Real Estate Weekly, August 27, 2021

INSIDE

This Issue NEXT-DOOR NUISANCE HOW TO HANDLE DIFFICULT NEIGHBORS PAGE 5

THE PROS AND CONS OF DIFFERENT MORTGAGE LENDERS PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

AUG. 27 SEPT. 2, 2021

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

5

Next-door nuisance How to handle difficult neighbors ........................P5 Q&A Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P6

The Pros And Cons of Different Mortgage Lenders.........................................................P7 Classifieds............................................................................P7

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August 27, 2021

STAT Real Estate Stat

43% The percentage of homes sold in July 2021 that were in the range of $250,000 to $500,000. This is the highest percentage among all price ranges.

Source: National Association of Realtors

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

Feature Home From cover:

525 East College Way, Ste J, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

5674 SWIFT CREEK DRIVE, MOUNT VERNON

Tel. 360-416-4902

www.npsar.realtor

$525,000

SPEAK UP - STOP DISCRIMINATION Washington Law Against Discrimination protects people from negative housing actions that occur because of their protected class. In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on a protected class: •

Refuse to engage in a real estate transaction

•

Refuse to negotiate for housing

•

Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling

•

Provide different housing services or facilities

•

Make housing unavailable or otherwise deny a dwelling

•

For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on a protected class Read more at: https://www.hum.wa.gov/fair-housing

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

Windermere real estate/anacortes P Properties 3018 commercial ave.

Anacortes,WA • 360-293-8008 www.anacortesrealestate.com

REBECCA CHAMBERLAIN 360-421-5021

Cute as can be & in the perfect location.

Well cared for 3 bdrm 2.5 ba in Skagit Highlands. Move in ready! The open layout is so inviting & comfortable with the living room, kitchen & dining room all together.

The kitchen has stainless appliances with a new dishwasher, stove & refrigerator & custom tile backsplash. Upstairs has a loft area that would make a great media area or office in addition to the 3 bedrooms.

The primary suite is huge (17x17) and has an en suite with two vanity areas, a large soaking tub & separate shower. The walk in closet is what we all dream of . The yard is beautifully landscaped & the back yard backs up to a wooded area that is private & serene. Located on a corner lot with sidewalks, 7 parks & walking trails.

MLS# 1827380 112590-1

August 27, 2021

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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.

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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y w w r i o b m

d g s o S i August 27, 2021

“Conflicts like these are often stressful, but they also provide opportunities to strengthen communication skills between neighbors if handled appropriately,” explains Terra Gross, an Evanston, Illinois-based attorney.

“Prompt communication and maintaining a good sense of humor will go a long way toward keeping everything in perspective and ironing out problems. But thornier situations like suspected drug dealing, online harassment, or neighbors who report suspected robberies when homeowners are unlocking their own front doors may necessitate professional dispute resolution from a thirdparty mediator or lawyer.”

The most serious and problematic disputes Schorr deals with concern boundary disagreements or shared usage arguments. These problems typically arise when one neighbor either intentionally or unintentionally uses a portion of their adjacent neighbor’s property for some particular use – such as building a driveway or erecting a fence over a tionship with a neighbor can was the best policy, but we monly deals with neighbor property line. learned that you really have deteriorate. Her husband, and boundary disputes.

“The right way to settle a The closer you live to your who is in charge of the local to take the time to consider dispute with a neighbor is your best options if you care to work out a deal that both neighborhood council, was neighbor, the greater the receiving several complaints about maintaining the chance of a problem. neighbors can live with. The relationship,” she says. “I rec- wrong way is to ignore the from fellow residents about “A neighbor can become the unkempt lawn of Ceder- ommend choosing a solution law and refused to recognize your best friend or your that best fits the person, not the other party’s rights,” holm’s neighbor across the worst enemy,” cautions necessarily the problem.” street. She tried politely to Atlanta-based attorney and adds Schorr. “For example, Other classic problems bring up the problem with Realtor Bruce Ailion, who the wrong way for an owner notes that he’s observed more that negligent neighbor dur- that can arise include canlearning that their neighbor nabis smoke wafting across frequent stories in the media ing their routine morning may have prescriptive rights walk together two years ago. property lines, invasive plants would be to simply erect a recently about neighbors crossing fences, water drain- wall or fence to deny the “Overall, it did not go murdering neighbors over well. Our friendship basically ing onto another lot, large relatively petty quarrels. neighbor access. Such acended after that because she’s gatherings that spread noise tion will inevitably lead to a Lexi Cederholm, a homeowner in the northern an extremely sensitive person and light indiscriminately, lawsuit and perhaps a court and any condition suspected order requiring the wall to and couldn’t take the heat. suburbs of Chicago, can of inviting vermin. be removed. It’s far better to testify to how rapidly a rela- We thought that honesty

Next-door nuisance How to handle difficult neighbors

By Erik J. Martin f you own a home, you likely have block mates: nearby neighbors whom you probably cross paths with or talk to on a somewhat regular basis. But those run-ins can quickly turn sour if and when you two disagree on some matter. And on-theblock squabbles can happen more often than you think.

