Real Estate Weekly-February 10, 2012 by Skagit Publishing

RealEstate weekly

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

FEB 10-FEB 16

TWENTY-TWELVE FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE HOME INSULATION IS A SMART INVESTMENT PAGE 3

A ‘SUPER’ START PAGE 4-5

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 6

HOME OWNERSHIP: 509 SHADY LANE, MOUNT VERNON

Skagit Tradition Realty 3780 E. College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273 360-424-0300

$179,000

Wonderful Stonebridge Villa home features 2 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, den, vaulted ceilings in great room, gas fireplace with custom mantle, energy efficient all gas, walk-in closet in master suite, patio off master bedroom and living room. ‘55 & Better’ community features walking paths, clubhouse, and secured RV parking. MLS#318726

Danya Wolf www.SkagitTraditionRealty.com Listing Agent (360) 708-8294

HAPPY AND THEY KNOW IT PAGE 6-7

FENCE ETIQUETTE PREVENTS DISPUTES PAGE 8-9

STAT: NO TV, NO A ‘Super’ Start WITH A SUPER BOWL AD AND AN ATTRACTIVE BUYER’S MARKET, REAL ESTATE MAKES ITS BIG PUSH.

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW FEATURES What can kick the doldrums out of this housing market? So far, lower interest rates and prices haven’t done the trick. How about an upbeat message featuring celebrities buying and selling homes with the help of competent agents? With its first ever Super Bowl television commercial aired Feb. 5, Century 21 Real Estate is

betting that a bold, positive message will help the 2012 homebuying season get off to a good start, as well as laud their agent force. THE BIG PUSH Super Bowl Sunday is a prominent date in the realty world, since it’s considered the beginning of the busy spring buying season. The National Association of Realtors forecasts 4.45 million existing home sales in 2012, up from 4.25 million last year. Traditionally, spring sales set the tone for the year.

Strong job growth is crucial to the real estate recovery, notes Celia Chen, a housing economist at Moodys.com. But the spring start does have a psychological impact. “A weak spring selling season could weaken confidence about the direction of the housing market and thus cause potential homebuyers to hold back on their purchases,” Chen observes. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided its own spur to the year: “With the winter weather being mild, January transactions will be healthier in many areas,” says Philip White, president and COO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates. IT TAKES 2 The Century 21 Super Bowl commercial features real estate titan Donald Trump, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and Olympic speed skater Apollo Ohno involved in both buying and selling homes. But it’s sellers who most need a nudge, believes Randall Sakamoto, executive vice president at Rosen Consulting Group, a Berkeley, Calif., real estate consulting firm. “According to the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, nearly three-fourths of respondents think now is a good time to buy a house,” Sakamoto notes. “Sellers have a much more negative outlook, and this is helping to keep the housing market in a depressed state. Many of these households believe that further price declines are coming as they hear about the low reported values of foreclosures and short sales in their neighborhood. Once seller sentiment becomes more positive and in line with buyer sentiment, home sales should increase.” SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST The Century 21 spot lauds its’ agents as being

“Smarter, Bolder, Faster.” “One of our primary objectives with this ad was to put our agents front and center,” observes Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer for Century 21. Indeed, it hasn’t been easy to be an agent through this downturn. The NAR reports that its ranks of agent members has shrunk to 1,009,940 from a peak of 1,357,732 in 2006. That shrinkage isn’t all bad, contends Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. The agents remaining “are committed to the industry and profession,” he says. “They see this as a career not as a way to make money easily part-time.” The number of realty offices and firms has also shrunk with many mergers during the downturn. The remaining firms are more efficient, contends White. “Whenever you roll in another company or a top sales team from another company into your organization, it doesn’t impact fixed costs that much, but if anything it makes the company more profitable and able to provide the consumer more services,” he believes.

FORWARD THINKING Agents who thrive “are able to see what conditions are not only now, but where they are headed,” adds Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/ MAX International. “I can name you dozens of agents who used to [deal in] luxury properties and now are experts in short sales and distressed sales,” Kelly says. Next on the horizon, she predicts, will be a demand for rental management services from the many investors who are purchasing properties.

FEATURED ARTICLE:

PROBLEM

A ‘SUPER’ START: WITH A SUPER BOWL AD AND AN ATTRACTIVE BUYER’S MARKET, REAL ESTATE MAKES ITS BIG PUSH. What can kick the doldrums out of this housing market? So far, lower interest rates and prices haven’t done the trick. How about an upbeat message featuring celebrities buying and (cont. on pg. 4-6)

CLASSIFIEDS

PAGE 9

PAGE 10-11

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

TABLE of CONTENTS

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by:

Whidbey Island Bank

Home Insulation is a Smart Investment

Pg. 3

A ‘Super’ Start

Pg. 4-5

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 6

Homeownership

Pg. 6-7

Fence Etiquette Prevents Disputes

Pg. 8-9

STAT: No TV, No Problem

Pg. 9

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

A ‘Super’ Start With a Super Bowl Ad and an attractive buyer’s market, real estate makes its big push.

