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

(360)

293-2161

715 Seafarers Way, Suite 100A, Anacortes

anacortesoffice.johnlscott.com

ANACORTES

REAL ESTATE ANACORTES

BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME

Great in-town location! 2BD BA 990sf w/ primary suite/bedroom on each level. Kitchen has new appliances & new flooring- both carpet and vinyl. Great room concept with kitchen open to living room. Laundry on the main level. 2 car carport. Just blocks from the Trail & waterfront.

#2033458 | $375,000

ANACORTES

SPECTACULAR SUNSETS

Gust blocks from the San Juan Ferry! Meticulously maintained 3BD 2.75BA 2168sf home w/ views over Guemes Channel and Burrows Island. Main level guest suite w/ 2nd kitchen & private entrance. Offered fully furnished. A short drive to downtown shopping and amenities.

#2028410 | $985,000

LACONNER

THE SUNNY SIDE OF SHELTER BAY!

Northwest chalet style home featuring 1BD/BA on each level. Recently remodeled kitchen, newer hardwood flooring. Views from the wrap around deck and fenced back yard. Detached studio and detached 2 car garage. Community pools, tennis courts, club house, library, golf, beaches, more.

#2018516 | $418,000

LACONNER

SHELTER BAY HOME W/ DOCK

Cruise the islands and secure back home at your private dock! 2BD 3BA 2179sf home w/ expansive deck peering upon the quiet bay surrounded by boats. Open concept living area w/ fireplace. Two master suites, one w/ fireplace. Office w/ wet bar. 3 car garage w/ storage. Leased land.

#1995974 | $795,000

ANACORTES

OPEN SLIP DOCK

44' long with 2' overhang. Preeminent Marina in Anacortes, gateway to the San Juan Islands. Marina features include 120V/30-amp power, potable water, restrooms & showers, laundromat, Internet, & mini-storage on site. Full service yard, fuel dock and pump out and 55 ton travel lift.

#2038471 | $210,000

(425) 343-5225

Natalee@WashingtonHomeSold.com www.WashingtonHomeSold.com

SEATTLE / GREENWOOD

#1999008 | $575,000

TOWNHOME 2BD 1.5BA 900sf just blocks to great restaurants, gyms, shopping, breweries & buses. Open living w/ vaulted ceilings & fireplace on upper level. Full laundry on the bedroom level. Partial views of the Olympics and great natural light. Oversized 1 car garage with room for storage. Shared fully fenced side yard. No HOA dues!

ARLINGTON

#2022701 | SOLD!

CLE ELUM

Call me

#1972513 | SOLD!

sell yours next! 425-343-5225 Call

GUARANTEED CAMPING SPOT Kittitas County is a playground for outdoor FUN! Bring the RV and enjoy what the area has to offer. Water & power to site. Close to 3 great golf courses, fishing/floating on the Yakima River, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, skiing, ORV's and dirt biking. Community Beach access. Make this your getaway destination for years of great memories. No HOA dues!

BEAUTIFUL & MODERN, BUILT IN 2021

1248 Rickover Dr | $515,000 Skyline 2BD 2.5BA 1789sf + Den/Office w/ closet. Huge Bonus room! Soaring ceilings, spacious light filled great room, fantastic chef's kitchen w/ stainless appliances, 2 pantries & bar seating. Luxury vinyl plank flooring on main level. Large primary bedroom with ensuite bath & walk-in closet. Huge media room or craft area, office, play room or home gym area. AC with mini split ductless heat pump! Large backyard is partially fenced. Skyline community amenities too!

COUPEVILLE

PENDING

ADMIRALS COVE 1223 Leahy Drive | $498,000 2BD 2.5BA 1582sf + den/office with closet. Large great room. Kitchen w/ stainless appliances & large island. Luxury vinyl plank flooring on main level. Mini-split ductless A/C system. Large backyard is partially fenced.

ELEGANT & TRADITIONAL

2302 42nd Place | $865,000 Forest Hills custom 3BD 3.5BA 2790sf on 0.28 acre lot. Hardwood floorss, built-ins, cherry cabinetry, granite counters. Bonus room/4th bedroom w/ full bath. Covered deck overlooks the private park-like backyard that backs to a greenbelt.

OAKHARBOR

PENDING

ROLLING HILLS 893 Sharon St | $340,000 Adorable & updated 2BD 1BA 768sf on 0.26 acre lot. Kitchen w/ new subway tile backsplash, new counter tops, sink/ faucet & island. New tankless water heat. Fully fenced with raised garden beds, fruit trees, a shed & firepit!

