Real Estate Weekly July 31, 2020

INSIDE

This Issue HOUSE RULES ON SPARE SPACES PAGE 5 BIG CITY BACKLASH PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

JULY 31-AUG 6, 2020

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INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

7

Q&A

Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P4

House rules on spare spaces.......................................P5 Big city backlash................................................................P7 Classifieds............................................................................P7

RE-Weekly.com To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2020 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

Sandi riley 770-8670

2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ M.V.

$178.900

610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ M.V.

UN iT # 25

55+

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670 *NEW LISTING! UPGRADED INSIDE & OUT, GORGEOUS ‘’GOLDENWEST’’ BEAUTY *OVERSIZE OUTSIDE LOT, FENCED YD W/GAZEBO & 2 STORAGE BUILDINGS, OUTSTANDING! *3 BEDROOMS (1 IS NOW A DEN),2 BATHS, NEW KITCHEN, A/C, NEWER ROOF & SIDING 2610 E. SECTION ST. “LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ M.V.

$175,500

UN iT # 115

55+

$178.900

UN iT # 105

55+

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670 YOUR HOME FEATURED HERE! CALL FOR A CURRENT ‘’MARKET APPRAISAL’’ SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670 442 S. 48TH STREET ‘’WOOdSIdE’’ MT. VERNON

NE W

55+

$448,900

LiS TiN G!

*JUST LISTED! ‘’MARLETTE’’ QUALITY THROUGHOUT, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS *BEAUTIFUL WOOD TRIM & CABIETRY, LARGE KITCHEN W/EATING SPACE *A/C, GARAGE + EXTRA PARKING, GORGEOUS FENCED YARD, 55+ LIVING AT IT’S BEST! 2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670

CALL ANITA KOHL 360-961-7795

*UPGRADED ‘’WOODSIDE’’ HOME W/GORGEOUS FENCED YARD *2 BIG BEDROOMS, 2 LG. BATHS, GAS HEAT, A/C, GRANITE KITCHEN *OPEN PLAN W/FRENCH DOORS TO YD. & PATIO W/ ‘’SUNDOWNER’’ AWNING

*GREAT NEW PRICE! ‘’TOP 5’’ 55 + PARKS IN WASHINGTON STATE *UPGRADED 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH W/ALL NEW FLOOR COVERINGS *GAS HEAT, A/C, TREX DECK, LG. SHOP BEHIND CARPORT !

iNG

PEND

2610 E. SECTION ST. ‘’LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON

$204,900

iNG

PEND

Shelley Miner Burlington Escrow Manager/LPO 360.707.2312

Christa Canell Freeland Escrow Manager/LPO 360.331.4838

Brandi Jensen Stanwood Escrow Manager/LPO 360.629.9737

Holly Mathers Island County Title Manager 360.675.2246

6932 STEELHEAd LANE, BURLINGTON

Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative 360.707.1076

$363,900

SOLD

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670

*GATED PARK AT THE FOOT OF BURLINGTON HILL, CLOSE TO ALL SERVICES *LOVELY 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH PLUS FAMILY ROOM ‘’FLEETWOOD’’ *BIG DOUBLE GARAGE, EXTRA PARKING, AFFORDABLE SPACE RENT!!

*OUTSTANDING QUALITY/ UPGRADES, GORGEOUS ‘’TRIPLEWIDE’’ ! *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, ALL NEW DESIGNER KITCHEN W/FAMILY ROOM ADJACENT *HUGE OVERSIZE GARAGE + LARGE HEATED SHOP, LG. PATIO, LOADED!

*LOVELY SAMISH RIVER FRONTAGE HOME W/COUNTRY ‘’FEEL’’ *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, FAMILY ROOM + SUN ROOM/ATRIUM *DOUBLE GARAGE, LG. COVERED R.V. PARKING + SHOP!

LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W

2028766

2

Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158

$117,450

CALL SANdI RILEy 360-770-8670

$128,900

Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055

UN iT # 73

55+

*LOVELY OUTSIDE LOT LOCATION W/LG. BACK YARD & GREENHOUSE *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, FAMILY ROOM + NEW MASTER SUITE *HEAT PUMP A/C, NEW COVERED DECK, GARAGE + LARGE SHOP & MORE! 1103 COURTNEy LANE, ‘’BURLINGTON HILL ESTATES’’ BRL.

