RE-Weekly 12/15/17 by Skagit Publishing

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

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SAFETYTally FOR The Real REALTORS CosTsP.of 4 ReloCaTing Q & A:P. 4 Ask Our The aRT of Broker youR Deal P. 8

P. 8-9

FEATURE HOME:

SEE SEEPAGE PAGE35FOR FOR MORE MORE

$529,000 360.661.2247

P. 10-11

Classifieds P. 10 -11 1698035

116 lummi DR., la ConneR Jackie stone Windermere Re anacortes Properties

LENDERS Q & a: ask WARM UP TO ouR BRokeR FIRST-TIME STRUGGLINGP. 9 BUYERS ClassifieDs P. 9

a supplement to the skagit Valley herald and the anacortes american

DECEMBER 15-21, 2016 2017 xxxxx- xxxxx, 1698035

Re-Weekly content sponsored by: Northwest Fine Furnishings

TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety for realtors................................... P. 4 Q & A: Ask our Broker.............................. P. 8 Lenders warm up to first-time struggling buyers.................................... P. 9

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INSIDE 4

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

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Bedroom sets, rocking chairs, nesting tables, swivel bar chairs, custom sofas, raven, crow, and Buddha garden art and local map coasters!!

1697650

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

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

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.

BURLINGTON

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

Territory NW

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com

D TE LIS T S JU

OPEN HOUSE SAT. DEC. 16TH 1-3PM $189,000

Dir: From College Way--go South on Riverside, L (East) on Fri, L (North) on 8th, condos at the end. Affordable and Move in Ready! Extremely private and unique 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo in Mount Vernon. 1300 square feet. All new counter tops, laminate flooring and carpet. Large deck. The sunsets and city lights are gorgeous. Won’t last! MLS #1228574

Burlington

ConCrete

$350,000

Bring the animals and your projects! 30 X 36 shop! Home built in 1991 with 2000 SF - 4 bdrms, 1 ¾ baths & master on the main floor. MLS #1184677

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Sedro Woolley

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

$290,000

Call tony, 420-0501

CED DU RE E IC PR

$442,500

Call Charlie 708-1415 or Jeannie 708-9645

Lisa Boon Meyer 708-1415

BoW

Located on Scenic Chuckanut Drive. 5.59 Acres. Hillside building site is approved for one residence. Expansive Views of Samish Bay & Islands. Borders Salmon Spawning Oyster Creek. Easy Beach Access. MLS #1213005

Call elizabeth, 708-8800

Beautiful Historical 1920 Home. Completely updated and remodeled. 2013 sq ft, 4 BR, 1 ¾ BA. Original leaded glass windows. On 3 lots, ¼ acre total. Great downtown location. MLS #1198655

Call ivana, 770-3550

$239,900

2 homes on 20 acres. Wooded and pastures. Nestled in the Cascade Range. Your little piece of heaven. MLS #1202234

CED DU RE E C I PR

ES CR TA A FL

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

roCkport

Call Mike, 540-1341

Call debbie, 708-8780

$149,900

Rare! Large, level city zoned for Tri-plex,Townhouse with commercial on bottom or single family. May also allow for a 4 story building. Build it and they will come! MLS #1187268

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Mount Vernon

$619,000

Spacious custom home. 4 BR, 3 BA, 4312 SF. .42 acre lot w/ views of Big Lk. Master BR on main floor. Granite counters, hardwoods, wet bar 3 car attached garage w/ shop. MLS #1215137

Sedro Woolley

Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

Ivana Wood 770-3550

RE-Weekly.com

Mike Welling 540-1341

Debbie Benjamin 708-8780

$777,777

Prime location with high density of traffic. 3 buildings all heated and insulated. Just more than half an acre. MLS #1089598

Call Wilma, 661-1631 or Jim, 708-1681

Laura Kaestner 441-5099

Joe Eckerson 333-1640

Tony Zimmermann 420-0501

Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555

1698694

1211 n. 8tH Street, #1, Mount Vernon

December 15, 2017

Feature Home From cover: 116 LUMMI DR., LA CONNER

Umpqua Bank Home Lending

GOOD NEIGHBORS MAKE GREAT LENDERS

Loan products subject to credit approval.

Home Loan Officer NMLS 1172408 CALL 360-230-2241 UmpquaBank.com/PRodriguez

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

HLD17.705

NMLS #401867 1660148

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

E L A S

JaCKiE STonE 360.661.2247

Enjoy waterfront living in this beautiful single level home ~ watch the boats cruise by from the comfort in your home or relaxing on the deck. Excellent open floor plan. Kitchen has water view & beautiful woodwork. Master Bedroom Suite w/water view, good floor plan with guest room on opposite side of house for privacy. Music room/office could be 3rd BR. 1844 sq.ft. Just over Rainbow Bridge from the charming waterfront town of La Conner. Enjoy Shelter Bay marina, golf, swim, tennis, & beach. Moorage possible MLS# 1221250

PIERO RODRIGUEZ

Branch Manager Home Loan Officer NMLS 487442 CALL 360-230-2246 UmpquaBank.com/SDeVries

Windermere indermere real estate/anac estate/anacortes Properties 3018 commercial ave. anacortes, Wa 360.293.8008 www.anacortesrealestate.com

Umpqua’s loan officers are local experts equipped with an array of options for your purchase, refinance or new construction.

