Real Estate Weekly | June 1, 2012

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

JUNE 1-JUNE 7

TWENTY-TWELVE FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

PLANNING YOUR RENOVATION SMARTLY PAGE 3

SPRING AWAKENING PAGE 4

Q&A: ASK OUR BROKER 21737 STERLING DRIVE, SEDRO WOOLLEY

Agent: Linda Eastman (360) 202-4075

Windermere Real Estate 1030 E. College Way Mount Vernon 360.424.4901 800.849.7939 www.WindermereSkagit.com

$327,900

One level living offering 4 bedrooms, den/office, spacious living room, large family room off the kitchen and a formal dining room. Wood fireplace in the living room and free standing gas stove in the family room. Enjoy the hot tub located just off the family room with complete privacy after a game of tennis on the sports court. Attached 2 car garage plus 2 detached outbuildings, one offering over 5100 s/f and the other building approx. 1900 s/f, multi-purpose shed per assessor’s records. MLS# 266058

PAGE 6

SELLING: SUPPLY-SIDE STRATEGIES PAGE 7

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 10-11

FEATURED ARTICLE: SPRING AWAKENING. The advent of spring has unleashed a new lease on life for the housing market. Sales are up. Inventory is down. Prices – which have been hovering at the bottom for a while – are now slowly rising. So are bank-issued mortgages.

It is a spring awakening, and it’s happening nationwide. (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 Planning your renovation smartly

Pg. 3

Spring awakening

Pg. 4

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 6

SELLING: Supply-Side Strategies

Pg. 7

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

4

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

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.

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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

PRI CE RED UC ED

Mount Vernon

$ 129,900

Well maintained 3 bd/2.5 bath, 2-story home in Skagit Highlands. 2 car attached garage. Great location, close to shopping and amenities. Community parks & walking trails. MLS #168546 Call Ivana, 770-3550

SA

LE

Burlington

PEN

2

June 1, 2012

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

NO OK ACH AM PH ILLS

DIN

G

Desirable Burlington Neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths. Large bonus room, fully fenced backyard. Awesome waterfall and landscaping.

RV parking site. MLS #293347

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

$142,300

Affordable 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath, 1199 sq. ft.

New hardwood flooring and kitchen countertops Large corner lot with mature landscaping. 1 car garage with lots of extra storage. MLS #260435 Call Pete, 708-6500

$284,500

Call Jim, 708-1681

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon

$349,900

Smart rambler floor plan w/ 1900+ SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths & an office in Nookachamp Hills. Hardwood, carpet & tile flooring as well as granite countertops & tiled backsplashes. The kitchen is great for entertaining as it opens up into the nook & living room. MLS #160464 Call Michelle, 630-4423

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Mount Vernon

$ 155,000

1580 sq. ft. 3 BR, 2 baths. Designer touches throughout home. Gas fireplace in living room.

Kitchen has cherry cabinets & huge pantry.

Fully fenced backyard, 2 car attached garage.

MLS #360256 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

PRI CE RED UC ED

Sedro-Woolley

$449,000

Awesome 3 BR, 2 BA home on 5.5 acres. Gourmet kitchen, open floor plan. Full in-ground pool, hot tub and outdoor kitchen, 38 x 58 shop with bath.

Fenced acreage with 2 stall barn. Lovely setting, private but not too far out. MLS #232535 Call Debbie, 708-8780

Mike Welling 540-1341

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

NE W

LIS TIN G

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Concrete

NE W

LIS TIN G

$165,000

Peaceful and private setting. 2 bd/1 ba home on 4.92 acres. Barn w/storage and horse stalls.

Home features a metal roof, ¼ basement, country kitchen & cozy gas fireplace. MLS #354384 Call Ron, 333-1045

La Conner

LIS TIN G

$249,900

Very quiet street. Quality custom home features open floor plan w/ quality gourmet kitchen.

Large master suite w/ jetted tub and shower.

All high-end stainless kitchen appliances. Low maintenance landscaped yard and private patio.

MLS #357745 Call Wilma, 661-1631

“Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers and Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” RE/MAX received the highest numerical score among full service real estate firms for home sellers and home buyers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM . Study based on 3,861 total evaluations measuring 8 firms and measures opinions of individuals who bought a home between March 2010 and April 2011. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-May 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Pete McDougall Broker 708-6500

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 700 N REED ST., #87, SDW $35,500 This large 4 bedrooms, 2 bath double wide is very clean & move-in ready. Many upgrades & improvements. One of the nicest homes in Valley View. Close to shopping & all services.

