INSIDE
This Issue IMPROVE YOUR SMART THERMOSTAT IQ PAGE 5 BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION AMID SCARCE INVENTORIES PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7
FEB 26-MARCH 4, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS Improve your smart thermostat IQ ...................P5 Q&A
Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P6
Buying new construction amid scarce inventories .........................................................P7 Classifieds............................................................................P7
INSIDE PAGE
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RE-Weekly To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2021 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.
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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 2
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February 26, 2021
STAT Real Estate Stat
8% The percentage of home sales in 2018 that were for sale by owner. Source: National Association of Realtors
NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®
FEATURED HOME, FROM COVER
525 East College Way, Suite J
1714 S. 3RD STREET, MOUNT VERNON
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Tel. (360) 416-4902
www.npsar.com
$445,000
Protecting the American Dream: Homeownership Must Remain a National Policy Priority Perhaps better than any other group, Realtors® recognize and understand how homeownership has the potential to change lives and enhance futures for people from every background and in every corner of this country.
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Homeownership encourages people to build roots and invest in their neighborhoods. It is well documented that homeowners volunteer, serve on community boards and are even more likely to vote in local elections. What’s more, studies have shown that the children of homeowners perform better in school and go on to earn more money as adults. Across the U.S., real estate accounts for one-fifth of our Gross Domestic Product. That figure totals more than $3 trillion – and represents a key driver of our national economy. Realtors® are more than agents and apps. We are community advocates who commit to a code of ethics and advocate for private property rights. In a transaction that is often the largest and most complex we will make in our lifetime, consumers want a trusted professional to guide them through this process. And there is no substitute for that. 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.
DAWN HARDMAN 360-540-0058 Welcome home to this statuesque gem in the heart of the city. Located on a shy half acre lot with a commanding presence, this classic architectural style has beautifully crafted millwork throughout the main floor, separate dining room, spacious kitchen with access to the deck, 3/4 bath/ laundry room. The second level has a 3/4 bath, 3 bedrooms. This home has a partially finished basement with lots of storage with room to be inspired & expand. There is a carriage style single garage that was once used as an art studio, a separate outbuilding that could be imagined into a creative/storage space, complete with a sunny garden area. The home has been completely rewired, has fresh interior paint, & all of the charm that transcends time. MLS #1724112
2044060
February 26, 2021
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Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie.
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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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t m y h y t o w fi i I d t
o v t y February 26, 2021
energy savings, depending on the time of day,” says Ruben Sanchez, owner of Mission, Texas-headquartered Colair, Inc., an HVAC servicing company. For better results with a smart thermostat, try the following tips:
n Ask an HVAC professional for a recommendation. “An expert can suggest which smart thermostat will work best with your heating and cooling system,” says Sanchez. n Choose a unit with the right technology. “Many smart thermostats today come with sensors that allow you to control the temperature of various rooms separately and based on who is using them,” Evans explains. “For example, if you rarely have guests, you don’t need to heat and cool your guest room to the same degree you do a automatically adjust By Erik J. Martin heavily used room like Save money on energy costs programming based on CTW Features your living room. The this to save you money. t’s downright chilly by following these tips sensors on some units outside. And that But it’s important to can even help automakes it challenging used correctly – they Louisiana State Unicarefully program and matically detect when to keep your indoor cli- can save energy and versity in Baton Rouge, set up your device so someone enters the mate comfortable. But money on your heatLouisiana, agrees. that you can maximize room and start adjusting and electric bills,” you can get a better “Smart thermostats your savings.” ing the temperature says Julie Ryan Evans, handle on regulating are relatively inexpenThis is particularly accordingly.” Additionyour interior tempera- consumer editor for sive and, if used prop- true as the pandemic ally, try to choose a SecurityNerd.com in tures by replacing an erly, are projected to persists, and we contin- unit with as much auOrlando, Florida. “The produce energy savings ue to work and study outdated thermostat tomation capability as key, however, is that with a smart one or relative to the costs of from home. possible. “A smart therfine-tuning your exist- you have to use a smart the device. And beyond “We are all home mostat that works with thermostat correctly. ing smart thermostat. personal savings, a more often lately. As your voice assistant or You can’t just install It’s simply a matter of well-programmed unit the weather changes smart home platform one, sit back, and wait can reduce pollution dollars and sense, say throughout the day, is great, but it’s more for the savings to roll the experts. from electricity genera- you want your HVAC important to have one in.” “Smart thermostats tion,” he notes. “What’s system to work at its with geolocation feaCody Nehiba, asoffer a simple and conmore, some smart optimum without tures for multiple users. venient way to control sistant professor of thermostats can learn draining your walThat way, the unit research in the Center about your temperathe temperature of let. Even a one-degree can respond correctly ture preferences and difference can lead to to whether anyone is your home and – when for Energy Studies at
Improve your smart thermostat IQ
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February 26, 2021
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home or not – not just the owner,” says David Mead, founder of smart home tech blog LinkdHOME.com, based in New York City. n Install your thermostat correctly. Choose the right location, ideally in a central spot on the main level of your home that sees the most traffic. “If you install your smart thermostat by a door or drafty window, it may not get an accurate reading,” cautions Evans. n Set a schedule. If your comings and goings are fairly regular, you can manually set a schedule on your smart thermostat. “During the day when you’re gone, you can give the system a break – then set it to reach a desired level of comfort by the time you return home. And if your schedule changes, no problem; you can always adjust the temperature via an app on your phone,” suggests Evans. n Understand your energy billing structure. “For example, time-of-use rates vary throughout the day and peak when electricity demand is highest – typically around 5 to 8 p.m.,” Nehiba says. “You can minimize your bills by using less electricity during these peak periods.” 5
Cash purchase a good strategy? Question:
Given that interest rates are so low, does it make sense to buy real estate for cash? We have the ability to do that; we have no other debts but wonder if an all-cash purchase is a good strategy.
