Real Estate Weekly | October 14, 2011 by Skagit Publishing

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

OCT 14-OCT 20

TWENTY-ELEVEN FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

BUILDING NEW YEAR, NEW HOME PAGE 3

INVESTING REAL ESTATE RX PAGE 4

INCREASINGLY CLOSE PAGE 6

Q&A

3319 E. SECTION STREET, MOUNT VERNON Windermere Real Estate 1030 E. College Way Mount Vernon 360.424.4901 • 800.849.7939 Agent: Mel Foley (360) 770-3115

www.MelFoley.com

$299,000

Picturesque home on a spacious lot close to all city amenities. This home has a charming front porch & a great floor plan with the master suite on the main floor & a super bonus room upstairs. The main floor has a kitchen/family room combo with a gas fireplace & a slider to the sunny backyard. There is also a front living room/parlor. The home has good Southwest exposure letting in lots of beautiful sunlight. Upstairs there are 3 more good sized bedrooms plus a main bath. 1/2 acres.

FEATURED ARTICLE:

WHAT REFORM MEANS FOR BORROWERS PAGE 7

HOME IMPROVEMENT A ROOFING MATERIAL WITH REAL METTLE PAGE 8

INCREASINGLY CLOSE Housing costs may be on the decline, but Closing costs are on the rise. Here’s why and what you can do about it The good news for homebuyers is that mortgage interest rates continue to hover near record lows. The bad news is that closing costs are on the rise. (cont. on pg. 6)

CLASSIFIEDS 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

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by:

Whidbey Island Bank

TABLE of CONTENTS New Year, New Home

Pg. 3

Real Estate Rx

Pg. 4

Increasingly Close

Pg. 6

Q&A: What Reform Means for Borrowers Pg. 7

PG.

A Roofing Material with Real Mettle

Pg. 8

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11 To advertise in

RealEstate weekly

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call 360.416.2180 or E-mail ads@skagitads.com View this publication online at www.goskagit.com/reweekly ©2011 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved. All real estate advertised in Real Estate Weekly is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin,

or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

For further information call HUD Toll Free at 1-800-669-9777. All Houses subject to prior changes without notice. Neither advertisers nor Skagit Publishing are responsible for any errors in the ad copy. Skagit Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, which we deem unsuitable for our publication. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs, artwork and ad designs printed are the sole property of Skagit Publishing and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. Skagit Publishing is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers.

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 PRI CE RED UC ED

OPEN HOUSE: Sat 1-3PM Oct. 15

13640 Bayview Rd, Mount Vernon

PRI CE RED UC ED

$255,000

Newer home on 1.61 acres. Views of the bay. Shy 1600 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 baths, 2 car garage w/ shop area and ¾ bath. MLS# 271642 DIRECTIONS:

FROM I-5, TAKE BURLINGTON EXIT #230, GO WEST ON HWY 20, THEN TURN RIGHT (NORTH) ON FARM TO MARKET RD. (HWY. 237), THEN TURN LEFT (WEST) ON BAYVIEW RD. HOME IS ON THE LEFT.

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

Sedro-Woolley

$53,000

Newer home in Carriage Estates. Desirable 55+ mobile home park. 3 BR, 2 baths, 1684 sq. ft. Abundant use of alder cabinets. Space rent $441/ mo – includes water, sewer, garbage. Now priced to sell! MLS# 244217 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

Burlington

$74,900

3 bedroom rambler, 1 ½ baths. Great Burlington location. Large private yard Fannie Mae HomePath property. MLS# 268406 Call Pete, (360) 708-6500

$79,000

Beautifully maintained triple wide. S-W finest 55+ Senior Park with security gate. Approx 2000 sq ft with open floor plan. 2 bdrms, 2 baths, vaulted ceilings, built-in china hutch. Lots of storage. Fenced landscaped backyard, 2 decks for entertaining. MLS # 228322 Call Wilma, 661-1631

$139,000

Gorgeous riverfront home on 5.45 acres. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, single level home. Quiet, private area. Separate insulated outbuilding. Woodstove and new carpeting too! MLS#253310 Call Ron, (360) 333-1045

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

Lisa Davies 391-2232

Ivana Wood 770-3550

October 14, 2011

Burlington Mount Vernon

$148,000

Built in 2006. Approx. 1580 sq. ft. Nice open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Large master suite. Fully fenced backyard, 2 car garage. MLS#274185 Call Ivana, 770-3550

Amber Soria 969-4030

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

$129,000

Mount Vernon

$799,500

PRI CE RED UC ED

GR EAT BAC KYA RD

Sedro-Woolley

Burlington

Reduced to sell quickly! Classic 3 bedroom home with room for RV/Toys, bird garden. Hardwood floors. Eligible for zero down USDA financing. MLS #269146 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

$159,000

Solid rambler on large lot and great location. New Vinyl windows and partially finished basement. 4 bedrooms and 1 bath. Large detached shop/garage. Hardwood floors and a great country kitchen. MLS# 281231 Call Mike (360) 540-1341

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Burlington

$164,950

Large split level home located in Burlington Country Club. 4 bedroom, 2 ½ baths, fireplace in rec room, spacious yard. Home needs a little TLC. MLS#268930 Call Ron, 333-1045

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Dan Soria 348-6655

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Beautiful custom built home on 2nd fairway at Eaglemont. Nearly 5,000 Sq. Ft., 4 bedroom 3.5 bath. Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, Granite countertops. Awesome view of Mt. Baker and the course! MLS # 258569 Call Jim, 708-1681

Racquel McDermott 420-1830

Mike Welling 540-1341

Pete McDougal Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

BUILDING

NEW YEAR, NEW HOME

The New American Home 2012 will showcase big green features, while scaling down square footage compared to past years The New American Home 2012 may be being built for the future, but it’s also a bit of a throwback. The 2012 home, which is currently under construction and will be displayed at the 2012 National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show in Orlando in February, is a reinterpretation of the classic white box-style design of the ‘60s and ‘70s. The home, which in recent years has been a showcase in home technologies,

green building and energy efficiency, will be the greenest and smartest home to date - and smaller than years past. According to the home’s architect, Phil Kean, the home will be displayed as a twobedroom floor plan that will appeal to empty nesters, and will have four additional rooms that could be converted to bedrooms if needed. At 4,181 square feet, the home will be the smallest in The New American Home series in many years.

