Real Estate Weekly | December 21, 2012 by Skagit Publishing

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

DECEMBER 21-DECEMBER 27 TWENTY-TWELVE FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE 2013 AND BEYOND PAGE 4

GIVING UP AND GETTING OUT PAGE 6

THE MODEL RENTER PAGE 8

901 JAMESON STREET, SEDRO WOOLLEY Windermere Real Estate/ Skagit Valley 1030 E. College Way Mount Vernon 360.424.4901 800.849.7939 Agent: Bill and Jannette www.SkagitValleyHomes.com

Krieger (360)421-4446

$319,950

You’ll love the character of this beautiful restored & updated Victorian home. Many original features, such as fir floors & trim. The new upscale kitchen offers granite countertops, SS appliances, 6 burner gas cook top & a double oven. Home boasts an impressive entry; parlor with French doors; den/office & formal living & dining rooms. Large garage/shop & garden/storage shed. This corner lot is beautifully landscaped with cobblestone pathways & patio, privacy hedge, fruit trees & a grape arbor. More info & photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. MLS# 331718

Q & A: ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 9

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 10-11

FEATURED ARTICLE: GIVING UP AND GETTING OUT. Years ago, homeowners viewed foreclosure as a last resort – after all other means had been exhausted to save the home. Homeowners were often embarrassed that they had to take this route. Today, times have changed and according to a recent study, homeowners find it more socially accept... (cont. on pg. 6)

YOUR KEY TO REAL ESTATE IN SKAGIT, SNOHOMISH, ISLAND AND WHATCOM COUNTIES goskagit.com/reweekly

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by: Whidbey Island Bank

TABLE of CONTENTS 2013 and Beyond

Pg. 4

Giving Up and Getting Out

Pg. 6

The Model Renter

Pg. 8

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 9

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

To advertise in

RealEstate weekly

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call 360.416.2180 or E-mail ads@skagitads.com View this publication online at www.goskagit.com/reweekly ©Skagit Publishing LLC 2012 | 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,

Mount Vernon - College Way and Urban Ave. Burlington - Burlington Blvd & E. George Hopper Rd. Anacortes - 2202 Commercial Ave. Sedro-Woolley - 339 Ferry Street

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.

Territory NW

Go to our website for a quick and easy way to search all listings! 320 S Burlington Blvd • Burlington www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com (360) 755-9494 • (800) 775-0153

Sedro-Woolley $44,900 Nice 26 acre country setting, Includes two 13 acre parcels. Property is partially cleared. Pond, creek and wildlife near the building site. MLS #213602 Call Jim, 708-1681

Anacortes $249,500 2 homes for the price of 1. Desirable Old Town Anacortes. Each home has 2 BR/1 BA. Detached 2 car garage, RV parking. Corner lot, alley access, near H.S. Great investment potential. MLS # 420295 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

La Conner $145,000 Affordable fee simple in La Conner. 1680 sq. ft. 3 BR/2 BA mfg home on nice size lot. 24 X 36 shop w/hoist, compressor & woodstove. Snee-Oosh beach, boat ramp, amenities. New carpet plus new vinyl in mstr BA. Possible rent to own w/good down payment. MLS #366246 Call Ivana, 770-3550

D AN TL N CA VA

! SEE ST MU

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

N TIO CA LO E IM PR

S FER OF G N I BR

D LAN NT A VAC

Traci Erickson Property Manager 391-2969

December 21, 2012

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Call Wilma, 661-1631

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Burlington $149,000 Over 1700 sq. ft. 3 BR/1 BA home. Value is in the land. Prime location, right in town in the commercial area, M-1. Near City Hall, and the Fire Department. MLS # 387073 Call Steph, 206-229-2668

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Mount Vernon $315,000 Immaculate 3 BR/2.5 BA home with lovely view of the foothills. 3 car garage. Roomy .3 acre lot with fruit trees and garden space. Gas fireplace. Over 2300 sq. ft. & unfinished bonus storage. MLS #422408 Call Debbie, 708-8780

Mike Welling 540-1341

Mount Vernon $209,000 Extensively remodeled 3 BR/2 BA rambler. Formal living room with gas fireplace. Remodeled kitchen with eating space/pantry. Large yard w/ 2 outbuildings for addl. storage. Centrally located in town. MLS #427647 Call Ron, 333-1045