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW FEATURES

2012 homebuying season get off to a good start, as well as laud their agent force.

What can kick the doldrums out of this housing market? So far, lower interest rates and prices haven’t done the trick. How about an upbeat message featuring celebrities buying and selling homes with the help of competent agents? With its first ever Super Bowl television commercial aired Feb. 5, Century 21 Real Estate is betting that a bold, positive message will help the

The Big Push Super Bowl Sunday is a prominent date in the realty world, since it’s considered the beginning of the busy spring buying season. The National Association of Realtors forecasts 4.45 million existing home sales in 2012, up from 4.25 million last year. Traditionally, spring sales set the tone for the year. Strong job growth is crucial to the real estate recovery, notes Celia Chen, a housing economist

RealEstate weekly

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,

It Takes 2 The Century 21 Super Bowl commercial features real estate titan Donald Trump, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and Olympic speed skater Apollo Ohno involved in both buying and selling homes. But it’s sellers who most need a nudge, believes Randall Sakamoto, executive vice president at Rosen Consulting Group, a Berkeley, Calif., real estate consulting firm. “According to the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, nearly three-fourths of respondents think now is a good time to buy a house,” Sakamoto notes. “Sellers have a much more negative outlook, and this is helping to keep the housing market in a depressed state. Many of these households believe that further price declines are coming as they hear about the low reported values of foreclosures and short sales in their neighborhood. Once seller sentiment becomes more positive and in line with buyer sentiment, home sales should increase.” Survival of the Fittest The Century 21 spot lauds its’ agents as being “Smarter, Bolder, Faster.” “One of our primary objectives with this

ad was to put our agents front and center,” observes Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer for Century 21. Indeed, it hasn’t been easy to be an agent through this downturn. The NAR reports that its ranks of agent members has shrunk to 1,009,940 from a peak of 1,357,732 in 2006. That shrinkage isn’t all bad, contends Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. The agents remaining “are committed to the industry and profession,” he says. “They see this as a career not as a way to make money easily part-time.” The number of realty offices and firms has also shrunk with many mergers during the downturn. The remaining firms are more efficient, contends White. “Whenever you roll in another company or a top sales team from another company into your organization, it doesn’t impact fixed costs that much, but if anything it makes the company more profitable and able to provide the consumer more services,” he believes. Forward Thinking Agents who thrive “are able to see what conditions are not only now, but where they are headed,” adds Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/ MAX International. “I can name you dozens of agents who used to [deal in] luxury properties and now are experts in short sales and distressed sales,” Kelly says. Next on the horizon, she predicts, will be a demand for rental management services from the many investors who are purchasing properties. As for now, all eyes are on the mood of this crucial spring season and whether a strong start will have a snowball effect. “That will be fun to watch and see happen,” says Thorne. © CTW Features

FEATURE ARTICLE

To advertise in SKAGIT PUBLISHING

at Moodys.com. But the spring start does have a psychological impact. “A weak spring selling season could weaken confidence about the direction of the housing market and thus cause potential homebuyers to hold back on their purchases,” Chen observes. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided its own spur to the year: “With the winter weather being mild, January transactions will be healthier in many areas,” says Philip White, president and COO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates.

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

NE W

Sedro-Woolley

$75,000

Great little fixer on a DOUBLE lot in Sedro Woolley. Lot may be sub dividable! 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Cute home has many updates, including a new roof and many new windows. Needs a little TLC. MLS # 316495 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

RED UC ED

Bow

Mount Vernon Burlington

$129,900

Single level 2 BR 1.75 bath condo. Walk in closets, walk in closets. 2 car finished garage. Kitchen with island eating bar, upgraded appliances. Located in much desired Cedars. MLS # 185686 Call Ivana, 770-3550

AM AZ ING

PRI CE

$ 169,900

Great 3 bd/1ba, like new rambler located in a super nice Mount Vernon Neighborhood. Home features a large kitchen with eating area, and master Bd/bath. On a large corner lot. Huge deck and a covered front porch. Come and check it out today! MLS # 317587 Call Mike, 540-1341

CO MM ERC IAL

VIE W

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

February 10, 2012

Mount Vernon

$328,950

Check out this 2094 sq.ft. 3 bd/2.5 ba home. Hardwood and Tile floors. Granite counters in the kitchen and the bathrooms. Kitchen is perfect for entertaining. 2 decks provide exceptional views of the river and the valley. MLS# 299055 Call Michelle, 630-4423