Answer:
There have been several reasons which have traditionally made all-cash financing attractive. First, you don’t have to worry about lender qualification standards. If you have the dollars, you can simply buy a property outright. Second, without a lender, you can avoid many loan-related closing costs. Third, you may be able to get a better price and terms with a cash offer because the seller can be certain of your ability to close the deal. Fourth, you can avoid monthly mortgage payments. Fifth, you can avoid mortgage interest costs that add up to big money. For example, if you borrow $250,000 at 3%, the total interest cost after 10
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years will be $66,531. Sixth, it used to be that financing real estate was effectively encouraged by federal tax rules. Mortgage interest costs within certain limits have generally been tax-deductible. This means that tax benefits can offset interest costs. However, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 – the 2017 tax reform measure – larger standard deductions became available while itemized deductions were capped. For most borrowers, it now makes more sense to take the standard deduction, and that means while mortgage interest can be deducted, in theory, it’s not a practical choice for most taxpayers. For details, speak with a tax professional. Seventh, inflation has generally been the friend of mortgage borrowers, allowing them to pay off fixedrate loans with cheaper and cheaper dollars over time. However, in late 2020 the inflation rate was running at 1.2%, according to Trading Economics, a low level. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says the typical first-time buyer purchases with 7% down,
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Q&A
ASK OUR BROKER By Peter G. Miller
but 17% of all first-timers manage to buy with allcash. According to NAR, the typical purchase is made with 16% upfront among repeat buyers, but 12% of all existing home buyers purchased with no money down. While there are several advantages to all-cash purchases, there are also negatives. If you have the dollars, it’s easy enough to put cash into a home but not so easy to get it out unless you sell or finance. If you have higher-cost debt such as credit card bills, the money might be better used to eliminate such obligations. Lastly, the money might be better spent to start a business, buy additional property, pay for college, etc., depending on your personal preferences. There’s no answer that works for everyone. For that reason, it can make sense to review the pros and cons of an all-cash purchase with a fee-only financial planner, someone who can look at your overall individual situation. Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ctwfeatures.com.
February 26, 2021
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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.
Buying new construction amid scarce inventories By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features uddenly, significant numbers of buyers want a new home. Pending sales contracts on new construction swelled to record numbers in late 2020. A perfect storm of low-interest rates, favorable buyer demographics, and increased desire in suburban developments is fueling demand, notes Robert Dietz, chief economist, National Association of Home Builders. But shallow inventories are making it challenging for purchasers
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February 26, 2021
who define the perfect home as pristine. And while everyone knows how to scout for existing homes, finding a yet unbuilt house or knowing just where reliable builders have good offerings is more mysterious. Enlisting agents Some real estate agents specialize in working with builders. “Most don’t have this experience,” says John Myers of Myers & Myers Real Estate, Albuquerque, NM. Carla Gorman, Baird & Warner, Chicago, tracks construction permits to un-
cover development early and says clients often find her from her Zillow profile. Jeff Benach of builder Lexington Homes also suggests researching newhomesource.com. Prices rising, discounts disappearing Incentives, like discounts on extras, are largely unavailable in this market, and demand is pushing up prices, notes Dietz. Unless homes aren’t selling, builders don’t negotiate price, notes Benach. But agents can assist buyers in other aspects, like site location and floor plan, says Jeff Strickler, Walla Walla, {WA} Sotheby’s
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2 Bdrm house with loft on 1/4 acre, needs remodeled but is livable, asking $159,500. To view call 520-221-1607 or 360-840-3292.
International Researching builders’ reputations With new construction demand comes competition between builders for qualified labor, notes author and attorney Ilona Bray. “Talk to homeowners” in existing developments, seeking opinions on that builder’s reliability, she advises. Check with non-profit “HomeOwners for Better Building.” If the homeowners’ association is already in the hands of existing owners [the developer creates the association initially], talk to owners there, she adds. 10 - January 29, 2019
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lotS 2&3 lakeSide drive, GlenHaven lakeS
We look forward to serving your Real Estate needs!
RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL VACANT LAND FARMLAND RECREATIONAL PROPERTY
All of our Realtors are working! Please call your Realtor!