Call Rita Ingram at 708-8338. #275029

3319 E. SECTION ST., MV $284,990 Charming front porch & a great floor plan that includes a master suite on the main floor plus a big bonus room upstairs & 3 more ample bedrooms. Nice sunny location! Call Robin Luif 420-2026. #271177

1225-1227 E. FAIRHAVEN AVE., BRL $145,900 EACH Offered as a duplex at $289,500 or individual Townhouse units for $145,900. Each unit has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gas fireplaces, 2 car garages. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #171607

8112 EMMANUEL LN, CON $349,000 2 story home on 5 acres of pasture with spectacular mountain views. 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Attached 2 car garage & 36x36 shop/barn with 10x14 & 8x7 doors. Call Alice Hanson at 7703201 EASTWIND, MV $149,500 8791. #107634 Well maintained home with 3 bedrooms & 1.75 baths. Gas 125 N. 6TH ST., MV $364,500 heat, water, range & dryer. 1500+ sq.ft. Lovely covered patio & Built in 1923. Traditional 4 bedroom, 3000 sq.ft. home featuring hardwood floors, 10’ceilings, beautifully remodeled kitchen, large 2 car detached 22x36 garage/shop with 220 wiring & gas many custom & gracious touches throughout. Very large heat. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #345661 yard, private & beautifully landscaped. Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #285329 3416 LINDSAY PLACE, MV $435,000 Custom Craftsman home. 4000+ sq.ft., with gorgeous master suite & huge kitchen with granite. Outdoor living area on covered deck. Huge finished shop in basement. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #28602

Planning your renovation smartly As you tear apart the wallpaper, replace the cupboards and strip the floorboards, experts caution not to reach for that bucket of paint before investigating the innards of your walls.

Insulation and infrastructure are significant to the foundation and value of your property, so bringing in a home inspector or appraiser allows you to make corrections early, before you’ve finalized the renovation plans.

Common problems center on air leakage and poor goskagit.com/reweekly

insulation issues, experts tell us. The latest research indicates that traditional fiberglass and cellulose insulation are less reliable than contemporary spray foam insulation.

Foams are known to decrease the presence of common airborne irritants, reduce air and water penetration and reduce energy costs. When you sell your home, spray foam insulation stands to give a better return on investment than dated insulation.

3707 TRUMPETER CT., MV $198,500 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home located on quiet cul-de-sac with fenced back yard & southern exposure. All kitchen appliances stay plus washer/dryer. Call Jim Koetje at 202-2500. #359317

6792 F & S GRADE RD., SDW $446,900 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 1110 3RD ST., SDW $199,900 202-4075. #90077 Lovely 2 story home with 2350 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths 17311 W. BIG LAKE BLVD., BIG LAKE $575,000 & den, large master & living room. Home with character, WATERFRONT ESTATE with 1+ acre on Big Lake. Full view of upgrades of Brazilian Cherry floors, light fixtures & front door. the lake, 3 RV pads with hook-ups. 3 stall dressing building.

Charming separate mother-in-law studio. Call Alice Hanson at 2 decks & 2 docks. 1400+ SF with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths. Call 770-8791. #273557 Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #112580 1045 BLACKBERRY LN., CAMANO ISLAND $749,000 2430 SF waterfront home. Large lot located at dead end with outstanding views of the Olympics, Mt. Baker & Sunsets. 70’ of waterfront. New metal roof, trex decking. Call Traci Gilbertson at 333-3479. #164059 1415 MALLARD VIEW DR., MV $200,000 Gorgeous unobstructed territorial & westerly views from this Maddox Creek condo. Superior style with vaulted ceilings, skylight & den. Slate surround gas fireplace & spacious kitchen. Call Karen Beckner at 840-9455. #360891 455 KLICKITAT, LAC $235,000 Wonderful La Conner home featuring views over the marina, spacious rooms, open floor plan, two fireplaces, attached 12485 PERSONS RD., BOW $924,000 garage and great amenities abound. Call Sarah Minton at 770- Bow property with expansive views of Padilla Bay & islands.

3076. #29136416 2007 NW Craftsman custom-built home features superior 18653 BLACKBERRY LN, MV $239,900 design & attention to detail. Cedar exterior, walnut flooring, Enjoy beautiful views of Big Lake from a private covered deck in-floor heating & more. Area pastured for animals plus or from the picture windows that surround this gorgeous forested acreage. Separate MIL apartment. Call Jim Glackin at 1760 sq.ft. home. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Fully 428-2828. #359150 finished lower level. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #275165

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!

Real Estate Weekly

June 1, 2012

3

Spring

awakening All over the country, inventory is down, prices are up and banks are issuing more mortgages.

Here’s a look at what’s driving the real estate resurgence

By MADHUSMITA BORA

according to the Associated Press.

Wells Fargo issued 54 percent more The advent of spring has unleashed mortgages compared to last year. a new lease on life for the housing The NAR’s most recent quarterly market. Sales are up. Inventory is numbers show that prices of existing down. Prices – which have been single-family homes rose in 74 out hovering at the bottom for a while – are of 146 metropolitan areas compared now slowly rising. So are bank-issued to the same period a year ago. In the mortgages. fourth quarter of 2011, only 29 areas It is a spring awakening, and it’s showed gains from a year earlier, happening nationwide. according to the NAR. “It’s the strongest first quarter The association also reports since 2007,” says Ken Fears, a encouraging sales numbers. Sales senior economist with the National of existing single-family homes and Association of Realtors. “It’s a very condominiums rose 4.7 percent to strong and very atypical market.” a seasonally adjusted annual rate of Major banks such as JPMorgan 4.57 million in the first quarter. That’s Chase and Wells Fargo reported 5.3 percent above the 4.34 million strong quarterly earnings, indicating mark during the first quarter of 2011 that buyers are again jumping into the when sales spiked. market. JPMorgan issued 6 percent Fears, the NAR economist, says a more mortgages than a year ago and confluence of events is responsible for received 33 percent more applications, the good showing. Strong employment 4

June 1, 2012

gains, low interest rates (hovering around 4 percent), a relatively warm winter and a stable stock market boosted consumer confidence.

