Real Estate Weekly | December 28, 2012 by Skagit Publishing

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

DECEMBER 28-

TWENTY-TWELVE

JANUARY 3

TWENTY-THIRTEEN FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT’S DUE PAGE 4

GREEN OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME PAGE 7

NO POINTS OR FEES ATTACHED PAGE 8

502 SHADY LANE, MOUNT VERNON Skagit Tradition Realty 3780 E. College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-424-0300 www.SkagitTraditionRealty.com

Agent: Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

$189,950

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 distance to club house. MLS#421739

Q & A: ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 9

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 10-11

FEATURED ARTICLE: CREDIT WHERE CREDIT’S DUE Traditional credit scores miss important international loan history or rental payment information; new credit reporting systems can fill in the gaps Four years ago, Siobhan Harmon moved to the United States from Ireland because of her husband Conor Kane’s job as an engineering manager. She thought (cont. on pg. 4)

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 Credit Where Credit’s Due

Pg. 4

Green options for your home

Pg. 7

No Points or Fees Attached

Pg. 8

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 9

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

To advertise in

RealEstate weekly

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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

Territory NW

Go to our website for a quick and easy way to search all listings!

320 S Burlington Blvd • Burlington (360) 755-9494 • (800) 775-0153

ND LA NT A C VA

S OU

CI PA

Mount Vernon $149,000 Roomy 3 BR, 2 BA home with 1782 sq. ft. on 1+ acre. Convenient location right on edge of Mount Vernon. Deck. Outbuildings. MLS#416805 Call Debbie, 708-8780

Call Pete, 708-6500

E! SE ST MU

ED UC RED E IC PR

Mount Vernon $299,700 Custom built rambler over 2,031 sq. ft. 3 BR/2.25 BA. Open floor plan design for comfortable living. Fenced yard, RV parking, and large private deck. 1/3 acre lot with the perfect country setting. MLS#398916

Bow $1,100,000 Hobby farm & home. 20 fenced acres. Can be divided. Marketable timber. Large shop w/ outbuildings. MLS#347951 Call Jim, 708-1681

Call Mike, 540-1341

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

December 28, 2012

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Debbie Allen 708-8780

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com S FER OF G IN BR

ND LA NT A C VA

Sedro-Woolley $160,000 Approx. 1332 sq. ft., 3 BR, 1 ¾ BA. Rambler built in 1998. Spacious family room off kitchen. Slider off family room to beautiful backyard. Large lot w/lots of fruit trees & berries. 2 car attached garage. MLS#419456

Mount Vernon $184,000 Beautiful Craftsman home in old town MV is better than new! Fantastic updates. Fenced yard, patio and attached garage. Great walkability to schools, bus line or downtown. This bright sunny floor plan is perfect for entertaining or relaxing! MLS#348013

Stanwood $195,000 This property is a MUST SEE! 40+ acres, mostly flat with a gentle slope. Large pond with lots of building locations. There is a gravel road through property. Power at the street. MLS#325270

BURLINGTON RENTAL

2 BR duplex in quiet West Burlington location. New paint. Attached 1 car garage. W/S/G paid. No pets. $800 per month/$800 deposit.

5 plex end unit. 2 BR attached partial enclosed carport with storage room. Newer carpet/paint and updated kitchen. W/S/G and basic cable paid. $800 per month/$800 deposit.

N TIO CA LO

Sedro-Woolley $149,950 Beautiful 4.29 acres with private well. Skagit County approved septic. Design for 4 BR home, it is ready for your dream home! Great location!. MLS#359918

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Mike Welling 540-1341

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.

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

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Steph Richardson 206-229-2668

Pete McDougall 708-6500

Shannon Henderson Office Manager

Call Kirk, 770-7470

Spacious 1 BR duplex w/attached carport. Close to town. W/S paid. No pets. $745 per month/$745 deposit.

