Real Estate Weekly: May 20, 2022

INSIDE

This Issue

WHY CASH IS KING IN THIS HOUSING MARKET HOW TO PURCHASE A HOME USING CASH PAGE 5 TALK OF THE TOWN: AFFORDABILITY SPURS TOWNHOMES’ POPULARITY PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7 MAY 20, 2022

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

5

Why cash is king in this housing market How to purchase a home using cash.................P5 Q&A Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P6

Talk of the Town: Affordability Spurs Townhomes’ Popularity...............................P7 Classfieds.............................................................................P7

RE-Weekly To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2022 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.

own the local real estate market expand your reach when you combine the power of our digital audience and premium print ads in the re weekly ask your multimedia account executive for details.

ContaCt: 360.424.3251 • ads@skagitads.Com 2

RE-Weekly

May 20, 2022

STAT Real Estate Stat

18.7%

Real Wood Real Quality

In the first quarter of 2022, families typically spent 18.7% of their income on mortgage payments (compared to 14.2% one year ago).

919 Riverside Dr. | Mt. Vernon www.nwff.com | 360. 424.8455 Monday - Saturday 9:30-5:30 222414-1

Source: National Association of Realtors 2022 Dining | Bedroom | Entertainment | Home Office | Upholstery

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

FEATuREd PRoPERTY:

525 East College Way, Suite J

23952 NoRTh WEST ViEW Rd, MouNT VERNoN

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.realtor

WHY USE A REALTOR®?

Buying or selling a home can be one of the most exciting, and most stressful things you will ever do. The terminology, the paperwork and the amount of investment you make can seem overwhelming. When you make the decision to use a REALTOR®, you can be sure that they will be looking after your best interests.

The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark, the use of which is earned by your real estate agent or broker through ongoing training and membership in the largest trade organization in the country, The National Association of REALTORS®.

Every member of the National Association of REALTORS® makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. The Code of Ethics is a promise - as a customer of a REALTOR®, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.

If you want to be sure that you are dealing with a REALTOR® member, visit our website at www.npsar.realtor to see a listing of current local member offices, or look for an office that has earned the distinction of displaying the Source: www.realtor.org REALTOR® logo.

$1,100,000

Skagit Tradition Realty LLC 3780 E. College Way Mount Vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

View, view, view! This spacious 2260 sq.ft home on the sunny side of Big Lake has spectacular views from almost every room. Features include a multi-level deck, aggregate patio and private dock. So many opportunities for just relaxing or entertaining guests. Home offers 2 beds/ 2 baths, kitchen with pantry, SS appliances, lots of cabinetry, a peninsula, just add a couple stools to enjoy a little chit chat while preparing a meal. Laundry room has multiple cupboards and a sink. Unfinished 936 sq.ft basement affords more room for storage. From the kitchen step down to the living room with large windows to take in the view, then out the French doors to the partially covered deck, yours to enjoy rain or shine.

MLS#1927143

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.

May 20, 2022

RE-Weekly

3

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

B C

K

Record-low interest rates is renewing interest in the 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.

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

4

RE-Weekly

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

May 20, 2022

o t p c m t p h t

p y p f o w y

Why cash is king in this housing market How to purchase a home using cash

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features

K

een on claiming a home but worried that you’ll get iced out or outbid by competitors vying for the same property? That’s a valid concern, considering how much continued demand there is for the low supply of increasingly costly homes on the market today.

But there’s a way to practically guarantee that your offer will be accepted pronto: Put up greenbacks for that domicile instead of financing the purchase with a mortgage loan, if you can afford it.

“A cash transaction is May 20, 2022

when someone purchases real estate using cash rather than taking out a loan to complete the purchase,” says Jonathan Breton, a Realtor with Roost Real Estate at eXp Realty in Charlotte, North Carolina. “This is possible when a buyer has enough funds – through savings, investments, or other real estate sales – to cover the purchase of the home for sale.”

Per the National Association of Realtors, 25% of home sales in the US were cash transactions in February 2022. Which means a lot of buyers are putting their money where their home-hunting heart is and pursuing this strategy.

The advantages of offering cash are plentiful.

“Sellers are more likely to accept a cash offer, especially if there is a bidding war,” notes Aviva Pinto, managing director at Wealthspire Advisors in New York City. “Also, the deal will close more quickly, as no inspection, appraisal, or underwriting is required. It eliminates the need for a bank or mortgage lender to be involved, and no preapproval is needed. No loan means no loan fees or points and fewer closing costs, as well.”