Throughout the fall, consumers have been eyeing the lucrative interest rates, but uncertainty in Europe and at home and the morbid employment numbers, forced many to sit on the fence, Fears says. Spring came with better news.

“All of the sudden, people realized it’s a good time to get in,” he says.

Markets are rebounding across regions. States such as California, Texas and Arizona, which were hardest hit by the bust, are now gaining momentum as investors are lapping up properties with unbeatable prices.

In cities such as Seattle and Palo Alto, Calif., agents and sellers are witnessing bidding wars on homes, which shows that the market is slowly

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

turning around.

In the Northeast, existing home sales jumped 8.6 percent in the first quarter of 2012 and are 6.6 percent above the first quarter of 2011. In the Midwest, sales rose 5.5 percent in the first quarter and are 11.7 percent higher than a year ago. In the West, sales rose 5.9 percent in the first quarter and are 1.4 percent higher than a year ago. Meanwhile, sales in the South increased 2.1 percent in the first quarter and are 4.1 percent above the first quarter in 2011.

Fears says areas such as the Midwest, where prices weren’t affected as much by the downturn, are faring well now.

In the Indianapolis area, the resurgence is pretty telling.

“What I did last year in sales, I

already did in the first three months of this year,” says Beenu Sikand, a Realtor with Prudential Indiana Realty Group. “I believe the economy is finally picking up.”

Sikand says the Super Bowl, which Indianapolis hosted in February, helped revive the city’s real estate market.

Investors are coming in and buying distressed properties with cash. Prices are not rising, but sellers are not experiencing huge losses either, she says. It’s still a buyers’ market, but homes priced right are selling fast.

In Colorado, too, inventory is on the decline.

“In this business it’s all about supply and demand,” says Sally Grenier, broker/owner of Metro Brokers/ Grenier Real Estate, outside of Denver.

The state is experiencing higher

sales volume because of shortage in inventory, Grenier says.

“Right now in the lower price ranges ($100,000 to $250,000) there is a huge shortage of homes,” Grenier says. “What properties do come on to the market are selling quickly and for top dollar. I have even seen multipleoffer scenarios.”

Fears expects the ripple effects of the market’s resurgence to carry on through the summer.

“This is the bottoming year for prices, and we see price gains already, even though the gains are not evenly distributed throughout the country,” Fears says.

He expects prices to be flat or show a slight uptick this year. But sales, he says, will be up 8 to 10 percent compared to last year.

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

NEW LISTING… Large Lot, great NEW LISTING… GORGEOUS CUSTOM RENTAL INCOME… w/2 mobiles & floor plan, 3 Br+ good sized Master. HOME..over 3000sf, 4 Br, 3 Ba, 3 studio currently rented. Live in one & Professionally landscaped numer- car garage, 3 years old. Approx 1/2 rent out the other. Outskirts of Burlous rhodies, lg fenced backyard. ac, Puget Sound sunsets! $430,500. ington. $199,900. #344628 #354315 #354349 $237,000.

MT VERNON RAMBLER… 3 Br, 2Ba 5 BDRM, 3 BATH… 1728 sf Palm HarREADY FOR BUSINESS… 3200 sf home with lg backyard, plenty of bor home. Open living rm, master w/ comm’l bldg on corner lot in good room for RV also. $174,900. #324882 walk-in closet.Covered front deck,1 Burlington location. Now vacant, RARE BAYVIEW WATER VIEW car garage, quiet location. $145,000. available for lease or sale. $449,500. LOT… 1.25 acres on Marihugh Rd. #352434 #355930 Build your dream home, fabulous WONDERFUL COUNTRY HOME… with PROPERTY JUST FOR YOU… 13+ sunsets. $169,850. #136538 dramatic 2 story cupula. 2300 sf acres in Birdsview. 11+/- acres of COUNTRY LINE ROAD… 3+ acres bebeautiful pasture, mountain views & tween Conway & Stanwood. Probably home with 1440 sf shop building on not buildable, would make a great 5 private acres. $369,500. #310015 more. $169,500. #245298 campsite. $24,500. #330683 WATERFRONT CABIN… wonderGREAT OPPORTUNITY… located east of Burl. Blvd! 2 bdrm,1449 sf home NEW PRICE!!… NEAR CITY HALL ful low bank frontage w/exceptional + attached 572 sf shop... $299,500. Large Office & Warehouse building in views of Skagit Bay in LaConner. great location. Perfect place for your $132,500. #322508 #103775 business. $349,900. #318151 NICE 20 ACRES… fronts on access 5 ACRES WITH SHOP… nice fin- JUST REDUCED… One story, 4 Br, road with great mountain views. Has ished apt. upstairs. Cleared pasture 2 Baths, Birch flrs elec f/p. Stainpower & water available. $99,500. surrounded by trees in Alger area. less appl, concrete flrs. Fenced yard. #330544 $209,500. #324540 $219,000. #292864 Dick Best Galen Kindred Shelah Inman Fritz Inman Jeff Ingman

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Real Estate Weekly

Evening Phone Calls Welcome

770-1491 770-7083 661-0145 661-0147 202-2859

Tod LeHecka 333-1032 Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Terri Heyntsen 391-0938 Tim Reichert 391-5587 Jan Scally 421-5160

Holly Hilts Phil Hurtig Ron Wortham

661-5538 770-0787 661-1500

June 1, 2012

5

Q&A

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

partial payment problems?

