Re-Weekly 03/10/17 by Skagit Publishing

RE-Weekly.com REAL ESTATE IN SKAGIT, ISLAND AND WHATCOM COUNTIES

INSIDE

This Issue This Issue

MAY I VIRTUALLY HELP YOU? P. 4

Q & A: Ask Our Broker P. 8

BIGGER ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH 12, 1-4PM FEATURE HOME: 1416 ALPINE VIEW PLACE, EAGLEMONT

P. 9

SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE

Classifieds

$479,000

P. 10 -11

Skagit Tradition Real Estate

360-202-3086

RealEstate weekly

MARch – 9-15, 16, SEPTEMbER 2016 FEb. 5-10 FEb. 11,2017 2016

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American 1584983

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Re-Weekly content sponsored by: Northwest Fine Furnishings At RE/MAX we don’t just sell real estate, we sell HOMES that DOGS live in.

~Dave Liniger

TABLE OF CONTENTS May I virtually help you?........................ P. 4 Q & A: Ask our Broker.............................. P. 8

RE/MAX Founder

INSIDE

Bigger isn’t always better....................... P. 9

PAGE

Classifieds.........................................P. 10-11

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1589384

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

914 15th Street • (360) 299-SOLD • Tourskagit.com

All real estate advertised in Real Estate Weekly is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that

BURLINGTON

w NE

all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. For further information call HUD Toll Free at 1-800-669-9777. All Houses subject to prior changes without notice. Neither advertisers nor Skagit Publishing are responsible for any errors in the ad copy. Skagit Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, which we deem unsuitable for our

publication. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork and ad designs printed are the sole property of Skagit Publishing and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. Skagit Publishing is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers.

MOUNT VERNON

320 S Burlington Blvd Burlington, WA 98233 (360) 755-9494

Territory NW T

2025 Riverside Drive, Suite D Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 755-9596

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com D AN TL N CA VA

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OPEN HOUSE SAT. MAR. 11TH 1-3PM 527 S. 4th Street, La Conner $439,900 Dir: South on Maple, West on Washington, South on 3rd, East on Benton, North on 4th. First time on market in over 118 years! Wonderful views. Parlor & formal dining room w/coved ceiling. Gourmet kitchen w/custom Hertco cabinets. Vertical grain fir floors. Douglas fir siding. MLS #1002150 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Mount Vernon $234,950 Beautiful well maintained condo. Wonderful kitchen w/eating bar opening to dining area/LR combo w/cozy gas fireplace. Lots of windows, light & bright home. Master w/huge walk in closet & ¾ BA w/large walk in shower. 2nd BR w/balcony for BBQ’s & relaxing. Oversized 2 car garage and room for company parking too. No age or animal restrictions. MLS #1084847 Call Ivana, 770-3550

Burlington $299,000 Split level home in desirable location. 3 BR, 2 BA. New furnace. 2 fireplaces. Large deck. Newer roof & new exterior paint. MLS #1080530

Burlington $299,999 Come build your dream house! Desirable location! 14 acres with a minimum of 5 acres zoned. Possibly two building sites. There are 2 parcels. MLS #1052491

Call Wilma, 661-1631

Burlington $325,000 One of a kind valley view lot. 5-acre lot in secluded & upscale development. Build your dream home here. Panoramic views of the valley! MLS #1021573 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

LookIng for fuLL SErVICE ProPErty ManagEMEnt?

Jim, 708-1681 CallCall Elizabeth, 708-8800

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Mount Vernon $432,900 Amazing home just under 1/3 acre. 4 BR, 3 BA, 2,600 SF. Kitchen with granite counters & custom cabinets. Main floor master suite w/huge walk-in closet & bathroom. Grounds & garden must be seen to appreciate. Storage throughout. Terrific location. MLS #1052463 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Sedro-Woolley $759,900 Unique custom built, multi-level home with radiant heat on 1 acre. 4 BR, 3 3/4 BA, 5,000 SF. 2 dining rms, formal living rm, parlor, library. Kitchen has high end appliances & pellet stove. Gas free standing fireplace in master feat. full bath. Home office & possible guest bedroom over garage. MLS #1075960 Call Wilma, 661-1631

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Mike Welling 540-1341

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Call today and let our experienced staff go to work for you!

360-755-5555 Debbie Benjamin 708-8780

Corinne Cartwright 202-2397

Laura Kaestner 441-5099

Jennifer Ohlsen 540-0717

Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555

1589254

Bow $364,500 Beautiful 2 story home in desirable area. 3 BR, 2 ¼ BA. Lg. living room & fireplace. Kitchen w/eating space. 2 bonus/rec/family rooms. Attached 2 car garage & attached 2 vehicle/RV/boat carport. New roof, gutters & paint. Fully fenced yard on corner lot. MLS #1013958

March 10, 2017

New, furnished, model home.

