Real Estate Weekly November 13, 2020

INSIDE

This Issue

1 IN 4 HOMEBUYERS ARE SEEKING TO MOVE OUT OF TOWN: HERE ARE THEIR TOP 10 PREFERRED DESTINATIONS PAGE 5 FINDING THE SWEET HOME OFFICE PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

NOV 13-19, 2020

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

5

Q&A

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

1 in 4 homebuyers are seeking to move out of town: Here are their top 10 preferred destinations.......................................................................P5 Finding The Sweet Home Office............................P7 Classifieds.......................................................P7

RE-Weekly 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 publication.

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

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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

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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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November 13, 2020

STAT Real Estate Stat

46 The age of the typical homebuyer.

Source: NAR’s 2017 Home Buyers and Sellers Survey

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

FEATURED HomE FRom covER:

525 East College Way, Suite J, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 416-4902

657 HumpHrey place, Burlington

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.

Skagit Tradition Realty 3780 E. college Way mount vernon, WA PhiL LaMay Danya WOLF 360-424-0300 Buyer’s agent 360-708-8294 www.skagittraditionrealty.com 360-840-3086 oPEN HoUSE NovEmbER 14TH 11-1Pm

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.

November 13, 2020

$529,900

RE-Weekly.com

Beautiful views from this 5 bedroom, 3 bath Hansell Mitzel Home built with many upgrades, built on the “perfect” cul de sac, fenced yard; with a country feel yet wonderful location for commuting to Bellingham, Anacortes, or Everett/Lynnwood/Marysville. Lighted stone pillars at end of driveway welcome you home. Covered front porch offers seclusion for one’s morning cup of coffee or tea; hardwood entry; wainscoting; air conditioning; under cabinet lighting, pantry; and granite countertops in baths.

Back yard offers custom decking and incredible sunset views. MLS# 1679704 3

2033501

www.npsar.realtor

Evaluating Credit score vs. income Question:

We are among those who have actually done well during the pandemic. We have been able to work at home, but our spending has been considerably reduced. A lot of the things we used to do we no longer do, things such as restaurants, weekend trips, etc. The result is that we have paid down bills and bulked up savings.

Feeling good about our finances, we went to our mortgage lender and asked about refinancing. The loan officer offered us refinancing at a rate that was much higher than expected. When we asked why he said our credit scores made it impossible to offer a lower rate.

Does this mean that a lower credit score is more important to lenders than a good income, savings, and fewer debts?

Answer:

You’re going to get different responses from different lenders, so it will pay to shop around. That said, a lot of lenders are likely to have the same view as your loan officer.

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

The problem is that a high income and savings are not especially valuable to lenders if borrowers are not making payments or payments are late. Think about it this way: Smith earns $400,000 a year and has a 600 credit score.

Does the lender benefit from Smith’s high income? Can a lender ignore a low credit score? No and no. The income is great, but the 600 credit score tells lenders that payments are likely to be late or missed, and the debt is a lot riskier than financing with a borrower who has a score of 780 and above.

Another problem for borrowers with low scores is this: with lender pipelines clogged with applications, why take on a borrower who might not get past underwriting?

The information posted in 2016 at MyFico.com found that about 1 percent of the people with 800+ credit scores were likely to become delinquent. With scores ranging between 580 to 669, about 28% of all consumers were expected to be delinquent – that’s 28 times as many delinquencies.

The good news – and there is good news – is that you are among the lucky portion of the population to have jobs. You have spent and saved wisely in recent months.

Fewer debts reduce monthly costs, and that improves your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

• Having less debt will help build-up your credit score.

• You’re enlarging your reserves. That’s a plus for underwriters.

• Having reserves makes it very easy to pay debts in full and on time and avoid late fees and credit dings.

• Bigger reserves will reassure lenders that you have the financial capacity to repay your debts. This can be a compensating factor to help off-set a low credit score.

• The better your credit score, among other things, the more likely lenders are to covet your business and offer lower rates.

You now have a chance to change your finances positively.

Start a budget. Keep a payment calendar. Pay bills upon receipt rather than toward the end of grace periods. Get free copies of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport. com. Make sure credit reports do not include errors or outof-date items that can knock down your credit score.

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

own the local real estate market expand your reach when you combine the power of our digital audience and premium print ads in the re weekly ask your multimedia account executive for details.

