Real Estate Weekly December 27, 2019

INSIDE

This Issue

Q&A

Ask Our Broker PAGE 4

Good policy: Check deductibles On homeowner insurance PAGE 6

ADU Coup page 7

CLASSIFIEDS page 7

Dec 27-JAN 2, 2019

RE-Weekly.com

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

visit re-weekly.com to easily search for local real estate listings!

PAGE

7

Q&A

Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P4

Good policy: Check deductibles on homeowner insurance.........................................P6 ADU Coup ...........................................................................P7 CLASSIFIEDS......................................................................P7

RE-Weekly.com easy to use tools & the most up-to-date information for finding local real estate

To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2019 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved.

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

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

2

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Lisa Boon Meyer 420-6608

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

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Ivana Wood 770-3550

Mike Welling 540-1341

Debbie Benjamin 708-8780

Kati Shannon 391-1203

Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555

DECEMBER 27, 2019

1967807

FROM ALL OF US AT RE/MAX TERRITORY NW

FEATURED HOME, FROM COVER 3614 S. EaSt Camano DrivE, Camano iSlanD

WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE/NORTH CASCADES 520 COOK ROAD SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WA 98284 (360) 856-4901 • www.windermeresedrowoolley.com

“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.

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

In print and online goskagit.com ads@skagitads.com

1967813

Brown McMillen

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

Beautiful 4,673 SF home with acreage…5BD/2.75BA, 2 guest suites, large barn w/stables, great place for weddings, & works well as B&B. Beautiful grounds, cozy frpl in every room, plenty of parking, & so much more! This is a MUST SEE! $1,400,00 #1549618

Viewmont Mobile Estates, these 1,512 SF 3 beds, 2 bath manufactured home has large living rm w/kitchen open to family room. Master has large full bath, new roof in 2018, extra deck on back side, & small shed for storage w/power. $80,000 #1549738

Farmhouse style…3BD/1.75BA, recently remodeled, and move in ready! Twin Brooks…55+ community…. nice 2BD/2BA rambler with office/ den space. Spacious kitchen opens to great room w/gas frpl. Convenient Beautiful views, spacious kitchen, comfortable living rm w/gas frpl, large yard, to schools, town, medical, and shopping. Large patio and attached large garage. $498,900 #1540564 garden area, and detached 2 car garage. $535,000 #1546613 Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts Jeff Ingman

DECEMBER 27, 2019

840-4375 770-7083 661-5538 202-2859

Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Tim Reichert Ron Wortham

NIKKI GANSKE 360-941-8999

661-0145 333-7783 391-5587 661-1500

Mary Jo Reitsma Travis Lohman Tod LeHecka Jan Scally

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Partner

FROM ALL OF US TO YOU! 770-6013 661-4533 333-1032 421-5160

Dale Owenby Dana Holmes Katie Hilsinger

913-8662 770-6716 391-3796

1966294

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

TAHLIA HONEA 360-333-5815

Come nestle into this new, tranquil, custom-built home on a private acre. Step out of 5 different oversized glass doors leading out to a nomaintenance stamped concrete patio for a seamless outdoor living space. Sylvan territorial views & tons of natural light, so open inside, feels like outside! Lot offers perfect balance between forest views & professionally landscaped open yard. Huge garage with workshop space. 400amp power.

Stylish contemporary details inside & out. You won’t want to leave! MLS#1509189

Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie.

RealEstateweekly

$414,950

3

Q&A

Should you sell?

QUESTION:

We own a single-family rental home in another state.

We now get a constant stream of letters and cards offering to buy it for cash. Are these offers worth considering?

ANSWER:

The letters are a way to test owner interest in a possible sale. The correspondents are willing to buy your property for cash, all-cash, CASH and cash now.

Did I mention they pay cash? There’s a theme here somewhere.

Getting a big check sounds alluring — consider the alternative. The reality is this: If you have a sale with a positive balance, you will get a check at closing.

The attraction of a cash buyer is that they do not have to qualify with a lender, they don’t need an appraisal, and they can close quickly. The speed and simplicity of such transactions are attractive for some sellers.

The letters also tout a speedy sale, and the

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

elimination of brokerage fees, plus the willingness of the buyer to purchase the property “as is” and without repairs and upgrades. Sellers can save big money if they don’t need to fix up, but for buyers, the lack of repairs is a bargaining point.