That first benefit cited above is the most important.

“You will look very at-

tractive to a seller when you offer cash because that minimizes issues arising that could cause you to back out of the transaction due to funding falling through or not getting approved for a loan,” Breton adds.

Rachel Bennett, a real estate agent and home buying expert with Orchard, echoes those thoughts.

“Cash offers are four times more likely to get accepted by a seller these days,” she says.

The drawbacks to purchasing a home entirely with cash are worth considering, however.

“Interest rates have gone up lately, but they remain historically low. Over the

RE-Weekly

long run, you could make more money investing that cash in the stock market or elsewhere by financing the home with a mortgage loan,” Pinto explains. “In addition, using all cash may leave you financially vulnerable; you may not have enough cash on hand for emergencies or if you need to make major repairs or renovations.”

Furthermore, your mortgage interest paid may be tax-deductible; cash buyers don’t get to take advantage of that perk.

Cash transactions work differently than purchases involving a mortgage loan.

“Once a seller accepts

your cash offer, your title company or closing attorney will work with you to open title, research the history of the property, and finalize sale documents. Once this process is complete, you can move forward quickly with closing,” says Bennett. “A cash deal can often close within 14 days, and sometimes the turnaround can be even faster. Title documents, inspections, and paperwork can slow down this process, but a cash offer will still typically close much more quickly than a financed purchase, which usually takes 30 days or more.”

Don’t let the “cash” part of this phrase fool you, however: actual dollar bills are usually not exchanged here. Typically, a wire transfer of funds from the buyer’s bank account to the seller’s account is executed to secure the transaction. Or, a certified bank check can be used at closing.

“Usually, a wire transfer is done 24 hours before closing in order for the closing company to have enough time to verify that all funds have been transferred and the buyer is good to close,” says Nathaniel Hovsepian, owner of The Expert Home Buyers. “I have actually heard of one buyer literally bringing dollars to the closing table, but that was on a very small purchase price for a home where it was easy to count the money. This is not recommended.”

5

Home purchase strategies in a changing market Question:

We have been saving for the purchase of a first home.

This has not been easy given car payments and student loans, but we’ve been able to put away a good amount of money. The problem is that while we’ve been saving, mortgage rates have risen and home values have soared. Homes we might have purchased are no longer affordable. What can we do?

Answer:

This is a widespread hurdle. Buyers save money and live modestly to get the funds needed to purchase a first home. It makes sense, but then the market changes. Particularly in the past two years, we have seen an enormous increase in real estate values and, more recently, higher rates.

Two years ago, you might have needed a $250,000 mortgage to buy a given home. The monthly cost for principal and interest at 3.50% over 30 years was $1,123. Today, the same property might be worth 30% more. You might find the best available mortgage rate is 4.5%. Now you need a $325,000 mortgage and the monthly cost is $1,647. That’s an increase of more than $500 a month, more than $6,000 a year.

Your household income is unlikely to have equally

6

increased. As a result, lenders may be concerned about your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Marginal borrowers may no longer qualify for expected loan amounts because of higher rates. And you, as a prudent borrower, may worry about taking on so much debt.

There are several strategies to consider.

First, look for financing with little down. Good candidates include FHA mortgages with 3.5% down payments, USDA loans with zero down, VA financing with nothing down, and 3% down financing from Fannie Mae (the HomeReady program) and Freddie Mac (Home Possible).

Second, check with local lenders and real estate brokers and ask about down-payment assistance.

Such assistance can sometimes take the form of an interest rate reduction, down payment help, grants, and forgivable second mortgages. These programs are often open to both first-time buyers and repeat purchasers, depending on such factors as your finances, military service, or occupation. Also check online for down payment assistance programs.

Third, can you get help from friends and family?

Gifts can be used to off-set down payment costs.

Lenders will want paperwork to document that gift

RE-Weekly

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

money really is a gift and does not require repayment or interest.

Fourth, you might ask a parent or other family member with strong credit and finances to co-sign the loan. This is a big “ask” because the co-signer is responsible for repaying the entire debt if something goes wrong.

Fifth, maybe get a non-resident co-owner. Unlike a mortgage co-signer, a co-owner will benefit if the property value rises.