Dan Soria 348-6655

Amber Soria 969-4030

Burlington

$699,000

High traffic/Visibility Location. 3730 sq. ft. of office & retail space. Detached 5,880 sq. ft. warehouse. Zoned Heavy Commercial. Formerly housed Burlington Glass. #302281 Call Wilma, 661-1631

Mike Welling 540-1341

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

NE W

LIS TIN G

$259,000

Rare Samish Island Vacant Lot! Shared 2321 no bank waterfront. New 3 Bedroom septic, Samish Farms water, power, cable + phone at garage. Already a 3 car garage on property. Fantastic view of Bay, Mt. Baker, Islands & Chuckanut. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build your vacation or dream home! #50247 Call Wilma, 661-1631

NE W

BE ST BU Y

LIS TIN G

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Sedro-Woolley

PRI CE RED UC ED

LIS TIN G

$179,500

This fantastic 3 bd/2 ba house is move-in ready. RV parking, possible M-I-L unit on the lower floor. Beautifully remodeled including a new roof, and fireplace. Large deck, perfect for entertaining in this private yard. MLS # 315835 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Sedro-Woolley

$179,500

Tired of looking at fixers and short sales? Treat yourself to a viewing of this lovely 3 bdrm/1.5 bath traditional home in Sedro Woolley. Over 1500 sf+ 1100 sf basement. Wood Flooring. Detached 2 car garage. Fenced yard. Great Condition. MLS # 257235 Call Debbie, 708-8780

Go to SkagitValleyRealEstate.com for detailed information on all listings in the NWMLS. Just scan this code!

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Pete McDougal Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Home Insulation is a Smart Investment While investing in retirement is top of mind for many of us, there are other investments that can pay off over a longer period of time, like insulation. Home improvement specialists tell us that we can protect our home investment, too, with a spray foam insulation like the popular-selling, Icynene. This type of insulation can provide a complete air seal with optimal R-values, delivering up to 50 percent in monthly energy savings.

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. â&#x20AC;&#x153;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,â&#x20AC;? 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

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Real Estate Weekly

February 10, 2012

A ‘Super’ Start With a Super Bowl Ad and an attractive buyer’s market, real estate makes its big push.

February 10, 2012

betting that a bold, positive message will help the 2012 homebuying season get off to a good start, as well as laud their agent force. The Big Push Super Bowl Sunday is a prominent date in the realty world, since it’s considered the beginning of the busy spring buying season. The National Association of Realtors forecasts 4.45 million existing home sales in 2012, up from 4.25 million last year. Traditionally, spring sales set the tone for the year.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Strong job growth is crucial to the real estate recovery, notes Celia Chen, a housing economist at Moodys.com. But the spring start does have a psychological impact. “A weak spring selling season could weaken confidence about the direction of the housing market and thus cause potential homebuyers to hold back on their purchases,” Chen observes. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided its own spur to the year: “With the winter weather being mild, January transactions will be healthier in many areas,” says Philip White, president and COO of Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates. It Takes 2 The Century 21 Super Bowl commercial features real estate titan Donald Trump, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, and Olympic speed skater Apollo Ohno involved in both buying and selling homes. But it’s sellers who most need a nudge, believes Randall Sakamoto, executive vice president at Rosen Consulting Group, a Berkeley, Calif., real estate consulting firm. “According to the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers, nearly three-fourths of respondents think now is a good time to buy a house,” Sakamoto notes. “Sellers have a much more negative outlook, and this is helping to keep the housing market in a depressed state. Many of these households believe that further price declines are coming as they hear about the low reported values of foreclosures and short sales in their neighborhood. Once seller sentiment becomes more positive and in line with buyer sentiment, home sales should increase.” Survival of the Fittest The Century 21 spot lauds its’ agents as being “Smarter, Bolder, Faster.” “One of our primary objectives with this ad was

goskagit.com/reweekly

to put our agents front and center,” observes Bev Thorne, chief marketing officer for Century 21. Indeed, it hasn’t been easy to be an agent through this downturn. The NAR reports that its ranks of agent members has shrunk to 1,009,940 from a peak of 1,357,732 in 2006. That shrinkage isn’t all bad, contends Budge Huskey, president and chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate. The agents remaining “are committed to the industry and profession,” he says. “They see this as a career not as a way to make money easily part-time.” The number of realty offices and firms has also shrunk with many mergers during the downturn. The remaining firms are more efficient, contends White. “Whenever you roll in another company or a top sales team from another company into your organization, it doesn’t impact fixed costs that much, but if anything it makes the company more profitable and able to provide the consumer more services,” he believes. Forward Thinking Agents who thrive “are able to see what conditions are not only now, but where they are headed,” adds Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX International. “I can name you dozens of agents who used to [deal in] luxury properties and now are experts in short sales and distressed sales,” Kelly says. Next on the horizon, she predicts, will be a demand for rental management services from the many investors who are purchasing properties. As for now, all eyes are on the mood of this crucial spring season and whether a strong start will have a snowball effect. “That will be fun to watch and see happen,” says Thorne. © CTW Features

