Real Estate Weekly: February 24, 2023

THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS SELLERS SHOULD ASK THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENTS

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LISTEN TO THIS: BUYERS PROVIDE SELLING TIPS

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CLASSIFIEDS

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FEBRUARY 24, 2023

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.

Real Estate Stat

6.38%

The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remained stable at 6.38% as of Monday, February 20, 2023.

Source: Zillow.com

Hom eowner Tip: Insuring Your Valuables

Did you purchase or receive an expensive gift this holiday season? If so, you should contact your insurance agent about insuring your valuables.

Homeowner insurance policies typically cover personal property up to a certain dollar amount for things like furniture, clothing and other personal possessions. High-value items like jewelry, artwork, smart phones and computers will likely need extra coverage and should be listed on your policy

After the holidays are over it’s a good time to take a video inventory of your home and belongings. It takes about 10 minutes to walk through your home, video your things, narrate the video and for bigger ticket items, like electronics, point the camera at the make, model and serial numbers. Save the video in your email and share a copy with your insurance agent to save on file. Talk to your insurance agent for more ideas on how to keep your most valuable asset properly insured. - Source: Sally Johnson, The Elton Group of Country Financial

Great visibilit y commercial proper t y: plent y of parking; small storage building/garage (20’ x 24’) in back. Proper t y is set up for offices on main level with 1.5 baths; and basement *access (with washer dr yer hook up plus t wo additional rooms) *from both inside and outside. Second stor y offers t wo additional rooms, one with a sink. Just over 1/2 acre: .547 acre. MLS#2038424

Why advertising matters

No matter the size of your business, good and thoughtful promotion will always help you grow awareness about your brand, get in front of more serious prospective clients, and ultimately boost your revenue. Advertising has been shown to be worth the investment, and we’re taking a deeper dive into why it really matters and what you can do to spread the word about your business.

• It creates brand awareness.

• It provides credibility.

• It helps you reach potential clients.

• It drives lead generation.

• It produces more continuous business.

• It improves your digital presence.

• It encourages customer engagement.

• It keeps your consumers up to date.

• It leads to repeat business.

The bottom line? Advertising really works. It’s a key component to building your brand, growing your earnings, and maintaining a successful real estate business. Our marketing solutions can help you get lots more eyes on your business with targeted online advertising.

Let us help you meet your marketing goals by advertising your listings in Real Estate Weekly.

By Erik J. Martin CTW Features

There are a lot of moving parts involved with selling a home. And you may have to learn to be flexible and fluid, rolling with the changes and unexpected scenarios that inevitably arise when trying to close a deal with the buyer.

But one immovable aspect you should be able to count on as a sturdy anchor among the often turbulent waters of the home selling process is your real estate agent/Realtor. Which is why it’s crucial to choose this professional carefully and vet them properly.

“A good real estate agent or Realtor can help you get the most out of your sale, from properly pricing the home to helping you navigate the legal paperwork,” says Carter Crowley, co-owner and licensed Realtor for CB Home Solutions in Milwaukee.

“Asking the right questions of this agent can help you determine if he or she is a right fit for you.”

Additionally, the agent you select will be responsible for getting your deal closed, which is why it should be someone you can trust.

“Before forming a partnership with this profes-

sional, it’s essential to get to know them and their abilities by inquiring,” says Alex Capozzolo, co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate in Philadelphia. Here are some of the most critical questions to ask your agent candidate:

n What are your qualifications and experience? “This is important to ensure that your agent is knowledgeable about the local real estate market and has the necessary experience to help you sell your home efficiently,” adds Crowley.

n What are your marketing plans for selling my house? “Marketing your

home is one of the most crucial selling points in the process,” says Cam Dowski, founder of WeBuyHousesChicago. The agent should have a comprehensive strategy and plan for marketing your property, which should include the use of digital, print, and traditional marketing tactics along with a plan for open houses and other events to showcase your home.

n How do you determine a specific listing price? “Learn how they will come up with a particular listing price for your home. Understand how they can justify this price for your house, too,” Dowski

recommends.

n How many similar homes have you sold, and how quickly do you typically sell homes? “A reliable agent should be able to provide proof and stats of their performance to ensure they are capable enough to sell your home,” says Capozzolo.

n What is the commission? “Knowing the commission rate your agent charges is vital for understanding the total cost of the sale. Also, ask if the commission rate is negotiable and whether there are any additional fees or costs associated with their services,” explains Crowley.

continues.

n How do you handle negotiations with buyers?

“Negotiating with buyers is a crucial part of the home selling process. It’s important to pick an agent who is skilled at negotiating and able to get you the best price for your home, so ask about their negotiation strategy,” suggests Min Hwan Ahn, a real estate attorney in New York City.

n What happens if there is a disagreement? “The agent should be able to set professional boundaries and clear priorities.

Setting transparent communication is essential going forward,” Capozzolo

n Do you have references from past clients you can share? “Asking for references is a good way to get a sense of the agent’s reputation and how well they have served their clients in the past,” Ahn notes. “They can also give you an idea of the level of service you can expect from the agent.”