SUSIE DEVRIES

$529,000

1698036

Brown McMillen Real Estate

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

G N I D PEN

BURLINGTON RAMBLER…darling 2 bdrm, 1.75 bath home with extra detached ANACORTES…3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home in peaceful Cranberry Heights MOUNT VERNON…beautiful condo in Eaglemont with 4 bds, 3.5 baths, and over 14 x 16 finished bonus room. Large living room w/gas frpl, fenced backyard, neighborhood. Open kitchen with island, gas frpl, large patio to fully fenced 3,000 SF of living space. Chef’s kitchen, cozy den, vaulted ceilings, hardwoods, and so much more! Home has been well cared for. $257,000 #1216199 backyard, alley access, and distant view of San Juan Islands from 2nd floor. gas frpl, crown molding, and storage galore! $378,900 #1199516, #1199266 $409,500 #1167701

Kristen Tuttle Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts

December 15, 2017

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

Jeff Ingman Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Fritz Inman

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

Tim Reichert Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma Travis Lohman

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BURLINGTON…3 bdrm rambler in Samish River Park. Mostly remodeled with new Pergo flooring throughout kitchen, living, dining, & hallway. Bonus room, large newly stained deck, deep lot with plenty of room. Lovely water views! $299,900 #1169423 391-5587 661-1500 770-6013 661-4533

Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby Dana Holmes

333-1032 421-5160 913-8662 770-6716

1698648

COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR LEASE…5,052 SF adjacent to Big 5 Sporting Goods. PROFESSIONAL BUILDING…over 3,500 SF of professional space that is well Ample paved parking with good visibility from Burlington Blvd. Open floor plan maintained, all one level, large reception area with cathedral ceilings, and could with 10’ high ceilings, restrooms, large office space, & employee lunch room. possibly be split into two separate businesses. $749,500 #1179789 Call for Pricing! #1071987

y t e f Sa for ors t l a e R Tips, tools for real estate professionals to protect themselves on the job

he real estate business tends to be a solitary profession, enough so that agents can find themselves in potentially vulnerable settings. Associates meet one-on-one with clients, in some cases for the first time, at vacant houses. The gettogethers can be after dark, in secluded parts of town or way out in the country. In the case of agents, they fall into demographic groups generally more susceptible to attack. Currently 63 percent of all Realtors are women, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Average age is 53, although as independent contractors, agents can be full- or part-time from their 20s to 70s or higher. The NAR observes Realtor Safety Month each September. “This is an excellent opportunity for all Realtors to reflect on the importance of staying safe on the job, while embracing a commitment to follow good safety practices throughout the year,” according to an article in Realtor magazine. “Sadly, incidents involving the personal safety of real estate professionals continue to occur every day,” the story says. Among the steps the association takes to get out the word about safety are free webinars entitled “Do This Now” and “Stay Safe by Building Better Business Relationships.” No-charge internet workshops also take place in April, and another 20 safety-related classes are archived online. 4

Yearly, the association produces a “member safety report.” The 2017 document surveys members on “professional or work-related situations that prompted fear, their use of self-defense weapons and safety apps and proactive safety procedures in their brokerage.” According to the NAR, the report’s mission is to gauge the extent of safety risks Realtors might face, help brokerages benchmark their efforts and determine areas of improvement. According to last year’s report, less than half of NAR members said their office has standard procedures for agent safety, and another 28 percent responded, “I don’t know.” The NAR says, “If your office hasn’t instituted safety procedures, start now. The time to prepare is before someone becomes a victim.” Meanwhile, the association offers social media safety tips on a weekly basis through a “shareable visual graphic” on its official Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages. And a new grant program assists state and local Realtor association in launching safety plans for members and encourage awareness. Go to www.NAR.realtor/safety. At least one personal safety company is promoting its wares during real estate safety month. Pepper spray manufacturer SABRE Security Equipment Corp. highlighted how real estate agents can stay safe, including:

RE-Weekly.com

•H ave an exit excuse – if a situation doesn’t feel right, always have a way to get out; • Create a check-in plan – alert family and coworkers when heading to open houses or meeting with clients, and set up a code word for when you need help; • Maintain your privacy – never use your home address or number on business cards or paperwork and keep your social media client-free; • Know your way – practice your route so you’re confident and can’t be taken advantage of on the road; and • Protect yourself – the smartest thing to do is take your personal safety into your own hands. The St. Louis-based company touts its selfdefense products for real estate agents. “From driving in cars with strangers to waiting alone at open houses, Realtors deal with a unique set of personal safety problems while on the job,” the business says. “In addition to having the right tools, we also try to give our clients the right knowledge to stay safe,” says David Nance, company chief executive. “We believe you should always be proactive,” he notes, adding that the venture offers a number of “highly effective and equally discreet self-defense options they can easily be put to use in any situation.” Visit www.sabrered.com/real-estate-agent-safetytips. December 15, 2017

RE-Weekly.com VISIT RE-WEEKLY.COM TO EASILY SEARCH FOR LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS! EASY TO USE TOOLS & THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FINDING LOCAL REAL ESTATE

A C T I V E A D U LT C O M M U N I T Y

Craftsman style homes for those 55 and better.