Hoople

EVERETT - 3BD 2BA 2269sf Mid-century w/ hardwood floors, large windows, fireplace upstairs & down, large utility room, formal dining room, and kitchen with eating space. Private manicured yard for privacy. #1996618 | $698,000

Commercial

GRANITE FALLS - Turn key spa & salon in the heart of town. Rent stations or run it all yourself! Styling stations, nail stations, pedicure chairs, hair sink, spa bed, private restroom, break room, & reception. Equipment incl. #2023545 | $495,000

New Price!

GRANITE FALLS - 2 lots on 0.76 acres! 74' of private riverfront. 1 bedroom park model with tons of storage, loft and expansive deck. Finished storage shed with power, flooring & loft. RV parking. Updated 3BD septic. #2020503 | $374,000

LEAVENWORTH - 2 lots sold together totaling 0.72 acres. Lot 25 (0.32 acres) has water. Lot 24 (0.40 acres) has water, power, septic and a small trailer. Ponderosa Estates neighborhood in Plain. Wenatchee river access. #1987190 | $350,000

SEATAC - Investor Alert! Potential for multigenerational living or rental income in McMicken Heights. Apartment downstairs w/ separate entrance. Views of the valley from the decks. Estate sale, being sold As-Is. #1985078 | $625,000

GRANITE FALLS - 3 vacant lots, totaling 1.19 acres. Located across the street from the river and large community park. Ideal location without worrying about flood insurance. Power & water are available. #1977721 | $289,000

2022 Award Of Excellence Winner 2022 Award Of Excellence Winner

GREAT ONE LEVEL RAMBLER ON MOUNT VERNON HILL

Single-level home with three bedrooms & two 3/4 baths. Huge bright and open kitchen with lots of countertop space. Jetted Jacuzzi bathtub in guest bathroom. Living room has gas fireplace. Hardwood oak floors in bedrooms. Bath off of primary bedroom. Gas forced air heat, with heat pump for A/C. Large deck in back to entertain. 2 car garage plus lots of parking on paved driveway. A must see!

#2036892 | $518,000

MOUNT VERNON

PREPARE YOUR HOUSE NOW TO SELL IN SPRING

Spring is a popular time for selling homes, as buyers are eager to move in before the start of the summer. To make your home stand out in the market, here are some tips to get it ready for sale:

y Curb appeal: First impressions are crucial, so focus on improving the exterior of your home. Clean up the yard, plant flowers, and fix any broken or damaged items.

y Clean and declutter: Clean your home thoroughly, including windows, carpets, and upholstery. Declutter by removing personal items, knick-knacks, and excess furniture to make your home look spacious and open.

y Paint: Fresh paint can give your home a new look and make it feel more inviting. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

y Lighting: Make sure your home is welllit, both inside and outside. Replace any burned-out light bulbs and consider adding extra lighting in dark areas.

y Repairs: Make any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaky faucets, repairing holes in walls, and fixing squeaky doors.

y Staging: Consider staging your home to help potential buyers visualize how the space could be used. This can be as simple as rearranging furniture or as elaborate as hiring a professional staging company.

y Price: Set a competitive price for your home based on recent sales of similar properties in the area.

By following these tips, you can get your house ready to sell in the spring and attract potential buyers. Good luck with your sale!

Jenifer Murrweiss Managing Broker

Master Certified Negotiation Expert Military Relocation Professional 425-422-7243

www.snohomishcountyhomesinc.com

IMMACULATE IN SILVER LAKE

3BD 2.5BA 2252sf two-story w/ open floor plan. Chef sized kitchen w/ massive 7x7 island, SS appliances including a gas stove, and double pantry! Living room w/gas fireplace. Large loft with endless potential. Fully fenced backyard with extended patio. Two car garage with great storage. All located at the end of a cul de sac across from the community park. Close to everything!

#2026276 | $999,950

BEAUTIFUL OASIS

7.55 acres vacant land to build your perfect home within shouting distance of downtown Sultan. Paved street w/ gas available, power and city water in the street. Zoned R-5 with possible additional buildable lots. Field has been newly mowed and trails cut for easy access. Build and enjoy fast growing Sultan. Hiking, skiing, boating and shopping nearby.

#1974447 | $295,000

BRAND NEW TOWNHOME

Less than $263sf! 4BD 3BA 1872sf attached townhome w/ oversize 2 car garage. Front & back decks for entertaining. Security features include a built-in sprinkler system, Ring doorbell & keyless entry for peace of mind. Kitchen w/ soft close cabinets & gorgeous 3cm thick Quartz counters. You'll appreciate the modern features like ductless heat pump w/remote, and easy laminate vinyl plank floors.