Feature Home From cover:

1416 ALPINE VIEW PLACE, EAGLEMONT

S Skagit tradition reality 3780 e. college Way m mount vernon, Wa 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com w

• Starting in the low $300’s • Single level detached homes • Maintained yards • 3 beds / 2 bath designs • Granite slab countertops • Several different ﬂoor plans • Many energy efficient features

ELVA HuNTEr 360-202-3086

Exquisite Condo with spectacular views of Eaglemont Golf Course & the Mountains. 3 bedrooms plus den/library, 3 1/2 baths designed for casual/elegant living. Great room with hardwood floors, custom blinds, unique stone fireplace. French doors leading to a large deck with electric sunshade to enjoy the views! Enjoy cooking in your gourmet kitchen while looking across the golf course, granite counters, large island/eating bar, stainless steel appliances, gas stove and wine refrigerator! Large main floor master suite & master bath with separate shower & Jacuzzi tub, wonderful walk-in closet with built ins.

Contact Rita: (360) 488-3727 or Rita@LandedGentry.com or Jayci: (360) 941-8130 or Jayci@LandedGentry.com Sales office is open Wed-Sun, 12:00-5:00. Directions: I-5 to Mount Vernon; Exit 225, East on Anderson Road to 4 way stop. Proceed straight on LaVenture to E Division St; Right on E Division St to South 48th St

mLS #1087943 $479,000

877.769.8070 LandedGentry.com

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Brown McMillen Real Estate

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m • 235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

BAYVIEW RIDGE… Valley view, 4BD, 1.75 BA with lovely kitchen, vaulted ceilings, spacious dining rm, and play or hobby area on lower floor. Huge deck for entertaining and also in established neighborhood. $339,950 #1084490

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MT. VERNON CONDO… Very private 2BD, 1.75 BA, 1,456 SF Condo on MV Hill. Ground floor, 2 car garage with living space on 2nd floor. Vaulted Ceiling & open floor plan. $230,000 #1084578

LOVELY STANWOOD HOME… This home is 2BD, 1.75 BA, & is almost 1,200 SF. Private beach & boat access, and wonderful large deck to enjoy the wooded scenery around. Free standing wood fireplace inside this cozy abode! $245,000 #1080664

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D PEN TURN OF THE CENTURY CLASSIC… Restored 4BD home on 3.9 acres. HUGE restored barn. Over 3,800 SF of original charm like wrap around porch, 2 stairways. & so much more! MUST SEE! $899,000 #1083997 Kristen Tuttle Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts

March 10, 2017

NEAR SKAGIT COUNTRY CLUB... Unique 2 level, 3BD, 2.5 BA home with valley & mountain views. Nice family room off kitchen, central stone fireplace, vaulted cedar ceilings, & large covered wood deck. Loft work area in 2 car attached garage. $399,500 #1079926

708-8392 840-4375 770-7083 661-5538

Jeff Ingman Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Fritz Inman

202-2859 661-0145 333-7783 661-0147

L A S NG

LIKE US, SHARE US, CONTACT US! CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR THE LATEST NEWS ON NEW LISTINGS & MUCH MORE!

SAMISH ISLAND… Manufactured home on fully fenced ¼ acre lot. Kitchen with granite countertops and new cabinets. Property owns legal access to the water. Very clean, affordable, & ready to move in! $199,500 #1072921 Tim Reichert Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma Travis Lohman

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391-5587 661-1500 770-6013 661-4533

Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby

333-1032 421-5160 913-8662

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How chatbots may help you buy, sell, or rent your next home

May I Virtually Help You?

andango uses them to communicate with movie fans. Dominos offers them to help customers order pizza. And Nordstrom utilizes them to help shoppers customize gift ideas. They’re called “chatbots,” and they’ve now infiltrated the real estate space, making it easier to hunt for a home or rental unit or list your property for sale. Chatbots are artificial intelligencepowered virtual assistants (VAs), found within messaging apps or websites, that automatically respond to consumers’ requests and provide information via chat or text. But unlike Siri, Alexa, and other VAs that can typically only field simple one-at-a-time queries, chatbots are designed to conduct more extensive and human-like two-way conversations. Their usefulness in real estate is plentiful, say the experts. “Chatbots can provide immediate responses and property information to interested buyer and seller inquiries and help tee them up for real estate agents to take over,” says David Tal, CEO of Agentology, a San Diego-based tech company that provides lead qualification services for agents. “They also save real estate companies from the human cost of having full-time staff calling and responding to many inquiries that a chatbot can understand and assist with.” Examples of real estate chatbots up and running today include Apartment Ocean, Automabots, Kasia, ZoomBot, and Holmes. 4