Designed to achieve “Emerald Status” under the National Green Building Standard, among a slew of other green certifications, The New American Home 2012 also is designed to take maximum advantage of an outdoorfriendly climate, with walls of movable glass panels and motorized screens providing a

seamless flow from the indoor to the outdoor spaces. Now in its 29th year, TNAH serves as a real-world laboratory demonstrating homebuilding concepts, materials, designs and construction techniques that can be replicated by building professionals in any place at any price range.

OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES North Homes Realty Inc.

OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH 12 P.M. TO 3 P.M. 1926 Lindsay Loop, Mount Vernon • $359,900 O PE

Saturday, October 15th, 1-4pm 724 Ferry Street, Sedro-Woolley $349,500 • Traditional Elegance inside and out, charm/ warmth abound, classic beauty w/.75 acre. • 4 Bdrms + “extra” guest bedroom, Lg den/ office, “Bonus Rm.” 3660 Sqft., loaded! • Hardwood floors, travertine master, granite “gourmet” kitchen, “Home Beautiful!” • Parklike, w/heated pool & spa, R.V. parking, desirable “Historical close to town” area. MLS#237970

L.A. SANDI RILEY C-21 N.H.R., 360-770-8670 goskagit.com/reweekly

OUS

Real Estate Weekly

$199,900

Beautifully maintained executive home with lots of natural light! 4 bedrooms, 2.75 baths, daylight basement, dining room & family room. Island kitchen offers lots of storage. Lots of built-ins & custom work throughout. Private patio & yard. MLS#235143

DIRECTIONS: From I-5, go east on College Way. Right on Laventure Road. Left on Section Street. Right on Maddox Creek. Take first left on Shelly Hill Road and first right on Lindsay Loop.

Sandi Riley

Sedro-Woolley

Jewell Gibbs 360-540-2257

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

3 bedroom rambler on 14.5 ACRES! CARD is almost complete; property can be divided into 3 lots or use all 14.5 acres for yourself. Land is perfect for grazing animals. Good sized barn w/loft, power & water. Huge rear deck, hot tub, remodeled bathroom, new wiring, new floor coverings, new exterior doors & extra room off Suzanne Jenkins kitchen. MLS#227113 360-941-2983

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888 3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon www.skagittraditionrealty.com

October 14, 2011

INVESTING

REAL ESTATE Rx Real estate investment trusts offer real holdings without the traditional costs of property ownership Lately, trying to build steady savings has felt like struggling to stay upright on a storm-tossed ship. One way to keep your savings balance from tumbling with every stock market swing, say financial experts, is with real estate. Say what? Hasn’t real estate been at the center of this economic malaise, because millions took on highpriced mortgages to buy homes? True enough. But the kind of real estate planners are advising “doesn’t have anything to do with single family homes,” notes Jorie Johnson, a Manasquan, N.J., financial planner. Rather, this real estate includes apartment buildings, shopping centers, nursing homes and offices, gathered together in a real estate investment trust - REIT. An informal poll of members of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisers, a group of fee-only advisers, finds that they are nearly unanimous in recommending that REITs be part of clients’ portfolios, particularly in retirement accounts. If you’ve never consulted a financial adviser, you

October 14, 2011

may have never heard of REITs. Here, some pros share why they like tucking a little bit of real estate into savings.

A Stock That’s Not

A REIT is a company that owns - and also may manage - all types of “income-producing” real estate, like shopping centers, apartments, office buildings, even nursing homes. Many REITs are public companies, meaning that their shares are traded on a stock exchange. But because REITs are not in the business of selling cars, cereal, computers or any of the myriad products sold by companies traded on the stock exchange, they are a “good diversifier,” observes Kevin Brosious, a planner in Allentown, Pa. That means that when the S&P 500 or other stock indexes move up, REITs may move down, and vice versa. That diversion, along with the relatively hefty dividend or income REITs deliver, help stabilize your savings balance. However, REITs don’t always move in the opposite

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

STAT

direction of stocks. “In the credit crunch [of late 2008 and early 2009] everything went down, except U.S. bonds,” notes Brosious. During the 10-year period that ended this Aug. 31, 2011, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT, which is a broad index of publicly traded REITs holding a variety of properties across the U.S, averaged a 9.9 percent annual return, including the reinvestment of dividends. For the five-year period ending this past August, the FTSE NAREIT Equity REIT averaged a .23 percent annual return.

ready, house hunter?

93%

A REIT That’s Right

While many specialized REITs - like those composed only of shopping malls - exist, the typical investor who’s building retirement savings doesn’t have the funds to stack lots of specialized REITs in his portfolio. “I prefer many clients to hold a Vanguard REIT index exchange traded fund,” says Lee Munson, an Albuquerque, N.M., planner. With such a fund, investors own an array of property types, he adds. Moreover, some specialized REITs, such as mortgage REITs and REITs that are not traded on public stock exchanges, carry too much risk for the typical investor, say planners. And, Munson and other planners generally advise keeping only a small portion - 10 percent or so - of a total portfolio in REITs.