Mount Vernon $230,000 Beautiful custom home overlooking Big Lake. Over 2234 sq. ft. w/3 BR/2.5 BA. Located on just under a ½ acre, plenty of room for a shop. Large master suite includes a soaking tub. MLS # 376112 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Rentals Available

E LAK BIG

Bow $259,000 Rare Samish Island vacant lot! Shared 2321 no bank waterfront. New 3 BR septic, Samish Farms water, power, cable + phone at 3 car garage on property. Fantastic view of bay, Mt. Baker, islands & Chuckanut. Opportunity to build your vacation/dream home! #50247

ED UC RED E IC PR

N TIO CA LO

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Jim Stransky 708-1681

2 BR Duplex, 1 BR Tri-plex and 2 BR 5-plex Rent from $775-$815 per month.

Call 755-5555

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Steph Richardson 206-229-2668

Shannon Henderson Office Manager

Happy Holidays From RE/MAX Territory NW

Jennifer Absten Property Mgt. Division

Jodi Dynes Property Mgt. Division

Pete McDougall 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Let us help make your new house a home

O ve r

ve kitchen displays i L 5 • 22 majo y r brands on displa

Come

k Dif ference c a l B & d d u J e Experience th

S A L E S • S E RV I C E • PA RT S • D E L I V E RY

Your Hometown Appliance, Electronic & Mattress Store!

juddblack.com goskagit.com/reweekly

• I N S TA L L AT I O N • W E D O I T A L L !

Real Estate Weekly

December 21, 2012

2013 and beyond

A look ahead at what the 2012 election and nascent housing recovery will mean for homebuyers, sellers and owners.

The year of 2012 saw record-low mortgage rates, a fledgling recover y and a historical presidential election. Looking to 2013 and beyond, those who seek to buy or sell their homes should keep an eye on these government policies and proposals that may directly affect them.

Interest rates & Credit

Gloria Shulman, founder of Beverly Hills, Calif., mor tgage brokerage Centek Capital Group, predicts, “With stable policy from the Federal Reser ve, interest rates will almost cer tainly stay low through 2014.” However, these low rates aren’t easy to obtain. “The rigid [credit] requirements have been brutal on responsible homebuyers with established credit histories,” Shulman says. Jerr y Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, agrees. “The process for qualifying for a mor tgage has become so difficult that even people with high credit scores and longstanding job histories are still not qualifying,” and the government should push housing financial reform to remedy this, he says. There have also been proposals to alter or eliminate the mor tgage interest deduction. Howard says, “Homeowners should keep a close eye on the mor tgage interest deduction to ensure that their voices are heard.”

December 21, 2012

Lending & Banks

The 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Refor m and Consumer Protection Act enacted tighter restrictions on lending , says Matthew Har s, managing director of Manhattan Spaces in New Yor k, a commercial and residential real estate fir m. But an amendment to Dodd-Frank is necessar y, Har s says, because “a good majority of provisions don’t stop predator y lending – they just make the loan process more gr ueling for the consumer and more expensive to the bank.” To protect bor rower s, politicians could push for legislation that penalizes banks that foreclose or rewards lender s that delay foreclosure, says Danielle Babb, professor of economics at American Militar y Univer sity, Char les Town, W.V., and author of “The Accidental Landlord” (Alpha, 2008).

Home owner Assistance

Babb also predicts that policymaker s may push for homebuyer credits if number s look weak in the spring buying season. NAHB’s Howard says that underwater homeowner s especially need assistance so they can remain in their homes and stem the tide of foreclosures. These policies are par t of the larger “debate about the role of gover nment and the extent to which it should encourage and promote homeowner ship,” Howard says. He says, “That debate will go a long way toward deter mining the value of most of the baby boomer s’ nest eggs as well as future oppor tunities for homeowner ship for America’s young people.”

Market Outlook

It’s difficult to predict the direction of the housing mar ket solely based on policy proposals, but there are mar ket trends that are wor th noting . Babb says, “[Home seller s] may wish to consider renting out their home instead of selling it to potentially profit month-to-month as well as enjoy some [price] appreciation.” As the mar ket gains some steam, Howard expects to see an increase in demand. “There’s a lot of pentup demand out there that will spur the sales of existing homes and bring buyer s back into the mar ketplace,” he says. “In fact, I can make a heck of a case that, all things being equal, [when] the mar ket retur ns to some sense of nor malcy, the next big problem in housing will be supply shor tages,” Howard says.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Now could be the time to sell a new home. Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the housing market for many people. Let us help you advertise your home or listing in Real Estate Weekly.