“Holmes can respond to both buyer and seller leads and answer questions like ‘How long will my home take to sell?’, ‘What are the current taxes at 123 Main Street,’ and ‘Are there any homes in San Francisco with natural lighting and cement floors?”’, says Nate Joens, CEO at Structurely, the Ames, Iowa-headquartered creator of Holmes. “When needing basic info on a property listed on an agent’s website, you can ask something like ‘Does this home have a newer roof?’, and Holmes will instantly respond on behalf of the agent.” Nick Kljaic, president of Apartment Ocean in New York City, says chatbots can take requests, qualify potential clients for agents, provide updated lists of rental properties available, and even schedule showings. “We’ve all experienced inefficiencies in real estate – from the time it takes to search for properties to scheduling

visits to getting connected with agents. There’s a lot of room for improvement there, and chatbots can definitely help,” Kljaic says. Misty Weaver, Realtor with Dream Weaver Team with Keller Williams in Winchester, Va., says chatbots make everyone’s efforts easier. “Having a chatbot automatically respond has increased lead responsiveness and allowed me to follow up with more leads,” says Weaver, who uses products like Riley and Purechat that function as a cross between chatbots and VAs. “I think more agents will use them as they progress. But the majority will be in larger markets with younger agents, as older and single agents may find the transition to chatbots difficult.” Be aware, however, that chatbots won’t replace the need for important face-to-face time with an agent. “They cannot help show a customer a house, market a home, hold an

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open house, or negotiate the price of a home,” says Matt Murphy, CMO of Chime Technologies, an online real estate platform in San Francisco. “Agents are still a critical part of the real estate transaction, but they can leverage chatbots and automation technology to help save themselves time.” Kljaic believes chatbots will become increasingly useful down the road. “As artificial intelligence improves, the chatbot will be able to handle more tasks than a human assistant because it will have access to much more information than a human assistant can. They will never replace agents, but they will serve as versatile assistants to them,” Kljaic says. Tal foresees a future where chatbots will be seamlessly integrated into the real estate experience. “You may not be able to tell the difference between a chatbot and human conversation,” he says. March 10, 2017

Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie. Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people. “When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them,” says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors. Let us help you meet your marketing goals by advertising your listings in Real Estate Weekly.

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NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® 525 East College Way, Suite J

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

Filing Taxes as a New Homeowner For many new homeowners the year they buy their own home will also be the first year they do not take the standard deduction when doing their taxes. It can be confusing to know what is eligible for itemization and what is not.

111 E. George Hopper Rd Burlington Title: 360-707-2158 Escrow: 360-707-2312 ltco.com

1-844-878-1519

310 Commercial Ave Anacortes 360-299-0565

1-800-870-8571

Trusted Service for over 76 years

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Most homeowners will end up itemizing their loan costs and fees, mortgage interest, property taxes and private mortgage insurance. New homeowners should also consider itemizing all of the stuff they donated before moving as a charitable deduction. Many homeowners file their taxes on their own with little outside help, however, if the owner has a home office or their lender sold the mortgage to a different lender they may benefit from the help of a professional accountant.

Local Professionals Serving our Community

Source: https://www.nar.realtor/

Mission Statement: The Nor th Puget Sound Association of Realtor s advocates for Realtor s and their clients, and promotes the protection of property rights.

March 10, 2017

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www.WindermereSkagit.com RESIDENTIAL 2021 Laventure Rd #104, MV

$145,000

49 Willow Lane, MV

$298,500

Deer Runn ground level condominium! Large open floor plan with a real wood burning fireplace. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1,406 SF. Nice private patio. Assigned storage unit. Great location!

Hard to find triplex in good rental location. Walking distance to restaurants, groceries, etc. Additional income is from coin operated laundry located on site. Parking for

Call Geri Cole, 391-1614

Call Dave Patterson, 708-5030

1318 Talcott St, SW

MLS# 1081033 $204,900

Beautiful level 0.87 ac lot located in the city limits with R-5

several cars located at street frontage.

MLS# 1005746

19551 Burkland Rd, MV

$490,000

Potential development property.

