RE-Weekly.com REAL ESTATE IN SKAGIT, ISLAND AND WHATCOM COUNTIES
INSIDE
This Issue This Issue
THE HUNT FOR SENIORFRIENDLY HOUSING P. 4
Q & A: Ask Our Broker P. 8
FED RED FLAG P. 9
Classifieds
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 11AM TO 1PM FEATURE HOME: 2009 WOODRIDGE AVENUE, MOUNT VERNON
P. 10 -11
SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE
Skagit Tradition Real Estate
$375,000
360-424-0300
RealEstate weekly
February 3 –9-15, 9, 2017 SEPTEMbER 2016 FEb. 5- FEb. 11, 2016
A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American 1573207
Re-Weekly content sponsored by: Northwest Fine Furnishings
INSIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
4
The hunt for senior-friendly housing..... P. 4 Q & A: Ask our Broker.............................. P. 8 Fed red flag.............................................. P. 9 Classifieds.........................................P. 10-11
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SKAGIT PUBLISHING
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
BURLINGTON
D CE DU E R
2025 Riverside Drive, Suite D Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 755-9596 w NE
OPEN HOUSE SAT. FEB. 4TH 1-3PM
OPEN HOUSE SAT. FEB. 4TH 1-3PM
684 Hamlin Place, Burlington $347,000 Dir: From Peterson, North on Woollen, East on Hamlin. Enjoy space & privacy. 4 BR home that backs to a greenbelt. Open kitchen & family room. Large master w/attached bath & walk-in closet. Lots of flex space. Terrific storage. 2 pantries. MLS #976898 Call Elizabeth, Elizabeth, 708-8800 708-8800 Call
527 S. 4th Street, La Conner $444,000 Dir: South on Maple, West on Washington, South on 3rd, East on Benton, North on 4th. First time on market in over 118 years! Wonderful views. Parlor & formal dining room w/coved ceiling. Gourmet kitchen w/custom Hertco cabinets. Vertical grain fir floors. Douglas fir siding. MLS #1002150 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800
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
G TIN LIs
CallElizabeth, Wilma, 661-1631 Call 708-8800
Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631
2
Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645
Mount Vernon $375,000 Upscale homes w/large lots. 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,488 SF. Kitchen w/island, plenty of storage & counter space. Informal dining rm open to family rm w/cozy pellet fireplace. Formal dining & LR adjoining, fire place in LR too. Large master w/huge walk in closet, shower & jetted tub. Great private fenced backyard w/large deck. MLS #1061545 Call Ivana, 770-3550
Jim Stransky 708-1681
Kirk Campbell 770-7470
Ron Van Pelt 333-1045
www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com
D CE DU E R
w NE
Burlington $74,500 Desirable 1,188 SF home. Gated 55+ park. Home features 3 BR, 2 BA. Open floor plan. Carport. MLS #1071011
Sedro-Woolley $184,000 Quaint bungalow looking for new owner! 3 BR, 1.5 BA 1,256 SF. Detached garage & great shop. Large lot in town. Close to schools & shopping. MLS #1048687
Call Wilma, 661-1631
Call Corinne, 202-2397
Mount Vernon $935,000 Beautifully restored 1900’s home. 4 BR, 3+ BA, 3,882 SF. Equestrian property on shy 4 acres. Huge barn w/$250+K improvements. Covered parking for 10 vehicles. Desirable W. Mount Vernon area. MLS #902523 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645
Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800
G TIN LIs
Burlington $243,500 Nearly 1,400 SF rambler. Open floor plan w/3 BR, 1 ¾ BA. Formal living & dining areas. Oak kitchen open to family room. Sliding door to spacious backyard w/storage shed. MLS #1073122 Call Ron, 333-1045
LookIng foR fuLL SERVICE PRoPERty ManagEMEnt?
D CE DU RE
Burlington $299,999 Come build your dream house! Desirable location! 14 acres with a minimum of 5 acres zoned. Possibly two building sites. There are 2 parcels. MLS #1052491
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MOUNT VERNON
320 S Burlington Blvd Burlington, WA 98233 (360) 755-9494
Territory NW T
To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2016 by Skagit Publishing LLC | All rights reserved.
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Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555
1573015
Bedroom sets, entertainment centers, round sofas, coat racks & wooden coat trees, chimney cabinets, pharmacy lamps, painted benches and much more!!!!