• New phase, new home plans! • Starting in the mid $300’s • 3 beds, 2 baths designs • Single level detached homes • Granite slab countertops • Maintained yards, community lodge • Homes from 1,299 to 2,567 sqft • 2 furnished model homes

877.769.8070 • LandedGentry.com

Contact Rebecca 360-982-8964, Rebecca@LandedGentry.com or Mary 360-708-6763, Mary@LandedGentry.com Sales office is open Wed-Sun 12-5 (closed 12/23 & 12/24). 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.

Left to right: Donna Linson, Jenifer Gorman, Karen Ashley, Barb Adams, Kim Smith, Helen Pearson, Diane Mills

LAND TITLE AND ESCROW • 111 E. George Hopper Rd Burlington Title: 360-707-2158 Escrow: 360-707-2312 1-844-878-1519 • 3010 Commercial Ave Anacortes 1-800-870-8571 • 360-299-0565

Ltco.com

Trusted Service for over 76 years

Local Professionals Serving our Community December 15, 2017

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1661231

www.WindermereSkagit.com RESIDENTIAL NE

2725 East Fir Street #19, Mount Vernon $69,900 Home offers split bedroom plan and a cozy family room with gas stove. An extra large storage building behind home provides lots of space for hobbies, tools, or extra storage. Hot tub and garden in private backyard with fruit trees and water feature. New carpet in the main living area & master bedroom. Space in the dining room for a china cabinet. Front views of the large grassy common area. Active social club and large clubhouse. Call Christine Mays, 298-4431 MLS# 1224328 201 N 30th St, Mount Vernon $329,000 Skagit Orchards, 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath home on nice sized lot with cedar fenced backyard. This home is great for entertaining, spacious kitchen, upstairs bonus room is very large as is the oversized two car garage. This home is close to shopping, the medical community and has easy I-5 access. Fantastic location, in quiet cul-de-sac, don’t let this one pass you by. Call Karine Anderson, 421-1189 or Tasha Zahlis, 391-5075 MLS# 1196175 NE

4315 Kiowa Drive, Mount Vernon $439,500 HAVE IT ALL: 4 bdrm, 3,665 sf home on .37 acre. New Engineered COREtec tile flooring in kit, utility/bath. New carpet, paint, & refinished white oak flrs. Great rm w/gas frplc. Kit island, Jenn-Aire range. Den/office w/closet. Main floor Master w/bath & lg walk-in closet. Upper Master w/vaulted ceiling, 6 piece bath, jetted tub, lg walk-in closet, extra rm for hobbies/storage & pvt view deck. New carpet in finished daylight bsmt w/rms. Upper & lower refinished decks. View Mt. Baker. Call Warren Bingham, 770-2421 MLS# 1202682

6948 Salmon Beach Road, Anacortes $394,999 Beautiful waterfront property in Anacortes. 75’ of waterfront. Current home will need to be removed from the property. Home is accessed on a private drive. A one of a kind opportunity. Call Brett Johnson, 661-3825 MLS# 1201106

15164 Deschutes Court, Mount Vernon $619,950 Beautiful 3,100 sf Craftsman home being built in the most picturesque setting w/ framed view of Big Rock & 68 ac common area. 2 well appointed master suites plus den on main level, 3rd bed & bonus rm up (could be used as a 4th bed). Attached 3 car garage, huge crawl/ storage, 2 decks, on a near 1 acre lot in the desirable Creekside Meadows community of 15 custom homes. Home slated for completion early Spring 2018. Please use caution when touring during construction. Sedro Woolley School District. For more info visit SkagitValleyHomes.com Shawn & Tiffany Danley 360-298-4857 MLS# 1216238

16796 Dunbar Road, Mount Vernon $425,000 The quintessential Ranch House. Beautifully maintained W. Mount Vernon equestrian property on over 2 acres surrounded by farmland. 2 stall barn, 2 fenced pastures, detached workshop, gardens & more! 1964 solid built home, many unique features; open beamed T&G clgs, brick flrs, A main brick accent wall, large stone fireplace in main living, 2nd f/p in family. New gas furnace 5/17, New gravel drive, Septic inspected/ pumped 8/17, 7 year old roof. Move-in ready or remodel and make your dream home! For more info visit SkagitValleyHomes.com Shawn & Tiffany Danley 360-298-4857 MLS# 1223722

727 Greenoch Loop, Oak Harbor $350,000 Turn-key 3 bed/ 2.25 bath plus large bonus room in wonderful Whidbey Highlands neighborhood. Many new updates including stainless appliances, counters, new tiled bathrooms, paint, vanities & lighting. Split level; great flexibility w/ large bonus rm, wood burning fireplaces & forced air furnace just serviced. Huge .4 acre lot, alley access for boat/ rv storage, plus large entertaining deck. Walk to Dugualla State Park! Seller includes 1-Yr Home Warranty w/ acceptable full price offer. For more info visit SkagitValleyHomes.com Shawn & Tiffany Danley 360-298-4857 MLS# 1223971