Jennifer Absten Property Mgt. Division

Jodi Dynes Property Mgt. Division

Traci Erickson Property Manager 391-2969

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Real Estate Weekly

December 28, 2012

Credit

Where Credit’s Due

Traditional credit scores miss important international loan history or rental payment information; new credit reporting systems can fill in the gaps By MADHUSMITA BORA CTW Features

says Harmon, who now lives in King of Prussia, Pa. “[We] attempted several options: a bank loan, loan from Conor’s company, but couldn’t Four years ago, Siobhan Harmon moved to the get anything. In the end we had to buy our car United States from Ireland because of her husband outright.” Conor Kane’s job as an engineering manager. Harmon and Kane had a long credit history She thought it would be an easy transition, until in their home country, but they had to start from the couple went to buy a car. scratch in the U.S. Traditional credit scoring “We absolutely could not get a car loan,” systems don’t account for data such as rental 4

December 28, 2012

payments or international credit history; thus, many immigrants and young professionals struggle to obtain credit. New credit scores launched recently by Experian and FICO-CoreLogic could make a big difference for those who don’t have traditional credit histories. cont. on pg. 5

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

credit

www.WindermereSkagit.com

cont. from pg. 4

In a tight economy, where lenders are anxious and have tightened their purse strings, people with no credit history find roadblocks everywhere. It’s difficult to obtain a credit card, buy a car or open a bank account. Mortgage loans are a distant dream. Experian, one of the three national credit-reporting agencies, has launched the Extended View Score for consumers with little or no credit history, says Paul Desaulniers, director of product management at Experian. The score takes into account Experian tradeline data (information from companies where the applicant has accounts), rental data and public records information to produce a measure that assesses the creditworthiness of the under-served population, DeSaulniers says. So, if you have been on time for your rent payments, you may have a better chance getting financing for a new car or even a new home.

“

…24 percent had their scores increase by more than 50 points. – Tim Grace, senior vice president of product solutions at CoreLogic

For Harmon and others in a similar situation, this could be a welcoming change. Even now, after having three years of credit history in the U.S., Harmon and her husband had a hard time finding a mortgage deal over the summer. “We had to put down minimum of 20 percent to make things easier. I believe you still can get a mortgage with putting down less, but it’s more difficult.” she says. There are 64 million consumers in the United States that fall into the category of having limited or no traditional credit history. This population segment becomes even more important as the housing market tries to court new buyers to boost its recovery. “When the economy started to crash in 2008, lenders became risk-averse and cautious, and they weren’t aggressively trying to book customers on the fringes,” says Tom Quinn, credit expert at Credit.com, an online credit resource for consumers. “So there was no need for these scores targeting the under-served population.” But as the economy recovers and more people look to buy new homes, lenders are bound to get more aggressive. There will be more interest in

Windermere Real Estate/ Skagit Valley 1030 East College Way • Mount Vernon (360) 424-4901 • 1-800-849-7939 869 CARRIAGE CT., SDW $79,500 Immaculate triple wide with 2 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, den, vaulted ceiling, kitchen with island & maple cabinets. Natural gas heat, water & range. A 10x20 insulated shed & work bench. All located in quiet gated retirement community. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #230071

1246 ARREZO DR., SDW $230,000 Commanding views of the Cascade foothills. Very nice residence in Sauk Mountain Estates offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. View deck & fully fenced yard. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #422480

825 N. LAVENTURE RD., MV $134,900 Super cute, affordable home in convenient location. 1320 101 CEDARWOOD PL., MV $234,500 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath on an oversized lot. Call Elizabeth Great location on the hill. 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. Open floor plan, kitchen with island. Adjoining family room with Miller at 420-3607. #430024 944 PARK ST., LAC $134,950 fireplace, vaulted ceilings. Beautiful park like lot, room for RV, Adorable 2 story home with-in walking distance to downtown. boat behind gated access. 2 car garage. Call Linda Eastman at 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, hardwood floors & plenty of storage. 202-4075. #430812 1913 S. 18TH ST., MV $249,900 2 homes for the price of 1! 1772 SF, 4 bedroom, 1.75 bath ram604 N. LAVENTURE ST., MV $139,950 bler on a huge lot that includes a 598 SF, 2 bedroom cottage. Strong rental history on cottage. Great location, development Clean & tidy rambler on a nice corner lot within walking distance to different city amenities. Spacious living room plus potential. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #409732 2340 CROSBY DR., MV $269,500 a big family room/dining room. Good off street parking for Super large custom home offering 4 bedrooms & 3 baths. several vehicles plus a small outbuilding. Ready for you to Over 3700 sq.ft. of living space. Beautiful western valley & move right in. Call Robin Luif at 420-2026. #420069 22998 STATE ROUTE 9, MV $149,000 sunset views. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #424629 Assigned 2 car parking, club house & beautifully landscaped common areas. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #353981