February 3, 2017
Feature Home From cover:
2009 WOODRIDGE AVENUE, MOUNT VERNON S Skagit tradition reality 3780 e. college Way m mount vernon, Wa 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com w
sHIRlEy BERTHOlf 360-840-1863 BUyERs BROkER
DANyA WOlf 360-708-8294
lIsTING BROkER
Custom, 3 bed/1.75 bath beautifully appointed 1,600+ sq.ft. home featuring, ceramic tile backsplash in kitchen, tile floors in entry and bath; vaulted ceilings, skylights, hardwoods and walk-in closet. Fully fenced yard offers covered deck, garden space and fruit trees. Garage with 200 amp service, extra storage and work bench. mLS #1073807 $375,000 1573208
Brown McMillen Real Estate
360.757.6013 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
RETAIL SPACE…5,052 SF for lease adjacent to Big 5 Sporting Goods in Fred Meyer shopping center. Excellent space for just $10 per SF annually. #1071987
OM ST
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BEAUTIFUL VIEW…Located on Cypress Island, this
property is just over 5 acres & has a small 221 SF cabin w/covered porch. Storage shed, outhouse, & existing well. Perfect fisherman’s paradise. $299,000 #1046623
SKYRIDGE…This 3 BR, 3.25 BA is just over 4,800 SF. Sitting in beautiful Skyridge with a nice view. This home was custom built with a spacious lower level, gorgeous kitchen, and large deck. $525,000 #1024839
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ING
DIN
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STUNNING HOME IN CONWAY…This gorgeous home has so
much to offer! Dream kitchen, two family rooms each with fireplace, & 2 master suites. Barn with 3 stalls, stable, shop, & pasture cross fenced. Cozy cabin playhouse too! Must see! $860,000 #978235 Kristen Tuttle Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts
February 3, 2017
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NICE NEIGHBORHOOD…This home offers 3 BR, 2 BA, & sits just under 1,500 SF. Great location with farm field in back. Partially fenced yard, raised flower beds, and shop! Lots of storage! $349,500 #1069528
708-8392 840-4375 770-7083 661-5538
BU
Jeff Ingman Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Fritz Inman
T LIS
FAIRHAVEN AVENUE…First time offered for sale. Nice professional office building all on one level. Has been used as attorney’s office for many years. Great business location! $250,000 #1069390
202-2859 661-0145 333-7783 661-0147
Tim Reichert Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma Travis Lohman
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391-5587 661-1500 770-6013 661-4533
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to all our clients and customers, we thank each one of you and appreciate your trust and confidence in our company. We look forward to working with you in 2017 Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby
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The Hunt For Senior-Friendly Housing Are you prepared to age in place or downsize to fit your senior needs?
M
any people live in a make-believe real estate world in which they think their homes – and their bodies – will never get old. But the truth is that both will begin to show signs of wear as the years pass, and graying Americans may be inadequately prepared to age gracefully in their current or future residences. The latter is among the key findings of a new alarming report by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, which reveals: • more than one in five Americans will be aged 65 and older, and one in three households will be headed by someone in that age group by 2035; • this growth will amplify demand for accessible, affordable housing with universal design elements and senior-friendly services that surpass what the current supply can provide; • by 2035, 11 million homeowners and 6.4 million low-income renters will pay more than 30 percent of their incomes for housing; 8.6 million will pay more than 50 percent of their income. “This report demonstrates that our existing housing stock and baby boomers’ financial 4
circumstances are on a collision course to disaster,” says Jennifer Pinck, president of Pinck & Co., a construction management consulting firm in Boston. “The housing supply is mismatched with seniors’ needs due to the age and type of housing and because a large percentage of the population live in lowdensity areas where access to services and community resources is limited.” Rhonda Duffy, CEO/founder of Duffy Realty in Atlanta, says the demand for senior-friendly housing in the coming years will be unprecedented. “Americans today are not only going into their golden years in larger numbers, they are going into them healthier than their predecessors – so they will be in their 70s, 80s, and 90s longer and have an even greater need for senior housing,” Duffy says. Her solution? “Make more money, prepare to retire later, and be nicer to your kids,” Duffy says, only half-jokingly. Mike Townshend, retirement coach from Delmar, Md., and author of “Living Well Later in Life” (Author House, 2017), says the first thing Americans need to do to better ensure they’ll have an accommodating