RealEstate weekly

Call 360.416.2180 In print and online

Brown McMillen Real Estate w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m

goskagit.com

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

ads@skagitads.com

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

North Homes Realty Inc.

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com $264,500

MLS#302054

$178,900

MLS#390616

$179,000

MLS#408899

$160,000

MLS#397199

• Commercial Zoning • Lots of parking • Approx. 1/3 acre • 2 bdrm 1.5 bth NEW PRICE Country Club rambler NEW PRICE… 5 BR, 3 BA..1728 sq. on rairway, updated kitchen, warm ft. Palm Harbor home. Open living bright colors thru-out, hardwood flrs, rm, master w/walk-in closet. Covered gas f/place, 2 furnaces & lots more. front deck,1 car garage. $125,000. $329,000. #313474 #352434

PLEASANT RIDGE… 27 acres w/ AFFORDABLE HOME… 1/2 ac.. 380 feet of riverfront & historic 5 BR Living rm/w free standing woodstove, home used as a Bed & Breakfast Inn. adjoining kitchen & dining. 3 BR + $795,000. #372578 den/hobby rm. 1 3/4 BA .2 outbuildings.$155,000. #233664

UNBELIVABLE… 4+ BR, 3 BA, 2 family rooms, den, French doors, central vac, all stainless appl, views from deck & much more. $348,500. #424228

CHARMING HOME..A MUST SEE… 3 BR, 2 BA, 2 car garage home on dead end street, small creek bordering back yard. $184,500. #352692

We wish a Happy Holiday to all our clients and customers. We thank you for the opportunity to serve you this past year and in the new year! Merry Christmas from all the staff at Brown McMillen Real Estate Evening Phone Calls Welcome Terri Heyntsen Tim Reichert Shelah Inman Fritz Inman

391-0938 391-5587 661-0145 661-0147

goskagit.com/reweekly

Jan Scally Jeff Ingman Galen Kindred Ron Wortham

421-5160 202-2859 770-7083 661-1500

Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Holly Hilts 661-5538 Tod LeHecka 333-1032

• Skagit River views • Shy 1 acre • 2000+ sf 2 story • Detached garage

$129,500

MLS#225091

$220,000

$384,500 MLS#296437 MLS#306633 • 5 Mtn view acres • Huge shop

• All appliances stay • Cute yard • Great starter or rental • 2 bd, 1 ba • Riverfront retreat • Private 4+ acres • Huge family rm • Garage + shop

• 2678 sq ft • Loaded with extras

SOLD

$950,000

• 3 bdrm 1 bth • Full basement • Corner lot • Hardwood floors

• Custom home • 750 sq ft apt • 2100+ sf shop • Wine cellar

• 1/3 acre • Lakefront • Secluded • Residential area

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?

NEW YEAR,

CALL TODAY FOR A $274,950 MLS#329978 NEW REAL ESTATE CAREER! FREE MARKET ANALYSIS • RV parking • Lots of extras CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121 • Great location • New paint Anita Kohl 961-7795 Arlene Vonachen 853-6429 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 Diane Weyer 424-2100 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210

Real Estate Weekly

George Herner 840-3743 Jackie Lindeman 770-9080 Jeff Dowrey 661-2161 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lisa Wondoloski 443-975-9426 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145

Margie Ernst 708-3198 Marlene Deasy 661-6720 Mike Newman 708-1419 Noli Goode 630-6527 Pam Fields 982-0360 Rick Kiesser 770-1195

Sandi Hocking 708-1523 Sandi Riley 770-8670 Sharon Stokes 661-6164 Tamara Cooper 630-9127 Traci Cypher 708-9481 Veronica Lopez 420-0696

December 21, 2012

Giving

Up &

Getting

Out Foreclosures are no longer a last resort, and a growing

percentage of Americans think it’s ok to strategically default.

Years ago, homeowners viewed foreclosure as a last resort – after all other

In markets where home prices have dropped by 50 to 60 percent since the peak of

means had been exhausted to save the home. Homeowners were often embar-

the market, borrowers may decide that they’re never going to get back to a break-

rassed that they had to take this route.

even point, much less build equity in their home, and they’re better off taking a

Today, times have changed and according to a recent study, homeowners find it more socially acceptable to hand over the keys and walk away from their debt.