Real Estate Weekly

February 10, 2012

feeling pretty good. Nearly three-fourths (72 percent) of homeowners said they were satisfied with owning a home, according to HomeGain.com’s 2012 National Home Ownership Satisfaction Survey. The top reasons for homeowner satisfaction were pride of ownership and being in control of what types of improvements and upgrades to make in the home. Only a quarter (24 percent) of homeowners listed price appreciation as the primary reason for their satisfaction. Happy and they know it Among dissatisfied owners, nearly two-thirds (63 Own your home? If you do, there’s a good percent) said price depreciation was what left them chance you’re satisfied with your situation, says a unsatisfied. The costs of homeownership – property taxes, recent homeowner survey. homeowner’s association fees and maintenance and Over the past few years there has been plenty repairs – were the other most-cited responses. to be unhappy about in regards to the housing Across the U.S., the Northeast had the highest market. But those who own their home are percentage of owner satisfaction with a 77-percent

Homeownership

House Rich, Cash Poor QUESTION:

We have a backward real estate problem. Instead of being upside down we have about $80,000 in equity. What we don’t have is money and will shortly default. What can we do?

ANSWER:

You should see if there’s any way to keep the property. If foreclosed you’ll still need shelter, and rental housing also costs money. Since the moment of nonpayment has not arrived you need to take several steps now. First, look at your monthly costs. What can you cut? Second, if you’ve lost a job do you qualify

February 10, 2012

Q&A

for unemployment assistance? Third, by any chance you can start Social Security, if qualified? This can be tough choice because there are advantages to delaying Social Security payments. Fourth, go to MakingHomeAffordable. gov and look at HAMP – the Home Affordable Modification Program. HAMP, says HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Developement), “lowers your monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of your verified monthly gross (pre-tax) income to make your payments more affordable. The typical HAMP modification results in a 40-percent drop in a monthly mortgage payment. Eighteen percent of HAMP homeowners reduce their payments by $1,000 or more.” Fifth, speak with your state attorney general’s office They may be able to suggest modification programs and lender contacts that will be helpful.

Ask Our Broker By Peter G. Miller

Is it possible to rent out part of your home, say, a room or a floor? Rental rates have been rising and even a shortterm tenant might provide the cash you need to retain the property until things get better. Lastly, sell the house. You have equity. You can sell it and completely pay off the mortgage. It may not be a preferred choice, but it’s a better option than missing payments, losing credit, losing equity and being foreclosed on. © CTW Features E-mail peter@ctwfeatures.com. Due to volume, not all questions may be answered.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

satisfaction rate, followed by the Southwest with 73 percent. The West had a 71-percent satisfaction rate and the Midwest 68 percent. The survey of 1,400 homeowners queried when they purchased their home, the purchase price, the type of home purchased (new, existing, foreclosure, short sale) and the age groups of the homeowners. Overall, owners who purchased their homes between three and eight years ago were least satisfied; those who purchased within the last three or more than eight years ago were most satisfied. Owners who paid less than $75,000 for their homes were the most satisfied. Those who paid more than $800,000 for their homes were least satisfied. ÂŠ CTW Features

Mount Vernon

$65,000

Mount Vernon

$210,000

Custom park model w/custom cabinetry, extra windows & all appliances. Space rent is $405. MLS#307281

1700+ sq. ft., 3 bdrm rambler w/country kitchen, masonry fireplace, double garage & garden space. Âź plus acre lot. MLS#307231

Sedro-Woolley

$139,000

Double wide manufactured home on 1.13 acres. Mature landscaping w/fruit trees, full fencing, double garage & outbuildings. MLS#301187

$65,000

Small home w/covered front porch & detached additional living unit. Additional unit has kitchen, studio space & bath. MLS#283343