QUESTION: Why is it OK for mortgage companies to reject partial payments when a borrower is behind? It seems to me that it’s bad business and not too good for the economy.

ANSWER: Many mortgage servicers (but not all) are reluctant to accept partial payments from delinquent borrowers because they worry that by taking less than the full monthly amount, they may be seen as waiving their right to foreclose and even opening the door to a suit for wrongful foreclosure.

Also, loan program rules sometimes prohibit the acceptance of

VALLEY HOMES

(360) 424-7166

823 N 4th St • Mount Vernon

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

partial payments.

For instance, borrowers participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loan Guarantee program can prepay their loans in whole or in part without penalty. The catch is that, according to the VA, the term “in part” means “partial payments may not be less than 1 monthly installment or $100, whichever is less.”

If mortgage servicers – the companies that collect payments for mortgage investors – do accept a partial payment, they must credit the oldest missing payments first. They also need to ensure the borrower understands that the lender is not giving up its rights to foreclose.

The ability to foreclose varies by state, so a partial payment from a delinquent borrower may be something a mortgage servicer would like to accept but can’t because of investor agreements, mortgage rules and court cases. For details, speak with a local attorney who handles foreclosures.

™

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

18566 Mason Ct, Mount Vernon Beautifully maintained home with large one car garage. Very spacious floor plan with large windows that let in tons of natural light. Nice views of Big Lake outside your living, dining room, & kitchen not to mention a deck to sit on & relax with view towards the south of the lake. Fully fenced backyard. Master has large soaking tub plus double sinks. RV parking with full hook ups. This home is neat as a pin & shows very well.

Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 358678 $190,000

1100 S 25th St, Mount Vernon Priced under assessed value, Sold "As IS", 4 bedroom home with 1.75 bath, one car garage. Home has been transformed into an energy saving home via a Puget Power Package that makes it close to air-tight.

Air change twice daily with automated system. Fenced backyard with a cat-run from the house to an enclosed pen for your cats or small dog(s). RV Parking.

Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 362451 $151,000

23357 Oakland Lane, Mount Vernon Beautiful 2812 sq ft 3 bedroom, 2.50 bathroom, 1997 dream home, granite counter tops, 10 ft ceilings & a view of Big Lake, mountains & July 4th fireworks, 900 sq. ft of storage space. Wet bar & sound sys. & 2 washer dryer sets up & downstairs.

Viewing deck with gas BBQ. Just a few steps to the 60 ft water front floating dock to your paddle boat covered hydraulic boat lift. 6 covered parking spaces & RV pad.

Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 350417 $649,700

1201 Fidalgo Dr, Burlington Well maintained 1,023 sq ft one story home backs up to a lovely lush greenbelt.

Surrounded by a beautiful lawn & plenty of gorgeous flowers. The Cedars is a peaceful 55+ community w/ RV parking & a spacious clubhouse. Home w/2-car garage,2 beds/1.75 baths & an open floor plan.Patio & deck are spacious, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Dues include: cable tv,lawn/ yard care, exterior maintenance & insurance plus use of the clubhouse. Seller offering $4000 carpet allowance payable at closing.

Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS#: 285543 $149,500

814 Cul De Sac Rd, Burlington Main house with an attached ADU/motherin-law apartment. Main house: 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, own septic & drain field, living room with gas fireplace, breakfast nook, dining room, bonus/rec room & small attached shop. Attached apartment: living room, kitchen,bedroom, bathroom, own septic & drain field. Live in one side & rent out the other or invest & rent out both sides.

Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS#: 285523 $135,000

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 $99,000

6

June 1, 2012

Absolutely Adorable Condo $115,000 Single level condo near Cascade Mall. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage. Cozy living room, inviting kitchen, all just the right size. Nice landscaped grounds w/ gazebo & outdoor patio/BBQ area. Home shows pride of ownership. MLS#328999 Allen Workman 360.770.4948

Downtown La Conner Craftsman $379,500 Built in 2005 w/3 bdrms, 2.5 bath, 2418 SF of formal and informal space. Gleaming bamboo floors, expansive kitchen w/granite, master on main, beautifully landscaped, walk to town & marina. MLS#337165 Janis McHarg 360.391.8439

2.5 Acres in Valley View Estates $238,000 3 bedrooms, 2 bath in 2875 SF. Huge attached bonus/family room. 3 bay 28’ X 34’ shop w/220.

Park-like setting... alluring grounds. MLS#239936 Jones Atterberry 360.708.8935

New Home~Bayview $429,500 Great opportunity to own a new home on one acre.