Matthew Hars, managing director of Varick Capital, a real estate advisory

A recent study, by ID Analytics (a consumer identity insight group) and research

and investment firm, and Manhattan Spaces, a residential broker in New York,

firm JZ Analytics, shows that 32 percent of U.S. adults say that homeowners should

says that one reason for the increased acceptability of strategic default is con-

be able to strategically default on their mortgages without any consequences. The

sumer distrust. Consumers have developed a deep resentment of financial institutions, he says,

report also said that 13 percent would do so if they needed. Rick Sharge, executive vice president of Carrington Mortgage Holdings, LLC

which they perceive as not dealing in good faith with distressed borrowers. “In this

in Santa Ana, Calif., says there are a number of reasons why more Americans

case, the rationale is that it’s ok to default if a lender won’t work with a borrower

find it acceptable to strategically default on a home loan. “While foreclosure

to right size a loan that’s upside down,” Hars says, they think “it’s the lender’s

used to be hidden and something that carried a stigma, it’s now a relatively com-

fault, because of their refusal to write down some of the principal balance, which

mon event,” he says. “Almost everyone knows someone who’s been foreclosed

they’re going to have to do anyway in a foreclosure.” If more Americans follow suit and there is an increase in the number of strategic

on or been in foreclosure.” The reasons for foreclosure have evolved as well. Sharge says, “In other cases, the reasons are more personal. For many, it’s a practical economic consideration. 6

short–term hit to their credit score.”

December 21, 2012

defaults, there could be repercussions in the marketplace, according to Sharge. “From a housing perspective, a large number of these defaults would put

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

www.WindermereSkagit.com Windermere Real Estate/ Skagit Valley 1030 East College Way • Mount Vernon (360) 424-4901 • 1-800-849-7939 7524 MAPLE ST., CNC $28,500 Well maintained manufactured home on a large lot. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath. A great get-away & close to many outdoor activities & the North Cascade National Park. Call George Bellos at 708-9762. #201029

7119 TYLER PL, STANWOOD $284,000 Beautiful 2121 sq.ft., 2 story home with 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Maple cabinets, tile, large master bedroom with 5 piece bath. Nicely landscaped, fully fenced back yard. Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #388597

905 CARRIAGE CT., SDW $42,500 Open, bright & well maintained home with nice floor plan. Kitchen with eating area. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. A large deck & separate shed & located in a quiet secure 55+ park with clubhouse & RV parking. Country feel yet close to town. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #375782

901 JAMESON ST., SDW. $319,950 Restored & updated historic 1903 Victorian home. Many original features. Beautiful new gourmet kitchen. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 3142 SF. Large garage/shop, beautifully landscaped. More photos & info at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #331718

334 N. BAKER ST., MV $155,900 Large 1.5 story West Mount Vernon home on nearly ¾ acre lot. Large private back yard, access to Skagit River for fishing, garden space, outbuildings & shop space all in a quiet neighborhood setting. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #356433

537 LAKESIDE DR., SDW $325,000 Classic waterfront home with dock. 3 bedrooms plus office, 1.75 baths. 46’ no bank shore on Reed Lake. Enjoy the lake or the Community Clubhouse & swimming pool. Call George Bellos at 708-9762. #354920

16792 STATE ROUTE 536, MV $184,900 Lovely remodeled 1 story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, built-in cabinets, pine floors, ceiling fans & gas fireplace. Plus large deck, raised beds, garden shed & 2 car detached garage. All in the country with Mt. Baker view. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #372960

6792 F & S GRADE RD., SDW $375,000 Car Collector’s Dream: garage space for 12 cars! Approx.2238 SF, 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. Pond, 6+ acres, lower property w/ approx.740’of Samish River frontage. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #90077 19041 BEAVER MARSH RD., MV $389,000 2406 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MV $187,500 1893 farmhouse with many upgrades & improvements. Small orchard, hobby stable, fenced pasture & Skagit River waterComfortable 2 bedroom condo in desirable Stonebridge Active Adult community. New floors thru-out living area, new front. House has newly remodeled baths, cork flooring, more. gas range. Open living area with vaulted ceilings. Large master This nearly 2 acre property also includes a 750 SF guest house. suite. Attached 2-car garage. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #412718 4220 MONTGOMERY PL, MV $459,900 #413642 455 KLICKITAT, LAC $192,500 Beautiful custom residence in Park Crest. Approx. 3218 sq.ft., on over 1/3 acre. 5 bedrooms, 3.75 baths. Full attached 1 Wonderful LaConner home featuring views over the marina, bed/1.5 bath MIL with garage & private entry. Call Elizabeth spacious rooms, open floor plan, two fireplaces, attached garage and great amenities abound. Call Sarah Minton at 770- Miller at 420-3607. #363599 3076. #29136416

