Real Estate Weekly September 4, 2020 by Skagit Publishing

INSIDE

This Issue RANCHES VS. TWO-STORY HOMES: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU? PAGE 5 CREATING A PRIVACY ZONE OUT IN THE OPEN PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

SEPTEMBER 4 - 10, 2020

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INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Q&A

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

Ranches vs. two-story homes: Which is right for you?....................................................P5 Creating a privacy zone out in the open..............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

17116 AVON STREET, MOUNT VERNON

442 48TH STREET, MOUNT VERNON

$545,900

SUN SET VIE WS

$448,900

55+

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

*RUSTIC CHARM ABOUNDS, BEAUTIFUL LOG HOME W/FULL UNFIN. BASEMENT *3 BEDROOMS, 2+ BATHS, OVERSIZE 650 SQ. FT. GARAGE, ‘’LIFETIME’’ METAL ROOF

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

*16 X 20 COVERED DECK, BIG 24 X 36 SHOP & COVERED R.V. STORAGE, ENJOY VALLEY VIEWS!! *NEW HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE & TANKLESS HOT WATER HEATER!

YOUR HOME FEATURED HERE! CALL FOR A CURRENT ‘’MARKET APPRAISAL’’ SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

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

$178,900

UN IT # 105

55+

$175,500

UN IT # 115

55+

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

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

CALL ANITA KOHL 360-961-7795

GORGEOUS MARLETTE QUALITY THROUGHOUT, 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS *A/C, ‘’EXTRA GOOD SENSE’’ HOME, BIG KITCHEN W/GORGEOUS CABINETRY *LOVELY FENCED ‘’VIEW’’ YARD & PATIO, GARAGE W/EXTRA PARKING & MORE!

*SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM + OFFICE 55+ BEAUTY W/2 BATHS, A/C *NEW MASTER SUITE W/2 PERSON SIZE JETTED SPA + LG. SHOWER *LG. GARAGE, SHOP, GARDEN RM., COVERED DECK, EXTRA PARKING & MORE!

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

$324,900

Sold

10681 ALDER DRIVE, ROCKPORT

$348,900

Sold

6932 STEELHEAD LANE, BURLINGTON

$363,900

Sold

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

*COUNTRY SETTING CLOSE IN, ESTATE SALE ‘’AS IS’’, GORGEOUS VIEWS! *RECENT UPDATES, 3 BEDROOMS, 1.5 BATHS, ‘’60’S” CHARM *LG. DOUBLE GARAGE, CARPORT, COUNTRY 3/4 ACRE SETTING

*SAUK MTN. VIEW, MOSTLY WOODED 5 ACRES EAST OF CONCRETE *ONE OF A KIND RETREAT W/RUSTIC CHARM, PRIVACY ++ *2+ BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, 2600 + S.F., PLUS LARGE BASEMENT!

*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!

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

2032490

Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158

CALL SANDI RILEY 360-770-8670

1070 RIVER BEND ROAD, MT. VERNON

Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055

$112,500

UNI T#

55+

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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Shelley Nevitt Anacortes Escrow Manager/LPO 360.299.0565

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

Ltco.com

2025889

September 4, 2020

STAT Real Estate Stat

32 The percentage of Realtors with a bachelor’s degree. Source: National Association of Realtors

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

Feature Home From cover:

525 East College Way, Suite J

15255 Doris street, AnAcortes

Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.realtor

$1,750,000

The Term REALTOR® The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Local associations are required to enforce the code of ethics through a Professional Standards Council or Committee. The REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fights for Homeowner and property rights in Washington DC, Washington state and right here in your community. Using a designated REALTOR® assures that your transaction in handled ethically, and that your rights will be protected now, and in your future as a homeowner.

Windermere real estate/anacortes Properties P 3018 commercial ave. Anacortes,WA • 360-293-8008 www.anacortesrealestate.com

To find a REALTOR® member in your area, visit www.npsar.realtor and view our member and affiliates lists. 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.

Paul Weisz 360-391-7281

Exquisitely designed waterfront craftsman on the south facing shores of Fidalgo Island. Views from most every room & your covered wrap around porch. This home was immaculately redone in 2006 with kitchen updates in 2018. Not a detail was missed. The 3/4+acre lot surrounds you with peace and tranquility & allows plenty of room for entertaining indoors or out should you wish. Whether it’s morning coffee on your porch or a refreshing drink on the beach you’ll never tire of the ever changing views. MLS# 1643614

2027402

September 4, 2020

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Refi with an ARM? Question:

With interest rates at or near record lows, does it make any sense to refinance with an adjustable-rate mortgage? Their rates are even lower than the interest rates for fixed-rate financing.