3 bedrooms, 1850 SF on one level. Kitchen family/ great room & flex room, hardwood floors, private master w/unfinished bonus room above garage! Pick your colors, add your personal touch NOW! MLS#3338915 Curt Oppel 360.202.0121

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Selling: Supply-Side Strategies Inventory is low, but buyers are out there.

Here is how sellers can best position their listing to the market.

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia The law of supply and demand is so basic to economics that even a kid running a lemonade stand gets the concept: More buyers vying for limited inventory pushes prices up.

But today’s complicated housing market defies easy analysis. Case in point: nationwide, the inventory of homes for sale fell by 22 percent from a year earlier in March, according to the National Association of Realtors.

With the current pace of sales, inventory is a six-month Continued on next page

2610 E. SECTION ST. #25, (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $68,500

Sandi Riley 770-8670

2610 E. SECTION ST. #52, (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $48,900

OPE N SUN. 1-4

•PARKLIKE PRIVACY, REAR “CUL DE SAC” W/LG. BACK YD., COV. PATIO •SPACIOUS 3 BD., 2 BA. W/”OAK” KITCHEN & SUNNY BREAKFAST NOOK •OPEN DESIGN, LG. LIVING/DINING RM., GARAGE, SHOP + STORAGE!!

•OVERSIZE LOT W/GORGEOUS PRIVATE YD. & GARDEN AREA, HUGE PATIO •NEW HARDIPLANK SIDING, ALL NEW “DESIGNER” INTERIOR •3 BD., 2 BA., HUGE 2 CAR CARPORT/SHOP

•GORGEOUS OPEN/VAULTED PLAN W/DESIGNER UPGRADES, “LIKE NEW” •SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING ROOM •2 BD., 2 BA., LG. “OAK/TILE” L-SHAPE KITCHEN, BREAKFAST RM, GARAGE!!

2610 E. SECTION ST. #18, (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $49,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #68 (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $26,000

2610 E. SECTION ST. #29 (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $43,500

55

OPEN HOUSES 2610 E. Section St, Mt Vernon Several Units Available For Details and directions, visit openhouse.com.

OP EN SU N 1-4

OPEN SUN. 1-4

•OUTSTANDING VALUE, OUT OF TOWN SELLER MOTIVATED! •3 BD., 2 BA., NEW PAINT INSIDE & OUT, NEW FLOORCOVERINGS •NEWER GAS FURNACE, SUNNY & PRIVATE BACK YD., MUST SEE!

•NEW PRICE! BRAND NEW KITCHEN VINYL, LG. ISLAND, ADJ. FAMILY RM. •3 BD., 2 BA., GAS HEAT, FORMAL LIVING/DINING RM, SPACIOUS MASTER •DOUBLE CARPORT, HUGE STORAGE, PRIVATE ENCLOSED YARD/PATIO

1601 FOREST DRIVE, MT. VERNON $248,900

20630 LAFAYETTE RD., BURLINGTON $218,900

415 WARNER ST., SEDRO-WOOLLEY $274,500 G

SOLD

$315,000

MLS#347176 $384,950

MLS#359993

MLS#23523

• Extra Lg Duplex • 1800 sf each • 3 bdrms w/garage • Well maintained

MLS#322843 • 28.8 acres • 2100 sq ft remodeled $205,000 • 2200+ sq ft • Lg family room home • Alger area • Orchard • Awesome views • Granite counters $289,000

MLS#329978

• RV parking • Lots of extras • Great location • New paint

REAL ESTATE CLASSES

MLS#343598

NE W

LIS

$250,000 MLS#360536 • Campbell Lk view • 2100+ sq ft STARTING NOW! shop • 4 bd custom home • Detached • 1700 sq ft 3 bdrm • Small cottage CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121 • Large shop • Barns & fenced areas MIL apt

B Y A P P O I NT ME N T - C A L L S A N D I

BY AP P OI N T MEN T - C AL L SAN DI

BY APPOINTM ENT - CALL SAND I

•MOST HOME FOR THE $$$! 2358 SQ. FT., HARDWOOD FLOORS •3 BD., 2 BA., HUGE FAMILY RM., GAS HEAT, LG. SUNROOM •NEWER 700 SQ. FT. GARAGE/SHOP, HOT TUB, BIG LOT, VALUE++

•NEAREST NEIGHBOR 1/4 MILE, JUST 1 MILE TO TOWN! PRIVACY++ •OLDER HOME W/PERSONALITY, 4 BD., 2 BA., VIEW DECK, SECLUDED • 1 ACRES, (MORE AVAIL.) GAR/ SHOP W/”IN-LAW” APARTMENT UP

•AREA OF “HISTORICAL HOMES,” QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD, CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN •NEWER, “NW CRAFTSMAN” STYLE 3 BD., 2 BA., DEN/4TH BD. DOWN •LG. COVERED FRONT PORCH, GAS HEAT, GAS STOVE, DOUBLE GAR., PRIVATE YARD

goskagit.com/reweekly

• Move in condition • 2+ bdrms, 2 bth • Immaculate home • Family room • Detached garage • Desirable area

$1,100,000

TIN

ED SE CL UD

LG

.S

HO

P

OPEN SUN. 1-4

$209,000 MLS#362272 MLS#341775 • Westerly view condo • 2 car garage $305,000

• 2624 sq ft shop • Orchard • 4180 sq ft view home • 4.77 manicured acres •UPGRADED “MARLETTE” BEAUTY W/NEWER ROOF, HEAT PUMP-A/C •SUNNY LIVING RM. W/FPL, OPEN DINING/ HUGE KITCHEN, NEW PRICE! •2 BD., 2 BA., LOVELY PRIVATE/SUNNY YD. W/PATIO, QUALITY ++

$99,900

• Short sale • Town house • 2 bedrooms 1 bath • Built in 2001

$799,000

55

+

+

OP EN SU N . 1-4

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360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com SUNDAY 1-4

OPEN SUN. 1-4

55

North Homes Realty Inc.