12648 MARKWOOD RD., BRL $217,900 Burlington rambler approx. 1470 SF on .67 acre lot, approx. 720 SF, detached 2 car garage with RV door & attached carport with 1 car garage, 2 overhead storage areas with pull down staircase access. Newer roof & exterior paint, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths. #413014

more distressed inventory on the market, which could have a negative effect on local home prices,” and it could get more difficult to get a mortgage, he says. “It’s very likely that higher down payments will be required, since the notion is that borrowers with ‘skin in the game’ will less likely walk away from a property. We might also see credit scoring modified to penalize borrowers who strategically default, since lenders will be disinclined to loan money to someone who purposely broke a contract.”

17311 W. BIG LAKE BLVD., BIG LAKE $529,900 WATERFRONT ESTATE with 1+ acre on Big Lake. Full view of the lake, 3 RV pads with hook-ups. 3 stall dressing building. 2 decks & 2 docks. 1400+ SF with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #112580

17422 W. BIG LAKE BLVD., MV $689,900 Gorgeous Mt. Baker, Cultus Mountain & Lake views! 5+ acres 1319 DIGBY PL, MV $235,000 with 2 homes on separate parcels! Great barn, heated shop Maddox Creek end unit townhome with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & additional outbuildings. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #374149 & westerly views. Lovely landscaping. Open floor plan with $2,450,000 kitchen with granite counters, skylight, alder cabinets & stain- 9690 SAMISH ISLAND RD, BOW Custom 6550 SF, 4 bedroom beachfront home on Padilla Bay. less appliances. 2 car garage. Call Karen Beckner at 840-9455. Slab granite in kitchen with wrap-around bar, Viking appli#357295 3618 TUNDRA CT., MV $249,999 ances. Media, exercise & family/game rooms. 4 car garage with 2010 HiLine Home. 1940 sq.ft. with large master suite, 2 guest car lift. Covered patio & moorage buoy. Clam, crab & fish. Call rooms. Open living area with vaulted ceiling, spacious cooks Warren Bingham at 770-2421. #395055 kitchen & SS appliances. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #424110

Still, the strategic foreclosure wave is mostly concentrated in Florida and California where there were large housing bubbles, Hars says. “This creates a lack of credit (in these states) for lending and fuels more purchases by investors, since they generally can purchase with cash instead of getting a loan.” Times may be looking up, however. Based on information from the National Association of Realtors, 24 percent of respondents reported selling distressed property (foreclosed and short sales), down substantially from what had been the case a year or two ago. With the new year around the corner, the real estate market could hinge upon what decisions struggling Americans make.

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

December 21, 2012

STAT costly closing

$1000 Approximate amount of closing costs that borrowers can incur if they fail to shop around for a mortgage. Source: Fannie Mae, Nov. 27 press release.

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

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

Wishing You a Warm Hearth & Home This Holiday Season!

The Model Renter A new survey shows that payment history is more important to apartment managers than credit score. Ever

apartment

Data, rental prices started increas-

managers desired in a renter, be-

wondered

what

ing two years ago. As vacancy rates

sides having no loud parties and

go down, managers feel secure

paying rent on time?

enough to raise prices. “It’s a land-

According to a recent survey by

lord market. The landlords are not

rental website Rent.com, the most

so afraid that people will leave if

important factor in choosing a

they raise the rent,” Patrick says.

renter is the gross income to rent

Two years ago, the driving force

ratio, which was rated “important”

behind vacancies was job loss. Since

or “very important” by 74 percent

then, there has been 30 percent de-

of property managers. The survey

crease in property managers citing

was conducted among the site’s

unemployment as the reason for va-

property customers, representing

cancies. This is the first time in four

about 2 million rental units.

years that less than 50 percent of

Forty-six percent of respon-

managers felt that job loss affect-

dents say that a renter’s gross in-

ed increasing vacancies. In fact, re-

come must be at least three times

location seems to be the emerging

the monthly rental rate, though 30

reason for vacancies, according to

percent say that 2.5 times is enough.