A Tax That’s Not Taxed Now

By law, REITs must pay out at least 90 percent of every dollar of their income in dividends. Thus, the yield is relatively high on REITs. Often, a holder would have to pay tax on those dividends at his ordinary income tax rate. That’s why planners like to see REITs held in tax-advantaged retirement accounts, so that dividends will only be subject to tax when the funds are eventually withdrawn.

Percentage of first-time homebuyers who said using online tools to find detailed information about homes was important to them

Source: Coldwell Banker survey of 300 recent first-time homebuyers

AMERICAN DREAM REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC. Fully Updated Rambler #29157098 • $179,000

Samish Island Home #217345 • $785,000

Great Sedro-Woolley Home #272824 • $209,000

Huge fenced lot with 2 car garage, detached shop ,RV Parking, covered boat storage, large concrete patio, fruit trees, dog kennels and garden shed. Inside you will be greeted by bamboo floors, open living and modern earth tones. Huge kitchen features corian counters, stainless steel appliances. Separate laundry room. Private office. Main bath redone with slate and double sink vanity. This short sale has far too much to mention. Not in FLOOD ZONE!

Gorgeous 2 story home custom built on 2 acres on Samish Island. This home 3400+sqft home features 3brm 2.5bth and was designed for entertaining. Open floor plan with gourmet kitchen & huge living space overlook Padilla bay, Olympic Mountains, and features cement counters and rock fireplace. Huge Trex Deck runs full length of the house!

Great 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Sedro-Woolley and huge lot. This home features tile roof, vinyl siding, huge detached 2 car garage with shop and storage, covered patio fireplace RV parking and much more. Don’t miss this great home!

#280381 • $1,900/Month

#280403 • $2,500/Month

Class A light industrial space just off the Anderson Road I-5 exit. Site features 3000 sqft of space with office, bath and mezzanine. 400 amp 3 phase power, plumbed for compressor with separate compressor shed, 12ft electric roll up door. Ready to go now, gross lease so tenant pays utilities not nnn.

Excellent retail building on a high traffic corner with ample parking. This 8000+ sqft building has multiple entrances and can be configured for many different uses. Building is in great condition and ready to lease today!

Excellent Retail Rental

Light Industrial Space

Desirable W Mount Vernon home. This 1996 3bd/2bth home features and open floor plan, free standing gas fireplace, main floor master with full bath. Fenced back yard is a wonderful private setting for your next BBQ! Property also features a detached 2 car garage/shop and covered carport.

“Fulfilling Northwest Family Dreams” Anacortes Office

1202 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 360-588-1515 • adrhomes.net

Real Estate Weekly

Mount Vernon Office

2788 E College Way Mount Vernon, WA 360-416-6500 • adrskagit.com

Like American Dream Real Estate Mount Vernon

goskagit.com/reweekly

Desirable in Mount Vernon #260764 • $259,950

www.adrhomes.net

October 14, 2011

Increasingly Close Housing costs may be on the decline, but Closing costs are on the rise. Here’s why and what you can do about it The good news for homebuyers is that mortgage interest rates continue to hover near record lows. The bad news is that closing costs are on the rise. In fact, an annual survey by Bankrate published in July from reveals that the nationwide average for closing costs - the fees assessed by the lender, title company, appraiser and others prior to completion of a real estate transactionhas risen nearly 9 percent from 2010. Experts say this increase, which can be as high as 20 percent in some areas, is due to several factors, not the least of which is stricter lending regulations in recent years. “The enhanced due diligence lenders are performing on loan applicants is translating into higher lender closing costs,” says Greg McBride, senior financial analyst with Bankrate.com in North Palm Beach, Fla. “Lenders are

October 14, 2011

required to be precise in quoting their fees on the Good Faith Estimate, which is also a contributor to the higher quotes borrowers are now seeing,” With more regulatory pressure on banks comes the need for adding more staff to keep up with the new rules overhead costs that often are passed on to borrowers. “States and counties are also looking to raise revenue, as they have seen a decrease in revenues in other areas such as real estate taxes as values have decreased,” says Brian Fein, regional sales manager with Mortgage Master, Inc. in Rockville, Md. “So we’ve seen in increase in recordation and transfer taxes charged by these municipalities.” Lenders today have limitations on what they can charge due to recent legislation. If a borrower chooses a

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

loan with a mortgage broker with zero points, they are not charged for credit reports or processing - they only pay the lender costs for documentation, underwriting, appraisal, flood determination and certification, appraisal and wire-transfer fees. If a borrower chooses a lower interest rate, however, the origination fee may be higher than it was a year ago due to lower loan amounts, as prices have dropped, and they can be charged for credit and processing when they elect to pay origination charges, says Victor Benoun, president, The Mortgage Source, Studio City, Calif. “Escrow companies also may be charging more due to lower purchase prices, and they have included more fees as part of their services,” Benoun says. “It’s not unusual to see notary fees, document fees and sub-escrow fees, which can add several hundred dollars to the closing costs.” To save money on closing, try these tips: • Shop around with up to three different lenders on the same day to compare fees on the Good Faith Estimate. • Shop around on your own and compare costs for any

what reform means for borrowers QUESTION:

Is there a hidden part of Wall Street reform that will hurt mortgage borrowers?