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.

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Service you deserve with people you trust Visit any of our 5 locations in Oak Harbor, Burlington, Freeland, Stanwood and Anacortes

Ltco.com

2001581

July 31, 2020

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

Feature Home From cover:

525 East College Way, Suite J

RaRe Fidalgo island Find!

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

$2,395,000

REALTOR® Charity Golf Tournament Thurs, Aug 27th, 2020 at Skagit Golf & Country Club Register today for the REALTOR® Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Skagit Habitat for Humanity and Friendship House.

Windermere real estate/anacortes Properties P 3018 commercial ave.

Anacortes,WA • 360-293-8008 www.anacortesrealestate.com

The tournament is open to the public and all skill levels!

Registration is $125 per person and includes ‘grab ‘n go’ brunch, prizes, and more! Sign up a foursome, or a single!

To Register, or for more information, visit our website: www.npsar.realtor Or contact North Puget Sound Association of REALTORS® at 360-416-4902

Major Event Sponsor:

Mission Statement: The Nor th Puget Sound Association of Realtor s advocates for Realtor s and their clients, and promotes the protection of property rights.

Jessica Notaro 360-202-1441

This 6-acre park like estate is one of a kind with room to roam and westerly water views. The 5,000 SF main house boasts northwest contemporary design, soaring ceilings, high end finishes, open floor plan, and chef’s kitchen. Pass through the expansive wall of sliding doors to enjoy an 800 SF entertaining deck to enjoy the evening sunsets with indoor/outdoor living at its best.

Property features include a detached home office, separate 1 bedroom apartment housed over additional 3 car garage, horse stables, fenced pasture, 30’x 45’ shop with two 14’ doors, a storybook tree house, garden area, chicken coop and much more.

MLS# 1635289 2014461

STAT Real Estate Stat

38

The percentage of Realtors who own a secondary property in addition to their primary residence.

Source: National Association of Realtors

July 31, 2020

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3

Pre-approval during corona?

Question:

a bunch of questions and tests they use to ferret out possible problems. Pre-approvals remain both helpful and For years, the advice has been to get pre-approved by a important to prepare for a formal loan application. lender before mortgage shopping. But with rates so low Cheap mortgage rates are out there, but not everyone and with the coronavirus changing everything is precan get one. Borrowers have to go through the application approval really necessary for those who want to finance or process. While mortgage applications are increasingly refinance? online, and while they increasingly use the newest technologies such as direct links to banks and automated valuation models (AVMs) instead of appraisals, Low rates are here and there’s some belief that they will applications are about more than income and debts. be with us for some time. Fannie Mae predicted in April Suppose a lender considers an application from that mortgage rates would average 2.9% throughout borrowers with a good credit history, a solid income, and much of 2021. The catch is that ultra-low mortgage rates significant savings. They have a solid 10-year work history. are already here. Rates below 3% were available to the So far, so good, but they’re in the hospitality business, most-qualified borrowers in May. Thirty-year financing at they work for a restaurant. That’s an industry hit hard by 2.5% has been out there for several months. Freddie Mac the pandemic. says that at the end of May, weekly rates averaged 3.15%. “Food services and drinking places” had 12.232 million Will rates go lower still? We don’t know. workers in January, a number that fell to 6.384 million Lower rates mean that mortgages are far more employees in April, according to the government. These affordable. They help borrowers get past required are numbers that lenders cannot ignore. debt-to-income (DTI) tests. That’s important for loan According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), “the income of each consumer who will be applications, but what about other issues? Lenders have

Answer:

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

obligated for the mortgage debt and whose income is being relied upon in determining ability to repay must be analyzed to determine whether his/her income level can be reasonably expected to continue.”

A lender’s obligation to verify employment was written well before the pandemic, but the concept remains unchanged: The lender must believe the borrower can repay the debt. If that’s not the case, then the application will be declined. If the lender is wrong, if the borrower quickly defaults on the mortgage, it is the lender who may be required to buy back the debt from investors and face other penalties.

