INSIDE A HEALTHY BOOST TO A HOME’S APPEAL PAGE 5 ADJUSTING TO A NEW WORLD PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7
JUNE 19-25, 2020
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INSIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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7
Q&A
Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P4
A healthy boost to a home’s appeal...................P5 Adjusting to a new world .........................................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
Brown McMillen
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
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Ready for your finishing touches! Approx. 1,200 SF corner lot w/great exposure. Previously an office building & most recently a restaurant. Many appliances are included. Available now! $3,000 per month #1575332
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FREE MARKET
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Rare opportunity to own this lovely 3BD/2BA, one level Golf Villa with beautiful views overlooking the 14th fairway & surrounding hills. Living rm with gas frpl, dining area overlooks golf course, kitchen w/eating bar & center island. 2 car garage w/built in storage. $458,000 #1596440
Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts Jeff Ingman
360-840-4375 360-770-7083 360-661-5538 360-202-2859
TODAY FOR A
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Excellent level 1.43-acre site located one block off College Way in prime Commercial location. Property is ready for development. Paved street frontage with sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Rectangular lot is 180’ wide by 347’ deep. Make an offer! $399,500 #1353696
Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma
Partner
CALL US
Very nice vacation cabin. Full acre lot in the Twin Lakes Community. The cabin sleeps 4 with loft. 24 x 30 garage, 12 x 40 RV covered slip with a large RV included in sale. Property has a 4BD septic & drilled well. Swimming pool and club house too! $249,500 #1606946
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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.
360-661-0145 360-333-7783 360-661-1500 360-770-6013
Travis Lohman Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby
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360-661-4533 360-333-1032 360-421-5160 360-913-8662
ANALYSIS! Dana Holmes Katie Hilsinger Ryan Scally Titus Price
360-770-6716 360-391-3796 425-420-5788 513-259-1534
2013653
360.757.6013 800.869.7084
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
June 19, 2020
FEATURED HomE FRom covER:
Skagit Tradition Realty 3780 E. college Way mount vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com
Real Estate Stat
The percentage of buyers who wished they would have rented instead of bought their home Source: Zillow 2019
Sandi riley
NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
770-8670
www.npsar.realtor
Selling a Home? Consider Staging! Most home sellers know the importance of keeping their house clean and clutter free while it is on the market, but sometimes, taking a few extra steps can make all the difference. That is where staging comes in. According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS®, 62 percent of seller’s agents say that staging a home will decrease the amount of time it spends on the market. Buyers also need to be able to picture themselves living in a house, and 77 percent of buyer’s agents say that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a house as their future home. Rent a small storage unit for: Personal items - family photos, collectibles, etc. That recliner, and/or any well-used furniture items. Excess toys, sporting goods, off-season clothing. Excess small appliances and ‘counter-clutter’ items. https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/real-estate-story-ideas/selling-a-home-consider-staging 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.
ELva HuntEr Danya WOLF (360) 202-3086 (360) 708-8294
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 home! MLS# 1494916
8%
525 East College Way, Suite J, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 416-4902
$950,000
2014877
STAT
22904 BUMBLEBEE LANE, MOUNT VERNON
2601 E. SECTION ST. “LITTLE MTN ESTATES” MT. VERNON
92 IT # UN
1103 COuRTNEY LANE, BuRLINGTON
$158,900
32 IT # UN
55+
$132,900
55+
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
*SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH W/LOVELY GAS FIREPLACE, NEWER GAS FURNACE + A/C *APPROX. 1568 SQ. FT., INSULATED GARAGE + SHOP AREA, UPGRADED INSIDE & OUT *ENJOY 55+ LIVING AT IT’S BEST, GATED PRIVACY, LG. CLUBHOUSE W/INDOOR POOL, MORE!
*JUST LISTED! LOVELY CORNER LOT SETTING CLOSE TO BURLINGTON HILL *DESIRABLE LOCATION ACROSS FROM COMMUNITY PARK, LARGE 2 CAR GARAGE *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, NICE FAMILY ROOM,..SOLD ‘’AS IS’’ !
2601 E. SECTION ST. “LITTLE MTN ESTATES” MT. VERNON
37 IT # UN
$204,900
55+
YOUR HOME FEATURED HERE! CALL FOR A CURRENT ‘’MARKET APPRAISAL’’ SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670 2610 E. SECTION ST. “LITTLE MTN. ESTATES’’ MT. VERNON
73 IT # UN
$124,950
55+
14070 RIVER BEND ROAD, MT. VERNON
$324,500
ING
PEND
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
CALL ANITA KOhL 360-961-7795
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
*NEW LISTING,..BACK OF PARK PRIVACY ON CUL DE SAC, LOADED!! *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, FAMILY ROOM, UPGRADED THROUGOUT *NEARLY 2000 SQ. FT., GAS HEAT, A/C, BIG DOUBLE GARAGE + SHOP & MORE!