ContaCt: 360.424.3251 • ads@skagitads.Com 4

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November 13, 2020

more people want to move south.”

Lappin says greater affordability is a key draw, but so are attractive lifestyle features.

“These 10 cities offer families cosmopolitan niceties such as restaurants as well as outdoor activities nearby,” explains Lappin.

Chris Fajkos, a real estate agent in Truckee, California, believes Sacramento, in particular, makes sense as a move-to metro of choice.

“I’ve seen numerous people leave the Bay Area and settle in Sacramento in the last five years. The housing costs are much lower relative to San Francisco, and it has all the bells and whistles that residents desire like a vibrant restaurant scene, shopping, social events, and closer proximity to Lake Tahoe,” Fajkos says.

He doesn’t view this migration trend as a mistake or a panicky move.

“I believe the people who are making this decision have been thinking about it for a long time. Coronavirus was just the final straw for them,” adds Fajkos. “If you do your homework ahead of time, I don’t think it’s ever a mistake to move somewhere that’s more inexpensive, which can The most desirable relocation allow you to save money and invest in your future.” cities in Redfin’s list seem to Before committing to a offer a variety of amenities and advantages. For example, faraway move, however, perform the necessary due six in the top 10 are located diligence. For starters, learn in states that don’t charge your employer’s future plans income tax. And all of them and explore job prospects in are in warmer climates than the new market. the towns many movers are “Take into account taxes, abandoning them for.

“It stands out to me that these lifestyle requirements, costof-living, length of commute, cities are all in the South, except for Sacramento,” notes and what the relocation will look like day-to-day,” suggests Cora Rasmussen, marketMichael Rossi, CEO of New ing manager at Realty ONE York City-headquartered Group Emerald Coast in Destin, Florida. “Perhaps after residential brokerage Elegran. “Ask yourself: Are any northern cities like Seattle and New York were so horri- trade-offs involved worth the bly affected by the pandemic, relocation?”

1 in 4 homebuyers are seeking to move out of town: Here are their top 10 preferred destinations

by Erik J. Martin

S

ome call it an overdue mass migration from major metro meccas.

Others call it an overreaction to the coronavirus that’s destined to be a short-lived drift. But whatever way you interpret it, the trend is clear: More people are relocating to new destinations far removed from their familiar comfort zones.

New research reveals that a record 27.4% of Redfin. com users sought to move to a different metro area in the second quarter of 2020.

That’s an increase from November 13, 2020

25.2% tallied a year earlier and 26.0% in quarter one of this year. The top 10 towns for relocation are, in order: Phoenix; Sacramento; Las Vegas; Austin, Texas; Atlanta; Dallas; Tampa; Miami; Nashville; and Charlotte, North Carolina. Meanwhile, the top 10 cities people are eager to leave include, in order: New York City; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Washington, DC; Chicago; Seattle; Denver; Boston; Milwaukee; and Rockford, Illinois.

“The factors driving a surge in overall homebuyer demand— low mortgage rates and changes in what people are

looking for in a home—are lighting a fire in people who were already considering a move to a different area,” said Redfin economist Taylor Marr in Redfin’s report. “Add in employers’ increasingly flexible remote work policies and the fact residents of many big coastal cities can’t fully enjoy their local amenities, and the people who have long wanted to live in a more affordable area or closer to family are incentivized to make the move soon.”

Sissy Lappin, co-owner of ListingDoor in Houston, agrees.

“With many jobs fully remote

because of COVID-19, people have finally been able to truly contemplate moving closer to family or living in a more affordable city,” she says.

“Many people are also panicked that another recession is looming, and they’re taking precautionary measures to reduce expenses. My friends have left expensive cities like Los Angeles and New York in favor of living in affordable towns where a family can help with expenses like childcare.

This underscores a true return to simplicity: People want more space, more nature, more family, and more funds to enjoy these things.”

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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!

6

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

November 13, 2020

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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.

Finding The Sweet Home Office

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia

the kids or don’t require isolation to concentrate.

Spare bedrooms are probably the most comxpect fewer buyers to be making a straight line to the kitchen. Now, acmon option in homes for a private office. cording to the National Association of Evaluate the ability to offer a pleasant work Realtors, the number one feature buyers desire environment. is a home office – or maybe two.