6415 DENNIS LN., SDW $299,900 One level 4 bedroom home on 4.85 wooded acres and a 3 bay shop. Formal living & dining; family room; kitchen with eating nook. More photos & information at SkagitValleyHomes.com. 1419 DIGBY PL., #107, MV $160,000 Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #425442 $299,900 Cute, clean 2 bedroom Maddox Creek condo in secure build- 21737 STERLING DR., SDW ing with gated parking. Open kitchen & living area, tile floor- 1-level home on 1 acre, 4 bedrooms, den, living & family rooms, formal dining, 2 fireplaces, 3 baths. Court yard with hot ing in kitchen & dining area. In-unit laundry. Why rent when tub, tennis court, 2 car attached garage, detached shop & large you can own? Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #348813 outbuilding. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #266058 Peaceful, private country setting for this nice manufactured home with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Large deck to enjoy the lovely views of Lake McMurray & the mountains. All on 1 acre with a pond. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #400909

13 MADRONA ESTATES, CYPRESS ISLAND $299,950 Rare opportunity to own in the Strawberry Bay community of Cypress Island. Incredible views & common interest in the sandy beach. Charming cabin with 3 bedrooms; powered by solar, propane. More photos & info. at SkagitValleyHomes. com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #380538 227 S. 27TH ST., MV $186,500 Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 full bath rambler near Haggen, schools & medical. Master with full bath. Move-in ready & NOT a short sale! Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #431012

14836 AVON ALLEN RD., MV $363,000 Beautiful Turn-of-the-Century home with barn & granary, surrounded by the bountiful Skagit farmlands. Over 2900 sq.ft., 4 bedrooms, 1/5 baths on 1.2 acres. Call Elizabeth Miller at 100 BELMONT TERRACE, MV $199,500 420-3607. #316903 1-level brick home offering 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, 2 fire303 E. JONES RD, SDW $424,950 places, 1680+ SF, family & dining rooms, cedar lined closets & Immaculate custom 3 bedroom, 2.25 bath home. 2 car garage, built in’s. Private fenced back yard with covered patio, 2 car 30x20 shop & 60x36 shop both with heat. Located on .86 acre garage. Close to medical facilities and I-5 corridor. Call Linda with additional 1.33 acres adjoining with development potential. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #345096 Eastman at 202-4075. #408480

cont. on pg. 6

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Real Estate Weekly

December 28, 2012

credit

STAT

cont. from pg. 5

According to CoreLogic’s research, credit scores can improve for up to 70 percent of borrowers in a typical mortgage portfolio, making it easier for people to qualify for loans. “Of 300,000 mortgage applicants in a study sample, 3,100 more consumers would have qualified with a credit score criteria of 700, and overall, 24 percent had their scores increase by more than 50 points,” Grace says. Quinn says the new systems should help more consumers enter into the mainstream credit system. From a lender’s perspective, the new scores could help them automate their services and be more efficient. “This would reduce operating costs and allow lenders to pass on their savings on to their customer base,” he says.

Grinds My Gears

#9 Rank of real estate problems in the biggest consumer complaints, the first time real estate has been in the top 10. Source: Consumer Federation of America and the North American Consumer Protection Investigators

North Homes Realty Inc.

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

W/ VIE

47575 STATE ROUTE #20, CONCRETE $155,000

48929 CONCRETE SAUK VALLEY ROAD, CONCRETE $149,500 SP

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W VIE ER RIV

44209 DALLES ROAD, CONCRETE $178,900

BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI •OUTSTANDING VALUE, PARKLIKE 1.30 ACRE W/SM. STREAM, MTN. VIEW •CHARMING “N/W CRAFTSMAN” STYLE BUNGALOW W/1632 SQ. FT. •2 LG. BD., 2 BA., OPEN DESIGN, WOOD & TILE FLRS., LG. SHOP/GAR. W/”PIT”

20630 LAFAYETTE ROAD, BURLINGTON $218,900

2725 E. FIR STREET, #16, MT. VERNON $18,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #35, MT. VERNON $74,500 55

+ 55

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5 #3 IT

BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI •FORMERLY “WOOD CARVING BUSINESS”, ZONED RETAIL/ COMM./BUSINESS •SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM HOME ATTACHED, TOTAL OF 2848 SQ. FT.! •FULLY ENCLOSED BACK YD., COV. PARKING, 400 FT. OF PRIME HWY EXPOSURE

BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI •PARKLIKE “SHY” AC SETTING, PVT RIVER BEACH ACCESS & VIEW •LG. (2072 SQ. FT. ) 2 STORY W/2 BD., 2 BA., BIG REC. RM., HOBBY RM.,DEN/OFFICE •DETACHED SHOP/ GARAGE, LG. VIEW DECK, PRIVATE & CLOSE TO SERVICES

December 28, 2012

W/ •QUIET DEAD END ST. NEAR HILLCREST PARK, WESTERLY VIEWS •STUNNING INTERIOR W/LG. WALL OF WINDOWS TO THE VIEW, TASTEFULLY UPDATED •3 BD., 2 BA., 1834 SQ.FT., GAS HT., GAS FPL., LG. VIEW PATIO W/KOI POND!

IT#

VIE

•OUTSTANDING “NO BANK” WATERFRONT W/PERMITTED SEASONAL DOCK •QUALITY BUILT, “LIKE NEW” INSIDE & OUT, 2 BR, 1 LG. BA., “BONUS RM” •QUIET DEAD END RD., “DEEP” LOT, LG. SHOP/STORAGE BLDG, “PRISTINE”!!

“A Skagit County Company”

VIE

ON FFR

S IEW

WA TER 60’

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BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI

•CUSTOM “RAMBLER/RANCH” STYLE W/2678 SQ.FT. ON PASTORAL 5 AC •LG. VIEW WINDOWS, HIGH CEILINGS,OPEN/AIRY DESIGN W/3 LG. BD. •”VIEW” DEN, HUGE “GREAT RM.”, 2.5 BA., “HOBBY RM”, LG. SHOP/BARN

BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI

American Dream Real Estate would like to take the time to wish everyone the Happiest of New Years and thank you for all of your contributions to our terrific Valley. Like many of you we are spending this time with friends and loved ones and reflecting on the passing of another year. We look forward to serving our community in 2013 and anticipate a strong year for all aspects of Real Estate. Sincerely, All of us at American Dream Real Estate

Anita Kohl 961-7795

1201 S. 10TH STREET, MT. VERNON $247,500

11604 SCOTT ROAD,( SAMISH IS.) BOW $435,000 T

38182 STATE ROUTE #20, (BIRDSVIEW) CONCRETE $374,500

Sandi Riley 770-8670

and demand for new, accurate scores, Quinn says. Credit-scoring companies are trying to meet those demands, especially related to the housing market. Another new option is the FICO Mortgage Score Powered by CoreLogic, which combines traditional credit information with CoreLogic’s proprietary CoreScore data. The CoreScore is composed of two parts, an expanded credit report (including data on rental transactions and short-term loan payment history) and a composite credit risk score, says Tim Grace, senior vice president of product solutions at CoreLogic. The new FICO-CoreLogic model predicts the likelihood of a mortgage default within the first two years. It better reflects the current payment behavior of consumers, Grace says.

BY APPOINTMENT, CALL SANDI

•SECLUSION CLOSE IN, NO NEAR NEIGHBORS, FARMLAND SURROUNDS •RUSTIC 2 STORY FARMHOUSE W/4 BD., 2 BA., 1 ACRE AND PRIVACY ++ •LG. DET. GARAGE/SHOP HAS 1 BD. “IN LAW” APARTMENT, POSS. “OWNER TERMS”

•ENJOY VIEWS OF THE GREENBELT, CLOSE TO LG. CLUBHOUSE •AFFORDABLE 55+ PARK LIVING, 2 BD., 2 BA., NEWER ROOF AND WINDOWS •ENCLOSED BACK PORCH, GATED R.V. PARKING AREA NEAR BY

•”TOP 5” PARKS (55+) IN WASHINGTON STATE, PRIVATE !! •GATED , LG. CLUBHOUSE W/HEATED INDOOR POOL •3 BD., 2 BA., GARAGE + SHOP + STORAGE, COV. PATIO, GREAT YD.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

GREEN OPTIONS for your home

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

Private residences consume lots of energy. The Energy Information Administration says that Americans are increasing their electricity consumption at home, with some homes even using more energy than small businesses. The EIA says that on average a home uses between 936 and 1,000 kilowatthours of electricity each month. There is also a heavy reliance on natural gas, one of the primary fuels used to heat homes. On average homes use 100 million BTU for heating and cooking needs per year. Thousands of dollars are spent every year on home heating, cooling and electricity needs, but there are many different ways to conserve energy. This includes using alternative energy sources that may be better for the planet and more cost-effective for the average homeowner. When considering green energy, many homeowners think of solar panels, which currently account for .01 percent of all electricity used in homes across the United