*VERY NICE 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH W/ NEW FLOOR COVERINGS, GAS HEAT *ALL APPLIANCES STAY, A/C, TREX DECK, HEATED BONUS ROOM BEHIND CARPORT *TOP 5 PARKS IN WA. STATE W/PRIVACY GATES, CLUBHOUSE & POOL!
*1960’S STYLING, SOME RECENT UPDATES, 3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS *LG. DOUBLE GARAGE + CARPORT, APPROX. 3/4 ACRE, MT. BAKER VIEW *COUNTRY SETTING CLOSE IN,..ESTATE SALE, SOLD ‘’AS IS’’
10681 ALDER DR., ROCKPORT
6932 STEELhEAD LANE, BuRLINGTON
$348,900
SOLD
ER RIV
GE NTA FRO
$363,900
SOLD
23734 RuTh LANE, “CONwAY” MT. VERNON
$448,900
SOLD
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670
*ONE OF A KIND RETREAT W/RUSTIC CHARM, PRIVACY ON SHY 5 ACRES *2+ BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, 2600+ SQ. FT. + HUGE BASEMENT *SAUK MTN. VIEW, MOSTLY WOODED, 6 MILES EAST OF CONCRETE
*UPGRADED RAMBLER W/GAS FIREPLACE, NEWER VINYL WINDOWS *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, LG. FAMILY ROOM + SUN ROOM *R.V. COVERED PARKING, DOUBLE GARAGE + SHOP, RIVER FRONTAGE!!
*VERY DESIRABLE CONWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT, EASY I-5 ACCESS *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, LG. VAULTED LIVING ROOM *DOUBLE GARAGE, R.V. COVERED PARKING, 1.27 ACRES! 2020374
June 19, 2020
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Appraising amidst chaos Question:
When we have bought homes in the past, we’ve always insisted on an appraisal. How can we get an appraisal now with the coronavirus disrupting so many transactions?
Answer:
Appraisals are enormously important in the transaction process. In the usual transaction, lenders will finance a property based on the sale price or the appraised value, whichever is less. This protects the lender from what might be called “over-lending” and, at the same time, limits the ability of the buyer to overpay for the property. In effect, an appraisal is a risk reducer for both lenders and buyers. All the usual transaction rules are now in question, including how best to value real estate. On the one hand, both lenders and buyers want the protections created by professional appraisals, but -- on the other hand -- the appraisal process has now been disrupted. Many appraisers do not want to enter properties because of virus worries. Many owners want to social distance and simply avoid all visitors. While the concerns expressed by sellers and appraisers are
well within the realm of reason, buyers and lenders do not want to give up the protections represented by the appraisal process. For this reason, several workarounds have come into play. First, social-distancing worries mainly do not apply to exterior valuations – people can readily stay away from one another. Interior examinations are different. How can an appraiser go into a property where an unseen – and possibly airborne – virus may be present? The answer is, don’t go. Temporarily, at least, it may be possible to have exterior-only appraisals. An exterior-only appraisal may sound like a good idea in the face of the virus, but it may also be a cause of worry for buyers and mortgage investors. What if the interior of the property has damage that is only found after the sale? Second, rather than an exterior-only appraisal, what about something a little different? In this case, there might be an exterior-only appraisal or automated valuation model (AVM) coupled with the owner’s interior photos. As an example, GetOwnerInsight.com says it “enables safe social distancing while empowering homeowners to provide timely, high-quality information and images of the interior and
Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055
Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158
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
Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative 360.707.1076
LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W
Service you deserve with people you trust Visit any of our 5 locations in Oak Harbor, Burlington, Freeland, Stanwood and Anacortes
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Q&A
ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller
exterior of their homes to lenders, appraisers, and appraisal management companies (AMCs).” Lastly, federal regulators say that in response to the virus, lenders may obtain an appraisal or evaluation “within a grace period of 120 days after the closing of the transaction.” They add that “while appraisals and evaluations can be deferred, the agencies expect institutions to use best efforts and available information to develop a well-informed estimate of the collateral value of the subject property.” An appraisal or evaluation as much as four months AFTER closing? What could possibly go wrong? The looming question here is what happens after the pandemic ends. Will buyers be willing to give up faster and cheaper electronic valuations? How about an absence of interior inspections? Will alternative valuation methods be regarded as “proven” and become a standard part of real estate transactions? For details and specifics, speak with attorneys who handle closings in the jurisdiction of the property. Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ ctwfeatures.com.