People who buy houses for cash are in the homebuying business. They’re not handing out checks for reasons of love and affection. To maximize profits, they need to pay the lowest possible price. They need you to be “flexible,” code for selling your home at a discount.

Most home sales have several prices. If a home “sells” for $500,000, you can bet the owner will not get $500,000. In a cash deal, the property will not sell for $500,000. The buyer has to buy at a discount; otherwise, the transaction makes no sense.

Also, once a sale price has been accepted, it’s then necessary to look at the transaction details. The purchaser — being in the profession of buying houses — no doubt has a quick-and-handy contract form

american dream real estate services, inc.

American Dream Real Estate would like to wish everyone the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year.

Have enjoyable, relaxing Holidays with your family and loved ones.

We look forward to another great year in our wonderful Valley!

“Fulfilling Northwest Family Dreams” 1966285

Anacortes Office

1202 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 360-588-1515 • adrhomes.net

2788 E College Way Mount Vernon, WA 360-416-6500 • adrskagit.com

Like American Dream Real Estate Mount Vernon

4

Mount Vernon Office

www.adrhomes.net

written by his or her attorney. And, while there may not be a real estate brokerage fee to pay, there are other expenses to consider. What about closing costs?

Transfer taxes? Repairs?

There are several basic considerations for sellers: First, how big is your check at the end of the transaction? How does this amount compare with a typical sale through a broker or as a self-seller?

Second, do you have any liability to the buyer after closing? Do you get 100 percent of your money at closing, or is some held back for repairs and other costs?

Third, are you expected to finance some or all of the purchase price? If yes, at what interest rate?

How much down? Is the financing subject to your acceptance of the buyer’s credit?

Fourth, sign nothing until an attorney who specializes in real estate has reviewed the paperwork, checked the numbers, and can explain the pros and cons.

Email peter@ctwfeatures.com. CTW Features

Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055

Christa Canell Freeland Escrow Manager/LPO 360.331.4838

Kari Pittenridge Anacortes Escrow Manager/LPO 360.299.0565

Holly Mathers Island County Title Manager 360.675.2246

LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W

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Shelley Miner Burlington Escrow Manager/LPO 360.707.2312

Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158

Brandi Jensen Stanwood Escrow Manager/LPO 360.629.9737

Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative 360.707.1076

Service you deserve with people you trust Visit any of our 5 locations in Oak Harbor, Burlington, Freeland, Stanwood and Anacortes

Ltco.com

1898385

DECEMBER 27, 2019

Residential

176 Wishkah Ln, Center Isl $235,000 2 Beds/1.5 Baths/896 Sqft/.56 Acre Lot Absolutely charming home w/Brazilian cherry floors & large “Great Room”. Grab your book & cozy up on the window seat, create in the custom kitchen. Large deck, “cleaning station” and 12x25 shed/carport New Septic. Comm amenities: docks, airstrip, clubhouse & caretaker. DSL available.

Sarah Jones 360-333-2783 #1447319

2502 Stonebridge Wy, Mt. Vernon $370,00 3 Beds/1.75 Baths/1,732 Sqft Beautiful single level craftsman style home in a 55+ community. Open design w/vaulted ceilings in living room, cozy gas fireplace & open kitchen & dining area. The exterior features a private deck.

The Stonebridge Community features manicured lawns/gardens, RV parking & walking paths.

Jake Koetje 360-424-4901 #1540333

1419 10th St, Anacortes $399,000 2 Beds/1,924 Sqft/.103 Acre Lot Amazing old Town Location! Bring your creativity and transform this rare find, redo the existing home or build brand new. Property features a small one bedroom apt w/a large open living space. East side has a bath & additional rooms. Two car garage features loft space.

Bill Robillard 360770-4707 #1454860

TK

3912 Dogwood Pl, Mt. Vernon $495,000 4 Beds/2.5 Baths/2,345 Sqft/.25 Acre Lot Stunning home in Eaglemont on a quiet cul-de-sac. Slate entry & gleaming cherry floors, high-end kitchen w/stainless appliances and quartz counters. Lovely backyard boasts an oversized stamped concrete patio, prof landscaping, shed & sprinklers.