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

States. However, solar power could provide as much as 10 percent of that electricity by 2025. California leads the nation with the most solar projects to date, but homeowners across the country are considering solar panel additions to their homes. While the initial cost of solar panel installation can be considerable, the panels generally pay for themselves in energy savings within a few years of installation. Also, some solar power companies now allow homeowners to rent the photovoltaic panels, which can cut down on the cost of installation. Choosing green energy may not involve any effort on the part of the homeowner. In fact, there are many different companies that work in conjunction with traditional energy suppliers so that a portion of the energy supplied to homes comes via an alternative energy source. Companies like Viridian Energy (www.viridian.com) enable homeowners to switch a certain percentage of cont. on pg. 9

VALLEY HOMES

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

(360) 424-7166

823 N. 4th St., Mount Vernon

Visit our website at

buyingvalleyhomes.com Call or email us today at

remaxvalley@comcast.net

Property Management Services / Rental Listings Available (360) 424-3198

RARE 55+ CONDO… 2 BR, 2 BA, MV DUPLEX… well maintained on Rambler, lg 2 car garage in the Ce- lg corner lot. 2 BR, 1 BA, f/place, all dars. Open floor design. RV prkg in appliances stay. Attached garage. complex. $182,900. #430094 $199,950. #391996 2 HOMES ON 5.23 ACRES… up- 2 ACRE LOTS… ready for you new dated 3 BR, 1.75 BA rambler + cozy home. Each is 2 acres w/nice terriaccessory dwelling. Many upgrades, torial views & municipal water availhuge patio, cook top range. Shop/ga- able. $110,000. #261525 rage..$379,950. #393236 SMALL GRAVEL PIT… 20 acres BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME!… in near Sedro-Woolley. Water & power quiet cul-de-sac. Gorgeous Timbo- available to build your new home. rana wood floors. Granite counters, $99,500. #330672 tile accents, wide moldings & trim. CAMANO ISLAND… 2.5 acres near $319,500. #261856 Camano Plaza w/1920 sf bldg & 4BR MV RAMBLER… 1300 sf room to expand. Zoned for light mfg. rambler in MV hill location (close to $335,000. #3912228 hospital), fenced back yard, dining rm 4PLEX LOT… close to services, all off kitchen, laundry room & detached utilities available, ready to build. Posgarage. $157,000 #388808 sible split to 2 lots & sell for residen83 ACRES… beautiful pasture land, tial. $120,000. #353833 some wooded areas. 3 BR, 2 BA mfg GREAT LOCATION… 1/3 acre, beauhome, 2 shops, horse barn, hay loft. tiful views, walking trails & Big Lk w/ Great for cattle ranch, equestrian use. public access. Rural neighborhood. $495,000. #284837 $69,500. #320568

CLEARLAKE RAMBLER… 3 BR, 2 BA, over 1600sf home w/a 1/2 ac lot. Quiet neighborhood off Buchanan. $225,500. #366305 VIEW LOT… 180 degree view of city & bay. Close to city ctr. Recreation at Lk Whatcom. Great bldg lot. $205,000. #394446 160FT W/FRONT!… low bank on east side of Big Lake. 1 1/3 ac site, private, ready for new home. 2 small rentals, several outbuildings incl. a saloon & gazebo. $695,000. #386044 VIEWS FROM EVERY DIRECTION… 5 ac parcel located on Bisquit Ridge! Great opportunity to build your custom home! $277,500. #379837 NEW DUPLEX… in excellent Burlington location. Very nice large 3 BR units. $369,500. #387646 AFFORDABLE HOME- 1/2 AC… Living rm/w free standing woodstove, adjoining kitchen & dining. 3 BR + den/ hobby rm. 1 3/4 BA, 2 outbuildings. Evening Phone Calls Welcome $155,000. #233664

Terri Heyntsen Tim Reichert Shelah Inman Fritz Inman

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

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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

1050 Sinclair Way, Burlington Charming home in 55 & better community of The Cedars. Open & welcoming floor plan. Large rooms, 2BR, each w/own bath. Garage, 2 parking spaces & RV parking. Homeowner dues include Cable TV, use of clubhouse, exterior building insurance, building maintenance, lawn & yard care. Enjoy life to the fullest. Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS #287212 $125,995