Rare 30 acres of Skagit Valley farm land for sale with approx. 1,670 SF, 3 bed, 2 bath home on property. Sits in the heart of Skagit valley & offers premium soil in a beautiful location. Located in the highly sought after

Call Linda Eastman, 202-4075

Conway School District.

zoning. The property offers an existing 2 bedroom home currently used as rental with the same tenants for 10 years.

6953 Dayna Pl, SW

MLS# 1085778 $255,000

Call Jim Koetje, 202-2500

Country living close to town. At the end of a dead end street with an open pasture next door & creek on the east side.

MLS# 1044964

Well cared for triple wide with 3 beds, 2 baths. 24x56 shop

W NE

$289,000

This rambler features 2,173 SF, 3 bedroom/2.5 bath, & located in the Rolling Ridge neighborhood. Home has lots of potential, but in need of repairs. Open floorplan with eat-in kitchen & hardwood floors. Gas fireplaces in both the living area & family room. Large lot with extra space for shop or parking.

1412 Digby Place, MV

12413 Downey Rd, La Conner

MLS# 924351 $2,188,000

135 plus acres of prime farm land, with the building rights in place, located north of the City of La Conner. The property is improved with a 4 bed brick home & 2 warehouses.

MLS# 956070

VACANT LAND

19589 Kelleher Rd, Burl

Shelby Hagman, 982-0163

$1,100,000

MLS# 1018313

21314 Clara Place, SW

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817

Call Jim or Balisa Koetje, 202-2500

& RV 30 amp power hookup. Park like setting on .75 acre.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427

16708 Britt Rd, MV

Boxwood Farm is that rare combination of stately home & small acreage farm. Privately situated on fertile Skagit farmland, w/options for agricultural &/or equestrian pursuits. Horse-ready w/paddock, fencing, loafing shed, great barn. 240 SF greenhouse. The lovely, fully-updated Williamsburg Colonial is warm, welcoming & centers on a gourmet kitchen & sunny great room. A gracious home, designed for both comfortable daily living & expansive entertaining options.

MLS# 1084289 $297,500

$490,500

Real country living close to everything! Lovingly restored 4 bed, 1.75 bath, 1,900 SF farmhouse on 35+ acres. Large barn, extra outbuildings, pasture, hayfield, fruit trees in a tranquil setting with gorgeous territorial views. Home features upstairs master with sitting room, hardwood floors, solid wood doors, & wood wrapped windows. Unfinished 1,100+ SF basement with canning room & exterior access could be used for shop space, hobbies, etc.

Call Jamie Yantis, 540-5264

MLS# 1086445

9674 Samish Island Rd

$699,990

Incredible property! 157 ft of medium bank waterfront. Almost an acre & it includes a darling duplex. Each unit is 1 bed, 1 bath. They have a nice shared laundry room with storage for each unit. Views from the property are amazing.

Call Sarah Minton, 770-3076

MLS# 804056

6268 State Route 20, ANA

$750,000

Immaculate 1,600 SF condo with sweeping views. Windows allow natural ample lighting. Open living/dining/ kitchen areas. Upgrades include stainless steel appliances, paint, & carpet. 2 master suites, hardwood floors, granite counters, walk-in pantry, closets w/Calif. closet interiors & a gas fireplace w/slate surround. Enjoy a private outdoor patio for relaxing.

Peaceful 17.5 acres in highly desirable location w/ opportunities for beautiful mountain & water views. Large 2,400 SF shop w/230 volt electrical service & 1,440 SF covered storage area perfect for RV & more. Concrete driveway winds thru the beautifully timbered property. Well

Call Warren Bingham, 770-2421

Call April Axthelm, 661-4947

MLS# 1079888

installed on property. Campbell Lake views.

MLS# 1066676

Valentine Road, MV $225,000 Secluded 14.37 acres with a grove of trees at the back. PUD water & Power at the street. Short card allowed for 2 building sites; 1 acre each. Property is in open space. Beautiful private area to build your dream home on. Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 1057736 Dike Road, MV $228,000 11.7 beautiful acres of level, productive Skagit Valley farmland with Lot Certification! Rare opportunity to build in a picturesque setting providing majestic Mount Baker and peaceful pastoral views as your backdrop. Power, Public Water & Natural Gas in street. Call Elizabeth Miller, 420-3607 or Travis Miller, 420-7291 MLS# 940749 $350,000 Farm to Market Rd, Bow Bayview area 10 acre parcel of level pasture land with many allowable uses. A pleasant rural setting & out of flood plain. Minutes to I-5, schools, walking/biking trails, & Padilla/Bayview State Park. This property has 2 development rights as per Skagit County Planning Department buyer to verify. Call Warren Bingham, 770-2421 MLS# 1077908 Old Hwy 99 N, Burlington $800,000 High visibility I-5 exposure at busy 4-way exit 232. Next to Starbucks. Level, retention pond in place, sewer & water in street. Approx 600 feet of frontage on Old Hwy 99 North. Very few freeway parcels this good remain. Call Jim Scott, 424-4901 MLS# 1057842