4629 Beaver Pond drive S.
$105,000
Start your new home on this private 13,929 sq.ft lot in Eaglemont with all utilities in the street, surrounded by greenbelt and wooded area for maximum privacy, wonderful neighborhood with beautiful homes, walking distance to Clubhouse and restaurant with awesome views and sunsets. Eaglemont is an 18 hole Golf Course Championship Public Course! 360-202-3086
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 Danya Wolf Bellingham. MLS# 1628528 360-941-2983 360-982-0010 360-708-8294
7308 HoBSon rd., BoW
$235,000
$225,000
Very few properties manage to beautifully integrate the outdoors into their living space but this cabin in the woods will delight you with wilderness surroundings while cradling you in the kind of luxury you crave after a long hike. Let the magical flow of music from nearby Boulder Creek lull you to sleep in this cozy cabin kept toasty warm with a propane fireplace. Sip wine and relax on your covered deck down the short path from the cabin next to the wood fire in your cedar plank hot tub. This wonderland in the wilderness will certainly capture your imagination while providing a base for all your adventures in the Cascade Mountains. (360) 540-1552 MLS# 1729892 Sherry Ruderman
44585 idaHo lane #1B42, ConCrete, Wa 98237
$49,500
44947 kayak trail #2B36, ConCrete, Wa 98237
$74,900
This beautiful piece of property sits along Grandy Creek. This lot has an RV and room addition to fit a large group. Enjoy the deck with gazebo while you listen to the creek. Or, sit by the fire pit while you relax and roasts some marshmallows for the smores. This one-of-a-kind location can be enjoyed throughout the year for get-aways. Dues $162/mo and enjoy for 210 days/year. Comes with lots of amenities, water, septic, garbage and power. Danya Wolf Sherry Ruderman 360-708-8294 (360) 540-1552 MLS#1723545
Perfect time to snag this little piece of heaven at LakeTyee. This comfortable park model with room addition is the perfect retreat. Imagine yourself snuggled up with a hot cup of cocoa and looking out the window as you see the giant snow flakes drop on the lake. This is the year to do so. Beautiful properties have come and gone, but this one is for you! Sherry Ruderman MLS# 1687797 (360) 540-1552
$600,000
17180 MeMorial HWy MoUnt vernon $415,000
H Street rd., Blaine
44974 kyUqUot trail #2C90, lake tyee
Prime 1 acre level, commercial
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 (SR-536); 620 feet along Avon Allen Road. Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 MLS# 1572330
Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with one large pond great for duck hunting toward the northerly 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 360-708-8294 MLS# 1568051
$79,500 2xxx UrBan avenUe, MoUnt vernon
Looking out to Mount Baker and beautiful territorial views with your hot cup of coffee as you sit on your quaint comfy porch is just where you want to be after this crazy year. Start 2021 with the perfect get-away in the North Cascade Range Foothills. This almost brand new park model is nestled in LakeTyee Recreational Resort.The loft gives you extra sleep space for guests and there is plenty of parking, as well. You’ll enjoy this quiet, peaceful and gorgeous location. Come take a look for yourself. 210 days/yr and $162/mo Sherry Ruderman (360) 540-1552 dues includes water, septic and garbage. MLS# 1716532
W CaSCade Way #l61&62, MarBleMoUnt
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
Elva Hunter
4969 Helena lane #2C78, lake tyee
$49,900
parcel, subject to boundary line adjustment. MLS#1649968 Danya Wolf
360-708-8294
i’m a Seniors real estate Specialist
7704 Silver lake road, MaPle FallS
$1,200,000
$349,000
This home ‘lives bigger’ than its stated size of 1491 sq.ft., offering 2 beds, plus bonus room, 1 3/4 baths on a large lot with ample parking, a detached 2 car garage and a HUGE storage building. The kitchen has a large pantry, skylight and plenty of cupboard/ counter space. Master has a large shower with an oversized vanity and a walk-in closet. Living area features vaulted ceilings and ceiling fan. Main bath has 2 doors for easy access to the laundry room and the outdoors. This home is set back from the road and has a beautiful front yard or you can enjoy the privacy of the large yard in the Sherry Ruderman Patricia Box back, as well. 360-540-1552 Office Manager/Broker o: (360) 424-0300 MLS#1694535 C: (360) 941-9186
Every transition is an opportunity, regardless of your stage of life. By partnering with an SRES like one of us, you gain the help and experience of a Realtor® specializing in meeting the needs of home buyers and sellers 50+. We offer you the opportunity to complete your transaction with patience, professionalism and the expertise you deserve. We are pleased to be Carla Fischer Elva Hunter YOUR SRES® 360-982-0010 360-202-3086
360.424.0300
$99,900
Dreams come true on this gem tucked away in Lake Tyee. Beautiful location with view of Mount Shuksan, the double parcel will fit friends on this glamping spot. 1 lot has a gorgeous and huge cover with deck. 2nd lot with deck to easily place another RV. Don’t wait long to view this property. Lots of amenities at Lake Tyee, not to mention the surrounding area of forest, rivers, creeks to fish, hike and enjoy nature. Sherry Ruderman MLS#1729324 (360) 540-1552
veterans - i am pleased and honored to offer Carla Fischer 360-982-0010 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.
3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon
www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2041681
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