16577 Blodgett Road, Mount Vernon $449,900 So. MV solid, brick rambler being sold by original owner w/2.68 private acres w/paved driveway & easy I-5 access. MidCentury modern w/slate entry, stone FP, den w/built-ins & solid birch cabinets. Outbuildings include 2 car carport, RV/garage/ shop(1130 SF), covered parking for 3 vehicles (1200 SF) & shed w/2 horse stalls & tack room. Recent updates include interior paint, new carpets, & new engineered floors in kitchen/FR. Wrap around trex deck w/westerly views. Priced under new assessed value. Call Karen Beckner, 8410-9455 MLS# 1206174 306 Longtime Lane, Sedro Woolley $450,000 Gorgeous mountain views from this home on the hill. Gourmet kitchen with easy access to dining room & living room. Large master suite with sauna & champagne soaking tub. Apartment upstairs is 929 sqft with washer & dryer, perfect for extra guests. Nice artistic drywall on the main level. Call Becky Elde 770-9427 MLS# 1195798

18258 Peregrine Lane, Mount Vernon $799,995 Stunning Cascade Ridge home w/solar, this beautiful Soto McNett-design embraces outdoor living & west-facing views from every room. Custom millwork in cherry, walnut, & maple lends warmth to living areas. Floor plan is the perfect marriage of open concept & entertaining spaces. Spacious gourmet kitchen opens to comfortable informal living areas, steps to more formal dining & living rms. True master retreat occupies top floor & includes 2 walk-in-closets. Thoughtful design w/tons of storage. Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1179791 17302 Britt Rd, Mount Vernon $1,100,000 Opportunity is knocking! Fantastic, 10.88 ac, fully fenced working farm featuring lrg 3,689 SF farm house, recently updated, new paint, barns total approx. 5,700 SF have loft storage, built in shelving & provide plenty of space for hay, feed, equipment & your critters, currently used for horses, Alpacas, Llamas & more. Well on site is working, workshop also on property for treatment of lrg animals. Too many features to list, this is a MUST see, many business/hobby options here. Call Karine Anderson, 421-1189 or Tasha Zahlis, 391-5075 MLS# 1179028

24464 Old Day Creek Road, Sedro Woolley $159,000 Awesome westerly view property with PUD water at the street. Come enjoy sunset over Clear Lake. Some marketable timber on property. Creek runs on part of the property. Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 966940 12812 East Lake Dr, SW $203,000 One of a kind. Approx. 250 ft. of waterfront on Clear Lake with a view to the west. Breath taking sunsets, boating, fishing, and much more! Over 2 acres with marketable timber. Call George Bellos, 708-9762 MLS# 1122155 10134 Farm to Market Road, Bow $500,000 Bayview area 10 acre parcel of level pasture land with many allowable uses. A pleasant rural setting and 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 12481 Persons Rd, Bow $779,000 Breathtaking 8.94 view acres featuring PUD water, power, 4 bed septic permit & completed critical area review. Western sunsets, views of Padilla Bay, Olympics & the San Juan Islands are just a few of the magnificent features. Build your estate on one of Skagit County’s prime locations. Call Linda Eastman, 202-4075 MLS# 1035765 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

13240 Buchanan Lane, Mount Vernon $1,200,000 Two homes + SHOP! Private 5.56 view acres w/space for everything. Main home has 4225 SF w/3 beds, 2.5 baths, plus 2 offices, & huge bonus room over 3-car garage. Gourmet kitchen w/HW floors, 2 pantries, big breakfast bar, granite, dbl oven. Great rm, wet bar, patio. Spacious master retreat w/2 w-i-c, Italian tile bath, 2nd laundry, balcony. Second 970sf house w/ own address, attch’d garage, 2beds, 1.75baths, vaulted living, covered patio. Outbldgs + 2200/sf SHOP w/3 overhead doors, ‘club house’ above. Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1172234

VACANT LAND 7387 Windsong Lane, SW $114,900 A Piece of paradise is what you will find when you see these lots. These lots are level & ready to build with water & power in the street. Paved street, cul-de-sac. Gorgeous setting with amazing mountain views. So peaceful & quiet. You can watch the eagles soar & enjoy the wildlife & yet only be 14 miles from Sedro-Woolley. We have builders or you can bring your own builder. Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 1030601 18399 Majestic Ridge Ln, MV $150,000 Fantastic views of Big Lake on this acre plus parcel. Easy to build on as it has a paved street to the property line, water, sewer, & electricity in the street. CC&R’s require at least 2000 sq. ft home be built on this lot. Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 921182

Windermere Real Estate/Skagit Valley • 1030 East College Way • Mount Vernon • (360) 424-4901 • 1-800-849-7939

April Axthelm Balisa Koetje Becky Elde Bette Thompson Bill Krieger Brett Johnson Christine Mays

360-661-4947 360-421-4111 360-770-9427 360-840-5109 360-421-4446 360-661-3825 360-298-4431

Cory Keihn Dave Patterson David Mani Dawn Hardman Deborah McNeal Dick Nord Don Neill

360-441-1760 360-708-5030 425-319-7091 360-540-0058 360-707-8073 360-661-6529 360-420-4444