Skagit Valley • 1030 E College Way • Mount Vernon • (360) 424-4901 April Axthelm Balisa Koetje Becky Elde Bette Thompson Bill Krieger Brett Johnson Cory Keihn Dave Patterson

360-661-4947 360-421-4111 360-770-9427 360-840-5109 360-421-4446 360-661-3825 360-441-1760 360-708-5030

David Mani Dawn Hardman Deborah McNeal Dick Nord Don Neill Donna Rowell Elizabeth Miller

425-319-7091 360-540-0058 360-707-8073 360-661-6529 360-420-4444 360-708-7984 360-420-3607

George Bellos Geri Cole Harry Ota Hollie Del Vecchio Jake Koetje Jamie Yantis Jim Glackin

360-708-9762 360-391-1614 360-708-3500 360-525-5538 360-466-8045 360-540-5264 360-428-2828

Jim Koetje Karen Beckner Karen Peirolo Karine Anderson Leah Hines Linda Eastman Megan O’Bryan

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360-202-2500 360-840-9455 360-348-0480 360-421-1189 360-428-3012 360-202-4075 360-708-5817

Navigating the rental market c Windermere Property Manag We offer full-service property commitment to quality and ac Or, do you need a tenant but don’t want full-time management? Ask us about our lease only services as well!

Anacortes (360)588-6016 | Mount Vernon (3

North Cascades • 520 Cook Road Nathan Loeb Nicole Ganske Rita Ingram Sarah Minton Shawn Danley Shelby Hagman Shelly Hanson Spencer Roozen

360-333-7197 360-941-8999 360-708-8338 360-770-3076 360-488-3858 360-982-0163 360-420-2565 360-708-0634

Tahlia Honea Tasha Zahlis Terri Heyntsen Tessa Jarvis Tiffany Danley Travis Miller Warren Bingham

360-333-5815 360-391-5075 360-391-0938 360-503-1939 360-298-4857 360-420-7291 360-770-2421

March 10, 2017

www.AnacortesRealEstate.com RESIDENTIAL

LAND 1119 5th St, Anacortes

$569,000

Live steps from downtown in this 1910 Victorian home. Boasting original fir floors, original trim, genuine hardware and stained glass windows, this home has authentic charm. A generous four bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, plus a bonus finished loft space this home has room for everything. Natural light flows throughout the house. Views of Guemes Channel from the Master Bedroom. Plumbing, 9772 Golden View Trail, La Conner $222,000 100 ft of water front in a cottage designed for vacations. Imagine sitting on your deck with this view!! The floor plan is uniquely set up for entertaining with an open kitchen and living area, but two distinct living areas so your guests can have a living area of their own and even a separate entrance. Lease amount is $14,335.00 per year. New 50 Year lease @ purchase. Kristi Gabrielse 360.420.3119 MLS# 870830 W

updated. Bring your ideas to reimagine the kitchen! Christine Cleland-McGrath 360.708.0267 MLS# 1071005 364 Airport Perimeter Wy, Decatur Isl

$299,000

Taxi home... Airstrip property with a gorgeous view of the water, islands and Olympic Mtns. Home is set up for sleeping at least 8 people and the large kitchen, dining room and outside deck make feeding them all a “breeze”.

Each level of the home has a full bath and the large unfinished basement is great for storing all the toys needed for island fun. Fully furnished with queen, twin and king size beds and tables and chairs for indoor and outdoor dining. Great location for pilots or boaters. DSL Sarah Jones 360.333.2783

can be overwhelming. Let gement alleviate your worry. y management with a strong ccuracy.

www.RentalsWPM.com

360)428-3012 | Sedro-Woolley (360)503-1939

d • Sedro-Woolley • (360) 856-4901 Bill Robillard Bob Hyde Carla Keel Caroline Baumann Catherine Mers Christine Cleland-McGrath Cheryl Frazier Colleen Craig

March 10, 2017

360-770-4707 360-661-0756 360-770-0743 360-202-7327 360-982-6831 360-708-0267 360-202-4789 360-770-9638

