Real Estate Weekly August 13, 2021

INSIDE

This Issue

DON’T GET BURNED WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AND WILDFIRES PAGE 5 READING BETWEEN THE LINES: FLOOR PLANS CRUCIAL TO LISTINGSPAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

AUG. 13-19, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS Don’t get burned.

What you need to know about homeowners insurance and wildfires .............................................P5

INSIDE PAGE

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Q&A Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P6

Reading Between the Lines: Floor Plans Crucial to Listings................................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.

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August 13, 2021

STAT Home Seller Statistics from 2020 According to the 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the typical home seller has been in their home for 10 years. The typical home size is 1,900 square feet. The typical homeowner is 47 years old.

Source: National Association of Realtors

525 East College Way, Ste J

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Ph:360-416-4902

www.npsar.realtor

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Major Event Sponsor:

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

August 13, 2021

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Skagit tradition Realty LLC 3780 e. College Way Mount vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com

$865,000

Carla Fischer

360-982-0010

Beautiful home with large spacious rooms - 4 bedrooms, den and a bonus room. This contemporary home features formal over-size dining room, large kitchen with island, formal and informal living areas, central vac and new carpet throughout. This vast backyard provides great entertainment choices with its large deck, pool and firepit. Green belt behind enhances the private outdoor atmosphere.

Short distance to Lake Goodwin and Crabapple Lake for additional outdoor fun.

MLS# 1817964

119392-1

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

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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.

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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

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August 13, 2021

like materials, and purchase enough Coverage C – Personal Property coverage to be able to replace all their furniture, clothing, electronics, and other possessions in the event of a larger total loss,” recommends Gregg. “Your policy will pay the full limit of Coverage A – Dwelling, in the case of a total loss, and many times in wildfire situations that is what happens. A standard homeowners policy also provides loss of use coverage to put you up in a hotel or apartment while your home is being rebuilt or repaired.”

The key recommendation here is to choose replacement cost value instead of actual cost value (the latter repairs or replaces your home and its contents according to what it’s currently worth after depreciation is considered).

“Make sure your policy’s cautions Liu. replacement cost allowance is In fact, following the adequate to replace your dwellmassive wildfires that have ing and its contents,” advises occurred in California since Brian Martucci, the Minne2016, many carriers have apolis-based finance editor for begun to decline to write or Money Crashers. “With rerenew homeowners policies. placement cost coverage, your Fortunately, in 2019, the insurer will reimburse you to California Department of repair or purchase everything Insurance stepped in to man- in a new condition.” date protection for millions of Also, consider other strucpolicyholders by offering the tures on your property.

California FAIR plan – a state“In addition to your home, run pool that offers basic fire if you have a pool, barn, or coverage to homeowners who in-law unit, be aware that can’t locate another insurer. typical policies only cover 10% Whether you are on the of anything other than your West Coast or located in an main dwelling. So look for adarea not prone to wildfires, ditional coverage for appurteit’s smart to take steps now to nances and other structures,” safeguard your property from says Steve Severaid, senior financial ruin. vice president/treasurer for “The most important thing The Greenspan Co./Adjusters homeowners can do is to make International in San Francisco. sure they have their home Taking out an umbrella policy can also be a wise covered for full replacement cost value that it would require decision, “particularly if you entertain frequently or rent to rebuild their home with

Don’t get burned

What you need to know about homeowners insurance and wildfires

By Erik J. Martin alifornia wildfires have been dominating headlines this summer and over the past several years, and for good reason: Consider that five of the 20 largest wildfires in recorded history happened in California last year alone.

But wildfires aren’t unique to the Golden State. Texas, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah, and New Mexico homeowners are also at risk of this devastating incendiary event. And truth is, any home is vulnerable to a blaze, even if it isn’t caused by a wildfire.

That’s why it’s so important to have adequate homeowners insurance in place, especially if you live in higher-risk areas.

“Climate change is the main reason why wildfires have been so prevalent and such

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a high risk these past several years,” says Landy Liu, general manager of insurance products at Better in New York City.

“Increasing heat has vastly upped the chances that more fires will come into fruition and burn more intensely and widely than they have in the past.”

The culprits behind the increase in wildfires lately are evident.

“As the air continuously gets hotter throughout the years, it continuously soaks up water from whatever it touches,” Liu adds. “When there is no moisture left to evaporate, the soil and plants absorb that heat instead, which feeds back into the drying-out process that increases fire risk.”

Additionally, forest management programs haven’t kept up with the immense work needed to prevent wildfires.

“In California alone, there

are 50 million acres that need to be de-brushed, which is unfeasible to execute before this upcoming fire season,” notes Ken Gregg, CEO and founder of Orion180 Insurance Services, LLC. in Melbourne, Florida.

Here’s the good news: Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage or destruction of your home (as well as subsequent repairs or rebuilds and your belongings) due to fire, including a wildfire, at no extra charge, under coverage language for dwelling, personal property, and additional living expense. But that’s not the case everywhere in the United States.

“If you are in a high-risk area, such as California, sometimes insurance companies will purposely leave out wildfires when writing their policies.