Donna Rowell Elizabeth Miller George Bellos Geri Cole Harry Ota Hollie Del Vecchio Jake Koetje

360-708-7984 360-420-3607 360-708-9762 360-391-1614 360-708-3500 360-525-5538 360-466-8045

Jamie Yantis Jim Glackin Jim Koetje Karen Beckner Karen Peirolo Karine Anderson Leah Hines

RE-Weekly.com

360-540-5264 360-428-2828 360-202-2500 360-840-9455 360-348-0480 360-421-1189 360-428-3012

Linda Eastman Megan O’Bryan Nikki Ganske Rita Ingram Sarah Minton Shawn Danley Shelby Hagman

360-202-4075 360-708-5817 360-941-8999 360-708-8338 360-770-3076 360-488-3858 360-982-0163

Shelly Hanson Spencer Roozen Tahlia Honea Tasha Zahlis Terri Heyntsen Tiffany Danley Travis Miller Warren Bingham

360-420-2565 360-708-0634 360-333-5815 360-391-5075 360-391-0938 360-298-4857 360-420-7291 360-770-2421

December 15, 2017

www.AnacortesRealEstate.com RESIDENTIAL N

! NE

NHN Baltimore Ave & W 2nd Street, Anacortes

E! NE

OPEN HOUSE 12/16 2-4PM! 2305 Baron Place, Anacortes $249,000 Brand new Fleetwood Manufactured Home located in a cul-desac in the Mobile Home section of Skyline. 1279 Sq. Ft. of living space with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Large common area to the rear of the unit. Skyline amenities included with this property. Skyline Beach Club, tennis and pickleball courts, Cabana and Tugboat Park. Easy walking distance to Washington Park. Vacant easy to view. FHA Financing available. John Prosser 360.202.3891 MLS# 1219870 208 Evergreen Street, Mount Vernon $245,000 Traditional style craftsman needing to be brought back to it’s original luster in great location on the hill. Darling formal entry leading to oversized living rm w/ fireplace. Original glass pocket doors separate living & large dining rm. Tall ceilings & beneath carpet is original oak floors. Great kitchen w/ island & cute breakfast nook. Laundry rm just off kitchen w/ bdrm, full bath & storage space to complete main level. Upstairs has 3 bdrms & 3/4 bath. So much character just needs some TLC. Debbie Macy 360.391.2422 MLS# 1224456

W NE

426 Tahoma St, Mount Vernon $290,000 Enjoy majestic views of Mount Baker from your elegant 5 piece master bedroom! Open concept kitchen with 5 burner gas stove, eating bar and pendant lighting. Bonus room upstairs for office/ den/hobbies. Upstairs walk-in washer/dryer room. Great floor plan & fully fenced back yard. Community park abuts back yard. New elementary school under construction, just 10 minute walk. Bob Hyde 360.661.0756 MLS#1224996

LAND

9772 Golden View Trail, Anacortes $207,000 100 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 (see attached docs). Returned to the market, Buyer’s financing fell through. Kristi Gabrielse 360.420.3119 MLS# 870830 11689 Rocky Road, Anacortes $450,000 Feel at one w/ nature in this comfortable home w/ an abundance of natural light & views of Burrows Bay. Relax on the great deck w/ the afternoon sunlight or entertain from the front living rm w/ vaulted ceilings & open kitchen. Delight in a lovely master w/ access to deck & walk-thru closet to full master bath. Use upstairs loft flex rm as a yoga or artist studio complete w/ large storage closet. Lower level features 2 bedrms, 3/4 bath, laundry, storage rm & easy access to wrap-around driveway. Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1189435 176 Wishkah, Center Island $235,000 Absolutely charming home with Brazilian cherry floors and large “Great Room”. Grab your book and cozy up on the window seat overlooking neighboring farm and water views beyond. Fun 6-bed bunk room is ready for guests and the large deck is perfect for enjoying the beautiful park-like setting. Fishermen will love outside “cleaning station” and 12x25 shed/carport for storing tools, wood and golf cart. W/D hookup and new septic. Community amenities incl: dock, airstrip, clubhouse and caretaker. DSL Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1114017 7564 West Shore Drive, Anacortes $479,000 3+ BD/2.5 BA, over 3500 sq ft of living and working space in this unique Guemes Island home ½ mile from the beach. Spacious 2 story floor plan that boasts potential for extended living with separate exterior entrances. Bonus rooms throughout. 4 stall barn; fenced for horses. Garden w/mature landscaping. Circular driveway; privacy of natural conifers and alders; ponds. Enjoy island life with the convenience of a quick 5 minute ferry ride from Anacortes, only 90 minutes from Seattle. Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 1111582