Answer:

Adjustable-rate mortgages – ARMs – are a form of financing where interest rates can go up or down and -- as a result -- monthly costs can rise or fall. No one is worried about falling rates, but if interest rates go up, ARMs become less desirable. In today’s market, hybrid ARMs generally have an initial start rate that can last from three to 10 years. After the start rate ends, the loan typically adjusts every year. For instance, if you take a 5/1 ARM, you’ll be getting a loan with a five-year start rate and then annual adjustments. Some points to consider: Interest. The ARM interest rate moves up and down in response to an independent index such as the price of Treasury securities. The index is one part of the ARM rate.

The other part is the margin, a set figure on top of the index. The result is that the index + the margin = the ARM fully-indexed interest rate. If the index is at .5% and the margin is at 2%, then the rate is 2.5%. If the index moves to 1%, then the rate increases to 3%. You want an ARM with the lowest margin and the slowest moving index as a borrower. Start period. The longer the start period, the less risk to the borrower. Also, the longer the start period, the greater the risk to the lender. The result is that the longer the start period, the higher the start rate. Savings. Lenders prefer borrowers to finance with ARMs. The reason is an ARM shifts the risk of inflation and higher rates to borrowers. To attract borrowers, ARMs are almost always priced below prevailing interest levels for fixed-rate financing. Let’s say you can borrow $200,000 at 3% fixed. The monthly payment for principal and interest is $843.21. If you can get a 5/1 ARM with a 2.875% start rate, the payment for the first five years will be $829.78. You’ll save $13.43 a month for 60 months (5 x 12) or a total of $806. What happens after the first five years is unknown, it depends on how the financial markets move.

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller

However, it’s possible for ARM start rates to be higher than fixed-rate financing. This happened in July, according to Freddie Mac. Caps. Caps limit the ability of interest rates to rise. There’s typically a cap for the first adjustment, a cap for the annual adjustment, and a lifetime cap. You might see the caps written out as 1/2/5. This means the rate can go up as much as 1% with the first adjustment, 2% annually, but not more than 5% above the initial interest rate. Higher payments. While it is possible to have a higher monthly cost with an ARM, interest rate increases are offset by less-and-less debt. This happens because each month, the loan balance is being paid down, so there’s less to finance. Consider how long you intend to own the property and how much of a discount you can get with an ARM. As well, as interest rates decline, ARMs become less popular. Ellie Mae reports that ARMs represented 3.5% of all loan originations versus 6.3% a year ago when rates were higher. Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ctwfeatures.com.

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Ranches vs. two-story homes: Which is right for you? By Erik J. Martin CTW Features hocolate or vanilla? Blonde or brunette? Hardcover or softcover? We’re often forced to pick between two choices, with some decisions more difficult to reach than others. And that’s true in the world of real estate, too, where the vast majority either two-story or single-story residences. Only here, the popular preference is pretty lopsided: Two-story designs are favored by most, 77% versus 29% for ranches, according to construction and remodeling professionals recently polled by Fixr.com. Why the predominant penchant for multiple levels in a single-family abode? The answers are obvious, say the

September 4, 2020

experts. “First, two-story homes are more popular because there are more of them built and for sale than ranches,” explains Kris Lindahl, CEO and founder of Kris Lindahl Real Estate in Minneapolis. “Two-story homes are more economical and eco-friendly per square foot than ranches as well, offering more square footage of living space with a smaller footprint.” Also, notes Dan Rochon, associate broker at Keller Williams Realty in Falls Church, Virginia, by having bedrooms on the second floor, “twostory homes allow for a greater separation of living space from sleeping areas, which is particularly appreciated by families with children.” Also, two-story homes are