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

February 10, 2012

Fence Etiquette Prevents Disputes People fortunate enough to own their own plots of land often choose to fence in their pieces of paradise. Fences serve many purposes: to designate property boundaries, keep pets or children contained in a safe environment, corral livestock, offer privacy or add aesthetic appeal. Although installing a fence may seem like the right idea for you, going about it the wrong way may lead to problems among neighbors, particularly if you live where the houses are relatively close to one another. Some homeowners find fences become the final point of contention among disagreeable neighbors or create tension with a neighbor with whom you previously had a good relationship. Being courteous with fence plans is the way to avoid any animosity along the way. There are certain things you must do and should do if you plan to erect a fence. Most people find neighbors appreciate being informed of any decisions you are thinking of making to the property that can affect their views or their adjoining property. Before drawing up fence plans with a contractor, talk to the neighbors on either side of your home and gauge their receptiveness to a fence. At this point, you may want to consider offering to make the fencing project a joint deal to save money should the neighbors decide to install a fence as well. Contractors will often discount if they have several customers doing an installation at the same time. Property owners can save by splitting the costs of the shared walls of the

February 10, 2012

fence where their property lines meet. Explain your case for the fence. Most neighbors are receptive to the idea if they know the reasoning -especially if the desire for a fence is not to keep them at bay. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to protest a fence that is a safety precaution for children. If your neighbor already has a fence, you must ask whether you can connect your fence panels into the support post on your shared side. Once you notify your neighbors as a courtesy, there are certain steps to take that will prevent any legal disputes down the road. Even the most easygoing neighbor could grow aggravated if the fence is put up carelessly or ends up partially on his property. The best way to prevent this is to apply for a new, professional property survey and have property lines indicated with paint or wood markers. Each town or city has different regulations with regard to fencing, so it is important to learn the ropes or hire a contractor who is familiar with the rules. It might be illegal to install fences directly on the property line. The law might require the fence be installed a few inches inward. There also may be rules about how high fences can be in the front of the home, sides and back. Corner lot properties may have added regulations depending on whether the fence could prove a visual obstruction to drivers. If you live in a planned community, or one with a homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association, it is your job to find out the guidelines for any home improvements. The HOA may dictate the style, size and maintenance of the fence or may not allow a fence at all. Once all the details are checked, you may have to apply for a fence permit. This way the construction of the fence and finished product will

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

meet safety standards, and the area in which you live can provide consistent quality control. If the fence is installed by code, there is little chance it will have to be torn down or changed in the near future. Also, doing it by the book means that a neighbor can be unhappy about a fence but not have legal recourse to ask you to remove it. As an added form of courtesy, it is proper fence etiquette to put the “good” side of the fence facing the neighbors’ yards. That means the side of the fence that doesn’t show the support panels and posts. Remember, it is your fence so you are also responsible for all maintenance of the fence -- on all sides. Just because your neighbor also will be benefitting from your fence, doesn’t mean he will have to care for it.

STAT No TV, No Problem

Percentage of households with no TV at all, the highest number since 1975 Source: Nielsen 2012 Television Audience report

VALLEY HOMES

(360) 424-7166

823 N 4th St • Mount Vernon www.buyingvalleyhomes.com

Visit Our Web site at buyingvalleyhomes.com Call us today or email us at remaxvalley@comcast.net

Brown McMillen Real Estate 360.757.6013 1.800.869.7084 w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

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

5361 Park Ridge Place, Sedro Woolley Quality built home on 4.89 acres of manicured pasture, fenced and cross fenced, barn has 4 stalls, wash rack, tack rm, water & power inside and out plus room for 4 tons of hay in the loft. Home is beautiful with rock fireplace, vaulted ceilings, large gourmet kitchen, manicured lawn and garden space is irrigated. Large master suite with large jetted tub and French doors to the patio. Wired in generator. Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 300499 $480,000

Congratulations to Becky Elde for receiving the 2011 Gold Award of Excellence!

1108 E Hazel, Burlington Affordable duplex with long term tenants. Lower unit has two bedrooms and upper unit has one bedroom. Lockbox on both units. Please give tenants 24 hours notice. This is a short sale, subject to bank approval. Large fenced yard. Good location. Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 314959 $115,000

24330 Mosier Rd, Sedro Woolley 2 bedroom plus den, 2 full bath, well maintained home. 1.70 acres, new composite deck, porch, 2 car shop w/ tool room, covered RV or boat parking, greenhouse, garden spot, separate utility, plenty of cabinets and counter space in kitchen. Call Mike Whitney 360-421-4310 MLS#: 269803 $243,000

2021 N Laventure Rd #307, Mount Vernon 2 bedroom 2 full bathroom condo conveniently located in an off-street area lending to seclusion from traffic & the surrounding area. .Master bedroom has walk-in bath and 2 large closets.Second brm. has access to bth. plus hallway access. Kitchen with granite counter top & thru wall serving to living room. Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 268662 $120,000