ANSWER:

There has been a lot of debate regarding the 20 percent down standard for risky mortgages, but that requirement simply does not apply to the overwhelming majority of home loans. A more serious issue for borrowers, and one that has been rarely discussed, concerns credit standards. To avoid liability and the

goskagit.com/reweekly

service provider listed on the GFE, including the property inspector and title insurance company. • Ask for the difference in costs for zero points versus paying origination fees. • Monitor and work to improve your credit score prior to applying for a loan, and put down as much as you can afford for the down payment, which can lower your fees. • Of course, ask the seller for a credit toward closing costs as part of your negotiation. Lastly, don’t hold your breath hoping that closing costs will decrease any time soon. “The regulatory environment for lenders isn’t getting any less stringent,” says Scott Stucky, chief operating officer with DocuTech Corp., a mortgage document company based in Idaho Falls, Idaho says. “This will continue to require additional resources from lenders, and these are not revenue-producing resources. Therefore, one can assume the overall cost of originating mortgages will go up, which will increase the cost for the borrower.”

Q&A

requirement to set aside five percent of the mortgage amount in a reserve fund, lenders can issue “qualified residential mortgages” - QRMs. Most QRM requirements are fairly obvious - the lender must prove that the borrower has the ability to repay the loan, income and employment must be verified, etc. But one requirement is potentially very damaging. Under the QRM rules, explains Laurie Goodman with Amherst Securities Group, a dealer and market maker in mortgage-backed securities, “mortgage loans can qualify as a QRM only if the borrower was not currently 30 or more days past due, in whole or in part, on any debt obligation, and the borrower had not been 60 or more days past due, in whole or in part, on any debt obligation within the preceding 24 months.” The idea here has been to establish a credit-

Real Estate Weekly

Ask Our Broker By Peter G. Miller

history requirement without actually naming a particular credit score company. But the rule as it now stands is far too strict. Here’s why. First, the delinquencies do not necessarily relate to mortgages. You could have had a missing gas card payment from six months ago and the way the rule is now written that could stop you from getting a mortgage. Second, the size of the delinquency is irrelevant. A $3 dispute with a hardware store is just as much of a “delinquency” as a missed mortgage payment. The rule certainly is well-intended, but it needs to be modified. Delinquencies related to homeownership and of significant size ought to be the only ones that count.

October 14, 2011

HOME IMPROVEMENT

A Roofing Material with Real Mettle

Because of affordability and ease of installation, asphalt shingles have long been the No. 1 residential roof choice. However, metal roofs have slowly become a closer contender. Though metal roofs may cost more up front than asphalt shingle roofs, they can be much more durable. Their lifetime is pegged anywhere from 40 to 60 years, versus 15 years for asphalt, says Mike Kowal, president of Custom-Bilt Metals, which manufactures metal roofs. Adds Thomas Black, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance, “By choosing a metal roof, it’s the last time most homeowners will have to put on a roof.” Besides longevity, metal roofs also can be more energy efficient - a “cool” solution because reflective coatings can be applied to the base metal and reduce how much heat enters a home, Kowal says.

October 14, 2011

Aesthetics are yet another plus. They come in a variety of configurations, from standing seam to stamped panels and shingles. And with Kynar(r)-based pigments, they can add vibrant color that withstands strong sunlight for decades. Before proceeding, know a few potential downsides: • Metal may dent during a major hail storm, but still will maintain its strength and performance ability, says architect Scott Rappe, of Kuklinski + Rappe Architects in Chicago. “If your area is prone to hail, consider a higher weight metal panel,” he says. • Hire an experienced pro to install it since it takes more skill than putting on asphalt shingles, says Kowal. • If you plan to move within a few years, you may not recoup your full investment, but should see some increased value, says Bob Kulp, director of the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Brown McMillen Real Estate 360.757.6013 1.800.869.7084

525 East College Way, Suite J

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

2011 REALTOR® Charity Golf Tournament Proceeds Awarded to Friendship House At the General Membership luncheon on September 15th, The North Puget Sound Associations of REALTORS® was pleased to present Friendship House a check for over $1,000. Our annual golf tournament is the largest charity event of the year for the association, and we are thankful to all the sponsors and players that make this event a success year after year.

w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m OPEN HOUSE

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

SUNDAY, 10/16, 12PM-2PM

26490 Helmick Rd, Sedro-Woolley VERY PRIVATE… on 1.65 Ac parcel w/ adjoining 4.59 Ac tracet. 3 bdrm, 1 3/4 ba home, 840 + sf shop & out bldgs. $359,950 #267821 Hosted by Tim Reichert. Directions: East on Hwy 20 to Helmick, North on Helmick, up the hill driveway on the right.

AFFORDABLE 4 BDRM... Rambler near Hillcrest Park w/fully fenced back yard. Just painted inside & out, newer roof. $168,500. #521731 SERENE SETTING...1512 sf Rambler on 2.48 acres partially cleared, lg evergreens & spring fed pond near Deception Pass. $189,500. NEW PRICE #169684 WONDERFUL HOME... on 1 ac level lot in perfect condition. 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, great kitchen, family rm,w/ gas fireplace. Beautiful master suite. $325,000. #223246

NPSAR Golf Tournament Chair Tod LeHecka, and 2011 NPSAR President Charlie Boon present the check to Friendship House Executive Director, Marie Marchand

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.

