Real Estate Weekly March 19, 2021

INSIDE

This Issue ARE YOU A TAX-SAVVY HOMEOWNER? PAGE 5

THE NEW RETIREMENT GOAL: BE WITH THE GRANDBABIES PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

MARCH 19-25, 2021

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Are you a tax-savvy homeowner? ......................P5 Q&A

Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P6

The new retirement goal: be with the grandbabies..................................................P7 Classifieds............................................................................P7

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.

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.

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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March 19, 2021

STAT Real Estate Stat

91%

The percentage of buyers who would use their agents again or recommend them to others.

Source: National Association of Realtors

FEATURED HomE FRom covER:

525 East College Way, Suite J

18582 CasCade Ridge Ct, Mount VeRnon

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-4902

www.npsar.realtor

Six Signs You Are Ready To Buy If you are thinking about buying, you're not alone. So are you ready to make the move? You might be if you: 1. Are familiar with the market. If you've been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the area you’d like to live, you're in good shape.

2. Have the money for a down payment and closing costs. Generally, buyers will receive an estimate of these costs from your lender after you apply for a mortgage.

3. Know how much you can afford. Your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a percentage of your income. Also, your income, debt and credit history go into determining how much you can borrow.

4. Know what additional expenses will come with owning a home. Including homeowners insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs.

5. Have your credit in good shape and make sure your credit report is accurate. You should get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

6. You haven't made any recent major purchases, particularly a vehicle. If you do, you may have a harder time getting a loan, or it could potentially lower the amount you'll be approved for.

Realtor.com~Michele Dawson Mission Statement: The North Puget Sound Association of Realtors advocates for Realtors and their clients, and promotes the protection of property rights.

March 19, 2021

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Skagit Tradition Realty LLc 3780 E. college Way mount vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com

$998,000

Danya Wolf

(360) 708-8294

Private 5.78 equestrian acres surround this 3130 square foot custom home with elegant finish work: 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.

528 sq. ft. garage; 36 X 36 barn with three stables; a tack room; shop space; plus a loft.

Four separate fenced areas for horses, plus an outdoor arena. Wonderful trails throughout wooded portion. Conway Schools through eighth grade. Choice of Mount Vernon High School, Stanwood High School, or LaConner High School thereafter. MLS#1742520 3

2045390

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

B C

T

Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie.

g e r t A y o c f

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.

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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

March 19, 2021

u w f r a y

t m b d a p w J o B W

Are you a tax-savvy homeowner?

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features

T

he turn of the calendar year may have come and gone, but it’s never too early to make a New Year’s resolution – especially one that and save you money.

And if you own a home, you may be leaving money on the table that you could otherwise deduct from your taxes.

That’s why it pays to understand every tax write-off you’re eligible for and start keeping good records that can substantiate whatever you claim on your tax return.

“It’s always helpful to make sure you are maximizing specific tax benefits. Every situation is different, but often there are options to consider prior to year-end, after which it’s too late,” says Jessica Distel, director of Business Services for Buckingham Advisors in Westerville, Ohio.

March 19, 2021

three years ago, most homeowners – especially married couples – don’t get as many federal tax important for taxpayers In other words, the benefits as in the past for and home-based business homeownership,” Gamdeadline has probably owners who follow cash passed to plan for writeburg adds. “For instance, offs, deductions, and cred- basis accounting, which deductibility of the its that you can claim on recognizes expenses and home mortgage interest your 2020 tax return due revenues at the time cash expense was reduced on to the IRS this April. But is paid out or received. new mortgages with a $1 “Being a cash basis there’s plenty of time left million mortgage balance in this new year to scheme taxpayer essentially means to $750,000. And the real that any possible tax-sav- estate tax deduction is for tax savings you’re eliing actions would have to now limited to $10,000, gible to claim in 2021. be done by December 31, which includes state and “It’s important to 2021,” says Blake. review your eligible tax local taxes. This, coupled According to Distel, the with the fact that the deductions in advance of the April 15, 2022 tax good news is that eligible standard deduction is now homeowners may still be set at $24,800 for married deadline to make sure able to deduct amounts you are not missing any couples filing jointly, most deductions you are legally paid this year for real married taxpayers need estate taxes, loan points, entitled to and to avoid their mortgage interest mortgage interest, mortany surprises with an expense and charitable increased tax bill,” explains gage insurance premiums, deductions to exceed New York City-based tax and IRS-approved chari$14,800 to receive any table causes. accountant Ariel Gamfederal tax benefits.”