XXX Davis Beach Road, Decatur Island $95,000 Watch the ferries go by from this very pretty 1.4 Ac lot with shared well, big maple trees and power and phones at lot line. Great location near the county boat ramp at Davis Bay for easy access by water taxi and private boat. One of the most beautiful beaches in the San Juan Islands is just a short distance away and the island has a great little country store up the road. DSL and daily mail service. No restrictions so a perfect spot for a “Tiny House” or manufactured home. 1-room school K-8. Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1152189 12 XXX Pass View Road, Decatur Island $169,000 Two beautiful parcels available....buy both for a lovely private estate. Open up view to the water through the trees and take a short jaunt to a protected beach on Thatcher Pass, where you can watch the ferries pass by and maybe even see a whale or two. Power, DSL and water nearby. Decatur Island is just a short water taxi ride from Anacortes, is home to about 330 households and offers lovely trails and beaches, daily mail svc, k-8 school, DSL, 9-hole golf course and country store. Seller Fin Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1150777 11 XXX Pass View Road, Decatur Islands $110,000 Two lots available on beautiful Fauntleroy Pt...Buy together or separately with water and power nearby. See the sparkle of the water through the trees and take a short jaunt to to the protected beach on Thatcher Pass, where you can watch the ferries pass by and maybe even see a whale or two. Decatur Island is just a short water taxi ride from Anacortes, is home to about 330 households and offers lovely trails and beaches, daily mail svc, k-8 school, DSL, 9-hole golf course and country store. Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1148071 NHN View Place, Anacortes $179,000 One of the best views in all of Anacortes on this gently sloping lot. San Juan Islands, the Olympic Mountains, Burrows Bay and the Skyline Marina. The views truly are amazing. CCR’s and zoning require main structure to be of a Manufactured or Mobile variety. Neighbors have daylight basements that build into slope. If you’ve always dreamed of breathtaking views but never thought you’d be able to afford it this is your chance. The views truly are spectacular! Paul Weisz 360.391.7281 MLS# 1147002 $225,000 2817 W 3rd Street, Anacortes Nestled against the Cranberry Lake Forestlands and located in “The Highlands”. The Highlands is one of Anacortes’ premiere custom home neighborhoods with some of the most stunning views on Fidalgo Island. 9,056 Sqft lot has all utilities on site and is ready for your dream home. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 1165063

3710 Leeward Lane, Anacortes $519,000 Part of the unrivaled collection of 10 custom-contemporary water’s edge lot to be built on by Strandberg Construction. Perched above the Guemes Channel Trail with access just a moment away, enjoy panoramic views of the dynamic boating activity & the surrounding San Juan Islands. Lots can accommodate an additional guest house, RV/Boat garage, shop space or an infinite number of possibilities. Lush landscaping & a fenced buffer with private gated entry. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 867542 Island View Drive, Anacortes $275,000 This 5 acre high bank waterfront lot has spectacular views of Huckleberry, Saddlebag Island, Padilla Bay and the Cascade Mountains. Park-like setting with conifers, ferns and rocky outcrops. Lot certification has been done. There is a good well and power at the lot. Approximately 335 ft of waterfront. Bring your plans and build your island get-away. Guemes Island is only an eight minute ferry ride from Anacortes. MLS# 819622 Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 3804 Marine Heights Way, Anacortes $345,000 Embrace the light & beauty of the sparkling waters, San Juan Islands & dynamic boat traffic from this easy-to-build 25,000+ sq. ft. view lot in the private Castilleja Bluff neighborhood. This small community of high-end custom view homes is positioned to appear as if nature itself had nestled them amongst the natural surrounding landscape. Poised against a lush backdrop of protected (ACFL) forestland on two sides, this home site offers the rare combination of privacy & views. Ready to build. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 944613 3708 Leeward Lane, Anacortes $479,000 Part of the unrivaled collection of 10 custom-contemporary water’s edge lots to be built on by Strandberg Construction. Perched above the Guemes Channel Trail with access just a moment away, enjoy panoramic views of the dynamic boating activity & the surrounding San Juan Islands. Lush landscaping, a fenced buffer & a private gated entry create this delightful neighborhood. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 867546

COMMERCIAL 9011 Molly Lane #111, Anacortes $137,950 New. Great Bays Storage. 60 ft x 20 ft with 14 ft doors and 20 ft ceilings. Great storage for RV’s, Boats, Cars or small business. Gated with security. Rick Bennett 360.202.2630 MLS# 1094323 9011 Molly Lane #110, Anacortes $137,950 New. Great Bays Storage. 60 ft x 20 ft with 14 ft doors and 20 ft ceilings. Great storage for RV’s, Boats, Cars or small business. Gated with security. Rick Bennett 360.202.2630 MLS# 1094322

Windermere Real Estate/Anacortes Properties • 3018 Commercial Ave • Anacortes • (360) 293-8008 • (800) 327-5291

Barb Robinette Bill Robillard Bob Hyde Carla Keel Caroline Baumann Catherine Mers

360-298-8754 360-770-4707 360-661-0756 360-770-7043 360-202-7327 360-982-6831

December 15, 2017

ChristineCleland-McGrath Cheryl Frazier Colleen Craig Cynthia Aanestad Debbie Macy Donna Cunningham

360-708-0267 360-202-4789 360-770-9638 360-610-0120 360-391-2422 770-335-7513

Elizabeth LaRance Gina Davis Jack Dixon Jackie Stone Jeannine Reinig Jessica Notaro

360-202-8212 360-708-7794 360-941-5000 360-661-2247 360-724-8555 360-202-1441

John Prosser Kathy Rogers Kristi Gabrielse Leigh Zwicker Joanne Day

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360-202-3891 360-941-4400 360-420-3119 360-333-9975 360-661-7119

