Primary suite w/ extra storage, counter space, & walk-in closet. Upstairs bedroom/bonus room, w/ walk-in closet, bathroom, & tons of storage. 2-car garage w/extra space.

MLS# 2008624 | $635,000

GUTTER-CLEANING MISTAKES THAT COULD LEAD TO DISASTER

Cleaning gutters is an essential home maintenance task that helps ward off damage to your foundation, leaks and other serious issues. Although clearing debris from your gutters seems straightforward, this chore can be dangerous if it’s not done properly, especially since you’ll likely be working on top of a ladder. It’s even riskier if your home has a tall roof or if you’ve never done the job before.

To avoid costly errors and unsafe situations, there are several guttercleaning mistakes homeowners should take care to avoid. By following a few safety precautions and sticking to a regular cleaning schedule, keeping your gutters clean and free of debris is simple. Familiarize yourself with these common gutter-cleaning mistakes to ensure this maintenance task goes smoothly season after season.

1. You don’t clean your gutters often enough.

One of the most common gutter maintenance mistakes homeowners make is simply not cleaning them as frequently as they should, according to Chris Counahan, president of LeafFilter Gutter Protection. At least twice a year is the typical recommendation, but depending

on your landscape, more frequent cleanings could be necessary.

“For example, if your house is surrounded by trees, you’ll need to tend to your gutters more than twice a year since your gutters are exposed to more debris and leaves,” he says. Pay attention to the condition of your gutters throughout the year, and if needed, mark semiannual gutter cleanings in your calendar so you can ensure this chore gets done.

2. You clean your gutters at the wrong time.

Timing is also important to ensure your drainage system works properly when needed. “Unpredictable weather and storms can increase damage to your home if your gutters are clogged or inadequate,” Counahan says. Plan to clean gutters ahead of periods when severe weather is common in your area. For many places, that means cleaning gutters every spring and fall in preparation for summer storms and harsh winter weather.

3. You don’t wear proper protective gear.

Cleaning gutters is a messy business, and you don’t want to reach into a clump of dirty, rotting leaves bare-

handed. Wear heavy-duty work gloves to keep your hands clean and protect yourself from any sharp objects that could be hidden in the debris. Additionally, rubber-soled shoes with good traction can help ward off slips on the ladder. And don’t forget protective eyewear. “You never know what can fly out of the downspout when cleaning gutters,” Counahan says.

4. You’re not following ladder safety precautions.

A fall from a ladder can result in serious injury or even death, so proper safety measures are crucial when cleaning your gutters. Inspect the ladder carefully before use, and ensure the base has secure, even footing before climbing the ladder. If possible, have a family member or friend hold the bottom of the ladder for stability. If you don’t have a helper, Counahan suggests letting another person know that you will be using a ladder in case an accident occurs.

While you’re up on the ladder, aim to keep your hips between the side rails to maintain your balance and avoid overreaching. “Always move the ladder to a new spot, instead of reaching farther down your gutters, to avoid potential falls,” Counahan says.

Windermere

Lopez Island

360-468-3344 | www.wrelopez.com 182 Lopez Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261

ROWBOAT COVE

Beach cabin only steps from sandy beaches w/ territorial & marine views south over Davis Bay! Complete kitchen + bedroom with south facing balcony + large extra finished room. Convenient mid-island location to easily enjoy all your favorite Lopez places. #1980761 | $990,000

MARINER HILL VIEW ACREAGE

A partially wooded 1.7 acre lot with western marine views. Lot is ready for your building ideas. Includes community water, power and phone in the road. Be part of a great neighborhood, not too far from the Village on the sunny west side of Lopez. #1954230 | $297,500

BRING YOUR PLANS!