With so many changes as a result of the pandemic, it makes sense to get pre-approved. This is the opportunity to see where you are in terms of a potential mortgage application, clean up credit report issues before formally meeting with lenders, and raise questions. It means being able to apply for financing with the best possible information, the information most likely to get you low rates and lender approval.

Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ ctwfeatures.com.

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July 31, 2020

House rules on spare spaces

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features The number of bedrooms is a key stat in home sale listings, just as a patient’s weight, height, and blood pressure are standard metrics in his medical chart.

Except in a home, nothing dictates that the way a room is counted is the way it’s used.

A recent Zillow study reports that 46 percent of homes have a “spare” bedroom that can be used for other purposes.

Sellers may be wise to swap out a file cabinet or craft table and hew more to the look of a bedroom.

“The demographics of the buyers who will be looking at the house” determine how July 31, 2020

sellers should style a spare room, notes Courtney Schomburg of Scott Silver Staging, Sarasota, FL. When young families with children are the target buyer, “they may be looking to maximize sleeping space,” agrees Tori Toth, author of “Feel At Home,” but a “couple without children would benefit from using that space as an office or gym.”

But whatever the purpose presented, a room should still appear clean and uncluttered. Instead of a desk heaped with paperwork and old metal file cabinets, “less is more,” says Christine Rae, owners of Ontario-based Staging Training.

“Selecting the size and scale of items is vital to illustrating how much actual space

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is in the room,” Rae adds.

Moreover, when homeowners use a room differently than its original purpose, “it’s important to make sure the function correlates well with the surrounding features in or near the room,” adds Toth. “For example, a dining area needs to be next to the kitchen where the food is being prepared.”

Still, there’s been an increasing trend towards multi-use spaces.

“We have staged craft rooms, sewing rooms, wine tasting rooms,” says Schomburg. “Especially if a home has a ‘quirky’ space that doesn’t have a specific purpose … this is a perfect area to create a memory point room.”

5

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.

RealEstate weekly

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

In print and online goskagit.com ads@skagitads.com

6

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July 31, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS 5.9 acres, Conway.

Power, water & septic.

Stall & small barn. $330,000. 360-724-2380

Big city backlash

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features or years, conventional wisdom has held that the highest-paying jobs, most rewarding prospects and opportunities, widest range of socio-cultural amenities and, therefore, most coveted places to live were found in large metropolitan areas.

But in the wake of the pandemic, big cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and especially those hardest hit by COVID-19 infections and fatalities, are possibly losing their luster as preferred places to call home. And it’s easy to see why: More densely populated and compacted communities increase the risk of coronavirus transmission, which can quickly overwhelm nearby hospital systems and result in relatively high infection and mortality rates compared to other parts of the country.

Ryan Carrigan, co-founder of MoveBuddha.com, says this from unease about urban

F

July 31, 2020

around you being a contributing factor. These fears will continue for a while, especially as long as there is no living isn’t just a theory—it’s this search activity makes cure or vaccine for the virus.” a measurable trend gaining sense.

Some expect detached homes momentum.

“I can foresee many people that offer built-in capacity for “Using search data from our choosing to leave large metgreater social distancing to ropolitan markets in favor of increase in popularity. moving cost calculator, over smaller upcoming cities, espe- “With the coronavirus situathe past few weeks, we’ve cially with the rise of remote tion remaining unclear,” says seen some large increases in searches by people looking to jobs that allow you to work Brinker, “it could cause an move to mid-sized cities and from virtually anywhere,” says increase in the number of Brinker. suburban areas,” notes Carsingle-family home buyers rigan. “Searches for moving Jaylon Brigham, an associversus multifamily properties ate broker for Halstead Real to New York City suburbs, like condos and townhomes.”