Margi Houghton Nate Scott Paul Weisz Rebecca Chamberlain

$525,000

Desirable undeveloped parcels in the heart of Anacortes. Enjoy water views of the Guemes Channel, Cypress & Guemes Islands from southern portion of the property. Paved West 2nd Street (from Dakota Ave) ends right into the middle of the property for development. Great investment opportunity that could be large estate type building sites or develop into multiple homesites. Wonderful location on the island to downtown, forestlands, parks and ferry. Debbie Macy 360.391.2422 MLS# 1108456

360-202-0041 360-708-2354 360-391-7281 360-421-5021

Rick Bennett Rob Skelton Sarah Jones Tracy Peterson-Foy

360-202-2630 360-488-3776 360-333-2783 360-708-1833 1697979

Update Before Sale? Question:

Question: My mother needs to update her home, but needs financing to get it done. Would you recommend that she refinance her current mortgage or get a separate home equity loan?

Answer:

When we place a home for sale we’re always looking for the best price and terms. We expect that getting $250,000 is better than $225,000 but this is not always the case. At first this seems odd, but the reality is that the real estate marketplace is often complex and updates and upgrades are among those strange areas where what makes sense

intuitively may not be the right strategy. Here’s why: First, the usual rule is that buyers seek the least expensive home in the most expensive neighborhood they can afford. If a house has a number of big upgrades, an owner might expect a higher price, but if the price is too high when compared to nearby properties, it’s very possible the home will take a very long time to sell, will be sold at a discount or perhaps even won’t sell. The result is that before upgrading take a look at homes now on the market to see what’s too much in the way of improvements and costs. Second, the go-to authority in these matters, Remodeling magazine’s 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, shows that the job cost and the resulting change in resale value can differ by location. What makes sense in Yuma might not make sense in Yakima. Third, many remodeling projects do not result in a 100-percent resale value increase, if you spend $1,000 the value of the property will go up less in most cases. Fourth, and this is

Q& A

ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller

a tricky one, what you see as an improvement may turn off some buyers. The reason is that we all have different tastes. Or, as a buyer recently told me, “please, can we stop looking at kitchens with marble countertops.” Whether you refinance your existing mortgage or get a home equity line of credit the balance of all mortgage loans must be paid off at closing. For this reason you want to limit improvements to assure that you can leave escrow with a check. Lastly, before doing anything, speak with local real estate brokers and get their opinions. Will improvements help sell the property? Which upgrades? What’s the least you can do to get a good result? What’s too much?

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

What is your home worth? Now is the time to SELL!

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902 www.npsar.realtor

17892 Cobahud Rd., La Conner 3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, Great View

$430,000

Contact Team Kelli Lang team@kellilang.com 360-929-2217 819 Commercial Ave Ste C

Top selling agent in Island & Skagit Counties 168 homes sold this year 7 years local experience

Visit my website at www.getislandhomes.com Call for a free price opinion!

Kelli Lang Your Real Estate Specialist & Neighbor 8

1697847

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.

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December 15, 2017

Lenders Warm Up To First-Time, Struggling Buyers December 15, 2017

opeful buyers who’ve worried they’ll never pass muster with a mortgage lender could be surprised by approval in 2018. More than half of the 200 mortgage professionals polled recently predict that growth in first-time buyers will beat overall housing market growth next year, in part because financing rules are easing. More mortgages requiring a down payment of just 3 percent of a home’s purchase price will be made, as well as loans to people with lower credit scores – 620 and higher – forecast the lenders, surveyed by Genworth Mortgage Insurance. “While these loans are in fact widely available, not all potential homebuyers and borrowers are aware of them,” says John Clifford, Genworth senior vice president. Still, a different hurdle, “actually finding that home,” still will prevail in 2018, says Keith Gumbinger, of mortgage data site HSH.com. “There’s just not a big inventory of homes on the market.” Before the actual house hunt, most real

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estate agents usually ask buyers to visit a lender for pre-approval on how much they can borrow. Seeing a lender early also is advisable. The two most readily available 3-percent-downloan plans that are approved by government rule-making agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – the “HomeReady and“Home Possible” mortgages – may require that the borrower complete a homebuyer education course. Moreover, while a borrower with a credit score between 580 and 620 might be able to receive an FHA-insured mortgage, “some lenders are leery of making these,” Gumbinger says. Borrowers may want to shop a couple of different banks and/or mortgage brokers to see what they might qualify for – and the rate and fees on the loans. “Rates are higher when credit scores are lower,” Gumbinger says. “While a borrower with a 740 credit score might qualify for a four percent loan, someone with a 680 score might pay 4.5 percent.”

610 poplAr plACe, BurlinGton

$399,000

2996 BArrEll SPrINgS rd., BoW

$565,000

1403 Alpine View DriVe, Mount Vernon

Large corner lot in cul-de-sac, fenced backyard, 4 Bed/3.25 Bath home in Burlington (No Flood!). Home offers: 2 Masters with one on the main; kitchen with eating space, custom concrete countertops and SS appliances; Living room, dining room, family room off kitchen, bonus room; attached heated shop; on demand hot water; updated flooring, includes bamboo, hardwood and tile; new roof in Aug 2017.