Unacceptable or red flag answers include any that are evasive, vague, or indicate a lack of experience or qualifications.

“For instance, if the agent is unable to explain how they will set the asking price or their commission structure, it could be a sign they are not the right fit for you,” Crowley cautions.

“Or, if the agent is not able to provide a comprehensive and detailed marketing plan, it could be an indication they are not experienced or qualified enough to handle the sale of your home.”

The most important questions sellers should ask their real estate agents

Shopping around for your mortgage

Question:

You often mention the need to shop around for a mortgage, and it seems logical, but is there any research that shows how much you can really save?

Answer:

There is, but let’s get to the research in a moment. There is a basic reason why mortgage shopping is important: It’s the biggest debt you’re likely to see during your life and any step you take to reduce that cost can significantly help your financial status. A $300,000 mortgage at 6.25% requires a monthly payment for principal and interest over 30 years of $1,847.15. If the rate is reduced to a flat 6% the monthly cost for the same loan is $1,798.65.

The difference between the two rates is $48.50 per month. However, this is not a one-time savings. Over a year it’s an extra $582 in your pocket. According to the National Association of Realtors, owners typically live in their homes for ten years as of 2022. So now that “little” .25% rate reduction means $5,820 over a decade.

If you think about these savings, you can see that they are understated. The reason? The money you

save with a lower interest rate is not reduced by state or federal income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.

Another important point about mortgage shopping is that the cost per hour is often very cheap. Put in a few hours of mortgage research and you may be able to save several thousand dollars. Okay, about that research.

In 2021 – when both home costs and mortgage rates were much lower than today – Freddie Mac looked into the savings made available by shopping around for a $250,000 mortgage. They came up with several interesting conclusions.

Freddie Mac found that “when it comes to mortgages, shopping around for a better rate could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Our research indicates that borrowers could save an average of $1,500 over the life of the loan by getting one additional rate quote and an average of about $3,000 for five quotes.”

The research showed that borrowers who obtained five offers would save, on average, $2,914 while the top 10 percent would save $3,904. Shopping around does not have to be a lengthy or

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

complicated process.

“This shopping,” said Freddie Mac, “can be as simple as doing an internet search, visiting one’s local bank, and of course, making a few phone calls.” One result of the mortgage meltdown from roughly 2007 through 2010 was the requirement that lenders had to show offers on a standardized form, the Loan Estimate (LE). The form outlines the lender’s offer and, if you get the loan, allows you to compare the estimate with actual closing costs.

The Loan Estimate lists in plain language the monthly cost for the loan, many expected closing costs, estimated total costs after five years, plus other information.

You can use a Loan Estimate to compare offers among various loan sources – and to find real mortgage savings. Speak with local loan officers about LE forms, they might actually want to go over them with you.

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

Listen to this: Buyers provide selling tips

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

Criticism can be hard to take.

But successful home sellers need to carefully weigh criticism over and over again.

After potential listing agents deliver their opinions, and after a stager points out cluttered or unappealing decorating, sellers still need to brace themselves for more –from potential buyers.

Now, when negotiating power is shifting from sellers to buyers, “it’s especially important for sellers to feedback, as this can help them understand what buyers are looking for and how their property compares to other homes on the market,” explains Andrew Cayne of Elite Properties, New York City.

Gathering feedback

Listing agents typically communicate with buyers’ agents, arranging tour times.

Afterwards, buyers’ agents may receive a questionnaire to describe their clients’ opinions. The best feedback is elicited from phone call, believes Jon Sanborn, a San Diego real estate agent and home flipper with SD House Guys.

CLASSIFIEDS RE-Weekly

RENTALS

Mobile Home Spaces

NE W TODA Y

Forewarning buyers

Some buyer complaints are easy to anticipate. If a window is cracked, for instance, it’s best to alert the agent before the tour and explain the seller is going to fix it, says Tarasa Hurley, Keller Williams Realty, Pittsburgh. Some critiques can’t be remedied, like a home near a busy street.

Making changes

If several complaints creep up about a relatively little thing - say the wall paint in a room - sellers will often mitigate the problem, says Maureen McDermut, of Sotheby’s International, Montecito, CA.

Some critiques can’t be easily changed, like a driveway shared with a neighboring property, says Hurley. In those cases, Hurley advises warning the buyer’s agent. That agent “will know how to present issues to their client in the most beneficial light. Every buyer is different and has different tastes and tolerances.”

Settling on a solution

Large shortcomings, like a worn, outdated kitchen, is a drawback buyers won’t miss. Then, a solution is negotiated between a serious buyer and the seller, such as offering a credit to replace cabinets and appliances.

2112 S 18th St, Mount Vernon, WA

$599,000

OPEN HOUSE

SAT, 2/25 12-2 PM

Beautifully maintained 1830 sq ft home with 3 bedrooms & 2 baths! 2 car garage. Formal living room with bay window & cathedral ceilings. Cozy family room w/ granite surround fireplace. Kitchen has granite counter tops & tile floors. Forced air gas furnace with A/C. Fully landscaped yard, fenced back yard has patio & shed. Great Mount Vernon Hill location close to freeway, schools, & hiking trails.

MLS #2037643

Geri Cole, Realtor 360-391-1614

Windermere Real Estate/ Skagit Valley

Seeking dependable, experienced, home and property maintenance person for long term RV SPACE RENT. Whatcom/Skagit County line

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FBI background check and references required.

3710 MoHawk Court, Mount Vernon $775,000

Proper ty is beautifully unique; there is no close comparison. Spec tacular views from most ever y room in this unique Dan Estabrook built custom 4,000 sq.ft home: amazing attributes throughout; outstanding kitchen features Thermador

Professional range w/ex tra burners and griddle; oak cabinetr y; generously sized closets

4 bedrooms, den plus amazing, spacious office separate from the main par t of the home. Air conditioning. High-speed internet. Built-in Bose speakers and stereo. Lg utility room w/deep sink. 960 sq.ft garage. Situated on .65 acre MLS#1975189

Street, Mount Vernon $199,000

24017 trInIt y lane, Sedro-woolle y $935,000

Conveniently located corner building lot with available utilities. Build your dream home in this neighborhood that is close to schools, Hillcrest Park, and the 18th Street Water Park. Easy access to I-5, shopping, and medical facilities.

There are so many investment possibilities with this home and proper ty. Classic 4 bed/2.5 bath farmhouse style 2560 sq.ft. home with east facing deck on 1.7 acres Home offers kitchen w/island and ceramic tile floors, office, bonus room, mud/laundr y room, living room with propane fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and beautiful laminate over hardwood floors. Studio cottage has own kitchen and bath. Proper ty also features a 16,000+ sq.ft. pole building/ barn with office space, shop, and room for RV storage. Potentially 5K in rental income each month from the cottage, barn, and RV storage.

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2XXX

aVenue, Mount Vernon $600,000

Prime commercial proper ty with utilities in street, including P.U.D. water, Puget Sound Energy elec tricity; Cascade Natural Gas, fiber optics; cable; and sewer. Subjec t To sur vey and shor t plat. Proper ty is located between Chicago Title Company easterly parking lot and Max Dale Restaurant’s south easterly parking area. MLS# 1649968

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

Ideally located level building lot with available utilities

Zoning allows for a 2-4 unit multi-family build Build your dream home or an incomeproducing investment proper ty. Close to schools, Hillcrest Park, and the 18th Street Water Park

Easy access to I-5, shopping, and medical facilities

nookaCHaMP HIllS drIVe lot 136, Mount Vernon $235,000 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 nex t to proper ty

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commer cial

Custom build your commercial enterprise:

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MLS#2009122

Located just outside the Mount Vernon City limits, this wooded 1 acre plus lot could be a building site for a stick built, modular, or manufac tured home, with plenty of room. Trac t has been sur veyed and wetlands have been delineated Power and PUD water are available at the street. Perc test per formed/3 bed septic possible, permit#SW22-0073

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MLS#1970452

MLS#2099943

wHalen drIVe, PoInt robertS $250,000

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MLS# 1863417

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

20787 bulSon rd, Stanwood $339,000 Beautiful wooded 4.98 acres situated on south side of Snohomish County/ Skagit County line Power is in street. Solar power is also possible Adjacent proper ty to the east of Subjec t Proper ty is fenced, open field Zoning allows for one building site Stanwood-Camano School Distric t; and just ten minutes to I-5. Great countr y living yet convenient for commuting MLS# 1841822 Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

MLS#1861233

MLS#1931436 Patricia box (360) 941-9186

4302 aPaCHe drIVe, Mount Vernon NEW PRICE!

Welcome home to this beautifully appointed 3 Bed/2.75 Bath NW contemporar y home with upscale touches. Living room has vaulted, beamed ceiling & lg windows providing lots of natural light. Dining room has a window seat and sliding doors to the covered brick patio. The kitchen has a breakfast room, window seat, SS appliances, granite counters, and so many cupboards & ex tra counter space for all your enter taining needs Primar y & 3rd bedrooms both have access to Trex deck overlooking landscaped backyard & concrete patio. Primar y also offers en suite bath w/shower, vanity w/ex tra storage & counter space & walk-in closet. Upstairs bedrm/bonus room, w/walk-in closet, bathroom, & tons of storage Lg 2- car garage w/ex tra space, all on 1/3 of an acre. MLS#2008624

Designated Broker/Owner (360) 708-8294

CRS/CBA/GREEN

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

$620,000

kato lane, Mount Vernon $149,000

MLS#1880982

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086

MLS#2029949 Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983 Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

nHn S. 15tH

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

MLS#2028784

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

PATRICIA BOX BUYER’S AGENT (360) 941-9186

Suzanne Jenkins (360) 941-2983 CRS/SRES

Elva Hunter (360) 202-3086 CRS/SRES

Carla Fischer (360) 982-0010 CRS/SRES

Danya Wolf

1 MountaIn VIew rd, Mount Vernon $115,000

Danya Wolf (360) 708-8294

urban