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

Jan Scally 421-5160 Shelah Inman 661-0145 Dick Best 770-1491 Phil Hurtig 770-0787 Holly Brown-Hilts661-5538

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 MT. VERNON CONDO... nice floor unit on 11th St. Close to Hospital, close to everything. $98,900. #200244 ATTENTION ENTREPRENEURS... opportunity to own your own Bistro/Grocery. Remodeled com’l kitcehn, d/washers, tile floor, barstools, antique tables & much more. $649,000. #266927 SPACIOUS RAMBLER!.. 4 bdrm Rambler, Great rm w/blt-ins, free standing gas stove, bonus rm, french doors to patio w/hot tub. Fenced backyard. $225,000. 129 ACRES... nicely wooded and great opportunity to buy large acreage at just $3,837 per acre. $475,000. #104177

ROOMY…3 Br, 2 Ba home on 1.52 ac. 3 car garage, Covered RV parking & patio. Open floor plan, good sized master. Rural setting, minutes to town. $185,000. #177380 JUST GORGEOUS… this custom 5200 sf home on 8/10 of an acre, includes a tennis court & separate 1200 sf apt. Top of the line, many extrras & great location. ! $749,500. #234389 ZONED MANUFACTURING... 6000+sf bldg with clear span at 24’ and 16’. Doors are perfect for user or investor. Call for location & viewing. $339,500. #163367 TWO HOMES, ONE PRICE!..Shy acre property in lovely setting near Sedro Woolley w/3Br & 2 Br Homes. $325,000. #2669852 COMFORTABLE MFG HOME... 2 bdrms, 1.75 baths, dining area/eating bar. Room to garden, shop for projects, covered deck & carport. $118,000. #212211

Evening Phone Calls Welcome Galen Kindred 770-7083 Terri Heyntsen 391-0938 Jeff Ingman 202-2859 Ron Wortham 661-1500 Tim Reichert 391-5587

Fritz Inman 661-0147 Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Tod LeHecka 333-1032 www.brownmcmillen.com

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

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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Real Estate Weekly

October 14, 2011

CALL FOR MOVE-IN SPECIAL. Sedro-Woolley, Burlington & Oak Harbor 1 & 2 Bdrm apts., W/S/G pd., no pets. 360-708-3427

Anacortes Manor Apts.

1110 24th Street, Anacortes (360) 293-7755. Beautiful one bedroom apts. for 62 or older seniors and disabled persons. Courtyard entries with attractive grounds, convenient location, laundry facilities, appliances, carpet and much more. Pay only 30% of income and utilities are paid! TDD 711.

1 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts 2 x 1 ½ Town homes Covered-Assigned Parking Garages / Storage Avail. Complete Appliance Pkgs Sport Courts / Playgrounds Pet Friendly Call Today! 360-856-4803

NO HIDDEN FEES! Fairhaven Manor 757-2149 Norris Place 757-3060 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts. Afford1 bdrm in Burl. carport, nat- able. Section 8 okay. ural gas heat, utility room, OPEN HOUSE $750/mo. W/S pd. $600/ All New Luxury Décor damage. No pets. 856-6878 (Available now) 1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 MV beautiful large 2 bdrm, bdrm, MV, near college, on- 2 ba, river & Mt. Baker site laundry, reserved park- view, all appliances & ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! W/S/G incl. Only $825, $855, $875/mo. 206-409Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 9317 or 206-849-3334 2 BDRM MV APTS., quiet, W/S/G/recycle & basic cable Sedro-Woolley 1 bdrm, $600 pd. Covered parking and + $400 dep. Cute & convestorage room including laun- nient, no smoke. 856-6737 dry on-site. No smoking/ Spacious 2 & 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, pets. 360-708-1721 WD, W/S/G/cable pd. $775/$875. No pets. 1825 2 Bdrm, MV, W/S/G pd. E. Division MV. 428-8980 College Way & 19th. $705/mo. 360-424-6757 Downtown MV Apt., large 1 bdrm, approx. 1,000 sq. ft., $750/mo. Avail. Oct. 1st. WRE/Skagit Valley, Balisa Koetje, (360)421-4111

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals. Piazza Realty Property Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT (7368) www.prpmrentals.com

MV large 2 bdrm, W/D, D/W & disposal. No smoke/pets. 1-3 bdrm apt/house in MV for $495-850. Nice area. $750/mo. $700/dep. Call 360-336-5412/ 425-347-2330 Mark at 360-708-2694 2+ Bdrm, Sedro-Woolley, Newly remodeled yard, garage, $795/mo., no large studio on busline. smoke/pets. 928-345-2086 Great MV location $550-$700 BURL. 3 bdrm, 1 ½ ba, gas ASK ABOUT OUR heat, fenced yard, no smoke. MOVE IN SPECIAL! $1075/mo. 360-391-3644 360-420-0606

October 14, 2011

Eaglemont home for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 ½ ba, $1500/mo. Avail. Now. 360-941-1815 LaConner residential/commercial/combo 4 bdrm, 2 ba. $1200 mo. 360-466-5593 MOUNT VERNON. 403 Evergreen St., near YMCA & MV High School, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, gas heat, fenced yard, $900 per month. $800 deposit. No smoke. Credit check req'd. Call 360-424-7590 Newer view home near Similk Beach, open floor plan, 3 bdrms, 2 ba, dbl garage, lrg patio w/ outstanding views of the water. Low maintenace yard & flower beds, auto water irrigation. Garbage & water incl. No smoking. Dog ok. $1700/mo. + $500 dep. Refs. req'd. 299-2784

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments. See our listings at www.skagitrentals.com Remax Property Mgmt. 823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon 360-424-3198 TOP OF MV HILL Avail. Nov. 1. Energy efficient 2 bdrm home, 3 yrs young, lrg living/dining room w/frplc, vaulted wood ceilings thruout, cooks gas kitchen w/pantry (wall patio). No smoke/pets. $985. 1 yr lease. 360-466-5244

S-W townhouse, 3 Bdrm, 1.5 Ba, garage, fenced yard, storage shed, W/S/G pd., $900 mo., $900 dep. 1 year lease, credit ck. req'd. 360941-4417

OPEN HOUSE All New Luxury 2/3 bdrm

(Available now) MV large 2 & 3 bdrm duplexes with garage, private setting/yard/patio, beautiful interiors, all appliances & W/S/G incl. Only $875, $895 & $995/mo. Call 206409-9317 or 206-849-3334.