For both co-signers and co-owners, speak first with an attorney to understand the pros and cons of each option and create a proper relationship on paper. Think about what happens in the case of a job loss, divorce, etc. Also, be sure to have a will and other paperwork to protect a spouse, partner, co-signer, or co-owner.

Lastly, perhaps, the properties you’ve been considering to this point are no longer the right options in your situation. What if you bought a few miles away or purchased a smaller home? The economics could be better, and you might not need to wait or rely on outside assistance.

Email your real estate questions to Mr. Miller at peter@ctwfeatures.com.

May 20, 2022

RE-Weekly CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses for Sale

Houses for Sale

NEW TODAY

Talk of the Town: Affordability Spurs Townhomes’ Popularity

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

Buyers interested in single-family homes across the country are all encountering the same problem right now: Nothing is affordable.

But many are finding an acceptable alternative in a townhome, says Hunter Andre, of realty firm Baird & Warner in Chicago.

Buyers earning ten to fifteen percent below the median household income in a market often can afford a townhome, estimates Dan Parolek, principal of Opticos Design, which specializes in townhome developments.

Especially in higher-price markets, young adults who are marrying and starting families, are finding that a townhouse near but not in city centers meet their needs, notes Brian Lawrence, senior vice president, Univest, a Hatboro PA bank that lends to homebuilders.

Like stand-alone houses townhomes are counted in the single-family category in official statistic reporting.

The National Association of Home Builders reports that last year saw a 38 percent increase in new townhome construction, a trend the trade group May 20, 2022

expects to grow further.

Townhomes are attractive to younger buyers, but also appeal to growing numbers of Baby Boomers, who like smaller yards and lower overall home maintenance, Parolek says.

As a result, the design of the typical townhome is evolving, he adds.

Traditionally around 2,000 to 2,500 square feet and three stories, with garages and a den on the lowest level, many Boomers are preferring a smaller square footage and one floor living, Parolek notes.

It is important to keep in mind that townhomes are traditionally attached to at least one other unit and are built in both small and large developments.

Particularly when a townhome is part of a larger development, residents are part of a homeowner association.

Those association dues can add to the cost of ownership, anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars monthly to several hundred, depending on the maintenance and amenities in the project.

While popular, townhomes aren’t the answer for every home seeker, Parolek acknowledges. He also sees growth in small condominium buildings, because the price point is lower than for a townhome.

Houses for Rent -Unfurnished 363 Sequoia Pl, Camano Island

NEW TODAY 832 sq ft Home For Sale in Burlington 2 bedroom, 1 bath on small lot, carport, garage, shed, aluminum siding, gas and electric heat. $299,000. jen8878@comcast.net

RENTALS

484 E Alder Drive, Sedro- Woolley $439,000

2 bedroom, 2 bath house.

References required. No pets. 6 month lease. First and $1000 deposit, $1800 month. (509) 240-2909

Here is that rambler that you have been looking for!

Well-maintained, one owner home!

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,442 square feet w/ 2 car fully finished garage!

Sunken formal living room, real hardwood flooring in entry, kitchen, & hallway.

A car for all seasons!

Find it in the Classifieds!

Got a good website?

Include the URL in your ad.

RE-Weekly

Family room has propane fireplace w/ tile surround.

New roof & interior/exterior paint.

Fully fenced backyard w/ storage shed & greenhouse.

Enjoy all the amenities that Glenhaven has to offer: Summer swimming pool, clubhouse, tennis court & 2 lakes for fishing, swimming, or kayaking.

MLS #1935184

Geri Cole, 360-391-1614 WRE/Skagit Valley Windermereskagit.com

Get rid of that old car!

Sell it in the Classifieds!

Check out the CLASSIFIEDS first!

RE-Weekly RE-Weekly 7

18949 CaSCade ridge Court, Mount Vernon $835,000 Conway schools; extremely well cared for rambler on 2.77 park like acres just ten minutes from I-5. Beautiful country kitchen with adjoining family room plus separate formal dining and living room provide extra options for entertaining.

An open floor plan provides a gracious transition from area to area. Primary bedroom offers spacious bath with double sinks and generous sized walk in closet. Heat pump. 3 bedrooms; 2 baths; separate laundry area with deep sink. Space leveled and prepared for Real Estate Office AND future work shop. Meticulously designed for outside entertaining with patio Customer Service and incredible focal points. Well-appointed greenhouse; and fruit trees. 3 car garage (800 square feet) & RV parking. Visiting wildlife: deer; eagles; and goskagit.com/bestof2022 more. Cul de sac street.