OPen hOUSe SaTURDaY, DeC. 16, 10-2PM

Carla Fischer

360-982-0010

247 PollMAN CIrClE, lyNdEN

Yolanda Sakuma

360-421-0435 Buyer’s Agent

$305,000

Turn key 27 AC parcel building permit in hand for a one story 2573 sq. ft. 3 bed/2.5 BA home. Well approved and currently in use. Outbuildings include: 320 sq. ft. with laundry rm, the other is 200 sq. ft. Great private parcel - 15 minute to B’Ham, 15 min to Mt. Vernon. Zoning 10 AC min. Donna Kurras Power and meter to building site. MLS# 1179486 360-1770-7596

15282 dEWEy CrESt lANE

$115,000

eaGleMOnT

One of a kind lakefront property in the Pacific Northwest with approximately 1,500 feet of water frontage on a pristine trout fishing lake. Private wooded setting located on a dead end road. 2 miles to I-5. One hour to either Seattle, WA or Vancouver, BC. Permit for 10 bedroom water catchment system on file with county. PUD possible in the future as more development occurs. MLS# 1105664

Buildable lot with power and water. Location counts! Close to schools, golf, lakes, Dewey Beach. Midway to Oak Harbor and Anacortes for shopping, arts & entertainment, Carla Fischer medical, and ferries. MLS# 1124973 360-982-0010 yolanda Sakuma

Danya Wolf

$150,000

E AldEr dr, SEdro WoollEy

$18,500

in quiet Glenhaven Community with many amenities: Club house; swimming pool; two lakes with fishing and light boating (paddle boats and sail boats); tennis courts, basketball yolanda Sakuma courts, boat launch, picnic area, play area, Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 360-421-0435 trails and more. MLS# 1194453

1 MoUNtAIN VIEW rd, MoUNt VErNoN

$45,000

Located just outside the Mount Vernon City limits, this wooded 1 acre plus lot could be a building site for a stick built, modular, or manufactured home, with plenty of room. Tract has been surveyed (LeGro and Associates) and wetlands have been delineated (Oscar Graham and Pat Bunting). 1.27 acres Priced at less than one half of property tax assessment of $89,600.00 PUD water must be run in Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 from the west; or rain water catchment system needed.

lot 18 trIllIUM lANE, CoNCrEtE

$39,000

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 Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 to Rasar State Park! MLS# 1080761

Are you following us on Facebook yet? Just go to www.facebook. com/Skagittraditionrealty and “like” our page for a chance to win one of four prizes for Christmas! there will be a grand prize and three runners-up!

Carla Fischer Yolanda Sakuma

360-708-8294 360-982-0010 360-421-0435

360-421-0435

Large lot in Nookachamp Hills n av e h Community. Beautiful country len setting overlooks a private lake for G you to enjoy. Less than 10 minute drive to the city of Mount Vernon. All utilities are stubbed to the lot. Equidistant from Bellingham and Mount Vernon! Lovely, lightly wooded building lot MLS# 1059504

Elva Hunter John Hunter

360-202-3086 360-202-3854

xxx dAISy lANE, lAKE SIxtEEN, MoUNt VErNoN $925,000

Move-in ready 4 bed/2 bath split entry with loads of potential! This home offers upstairs master bedroom w/bath; plus 2nd bedroom. Open kitchen, dining & living room; sliding door onto deck to enjoy the backyard and your raised garden beds. Downstairs is bedroom 3 & 4, your second full bathroom; your laundry room and good size family room. MLS# 1161590

23786 KAMlooP Ct., MoUNt VErNoN

$695,000

The one you have been waiting for in Beautiful Eaglemont Golf Course Community. Pride and workmanship in this immaculate 3358 sq. ft. 4 bed, 3 bath & 2half. Tile & hardwood fl, white shutters & blinds throughout. Kitchen w/granites appl., 5 burner gas stove. Great room w/soaring book shelf & gas fireplace, wet bar w/fridge and sink. Lg dining, spacious master w/en suite Jacuzzi tub, lg walk-in shower, closet w/built-ins. Spectacular setting on 12th Fairway, covered entertaining patio & 3 car garage. MLS# 1180546

15068 NooKAChAMPS rd.

$585,000 This house is awesome! One of a kind home in our community with extensive custom features.This truly unique home reflects the pride and workmanship of a true craftsman. Features include: 14’ vaulted ceilings in living room, 10’ ceilings throughout, hardwood floors, granite counters, maple cabinets, stainless appliances, custom millwork, custom blinds within view windows on south side of home, fabulous p.a. system, fully landscaped, 20+ fruit trees, blueberries, grapes, roses, duck pond, fencing, shop. MLS# 1140955 danya Wolf

360-708-8294

¿Has oido que ahora es el momento de vender? ¿No sabes por donde empezar? ¿No sabes el valor de tu casa? ¡Llamame! Puedo guiarte a traves de todo el proceso de pricipio a fin.

Yolanda Sakuma

360-421-0435

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

360.424.0300

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 1698700

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December 15, 2017