place in which to live down the road is have a reality check. “Engage with your spouse or significant other and your larger family via a set of meetings where everyone’s thoughts can be heard, research assigned, commitments agreed to, and action planning begun,” Townshend says. “You need to set in motion a plan for living well later in life that may include aging in place and having a graduation plan for infirmities if you cannot live solo.” To remain living comfortably and safely in your current home, forward-thinking and key upgrades may be required, “including ramps, handicapaccessible bathrooms, converting a dining or living room on the main floor to a master bedroom, converting an unused bonus room as a potential bedroom for an overnight caregiver, and easyto-maintain landscaping,” Duffy says. “When these upgrades would cost more than the closing costs, loan
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fees and real estate agent commissions to purchase a comparably priced home that already has these seniorcapable features, it may be better to purchase than renovate.” At minimum, three essential modifications should include grab bars in the bathroom, zero-access entryways, lever door handles and rocker (not flip) light switches, says Florence Kawoczka, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County in Chalfont, Pa., which provides home modifications for older adults. “These are fairly low-budget, easy fixes homeowners can do on their own or have done quickly by a local remodeler that will allow them to age in place and maintain their independence,” Kawoczka says. Leave no rock unturned in your senior housing planning. “Consider moving in with others, renting out a room to graduate students, and getting used to the idea of having a
roommate,” Pinck says. If you’re pondering moving to an assisted-living community, be sure to do your homework. “Issues related to safety, cleanliness and care must be top of mind. There are many places that simply don’t have the staff, funding or resources to ensure against neglect or abuse,” says Jeffrey Wolf, Los Angeles-based personal injury attorney with Heimanson & Wolf LLP who recommends researching assisted-living facilities/communities at Medicare.gov. “Additionally, evaluate the facilities to ensure they are clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated and have favorable staff-to-resident ratios and well-groomed, content and occupied senior residents.” Lastly, be active in your community “and advocate zoning changes that encourage housing development, greater density, and configurations that allow multi-generational living,” recommends Pinck. February 3, 2017
GOOD NEIGHBORS MAKE GREAT LENDERS
Congratulations Century 21 north Homes realty.. “top” award Winners for 2016
Umpqua’s loan officers are local experts equipped with an array of options for your purchase, refinance or new construction. Plus, we’ll stick with you every step of the way—because that’s what good neighbors do.
Centurion AwArd winner & sAlesperson of the YeAr
Centurion AwArd winner & top listinG AGent
traci Cypher 360-708-9481
Sandi riley 360-770-8670
Centurion AwArd winner
MAsters rubY AwArd
Shelly Camacho 360-708-4377
Sharon Stokes 360-661-6164
4 Million $$$$ Club winner
Gold MedAllion AwArd winninG offiCe
Susie DeVries
Travis Brewer
Piero Rodriguez
Home Lending Sales Manager NMLS 487442 CALL 360-230-2246 UmpquaBank.com/SDeVries
Home Loan Officer NMLS 55324 CALL 360-230-2248 UmpquaBank.com/TBrewer
Home Loan Officer NMLS 1172408 CALL 360-230-2241 UmpquaBnak.com/PRodriguez
Loan products subject to credit approval.
Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender
1535460
Contact your friendly Skagit Valley area loan officer today!
NMLS #401867
HLD16Q4.1125
american dream real estate services, inc. Great Investment Property #1057255 • $234,000
Prime Retail Space #1009604 • $2,200
Very nice 3000 sqft shop with 2 offices, 2 12ft roll up doors, 2 man doors 1 bathroom and 3 Phase power. Located just off Anderson rd and I-5 for great access. I-5 Marquee signage, owner pays water, sewer, tenant pays power, gas, garbage. Fiber optic available. Perfect for a machine shop or small manufacturing. NOT zoned for 502,high traffic or retail.
3400 Sqft of Prime Retail Space on College Way located in a busy multi tenant complex right on the corner of College Way & Parker Way. High visibility. Walking distance to the College, Terrific signage. This space is composed of 2600 sqft of ground floor Office/Retail open retail space with high ceilings large counter/service area that offers a multitude of uses and and ready to configure to fit as well as a 900 sqft 2nd floor office/conference/banquet/storage room & private bath.Ample parking.
Nice triplex in Mount Vernon. New roof and flooring throughout each unit. Each unit is 800 sq.ft. and have one bedroom, one bathroom. Each have separate entrances with ample parking. Each unit rents for $650 per month.
#1029025 • $525,000
#1056535 • $895,000
#1020711 • $3,277,000
Views, Views, of Burrows Bay & San Juan’s! Amazing sunsets from this just shy of acre home with circular driveway and gated entry. Has lower mother-in-law potential.Centralvac,newfurnaceandnewheatsystem, built in sprinklers. 3 private beaches and moorage for summer. New roof and close to NAS Whidbey!