18476 Cardinal Lane, Mount Vernon Enjoy the view of Big Lake from the covered deck of this nice FreddieMac/Homesteps foreclosure.With almost 2500 square feet of living space on just over 2 acres this property has it all. PLUS a brand new roof.A limited 2 year Home Owner Warranty for owner occupied buyers. Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS#: 293947 $224,900

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COUNTRY CLUB RAMBLER… UPDATED kitchen/bath,warm bright colors thruout, hardwood flrs, gas f/place. Bose sound system & much more.$394,000. #313474 129 ACRES… nicely wooded and great opportunity to buy large acreage at just $3,837 per acre. $475,000. #104177 DELI & HAIR SALON… great business location in Brl. Bldg only 4 yrs old,includes 2 BR apt. $375,000. #286418 DEWEY BEACH WATERFRONT… home, boathouse, 100’ low bank w/ front. Newer deck & septic. Well blt home,vaulted wood ceiling, lots of windows. 2 Br, 1.75 Ba +den. $980,000. #271985 CONCRETE..FIXER ON ACREAGE! 3 useable acres, partially cleared. Home is 1 1/2 story. 4 bdrms up 1 down & 1 bath. $119,000. #239452

PRISTINE CONDITION… located on quiet street, beautifully landscaped yard. 3 bdrms, 1.75 baths & large family room. Lots of storage.NEW PRICE. $189,500. #317453 NEW LISTING-GREAT BURLINGTON LOCATION… Spacious 3 Br + den. Just 8 yrs old & near new condition. Lg fully fenced lot. $249,500. #309171 OWNER/FINANCING… For qualified buyer on this great newer condo. 2 BR, 1.75 baths. No age restrictions. $199,500. #283810 83 ACRES… beautiful pasture land, some wooded areas. 3 Br, Ba Mfg home, 2 shops, 7 stall horse barn w/ hay loft. Great y for cattle ranch or equestrian use. $599,000. #284837 COUNTRY ESTATE… On 2.38 acres overlooking Padilla Bay. 3 Br, 3 Ba home+ a separate Carriage House w/ studio apt up, 3 bays below.. $629,000. #128481

Evening Phone Calls Welcome Holly Brown-Hilts 661-5538 Fritz Inman 661-0147 Shelah Inman 661-0145 Galen Kindred 770-7083 Phil Hurtig 770-0787

Real Estate Weekly

Jan Scally Terri Heyntsen Ron Wortham Tim Reichert Tod LeHecka

421-5160 391-0938 661-1500 391-5587 333-1032

EVERYTHING YOU NEED! Great 3Br, 2 Ba single story home at Skagit Golf & Country Club. Good condition, check it out. $225,000. #316047 SMALL BUSINESS? Perfect location just 1/2 block east of Burlington Blvd., with lots of parking. Priced at 149,950. #103783 WONDERFUL COUNTRY HOME… with dramatic 2 story cupula. 2300 sf home with 1440 sf shop building on 5 private acres. $369,500. #310015 HILLTOP RAMBLER… enjoy views in well maintaianed rambler. 3 Br. 1.75 Baths, newer appliances,gas f/a, lots of cabinets, Covered deck $229,m950. #317382 BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME!… located in a quiet cul-de-sac. Gorgeous Timborana wood floors. Granite counters, tile acents, wide moldings & trim. $319,500. #29145114 RAMBLER W/DAYLIGHT BASEMENT… 3 Br, 2.5 Ba, hardwoods, French doors opens to deck, vaulted ceilings, soaking tub & more. $275,000. #28187196

Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Dick Best 770-1491 Jeff Ingman 202-2859 www.brownmcmillen.com

February 10, 2012

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

February 10, 2012

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

PA R 55

+ 55

PA R

K PA R + 55

OPEN SUN. 1-4

OP EN SU N . 1-4

OPEN SUN. 1-4

•CLOSE TO LOVELY CLUBHOUSE W/ACTIVE CALENDAR OF “EVENTS” •NEWER WINDOWS/FLOOR COVERINGS & MORE! •2 BD., 2 BA., HUGE KITCHEN W/ADJ FAMILY ROOM, “ESTATE SALE”

•HUGE RECENT PRICE CHANGE, “ESTATE SALE”, VERY MOTIVATED •LOVELY GREENBELT AND MT. BAKER VIEWS, PRIVATE YARD •2 BD., 2 BA., “NEW”KITCHEN, FAMILY RM., COZY GAS STOVE!!

2725 E. FIR ST., #74, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $30,000

2631 CLUB COURT (NORTHRIDGE) MT. VERNON $159,500

2518 STONEBRIDGE WAY , MT. VERNON $259,300 PR I W NE

AD U

LT C

PA R

ON D

CE !