23228 Howey Access Rd, Sedro-Woolley Rambler w/large deck, outbuildings & pasture on 2.5ac near Clear Lake. Land leased from DNR & are willing to lease more. Family & living room w/nice view of mountains & fields. Very private setting off South Skagit Highway. Chicken coop, garden space and shop/garden shed. Lease is $4,200.00 per year. Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS #418177 $135,000

2610 Section St. #74, Mount Vernon Home w/lots of upgrades & remodeling. Spotless floor coverings, custom interior paint & other amenities. Well lighted kitchen w/all kinds of cabinets & plenty of work space. Bay windowed breakfast room & large formal dining room. Backyard fully enclosed, w/gas fire pit, fountain & deck w/handicapped ramps. Large treed lot. Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS #424119 $59,500

710 W Lincoln St., Mount Vernon Investment opportunity. 11880 sq ft R-3 zoned lots w/2 homes priced to sell. Natural gas heat. Zoning allows for multi-family and some businesses. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Parcel #P54820 and #P54816. Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS #414997 $140,000

551 Ruby Peak Ave., Mount Vernon Very nice 2006 home w/3BR, 2.5BA, kit w/lg din space, liv rm & utility rm w/attached 2-car gar. Fully fenced backyard w/greenbelt privacy. Backyard has 2 Japanese maple wisteria, 1 pink dogwood, 3 hydrangeas, 1 lilac, 2 rhododendron, 1 white dogwood & 2 quince bushes. Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS #413945 $159,800

3610 Mohawk Ct., Mount Vernon Amazing views west & north from wrap around deck. 4BR, 2BA home on large lot w/fruit & nut trees. Kitchen w/oak cabinets, open floor plan, dining & living room. Rec room downstairs w/slider to backyard. Deck access from master or living room. Master w/separate shower, soaking tub & double sinks. Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS #396629 $299,500

Real Estate Weekly

December 28, 2012

No Points or Fees Attached

Loan applicants may soon be guaranteed access to zero-fee, zero-point mortgage options for more transparency The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the financial services watchdog, recently proposed that lenders be required to make nopoint, no-fee mortgages available. This rule would simplify the process NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® 525 East College Way, Suite J

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

‘R’ You in Good Hands? Using a designated REALTOR® assures that your transaction is handled ethically, and that your rights will be protected now, and in your future as a homeowner.

REALTOR® Members in MOUNT VERNON*: American Dream RE

360-416-6500 adrhomes.net Associates Northwest

360-848-9898 Century 21 North Homes

360-424-2100 century21northhomes.com Coldwell Banker/Eaglemont

360-424-3737 cbhomes.com Executive Real Estate Inc

Lighthouse Commercial

Schacht's Land & Homes

Property Management 360-588-4394

360-708-0911 kgschacht@gmail.com

Pacific Northwest RE

Semanko Realty Group

360-428-4111 pacific-northwestrealestate.com

360-840-9309 servingskagit.com

Preview Propeties, Skagit

Skagit Tradition Realty

360-848-8900 previewskagit.com

360-424-0300 skagittraditionrealty.com

RE/MAX Valley Homes

Windermere Skagit Valley

360-424-7166 buyingvalleyhomes.com

360-424-4901 windermereskagit.com

360-424-1111

*For a complete list of our REALTOR® Members, go to npsar.com/Member Info 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 28, 2012

of choosing a mortgage for qualified prospective borrowers. According to a release by the CFPB, zero-fee, zero-point mortgage options would allow a consumer purchasing or refinancing a residence to better compare competing offers from different creditors or loan offers from a particular creditor. Consumers could also more easily decide whether they would receive an adequate reduction in monthly loan payments in exchange for opting to make upfront payments in the form of points and/or fees. Additionally, it would require lenders to provide interest rate reductions if consumers choose to pay upfront fees and/or points. The public had until October 16, 2012, to review and offer comments on the CFPB’s proposed rules (go to www.cfpb.gov for more information). The CFPB will scrutinize and evaluate the comments prior to issuing its final rules in January 2013. Rick Sharga, executive vice president of Carrington Mortgage Holdings in Santa Ana, Calif., says that eager homebuyer and refinancer candidates don’t have to wait until next year and hope that the new rules stick. No-point, no-fee mortgages are already an option right now for many borrowers, who can request a no-closing-cost mortgage from a lender in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate. “However, the average borrower probably isn’t sophisticated enough to know about all the various options available, and is often fixated on getting the best rate, even if that loan doesn’t provide the best deal,” says Sharga. “What [the CFPB proposal] will really do is make sure every borrower who qualifies will get a chance to see which options are available and what the financial implications are.” While Sharga doesn’t believe the new rules will substantively change things in the mortgage industry, “they will provide a level of transparency that may help rebuild some of the trust that has been damaged during the recent boom/bust cycle.” — Erik J. Martin