2319 Hickory Dr, Anacortes $749,995 Poised against the lush forestland, this lovely Parkside home has designer touches throughout and a flawless floor plan. Formal dining and living rooms are countered by warm and inviting casual spaces. Oversize kitchen w/huge island overlooks private backyard, perfect for entertaining or peaceful nature watching. Elegant master suite and an additional 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths. 3 car garage/shop space. King sized lot is perched higher up for stunning territorial views and privacy. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 1076993 34 Rosario Ct, Decatur Isl $215,000 Absolutely charming new “cottage in the woods” with covered porch, cathedral ceiling in “Great Room”, Vermont Castings wood stove, dining nook, custom carved mahogany door, tiled walk-in shower, hardwood floors, heated bathroom floor, Electrolux range, Fisher Paykel refrig, demand HW and lovely, private park-like location. Still time for buyer to choose final finishes and countertops. Detached 12x12 cedar shed could be a great bunkhouse for guests. DSL/WIFI, private dock, airstrip and beach. Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 926888

W NE

MLS# 1002589

OpEN HOusE 3/12 12:00-3:00pm 4924 Sharpe Rd, Anacortes

$524,000

Contemporary farmhouse nestled on private shy 2 Acs & perched above Campbell Lake. Views of mountains & lake to the east. Peek a boo view of salt water to the NW. Open floor plan with fire-lit Great Room/Kitchen/Dining. Half Bath & Laundry off Kitchen. 2 BR’s upstairs with full Bath. Master BR has sitting area & loft space. 400 SF Guest House/Studio adjacent to home. Very private setting with lots of garden space, orchard and yard. Recently built Sauna for R&R. Private & peaceful property. Leigh Zwicker 360.333.9975

MLS# 1071528

7 Decatur Highland Dr, Decatur Island $178,000 Gorgeous views and all the amenities of Decatur Northwest including passenger ferry, deep-water dock, beautiful sandy beaches, full-time caretakers, community gardens and 500 acres of park-like common area with lovely trails and abundant wildlife. You really feel on top of the world; with water and islands in three directions and nothing but the sound of the eagles and native sheep to interrupt the magical quiet of this special spot. Daily transportation available and utilities at lot line. Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1082761 356 Stillaguamish Place, La Conner $49,500 Ready to build your dream home on level lot with underground utilities on quiet dead end street. Building plans available for single level 1557 square feet, 2 Bedroom plus Den/2 Bath home with 2 car garage. Enjoy Shelter Bay amenities including golf, tennis, beach, swimming pools, tennis courts, & marina. Moorage available! Jackie Stone 360.661.2247 MLS# 1082932 3903 Isle Wy, Anacortes $125,000 Stunning lot in the desirable Isles development. Great location in Anacortes; minutes from downtown, restaurants, shops, library, the state ferries, and WA Park. All city amenities are at the lot. A preliminary rambler house design is available for the lot. The Isles offers a clubhouse for gathering, community maintained grounds and a one car garage space in the detached community garage. Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 1050955 3910 Isle Wy, Anacortes $175,000 Stunning view lot in the desirable Isles development. Spectacular views of the San Juans, Guemes and Bellingham Channels, and sailboat races. Great location in Anacortes; minutes from downtown, restaurants, shops, library, the state ferries, and WA Park. All city amenities are at the lot. A preliminary rambler house design is available for the lot. The Isles offers a clubhouse for gathering, community maintained grounds and a one car garage space in the detached community garage. Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 1050923

Anacortes • 3018 Commercial Ave • Anacortes • (360) 293-8008 Cynthia Aanestad Debbie Macy Donna Cunningham Gina Davis Jack Dixon Jackie Stone Jeannine Reinig Jessica Notaro

360-610-0120 360-391-2422 770-335-7513 360-708-7794 360-941-5000 360-661-2247 360-724-8555 360-202-1441

Joan Handelmann John Prosser Judy Moore Kathy Rogers Kristi Gabrielse Kim Wilson Leigh Zwicker Linda Macy

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360-202-4800 360-202-3891 360-770-3515 360-941-4400 360-420-3119 360-333-2490 360-333-9975 360-708-8284

Margi Houghton Nate Scott Paul Weisz Rebecca Chamberlain Rick Bennett Rob Skelton Sarah Jones Tracy Peterson-Foy

360-202-0041 360-708-2354 360-391-7281 360-421-5021 360-202-2630 360-488-3776 360-333-2783 360-708-1833

1584650

Electrical, Foundation, and Storm Windows have been

Keep Score Question:

We have been told to avoid checking our credit reports because the mere act of ordering them will result in lower scores. Is this true?