Layout matters more than you may think generally cheaper to build and often have smaller roofs and foundations. “Having a smaller foundation footprint usually means greater yard space, too, which is liked by dog owners and parents,” says Jeff Lichtenstein, owner/ founder of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida-based Echo Fine Properties. “And two-story residences offer the potential for balcony views and provide an aesthetic and stylistic benefit by having stairs, which can give the appearance of a larger home,” Lindahl says. But consider the perks of a single-level floorplan—most importantly, no indoor stairs

to climb. “Ranch-style homes offer more comfortable living particularly for older people and those who want to age in place,” says Rochon, who adds that few two-story homes offer first-floor master bedrooms in his market. What’s more, it’s often easier to create open living areas with vaulted ceilings in a ranch design, “and these homes are easier to evacuate in case of fire or another emergency,” Lindahl points out. “Ranches are also usually cheaper to heat in cold-weather climates, as you only need one HVAC system. (In a two-story home, you may need a separate furnace

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and air conditioning unit for each level.) On the downside, ranches commonly cost more per square foot, as you require a larger footprint and lot size to accommodate the layout. If you’re in a market primarily geared to families with kids, a ranch could be harder to market and sell. And considering that fewer ranches are built today, that means most ranches on the market are likely older homes—a turnoff for buyers seeking newer construction. “The floorplan is one of the most important things to think about when shopping for a home. You can make many updates to a house, but changing the layout dramatically isn’t usually very easy,” says Lindahl, noting that twostory homes have load-bearing

walls that you may not be able to alter, and ranches require building out rather than up, which can rob your property of yard space. Sarabeth Asaff, home design expert for Fixr.com in Wilmington, Delaware, recommends carefully pondering the answers to several questions before committing to a home design. “What are your needs now and in the future? Do you have mobility issues? Do you plan on aging in that home? Do you have a large family and need the space to spread out? What are the resale prospects with this home?” Asaff asks. “You need to plan ahead and make sure that your home will meet your needs long-term, regardless of what it looks like or its perceived value.” 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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September 4, 2020

a r l Th u p t “ a fl W H B

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CLASSIFIEDS

Alpine Ridge Retirement Apartments in MV is accepting applications for 2 Bdrm apts. Income limits apply. 360-424-9622 for more info.

WANTED – Local from Skagit county looking to return home and settle. Retired teacher, can afford up to $1300, can pass a credit and background check. Call 360-840-5220

PUBLISHER'S NOTICE

Creating a privacy zone out in the open

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features he “great room” combining kitchen, living and dining spaces, has reigned as the preferred layout for years. This spacious look is unlikely to lose its appeal -- but now a few tweaks are needed. “My clients still like and want the open floor plan,” says Paul Welden, an agent with HomeSmart, Phoenix. But if a home doesn’t

September 4, 2020

have another place for a home office, or if the great room can’t be reconfigured for a private space, buyers may not “even consider it,” he adds. More hours logged at home during this pandemic highlight noise and privacy problems of open lay-outs that were already irking some, and experts have some solutions. Knowing the cost and feasibility of fixes can help buyers understand whether or not to keep

a home in the running. Here are a couple of tips: Close off space when needed “I’m seeing more buyers deciding to renovate with ‘pocket doors,’ says Shea Adair, of eXp Realty, Raleigh. These are “literally doors that slide into a pocket in the wall,” explains Plymouth, MI architect Dawn Zuber. Popular in the fifties and sixties, today’s version has sturdier tracks that allow the door to be pulled out or

in. But there are limitations, “you can’t have a light switch or electrical outlet in the same section of the wall,” she adds, unless the wall is built thicker than average. They are also more expensive than swinging doors, an option that creates privacy but can’t be reversed to an open look. Tamp down the volume Hard surface flooring is typical in open designs, which can create a noise chamber when combined with hard coun-

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ters. For noise emanating only from footfall, says Bonnie Schnitta, of acoustics consulting company SoundSense, then installing a special pad, known as Vibramat under an area rug helps, with a cost of roughly $5 per foot. Mute echoes with “Lumitex”, which costs approximately $50 per yard and can be used to line curtains or carpet undersides.

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.

2 Bdrm house with loft on 1/4 acre, needs remodeled but is livable, asking cash out $149,500. To view call 520-221-1607 or 360840-3292.