#2031415 | $479,950

EVERETT

SULTAN

STANWOOD

OPEN HOUSE!

Saturday March 11th Noon to 3 pm

Sunday, March 12th

11 am to 3 pm

Saturday March 18th Noon to 3 pm

Sunday, March 19th

11 am to 3 pm

DANYA WOLF 360-708-8294

ON THE COVER

MID-CENTURY RAMBLER

in the great neighborhood of Forest Villa on a quarter acre+ lot, near schools & shopping.

3BD 1BA 1090sf home with updated flooring and a new roof. Open spacious living/ dining areas of this cozy home. Kitchen has plenty of storage, nice countertops, a wall oven, and flat top range/oven, plenty of options for cooking for a crowd. Living room has a brick, wood-burning fireplace for chilly NW evenings.

Moving outside there is an oversize 2 car garage with workspace and room for storage plus plenty of extra driveway parking. The fully fenced backyard already has a playset and is large enough for gatherings and gardening.

MLS: 2038541 | $489,000 1920 19th Place SE, Auburn

HIGHLANDS WEST

GOLF VIEWS

PENDING

WATERFRONT

OAK HARBOR

Steps to the beach & Windjammer Park! 2BD 2BA 1192sf with a 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 | $332,500

OAK HARBOR

3BD 2.5BA 2200sf on 1/4 acre lot nestled in the trees. Covered porch, endless windows, cozy gas fireplace, & skylights. Sunken gathering room w/ new flooring. Main level primary suite boasting wall to wall closets and full bath. Fenced backyard w/ garden space. #2035017 | $549,000

OAK HARBOR

3BD 2.5BA 2782sf in Whidbey

Links Estates, a gated community. Main level living w/ countless upgrades. Gathering room w/ gas fireplace & custom cabinets. Designer kitchen w/ center island & granite counters. Office + hobby room. Sprinkler sys. 3 car garage. #2033800 | $749,900

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

BUYING LAND TO BUILD ON? YOU NEED A CHECKLIST

By Tim Carter

DAo 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.

re you one of many who are thinking of fleeing bigger cities to get away from crime, pollution, higher taxes, never-ending traffic jams and a laundry list of other pesky problems? You’re not alone.

You might be one of the millions like my son-in-law and my own son who now can work from anywhere there’s an internet connection. The paradigm of commuting to work has shifted farther than the ground does in an 8.0 earthquake. That dream you’ve nurtured for decades of living in the countryside is within your grasp.

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.

That said, you need to proceed slowly when buying raw land or a developed vacant building lot. I maintain there are no fewer than 20, and maybe as many as 30, important things you need to consider. In the limited space I have here, I’m going to share some of the major dealbreakers that would make me walk away from what appears to be a dream lot.

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

Just a few years ago I helped my daughter make a decision about buying a vacant lot in a small subdivision on Mt. Desert Island, Maine. My daughter unknowingly enlisted a realtor who had virtually no clue about the pros and cons of vacant land. Don’t ever do this. We looked at no fewer than 15 lots. At least five hours and gallons of gasoline were wasted looking at lots that should have never been considered.

The first thing you need to do when considering a building lot is to make your own personal list of deal-breakers. In my daughter’s case, she wanted privacy and quiet. This means you don’t want your lot to be on a main road where giant trucks with diesel engines pass by every three minutes. The same goes for tourist

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. 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

locations like Mount Desert Island that are overrun in good weather with tourists riding loud motorcycles. The wet-behind-the-ears realtor should have never even considered five of the lots she took us to.

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!

The first thing you need to do when considering a building lot is to make your own personal list of deal-breakers.

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 size of a lot is much more important than you might think. If you’ve never built before, you may not be aware of zoning laws that create an unbuildable border of land within your lot. This no-build zone is created by the front, rear and side-yard setback lines. They differ widely from town to town and neighborhood to neighborhood. For example, a vacant urban lot may have setback distances of just a few feet. A rural lot may have a front and rear-yard setback of 60 or more feet.

In my daughter’s case, the modest home she ended up building had to be shoehorned into the leftover buildable area within her lot. The house had to be built at an angle to the road – and even then two small wetland areas were dangerously close to the house.

Wetlands you say? Imagine looking at my daughter’s lot in the dead of winter when you can’t even see them because they’re frozen and under a foot or two

of snow! You’d hope all the wetlands are clearly marked on the plat map; however, you should only hope for things you can’t control like good weather or international peace.

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.

What about something as simple as compass direction? You might not think it matters much. Are you excited about the prospect of installing solar panels on your roof? Will the largest part of your roof that you can’t see from the road face south? That’s what you want to happen if you live in the northern hemisphere.