Great Opportunity to own small motel in middle of town. 13 rooms with 4 bedroom managers house and underground laundry with work shop and storage, new roof. All rooms have been upgraded. Tankless hot water, new security camera system.
Experience the NW lifestyle in luxury on Campbell Lake in the San Juan Islands. Situated at the heart of Fidalgo Island, this property offers features that surpass expectations with outstanding quality. The 9 ac. estate that surpass expectations with outstanding quality. The 9ac. estate provides waterfront lake access, helicopter pad, sports facility, fishing pond, vaulted and enough space for a car collector.Addl. 2 BR, 2 BA luxury home on property.
Amazing Sunsets
Great Opportunity
Northwest Lifestyle
1572956
“Fulfilling Northwest Family Dreams” Anacortes Office
1202 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 360-588-1515 • adrhomes.net
February 3, 2017
Mount Vernon Office
2788 E College Way Mount Vernon, WA 360-416-6500 • adrskagit.com
Like American Dream Real Estate Mount Vernon
Open 7 dayS a week tO Serve yOu!
www.adrhomes.net
Jackie Lindeman 360-770-9080
tHanK You to all our ValuED sEllErs/BuYErs For Your BusinEss anD suPPort! North Homes Realty Inc.
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526 e. College way, Mount vernon
1574312
Shop w/2 Offices #1051779 • $1,900
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www.WindermereSkagit.com RESIDENTIAL W NE
!
1031 S. Section St, Burl $238,000 Nicely appointed 1 level home in a great neighborhood, just a short stroll to Skagit River Park! Open living design, providing vaulted ceilings & ample room. Perfect kitchen offers all appliances, good counter space & great storage. Spacious Master w/walk-in, 3/4 bath & slider out to patio. Fully fenced backyard & oversized garage w/opportunity to create shop or add’l living space. Call Elizabeth Miller, 420-3607 or Travis Miller, 420-7291 MLS# 1072301 NE
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16754 Frazier Lane, Burl $269,500 Great location! .5 acre lot with large shop over 1,000 SF! Completely updated 1,680 SF manufactured home, all new paint, carpet, & flooring. Beautiful kitchen has stainless steel appliances, double wall oven, nice sized bar/eating space. Bathrooms have new tiled floors, large garden tub & separate shower in the master bathroom. 2 large decks. Call Geri Cole, 391-1614 MLS# 1071310 1600 Alpine Crest Loop, MV $354,000 Beautifully finished Eaglemont cond. End unit features territorial & golf course views & large private deck. Beautiful stainless appliances, hardwood flooring, large master suite on main level. This view condo has 1,890 SF on main & upper levels - large unfinished lower level waiting for a custom build out - all electrical & plumbing in place for large rec room & 2 additional beds. Call Jim Glackin, 428-2828 MLS# 1039782
OPEN HOUSE Sun, Feb. 5th, 2-4 7604 Grandview Rd, Arlington $375,000 Enjoy country living with easy access to I-5 & town. Charming home on 11.65 acres. This 3 bed, 1 bath home has bamboo flooring, new carpet, & upgraded kitchen. Light & bright home with stainless appliances, custom lighting, remodeled bathroom, & deck off the master. Paved driveway, outbuildings & basement for extra storage. Call David Mani, 425-319-7091 MLS# 1053086 517 S. 38th Place, MV $434,750 Beautifully updated SummerRidge home with 4 beds plus office. Hardwoods throughout main floor. Kitchen with slab granite counters, opens to sunny informal dining area & living room w/stacked stone fireplace. Formal dining room. Office off entry. Master bedroom w/brand new tile/granite 5piece bath. Finished basement has family/rec room, .5 bath, opens to patio & fenced yard. Attached garage. Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1037585 25473 Morford Ct, SW $649,888 Stunning custom home features 4 beds, 3.5 baths, 4,473 SF on 1 acre surrounded by 14 acres of rural reserve. Main level living w/open floor plan, charming kitchen w/pantry, great room, formal dining, & spacious master suite w/double sided fireplace & 5 pc spa bath. Vaulted ceilings, white oak floors, granite, stainless appliances & maple cabinets. Theater room, bonus room, gym, & wet bar. Wrap around. 3 car garage/RV prk. Call Nicole Ganske, 941-8999 MLS# 1063718