Marine view 1.8 acre lot. High on the hill overlooking San Juan Channel and beyond. Several possible building sites. Community water, power, phone @ road. Watch the ever changing sunsets! Mature woods. Close to nature and not far from the marinas and Village. #1954259 | $325,000

COMFORTABLE ISLAND LIVING

2BD 2.5BA 1850sf w/ bonus room + den & detached garage. Westerly views across Flat Point Lake & Upright Channel. Private community sandy beach w/ 255 feet of frontage. Watch the ferries cruise by and take in gorgeous sunsets from the expansive front deck. #1987060 | $844,000

GET YOUR ISLAND START

South end 0.82 acre forested parcel nestled in the Pavey Blvd neighborhood. Minutes to the Southend General Store and Cafe; near Mud Dock Bay county park & beaches. No CCRs. 2BD septic design permit approved. Electricity in street. On waitlist to get well drilled. #1994471 | $99,000

MUD BAY BUILDING LOT

Wooded, gently sloping 0.69-acre parcel made up of three lots. Some glimpses of Mud Bay through the trees. Near Hunter Bay County Dock and boat launch. Adjacent two parcels (431 & 451 Captain Leison Ln) available. Possible connection to Hunter Bay Water. #1952193 | $144,500

SIMPLE TRICKS TO MAKE YOUR BATHROOM FEEL LIKE A SPA

Atrip to the spa leaves you feeling relaxed, pampered and rejuvenated. The experience centers on a serene environment that's carefully designed to help you unwind and escape, and you can easily re-create that soothing atmosphere at home in your own bathroom. By incorporating calming elements, upgrading fixtures and minimizing clutter, you can achieve a spa-like bathroom that allows you to melt away stress and relax in peace.

It requires only a few simple tweaks, so you don't have to take on a major bathroom remodel to create your at-home spa. Reimagine your bathroom as your own personal sanctuary, and use these tips to achieve that spa-like feeling every day.

1.

INCORPORATE NATURAL DECOR.

Incorporating plants is one of the easiest tricks for making your bathroom feel like a spa. Place potted houseplants on the floor, countertop and other bathroom surfaces, or try hanging a potted plant from the ceiling. Be sure to choose plants that will thrive in a humid bathroom environment and the type of light the space receives. If living plants aren't suitable for your space or skills, set a vase filled with fresh flowers on a shelf or countertop, or decorate with faux plants instead.

2. DECLUTTER YOUR BATHROOM.

Cluttered countertops and jam-packed bathroom cabinets aren't conducive to relaxation. To streamline your space, start by getting rid of any products that have expired or gone unused in the last year. As you restock, place any items you don't use on a regular basis inside cabinets, drawers or baskets. Prioritize counter space and other open storage for the few essentials you use every day, and neatly tuck everything else away.

3. STOCK PLUSH BATH TOWELS.

Fluffy, luxuriously soft towels are key to achieving a spa-like atmosphere. Choose bath towels made from an absorbent material, such as cotton or bamboo, that will stand up well to washing over time. Display extra towels in a rolled arrangement, or create a stack with crisply folded edges. For an extra-special touch, invest in a towel warmer rack so you can wrap yourself in a warm, cozy towel every time you step out of the shower.

4. INSTALL A NEW SHOWERHEAD.

Replacing your basic showerhead with a more luxurious model is an easy swap that can turn your daily shower into a rejuvenating experience. Look for features that suit your needs and preferences, such as massaging spray patterns, a handheld component or a rain showerhead that sprays water from directly above. If you have room in your budget, consider upgrading other bathroom fixtures, such as the faucet or commode, to high-quality models with special features like touchless automation or heated toilet seats.

5. UPGRADE YOUR TOILETRIES.

Reinforce the spa look with extra details like aesthetically pleasing bath products that blend with your color scheme. If your favorite products don't come in spa-worthy packaging, consider decanting your hand soap or shampoo and conditioner into pretty bottles. Clear glass jars are great for holding sponges, cotton rounds and other small items. Corral toiletries on a tray by the sink to add a luxurious feel to your vanity area.

©2023 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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 top-dollar 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.

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.

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 repairperson, 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.

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.

©2023 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.