Rent.com.

More surprisingly, 60 percent

Lastly, 62.6 percent of property

reported that a high credit score

managers predict that rent will

is not important. Instead, manag-

go up in the next 12 months. In fact,

ers pay attention to payment his-

72.3 of managers plan to raise pric-

tory rather than the score itself.

es, though Patrick says that the

“We look at their job history, their

rent increases will not be as much

rental history and their criminal

as in 2010.

background,” Vanessa Norton says, a property manager at Belmont Place apartments in Marietta, Ga. On the other side of the coin, managers are uniquely positioned

The North Puget Sound Association of REALTORS® And the REALTORS® of Skagit and Island Counties

to understand what renters care about most. In the survey, 45.1 percent of respondents say allowing pets is important, while 47.5 percent say that a washer and dryer are important to renters. According to Theron Patrick, a

Mission Statement: The North Puget Sound Association of Realtors advocates for Realtors and their clients, provides services to help members prosper, and promotes the protection of property rights.

December 21, 2012

data analyst for ALN Apartment

— Nicky Nicholson-Klingerman

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

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

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

RealEstate weekly In print and online

credit score service QUESTION: We’ve been refinancing our home, and without asking, the lender sent our credit scores. Do we have to pay for this service?

ANSWER: What you see is the result of Wall Street reform. Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, lenders are required to provide a numerical credit score without cost each time they take “any adverse action” against a mortgage applicant. At first glance, this language seems to say that lenders must provide a free credit score only when a mortgage application is goskagit.com/reweekly

goskagit.com

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

ads@skagitads.com

Q&A

denied, but the “adverse action” language can also be read to include any loan originated by a lender when the borrower does not get the best-available rate and terms. If we look at this broader interpretation of “any adverse action,” then three points arise: First, there are instances when the “best available rates and terms” for a given borrower at a particular point in time can be debated. For instance, one lender might see more risk in a given credit score than another. Second, the definition of a “best available rate” is slippery. One problem is that rates are always in flux, so it’s tough to be certain what actually is the best rate at any given moment. Third, the role of the lender is not passive. Borrowers routinely rely on lenders for advice and information, and it is lenders Real Estate Weekly

Ask Our Broker By Peter G. Miller

who underwrite each loan they process. As a result of such questions – and in an abundance of caution – lenders now make scores available to loan applicants as a routine matter. For instance, when my wife and I recently applied to refinance a mortgage, the lender took the application over the phone. While we were actually on the line, he obtained our credit scores from three separate creditreporting bureaus, and a few days later we each received the middle score by mail. For specifics, speak with your lender when making an application. December 21, 2012

WOODLAND APTS

1, 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts 2 x 1 ½ Town homes Covered Parking Complete Appliance Pkgs Sport Courts / Playgrounds Pet Friendly Call Today! 360-856-4803 1 bdrm, MV, safe & quiet, 1 level, near hospital. Corner of 16th & Skagit. $690. W/S/G pd. 360-652-6560 1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 bdrm, MV, near college, onsite laundry, reserved parking. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 Dec. Only Move-In Special. $450. (Regular $850) 2 bdrm, 1 ½ ba, Sedro-Woolley newer townhome. 360-708-8665 Fairhaven Manor 757-2149 Norris Place 757-3060 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts. W/S/G pd. Great location, some restriction apply. Call or stop in today. Move in special! 2 bdrm 1 ½ ba, Burl., W/D hookup, W/S/G pd., no pets. $777/mo. 360-757-2923

ANAC. 3 BDRM, 1.5 BA No smoking, $1100 mo. Refs Burlington Business Park, warehouse/office combo, req'd. 360-293-7940 4,060 sq. ft. warehouse, Newer 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, on pri- 1,066 sq. ft. office, 600 sq. ft. vate street, garage, applcs., mezzanines, loading dock. close to shopping & park, Call Al Brown, 360-770-9877 $1400/mo. 360-661-6674 Well kept 2 bdrm home w/utility rm hookup, fenced back yd, attached single car garage, on dead end cul de sac. $900/mo., 1st, last, $500 damage dep. No smoke/pets. 12 month lease. Burlington. Call 360-391-8583

10 21,21, 2012 10- December December 2012

New price for custom built 3 bdrm, 2 ½ ba w/family room off kitchen, dining room overlooks private backyard, fresh interior paint, oversized 2 car garage, circular drive. Acreage suitable for farming or livestock, some marketable timber. Possible lease option to buy.