Answer:

Consumers should have access to their own information and they should use that access to ensure what’s being reported is correct. According to the Federal Trade Commission “one in four consumers identified errors on their credit reports that might affect their credit scores.” Some of these errors were substantial. “Approximately one in 20 consumers,” said the FTC, “had a maximum score change of more than 25 points and only one in 250 consumers had a maximum score change of more than 100 points.” These numbers can impact your credit standing and increase the interest rate you pay for a mortgage. So sure, you absolutely should check your credit report before you speak with

mortgage lenders, perhaps two months in advance so there’s time to correct any mistakes and delete outdated information. You can do so without cost or obligation by going to AnnualCreditReport.com. Under the rules you can get one free credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies once every 12 months, a total of three reports before the clock starts again. If you ask for a report, it’s a “soft” inquiry and does not impact your credit score. For instance, CreditKarma.com says you can check your credit score with them “as often as you like without affecting your credit score.” If you authorize a credit check because you want a loan or a line of credit, it’s a “hard” inquiry and can potentially result in a lower credit score. However, don’t let worries about hard inquiries stop you from shopping around for the bestpossible mortgage deals. As myFICO.com explains, “hard inquiries are inquiries where a potential lender is reviewing your credit because you’ve applied for credit with them. These include credit checks when you’ve applied for an auto loan, mortgage, or credit card. Each

Q& A

ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller

of these checks count as a single inquiry. One exception occurs when you are ‘rate shopping’. That’s a smart thing to do, and your FICO score considers all inquiries within a 45 period for a mortgage, an auto loan or a student loan as a single inquiry.” A caution: There are a lot of places online that offer “free” credit information and services. The Federal Trade Commission says consumers should be careful because in some cases “the ‘free’ product comes with strings attached. For example, some sites sign you up for a supposedly ‘free’ service that converts to one you have to pay for after a trial period. If you don’t cancel during the trial period, you may be unwittingly agreeing to let the company start charging fees to your credit card.”

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March 10, 2017

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Today’s buyers want a home that meets their needs – and their budget

he “McMansion” of the past decade may simply not be as in fashion as it was. Today, a home that’s tailored to one’s needs, and conserves energy and expense is rising trend. That leaves homebuyers with the task of ascertaining how much space they really need now and in the years ahead, and what the real costs are for the space offered by a particular home. Here, advice for those who want to make a measured housing decision: Assessing Needs Consider the typical Generation X buyer. This demographic is the predominant force in today’s market, explains Mollie Carmichael, principal of John Burns Real Estate Consulting, Irvine, Calif. A Gen X buyer usually moves to acquire more space but also wants to avoid buying excess footage. Moreover, Carmichael says her surveys show that “they want their space to provide more functionality, providing space for work from home and living.” March 10, 2017

To get a realistic grasp on the problem, take a cue from architects, suggests Kermit Baker, an economist with the American Institute of Architects. “They do an exercise with clients called programming,” he explains, “asking for details about what the client likes and dislikes about his current living arrangement and what they anticipate wanting.” Our hypothetical couple, for instance, may love the overall size of their kitchen, but the location of their current large island counter doesn’t allow for an eating table they’d like. They would look for a kitchen that’s about the same size with a different configuration. Finding a home that puts every inch to good use has resulted in “ people really looking at a house more frequently before they purchase,” observes John Huggins, president of Coldwell Banker Legacy in Bowling Green, Ky. Generally, a bigger home will cost more than a smaller one in the same neighborhood, Huggins notes.

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Property taxes are likely to be higher on a bigger home than on smaller neighboring properties. And, a large home that’s in a far-flung suburb could carry a relatively low price tag, but high commuting expenses. When consumers estimate these various costs, often “they would trade size for a better location” to minimize transportation expenses, Carmichael says. Likewise, they look for floor plans that transform spaces – like eliminating a formal dining room – to get enough affordable living space, she adds. Larger homes constructed under codes encouraging efficiency, or larger homes where owners have made energy improvements, could have lower utility bills than smaller structures. Buyers should ask sellers for a few months’ worth of utility bills. And, some home inspectors can provide an energy evaluation. To find a licensed inspector in your area, visit homeinspector.org, home of the American Society of Home Inspectors. 9

1006 21st PLAcE, MOUNT VERNON

$297,000 2009 wOODRiDGE AVENUE, MOUNT VERNON Mount Vernon Hill Location on quiet cul de sac: 4 bedroom, 1 ¾ bath home with bamboo flooring; separate family or formal living room with fireplace. Nice size bedrooms with large closets. Remodeled kitchen with pantry; all new appliances, stove, refrigerator; dishwasher even the washer/dryer! Fenced backyard offers storage shed and nice play area. Extra parking beside 2 car garage with storage space. Danya Wolf MLS #1085496 360-708-8294