4-PLEX in Stanwood. 3 bdrm, 1 ba, w/tile and hardwood floors, $900; 2 bdrm, 1 ba, top floor, $675; 1 bdrm, w/new carpet & vinyl, $650; 2 room studio w/laminate floors, $485. All with views. 425-478-0848 MV 2 bdrm, 2 ba, in 4-plex, carport. $800 + $800 dep. MV nice 2 bdrm, 1 ba, carport, $700 + $700 dep. W/S/G pd. W/D hookups. No smoke/pets. Background chk. 610-9860, 9am-5pm

FIND OUT WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH ON-LINE VISIT: www.internethousevalue.info Direct 425-345-4920 KWNWRE

MUST SELL *Fixer Uppers *Bank Foreclosures *Company Owned Properties *Distress Sales Free List with Pictures www.wabankhomes.com Direct 425-530-4246 KWNWRE

Wanna be a Riddgie? Desirable Pleasant Ridge .6 acre level view lot. Looking East - day & night view, registered perk, PUD, H2O, La Conner School Dist. Owner contract, $140,000. Call (360) 466-3524.

MV 4 PLEX, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, garage, gas heat, W/D, yard, patio, $775/mo. $500 dep. 360-424-6974

Have a used manufactured home you need to sell or have moved? Talk with the experts at Manufactured Housing Resource, a division of Site Services, LLC. We are your full service manufactured housing service provider and general contractor. Call Ron or Bill at 360-8552214.

Tri-Plex, MV. 2 bdrm, 1 car garage, W/D, gas heat, $850/mo. $700/dep. Credit ck. 360-540-4192

Weekly rates, $295. SPECIAL - 4 wks., $895. WHISPERING FIRS MOTEL Alger 724-3477

BURL. 3 BDRM 1,300 sq. ft. $985/mo. Incl. W/S/G W/D, no pets/smoke 360-202-5401 S-W 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, 1 car garage, gas heat, W/G pd., Move in Special. Big Lake $850/mo. + $500/dep. No waterview RV space. $300. smoke/pets. 360-661-0799 No dogs. (206) 778-8147

2,000 sq. ft. newer manufactured home, 3 bdrm, 4 ba, ready to move. Asking $45,000/obo. 206-384-2669

2006 Golden West Super Good Cents Home, 1296 sq. ft. 2 bdrm, 2 ba, wood floors throughout, all sheet rock, immaculate condition. To be moved! $31,995. Call Ron or Bill at 360-8552214.

HOME FOR SALE 29,900 This is manufactured home in a quiet community. It has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms and is 1900 square feet. Located on a corner lot with a storage shed. The home has a wood stove, formal dining room and vaulted ceilings with skylights. Fresh paint and move in ready. Call 360622-6204 if interested. 600 N Reed st #50 Sedro Woolley.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

EXCEPTIONAL VALUE

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-4PM!! Offered at $400,000. OPEN HOUSE October 16th from 1-4pm. Easy access from I5. Manageable ranch 7.8 acres, large pond, fenced pastures for horses or livestock. Cool old pole-barn for storage, stables. 3 bedrooms, 2.75 baths. Longterm owner. No work to do. 20973 Starbird Road, Mount Vernon, 98274 George Roth, REALTOR Principal Managing Broker Coldwell Banker Bain 360-707-1431 George@HomeTourClub.com More pics and information at HomeTourClub.com!

For sale by owner – Quiet, peaceful, yet in the central hilltop area, not a drive by; take the time to admire the oak flooring, vaulted ceilings, master suite w/walkin closet and bath with oversize shower; guest room & full bath, den/home office, features gas heat, hot water and fireplace. Kitchen has spacious pantry, gas range, and built-in microwave, laundry room with utility sink and cabinets, approx. 1368 sq. ft. Private covered deck, huge double car garage all on single level, attic storage. Community clubhouse, group activities, adjoining Haggen walking path. Close to shopping and medical facilities. Priced at $174,500. Call Barbara for previewing appointment, 360-428-5617.

NEW MOUNT VERNON HOME

Condo warehouse space. 18'x60'. All amenities. Security. Call Rick, 360-3197359

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a s g s 3 bdrm 1 ba home in Skyt line for sale, $99,000. Owner financing available. Call N for details, 360-202-9518

goskagit.com/reweekly

2300 S. 19TH STREET New Construction Pricing $325,000 2000 sq. ft. rambler on 10,000 sq. ft. lot Very quiet, secluded, S. Mount Vernon area 3 bdrm + den/4th bdrm, 2 ½ baths Granite countertops, stainless appliances Open floor plan Master suite features soaking tub, double vanities, double shower Close to schools, shopping, easy I-5 access Avail. Feb. 2012, act now to pick colors. Call Builder Direct Legacy Home Builders Charlie Ash 360-770-7678

PROPERTY FOR SALE

LAKE VIEW HOME ON 2 ACRES!