Anita Kohl 961-7795

55

55

55

+

+

2610 E. SECTION ST. #35, (LITTLE MTN. EST.) MT. VERNON $74,500

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

+

North Homes Realty Inc.

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

Anita Kohl 961-7795 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210 George Herner 840-3743 Jackie Lindeman 770-9080

Real Estate Weekly

Jared Storrs 853-6895 Jeff Dowrey 661-2161 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145 Margie Ernst 708-3198 Mark Yonkovich 206-914-8061

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

June 1, 2012

7

Continued from page 7

supply, “about the historical neighborhoods with dwindling shrunk, at least temporarily, and average,” observes Lawrence Yun, supplies, observes Randy Barcella, sellers who’ve been waiting for an the NAR’s economist. an appraiser in Orland Park, Ill. opportune moment to list could take With supply getting back to Neighborhoods where owners are advantage of the lull. “normal,” does that mean the struggling to afford their homes are Indeed, one wild card impacting housing market has recovered? The still seeing prices drag down, but future supply in some areas is short answer, according to experts: not in spots where supply is limited, whether banks will drop significant “sort of.”

Barcella adds. inventories of foreclosed homes Here is a look at in the neighborhood. why buyers and sellers Foreclosures coming to In places where demand hasn’t rebounded, should consider supply market “are one of the sellers should select an agent who can give them in their strategy: variables that we must details about the supply of their specific type of watch closely,” Swanson home, now as well as in the recent past and what Supply Shaped adds. the probable trend is likely to be.

Locally Terry Swanson The NAR figures show Measure the a nationwide inventory Competition drop, but some areas are seeing Smart Sellers Yes, multiple offers are wonderful, steeper falls, and combined with a Work the Numbers but not for disappointed buyers and good local employment environment, In the sweet spots where buyers their agents who present losing bids, those forces are pushing prices are vying for a limited number of says Ellis. upward, notes Tim Ellis, an analyst properties, sellers often set low “We’re studying buying strategies,” for online brokerage Redfin. “teaser” listing prices, and then he adds. “One method is to hire For instance, Ellis reports Redfin designate specific dates when an inspector before (submitting agents in California’s Bay Area, San they’ll accept offers, explain Brad a purchase contract) and then, if Diego, Washington D.C. and other Le, a Redfin agent in Silicon Valley. the buyer is comfortable, they can spots are seeing more than one Usually, the offer selected is above remove the inspection contingency.” buyer vying for a home in at least list price and contains few or no Cash offers help, with buyers in half their transactions this year, with contingencies. markets like those in Arizona and the uptick fueled by a robust jobs In places where demand hasn’t Florida losing out to investors with picture. rebounded, sellers should select Yun adds that some areas hardest an agent who can give them details deeper pockets, says Yun. Ordinary homebuyers can get hit by the downturn, like Miami, are about the supply of their specific now invaded by investors, resulting type of home, now as well as in the some advantage by stressing how much they would love living in a in multiple offers that are pushing up recent past and what the probable particular home. “Nearly all of the prices from a very low bottom. trend is likely to be, says Terry offers I see have a letter attached, Even in metro areas where Swanson, broker-owner of Century statistics show prices are still sometimes with pictures of the 21 Results Realty in Atlanta. slipping, like Chicago, there are It could be that supplies have buyers,” Le shares.

“

8

June 1, 2012

”

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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.

Call 360.416.2180 In print and online

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June 1, 2012

9

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 and 2 bdrm apts.

2 bdrm townhouses.

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STANWOOD 2 bdrm, view, 511 S. 20th, MV, 2 bdrm, garage incl., $800/mo. + utils. WSG pd, $705 mo, $500 dep.

360-941-1081 cats OK. 428-7637

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

Piazza Realty Property Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT (7368) www.prpmrentals.com Anacortes 3 bdrm rambler, exceptional and comfortable.

Excellent bargain at $1050. + dep. No smoke/pets. Lawn svc provided. 360-770-6800

1 bdrm apts. MV $575/mo. Big Lake waterfront, 3+ S.W. $690. No pets. Call bdrms, 2 ba, new carpets, Mark at 360-708-2694. paint, applcs. & big deck.

1 bdrm MV Quiet, safe, 1 lev- Gas heat & water. No el, near hospital. Seniors wel- smoke/pets. $1200/mo. + come. 1539 Skagit St. $680. dep. 360-770-7527 W/S/G pd. 360-652-6560 LaConner hill, stunning newly built lrg studio, wood 1 BDRM, MV Quiet, safe 1 level. No pet/no floors, home office, open smoke. W/S/G/TV pd. $650 kitchen, high ceilings, W/D, incl. $700.