•QUIET, AFFORDABLE RETIREMENT LIVING AT IT’S BEST •OPEN PLAN W/”SUNNY” LIVING/DINING RM., UPDATED LG. WINDOWS •2 BD., 2 BA., COZY FAMILY RM. W/COV. DECK,LG. SHOP, + AIR-CONDITIONING

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW!

OPEN SUN. 1-4

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW

•CUL-DE-SAC PRIVACY, QUIET “ADULT” COMMUNITY •UPGRADED & SPACIOUS W/VAULTED CEILINGS, FRENCH DOORS •2 LG. BD., 2 BA., BRAZILIAN CHERRY FLOORS, 1700+ SQ. FT., DOUBLE GAR.

2400 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $298,400

11365 WESTERN LANE, (CLEAR LK.) SEDRO WOOLLEY $234,500

684 S. BURLINGTON BLVD., BURLINGTON $294,500

AIR

RSE

PRO

ITIO

NIN

PER TY

COM 5M5./ B+US PINEAS SRZKO NED

• AFFORDABLE, END UNIT RAMBLER CONDO BACKS TO GREENBELT •LG. CLUBHOUSE W/INDOOR POOL, DUES INC. G/W/S/C •2 BD., 2 BA., FAMILY RM., GAS HEAT, GAS FPL., ALL APPL., + GARAGE

•BACK OF PARK PRIVACY, EXTRA SPACIOUS (1754 SQ. FT.) •NEW EXTERIOR PAINT, NEW FLOORCOVERINGS THROUGHOUT •3 BD., 2 BA., HUGE KITCHEN, LARGE FAMILY RM. W/WOOD STOVE

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW •OPEN PLAN W/HUGE OAK KITCHEN & LG. ISLAND, ADJ. FAMILY ROOM •LG. 2000 SQ. FT. W/BIG DECK, PRIVATE MASTER SUITE, DOUBLE GAR. •3 BD., 2 BA., GAS FPL, GAS HEAT, A/C , CLOSE TO SERVICES

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

Anita Kohl 961-7795

2725 E. FIR ST., #47, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $24,500 2725 E. FIR ST., #55, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $17,500 K

2725 E. FIR ST. #43, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $26,500

Sandi Riley 770-8670

North Homes Realty Inc.

www.WindermereSkagit.com

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW •ADJOINING STATE PROPERTY, EXCELLENT HORSE RIDING TRAILS CLOSE BY •5 FENCED/ CROSS-FENCED ACRES W/ STABLE + HUGE SHOP W/HIGH DOORS •3 BD., 2 BA. “DOUBLE-WIDE”, GREAT “SHORT SALE” VALUE, MAKE OFFERS!

2610 E. SECTION ST., #106, MV $39,500 Gated serene retirement community with lovely 2 bedrooms, 2 bath home. Spacious floor plan with carport & storage shed plus nice patio & private park-like back yard. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #299022 900 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $47,474 Open, bright well maintained home with great floor plan, kitchen with dining area & island. All appliances stay. 1 car garage. Located in secure 55+ park with RV parking. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #236863 869 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $95,000 Immaculate triple wide with 2 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, den, vaulted ceiling. Kitchen with island & maple cabinets. 10x20 insulated shop with workbench. 55+ community. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #230071 503 BELLA STREET, HAMILTON $125,000 Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1296 SF manufactured home on 1/3 of an acre in Hamilton. Large 2 bay garage/shop. More info. & photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #303530 8047 AVERY LANE, SDW $149,900 Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1344 sq ft, 1998 manufactured home on level & cleared 1.1 acres. Rural area but close to amenities. Photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #264108

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW

•ATTENTION INVESTORS, “PRIME” COMMERCIAL EXPOSURE! •CLASSIC “BUNGALOW/CRAFTSMAN” STYLE W/LG. BASEMENT, HUGE LOT •2 PLUS BEDROOMS, 1.5 BA., “ALLEY ACCESS PARKING”

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

North Homes Realty Inc.