6340 Chuckanut Dr, Bow $699,900 Beautiful custom home plus 60 X 40 shop situated on nearly 15 acres of organic farmland. Energy efficient ICF construction, high end heating system. Main level master suite, family room, dining, plus den. Farm style eat in kitchen w/ custom built-ins, granite, loads of storage, & stainless steel appliances. 3 spacious beds, full bath, & 2 large storage rooms up. For more info visit SkagitValleyHomes.com. Shawn & Tiffany Danley 360-298-4857 MLS# 1067172 12413 Downey Rd, La Conner $2,188,000 135 plus acres of prime farm land, with the building rights in place, located north of the City of La Conner. The property is improved with a 4 bed brick home & 2 warehouses. Call Jim or Balisa Koetje, 202-2500 MLS# 956070
VACANT LAND Amick St, MV $129,000 15.39 acres of beautiful secluded property yet close to town. Build your dream home here! Two parcels, a water catchment system is recorded at the county so you can get a building permit. Call Beck Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 898454 999 Glacier Lane, SW $189,000 River Valley Estates! A five lot plat of app. 10 acres each - this 10 acre property offers a level, cleared 2 to 4 acre building area with an approved drilled well, easy access off of Prairie Road with a private driveway, remainder of the 10 acre property forested, soil logs completed, CC&R’s in place, privacy. Build your estate quality home! Call Jim Glackin, 428-2828 MLS# 1067296 12812 East Lake Dr, SW $203,000 One of a kind. Approx. 250 ft. of waterfront on Clear Lake with a view to the west. Breath taking sunsets, boating, fishing, and much more! Over 2 acres with marketable timber. Call George Bellos, 708-9762 MLS# 811395 12481 Persons Rd, Bow $779,000 Breathtaking 8.94 view acres featuring PUD water, power, 4 bed septic permit & completed critical area review. Western sunsets, views of Padilla Bay, Olympics & the San Juan Islands are just a few of the magnificent features. Build your estate on one of Skagit County’s prime locations. Call Linda Eastman, 202-4075 MLS# 1035765
Skagit Valley • 1030 E College Way • Mount Vernon • (360) 424-4901 April Axthelm Balisa Koetje Becky Elde Bette Thompson Bill Krieger Brett Johnson Cory Keihn Dave Patterson
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360-661-4947 360-421-4111 360-770-9427 360-840-5109 360-421-4446 360-661-3825 360-441-1760 360-708-5030
David Mani Dawn Hardman Deborah McNeal Dick Nord Don Neill Donna Rowell Elizabeth Miller
425-319-7091 360-540-0058 360-707-8073 360-661-6529 360-420-4444 360-708-7984 360-420-3607
George Bellos Geri Cole Harry Ota Hollie Del Vecchio Jake Koetje Jamie Yantis Jim Glackin
360-708-9762 360-391-1614 360-708-3500 360-525-5538 360-466-8045 360-540-5264 360-428-2828
Jim Koetje Karen Beckner Karen Peirolo Karine Anderson Leah Hines Linda Eastman Megan O’Bryan
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360-202-2500 360-840-9455 360-348-0480 360-421-1189 360-428-3012 360-202-4075 360-708-5817
You know Windermere sells ho lots of houses. Well, we also se of commercial property, and w sell a lot more with another sm hardworking commercial broke you’re serious about your real career, and understand comme real estate is different from res call us for more information. ww
Anacortes (360)293-8008 | Mount Vernon (3
North Cascades • 520 Cook Roa Nathan Loeb Nicole Ganske Rita Ingram Sarah Minton Shawn Danley Shelby Hagman Shelly Hanson Spencer Roozen
360-333-7197 360-941-8999 360-708-8338 360-770-3076 360-488-3858 360-982-0163 360-420-2565 360-708-0634
Tahlia Honea
360-333-5815
Tasha Zahlis
360-391-5075
Tessa Jarvis
360-503-1939
Tiffany Danley
360-298-4857
Travis Miller
360-420-7291
Warren Bingham
360-770-2421
February 3, 2017
www.AnacortesRealEstate.com RESIDENTIAL N
EW
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1119 5th St, Anacortes $569,000 Live steps from downtown in this 1910 Victorian home. Boasting original fir floors, original trim, genuine hardware and stained glass windows, this home has authentic charm. A generous four bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, plus a bonus finished loft space this home has room for everything. Natural light flows throughout the house. Views of Guemes Channel from the Master Bedroom. Plumbing, Electrical, Foundation, and Storm Windows have been updated. Bring your ideas to reimagine the kitchen! Christine Cleland-McGrath 360.708.0267 MLS# 1071005 W NE
364 Airport Perimeter Wy, Decatur Isl
Taxi home...Airstrip property with a gorgeous Home is set up for sleeping at least 8 people and the large kitchen, dining room and outside deck make feeding them all a “breeze”. Each level of the home has a full bath and the large unfinished basement is great for storing all the toys needed for island fun. Fully furnished with queen, twin and king size beds and tables and chairs for indoor and outdoor dining. Great location for pilots or boaters. DSL