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

Consider my house for example. I happen to thoroughly enjoy sunrises. I wanted the rear of my home to face east so I could enjoy them sitting out on my deck. The other advantage of this orientation is when I’m on the deck on a hot summer’s day, my deck is in the shade.

What about city or town services? When I moved to rural New Hampshire 13 years ago I didn’t much think about trash pickup. After all, for five decades I just rolled my cans to the curb and the refuse magically disappeared. You can pay extra for that service in my town or you can drive your own stinking and leaking plastic trash bags to the town dump yourself. It’s a good thing I can hose out my pickup truck bed each time I get back home in the summer.

just the factory Trust install

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

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.

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

ABOVE FISHERMAN BAY

2BD 2.5BA 2394sf view home w/ office & 3-car garage. Great room with vaulted wood ceiling, Thelin wood stove, Brazilian maple floors & well-appointed kitchen with oversize granite island & Garland propane range. Wrap around, covered deck. Close to beach parks. #1984377 | $969,000

ISLAND LIVING W/ WESTERLY VIEWS

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

RICHARDSON DOCK

Own a bit of history! 507' waterfront on 0.4 acres (2 tax parcels). Office/storage building on dock. Southern exposure with views past small islands across the Straits to the Olympic Mtns. State marine lease in place. One of the last deep water ports on Lopez Island! #2033444 | $695,000

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

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

NORTH HOMES REALTY, INC

www.century21northhomes.com

730 S BURLINGTON BLVD, BURLINGTON 877-319-7625

COMMERCIAL - FOR LEASE

a fire ring, trees, & partial view. Community clubhouse, 2 swimming pools, & private lake stocked w/ Rainbow Trout. #2031118 | $30,000

MOUNT VERNON 4BD 1.75BA 1176sf w/ a white picket fence on MV Hill. Fenced back yard features a patio area. large enough for BBQs. 5 mins to I-5. #2036286 | $399,000

BIRCH BAY Best view in the park! 2BD 1BA singlewide on concrete slab w/ great covered area. Just a short walk to the beach! Birch Bay Village amenities. #2035156 | $80,000

LAKE TYEE Sweet little get-away. Wellkept property with travel trailer. Enjoy the many trails & nearby lakes. Recreational property $172/monthly & 210 days/yr. #2030276 | $39,500

CASCADE RIVER PARK Quiet & remote w/ septic installed, water on property and storage shed. Approved plans for 2BD 1BA cabin w/ loft. Trailer negotiable. #2029154 | $69,500

LAKE TYEE Unload & unwind at your very own camp site! Water, septic, & electricity on site. Beautiful cover and deck. Enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, & more. #2036227 | $36,000

CONCRETE Beautifully treed 2.41 acres awaits your dream full-time or vacation home. Mostly flat to gently sloped w/ several potential building sites. #1870406 | $128,900

425.231.2651 christinahomesalesc21@ gmail.com

360.961.7795 anita.kohl3@ gmail.com

YAKIMA 10+ acres nestled among golden rolling hills. You will love the seclusion and privacy. Ready for your creativity. Bring your dreams & plans!

#1902642 | $39,900

YAKIMA Nearly 10 acres! Enjoy expansive views of the valley below from your nearly 10 acre property, just waiting for the home of your dreams.

#1902620 | $49,900

CASCADE RIVER PARK High-bank lot on Cascade River- fish from the bank! get away from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by forest & wild life. Peaceful! #2025310 | $85,000

EDMONDS Build here! Bring your plans to 0.57 acres w/ potential peek-a-boo views. Quiet neighborhood close to shopping, restaurants, & Haines Wharf park. #1955652 | $375,000

MOUNT VERNON Nookachampo Hiils 0.45 acre building lot. Enjoy the multiple trails and amazing privacy. Floor plans and permits approved and paid for!

#2028749 | $225,000

BURLINGTON HILL 1+ acre w/ amazing views. Water, Electric, sewer, gas available at street. Possible seller financing. Just minutes from I-5. #1934095 | $125,000

ANACORTES 4BD 3.5BA 3142sf backed by forest land. Beautiful craftsman woodwork, warm gas fireplace, gorgeous wood floors, large cooks kitchen with 2 ovens. #1983829 | $925,000

SULTAN 20 acres of premium land. Mostly level lot w/ marketable timber. 1+ acre cleared w/ 20x30 shop, greenhouse, & outbuildings. Well and Septic needed. #2014840 | $740,000

CASCADE RIVER PARK Up-river and off-grid living! Across the road from the river w/ RV parking & fire pit. Gated community of the Cascade River Park. #2030190 | $149,000

CONCRETE 5.08 acres tucked in the forest, with a creek at the back of the lot. just minutes away from fishing, hiking, and outdoor activities. Bring your builder! #2023681 | $119,000

CONCRETE Mostly flat to gently sloped 2.38 acres w/ several potential building sites. Water rights secured and recorded for future well. Electricity at road #1870401 | $128,900

1-level condo in The Cedars, a 55+ community. Updated flooring, walk-in shower and newer hot water heater. Covered porch. #2026935 | $299,000

This is why you move to America’s #1 Cities and work with the #1 team!