Colleen Craig 360-770-9638 #1542739

NE

W

1317 Portalis Court, Anacortes $575,000 2 Beds/2 Baths/1,955 Sqft/.18 Acre Lot Immaculate craftsman built by heralded builder Ron Paulk. Elegant main floor living w/superb layout for modern day living and entertaining.

10 foot ceilings & vaulted areas give you the feel of a much larger home. HOA provides all exterior maintenance & landscaping Bob Hyde, 360-661-0756 #1387087

733 Maple Ave, La Conner $644,000 3 Beds/1.75 Baths/2,956 Sqft/.248 Acre Lot Elegant single level home offers peaceful setting, yet a short walk to restaurants, shopping & parks.

Tastefully remodeled, chefs kitchen w/open living space all around, formal living, sunroom, elegant library overlooking Skagit Valley farmlands & mountain view.

Rebecca Chamberlain 360-421-5021 #1536301

!

484 Madrona Dr, San Juan Isl $860,000 3 Beds/2 Baths/1,591 Sqft/.606 Acre Lot Home at waters edge with clear views to Sidney and Vancouver Island. A popular vacation rental with $50k yr. gross, this home boasts a warm, lofty open concept in a neutral palette with emphasis on simplicity and casual elegance.

Travis Mager 360-298-0628 #1526406

4314 Navigator Ln, Anacortes $1,795,000 3 Beds/2.5 Baths/4,040 Sqft/.557 Acre Lot Stunning Pacific Northwest Contemporary estate.

This waterfront home was designed to maximize ocean views while maintaining privacy within.

Master w/reclaimed barn wood, automated shades, & radiant heat flooring; chef’s kitchen, advanced home audio system, & solar energy.

Rob Skelton 360-488-3776 #1436290

1967894

3405 W. 7th Pl, Anacortes $680,000 3 Beds/2.5 Baths/2,744 Sqft/.22 Acre Lot Walls of windows to take in views. Main level living, gas fireplace, office, huge deck, oversized kitchen w/tons of space & storage. Downstairs a family room w/entrance to outside terraced garden, storage room & bedrooms. Located towards the end of a cul-de-sac.

Debbie Macy 360-391-2422 #1548992

DECEMBER 27, 2019

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5

Good policy:

Check deductibles on homeowner insurance

Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features Like a spare tire or a flashlight, homeowner’s insurance is one of those things that you don’t really want until you need it.

Now, even when you need to pay for damage to your home, you

may not want to use your homeowner’s coverage. And, if you do want your insurer to pay, you might be surprised to discover you must first foot the bill up to a sizable limit.

Nothing wrong with a high deductible, as long as you keep enough funds in savings to pay it, says Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group.

“I’ve advocated high deductibles for a long time,” she explains.

Besides keeping premium costs down, high deductibles mean you won’t file as many claims since costs of repairs might be under or near deductible. Keeping claims down also keeps premiums affordable, says Bach. However, some owners might be surprised to learn that their deductible is higher than they thought, or that they have multiple deductibles.

“Insurers have discovered that if they apply a separate, high deductible to certain risks like

high winds or earthquakes, they can better manage [costly] catastrophic risks,” says Bach.

“Companies won’t increase a deductible without notifying the policyholder,” says Don Griffin of the trade group, American Property Casualty Insurance Association.

Still, a homeowner might not read a letter from his insurer, notifying them of a deductible change.

Bach advises homeowners to be wary of one type of deductible –those linked to a percentage of the rebuilding costs. Looking at a percentage of, say ten percent, can sound low. But a home needing $400,000 to rebuild, with a 10 percent deductible, would mean that the homeowner has to foot the first $40,000.

With increases in damage in past years, “People have to start paying more attention to their [homeowner] insurance,” concludes Bach.

CTW Features

G

STAT Real Estate Stat

45% The percentage of millennial mortgage borrowers in 2019.

Sourc: Realtor.com CTW Features

6

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DECEMBER 27, 2019

H w o r t s t S d t e g p b t T t k s f y A o p s a t b s

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CLASSIFIEDS House for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 812 Central Ave. S-W. Avail. Jan. 1, call for info.

360-982-1707.

PUBLISHER'S NOTICE

ADU Coup

G

ot a boomerang adult child who needs to move back home?

Have a senior loved one you want to keep closer tabs on? Or eager to earn some rental income without having to share your home with a stranger? An ADU may be the ideal answer.