Estate in New York City, says Others believe that pandemfor example, are up almost 250% compared to the same the fears urban dwellers may ic-fueled urban flight will be a period last year. Areas outside be experiencing and their short-lived trend. desire to move is warranted Oklahoma City saw an “Generational prioritization, given current circumstances. migration trends, employincredible 105% increase in searches over the past several “I believe, at least in the ment mobility, national housshort-term, more people weeks. Roseville, California, ing inventory, and population will be leaving urban areas, and Statesboro, Georgia, data support an ongoing need although there is always saw 86% and 83% increase. for variety in housing options outflow happening from big throughout the country,” says These numbers suggest that cities for various reasons,” coronavirus may be causing Michael D’Andrea, southwest Brigham says. “Vertical living regional vice president of The people to rethink living in in a densely populated area major cities.”

Related Group in Scottsdale, Arizona. “I firmly believe will become less desirable to Noah Brinker, a real estate investor and home flipper in families, with the inability to that folks who are attracted to high-density urban living distance yourself from those Fayetteville, Arkansas, says

Will the coronavirus result in a retreat from urbanism?

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PUBLISHER'S NOTICE

All rental and real estate for sale advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for the rental or sale of real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD at (206) 220-5170.

and social/physical connectivity will continue to seek out high-density homes in urban areas. However, they will shop with a much sharper eye as it pertains to the management, cleanliness, and overall quality of the community in which they choose to live.”

Brigham’s advice? “Evaluate your individual situation before making a decision, and don’t choose out of panic or for the short-term. If you 10 - January 29, 2019

THE GLEN AT MAPLE FALLS Recreational lot in sunny Div., 4, renovated park model, covered deck, large gazebo, cedar lined bunkie, fire pit, covered parking for your golf cart & sizable storage shed. 2 pools, clubhouses, laundry, hiking trails including Mount Baker, fully equipped- $49,000. Call Ron at 858-688-0007

2 Bdrm house with loft on 1/4 acre, needs remodeled but is livable, tax value $180,000 asking cash out $139,500.

To view call 520-2211607 or 360-840-3292.

don’t have to sell, try to stay put,” says Brigham.

If you’ve been unable to afford big-city housing, and are willing to take extra careful measures to protect yourself from COVID-19, “this may present itself as a great opportunity to buy with added negotiability on home prices and interest rates hovering around 3%,” Brigham adds.

7

H Street rd., Blaine

$1,200,000

220 tHomPSon rd., Sedro Woolley

$325,000

2017 Continental PlaCe Suite 2, mount Vernon $1000/mo.

Move in ready, 3 bed/1.75 bath home recently updated; new flooring and paint, new shower in master, new carpet in bedrooms, new matching light fixtures throughout, new front door, all appliances stay. Free standing stove is propane. Park like potential, 2.5 acres, room to entertain, play and/or garden. 28 x 36 garage/shop.

Easy commute! Quick drive to I-5, half way between Mount Vernon and Bellingham. Suzanne Jenkins Carla Fischer 360-941-2983 360-982-0010 MLS# 1630837

Conveniently located office space features large lobby area and three private office spaces. ½ Bath and break room area with sink and room for small fridge.

Ample parking. Monthly rent includes sewer/water/garbage. First, Last and Security deposit. $53 application fee Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 per person 18+. MLS# 1630793

New Price

PeND

7308 HoBSon rd., BoW

$235,000

Build your dream Home in eaGlemont!

iNG cOmmerciAl leAse

$425,000 KamooKS trail #2d28, ConCrete, Wa 98237 $96,000 Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red 17180 memorial HWy mount Vernon Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with onelargepondgreatforduckhuntingtowardthenortherly iNG portion of the 80 acres, some meadows, one small beaver PeND pond, plenty of walking trails or bring your ATV; and an old dug well near the old home site by the southerly 6.98 acre tract zoned Rural Intermediate. Level acreage In the beautiful gated community of Lake Tyee, enjoy one-of-a-kind property. No fuss, TURN-KEY with edge of the property to the east of the gate. Future with great road access both from Memorial Highway this everything you need; this location is for you. If you want and from Avon Allen Road. Stop light and curbs at to get away from the pavement to relax and/or entertain homesite/Pasture land along the friends, Lot 2D28 is the one. Remodeled, the intersection. Special Use Permit new appliances, landscaped; enjoy the southwesterly edge of the property. potential. The Animal Hospital and an comfort of this perfect location. Any 210 days/year, $162/mo includes water, septic, espresso stand is across the road to the Potentialforupto16buildingsites.Shown garbage and amenities; mini-golf, lake, west. 980 feet along Memorial Highway Danya Wolf Danya Wolf club house, tennis/pickle-ball, basketball, Sherry Ruderman byappointment.MLS#1568051 360-708-8294 360-540-1552 hiking and so much more. MLS# 1631710 (SR-536); 620 feet along Avon Allen Road. 360-708-8294