NE
ousesell a lot we could mart, er. If estate ercial sidential,
ww.SkagitCountyCommercial.com
360)424-4901 | Sedro-Woolley (360)856-4901
ad • Sedro-Woolley • (360) 856-4901 Bill Robillard Bob Hyde Carla Keel Caroline Baumann Catherine Mers Christine Cleland-McGrath Cheryl Frazier Colleen Craig
February 3, 2017
360-770-4707 360-661-0756 360-770-0743 360-202-7327 360-982-6831 360-708-0267 360-202-4789 360-770-9638
3102 Georgia Pl, Anacortes $795,000 Panoramic views North, NW & NE from this Unique Custom home. One level living on the main floor taking advantage of 180 degree view. Second level has 2nd master, office/bedroom, guest bath and a 624 SF arts/crafts room. Lower level has 1,024 SF RV garage, resistance pool, sauna and two 12’ overhead doors. Shop on lower level is approximately 775 SF Individual radiant floor heat for each room. Central Vac system throughout and elevator access at three levels. John Prosser 360.202.3891 MLS# 1071865
LAND
view of the water, islands and Olympic Mtns.
Sarah Jones 360.333.2783
!
$299,000
6035 State Route 20, Anacortes $565,000 Beautiful park setting with berries, fruit trees, shop, room for animals and space to play. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bths, 3,580 SF with recent updates to kitchen, bathrooms and carpet, 2 gas fp’s and great access to Whidbey Island and I 5. Close to Campbell Lake and Gibralter beaches. Home includes a huge living area downstairs that is plumbed for a MIL suite with their own access. Very private. Not a drive by come take a look. Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1014051
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MLS# 1002589
E!
9772 Golden View Trail, La Conner
$222,000
100 ft of water front in a cottage designed for vacations. Imagine on your deck with this view!! The floor plan is uniquely set up for entertaining with an open kitchen and living area, but two distinct living areas so your guests can have a living area of their own and even a separate entrance. Lease amount is $14,335.00 per year. New 50 Year lease @purchase. Kristi Gabrielse 360.420.3119
MLS# 870830
Strom Pl, Geer Ln or Pacific Ave, Anacortes $140,000 - $170,000 These 9 lots are located at the near tip of Fidalgo Island and only moments from Anacortes’ beloved Washington Park. The lots have gorgeous views and are nestled on a cozy cul-de-sac in “The Woods at Sunset Cove” and build ready with all utilities on the property. Call for details. Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 Seaview Wy, Anacortes $160,000 Build Your view dream home in desirable Seaview. Extra-large lot with plan available for daylight basement home. Lot is cleared and ready to build. Views of the San Juans and beyond. lot is part of Del Mar Community water & Association, which has boat moorage and access to 2 community beaches. Leigh Zwicker 360.333.9975 MLS# 604279 West Shore Dr, Guemes Isl $1,498,000 This premier, 27 acre, low to high bank waterfront property is located on the Southwest corner of Guemes Island. Enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets over the distant islands and Guemes and Bellingham Channels. At the low bank waterfront side of the property there is an easy access to a wonderful beach. As you head west on the beach the bank turns into golden bluffs with windswept trees. The stunning western views are of Cypress Island and the San Juan Islands. Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 1035698
Anacortes • 3018 Commercial Ave • Anacortes • (360) 293-8008 Cynthia Aanestad Debbie Macy Donna Cunningham Gina Davis Jack Dixon Jackie Stone Jeannine Reinig Jessica Notaro
360-610-0120 360-391-2422 770-335-7513 360-708-7794 360-941-5000 360-661-2247 360-724-8555 360-202-1441
Joan Handelmann John Prosser Judy Moore Kathy Rogers Kristi Gabrielse Kim Wilson Leigh Zwicker Linda Macy
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360-202-4800 360-202-3891 360-770-3515 360-941-4400 360-420-3119 360-333-2490 360-333-9975 360-708-8284
Margi Houghton Nate Scott Paul Weisz Rebecca Chamberlain Rick Bennett Rob Skelton Sarah Jones Tracy Peterson-Foy
360-202-0041 360-708-2354 360-391-7281 360-421-5021 360-202-2630 360-488-3776 360-333-2783 360-708-1833
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Fire Facts Question:
We have been looking at several homes in our area and wonder how much value is created with fireplaces and chimneys?