Short for auxiliary/accessory dwelling units – and sometimes known as guesthouses, in-law apartments, and granny flats – ADUs are compact secondary residences built within, onto, or adjacent to your primary residence.

They often include one to two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, and other living space, allowing them to function independently from your main home.

ADUs aren’t a fad: In fact, one in five remodelers polled by the National Association of Home Builders a few months ago revealed that they created an ADU by converting an existing space over the preceding DECEMBER 27, 2019

How adding an auxiliary dwelling unit on your property can be worth it 12 months. Nearly as many remodelers crafted an ADU by building a new addition.

Also, over three in four pegged the budgets as upward of $50,000 to develop; only 6 percent completed ADUs valued at $25,000 or less.

“ADUs have been trending for quite some time but are gaining more in popularity lately,” says Realtor Robin Flint, an insurance specialist at HomeInsuranceRates. com and founding owner of Property Wise, LLC in Lake Charles, Louisiana. “More people are building ADUs to care for elderly parents in lieu of placing them in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. And affordable housing in urban areas may be difficult to find as home values rise, making ADUs a great alternative. They can

be income-producing and may be a lucrative investment option.”

New York city-based Anna DeSimone, author of “Housing Finance 2020” (BookBaby, 2019), says ADUs can vary from 300 to 1,000 square feet or more and typically cost $20,000 to over $150,000, depending on amenities.

“The location of the structure often dictates the cost,” says DeSimone. “For example, finishing an attic or basement might be the least expensive route, since there are existing exterior walls and utilities are connected to the main house. An outbuilding will cost more, depending on the extent of weatherization, electrical, and plumbing needed.”

J.R. Skrabanek, Senior counsel with Jones Law Firm in

New York City, says the best candidates for building an ADU meet key criteria.

“You need a large enough budget to build the structure, enough space to meet zoning standards, a willingness to learn how to be a landlord, and if renting it out, a desire to earn supplemental rental income,” notes Skrabanek.

ADUs are also ideal for livein health aides and caregivers hired to assist someone living in the primary residence.

“Bad candidates may include people looking to temporarily rent out their ADU through Airbnb or another short-term rental service, as such rentals might be prohibited by local zoning laws,” DeSimone cautions.

And therein lies the rub. Not every municipality allows these structures to be built or used as planned.

“Before building an ADU, check the zoning and building ordinances in your local-

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ity,” suggests Flint.

The good news is that many areas are encouraging the creation of ADUs to help relieve pressure on housing affordability.

“Cities and towns across the country are increasingly adopting or revising model codes for ADUs,” DeSimone adds.

In addition to this due diligence, check to see that your homeowner’s insurance provider will provide coverage for an ADU. Also, shop around carefully for a trusted contractor who can complete the job within your desired budget.

“Get a detailed contract in writing with your builder and any other trades you intend to hire,” Skrabanek recommends. “There are some unscrupulous builders out there who will take large payments up front in good faith and then disappear.”

Lastly, keep in mind that building an ADU may or may not increase your property’s

All rental and real estate for sale advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for the rental or sale of real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD at (206) 220-5170.

value, depending on its location.

“An ADU could potentially decrease your property’s value if it’s not aesthetically appealing or placed in an awkward location,” says DeSimone. “That’s why it’s important to consider resale value when building an addition or expanding on your property. When designs are customized for a very specific purpose – like an in-law apartment – the design or floorplan may not suit the next buyer.”

CTW Features 10 - January 29, 2019

7

1611 e DiViSion St., mount Vernon

$1900/mo

Commercial/professional/medical/ office space for lease. Great location, high visibility near Skagit Valley hospital. Former location of ESP optical, includes display cases. Exam room, large lobby area, one bathroom, office area with sink. Ample off Danya Wolf Carla Fischer 360-708-8294 360-982-0010 street parking.

$450,000

3026 HemloCK WaY, SeDro WoolleY

$85,000

Charming home with lots of character inside and out. Abundant natural light, tankless water heater, spacious kitchen, metal roof. Park like setting for entertaining around your unique outdoor fireplace and gazebo with hot tub. Plenty of garden space and outbuildings. Separate lot included with tons of potential: commercial, residential MLS# 1529755

4628 ParKVieW lane, eaGlemont

or

both.