BURLINGTON 2BD 1.5BA 614sf

WANT TO START SPRING CLEANING EARLY?

START WITH THESE TASKS

Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the annual tradition of spring cleaning. While many people associate spring cleaning with deep-cleaning tasks like scrubbing floors and washing windows, there are many other tasks you can tackle to give your home a fresh start. Here are some tasks to help you get started with your spring cleaning early.

DECLUTTER: One of the most important tasks for spring cleaning is decluttering. Go through each room in your home and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This can include old clothes, books, and household items. Donating or selling items can be a great way to declutter while also helping others.

DEEP CLEAN CARPETS: Over time, carpets can become dirty and dingy. Spring is a great time to hire a professional carpet cleaner or rent a carpet cleaning machine to give your carpets a deep clean. This will not only make your home look better but will also improve indoor air quality by removing dirt, dust, and allergens.

DUST AND POLISH FURNITURE: Dusting and polishing furniture can make a significant difference in your home's appearance. Use a microfiber cloth or a soft dusting tool to remove dust from surfaces, and then apply furniture polish to give your furniture a shine.

CLEAN AND ORGANIZE CLOSETS: Spring is an excellent time to clean out and organize your closets. Remove everything from the closet, and then sort items into keep, donate, and discard piles. Reorganize the remaining items to make the most of the closet space.

CHANGE AIR FILTERS: Changing the air filters in your home's heating and cooling system can improve indoor air quality and increase the lifespan of your system. This is an easy and essential task that can be done in just a few minutes.

In conclusion, there are many tasks you can tackle to start your spring cleaning early. Decluttering, deep cleaning carpets, cleaning window treatments, dusting and polishing furniture, organizing closets, and changing air filters are just a few examples. By starting early, you can make your spring cleaning more manageable and enjoy a clean and fresh home throughout the season.

THE BENEFITS OF A S pring HOME SALE

Spring is a popular time for homebuyers to search for their dream homes. The warmer weather and longer days create an atmosphere of optimism and a sense of renewal, which translates into an increased demand for homes. This makes spring the perfect time to sell your home, and there are many benefits to doing so.

Firstly, spring is the season of renewal, and buyers are often more motivated to start fresh in a new home during this time. Many buyers also prefer to move during the spring and summer months when school is out, making it an ideal time to sell for families with children. This increased demand and sense of urgency among buyers can lead to a faster sale and potentially even multiple offers, allowing you to get the best possible price for your home.

In addition, springtime provides the perfect backdrop for showcasing your home's best features. With the trees and flowers in bloom, your home's curb appeal will be at its highest, and natural light will pour into your home, making it appear brighter and more spacious. These are just a few of the things that can help you stand out from the competition and attract more buyers.

The spring real estate market often experiences a shortage of inventory, meaning there are more buyers than homes available. This can lead to bidding wars and higher prices for sellers. In a competitive market, your home can sell quickly and for a higher price than in other seasons, providing you with the best return on your investment.

Selling in the spring can give you the flexibility to move and settle into your new home before the start of the new school year or before the colder winter months arrive. This can make the transition to your new home smoother and less stressful.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to selling your home during the spring season. The increased demand, higher prices, and faster sales are just a few reasons why now is the perfect time to sell. So, if you are thinking about putting your home on the market, don't wait any longer. Get in touch with a trusted real estate agent in this magazine and take advantage of this opportune time to sell.

BRING BACK FRONT PORCHES!

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

The house I grew up in had a covered front porch. A few of the houses I owned after getting married also had this wonderful accessory. It seems that large front porches are being kicked to the curb by architects and builders. How do you feel about them, and why do you feel we don’t see more of them on new homes? If you were building a new house, what do you feel would be the perfect front porch?

D:Qo 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.

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

:AEvery 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.