Some insurers can also require a separate wildfire deductible,”

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out your property on shortterm rental sites like Airbnb,” Martucci suggests.

For best peace of mind and protection, consult closely with your insurance agent and review your areas of coverage so that you can identify any weak spots.

Be proactive, as well, regarding documentation of your dwelling and possessions.

“Create a detailed video inventory of your home and its full contents. Save your video to the cloud or to a hard drive that is stored off-site. Scan and upload all of your critical documents to the same location, too,” says Severaid.

Lastly, decrease your risk of fire damage by taking recommended steps well before a wildfire threatens.

“Closely monitor wildfires in your area, and be prepared to evacuate if and when one approaches,” Gregg says.

“Clear away any firewood or other combustible or fireprone objects as far from your home as possible. Make sure your gutters are clean and remove any dead vegetation from trees or bushes. Close all windows and doors but leave them all unlocked, remove any flammable shades or curtains from the windows, and move flammable furniture to the center of the room away from windows and doors. Shut off gas at the meter and turn off your pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning but leave lights on in your house so firefighters can see through the smoke.”

These measures “will go a long way in preparing as much as possible for an approaching wildfire,” he adds.

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The Long-term Impact of Bankruptcy Question:

Several years ago, we ran into financial trouble during the mortgage meltdown. We went bankrupt, but over time have re-built our finances. However, our credit report shows the bankruptcy even though more than 10 years have passed. We are unable to get the item removed. We are worried that the bankruptcy impacts our credit and a recent job application.

What can we do?

Answer:

Negative items can generally remain on credit reports for seven years, however, there are exceptions. For instance, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy can remain on a credit report for 10 years from the filing date.

If you have an item that is factually incorrect or out-of-date, it can lower your credit score by 25 points and sometimes more, much more.

That can mean higher mortgages rates. There are several steps to take.

First, get free copies of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion

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at AnnualCreditReport.com. Because of the pandemic, the major credit reporting agencies (CRAs) now make free credit reports available to consumers weekly and will continue to do so through at least April 20, 2022. Before the pandemic, consumers could only get one free copy of their credit reports every 12 months.

Second, review each report carefully.

Look not only at the listed items but also the administrative information such as your name, current address, and past address. There can be a big difference for credit purposes between “John Smith” and “John Smith, Jr.” Third, check to see if the problem appears on all three credit reports or just one or two.

Fourth, contact the credit reporting agency and ask how to resolve the issue. You can start the process by mail, phone, or email. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has complete contact information as well as an excellent credit report checklist at https://files. consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/201701_ cfpb_Credit-report-review-checklist.pdf.

Fifth, some items may be quickly resolved

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Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

(such as an out-of-date item) but more recent items might require evidence such as canceled checks or receipts for payment.

Sixth, it can take time to resolve a complaint.

“Whether you file your dispute directly with the creditor (information furnisher) or the credit reporting agency,” says the CFPB, “they generally have 30 – 45 days to investigate your claim and 5 days to send you written notice once their investigation is over.” Don’t wait until you need credit, review your credit standing now.

Seventh, if you cannot get satisfaction from a credit reporting agency, mortgage loan, medical bill, auto financing, payday lender, or other creditors then you can file a complaint with CFPB at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ complaint/ The government says it generally hears back within 15 days and that 98% of consumers receive timely responses.

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

August 13, 2021

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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

RENTALS

Land, Acreage, Lots

Apartments Unfurnished

Buildable Lots for Sale One Acre Lots in Forest Park Estates Water approval from DOE for drilled wells here.

Paved streets, underground power, no flood zone, easy to build.

Walking distance to the river from Rasar State Park.

Prices start at $120,000.

Contact Becky Elde, Windermere North Cascades 360-770-9427

Reading Between the Lines: Floor Plans Crucial to Listings

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia

I

ncreasingly, buyers have multiple ways to view a home: in-person, a virtual tour, a 3-D tour, a slide show.

But a relatively simple twodimensional drawing – the floor plan -- offers unique insights into how you’d live within those lines.

The public is becoming more familiar with floor plans, which are distinct from a blueprint providing construction details. “Years ago, I had to start each design meeting by explaining, “This is a

August 13, 2021

door, this is a window, this is a wall … Now, we rarely have to do that,” notes Plymouth, MI architect Dawn Zuber.

Indeed, many listings now contain floor plans, and they are the third most valued online listing feature, according to a recent National Association of Realtor survey.

With measured lines indicating walls, breaks in lines showing windows and doors, a series of rectangles indicating stairs, and locations of fixtures like sinks, floor plans offer a straightforward view of size and distance. To gar-

The more you tell the more you sell!

ner more, follow this expert advice: • Compare to your current sizes.

Unless you’re a strong spatial thinker, a 12 X 13 room doesn’t mean much. Measure your current room sizes to compare with the online plans, suggest interior designer Jen Bursa, owner of Bursa Studios, Miami.

• Place your possessions.

“If there’s only one wall for a bed in the bedroom, is there room for other pieces of furniture you might want, like a chair or dresser, too?”