Answer:
Fireplaces are entirely common and they can add value and increase ease of sale. A 2013 study by the National Association of Realtors, the latest available, found that “more than half of homes purchased had a fireplace. Fireplaces were most common in higher priced homes, homes in resort or recreation areas, and in detached singlefamily homes.” The same study also showed that 40 percent of all buyers were willing to pay more for a home with one. In fact, younger people tend to prefer fireplaces more than older buyers. Research from the
National Association of Home Builders shows half of all new homebuyers want a gas fireplace while 45 percent prefer wood. However, among those who prefer wood-burning fireplaces, 61 percent of Millennials (those born after 1980) consider it “essential/desirable” while the percentage falls to 53 percent among Gen X buyers (born between 1965-1979), 45 percent among Boomers (born between 1946-1954), and 40 percent among Seniors (individuals born in 1945 or earlier). In terms of buying or selling a home several fireplace-related issues should be considered. Before marketing a home to sell, have it checked out by a chimney sweep. The sweep’s report can be shown to buyers. If repairs are needed, it’s best to have the work done before marketing the property rather than have a concern that takes away from the home. Buyers will want a home inspection. According to Trulia.com, “If you or your home inspector suspect instability or hints of structural damage, it’s important to hire a chimney specialist. The specialist will be able to use a ‘chimney cam’ (a small video camera used to inspect the chimney from the inside) to uncover hidden damage.” Strangely, the problem that worries everyone most is not fire or smoke. As the Chimney Safety
Q& A
ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller
Institute of America explains, “water, not fire, causes most chimney damage.” “Whether masonry or factory-built,” it says, “prolonged water exposure can result in cracks or gaps in chimneys where creosote can collect and increase the risk of fire or where noxious gases can escape into your home and expose your family to carbon monoxide.” “Rust stains in the fireplace area are of serious concern. Like the tip of an iceberg, by the time you see the evidence down in the fireplace, water damage to the damper or upper chimney structure is likely very critical,” says Ashley Eldridge, the CSIA Director of Education. While uncontained fireplace fires may seem like a rarity they do happen and they are dangerous. There are more than 22,000 fireplace and chimney fires per year according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, enough to make inspections a sensible and necessary precaution.
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Fed Red Flag! The Fed has raised rates – should mortgage borrowers be concerned?
F
or only the second time since 2006, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by a quarter percentage point last December and also forecast three possible further rate increases in 2017 – likely causing many to rethink their New Year’s resolutions to buy, sell, or refinance sooner rather than later. While a Fed rate hike isn’t the only factor that can cause mortgage interest rates to correspondingly rise and, consequently, loan applicants to lose interest, it can play a significant part. Sure enough, mortgage rates inched up in the wake of this news, and mortgage application volume and refinance application volume dropped 12 percent and 22 percent, respectively, from midDecember to early January, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Which begs the question: how worried should folks be about rising rates and the real estate market in 2017? Ask Carolyn Riegler, real estate broker/ CPA for O’Keefe LLC, a financial consulting firm in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and she’ll tell you to take a deep breath and relax – even with rates on the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage now well above 4 percent. “Rates are still near historic unimaginable lows, and even with slight mortgage rate increases, homeownership is still an attainable American dream,” says Riegler, who recalls average mortgage rates in the double digits in the
February 3, 2017
1980s – a time when she personally paid 16 percent interest on her first home mortgage. “I expect any mortgage rate increases in 2017 to be very manageable by the average consumer, who will also be reaping the benefits of a stronger labor market and wage growth.” Eugene Gamble, an internationally renowned real estate and financial investor based in London, agrees. “Credit is still cheap today, relative to historic rates, so acquiring a home loan in 2017 still makes sense,” he says. “With confidence in further economic growth, a strong U.S. dollar, and the influx of money flowing into the country, 2017 should be considered a very favorable year for getting a home loan or refinancing.” Nevertheless, it’s important to understand why and how rising interest rates affect the entire real estate market and can give buyers, sellers, and owners the jitters. “A Fed rate rise makes buying a home more expensive as lending institutions in turn increase their own rates. This means that the pool of potential homebuyers able to afford a loan now shrinks, which makes it harder to sell a home,” Gamble says. “Sellers may even need to reduce asking prices to make their homes more appealing and affordable to potential