22904 BumBleBee lane, mount Vernon

7 cAr cOVereD PArKiNG

$950,000

Special property on a very private 1.5 acres minutes from town. Custom handcrafted, Craftsman home featuring 2278 sqft, office main level master & second master upstairs.

Dining & living room showcasing custom stain glass windows. Kitchen w/ granite counters, handcrafted cabinets. Beautiful oak floors. Detached MIL home 702 sq ft 1 bd & 1 bath w/2 car garage. Separate 1080 sqft. shop & Pond and Waterfall. Total of 7 garage and shop parking spaces! Car lift included too! Fabulous Danya Wolf Elva Hunter home! MLS# 1494916 360-708-8294 360-202-3086

3789 e. diViSion St., mount Vernon

lotS 2&3 laKeSide driVe, GlenHaVen laKeS $49,900

Great location off of Bow Hill: lightly treed 4.27 acre tractonHobsonRoad,southofSamishHeightsRoad; and located on the west side of the street.

Level, beautifully treed building tract with wonderful sunsets. Power at road.

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 MLS# 1572369

New Build your dream home on these two adjoining lots near Glenhaven community amenities: pool, clubhouse, tennis/basketball courts, outdoor exercise area, playground, enjoy nature with trails and trout stocked lake, 2 boat launches, community events; near several area lakes. Easy commute, 1/2 way between Mount Vernon and Suzanne Jenkins Carla Fischer Bellingham. MLS# 1628528 360-941-2983 360-982-0010

VeteranS

Carla Fischer

360-982-0010

i am pleased and honored to offer a discount to our military.

$105,000

Eaglemont Golf Community offers an 18 hole Championship public golf course, Clubhouse and Fitness Center, enjoy dining at the Fireweed Restaurant and Lounge with fabulous views and sunsets!

MLS# 1504177

1630 uniSon PlaCe, mount Vernon

Elva Hunter

360-202-3086

$668,000

So much potential, awesome private setting!

Classic large home on the 12th Fairway in

sought after Eaglemont Community. 3 stories with plenty of room. Gracious entertaining living room, dining and kitchen with great room w/gas fireplace, opens to brand new deck flooring. Upstairs w/3 bedroom suite each with own bath. Down stairs with separate entrance great for Mother-in Law suite! 3 car garage. Brand new roof & freshly painted home.

Elva Hunter

MLS# 1634123

ng Endi

MLS#1559192 45104 Kachess Trail #3C1 $39,900

P

$589,000

Beautifully wooded, open park-like 10-acre future development property with existing investment income of $1,750 per month from rental of 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on one acre. Total 10 acres are perfect for future private higher-end homes or Planned Unit Development. Amenities include: Public Utility District water, Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Power (Puget Sound Energy), high speed internet, city garbage pick-up and access to city Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 sewer. MLS# 1569455

New Price

4629 BeaVer Pond driVe S.

MLS#155167 45232 Nesika Trail #2D36 $39,500

MLS#1637868 4658 Skagit Trail #1D31 $34,700

ing

PEnd

A beautiful recreational resort community w/newly remodeled club house, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, basketball court, tennis courts, beach, boat launch, hiking, fishing and so much more.

ing

PEnd

laKe tyee

MLS#1627851 4969 Helena Lane #2C78 $89,500

MLS#1608945 45183 Itswood Trail #3B138 $21,500 MLS#1613722 45122 Sikhs Trail #3C16 $39,500

360-202-3086

Sherry Ruderman

360-540-1552

Owners may utilize the property any 210 days in a calendar year.

for voting US “2019 Skagit’S BeSt” 2 YEArS BESt rEA rEAl EStAtE officE, MoSt coMMUnitY MindEd BUSinESS

360.424.0300

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2021208

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July 31, 2020