I had a very similar experience with homes. My childhood home had a quaint front porch that measured about 10 or 11 feet wide and projected out from the front wall about 6 feet. The floor was poured concrete and it doubled as the roof of a storage room in the basement. It was always very cold in that room in the winter, as the ceiling, walls and floor were concrete!

it’s still possible in today’s digital world! — on a porch during a soft summer rain shower. You can sit on one and listen to distant train whistles and the humming of tires on interstate highway pavement. There are countless things you can do on front porches that will create lasting memories.

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!

Build a large enough front porch and you can have an old-fashioned porch swing. I don’t know that I can imagine a more delightful way to spend a summer evening.

porches were both utilitarian and pleasing to use.

The perfect front porch will vary from person to person, but I can tell you that I’d want one that’s at least 16 to 20 feet wide and I’d want it to extend out from the front wall of the house no less than 10 feet.

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.

My dream front porch would sport a steel-reinforced concrete slab. I might even cover it with solid thin paving brick so the surface is maintenance-free.

I remember our insulated milk storage box next to the front door as well as the aluminum chairs with the interlaced webbing my Dad would sit on. I also have great memories of my sister and her girlfriends giggling on the porch in the summer as they gossiped about boys.

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

Front porches are such wonderful things. I like them because they do a fantastic job of keeping front doors dry. Water is the enemy of all wood-framed homes, and doors are great places for water to leak into a home. There are all sorts of products and methods builders can use to eliminate water leaks around and under exterior doors, but more and more I see that most don’t know how to do it. It’s a crying shame.

Build a large enough front porch and you can have an old-fashioned porch swing. I don’t know that I can imagine a more delightful way to spend a summer evening.

Kids can play board games — yes,

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.

A front porch can also minimize solar gain into houses if there’s lots of glass in the front door. The climate where you live might dictate having a covering over the door so your entrance hall doesn’t become a boiler room on hot, sunny days.

As to why we don’t see more front porches, I’m quite certain that a front porch is one of the first things to go when a plan comes in over budget. It’s a shame, but it happens. It’s also possible that porches have fallen out of favor among today’s architects.

I’m a romantic when it comes to certain things in homes. I sigh when I see a new home that doesn’t have an access panel in a closet that lets you get at a tub or shower faucet. I shake my head when I don’t see the top of house foundations 24 or even 30 inches above the ground. Old architects and builders knew the advantages of doing this. Just like they knew how covered front

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

The ceiling would be recessed and at least nine feet tall. I’d have one or two paddle fans on it to create a breeze in the summer if it was a still night.

I’d design the porch so it could be transformed into a screened porch if I lived in a buggy area. Screened porches allow you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your blood to the local insects.

You can bet my front porch would have numerous strategically placed outlets and very soft indirect mood lighting. Think of an outdoor porch as another interior room and you can start to see how you might like yours equipped.

I’d absolutely place a major beam in the ceiling at the right place for a porch swing. The swing would be supported by through-bolts — not lag-type bolts that screw into the wood. Through bolts are the only way to ensure the swing stays where it should.

©2023 Tim Carter. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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.

THE BEST PROJECTS FOR INCREASED HOME VALUE

One of the most important aspects of owning a home is increasing its value. This not only helps you gain equity in your property, but it also makes your home more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future. While there are many ways to boost the value of your home, some home improvement projects are more effective than others. Here we share the best home improvement projects for increased home value.

Kitchen Remodel: The kitchen is the heart of the home, and upgrading it is one of the most effective ways to boost home value. A kitchen remodel can include anything from updating cabinets and countertops to adding new appliances and fixtures. The key is to create a functional and modern space that will appeal to potential buyers.

Bathroom Remodel: Similar to the kitchen, a bathroom remodel can have a significant impact on your home's value. Upgrading your bathroom with new fixtures, lighting, and tile can make the space more attractive and functional, which can lead to a higher resale value.

Outdoor Living Space: Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. Adding a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen can create a space for entertaining guests and relaxing outside. This type of upgrade can increase your home's value and appeal to potential buyers who prioritize outdoor living.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home can save you money on utilities and increase your home's value. Installing a new HVAC system, upgrading insulation, or adding solar panels can make your home more efficient and eco-friendly.

Curb Appeal: First impressions are crucial when it comes to selling a home, and curb appeal is one of the most important factors in creating a positive impression. Upgrading your landscaping, adding a fresh coat of paint, or replacing an old front door can make your home more attractive and increase its value.

Whether you're planning to sell your home soon or want to invest in your property for the long term, these upgrades can make your home more attractive, functional, and valuable. Consider consulting with a real estate agent to help you plan and prioritize your home improvement projects to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

WHY PAINT COLORS

LOOK DIFFERENT IN THE STORE THAN IN YOUR HOME

Whether refreshing a room or renovating a home, fresh paint is the easiest and most impactful way to breathe new life into a space without breaking the bank. But after pursuing thousands (yes, thousands) of tiny paint-color chips at the store, analysis paralysis takes over.