Skagit County owns property on 1412 Walter Street, Mount Vernon, WA and will offer it for sale at public auction October 21, 2011 @ 10:00 a.m. at the Treasurer's Office, 700 S. 2nd Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Minimum bid required for this property: $105,000.

Pristine 3 bdrm, 2 ba rambler w/2car garage & detached 4 car garage w/added carport & artist's studio on top. ONLY $300K! Chris Weitzel 360-312-5151 ReMax Whatcom County

The property is a residential structure adjacent to the Skagit County Fairgrounds. 3 bedroom, 1,212sf. Assessor's Parcel #P54353. Pre-Auction Viewing: October 20, 2011 at 2:00pm. Questions contact: Brian Adams, Director Skagit County Parks & Recreation 315 S. Third Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360)336-9414

OWNER FINANCING 20 ACRE/HOME SEDRO WOOLLEY MOVE IN NOW!. OWNER WILL WORK WITH BUYER. CALL DIANNE DALBEY, BROKER TODAY AT 360-757-SOLD OR EMAIL AT 360757SOLD@COMCAST.NET.PRIVACY

Sedro-Woolley – 3 Bdrm, 2 Ba 1996 28x48 Marlette 28x48 on large lot in park, open floor plan - living room, dining room, & kitchen area. Utility room, heat pump with AC, new flat top range, kitchen sink & faucet, hot water heater, new toilets, light fixtures and storm doors. New roof & paint inside & out. Completely landscaped with large fenced backyard with 2 sheds. $45,000. Call for appt. 360-856-2028.

Real Estate Weekly

October 14, 2011

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

www.WindermereSkagit.com

360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com

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

OPEN HOUSE

North Homes Realty Inc.

SATURDAY 1-4

724 Ferry St, Sedro Woolley SUN 1-4

2610 E Section St, Mt Vernon, Multiple units For Details and directions, visit openhouse.com.

$465,000

#111599 $224,000

#231407

• 4 BD. 2.5 BA • Parklike Seclusion • Over 2000 sf • 1.24 acres • Conway Area w/private beach access • 30x40 shop • Large kitchen

$234,500

$215,000 #193527 MLS#283607 • Excellent condition • Large shop

• Inground pool • Nice location • 4 poss. Bdrms • Needs some TLC

1100 3RD ST., SDW $121,950 Cute, affordable 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. Gas heat & fireplace. Greenhouse, storage shed & corner lot. Close to town. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #272362 2409 MOODY ST., MV $143,000 Great starter home…cute, clean & move-in ready! 3 bedroom rambler on quiet cul-de-sac. Garage. Forced air furnace & all appliances stay. Fenced back yard with deck. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #132024 1046 SINCLAIR WAY, BRL $147,500 Carefree living in the friendly community of The Cedars! This end unit condo is light, bright & features new paint, vinyl & carpeting. 2 car garage. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #266893

• New carpet & paint • 3 bedrooms

$188,100

#248123

• Open floor plan • Large master $159,500 MLS#226063 • Many greenbelts • Plus 2 bdrms up • 1 level condo • Roomy 2bd • Huge $748,900 #250365 open kitchen• Indoor pool close by • Private air strip • 38 acres $258,000 MLS#282698 • 2700+ sf home • Lg shop/barn LOCAL FOOD BANK DRIVE! • Immaculate, • Lg fenced backyard $329,900 #265957 BRING DONATIONS TO • Hot tub • Tons of upgrades • Private 5 acres • 3 bdrms + den 526 E. COLLEGE WAY • Shop/Garage • Spacious kitchen Anita Kohl 961-7795 Cleaver Sanders 941-3482 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 DJ Jacobs 941-5279 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210

North Homes Realty Inc.

George Herner 840-3743 Jackie Lindeman 770-9080 Jared Storrs 853-6895 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145 Margie Ernst 708-3198

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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

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

2610 E. SECTION ST. #37, MT. VERNON $98,900 E WID

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

2610 E. SECTION ST. #74, MT. VERNON $69,500 !

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Sandi Riley Anita Kohl 770-8670 961-7795

2610 E. SECTION ST. #18, MT. VERNON $68,900 Y!

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• BACK OF PARK PRIVACY ON CUL-DE-SAC,WOODED GREENBELT BEHIND! • SPACIOUS & LOADED W/QUALITY UPGRADES, NEARLY 2,000 SQ. FT. 3 BD., 2 BA., FAMILY RM., HUGE 650+ SQ. FT. GAR. + LG. SHOP, BIG DECK!

• UPGRADED/REMODELED INTERIOR W/DESIGNER FEATURES THROUGHOUT • ROOMY 2 BD., 2 BA., W/ LARGE “L-SHAPE” KITCHEN, SUNNY EATING NOOK • OPEN DESIGN LIVING/DINING RM., FULLY FENCED (NEW) YD. W/RAMP, MORE!

• OUTSTANDING QUALITY, $25,000++ IN UPGRADES, SPACIOUS “MARLETTE”! • OPEN PLAN, SUNNY LIVING/DINING RM., HUGE “OAK” KITCHEN, “GORGEOUS”! • 2 LG. BD. 2 BA., NEWER COMP. ROOF, A/C, PARKLIKE PRIVATE YD. W/PATIO

2610 E. SECTION ST. #15, MT. VERNON $26,500

2610 E. SECTON ST. #68, MT. VERNON $34,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #35, MT. VERNON $95,000

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• DESIRABLE WEST/OUTSIDE LOT LOCATION, PRIVACY + NICE SUNSET VIEW! • MARLETTE QUALITY 2 BD., 2 BA., LG. “OAK” KITCHEN W/SUNNY DINING RM. • TOP RATED 55+ PARK LIVING AT IT’S BEST, CLOSE TO CLUB HOUSE & POOL!