DI N E P

23786 kAMLOOP cT., MOUNT VERNON

$150,000

Large lot in Nookachamp Hills Community. Beautiful country setting overlooks a private lake for you to enjoy. Less than 10 minute drive to the city of Mount Vernon. All utilities are stubbed to the lot. Yolanda Sakuma 360-421-0435 MLS #1059504

13813 STATE ROUTE 9, MOUNT VERNON (5 AcRES)

$239,000

Beautiful view property, ready for you to build your dream home. PUD water, power and 3 bedroom septic surrounded by a circular driveway or continue on to another wonderful building site - cleared, level, and with spectacular mountain view! New gravel road is partially paved. Good access from Highway 9 for easy driving i n t o property. I-5 minutes a w a y. Watch for Carla Fischer Celia Miller signage. 360-982-0010 360-391-6065

1802 BAkERViEw cT, MOUNT VERNON

LOT 18 TRiLLiUM LANE, cONcRETE

oPEN HousE sat., maRCH 11, 10am-1Pm

$39,000 1238 TOLEDO ST, BELLiNGhAM

Custom, 3 bed/1.75 bath beautifully appointed 1,600+ sq. ft. home featuring, ceramic tile backsplash in kitchen, tile floors in entry and bath; vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwoods and walk-in closet. Fully fenced yard offers covered deck, garden space and fruit trees. Garage with 200 amp service, extra storage and work bench. MLS #1073807 Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

$359,950 63 wiLLOw LANE, MOUNT VERNON NEW

Lovely future building site requisite on using water catchment system to obtain building permit. Power to the property. Nicely treed level tract of land with open area ready for building in the future. Paved street. Walking distance to Rasar State Park! MLS #1080761

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

1804 BAkERViEw cT, MOUNT VERNON 98274

$165,000

Mount Baker view from one of the premier large lots (10972 Sq. Ft.) in beautiful peaceful Eaglemont! 18 hole championship Golf Course & large Clubhouse with full service restaurant and incredible views, plus gym facilities! Builder/Owner will build for you or Elva Hunter bring your own plan! All utilities are in 360-202-3086 and ready for you to build. Complete set of plans for a beautiful home on this lot is negotiable. Builder completed 1806 and 1808 Bakerview Ct. MLS #848246

$122,000

EaglEmoNt Attractive, large lot in beautiful Eaglemont Golf Course community, close to brand new 20,000+ SF clubhouse, dining and full fitness facilities. Complete plans for a beautiful home on this lot are negotiable. MLS #475295

NEW

ICE

John Hunter

360-202-3854

$359,900

Partial bay and city view. 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms. Master bath has walk-in handicap tub and extra vanity, tile floor at bath and kitchen, stainless appliances, dishwasher, range, refrigerator, washer and dryer stay with house. Joan Boudreau Gas fireplace, Oak floors, 2 large decks, 360-391-0746 storage building at back of house. Located near schools, event locations and shopping. MLS #1040211

$250,000

PRI

Permit-able for in home business. Roomy, 1,700 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 1 ¾ bath 1 ½ story home on spacious 1/3 acre lot in convenient location. Updated interior, country kitchen, charm of yesteryear. Easy access to everything! Shopping, schools, bus line and medical. Danya Wolf Zoned for possible in-home business. Plenty of parking, including for 360-708-8294 RV. Nicely fenced back yard with fruit tree and other trees. MLS #1008048

17714 kiNGFiShER cOVE LANE, BiG LAkE

$950,000

Waterfront home with 75 ft of lake frontage with private dock! Custom Spanish Style home w/ sweeping staircase up to luxurious master suite. Kitchen with granite and sub-zero refrigerator; radiant heat; skylights; vaulted ceilings; surround sound; built in vac; rec room and bonus/storage room. Fantastic views from choice of 3 decks!. MLS #1007986

Danya Wolf

Carla Fischer

360-708-8294 360-982-0010 Danya Wolf 360.708.8294 Suzanne Jenkins 360.941.2983 Brett Tacker 360.840.7931 Sandy Everett 360.202.3706 JoAnn Boudreau 360.391.0746 Celia Miller 360.391.6065 Donna Kurras 360.770.7596 Elva Hunter 360.202.3086 John Hunter 360.202.3854 Russ Lanker 360.708.1117 Shirley Bertholf 360.840.1863 Carla Fischer 360.982.0010 Yolanda Sakuma 360.421.0435 Patricia Box 360.941.9186

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

360.424.0300

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 12

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March 10, 2017