No mo + dep. Seniors welcome. W/S/G smoke/pets. 360-466-5244 Avail now. 360-424-4522 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 MV, upper 2 Bdrm, sunny deck, W/S/G/basic cable pd.

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Affordable. Section 8 okay.

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2 & 3 bedroom flats, 2 & 3 bedroom townhouses 3 bedroom houses; $705 to $1300 starting rent.

Klinger Estates, Dolly St. Townhomes, Trail West, Cascade View.

360-854-2010

10 - June 1, 2012

10

June 1, 2012

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments.

See our listings at www.skagitrentals.com Remax Property Mgmt.

823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon 360-424-3198

MV 49 WILLOW LANE 1 bdrm, 1 ba. On-site laundry & storage. Ample parking. No pets. $625 incl. W/S/G. Avail now. Nice. 360-420-5700

½ off first months rent2 Bdrm, 1 ¾ Ba, S.W. Garage, W/D, gas heat, approx. 1100 sf., lrg. Closets, built in storage, 1 level. $825/mo. Piazza Property Mgmt., 360-424-7368 MV 3 plex, 2201 N. 20th, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, garage, all new floor coverings & paint, woodstove, near college, $750/mo., $500/dep. 360424-6974.

MV 6 plex 427 N. 21st St., 1 bdrm, 1 ba, lrg. deck, upstairs, central laundry, carport, $625/mo. $400/dep.

360-424-6974

Downtown apts., Mount Vernon. Room for rent. All utils. paid. Shared kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry.

2 bdrm, 1 ½ ba, Burl., back Men only. No pets. $400 + patio, covered parking, stor- dep. 360-770-9449. age, W/D, W/S/G pd. $800.

Females only, 3 rooms in 360-708-1721 beautiful country home but close to freeway & busing.

360-707-2767 2 bdrm, SW, 5 Energy Efficient applcs., storage shed, close to stores, schools, senior center, no smoke/pets, screening report req'd. $795 plus dep. 360-840-5728

Big Lake RV Resort: $400/ mo/& up. W/S pd. Boat launch, dock. 422-6206

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

find what you need in classififed

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to place an ad, call 424-4567 VIEW LOT NEEDS DREAM HOME. All utilities and approved plans.

Owner contract. $119,000.

360-422-5708 www.skagitsolutions.com

Park Village 55+ park, 2 bdrm, 2 ba, corner lot, 2 sheds, 1,536 sq. ft. $24,950. Call Mick 360224-5250

classifieds bring results!

OPEN HOUSE Saturday June 2, 2012 11:00am - 2:00pm Brand New 0 Down Homes!

825 N. 18th St. Mt. Vernon $114,900 http://grf.me/Qq15 $22 hrly Income Qualifies Cheaper than rent 24 hour Recording INSTANT PROPERTY INFO 1-800-270-4033 EXT 3000 Visit

Cute Rambler! 3Bdrm, 1 ba, 1008ÂąSF. Great for first time home buyer.

Directions: On 4th St. right on Fir St. Entrance right before 18th St.

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for pics, prices and maps Free list of 0 down homes w/pics: www.0downlistings.com MUST SELL Fixer Uppers Distress Sales Bank Foreclosures Free list with pics: www.WaBankHomes.com DIRECT 425-345-4920 JEFF LATHAM KWNWRE

BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME 2281 S. 19th Street This newly-completed 2000 sq.ft. rambler features 4 bdrm, 2 1/2 baths on a large lot in a secluded, quiet S. MV mature neighborhood. Designed for relaxed living with an open floor plan and high ceilings.

Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances. Master suite features soaking tub, double vanity, double shower and huge walk-in closet. Low maintenance exterior with Hardi siding & stone patio. All on one level with low step-ins. Call Jeff Ingman for a personal showing. $309,500.

(360) 202-2859 Brown McMillen Real Est.

Extra sharp 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, off Baker View Park and 30th, 2905 Timothy Place. $146,950.

Call (509) 237-3738.

LAKE GOODWIN $3,995,000

buy or sell it with classified ads!

For sale: Concrete, WA. 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, 1708 sf. built in 2004 on 5 plus acre rambler w/open floor plan,free standing propane stove, cermice tile entry, oak cabinets w/center island, dinning area, buy or sellutility-pantry it with combo, cedar deckads! w/sunclassififed setter awning, skagit river access, would make good horse property, possible owner financing-trade, $199,999.00.

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Real Estate Weekly

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June 1, 2012 - 11

June 1, 2012

11

2905 TIMOTHY PLACE, MOUNT VERNON

Just across the Street from Bakerview Park.

All appliances are on site, including washer & dryer. Brand new carpet and paint in all 3 bedrooms, living, dining and bonus room.

Master w/full size bath. Move-in ready with a fenced yard and off-street parking.

MLS#362042

1100 N 12TH ST., MOUNT VERNON

$145,950

1852 WINDSOR DR., MOUNT VERNON $259,000

500 N LAVENTURE RD, MOUNT VERNON $174,500

20571 ENGLISH RD., MOUNT VERNON $179,000

Sandy Everett 360-202-3706

Custom built by Joe Souza in 1959. Lovely territorial view.