• BEST VALUE FOR THIS “GOLDENWEST”CHARMER W/ PARKLIKE YARD • 3 BD., 2 BA., NEWER GAS FURNACE, ATTRACTIVE “OAK” KITCHEN W/NOOK • SPACIOUS LIVING AND DINING RM. + PRIVATE MASTER SUITE, “MOTIVATED”!

• SECLUDED CUL-DE-SAC SETTING, LG. COVERED PATIO, GORGEOUS! • 3 BD., 2 BA. WITH ROOMY FORMAL LIVING/DINING RM. + SUNNY NOOK • ”OAK” KITCHEN, ALL APPLIANCES, FIN. GARAGE + SHOP, PRIVACY PLUS!!

2610 E. SECTION ST. #17, MT. VERNON $34,500

2620 E. SECTION ST.# 22, MT. VERNON $38,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #50, MT. VERNON $84,900

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• OPEN PLAN W/”OAK” KITCHEN, LG. DINING ROOM + SUNNY LIVING ROOM • OVERSIZE WALK-IN SHOWER IN MAIN BA., LG. MASTER BA. W/JETTED TUB • 2 BD., 2 BA., MAXIMUM PRIVACY W/ DESIRABLE OUTSIDE LOT,GREENBELT VIEW!

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• WOODED GREENBELT BEHIND, EASY CARE PARKLIKE WEST/OUTSIDE LOT SETTING • 2 BD., 2 BA., OPEN KITCHEN/DINING/LIVING RM., NEW CARPETING, NEW ROOF! • NEWER PAINT INSIDE & OUT, LG. BONUS RM. W/ MURPHY BED & SINK, GARAGE

ITY

• ONE OF THE NEWEST (1996 PALM HARBOR) & NICEST, INCLUDES MOST FURNISHINGS • 3 BD., 2 BA., NEW CARPETING, OVERSIZE “OAK” KITCHEN W/TILE ACCENTS, “NOOK”! • PRIVATE MASTER SUITE, “COVED CEILING” DINING RM., GAS HT., A/C, LG. GARAGE!

210 LAUREL RD, SDW $198,900 One level home situated on a cul-de-sac offering a 2 car garage, cedar siding, new roof & gutters. Just painted interior, large fenced back yard with fruit trees & total privacy. Wood fireplace & gas heating, hardwood floors. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #284226 304 W. STATE ST., SDW $199,500 REDUCED!! Lovely updated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, large eating kitchen & bar. Fully fenced, low maintenance yard. Attached 2 car garage. Close to town. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #149139 20383 ERIC ST., MV $215,000 Spacious 2231 sq.ft. rambler on almost 1/2 acre in quiet south MV neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Kitchen with island. Double sided fireplace. Big fenced yard. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #17444 1110 3RD ST., SDW $229,000 Lovely 2 story home with 2350 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths & den, large master & living room. Home with character, upgrades of Brazilian Cherry floors, light fixtures & front door. Charming separate mother-in-law studio. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #273557 2902 MONTGOMERY PL, MV $229,000 Spacious 1800 sq.ft. rambler with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. Master with walk-in closet & ¾ bath. Living room with fireplace. New carpet & interior paint. Fenced yard with deck & sprinkler system. 2 car garage. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #274079

17970 PAMELA ST., MV $235,900 Charming home in established S. MV neighborhood on 1+ acre with no thru road. 3+ bedrooms, 2 full baths. Detached garage. Room for summer BBQ’s plus westerly sunset views. Call Karen Beckner at 840-9455. #119103 7759 F & S Grade Rd, SDW $259,000 Charming home on 7+ acres overlooking the valley. Large upgraded kitchen, formal living & dining rooms & cozy family room. Extra bonus room for guest, MIL or art studio. Call Rita Ingram at 708-8338. #243405 21356 ROLLING RIDGE DR, SDW $294,650 Ultra spacious custom home in the pristine neighborhood of Rolling Ridge Estates. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus office & wonderful sun room. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #223101 3905 DOGWOOD PL, MV $299,900 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths & approx. 2344 SF located in Eaglemont. Kitchen opens to dinning & family area. Master on main, upstairs bonus room, large deck & 3 car garage. Call Sherry Johansen at 708-3636. #171430 16419 BIRDIE LN, BRL $324,950 Rambler on 7th fairway of Skagit Country Club. 3 bedrooms, vaulted ceiling living room, natural gas heat & fireplace, & a great deck. More info & photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #269502

901 JAMESON ST., SDW $349,950 Completely restored & updated historic 1903 Victorian home. 3142 SF, 3 bedroom plus parlor, den/office, family & bonus rooms. Many original features combined with many updates. More photos & info at www.SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #282892 4859 BLANK RD., SDW $369,900 Beautiful NW craftsman home on nearly 1 acre; very private location. 10’ ceilings, extensive use of clear fir, Brazilian marble, concrete floors & artist designed stained glass windows & lights. More info at skagitvalleyhomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #271395 7601 STATE ROUTE 9, SDW $389,000 Spectacular log home on over 3 acres. One-level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, built-in 2006. Hickory floors, clear-cedar ceiling & fir logs. Park-like setting. More info & photos at SkagitValleyHomes. com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #272363

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!