The bad news? The Tax burg.

Blake notes that these Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changes have caused many John Blake, a partof 2017 somewhat limit taxpayers to switch from ner with Klatzkin, a your ability to maximize itemizing deductions Hamilton, New Jerseyto taking the standard headquartered accounting tax deductions. deduction, especially those “With the changes to and advisory firm, says this strategy is particularly the tax code taking effect individuals who have been

Maximize your tax write-offs by following these tips

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affected by the TCJA. Unfortunately, salaried employees who have been forced to work from home due to the coronavirus aren’t eligible for any special deductions.

“However, you can ask your employer to reimburse certain expenses incurred for working from home, possibly, for instance, higher utility bills; generally, these reimbursements are not taxable income to you,” says Gamburg.

If you are working from home for yourself as a sole proprietor or small business owner, you can also still claim a home office deduction if proper conditions are met.

“If you have a homebased business and use a portion of your house exclusively for that business, you can deduct a portion of house-related expenses against your business,” Blake says.

Say your home office comprises 10 percent of

the square footage inside your home. In this case, you may be able to deduct 10 percent of many of your home’s expenses with careful record-keeping.

“Some of the costs that you are allowed to deduct include a portion of real estate taxes, a portion of mortgage interest, a portion of homeowners insurance, a portion of utilities, and other expenses that may directly impact the office space. Even to some extent, home improvements that are done to the house’s overall exterior could be subject to a possible deduction,” adds Blake.

Again, for best results, start early and think forward.

“One of the best ways to maximize your tax deductions is to plan ahead for itemized deductions so that you can spend more on needed expenses in a specific year, which can then generate a higher deduction,” says George Birrell, a CPA and founder of TaxHub in New York City. You can also hold off on certain expenses until you decide you want to itemize for a given year, thereby maximizing the value of that deduction.”

Lastly, think about recruiting an expert who can help you plan for and claim every tax write-off you qualify for.

“Getting sound tax and accounting advice from an experienced accountant or tax planner can yield great benefits,” Distel suggests.

5

Selling in a hot market Question:

The local real estate market in our area is very strong. We would like to sell our current home and buy a larger one but can’t buy until our current property sells. We don’t want to have our stuff in storage for several months and live in a motel if we sell first and do not have a new home.

What can we do?

Answer:

If you live in a community with a solid real estate market -- and if your property is competitive in terms of condition, location, price, etc. -- then you are likely to benefit from strong demand and rising home prices.

However, as a buyer, your situation is reversed.

Now you’re competing for homes in a market that favors suppliers – home sellers.

Several strategies might be helpful to you.

First, look into a bridge loan for your current home. This cash advance allows you to take

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equity from your current property and use it as a down payment for a replacement home.

A bridge loan is typically a short-term note, generally a year or less. It’s paid off at closing when your current home sells. This means the proceeds from settlement will be reduced by any outstanding loan balances, closing costs, as well as the bridge loan’s value.

Second, if you plan, you might be able to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is attractive because there are typically few closing costs; however, lenders might expect you to stay in the property for a year after origination. You can’t get a HELOC if the property is listed, and – in fact – you may not be able to get a HELOC at all.

The problem is that lenders have cut back on HELOC originations. For instance, Equifax reports that for the January 3rd reporting period, there were 2,900 HELOCs versus 8,170 a year ago.

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Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

Why so few HELOCs? My sense is that lenders have become cautious because we’re in the midst of a pandemic, the economy was derailed in 2020, and the government deficit soared last year. Lenders are unsure what will happen given steep levels of unemployment and, as a result, are staying away from HELOCs until the economy is more settled.

Third, you might look into a second loan to take cash out of the property. While a HELOC is a line of credit where you might not use all the money available to you, with a second loan, you get the entire balance at closing. Again, because of the current economic situation, expect lenders to be very cautious with any form of cash-out financing.