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June 19, 2020
A healthy boost to a home’s appeal Create a sanitary environment before inviting buyers into your home By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features
Banishing bacteria Non-porous materials, including many metals and Formica, after they are wiped down with an antiseptic cleaner, don’t have spaces for or a long while, “research has shown that our home environments can influ- germs to harbor. ence our health and well-being,” says Copper is particularly unfriendly to germs. Melissa Dittman Tracey, a contributor to a “More and more manufacturers have tested syndicated real estate radio show. materials to verify their antibacterial properNow, due to the virus crisis, “We may be more ties,” Gehman says. inclined to listen to that message,” she adds. Touchless faucets, typically used in kitchens, Homeowners might gain an advantage by also keep surfaces cleaner than when dirty incorporating healthy features before selling, hands turn on the water. and then touting them in marketing to “help Purifying air set their homes apart,” says Dittman Tracy. In recent decades, homes have been built Many relatively inexpensive improvements “more tightly” meaning fresh air from the have health-related benefits, says Dennis outside doesn’t circulate well inside. Gehman of Gehman Design Remodeling in Starting at about $1800 with the price based on the cubic feet and hourly air exchange Harleysville, Pennsylvania, outlining some in a house, an “Energy Recovery Ventilator” here:
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June 19, 2020
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or ERV can be incorporated into an existing HVAC system or be a stand-alone, helping allergy sufferers and others who want to breathe easily. Cleansing drinking water The number one health-related request Gehman hears is for water filtration systems. First, “Get your water tested and see what it is looking like,” he suggests. If a homeowner is just concerned about pure water for food preparation, “small units are available for under the kitchen sink or in the basement area below the sink.” These cost in the $500 to $600 range. When homeowners are concerned about the quality of the water overall, a whole house water filtration system can cost $2000 or more. 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.
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June 19, 2020
Adjusting to a new world By Erik J. Martin CTW Features f there’s one thing we’ve learned over the last few weeks, it’s that a pandemic can throw a real monkey wrench into your plans to buy or sell a home. Due to people getting sick, social distancing, real and possible job losses, a pause on construction, and numerous other factors, Americans certainly aren’t as motivated to purchase or list properties like they were before the coronavirus hit. And many believe they may not regain their enthusiasm about real estate transactions for some time, even after shelterin-place orders and social distancing recommendations are widely lifted. Which raises an important question: How should prospective sellers and buyers proceed in the weeks and months ahead? And what should they consider carefully? Michael Lofrumento, ad-
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June 19, 2020
Sellers and buyers begin shifting real estate strategies during and after COVID-19 ministrative vice president of Trustco Bank in Glenville, New York, believes this is a good time to put your housing ambitions on hold, at least temporarily, and do some soul searching. “I would advise people to use this downtime to research and interview several local Realtors in order to select the best one for current market conditions,” he says. A skilled real estate agent— one who isn’t looking to score a quick commission—can offer good advice, particularly when it comes to the right market timing for listing your residence or beginning a home search. Buyers will need to think through matters thoroughly. Open houses and even private showings may remain off the table for the foreseeable future, which
means they may have to make a purchase decision based on virtual tours, video chats, photos, and descriptive text. Plus, many lenders are tightening their lending requirements lately, which could make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage loan. Also, some property types and locations could be less appealing. “Social distancing policies may result in a retreat from city living, where housing units are denser per acre. And many may prefer choosing a single-family home in areas with fewer people around to feel safe from future viruses or pandemics—especially compared to a multifamily unit like a condo or townhome,” says Suzanne Hollander, a Miami Beach, Florida-based real estate attorney and Florida International University
senior instructor. “Buyers may also put more value on single-family homes that offer extra space for a home office, as work-from-home becomes more of a standard practice in the future.” Sellers, meanwhile, have to proceed with extra caution. “Economic uncertainty is never good for the housing market, so I would recommend listing and selling right now only if it’s necessary— such as for a job relocation,” notes Lofrumento. Brian Davis, director of education for Philadelphiaheadquartered SparkRental, seconds that advice. “Sellers should wait out this crisis, if at all possible. In the short-term, we’re already seeing far more buyers drop out of the market than sellers, tilting the balance toward more supply than demand. Those who sell now will likely end up accepting far lower offers than they would have otherwise,” says Davis. However, there may be a silver lining for buyers willing to wait things out. “With construction all but halted nationwide, no new inventory is being created,” Davis adds. “But once the public health crisis passes, buyers will step back into the market and demand will surge, leading to a potentially higher home selling price.” Meantime, sellers should currently focus on saving money and/or investing dollars into home improvement if they can afford it. “Look at upgrades to landscaping to increase curb appeal and provide a reason to get outside more,” says Tamara Moritz, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in Austin, Texas. “Consider installing hardwood floors
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CLASSIFIEDS 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.