Is this white too warm? Blue too cool? Then, once you make tough decisions and narrow down your options to only the top contenders, you take your selected paint chips home. And guess what? They look different at home than in the store. Heck, they begin to look different in the various rooms of your same house. Pearls are clutched, and the cycle repeats. But not anymore! You are not alone in what may seem like a never-ending quest to find the perfect paint color for each room and special project at your home.

Here, we share why colors look different at the store and things to consider before purchasing your paint.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Lighting is the most important caveat to consider when picking out paint colors, both in the store and in your home. Stores are often lit with fluorescent lighting, while most homes have incandescent lights; the color will appear different depending on the light source. Also, natural light changes throughout the day, so there will be subtle variations in the morning versus afternoon.

QUICK TIP: Get a sample quart and paint a section on the wall to confirm that you like it throughout the day.

CHIP AWAY

Picking out paint chips and bringing them home is fun and, at the time, commitment free. But, a reminder: chips are printed, not painted, which can affect how they look.

QUICK TIP: Once you narrow down your favorite two or three colors, purchase sample quarts and test with real paint to confirm your pick is the right one.

CONSIDER FINISHING TOUCHES

The paint sheen or finish you select will also affect the appearance of the color. Flat finishes absorb more light than they reflect, so you’ll have a more consistent color no matter the lighting variations. High-gloss paint is very reflective, so the color you see will depend largely on the amount of light bouncing off it.

QUICK TIP: Know what finish you’d like so you can test accordingly. A general guidepost is flat for ceilings, semi-gloss for trim and cabinets, and satin for walls.

TEST THOROUGHLY

Once you have the sample quarts, you should paint swatches on the room walls. (Don’t be shy, go big!) However, do not place swatch samples side by side or too close to other colors, so they don’t wrongfully influence your choice.

QUICK TIP: Test a large swatch on numerous walls to get a true sense of the shade throughout the day as the lighting changes.

READ THE ROOM

Be sure to consider the existing decor, especially if you are picking paint colors in an empty house before you move in. If you have textiles or throw pillows you can bring in, those will help you make sure it’s a good match. Final rule of thumb? Try before you buy!

©2023 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

6 GREAT BATHROOM TRENDS TO TRY

Bathrooms aren’t just utilitarian spaces anymore; they’re becoming personalized, spa-like retreats. If you’re ready to hit refresh on your bathroom, these eight ideas will inspire you to turn this everyday space into a calming sanctuary.

1. ACCENT WALLS

Homeowners and designers are increasingly using accent walls to amp up interest in the bathroom. These can be used to liven up a neutral palette or help draw focus to a show-stopping feature, such as a soaking tub or custom vanity.

If you decide to add an accent wall to your bathroom, carefully choose which wall to showcase. Look to the features around or on the wall to help you decide. If you’re still not sure which wall is best, select the one most visible from the doorway.

2. FREESTANDING VANITIES

Personalization continues to be a top priority for homeowners, and freestanding vanities (with their furniture-like appeal) present a great opportunity to add a custom look. Plus, freestanding vanities generally offer the same design and storage options as built-ins, but at a less expensive price point.

Updating your vanity is one of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom without undertaking an entire remodel. To customize your freestanding vanity even further, swap out the hardware with pulls in your favorite metallic finish, then accessorize the countertop with a pretty tray or vase.

3. BLACK ACCENTS

Though hardware and faucet finishes are one way to try this trend, you can also go with deep-hued vanities, black accent walls and even plumbing fixtures. Used sparingly, black accents can provide a pop of contrast in a traditional white bathroom. When applied liberally, black accents help foster a glamorous vibe.

4. NATURAL TONES AND TEXTURES

As homeowners seek to create a calming space, subtle natural hues are on the rise. In addition, natural materials like wood and marble blend beautifully with a wide range of color palettes. Whether you prefer a minimalist Scandinavian look, a rustic farmhouse vibe or a traditional feel, natural tones and textures work well with a variety of design styles. To help modernize the space, incorporate a small dose of black to ground the look.

5. DOUBLE VANITIES

As the average house size increases, bigger master bathrooms mean more opportunities to incorporate convenient design elements like double vanities. Although double sinks can reduce the amount of usable counter space, many manufacturers are now addressing that issue with creative storage solutions. Vanities outfitted with power outlets, full-extension drawers and custom holders for grooming tools can help minimize clutter and make the most of limited space. Side-by-side vanities are another stylish choice with numerous customization options.