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

green options

cont. from pg. 7

their energy usage to renewable energy. The company says that their collective impact has reduced total carbon emissions by 478,000,000 pounds, saving roughly 5 million trees and 24 million gallons of gasoline as a result. Homeowners who choose this option will still receive the same bill and must still open an account with their local utility companies. Delivery of the energy to that local utility changes, but consumers won’t have anything to do with that process. Homeowners interested in making any other changes for energy savings can sign up to have an energy audit. Conducted through a utility provider or a third-party organization, energy audits assess many things in the home. Appliances are examined, as are insulation and the types of windows and doors used in the home and an inspector will check the home for drafts. A report is generated, and homeowners are provided recommendations as to how they can improve their home’s energy efficiency. Making such changes may make homeowners eligible for tax breaks or even rebate incentives while reducing the cost of their monthly utility bills. Homeowners hoping to embrace green energy have many options at their disposal. It’s just a matter of researching those options and taking the initiative to make changes.

No Jumbo Loan Ruling QUESTION: I have jumbo loan of $900,000 and live in California. I’m currently considering loan modification or a short sale, because my house is appraised at $750,000. I understand interest rate reduction programs but can’t figure out how I get either a lower interest rate or a principle reduction. Where should I look?

ANSWER: The usual loan modification source is the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program. However, you do not qualify for at least one reason, and perhaps two. First, to qualify for HAMP, you can’t owe more than $729,750 on your primary goskagit.com/reweekly

Now could be the time to

sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie.

ecord-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 in Real Estate Weekly. weekly

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residence or single-unit rental property. At $900,000, you have a jumbo loan, and jumbo loans are not covered by HAMP. Second, you do not mention having difficulty paying your loan. To get HAMP assistance, you must have “a financial hardship and are either delinquent or in danger of falling behind on your mortgage payments,” says the government. If you’re an investor, you must actually be delinquent to qualify. Your loan is at the center of a debate in Washington. Under Wall Street reform, low-risk “qualified residential mortgages” now include FHA, VA and conventional mortgages. But does the definition of a QRM include or exclude jumbo mortgages? Spokesman Walt Molony of the National Association of Realtors says, “The proposed rule discusses down payment size (loan-toReal Estate Weekly

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value ratio), debt-to-income ratio and credit history. It never discusses the size of the loan. Therefore, a jumbo loan could be defined as a QRM.” Since we do not have a final QRM rule at this writing, we don’t know if a jumbo loan will be defined as a low-risk QRM or as a high-risk mortgage. The distinction is important because most lenders will not originate any mortgage that is not a QRM because of the liabilities they might face. If the final rule excludes jumbo loans, then financing – and home values – in high-cost markets such as parts of California, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts will be sorely impacted. December 28, 2012