For details and specifics, speak with local lenders and, if possible, plan well in advance of selling.

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

March 19, 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.

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.

NEED A

JOB? NEED

EMPLOYEES? The Classifieds bring together job seekers and potential employers every day.

360-424-4567

The new retirement goal: be with the grandbabies

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features etiring, relocating Baby Boomers are drawn to the Southeast and Southwest, where there’s “desirable weather and relatively affordable new housing,” finds a survey from Zonda, a housing research firm.

No surprise there, except that the poll of 15,000 relocating Boomers shopping for a newly constructed home found that 25 percent aren’t primarily drawn to the locale itself, as much the residents living there, specifically

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March 19, 2021

their grandchild.

Dubbing them “Baby Chasers,” Zonda first began investigating this phenomenon four years ago when “Our Boomer coworkers would share that their friends were moving to the same town as their children,” says Ali Wolf, Zonda chief economist.

Zonda finds lots of Baby Chasers shopping in metro areas like Charlotte, NC; Austin, TX; Phoenix, Orlando, Raleigh, NC; and Indianapolis. These places offer a combination of good job opportunities for Millennials as

well as “housing options from low-end and high-end standard homes as well as low-end and high-end active adult communities,” says Shaun McCutcheon, Zonda vice president.

“Generally, a baby chaser prefers to be within 15 to 30 minutes of their grandchildren,” McCutcheon notes.

Baby Chasers should be wary that their adult children could follow job opportunities to another location,” says Cheryl Sherrard, a Charlotte, N.C. certified financial planner who also holds a

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degree in gerontology.

“If they did relocate, would you try to follow them? Is that feasible for you?” asks Sherrard.

“They may have employer assistance to make a cross-country move, but you would be funding that yourselves.”

She suggests consulting with a financial planner to “consider all the aspects of a long life in a new location. They should not be choosing housing based solely on the proximity to their children, but rather consider the availability of doctors, shopping, 7

22904 BUMBleBee lane, MoUnt vernon $950,000 7 CAR COVERED PARKING

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IN

G

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# 1740911 Danya Wolf Elva Hunter 360-708-8294 360-202-3086

2xxx UrBan avenUe, MoUnt vernon

$600,000

Prime commercial property with utilities in street, including P.U.D. water, Puget Sound Energy electricity; Cascade Natural Gas, fiber optics; cable; and sewer.

Subject To survey and short plat.

Address is not available from City at this time. Property is located between Chicago Title Company's easterly parking lot and Max Dale Restaurant's south easterly parking area.

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

17180 MeMorial Hwy MoUnt vernon $415,000

4969 Helena lane #2C78, lake tyee

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

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

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!

Elva Hunter

360-202-3086

lotS 2&3 lakeSide drive, GlenHaven lakeS

$49,900

$49,500

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

w CaSCade way #l61&62, MarBleMoUnt

$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 cradlingyouinthekindofluxuryyoucraveafteralonghike.

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.

Sherry Ruderman MLS# 1729892 (360) 540-1552

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

$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 walkin 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 back, Sherry Ruderman Patricia Box as well.

360-540-1552 Office Manager/Broker o: (360) 424-0300 MLS#1694535 C: (360) 941-9186

$74,900 44585 idaHo lane #1B42, ConCrete, wa 98237

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

$1,200,000

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 MLS# 1568051 360-708-8294

7704 Silver lake road, MaPle FallS

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

$79,500 44947 kayak trail #2B36, ConCrete, wa 98237

i’m a Seniors real estate Specialist

H Street rd., Blaine

44974 kyUqUot trail #2C90, lake tyee

$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

45153 kokanee trail lot # 3C3

$48,000

What To Bring: Wine/Spirits, Snacks, Food, Clothes, Firewood TURN KEY! Sweetest vacation spot located at Lake Tyee. The trailer has a bedroom and bunk beds for the littles. Every little detail of this property is absolutely adorable; from the renovations of the trailer to the cozy deck, engaging yard and firepit area. COME Sherry Ruderman QUICKLY! YOU WANT THIS ONE! (360) 540-1552

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2043167

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March 19, 2021