6. LARGE SHOWERS

When space allows, homeowners are ditching the shower-bath combo and opting for a walk-in shower and equally luxurious tub. A larger shower area presents ample opportunity for introducing customization and spa-like extras. Add an element of luxury with built-in storage niches or a teak bench lined with pampering products.

©2022 Meredith Corporation.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

MARBLEMOUNT

GREAT VISIBILITY Commercial property on 0.57 acre lot. Set up for o ces on main level w/ 1BA & 1/2 BA. Basement w/ 2 rooms & W/D. Plenty of parking & 20x24 storage building/garage. 2nd story o ers 2 rooms, one w/ sink. MLS:2038424 | $3,500/month

VACANT LOTS FOR SALE

Residential lot, Mount Vernon #2029949 | $199,000

1.27 acres inside MV city limits #1861233 | $115,000

0.35 acres, Nookachamp Hills #1970452 | $235,000

0.26 acres (2 lots), Concrete #1951005 | $60,000

5.2 acres near Big Lake #1880982 | $295,000

4.84 acres @ Mountain View Rd #1880932 | $275,000

0.39 acres w/ saltwater views #1863417 | $250,000

0.93 acres Prime Commercial, MV #1649968 | $600,000

MOUNTVERNON

|

SEDROWOOLLEY

16,000 sf Pole Barn w/ office, shop, & bathroom

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL Farmhouse + studio cottage on 1.76 acres. Classic 4BD 2.5BA 2560sf home. Kitchen w/island & ceramic tile oors. O ce + bonus room. Living room w/ replace & built-in bookshelves. Potential rental income too! #2028784 | $895,000

NW CONTEMPORARY Thunderbird 3BD 3BA 2487sf w/ vaulted, beamed ceiling in the living room. Dining room w/window seat & 2 sliding doors to covered brick patio. Upstairs bonus room/ o ce/guest bedroom. 1/3 acre lot. #2008624

$620,000

MOVE IN READY

PLAN 1455 Corner lot! 2BD 2BA 1455sf rambler. Quartz counters, nickel light fixtures, ADA toilets. Covered patio w/ landscaped & fenced yard. #2030639 $486,900

710 Parkland Lp - Sedro Woolley

PLAN 1214 Attached 2BD 1.75BA townhome w/ 36" wide doorways, no-step entry, & ADA height toilets. Gas fireplace in great room. #1971946 $459,900

756 Parkland Lp - Sedro Woolley

PLAN 1543 3BD 1.75BA 1-level townhome w/ $18+K in upgrades! Kitchen w/ quartz counters. Primary suite w/ walk in closet. Covered patio. #2020015 $483,500

712 Parkland Lp - Sedro Woolley MOVE IN READY COMPLETED!

PLAN 1543 Single story townhome! 3BD 1.75BA w/ vaulted great room. Kitchen w/ white cabinets & quartz counters. $20k in upgrades! #2020041 $485,500

714 Parkland Lp - Sedro Woolley

PRICE REDUCED!

Seattle / Northgate

We'll Help You Buy Your Dream Home

Like New Complex: New roofs, siding, railings, windows & sliders!

FANTASTIC COMMUTER FRIENDLY LOCATION

2BD 1.75BA 1073sf condo in great location. New LVP flooring, new granite countertops, new kitchen cabinets w/ soft close, and even a new bar sink & cabinets! Generous sized living room w/ wood burning fireplace. Primary bedroom has it's own private bath with a dual vanity, and custom XL tub with dual vanity in the guest bathroom. All appliances stay! Private back deck with additional storage and covered parking. Easy I-5 access, shops, restaurants and pedestrian overpass to Light Rail Station.

When you find a home you love, your agent will help you submit an offer. We are skilled negotiators that know how to get you the best price and value possible. Once an offer has been accepted we'll help you navigate through inspections, appraisals, and closing in a stress free way.

We do all of this at no cost to you, the Buyer, as we are compensated by the sellers.

Arlington

Spectacular Custom Rambler on 5 Acres

The Market is Changing!

SOUTH FORK STILLAGUAMISH 3BD 2.5BA 3700sf with over 200' river frontage. Handicap friendly w/ level entry from the garage, wide doors & hallways, w/ concrete walkway around the entire house. Large master suite w/ jetted tub. White oak floors & custom cabinets. Wet bar w/ wine cooler. SKS built-in appliances, fire sprinklers, generator panel, 80 gallon hot water tank with circulation pump and Hitachi heat pump. Car charging stations. You will love the view & access to the year-round sandy beach!