Avail. Jan. 1st, Sedro-Woolley, 55+ condo., 2 Bdrm, 2 Ba, garage, W/S/G pd., $900, $450 dep. Call 853-7362.

MLS 202725 425-985-9643 Terry Smiley Champions Real Estate

Burl. clean 1 bdrm, near park, no smoke/pet. $685/ mo., dep. & refs. 757-8702

S.W. duplex, 2 Bdrm, 2 Ba, Upstairs, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba apt. garage, gas heat, nice yard in Burlington, W/S/G pd., NO No smoke/pets, $900/mo. PETS! $700/mo., $700/dep. 360-708-0316; 360-856-4172 755-0375 8AM-4PM

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals. Piazza Realty Property Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT (7368) www.prpmrentals.com 1 bdrm lakehouse for rent. $900/mo. Avail now. Call 360-422-6206 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, shown by appt only. 360-755-0125 3 Bdrm on hill in MV, $975 + damage dep. No smoke. Fenced yard. 424-9516 5 bdrm, 3 ba, SW, 3000 s.f. Lrg kitchen, master on main floor. $1500. 360-661-5375

RANCH RAMBLER 27930 Hoehn Road, Sedro-Woolley 32 LEVEL ACRES $369,000

AVAILABLE NOW Warm indoor saltwater pool & spa, Clear Lake view luxury home, all util. pd., no pets/ smoke, $850. 360-856-6949

MV near college, TV & internet, $500/mo. $100/dep. 360424-6974 Room for rent in SedroWoolley, $450/mo., all utils. incl. 360-854-9181.

COURTYARD GARDENS CONDOMINIUM 55+ 323A North LaVenture Mount Vernon, WA Only one person lived in since built in 1998! Ready to move in! Living room with cozy gas frplc with adequate dining room area. Bdrm with walk-in closet, plus second small bdrm/office. Lrg bathroom with shower & separate bathtub. Private gated courtyard with small raised garden spot. Small covered patio. Single garage with automatic opener. Clubhouse to entertain your family and friends. All appliance's included. Easy maintenance 904.00 sq ft. Only! $112,500 Terry Minor 360-428-5040

TWO HOMES ON 5.32 PARK-LIKE ACRES!

Everything has been updated inside and out! Main house has 3 bdrms, 1 ¾ baths, brand new kitchen with granite and built-ins, laminate flooring, vaulted ceilings, crown molding and many more upgrades! Detached 40' X 24' garage/shop. Huge patio, beautiful landscaping, walking trails & charming play house with loft. Cozy accessory dwelling has attached garage/shop, 1 ½ baths. $379,950. MLS # 393236. Contact Jan Scally @ 360.421.5160 for an appointment to view. Brown-McMillen Real Estate

14 APARTMENT UNITS $129,000 11 units + Triplex on two separate tax parcels. Major fixer/project. Vacant. Possible rents $7,500/mo. Owner of 14 units originally owned the parcel of land to south also. This is an important parcel as the drain field for the entire 14 units is located on the neighbors property. The neighbor is willing to sell the neighboring 2 acres w/mobile home (currently renting at $600/ mo.) shops and DRAIN FIELD for an additional $150,000 w/20% down. RE/MAX W.C. Keith Cook 360-739-5600 www.BuyerMax.com

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD?

YOU HAVE TO FISH WHERE THERE ARE FISH. RENT-TO-OWN this BRAND NEW certified built green 3 bedrooms 2 bath home in Sedro-Woolley. Enjoy lower utility bills and a small easily maintained landscape. Some of the many green built features include easy to clean ceramic tile and cork flooring, low flow dual flush toilets and a high efficiency natural gas furnace. For more information visit our website at skagitsolutions.com

WE’RE THE BIG POND. You should be advertising in these tough economic times.