215 S. 32nd PL, MV $189,000 Nice MV hilltop 3 bedroom rambler. Formal living & dining rooms, family room with gas insert & kitchen with eating island. Deck & fenced back yard. More photos & info. at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 4214446. #317914

outbuildings for your equipment. Close to lake & river fishing. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #311226 18653 BLACKBERRY LN, MV $239,900 Enjoy beautiful views of Big Lake from a private covered deck or from the picture windows that surround this gorgeous 1760 sq.ft. home. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Fully finished lower level. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #275165 512 TALBOTT ST., LAC $262,900 Custom Craftsman style rambler in the heart of La Conner on fee simple land. Features 2 bedrooms, den & great room concept with hardwoods, open vaulted ceilings & nice covered front porch. Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #287388

9318 PROSPECT ST., SDW $269,900 Well maintained 3 bedroom rambler with 1.75 baths, family room with bar, gas heating & fireplace. Approx. 1/2 lot with detached heated shop & in-ground swimming pool. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #314822 10943 MARY LN, BRL $348,000 Lovely 1 story home with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths & nearly 2100 SF, large master suite, kitchen with eating bar & pantry. 2 car garage, 2 storage sheds & heated 24x48 shop/garage. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #243332 15002 CHANNEL LN, LAC $435,000 Waterfront home at a great price. 1-story home with wonderful floor plan with spacious rooms & spectacular water views. Large level lot, 2 car garage. Close to LaConner. Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #249568

360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com

SOLD

OPEN HOUSE ALL SUNDAY 1-4

$189,500

• Fully finished bsmt • Great location • All appliances • 2600 sf

2725 E. Fir St, Mt Vernon Space # 43, 47, 55 and 74 For Details and directions, visit openhouse.com.

$294,500

MLS#302054 $748,900

MLS#250365

• Commercial Zoning • Lots of parking • Private air strip • 38 acres • 2700+ sf home • Lg shop/barn • Approx. 1/3 acre • 2 bdrm 1.5 bth

$215,000

MLS#193527 $81,500

• Excellent condition • Large shop • New carpet & paint • 3 bedrooms

MLS#263778

• 2 bdrm condo • Move in ready • Spotless • 2 ½ baths

$44,500

MLS#295219

$84,500

MLS#302832

• 55+ park • 2 car garage • 1725 sq ft • Loaded

• 2 bdrm condo • Centrally located • SS appls • Cherry finish cabinets

$149,950

MLS#28132881

• Privacy & view • Well in • Septic permit on file • Ready to build

REAL ESTATE CLASSES STARTING NOW! $224,000 MLS#231407 $270,000 MLS#277466 CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121 • Tri-plex • Great rental history • Off • 3+ bedrooms • Gourmet kitchen street parking • Several updates Anita Kohl 961-7795 Cleaver Sanders 941-3482 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210 George Herner 840-3743

• Formal dining • Bonus room

Jackie Lindeman 770-9080 Jared Storrs 853-6895 Jeff Dowrey 661-2161 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145 Margie Ernst 708-3198

Marlene Deasy 661-6720 Megan Daly 206-383-4407 Mike Newman 708-1419 Noli Goode 630-6527 Paula Margerum 220-0681 Rick Kiesser 770-1195

Sandi Hocking 708-1523 Sandi Riley 770-8670 Sharon Stokes 661-6164 Shaunna Harris 206-715-1623 Traci Cypher 708-9481 Veronica Lopez 420-0696

17999 W. BIG LAKE BLVD., MV $449,000 Adorable updated 2 bedroom home LIKE NEW, beautiful hickory cabinets, fireplace, tankless hot water, 1.75 baths. Front deck to enjoy gorgeous lake & mountain views. 100’ of 15241 SUNSET LN, MV $219,900 no bank waterfront. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791 or Linda One-level west MV home with many upgrades. 3 bedrooms, 3 Eastman at 202-4075. #317967 baths, 1680 SF, .35 ac lot. Great home for USDA zero down loan 15314 COTTONWOOD LN, MV $565,000 program. More info. & photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Beautiful resident in the heart of the valley. Shy 5 acres with Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #315145 sprawling rambler, barn with 6 stalls, fully fenced/cross fenced 1501 MEADOW LARK LN, MV $219,950 with huge outdoor arena. Huge shop in addition to office/ guest quarters. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #300850 Classic rambler on spacious, private lot! Slate entry & big picture windows from the living room take in the patio & 24116 N. WESTVIEW RD, BIG LAKE $769,385 backyard. Fireplaces in family & living rooms. Call Robin Luif at Beautiful custom waterfront home, approx. 80’ frontage, 420-2026. #229760 unobstructed views of lake, 2900+/- SF. Large family room 39541 BAKER LAKE RD., CNC $239,000 with gas stove. 4 bedrooms & 4+ bathrooms. 1000 ft. of deck overlooking huge dock with new floats & boat lift. Call George A nice rambler with basement & 3 bedrooms, 1 bath all on Bellos at 708-9762. #285378 over 9 acres. Newer roof, windows, wiring & paint. Many

STOP! Let us make this easy for you. Go to WindermereSkagit.com for Photos, Open Houses, and Maps for EVERY listing. We give you all the details, on every listing, at windermereskagit.com!