“We very often see disputes among neighbors regarding fencing, boundary issues, maintenance issues, and overall noise,” says Zachary Schorr, a real estate attorney in Los Angeles who com-

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August 27, 2021

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deal with the issue head-on rather than through overt and aggressive action.”

The worst option of all is to threaten or act in a violent or harassing way toward a neighbor.

“You don’t want to take matters into your own hands or use intimidation or violence. If you want to fight, let an attorney fight for you,” says Ailion.

Of course, legal representation is costly; Ailion notes that most good attorneys require a $5,000 or greater retainer and charge at least $250 per hour. And most court cases will not result in attorney fees being awarded, so it’s easy to spend more to win your case than you hope to collect.

“It needs to be a very serious matter to justify going to court with an attorney,” he adds.

A better alternative, if you can’t work things out with your neighbor directly, is to consider filing a suit in small claims court where you can represent yourself.

“These likely have a cap of $5,000 to $20,000 in damages,” Ailion says.

If quality of life, health, or safety are truly at risk, and multiple attempts at communication have failed, initiating a lawsuit may be your only path to resolution.

“Talk with a lawyer about whether you can signal your intent to litigate before filing suit – for example, by sending a professionally crafted demand letter via certified mail or having a conflict resolution program call the neighbor to broach the possibility of mediation,” recommends Gross.

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The most valuable home improvements to invest in Question:

We have been able to save a substantial amount during the pandemic. We would now like to spend some of that money improving our home. What are the improvements most likely to increase the value of our property?

Answer:

In May, Zonda Media (previously Hanley Wood) released its 34th annual Cost vs.

Value Report.

“The three exterior projects with the highest recoup on investment,” said the company, “are garage door replacement (94%), manufactured stone veneer installation (92%), and siding replacement with fiber-cement material (69%).”

Notice that the projects with the best returns were all exterior renovations.

“The trend of exterior replacements outperforming larger discretionary remodeling projects has been accelerated, no doubt, by a year in which COVID has

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made people reluctant to have contractors inside their homes, but wanting to improve outdoor spaces,” said Clayton DeKorne, Editor-in-Chief of REMODELING and JLC magazines. “Exterior facade facelifts improve the curb appeal and makes a great first impression as buyers approach the home.”

While the question of money is certainly important when considering renovations, there are several other issues to review.

First, you have to ask why you’re making the renovation. If the goal is to get a higher selling price, then you might prefer one improvement over another. However, if you want to renovate because you expect to live in the property for a long time, then personal preferences will likely drive your choices.

Second, the most attractive renovations in Minnesota might differ from those in Arizona. Keep local preferences in mind if the goal is to sell the property in the short term.

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Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

Third, avoid highly personalized renovations that limit your potential market.

Fourth, if you intend to renovate and sell, then it’s best to speak with local real estate brokers regarding trends in your neighborhood.

Check is days on the market. According to the National Association of Realtors, “properties typically remained on the market for 17 days in May, unchanged from April and down from 26 days in May 2020.

Eighty-nine percent of the homes sold in May 2021 were on the market for less than a month.”

If your local market is hot, if you see quick sales and lots of bidding wars, then maybe all you need are small touch-ups to maximize sale potential rather than major renovations. This will save you money and allow the incoming owners to remodel the home as they like.

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

August 27, 2021

Real Estate Weekly

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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Land, Acreage, Lots 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

RENTALS Houses for Rent -Unfurnished

NEW TODAY

The Pros And Cons of Different Mortgage Lenders

By Marilyn Kennedy tion where they might have their checking Melia or savings account, but instead turned e no longer have to “nonbank’ lending to visit companies with names a physical store to like ‘Quicken Loans’ buy everything from and ‘LoanDepot’, groceries to a new car, according to industry so why would we look research firm, Inside for a mortgage at a Mortgage Finance. neighborhood bank or That’s a record share credit union? for these nonbank In fact, in 2020, lenders, but it’s a conthe majority of mort- tinuation of a trend gage seekers -- 68.1 that’s been building percent – didn’t tap since the financial a financial institucrisis of 2008-2009,

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August 27, 2021

when banks tightened some of their criteria for granting loans.

Since then, nonbanks took on more of the FHA/VA lending. And, while banks and other types of financial institutions have offerings for borrowers to apply online, the large nonbank mortgage providers have specialized in easy online access.

Independent mortgage brokers, who often have a physical

office, also can connect a borrower with a mortgage from a nonbank, so named because they don’t take deposits from customers.

While traditional financial institutions overall have stricter criteria on ensuring a borrower can safely repay his loan, some mortgage seekers can find approval from a local banker, says Ron Haynie of the Independent Community

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Bankers of America.

For instance, if a home is unique, a community institution can be better equipped to appraise it, since they’re more intimately familiar with the local market values.

Similarly, says Haynie: “If someone has multiple sources of income, including a full-time job and a part-time business that’s mostly cash and difficult to document,

2 bedroom Lyman, 1 bath, large kitchen, large living room, laundry room, large front yard, large front porch, $1500 first, last, $1,000 deposit. (360)-7702137.

and has a relationship with his local bank, they will be more comfortable [granting the loan].”

Another local advantage, adds Jim Whatley, of Uber Realty, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is the ability to drop in and talk with the loan originator if any problem arises that could derail a home sale.

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1308 AlpinE ViEW driVE MoUnt VErnon

SO

LD

$819,000 000

Fabulous Custom Craftsman Home ome in beautiful fairway! Open Eaglemont Community,, on the 13th fair pen eilings, gorgeous cust living & dining w/soaring ceilings geous custom ood floors floors, gas fireplace surrounded surr mill work, hardwood by abinets. EEntertain lar deck built-in cabinets. tain on your large ing the fairway & view to Mount Baker. Spacious overlooking e/den with shelving & desk ready r office/den to start your day. A st & warming, GGourmet chefs kitchen chen w/ 6 burner gas stove double wall o plus microwave, large granite island all oven & count ounters, pantry & laundry on main fl. Deluxe owner suit master bath w/heated fl. walk-in shower & Calif suite, style closet, jetted tub. Downstairs makes for perfect MIL 2 bedrooms full bath, family room with bookshelves & TV, granite counter & wine cooler, enjoy your John Hunter Elva Hunter outside patio. MLS#1795702 (360) 202-3086 (360) 202-3086

2xxx uRBan avenue, Mount veRnon $600,000

24229 WickEr rd., SEdro-WoollEy

0

0 0 , 5

7 8 $

819 n 18tH, Mount veRnon

$549,900

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

41546 SoutH Skagit HigHway, Finney CReek

$80,000

OPEN HOUSE Saturday, August 28, 11am-2pm

1203 E SEction St, Mt VErnon

schools and medical. This home features

bedrooms plus a bonus room! Open

convert back to a 2-car garage). Plenty of parking, nice size yard with mature landscaping.

MLS# 1811049

floor plan, spacious kitchen, 3.5 baths, recessed lighting and skylights. Spacious

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

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

Juanita Bunch 360-941-5530

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

covered porch for relaxing before, after

wateRFRont

or instead of work. Located in a desirable

Beautiful 1.71 acres of amazing recreational waterfront property. Enjoy swimming, walking on the beach or just watching the wildlife.

Carla Fischer MLS# 1800415 360-982-0010

neighborhood,

close

to

schools,

shopping, medical and easy commute to I-5.

MLS# 1810956

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

$499,900

60102 StAtE roUtE 20, MArBlEMoUnt $777,000

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.

MLS# 1780005 Call Sherry with any Sherry Ruderman Carla Fischer questions.

360-982-0010 360-540-1552

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.

Danya Wolf Sherry Ruderman MLS# 1757641 360-708-8294 360-540-1552

118 E orAnGE AVE, BUrlinGton

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

JoAnn Boudreau (360) 391-0746

$599,900

Contemporary 2 story home offers 7

bonus bedrooms in the garage (easily

$1,200,000

Cozy home with 1 bed and ¾ bath on a 1/3 acre lot. A work in progressthere has been some updating and remodeling. Roof new in 2017.

Foundation new in 2009. Extended foundation on front of home is ready for your expansion plans. Tankless water heater. Gas free-standing stove, gas range. Original Fir floors, some newer laminate flooring in kitchen.

The ½ bath in outbuilding opens possibilities for guest cottage or hobby room.

Carla Fischer Patricia Box 360-982-0010 C: (360) 941-9186 MLS#1828933 BUYER’S AGENT

Home on the hill, close to shopping, 6 bedrooms and 2 baths with 2 additional

1564 H St Rd., Blaine

$250,000

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086

John Hunter (360) 202-3086

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983

360.424.0300

Russ Lanker (360) 708-1117

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 120490-1

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