Our Circulation Dept. and Classified Dept. phone hours are Mon.-Fri. 8AM-4PM. Our office doors are closed to the public until further notice. To contact Circulation call 360.424.1900. To place a classified ad call 360.424.4567. *Daily deadlines apply.
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.
and upgrading your kitchen countertops to give your home an updated look and increase resale value, and ponder installing smart home features like controllable efficient lighting, a smart thermostat, and a smart doorbell and home monitoring system.” If you are determined to sell or buy a home right now, despite the market downturn, prepare for delays in the process. “While e-signing is allowed in some places, not all coun10 - January 29, 2019
ties are allowing documents to be signed remotely for use in eRecording,” J. Keith Baker, program coordinator for Mortgage Banking & Financial Services and faculty member at North Lake College in Irving, Texas, says. “Appraisers and lenders are very busy due to the rush to refinance right now. And for those seeking a new construction home, consider that over one-third of all housing materials come from China, where there have been delays.” 7
H Street rd., Blaine
$1,800,000
i’m a Seniors real estate Specialist
17211 CHinook Court, Mount Vernon
600 sq. ft. shop bonus; Beautiful one story home:
Every transition is an opportunity, regardless of your stage of life. By partnering with an SRES like me, yougainthehelpandexperienceofaRealtor®specializing in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers 50+. I offer you the opportunity to complete your transaction with patience, professionalism and the expertise you deserve. I am pleased to be Elva Hunter 360-202-3086 YOUR SRES® $425,000 13024 aVon allen rd., Mount Vernon $235,000 Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red 17180 MeMorial Hwy Mount Vernon Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with onelargepondgreatforduckhuntingtowardthenortherly portion of the 80 acres, some meadows, one small beaver 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 Zoned "Rural Business," this 33/100 acre tract has edge of the property to the east of the gate. Future with great road access both from Memorial Highway great visibility and is located on the southwest corner and from Avon Allen Road. Stop light and curbs at of Hwy 20 and Avon Allen Road. Location of former homesite/Pasture land along the the intersection. Special Use Permit Valley Cafe prior to Department of southwesterly edge of the property. potential. The Animal Hospital and an Transportation enhancing the size of espresso stand is across the road to the Hwy 20. Stoplight and cross walk is Potentialforupto16buildingsites.Shown west. 980 feet along Memorial Highway Danya Wolf adjacent. Great location for Espresso Danya Wolf Danya Wolf byappointment.MLS#1568051 360-708-8294 stand or similar business. MLS# 1571644 360-708-8294 (SR-536); 620 feet along Avon Allen Road. 360-708-8294
1760 S Burlington BlVd, Burlington
$600,000
small storage building in back.
level with basement access from both inside and outside. Second story offers two additional rooms, one with a sink. CommerCial Sale and/or leaSe
MLS# 1560401
Danya Wolf
360-708-8294
entryway; large kitchen w/ incredible amount of cabinetry, counter space, and storage. Living room w/gas fireplace overlooks the tiered, fully fenced park like yard. A green belt provides additional privacy. Master bath: double sinks; a deep soaking tub; separate tiled shower; heated floor. 2nd master suite offers an adjoining den/office space or nursery. Generous 2 car garage plus room to park an RV/boat. MLS#1587661
3789 e. diViSion St., Mount Vernon
Danya Wolf
360-708-8294
$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
lake tyee new liSting MLS#1559192 45104 Kachess Trail #3C1 $39,900
plenty of parking; former auto sales;
Property is set up for offices on main
dramatic features throughout, including 2 story
Build your dreaM HoMe in eagleMont!
Great visibility commercial property:
$588,500
new PriCe
4629 BeaVer Pond driVe S. 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
7308 HoBSon rd., Bow
$105,000
Elva Hunter
360-202-3086
MLS#155167 45232 Nesika Trail #2D36 $39,500 MLS#1608945 45183 Itswood Trail #3B138 A beautiful recreational resort community w/newly remodeled $21,500 club house, 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, basketball court, tennis courts, beach, boat launch, hiking, fishing and so much more. MLS#1613722 45122 Sikhs Trail #3C16 Owners may utilize the property any 210 days in a Sherry Ruderman calendar year. $39,500 360-540-1552
$235,000
for voting US “2019 Skagit’S BeSt” 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
360.424.0300
2 YEArS BESt rEA EStAtE officE, rEAl MoSt coMMUnitY MindEd BUSinESS
3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2014865
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