10 - January 29, 2019

1021 S 21St St., MOuNt VeRNON

$330,000

Nicely maintained Mount Vernon Hill rambler offers 3 beds and 1 bath in roomy 1300+ sq ft of living area. Garage has been converted to additional living space (used as a 4th bedroom) can be easily returned to garage usage. Spacious, fully cyclone fenced yard has plum trees, a lovely place to enjoy, perhaps with a coffee in the morning or an iced tea in the afternoon. Danya Wolf MLS# 1652584 360-708-8294

G iN

D eN

lOtS 2&3 lakeSiDe DRiVe, GleNHaVeN lakeS

$49,900

New

7308 HOBSON RD., BOW

1630 uNiSON PlaCe, MOuNt VeRNON

$668,000

63868 CaSCaDe PaRk PlaCe, DiV 1 lOt 59, MaRBleMOuNt

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 Elva Hunter new roof & freshly painted home. 360-202-3086 MLS# 1634123

$235,000

Need to get away? This riverfront property has the serenity you’ve been looking for! The 3 bed / 1 bath cabin is ready to be your vacation place or forever home, it’s up to you! Cabin has free standing stove to make for cozy evenings indoors, a beautiful deck to enjoy your morning coffee as you listen to the river go by, a fire pit to enjoy the evenings, roast a marshmallow or two! There is a very nice storage building that could be a ‘man-cave’ or a ‘she-shed’! Sherry Ruderman A must see! Don’t miss this one! MLS# 1642568 360-540-1552

Coming Soon! your home here! Call today!

17180 MeMORial HWy MOuNt VeRNON

BuilD yOuR DReaM HOMe iN eaGleMONt!

45249 NeSika tRail #2D33, lake tyee $52,000

44821 kaCHeSS tRail #2C27, CONCRete

Beautiful vacation property at Lake Tyee. 2016 Cavco Park Model with stackable w/d h/u. Sunny lot with comfort station just one property away. Just up from the lake and easily accessible from the main or back gate. Full size appliances and ready for you to make your very own. Enjoy all the amenities ie. pools, hot tubs, basketball, volleyball, tennis, horse shoes, miniature golf, hiking, fishing and lake. Call now to view your new Sherry Ruderman property. MLS# 1446939 360-540-1552

Want to get away? This piece of tranquility at Lake Tyee is quiet with peek-a-boos of the lake & gorgeous territorial views. The park model is roomy, well maintained & the room addition is extraordinary! You can hunker down and/or be great for entertaining. This beautiful property comes with many extras & is waiting for you to come see. Amenities include mini-golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, beaches, playgrounds, frisbee golf, hiking, etc. Dues Sherry Ruderman $162/mo & 210 days/yr usage. MLS# 1646119 360-540-1552

H StReet RD., BlaiNe New Price

$1,200,000

MLS# 1504177

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

7 cAr cOVereD PArKiNG $109,500

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! Danya Wolf Elva Hunter MLS# 1494916 360-708-8294 360-202-3086

4969 HeleNa laNe #2C78, CONCRete

$79,500

LAbOr DAy SPeciAL! Price reDuceD!

New Price

4629 BeaVeR POND DRiVe S. Eaglemont Golf Community offers an 18 hole Championship public golf course. All utilities are in the street and ready to build.

Prime 1 acre level, commercial parcel, subject to boundary line adjustment. MLS#1649968

22904 BuMBleBee laNe, MOuNt VeRNON $950,000

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

6.98 acre tract zoned Rural Intermediate. Level acreage with great road access both from Memorial Highway and from Avon Allen Road. Stop light and curbs at the intersection. Special Use Permit potential. The Animal Hospital and an espresso stand is across the road to the west. 980 feet along Memorial Highway Danya Wolf (SR-536); 620 feet along Avon Allen Road. 360-708-8294

$600,000

iN D N e

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

$425,000

2xxx uRBaN aVeNue, MOuNt VeRNON

iN D N e

$227,000

$105,000

Elva Hunter

360-202-3086

Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red 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 edge of the property to the east of the gate. Future homesite/ Pasture land along the southwesterly edge of the property. Potential for up to 16 building sites. Shown by appointment. Danya Wolf MLS#1568051 360-708-8294

VeteRaNS

Carla Fischer

360-982-0010

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

Enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous view as you sip your morning cup of coffee on the porch of this newer park model. For $162/mo and any 210 days/year, this is a perfect get-away. Yet, still so much potential to make it your very own. Make your way to the park amenities; pools, hot tubs, lake, tennis, basketball, mini-golf and so much more. Then, back to the cabin (roomy with bedroom and loft) and cozy up as you stare into the night sky where you can almost touch the moon and Sherry Ruderman stars. MLS# 1627851 360-540-1552

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

360.424.0300

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2031600

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September 4, 2020