Suzanne Jenkins

Carla Fischer

360-941-2983 360-982-0010

$699,000

Brand new home in sought after Eaglemont Golf Course Community! Luxury living in this custom 3,315 sq.ft. home, light and bright 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath. Lg kitchen w/SS appliances, granite counters & island. Great room w/gas fireplace, deck overlooking nature. Main floor living w/master & bath w/jetted tub, shower & walk-in closet, utility room.

Upstairs w/ 2nd master & bath +2 bedrooms. Additional SF downstairs ready to complete, AC & tankless water heater. Situated on a Elva Hunter quiet peaceful street! MLS# 1405852 360-202-3086

115 S WauGH, mount Vernon

$410,000

Enjoy wonderful Glenhaven Lakes Community amenities; clubhouse, swimming pool, two lakes, neighborhood parks and picnicking when you purchase this great 7,900 sq ft. lot with all utilities.

Keep existing manufactured home or imagine a brand-new homehere.

Lynn Jenssen Danya Wolf Price Adjustment

$1200/mo

360-708-8294

45297 KamooKS trail #2D21, laKe tYee

360-298-6569

$16,000

542 ruBY PeaK aVe, mount Vernon

$1850/mo

rentAL

rentAL

rentAL

320 moore St., SeDro-WoolleY

2017 Continental Pl, Suite #3

Conveniently located office space features large lobby area and three private office spaces. Ample parking. Monthly rent includes sewer/water/garbage. First and Danya Wolf Security deposit.

360-708-8294

Lovely 3BR, 2.5BA home. Features large kitchen w/walk-in pantry, large master suite w/natural gas fireplace & walk-in closet, laundry rm upstairs near all the bedrooms. Fenced back yard. Community features miles of trails, 5 playgrounds, large open grass park w/covered shelter. Pets negotiable. Tenant pays all utilities. Owner pays HOA.

22904 BumBleBee lane, mount Vernon

Carla Fischer 360-982-0010

$950,000

Special property on a very private 1.5 acres minutes from town. Custom handcrafted, Craftsman home featuring 2278 sqft, office, main level master & a second master upstairs. Dining & living room showcasing custom stain glass windows. Kitchen w/granite counters, handcrafted cabinets.

Beautiful oak floors. Detached MIL home is 702 sqft, 1 bed/1bath with a 2 car garage.

Separate 1080 sqft shop; Pond and Waterfall.

Elva Hunter Danya Wolf Fabulous home!

360-708-8294 360-202-3086 MLS# 1494916

BuilD Your Dream Home in eaGlemont!

MLS# 1490585 000 Unison Place $200,000 MLS# 1504177 4629 Beaver Pond Drive S. $115,000

Nice corner lot with green space. Fantastic location just up the hill from the lake. Comfort station is just a few lots away.

There is so much potential for you to make this just the way you want your vacation spot with your trailer, build up to 400sf of decking and you can even enclose up to 300sf of the deck for more living space.

Beautiful! MLS#: 1451178

Sherry Ruderman

Eaglemont Golf Community offers an 18 hole Championship public golf course, Clubhouse and Fitness Center, enjoy dining at the Fireweed Restaurant and Lounge with fabulous views and sunsets!

Elva Hunter

18 trillium lane, ConCrete, Wa 98237

John Hunter

360-202-3086

360-540-1552

$39,000

for voting US

Traditional 3 BR/ 2 bath one-story home with a peaceful setting in sought after Hilltop neighborhood. Home has skylights, vaulted ceilings and French doors to patio. Entertain in this large yard - 1/3 acre - great for gardening; shed divided for storage on one side, and potting area on the other. Oversize garage holds 3 cars if two parked tandem. Workshop/

for comfortable year round hobby space.

MLS# 1531254

system to obtain building permit. Currently precluded from using wells in development. Power to property.

artist studio behind house has natural

Nicely treed level tract of land with open area

light, power, insulation and space heater

neW Price!

Lovely future building site requisite using water catchment

ready for building in the future. Paved street.

Carla Fischer 360-982-0010

Walking distance to Rasar State Park!

MLS#1475444

“2019 Skagit’S BeSt” 2 YEArS BESt rEA EStAtE officE, rEAl MoSt coMMUnitY MindEd BUSinESS

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

360.424.0300

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 1967818

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DECEMBER 27, 2019