Slate and brick adorn this “real wood” rambler w/spacious slate entry; step down into living room w/ large window views of treed, cyclone fenced yard with generous sized decking, formal dining room, kitchen with lots of cabinets, sunny breakfast table area, laundry/ Danya Wolf sewing room with deep sink. MLS#362070 360-708-8294

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, 6/3, 1-4 PM Mount Vernon’s “Stonebridge 55 and Better” quality built home features 1368 sq.ft. of single level living w/beautiful hardwood floors throughout; spacious living rm w/natural gas log fplace, dining area; 2 generous sized bedrooms & a den. Kitchen offers paneled oak cabinets, lots of light and walk in pantry. Covered deck w/ Sandy Everett 360-202-3706 view. MLS#338088

Beautiful country living in Conway. Charming home has 2 bedrooms and 1.75 baths, interior and exterior paint new. Large patio to help enjoy this 1/2 acre lot. Vinyl windows and new insulation in attic and under floor. Includes detached garage and storage shed. Great neighborhood, minutes from I-5. MLS#325678

13 (TRACT) S RIETZE AVE, CONCRETE

509 SHADY LANE, MOUNT VERNON

$174,500

6331 HIGHWAY 9 N., SEDRO-WOOLLEY $115,000

Lovely property with .92 acre. Spacious kitchen and newer appliances included. Vinyl windows.

Deck off back with stairs and ramp, all covered for handicap access. Nice rural setting (high above the flood plain). Includes a garage & JoAnn Boudreau shop. MLS#343629 360-391-0746

$186,000

$19,900

Ron Proctor 360-333-0303

This Mount Vernon home has it all. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a beautifully landscaped yard with large evergreen trees, fully fenced. The house has natural gas, forced air heat. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet. There is a nice deck off the dining room. All appliances stay.

The house is located on a cul-de-sac and is Suzanne Jenkins minutes from I-5. MLS#350041 360-941-2983

City sewer; water in street; power in street.

3/10 acre tract has been used for recreational vehicle. Could be built on. Driveway in (packed down). 65’+ x 199’+ lot dimensions.

MLS#208338

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY, 6/3, 1-4 PM 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 trails, Danya Wolf clubhouse and secured RV parking. MLS#318726 360-708-8294

NHN MOUNTAIN VIEW LANE, ROCKPORT $75,000

19540 PARSON CREEK RD., SEDRO-WOOLLEY $139,000

3498 SAMISH VIEW LANE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY $179,900

46349 BAKER LOOP RD, CONCRETE

$125,000

Scenic mountain views located at the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range and within easy walking distance of the beautiful Sauk River very near the community of Rockport and the scenic North Cascade Highway. This is ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors, fishing, hiking, photography and many more activities. Richard Dickman MLS#294867 360-424-0300

Beautiful 1.13 acre, convenient location to Bellingham and Burlington. This property would lend itself well to removing current manufactured home & replacing with a new one or custom build. It is fully fenced and has a 2 car garage and storage shed. MLS#300921

Lovely property w/3.3 ac (8 miles from town). Country home w/beautifully remodelled kitch & newer appls incl. Added insul. & vinyl windows. Deck off back. Hot tub. Dog Kennel. Rural setting w/Samish River below (high above the flood plain)! Lg util/mud rm w/deep, dble sinks.

Small shop w/loft, hen house; patio; fruit trees Jessie Cavazos & garden space. MLS#311196 360-770-5623

Well maintained five year old D. B. Johnson two story home situated on 0.4725 acre with wonderful, expansive yard! Home is well cared for and offers nice, light colors.

Beautifully decorated! Office/den could be fourth bedroom. SHORT SALE. MLS#355981

Brett Tacker 360-840-7931

3 STARVATION RIDGE LANE, BAYVIEW $249,000

2906 BAKERVIEW PL, MOUNT VERNON $159,900

512 TALBOT ST., LA CONNER

20990 KELLEHER RD, BURLINGTON

$189,000

This unique farmhouse has had many upgrades including oak kitchen cabinets and tile counter tops. The 2nd floor master bedroom has loads of storage and a separate bonus room for office/den/hobbies. Home has a garage, shop & attached carport for an RV. MLS#286030

Donna Kurras 360-770-7596

$1,350/MO.

RE

NT AL

Donna Kurras 360-770-7596

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. MLS#347366

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

Across street from Bakerview Park. Convenient SKAT & school bus stop on corner of North 30th and Bakerview.

Nicely maintained Skyline doublewide manuf’d home w/vaulted ceilings, lots of light, spacious rms, island kitchen with a multitude of cabinetry & breakfast bar, separate utility rm. Generous sized double garage attached. Linda Dietrick Fenced yard w/patio. MLS#171397 360-840-6771

This distinctive home really is “better than new”.

New hardwood, wall-to-wall and a gas fireplace greet you on entry. The gourmet kitchen has all new stainless appliances & an island. Spacious den. 2 full baths & 2 large bedrooms complete the home. La Conner businesses are within walking distance. Application fee. MLS#352829

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888 or 800.697.4118

Sandy Everett 360-202-3706

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com