Remember to nominate your favorite Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 businesses for Skagit’s Best of the Best MLS#1922531 10908 18tH Street S. e. , lake SteVenS

$650,000

Elegant front door greets you as you enter this fully remodeled 3 bedroom/ 1.75 bath home on fenced lot. Home offers beautiful bamboo flooring, French doors, kitchen has granite counters, one year old appliances, skylights, and stunning cabinetry. All bedrooms (and a 3/4 bath) are on the lower level allowing for a second living area upstairs.

Outdoors offers both a deck and a patio to enjoy/entertain and there is already a basketball pad in place. Stacking washer/dryer creates a spacious laundry/mud room with a sliding door to the patio. Front yard has nicely maintained mature landscape. 2 car garage with additional parking.

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010 And no HOA! MLS#1934667

HoMebuyer eduCation SeMinar

1 Mountain View rd

$115,000

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). Power and PUD water are available at the Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 street. MLS# 1861233 20787 bulSon rd, Stanwood

$350,000

60102 State route 20, MarbleMount $790,000 Mondo is a well established and well loved Korean and American family restaurant at the foot of the Cascade Mountain Range. Locals and travelers make this part of their Hwy 20 and North Cascade National Park trip. Major arterial choice to Newhalem and continue on to Winthrop; or cross Skagit River bridge and continue up to Cascade Pass and hiking to Stehekin.

Restaurant is warm and inviting, with incredible fare. Very spacious dining area. Some outside seating available. Small gift shop area. Kitchen is beautifully remodeled.

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 MLS#1926413 21290 lafayette rd, Sedro-woolley

1564 H Street rd, blaine

Valuable information for Home buyers • Loan programs available • Buying with Zero Down • Credit and Budgeting • Down payment assistance DATE: Saturday, May 28th, 2022 WHEN: 9:00 Coffee, snacks, introductions.

Learning 9:30 a.m. to 3:30p.m. Lunch will be provided 12:30 to 1:30p.m.

WHERE: SkagitTradition Realty, 3780 E CollegeWay, MountVernon Please Pre-register by contacting either Carla (360) 982-0010 or Lisa (360) 383-7737

Patricia Box Office Manager O: (360) 424-0300 C: (360) 941-9186

JoAnn Boudreau (360) 391-0746

Lisa Kennedy Loan Consultant (360) 982-0010

Juanita Bunch (360) 941-5530

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

Beautiful wooded 4.98 acres situated on south side of Snohomish County/Skagit County line. Power is in street.

Solar power is also possible. Adjacent property to the east of Subject Property is fenced, open field.

Zoning allows for one building site.

Stanwood-Camano School District; and just ten minutes to I-5. Great country living yet convenient for commuting. MLS# 1841822 Danya Wolf

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086

(360) 708-8294

John Hunter (360) 202-3086

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983

360.424.0300

$595,000

Shy 20 acres of farmland with deluxe triple-wide 2150 sq.ft. manufactured home. Portion of acreage is leased year to year to local farmer (about $4500 per year).

Acreage offers Pole barn/garage w/attached carport and separate large shop.There is garden space and fruit trees, several smaller outbuildings, including starter greenhouse and deck.The home offers a large kitchen with island, pantry, and nook with bay window overlooking farmland. High ceilings and open feel to this floor plan. Free standing wood stove supplements forced air heat. Primary bedroom has walk-in closet and private bath.There are two more bedrooms, a den, and another full bath Carla Fischer to complete this home. Lots of parking for you and your guests. MLS#1905659 (360) 982-0100

Phil LaMay (360) 840-3086

$1,150,000

Eighty (80) acres with development potential of multiple building tracts. Mostly woods including Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with one large pond great for duck hunting toward the northerly portion of the 80 acres, some meadows, one small beaver pond, plenty of walking trails or bring your ATV; and an old dug well near the old home site by the southerly edge of the property to the east of the gate.

Future home site/pasture land along the southwesterly edge of the property.

Danya Wolf Shown by appointment. MLS#1925565 (360) 708-8294

Russ Lanker (360) 708-1117

Brett Tacker (360) 840-7931

Danya Wolf Designated Broker/ Owner (360) 708-8294

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon www.skagittraditionrealty.com 214419-1

8

RE-Weekly

May 20, 2022