At a minimum, lighting must be sufficient But while a well-appointed kitchen can cinch enough to avoid eyestrain. a buyer’s purchase decision, many don’t know But some natural light is optimum, as well what they need in a home office. as a glimpse of nature. “Even if you’re in a Here, Linda Varone, author of “The Smarter densely populated area and can only see the Home Office,” and firm of the same name, sky,” Varone says, it provides moments of shares tips: peaceful distraction.

Consider privacy needs.

Light relates to another issue: Will the desk “Some people like to be at the far end of the you’ll use fit appropriately in the space? house so they can really concentrate,” she A desk facing a window is too distracting, and says. Others may need to keep an ear out for a window directly behind the desk will stream

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November 13, 2020

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too bright a light on a computer screen.

If a desk can fit perpendicular to the window, it allows natural light at the right level and intensity.

Also, look for enough closet space to hold files and avoid the dreaded “pile of stuff on the floor.”

Think creatively about under-used rooms.

Living rooms and dining rooms don’t get daily use in most households, and Varone says they often can be fully or partially converted to an office.

This can be accomplished without disrupting the traditional look of these rooms with more formal office furniture or carving out space with a partition.

10 - January 29, 2019

7

$998,000 301 E HAzEL AvE, BURLINGTON

18582 CASCADE RIDGE CT.,MOUNT vERNON 5+ ACREs

Elegant finish work in this 3130 square foot custom home: European hardwood floors with inlay; 3 fireplaces, one which is open to both the country kitchen and the dining room; 3 large bedrooms, two with a“Jack and Jill” bath; 2 family rooms. Plenty of parking.

36 X 36 barn with three stables; a tack room; a storage room; plus a loft. Three separate fenced areas for horses, plus an outdoor arena. Wonderful trails throughout the wooded portion of the acreage. MLS# 1673949 Danya Wolf

RENTAL

360-708-8294

Carla Fischer

360-982-0010

veterans - I am pleased and honored to offer a discount to our military. My family settled in the Skagit valley after my husband retired from the Navy, so I am happy to help you navigate your new community.

$2,500/MO

In home business potential: wonderfully unique floor plan: U shaped home w/covered patio in the middle: many built-ins; area for breakfast table plus masonry fireplace; separate formal dining area; two bedrooms, two baths plus large bonus room w/third fireplace (natural gas log) being used as a 3rd bedroom. Separate utility area w/lots of storage. 2nd masonry fireplace w/natural gas log in spacious living room.

Multiple sliding glass doors open onto large covered patio. Attached 1+ car garage. MLS# 1561850 Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

22904 BUMBLEBEE LANE, MOUNT vERNON

$950,000

7 CAR COVERED PARKING

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 Danya Wolf Elva Hunter 360-708-8294

I’m a Seniors Real Estate Specialist Every transition is an opportunity, regardless of your stage of life. By partnering with an SRES like me, you gain the help and experience of a Realtor® 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 Elva Hunter pleased to be YOUR SRES® 360-202-3086 At Cascade River Community Club, you will enjoy this little slice of heaven to relax after a long week in the city or a long hike up the glacier.. Set the stage for your RV, tent or yurt and long evenings of listening to the play of the campfire and the river running over stones. Pull into this property and get yourself nestled into nature, as you make this your own little home base camp, be sure to pause by the Little Library to grab a good read!

LOTS 2&3 LAkESIDE DRIvE, GLENHAvEN LAkES

$49,900

Buying or Selling Upriver?

Call me! Sherry Ruderman!

I have 7 years’ experience working with both buyers and sellers in my favorite areas. Upriver and the Lake Tyee Resort! I have buyers waiting!

Sherry Ruderman Call today!

360-540-1552

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME IN EAGLEMONT!

We love our community!

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

MLS#1680814

#D1L1

$4,000

MLS#1680823

#D1L2

$5,000

MLS#1680818

#D1L68 PENDING

$7,000

MLS#1680794

#D3L17 PENDING

$10,000

MLS#1680778

#D1L18 PENDING

360-202-3086

$10,000

MLS#1680805

#D1L147

$11,500

MLS#1680789

#D3L209/210

$22,000

MLS#1683583

#D1L149

$6,000

Sherry Ruderman

360-540-1552

360.424.0300

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.

MLS# 1504177

$105,000

Elva Hunter

360-202-3086

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2036116

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