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NEW TODAY Sedro Villa Apts., 829 Reed St., S-W. Senior 62+ or disabled. Accepting apps. for waiting list. Basic rent 1 Bdrm $998; 2 Bdrm $1045 or 30% of income.

(360) 855-1664 TDD 711 Income limits apply.

We are an equal opportunity provider & employer.

RE-Weekly says Zuber, illustrating how to decide if you can find places for furniture you’re keeping.

• Live an imaginary day.

Getting into the “flow” of spaces provides clues to how easily the home fits your lifestyle.

From the garage, is there is an entrance into the kitchen to unload groceries? How do guests enter into gathering spaces? Is the master bedroom isolated enough? Combined with the listing photos, this mind exercise gives insight into livability.

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819 n 18th, Mount VErnon

60102 StAtE routE 20, MArBLEMount $777,000

$599,950 Home on the hill, close to shopping, schools and medical.

This home features 6 bedrooms and 2 baths with 2 additional bonus bedrooms in the garage (easily convert back to a 2-car garage).

Plenty of parking, nice size yard with mature landscaping.

MLS# 1811049 360-708-8294

Mondo is a well-established and well-loved Korean and American family restaurant at the foot of the Cascade Mountain Range. Locals and travelers make this part of their Hwy 20 and North Cascade National Park trip. Major arterial choice to Newhalem and continue on to Winthrop; or cross Skagit River bridge and continue up to Cascade Pass and hiking to Stehekin.

Restaurant is warm and inviting, with incredible fare.

Very spacious dining area. Some outside seating available. Small gift shop area.

Kitchen is beautifully remodeled.

MLS# 1757641 Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

471 E Whitmarsh rd, Burlington

$379,000

118 E orangE aVE, Burlington

$650,000

41546 south skagit highWay, FinnEy CrEEk

Danya Wolf

Sherry Ruderman

360-540-1552

$80,000

1203 E SEction St, Mt VErnon

$649,950

Contemporary 2 story home offers 7 bedrooms plus a bonus room! Open floor plan, spacious kitchen, 3.5 baths, recessed lighting and skylights. Spacious

Great Investment or bring your fishing pole! 1.74 acres with a 4 bedroom house, all-purpose buildings. Garden space, newer roof.

Property sold “ As-Is “ seller will do no repairs. Do Not Disturb Tenants. Great potential, property back up to FedEx on South Walnut street. Possible light Industrial use, buyer to verify! Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086 MLS# 1812068

Great opportunity for a small business.

Includes commercial kitchen & other restaurant equipment. Great space out back for outdoor dining/drive-thru. There is parking and storage.

It’s located just one door from one of the busiest corners in Burlington; E Orange Ave & Burlington Blvd. Upstairs there is 1BR/.75BA and den. The possibilities are endless in this fast growing community. Sherry Ruderman 360-540-1552 MLS# 1780005

Beautiful 1.71 acres of amazing recreational waterfront property.

Enjoy swimming, fishing, walking on the beach or just watching the wildlife.

Carla Fischer MLS# 1800415 360-982-0010

1564 h st rd., BlainE

$1,200,000

2xxx urBan aVEnuE, mount VErnon $600,000

44774 kaChEss trail #2C4, lakE tyEE

Eighty (80) acres with development potential of multiple building tracts.

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 home site/pasture land along the southwesterly edge of the property.

Shown by appointment.

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 MLS# 1568051

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. Property is located between Chicago Title Company easterly parking lot and Max Dale Restaurant’s south easterly parking area. Danya Wolf MLS# 1649968 360-708-8294

JoAnn Boudreau Patricia Box (360) 391-0746 Office Manager/Broker O: (360) 424-0300 C: (360) 941-9186

Juanita Bunch 360-941-5530

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

covered porch for relaxing before, after

WatErFront

$25,000

This location is a gem. Grab your fishing pole and/or putters & golf balls because just a few feet away is Trail 1 which goes down to miniature golf and the lake. This is a perfect spot for your trailer. Roll right in and set up for a relaxing time and a chance to unwind from the city. Lake Tyee offers a piece of tranquility in the N Cascades and amenities like fishing, hiking trails, pools, hot tubs, tennis, basketball, etc. $162/mo with 210 days/yr Sherry Ruderman usage. MLS# 1822187 360-540-1552

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086

John Hunter (360) 202-3086

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983

360.424.0300

or instead of work. Located in a desirable neighborhood,

close

to

schools,

shopping, medical and easy commute to I-5.

MLS# 1810956

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

17180 mEmorial hWy mount VErnon $415,000 44979 kaChEss trail, d3-a6, lakE tyEE $74,000

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

Russ Lanker (360) 708-1117

Sherry Ruderman (360) 540-1552

So unique in a gorgeous setting. This is the time of year to relax on your deck while smelling the aroma of dinner on the grill and enjoying the sound of the water feature. While you look over to the beautiful territorial hills, crack open your beverage and be grateful you found this perfect lot to begin your summer. Sherry Ruderman 360-540-1552 MLS# 1783232

Kim Schlimmer (360) 661-7670

Brett Tacker (360) 840-7931

Danya Wolf Designated Broker/ Owner (360) 708-8294

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 120487-1

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