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buyers. And if sellers are dropping asking process to make a sale, that makes homes worth less, which can cause lenders to loan smaller sums to those looking to release equity from their property.” Rate hikes like the minor ones expected in 2017 may motivate prospective buyers and sellers to get off the fence and act sooner, before rates creep further northward. They also can separate the pretenders from the contenders. “Rate increases reduce the number of non-serious buyers from the game, causing us to see fewer of the ‘justlooking’ home hunters,” says Ryan Critch, owner/broker with Ft. Lauderdaleheadquartered Ocean400 International Realty. 9
Award 0f Excellence
3418 tRUmpEtER DRIVE, moUNt VERNoN
$348,000 Comfortable, inviting 3 BR/1.75 BA rambler in desirable cul de sac location close to schools. Easy access to I-5. Beautiful home features stunning kitchen w/fabulous cabinets, soft close drawers, courtertops, & stainless appliances. Updated flooring & carpets throughout. MLS #1066443
for Outstanding Performance and Involvement in the North Puget Sound Association of Realtors Congratulations Carla Fischer, Suzanne Jenkins Danya Wolf
1238 tolEDo St, BEllINgham
15XXX mEaDoWlaRK laNE, moUNt VERNoN $79,900 23786 Kamloop Ct., moUNt VERNoN $150,000
All city amenities available at street’ including PUD water, electricity, natural gas, cable TV, city sewer and city garbage pick-up. Lovely evergreens and deciduous trees. Over 1/5 of Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 an acre! Includes two tax parcels! MLS #863875
Large lot in Nookachamp Hills Community. Beautiful country setting overlooks a private lake for you to enjoy. Less than 10 minute Yolanda Sakuma drive to the city of 360-421-0435 Mount Vernon. All utilities are stubbed to the lot. MLS #1059504
13813 StatE RoUtE 9, moUNt VERNoN (5 aCRES)
$239,000
Beautiful view property, ready for you to build your dream home. PUD water, power and 3 bedroom septic surrounded by a circular driveway or continue on to another wonderful building site - cleared, level, and with spectacular mountain view! New gravel road is partially paved. Good access from Highway 9 for easy driving into proper ty. I-5 minutes a w a y. Watch for signage. MLS#1014931 Carla Fischer Celia Miller
First time buyer? Retiring? Up grading? Down-sizing? Ready to build your dream? Investor? Our team of Realtors is ready to help you, whether buying, selling or both. Sellers,ask for a free market analysis of your current home,buyers ask about lenders, there are a lot of new loan programs available. Let our team make your dream a reality!
Mount Baker view from one of the premier large lots (10,972 Sq. Ft.) in beautiful Eaglemont! Builder/Owner will build for you or bring your own builder! All utilities are in and ready for you to build. Complete set of plans for a beautiful home on this lot is negotiable. Builder completed 1806 and 1808 Bakerview Ct. MLS #848246
John Hunter
360-202-3854
360-421-0435
$359,950
360-391-0746
63 WIlloW laNE, moUNt VERNoN
$250,000 Permit-able for in home business. Roomy, 1,700 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath 1 1/2 story home on spacious 1/3 acre lot in convenient location. Updated interior, country kitchen, charm of yesteryear. Easy access to everything! Shopping, schools, bus line and medical. Zoned for possible inhome business. Plenty of parking, including for RV. Nicely fenced back yard with fruit tree and other trees. Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 MLS #1008048
Danya Wolf Suzanne Jenkins Brett Tacker Sandy Everett JoAnn Boudreau Celia Miller Donna Kurras Elva Hunter John Hunter Russ Lanker Shirley Bertholf Carla Fischer Yolanda Sakuma Patricia Box
$165,000
Yolanda Sakuma
Partial bay and city view. 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms. Master bath has walk-in handicap tub and extra vanity, tile floor at bath and kitchen, stainless appliances, dishwasher, range, refrigerator, washer and dryer stay with house. Gas fireplace, Oak floors, 2 large decks, storage building at back of house. Located near schools, event locations and shopping. Joan Boudreau MLS #1040211
Buyers and Sellers!
360-982-0010 360-391-6065
1804 BaKERVIEW CoURt, EaglEmoNt
Carla Fischer
360-982-0010
360.708.8294 360.941.2983 360.840.7931 360.202.3706 360.391.0746 360.391.6065 360.770.7596 360.202.3086 360.202.3854 360.708.1117 360.840.1863 360.982.0010 360.421.0435 360.941.9186
3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
360.424.0300
www.skagittraditionrealty.com 12
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