To advertise in the most powerful local media available, call us at 360.424.3251

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

goskagit.com/reweekly REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

December 21, 21, 2012 December 2012 -11 11

FOR BUYERS & SELLERS! WHO QUALIFIES AS A HERO? Our initial heroes have been firefighters & public safety officers. However, there are many Heroes in our communities: health care professionals, military personnel, educators &, educational support staff, youth workers, pastors & more. Tell us about what you do for your community. When you are buying or selling a home, let us say “Thank You” for all you do! Call us for details! www.HOMESFORHEROES.com Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

23682 PACIFIC HWY, MOUNT VERNON

Donna Kurras 360-770-7596

TY UNI

55+

Mechanics Dream! Features a 36x70 Shop; designed and built by retired auto body shop owner, includes a bathroom with shower and a washer/dryer! Has covered RV parking with power and dump station. Unique, custom built 1568 sq. ft. home with bonus 1260 sq. ft. unfinished basement/ garage. Large deck looks out over 3.17 acres Danya Wolf offering beautiful sunset views! MLS#426584 360-708-8294

L AL ! G S LINDER L CABUIL

MM CO

LEA

Nice home in Stonebridge 55+ community. Quiet, dead-end with gated access to walking trail. Home features vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace and sliding door to covered patio. kitchen has walk-in pantry; master has spacious walk-in closet. Utility room has nice cabinets and large sink. Generous sized double garage features cabinet storage and tool bench. Quiet location; yet comfortable Danya Wolf distance to club house. MLS#421739 360-708-8294

Fantastic Opportunity! New recorded plat of 30 lots on South 18th Street (just north of Jefferson Elementary School). Two duplex lots in plat available at only $75,000 each! Older, established home also available for purchase.

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

$99,000

BEAUTIFUL LOT - READY TO BUILD!

EE!

IL AVA

Creative Financing. Just across the street from Bakerview Park. All appliances included. The home boasts brand new carpet and paint in all 3 bedrooms, living, dining and bonus room. Master has a full size bath. The other 2 bedrooms and 2nd bath are located at the opposite end of home from the master. Fenced yard and off-street Sandy Everett parking. MLS#362042 360-202-3706

ABL

$249,000

W! NO

180 plus degree view of Saratoga Passage, islands, and incredible sunsets. 82 feet of sandy beach waterfront, ready for your dream home! Sloped lot with fabulous view and sandy beach below Madrona trees. 0.435 acre (18,960 square feet) Water and electricity available. Sellers will consider owner financing. MLS#429836

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

$399,900

YEAR ROUND BEAUTY!

UR YOS G IN AN BR PL

Perfect Location. Perfect View. Perfect ambiance. 2.5 acre parcel near Bayview sets nicely back from and above the bay to afford the maximum view of the water and mountains. Power, cable, PUD water, and phone lines to tract. Will consider owner financing. MLS#347366

$125,000 XXX IDA DR, SEDRO-WOOLLEY

S ST MU

N TIO

3 STARVATION RIDGE LANE, MOUNT VERNON $249,000 XXX OERTEL DR, BLAINE

XXX 18TH ST, MOUNT VERNON STARTING AT $40,000

Jones Atterberry 360-708-8935 John L Scott Skagit

Value in the land! Check this one out! Beautiful, treed shy acre offers gorgeous view over Skagit River with private well, septic and power; includes a livable, vintage 1959 (47x10) Manufactured Home. MLS#430074

$189,950 2905 TIMOTHY PLACE, MOUNT VERNON $1200/MO./$145,950 4 XXX GOLDEN VIEW AVE, LA CONNER

$499,000 502 SHADY LANE, MOUNT VERNON

IZEE! OMOM T S CUHIS H T

10975 ROF LANE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY

Carol Harris Primelending Direct: 360.588.5431 Cell: 425.478.1638

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

Beautiful low bank 50’ waterfront lot. Spectacular sunsets and views of the Straits of Georgia and White Rock. Great crabbing and clamming. Just the place for your dream home on Semiahmoo Bay. MLS#375264

Suzanne Jenkins 360-941-2983

Merry Christmas! From Our Family to yours!

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

This is it! Last Available building lot (#25) in a desired area. Great 20’x40’ shop on site. Level lot is just shy of an acre with beautiful, mature trees. Community water system. MLS#419801

We will be accepting Toys for Tots donations until Christmas Eve Sandy Everett 360-202-3706

360.424.0300 or 800.697.4118

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 12

December 21, 2012

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly