Real Estate Weekly: November 4, 2022

INSIDE

This Issue HOW TO DEAL WITH NUISANCE NEIGHBORS PAGE 5 HOME BUYERS, OWNERS FACE COLD TRUTHS PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

INSIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

5

How to deal with nuisance neighbors .....................P5 Q&A

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

Home buyers, owners face cold truths....................P7 Classfieds...............................................................................P7

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Nov. 4, 2022

STAT Real Estate Stat

266% The increase in number of new home listings above $1 million in September 2022 compared with September 2021.

Source: Independence Title Co. 2022

20202 CAVANAUGH COURT, MOUNT VERNON

$950,000

WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE / SKAGIT VALLEY 360-424-4901 • WindermereSkagit.com

LINDA EASTMAN 360-202-4075

5.40 ACRES with a beautiful custom built one level home in a private development.

2,937 sq. ft. of quality construction offering a spacious designer kitchen, 2 full baths, 3 lg. bedrooms w/plenty of closet space, wide hallways, air conditioning, 10’ ceilings throughout w/vaulted in the living room.

A 1,300 sq. ft. full length deck w/gazebo & hot tub w/access off the Living Room & master suite. Property is fully fenced with a chicken coop, barn w/loafing area and 3 stalls. 3 car gar & stairs leading to plenty of overhead storage. RV parking w/30-amp power, generator w/transfer switch. Public recreational land abuts the SW corner of the acreage, great for hiking, riding horses or your favorite outdoor activities.

MLS #2004201 294737-1

Nov. 4, 2022

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w l h w t W b i Y

4 b w p a Nov. 4, 2022

risk of litigation, potential ostracization from other neighbors, and reputational risk from negative online postings and bad word-ofmouth.”

Noll’s recipe for resolution starts with trying to have a thoughtful conversation with your neighbor.

“This can be difficult for people with limited emotional intelligence and high emotional reactivity and those who lack training in communication, negotiation, problem-solving, or mediation,” he says. “My specific advice is to learn how to listen without arguing. There are four levels of reflective listening, and all should be utilized in a difficult conversation with a neighbor. These include mirroring, paraphrasing, core messaging, and affectlabeling.”

Donald Shurts, a Realtor with Keller Williams Advisors Realty in Beavercreek, Ohio, recommends phoning your neighbor and asking to set a date and time to have a conversation.

“When you meet, don’t directly accuse them of something. Rather, let them know how the issue has been bothering you. property, building code is to work toward finding Make sure to offer a sugenforcement issues, and a resolution rather than gestion that allows you to nuisances like abandoned solve the issue together,” letting the disagreement cars or placing junk in the advises Shurts. fester,” he says. front yard,” Noll explains.

Doug Noll, a lawyer, Finding a compromise He says the benefits of professional mediator, and should be your main attempting to settle an author of the book “Deobjective versus forcing issue civilly and calmly are your neighbor to drastiEscalate: How to Calm numerous. an Angry Person in 90 cally alter their way of life, “The goal is to establish a “unless they are engaging Seconds or Less”, agrees.

“As our society slides into good and peaceful relation- in exceptionally severe or ship with your neighbor, incivility, neighbor conunlawful behavior,” says flicts are more prevalent to- reduce stress, and foster Dino DiNenna, broker/Reday. Disputes arise around a cooperative and collabaltor for Southern Lifestyle orative neighborhood. The Properties in Hilton Head, loud behaviors, barking dogs, fences erected in the risks of not trying to work South Carolina. “The things out peacefully are wrong places, trees overbest method to aim for a hanging onto a neighbor’s increased stress and anxiety, compromise that strikes a

How to deal with nuisance neighbors

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features Got a guy next door whose lawn looks more like a cornfield? Does the house across the street host wild parties every weekend that make sleep impossible?

Wish you lived on another block because of your painin-the-keister neighbors?

You’re not alone.

One study found that 40% of Americans have been involved in a conflict with their neighbors, with parking issues, loud noises, and other disputes among Nov. 4, 2022

the most common complaints. In fact, research shows that 13% of Americans have contacted the police to resolve an issue with their neighbors, according to Boyd Rudy, associate broker with Dwellings Michigan in Plymouth, Michigan.

“It seems that neighbor disputes have become more commonplace in recent years. As a homeowner, it’s often inevitable that at some point you’ll experience conflicts with others on your block. But the key

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balance.”

Additionally, try to put yourself in your neighbor’s shoes and have empathy for them if there are any extenuating circumstances involved. For example, perhaps they were recently robbed, which caused them to get a dog – the one whose bark is driving you crazy.

If things can’t be worked out, perhaps it’s time to consult your municipality, possibly the police department, to ask for resolution assistance.

“There are often local legal avenues available for resolving neighbor disputes, such as filing a complaint with your local government or taking the matter to small claims court,” advises Rudy.

Alternatively, work to get the dispute resolved via a community mediation center for resolution. Search online for such organizations in your area and find out what’s involved.

If you live in a homeowners/condo association, try consulting your HOA board and ask them to send the neighbor a standard letter citing any ordinances or bylaws they may be violating, Shurts adds.

If all else fails, and you believe the complaint warrants going to the next step, ponder enlisting an attorney. Your lawyer can, for example, write and send your neighbor a letter asking them to cease and desist their activity/behavior.

If necessary, you may need to threaten litigation or sue your neighbor, although be prepared to pay steep legal fees and possibly lose the case.

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Student loan forgiveness and mortgages Question:

I left college with a lot of student debt. I’d like to buy a house. Will the new government plan to reduce student debt help me get a mortgage?

Answer:

The Biden Administration announced in August that many of those with student debt would be eligible for principal reductions.

“The U.S. Department of Education,” said the government, “will provide up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the Department of Education and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to nonPell Grant recipients. Borrowers are eligible for this relief if their individual income is less than $125,000 or $250,000 for households.”

The program will have a substantial impact across the country. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York estimates that $1.59 trillion in student debt was outstanding as of midsummer. Under the government plan, $430 billion will be canceled and roughly 24 million borrowers will be helped.

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I used an online student loan calculator to see how much $20,000 in student financing would cost over 10 years. The answer, with an annual percentage rate above 9%, was as much as $255 per month.

This number is important because it represents an ongoing monthly cost for debt.

Good things can happen with a mortgage application if you owe $255 less per month.

One of the most important lending guidelines concerns the debt-to-income ratio.

It compares certain monthly costs with gross monthly income – the income you earn before taxes.

FHA loans, for example, have two DTI measures – a 31% “front” ratio and a 43% “back” ratio. The front ratio looks at housing costs such as mortgage principal, mortgage interest, property taxes, and property insurance. The back ratio includes housing costs plus such expenses as payments for auto loans, credit cards, and student debt.

If the Smiths have a household income of $8,500 a month, then, under FHA guidelines,

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Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

the 31% front ratio equals $2,635 while the 43% back ratio equals $3,655.

Student loan forgiveness does not directly impact the front ratio because it’s not a housing cost. It does, however, impact the back ratio. If a borrower can reduce monthly debt costs for student loans by $255 that makes it much easier to qualify for mortgage financing.

In practice, many borrowers are able to qualify with higher DTI ratios through the use of “compensating factors” such as strong credit scores or big savings.

However, keeping debt levels low is a good financial policy, not only because it will be much easier to qualify for mortgage financing, but because dollars not needed for debt payments can be used for other purposes. And if income declines, then owing less each month can help keep household finances afloat.

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

Nov. 4, 2022

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CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

RENTALS

Land, Acreage, Lots

Apartments Unfurnished

NEW TODAY

SKYRIDGE LOT NHN Olympic Place Mount Vernon $314,750 MLS #: 1994254

Home buyers, owners face cold truths

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features It’s going to be a cold winter.

That forecast isn’t from the National Weather Service, and it concerns temperatures indoors, not out.

Homeowners will likely be turning their thermostats down and donning sweaters in the 2022-2023 winter, since the National Energy Assistance Directors Association {NEADA} estimates the average cost of home heating will jump an average of 17.2 percent from last winter.

Whether a home is heated by a gas or electric furnace, prices will likely rise. But the rise for gas heating will average 34.3 percent higher than last year, while the NEADA predicts electric to increase 6.9 percent, on average nationally.

Rising natural gas prices are responsible for both electric and gas price jumps since gas is often used to power electric utilities.

Cooling costs this summer were already elevated due to higher electricity costs.

Home buyers in lower and mid-price ranges have taken notice, and are asking sellers to present utility costs, says Amanda Zachman, executive director of MV Nov. 4, 2022

Realty, Delray Beach, FL. Because “rising interest rates will affect the monthly costs of buyers,” says Zachman, “I expect buyers above the $500,000 price point to start paying more attention.”

Sellers of homes with good insulation and efficient air conditioners and furnaces are showcasing these features in their marketing, she adds.

Current homeowners who are worried that a big utility bill could knock their monthly budgets off kilter, should contact their local utility office, advises Mark Wolfe, executive director of the NEADA. Most utilities offer a “budget” billing plan, whereby homeowners pay one set monthly amount, based upon the monthly average bill over the course of the year.

Homeowners with a gas furnace, for example, would pay a higher gas bill during the summer months, but a smaller one during winter, since the summer bills pull down the monthly average cost.

A federal program, the “Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program,” or LIHEAP provides financial assistance to qualifying low-income households, Wolfe adds.

Go to https://liheapch.acf.hhs.gov/search-tool/ for more information.

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Your chance to grab one of the last lots in Skyridge! Develop and build your hillside dream home in the trees! Power and water are at the street. This 1 acre parcel is waiting for your vision.

NEW TODAY Alpine Ridge Retirement Apartments in Mount Vernon is accepting applications for 2 bedroom apartments. Income limits apply.

360-424-9622 for more info.

Houses for Rent -Unfurnished

NEW TODAY

Jenn Eddleman, REALTOR Windermere RE / Skagit Valley call/text: 360-333-4048 jenneddleman@ windermere.com

Unique one bedroom cabin in Warm Beach, with privacy, 3/4 bath, laundry, courtyard. $1295/month, includes utilities.

(360) 929-6178

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4302 ApAche Drive, Mount vernon

$650,000

Welcome home to this beautifully appointed NW contemporary home with upscale touches yet it feels inviting. The fabulous sky painting on the vaulted, beamed ceiling in the living room is just one of many artistic features in this home. The dining room has a window seat and two sliding doors to access the covered brick patio. The kitchen has a breakfast room, a window seat, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and so many cupboards and extra counter space for all your entertaining needs. Primary bedroom has private access to the beautiful trex deck overlooking the landscaped backyard and concrete patio. The primary bedroom also offers an en suite bath with, a shower, and vanity with extra storage & counter space, and a walk-in closet. Upstairs there is a bonus room/office/guest bedroom, with walk-in closet and a bathroom, with tons of storage. Large Patricia Box Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 Buyer’s Agent 2-car garage with extra space, all sitting on 1/3 of acre. MLS#20007767 (360) 941-9186

1226 Alpine view Drive, eAgleMont

$820,000

NookaCHamPS HillS DriVe lot136,mouNtVerNoN $235,000

Stunning contemporary home with an amazing two-story foyer that provides the‘wow’factor upon entry. This home has it all, formal dining and eat-in space in the kitchen, fabulous acacia floors; even the conveniently appointed kitchen has a view. Glass blocks in the owner’s primary suite bath; enhances the beauty and enjoyment yet allows for privacy. The owner’s suite bath also offers a jetted tub, separate shower; dual sink vanity with plenty of counter space and storage. Moving into the suite there is also a walk-in closet, a sliding door to the covered patio, plush carpet, and a truly remarkable high ceiling. Both the living and family room feature a natural gas fireplace with an Danya Wolf elegant mantel and large windows to take in the territorial view. MLS#2007767 (360) 708-8294

Ready to Build with power, water, sewer and natural gas in the street. Build your dream home in Nookachamp Hills, a desirable community in the foothills near Big Lake. Enjoy walking/biking the trails and swimming/fishing in the community’s small private lake/ pond. Trail leading to pond/lake next to property.

Suzanne Jenkins Carla Fischer MLS#1970452 (360) 941-2983 (360) 982-0010

1919 e HigHlaND aVe, mouNt VerNoN $420,000 Three bedroom, 1 bath rambler has a large 2-tier deck with built-in bench seating and a backyard that would be wonderful for entertaining. New roof this year, extra storage above garage, and fenced back yard on a nice low-traffic street. Great location close to schools, shopping, hospital, and easy access to 1-5.

Danya Wolf Carla Fischer (360) 708-8294 (360) 982-0010 MLS#1995422

104 N HawtHorNe St, BurliNgtoN $389,000

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

JoAnn Boudreau (360) 391-0746

Juanita Bunch (360) 941-5530

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

4317 VILLAGE ROAD, STANWOOD

5 aCreS Classic 1920s farmhouse with 1368 sq. ft, 2 beds/1 bath, and den. Beautiful woodwork and floors throughout the home, including many built-ins; please take note of the shelves in the den. Home sits on peaceful, mostly pastured 5 acres with outbuildings (a barn and a storage building). A large, covered front porch and a two-tier deck on the west side of the home enhance your enjoyment of the outdoors; the back door deck is covered and offers built-in seating. Gated drive. Fruit trees, grape vines, and a garden area enhance this peaceful homestead. Fenced on three sides with the fourth side being the road.

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 MLS#2004946

110 ClaremoNt PlaCe, mouNt VerNoN

2121 MARkET STREET, MOuNT VERNON

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983

360.424.0300

$449,000

$279,000

cOMMERcIAL Custom build your commercial enterprise: 13,361 square foot commercial tract (two lots) zoned C-2. Great location near recreation center; major grocery store; hotel; restaurants; offices; health club; house and farm supply stores; gas stations; banks; and I-5.

Water, Cascade Natural Gas, Puget Sound Energy, City sewer, and Comcast are all in Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 the street. MLS#2009122

NEW PRIcE

John Hunter (360) 202-3086

reDuCeD $50,000

Classic 1965, 4 bedroom/3.5 bath home one block east of Skagit Valley Hospital. Billiard room, bonus room and two sinks in basement. Also, near medical facilities, schools, and Hillcrest Park. The outdoor patio is next to a brick barbecue.

There is also a covered patio. This classic beauty has many favorite mid-century modern features; vaulted wood beamed ceilings, slate entry, extensive built-ins, and a lovely stone fireplace in the daylight basement.

The workshop in the far corner of the large, enclosed backyard is wired for power tools.

Danya Wolf MLS#1981154 (360) 708-8294

This cozy 2 bedroom Burlington home needs some work but has lots of personality: beautiful pergola to welcome you home; ample cabinets and counter space in the step-down kitchen, bath has a farmhouse style sink and plenty of room for a stacking washer/ dryer; off-street parking and awesome trees and shrubs.

Covered concrete patio. Private yet in town and close to Maiben Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294 Park. MLS#2001713

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086

$650,000

Phil LaMay (360) 840-3086

Russ Lanker (360) 708-1117

Brett Tacker (360) 840-7931

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

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon www.skagittraditionrealty.com 296376-1

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