2 bdrm, new carpet, frplc. 8468 Thompson Beach Rd, Warm indoor saltwater pool & spa, Clear Lake view luxury Anac. $675. 360-659-4075 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts home, all util. pd., no pets/ 2 x 1 ½ Town homes BURLINGTON smoke, $750. 360-856-6949 Covered Parking 2 bdrm, 1 ba. Complete Appliance Pkgs Living Room plus Family Sport Courts / Playgrounds Room. All appliances. Pet Friendly $875/mo. Call Today! 360-856-4803 The Rent Lady (360) 299-2353 1 bdrm, MV, safe & quiet, 1 www.rentlady.com level, near hospital. Corner of 16th & Skagit. $690. W/S/G Newer 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, on pripd. 360-652-6560 vate street, garage, applcs., 1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 close to shopping & park, bdrm, MV, near college, on- $1400/mo. 360-661-6674 site laundry, reserved parkCOURTYARD GARDENS RENTALS ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! CONDOMINIUM 55+ Houses & Apartments. Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 323A North LaVenture See our listings at Dec. Only Move-In Special. Mount Vernon, WA www.skagitrentals.com $450. (Regular $850) 2 bdrm, Only one person lived in Remax Property Mgmt. 1 ½ ba, Sedro-Woolley newer since built in 1998! Ready to 823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon townhome. 360-708-8665 move in! Living room with 360-424-3198 cozy gas frplc with adequate Fairhaven Manor 757-2149 Shelter Bay dining room area. Bdrm with Norris Place 757-3060 3 Bedrooms, 2 ½ Baths walk-in closet, plus second 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts. W/S/G pd. Formal Living Room small bdrm/office. Lrg bathGreat location, some restricFormal Dining Room room with shower & separate tion apply. Call or stop in toFamily Room w/ Fireplace bathtub. Private gated courtday. Office & 2 Car Garage yard with small raised garden $1,199/mo. rent spot. Small covered patio. Move in special! 2 bdrm 1 The Rent Lady Single garage with automatic ½ ba, Burl., W/D hookup, (360) 299-2353 opener. Clubhouse to enterW/S/G pd., no pets. www.rentlady.com tain your family and friends. $777/mo. 360-757-2923 All appliance's included. Easy Studio cottage, S.W., W/S/G MV, 211 No. 21st St., large 1 pd., $600 + $600 dep. No maintenance 904.00 sq ft. Only! $112,500 Bdrm, 1 Ba, patio, carport, pets. Avail. 1/1. 421-2416 Terry Minor 360-428-5040 $650/mo., $400/dep. 360424-6974 Upstairs, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba apt. in Burlington, W/S/G pd., NO PETS! $700/mo., $700/dep. 755-0375 8AM-4PM 1 bdrm Big Lake $700+$300 dep. W/D hookups, garage. No smoke/pets. 422-8516

WOODLAND APTS

Burl. clean 1 bdrm, near 1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals. park, no smoke/pet. $685/ Piazza Realty Property mo., dep. & refs. 757-8702 Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT (7368) www.prpmrentals.com S.W. duplex, 2 Bdrm, 2 Ba, 1 bdrm lakehouse for rent. garage, gas heat, nice yard No smoke/pets, $900/mo. $900/mo. Avail now. 360-708-0316; 360-856-4172 Call 360-422-6206

10- December December 2012 10 28,28, 2012

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

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

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

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

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly 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.

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December 28, 2012

MEET THE TEAM!

Jessie Cavazos……360-770-5623 Hablo Espanol Suzanne Jenkins…360-941-2983 Brett Tacker…… 360-840-7931 Sandy Everett……360-202-3706 JoAnn Boudreau…360-391-0746 Richard Dickman…360-420-3155 Jewell Gibbs…… 360-540-2257 Linda Dietrick……360-840-6771 Donna Kurras……360-770-7596 Chris Miller………360-333-1868 Russ Lanker………360-708-1117 Danya Wolf………360-708-8294 Designated Broker

IZEE! M O M ST HO U C HIS T

23682 PACIFIC HWY, MOUNT VERNON $499,000 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 offering beautiful sunset views! Danya Wolf MLS#426584 360-708-8294

WHO WE ARE…

Skagit Tradition Realty, a family owned and operated real estate firm, has been serving the Skagit, Whatcom and Snohomish counties for more than 70 years. We are a full service real estate office highly proficient in a variety of fields, which include residential, commercial, property management, international transactions, first time home buyers and other real estate investments.

$399,900 2905 TIMOTHY PLACE, MOUNT VERNON $1200/MO./$145,950

XXX OERTEL DR, BLAINE YEAR ROUND BEAUTY!

LEA

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

TIO

L AL ! G S LINDER L CABUIL

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

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! Limited purchase of 1 to 3 lots per buyer, at this time! Older, established home also available for purchase.

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

Jones Atterberry’s 360-708-8935

XXX IDA DR, SEDRO-WOOLLEY

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

$99,000 10975 ROF LANE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY

BEAUTIFUL LOT - READY TO BUILD!

$125,000

EE!

TS US

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

Donna Kurras 360-770-7596

Carol Harris Primelending Direct: 360.588.5431 Cell: 425.478.1638

360.424.0300 or 800.697.4118

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

Sandy Everett 360-202-3706

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

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

Thank you for a wonderful 2012! We look forward to serving you in 2013! A BIG Thank you to everyone for the success of our Toys for Tots drive!

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon