RE-Weekly 10/27/17

RE-Weekly.com REAL ESTATE IN SKAGIT, ISLAND AND WHATCOM COUNTIES

INSIDE

This Issue This Issue

HOMEOWNERSHIP LET’S GROW SEENTOGETHER AS A LITTLE OLD LESS EXCITING P. 4 COME TAX DAY P. 4 Q & A:

Ask Our

Q & A: ASK OUR Broker BROKER P.P.85

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, OCT. 28th 1-3PM FEATURE HOME:

SEE PAGE 3 FOR MORE

702 HONEYSUCKLE DRIVE, MOUNT VERNON Charlie & Jeannie Boon

$399,950 360-708-9645

SMARTBUYERS WAYS TO USE A REVERSE ENERGIZED BY MORTGAGE UTILITY COSTS P.P.98 CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds P. 10-11

P. 10 -11

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American

OCT2727-Nov 2,2017 2017 OCT. - NOV. 3,

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RE/MAX Territory NW

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Re-Weekly content sponsored by: Northwest Fine Furnishings

TABLE OF CONTENTS Let’s grow old together........................... P. 4 Q & A: Ask our Broker.............................. P. 8 Buyers energized by utility costs .......... P. 9

INSIDE

Classifieds.........................................P. 10-11

9

RE-Weekly.com

Bedroom sets, rocking chairs, nesting tables, swivel bar chairs, custom sofas, raven, crow, and Buddha garden art and local map coasters!!

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SKAGIT PUBLISHING

To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2016 by Skagit Publishing LLC | 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

BURLINGTON

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

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MOUNT VERNON

320 S Burlington Blvd Burlington, WA 98233 (360) 755-9494

Territory NW

PAGE

2025 Riverside Drive, Suite D Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (360) 755-9596

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com

ED UC ED R ICE PR

OPEN HOUSE SAT. OCT. 28th 1-3PM 17075 Lake view BLvd, MOUNT verNON

OPEN HOUSE SAT. OCT. 28th 10-1PM

$369,000

Dir: From SR 9, turn on West Big Lake Boulevard, then immediately on Lake View Blvd.

Big Lake view home with 2nd lot included. Unobstructed views.

Open floor plan with huge windows. Gas stone fireplace, laminate & bamboo floors. Open kitchen. Jetted tub in master. Trellised deck & large private fenced back yard with patio. MLS #1097818

GreeNLeaf aveNUe, 1100, BUrLiNGTON

$449,900

Dir: I-5 exit 230, East on Rio Vista, Left on Spruce, 2nd Right on Greenleaf Custom thru-out, absolute must see. Elevator to 2nd floor.

Spa finishes in en suite include heated tiles, soaker tub.

Gym/shop & studio. Mature landscaping w/ Koi Pond. Very secluded w/security cameras/lighting. MLS #1208939

Call elizabeth, 708-8800

CONCreTe

$109,000

Nice and Tidy with updated Kitchen. 4 Bd/2 Ba w/1,464 SF. Double Lot, Beautiful Treed, level and peaceful. Water feature and fire pit. MLS #1208489

Call elizabeth, 708-8800

Call Laura, 441-5099

BUrLiNGTON

$299,000

Huge one level handicap accessible building ready for your interior remodel. Plan available for 2,544 SF home with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 3 offices plus an 840 SF mother in law unit. Home based business opportunities are numerous. MLS #1186527

sedrO-wOOLLey

$299,900

3 Bedroom Rambler on over ½ acre lot with beautiful mountain views.

Laminate and tile flooring. Abundant storage. Fireplace with airtight insert Fully wired and insulated detached bonus room would make great shop or craft room. Sunny lot with cherry, apple and peach trees.

Plenty of room to park RV or boat. 12,000 SF lot. MLS #1186573

Call debbie, 708-8780

Call Mike, 540-1341

HOME TO

$359,900

Established neighborhood west of freeway. 4 BR & 3 Baths.

Patio w/Fenced Backyard. Lg Master w/Bath. All new carpet & paint. 2 car attached garage w/remote. MLS #1204863

Birdsview

Great covered patio off kitchen. New metal roof and flow free gutters. Flat 3 acres. 30 x 36 shop. Power gate with remote. Pasture area mostly fenced in back. 4 Bedroom.

MLS #1184677

Call wilma, 661-1631

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

2

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

$385,000

HARDWORKING AGENTS ©2017 RE/MAX, LLC. All rights reserved.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Call ivana, 770-3550

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Mike Welling 540-1341

RE-Weekly.com

Debbie Benjamin 708-8780

Laura Kaestner 441-5099

Joe Eckerson 333-1640

Tony Zimmermann 420-0501

Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555

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BUrLiNGTON

October 27, 2017

702 HONEYSUCKLE DRIVE, MOUNT VERNON RE/MAX Territory NW 2025 Riverside Drive, Suite D Mount Vernon, WA 360-755-9596 www.theboonteam.com

OPEN HOUSE SAT., OCT. 28th 1-3PM

$399,950

Charlie Boon 360.708.1415 Jeannie Boon 360.708.9645

Desirable Hilltop 4 BR home on .32 acre lot w/shy 2000 sq.ft. & 2 1/2 baths. Newer flooring, roof & gas hot water heater. Eating bar, family room & spacious living room adjoins dining room. Backyard features beautiful terraced deck, fire pit & raised beds. Nice views from this home. 2 car attached garage & RV parking. Drive by this one & get the feel for the wonderful neighborhood. MLS #1188756 Dir. E. on College Way, turn Right onto Waugh Rd., turn Left onto Honeysuckle Dr. to home on the R.

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FEATURE HOME FROM COVER:

Brown McMillen Real Estate

360.757.6013 800.869.7084

w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m • 235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

OPEN HOUSE OCT. 28TH 11-1PM HOSTED BY: DANA HOLMES

OPEN HOUSE OCT. 29TH 2-4PM

OPEN HOUSE OCT 28TH 11-1PM HOSTED BY: KRISTEN TUTTLE

ON GT

IN RL

BU

SAMISHRIVERPARK…3bdrm,1.5bathhomethathasbeen mostly remodeled. New Pergo flooring, new carpet, updated doors/trim, master with double closets and so much more!

Great deck for entertaining & enjoying water view! Room for RV parking/toys! $305,500 #1169423 L

IFU

T AU BE

#C MOUNT VERNON

SKAGIT GOLF AND CC…

GORGEOUS TOWNHOUSE…

amazing home in Burlington with vaulted ceiling, lovely hardwood floors, fabulous valley views, downstairs bonus room with brick frpl, 2 decks, and beautifully landscaped! COME JOIN US THIS SATURDAY! $499,900 #1195209 Kristen Tuttle Yvonne Brown Galen Kindred Holly Hilts

October 27, 2017

spacious floor plan offering 4 bds, 3.5 baths, and over 3000 SF of living space. Beautiful kitchen, cozy den, vaulted ceilings, crown molding, gas frpl, & sliders to deck. Storage galore in this stunning home! SEE YOU SUNDAY! $387,500 #1199266/1199516

708-8392 840-4375 770-7083 661-5538

Jeff Ingman Shelah Inman Jodi Dynes Fritz Inman

202-2859 661-0145 333-7783 661-0147

1014 N 15TH ST. MOUNT VERNON

NICELY UPDATED….

3 bdrm, 1.75 bath rambler in a park like setting surrounded by beautiful evergreen trees. Newer laminate flooring, detached workshop building, 3 stall carport, all located on 2 large lots with potential to build on extra lot. $339,500 #1194732 Tim Reichert Ron Wortham Mary Jo Reitsma Travis Lohman

RE-Weekly.com

391-5587 661-1500 770-6013 661-4533

ANACORTES…well maintained 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath home in the peaceful Cranberry Heights neighborhood.

Spacious kitchen with lots of cabinets, gas frpl, large patio with fully fenced backyard, alley access, and so much more! $415,000 #1167701 Tod LeHecka Jan Scally Dale Owenby Dana Holmes

333-1032 421-5160 913-8662 770-6716

1674936

1612 ALPINE CREST LP

12537 PATRICIA LANE BURLINgTON

3

Let’s Grow

Old Together

Planned villages designed for on-the-go seniors as popular as ever, close to 60 years after the first neighborhood opened

T

hey’re dubbed active adult, retirement and 55-plus communities – attracting millions of homeowners and tenants who left the working world behind and jumped in their golf carts to revel in resortstyle activities.

Many of the residential sites are gated, showcase swimming pools and tennis courts and include homes in the mid-six figures to more than $1 million. Some of the nation’s largest builders are involved in the business, constructing ranch homes, colonials and manufactured dwellings. The Villages, in central Florida, boasts more than 70,000 homes.

They’re most common in warm weather climates but also grace major metro areas. “If a retirement community in a place like Naples or Scottsdale just isn’t for you, maybe the big city would work,” contributing writer Vanessa Grout says in a Forbes Magazine article three years ago.

The seniors-friendly villages – geared to healthy singles and couples that typically like to socialize and take part in all sorts of amenities, are racking up business by attracting the baby boomer generation now aged 53 to 71, “who account for about a quarter of the U.S. population,” Grout says. “In the next decade, (baby boomers) will drive up the number 4

of retiree households by about 10 million,” she says.

Industry veterans peg the launch of large scale retirement communities aimed at the more active customers with Sun City near Phoenix, which opened in 1960. Del Webb, at the time an owner of the New York Yankees, would head a company under his name that would go on to open a host of active adult areas nationwide. Today they include Sun City in Bluffton near Hilton Head Island completed less than 20 years ago, the exclusive Del Webb neighborhood in Cane Bay in Summerville, which opened in the past decade and another Del Webb community planned at Nexton, off Interstate 26 in eastern Summerville.

Pulte Group, the nation’s second larger builder bought Del Webb in the 2000s. Jensen Communities, founded in Connecticut before World War II, develops appealing pre-fab housing communities nationwide including Southern Palms fashioned around a lake in Ladson.

Other big players are K. Hovnanian Homes, which opened an active adult community in the Lakes at Cane Bay; Florida based Kolter Homes, which opened the 55-plus village Cresswind Charleston; Robson Communities; Shea Homes; Toll Brothers; and Lennar, according to Investopedia.

Grout in 2014 penned “Rules To Live By When Buying Into A Retirement Community.”

Her tips include: Get to know the characters.

Seniors house hunters should learn about their neighbors and grasp the community’s personality.

Check out the medical care.

Not all communities have on-site health centers, and hospitals could be a good distance away. “Remote upscale communities should be equipped with a helipad for airlift,” she says.

Factor in local tax rates.

Income, property and estate taxes are all important to consider. Florida, Wyoming and Texas offer “great income-tax advantages,” but property taxes can be high she says.

Time your buy to get the best price.

Typically, purchase a home after the region’s peak visitor season. If that’s too early, “consider buying the home and renting to another retiree,” Grout says.

Study the community financials.

Some retirement communities were hard hit in the late 2000s recession, so be ready to review the homeowners’ association financial records or check for liens and foreclosures.

RE-Weekly.com

Explore “membership.”

There may be club memberships, annual dues or a mandatory equity ownership. “This investment may run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, yet its appreciation and resale value can be uncertain,” she says.

Scrutinize the activity calendar.

“In most cases, there are the country club staples – golf, tennis, swimming. But some of the most popular activities for retirees these days may sound foreign to you.

Pickleball, for example, is played with paddles on what looks like a badminton court. Bocce, the Italian lawn-bowling game, is also hot, primarily because it can be played with a drink in one hand,” the contributor says.

Research the restrictions.

Pets may be one ban, another outdoor grilling. According to Grout, “You may not even be allowed to talk on your balcony after dark.”

Consider the caretakers.

“Home-watch services are common offerings in high-end communities.

Some visit 200 to 300 homes per month and charge $50-$100 to open and close the house and make sure your lights, air conditioning and pool pump are working,” she says.

October 27, 2017

NOW COULD BE THE TIME TO SELL A NEW HOME AND EARN A SLICE OF THE REAL ESTATE PIE “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 print and online with RE-Weekly.com.

Karen Ashley Burlington Escrow Manager/LPO

Ltco.com Shelley Miner Anacortes Escrow Manager/LPO

IN PRINT AND ONLINE

Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative

403 s. 28tH st., Mount Vernon

$349,900

S OOM EDR 4B

$644,500

open House sun. 12-3 sanDi r. 360-770-8670

*BIG DETACHED SHOP/BONUS RM./DOUBLE GARAGE, TOTAL OF” 4 CAR” GARAGES! *N.W. CONTEMPORARY W/3400+ SQ. FT. 3+ BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS *FAMILY RM. DOWN, 3 “BONUS” ROOMS, LOVELY “IN GROUND” POOL & SPA!

*GREAT LOCATION, WALK TO “HAGGENS”, QUIET STREET CLOSE TO MEDICAL SERVICES & SCHOOLS *MASTER SUITE W/FIREPLACE & JETTED TUB, TOTAL OF 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS *POSSIBLE “MOTHER IN LAW” APARTMENT W/2ND KITCHEN, FP., 1 BEDROOM +OUTSIDE ENTRANCE

*HILLTOP BEAUTY ON LARGE “HALF ACRE+” FENCED LOT, GAZEBO, GREENHOUSE &HUGE DECK *5 BEDROOMS W/ “MOTHER IN LAW” SUITE OR GUEST SUITE ON MAIN FLOOR + LOVELY MASTER ON MAIN! *PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING, BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD FLOORS, GRANITE KITCHEN,.,..4 BATHS, 4+ CAR GARAGE/SHOP! XXX outlook lane, seDro WoolleY

YOUR HOME FEATURED HERE!

*ESTATE SALE, (COUNTRY RECORDS SAY 1976) DOUBLE WIDE, “SHY” 3/4 ACRE! *NEWER SEPTIC, PUBLIC WATER,...GOOD 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE W/SHOP *2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, 1536 SQ. FT. W/ALL APPLIANCES, “AS IS”!

2610 e. seCtion street “little Mtn. estates” Mt. Vernon

$119,500

ING

Call for a Current “Market appraisal” SANDI R. 360-770-8670 5507 tiMBer riDGe Dr., Mt. Vernon

$332,500

$119,999

D! ATE TIV MO

Vacant Land

#1193086 • $199,999

Terrific building lot on Big Lake. Bring your plans and build your dream home! This is one of the last great building lots on the Lake.

100 of waterfront, power on property. Sewer and Water in the street.

#1201230 • $419,999

Acreage & Privacy

Spectacular Lakeside Estates #1184521 • $829,999

Fantastic 1 level 2000 sqft + home on 2.5 acres just off I-5! Features Spacious Kitchen Sub Zero, tile & stainless that opens living with fireplace, huge family/dining room w/ample west view facing windows. Updated tile bathrooms, new flooring & paint, gas radiant heat, pantry, tons of storage. Covered patios, waterfall fountain. Low maintenance exterior. Mature landscaping, fruit trees Detached garage w/carport, Shop, & Shed, 2 parcels. Conveniently located. Must see!

Home with sweeping lake & mountain views on gated & fenced 2.6 acres. Like New! Features Hardwood, Tile throughout, Granite & Stainless kitchen, Hi-Tech wiring with 16 separate control panels & 44 speakers, Home Theater, 1,900 sqft covered decks for outdoor living, oversized 950 sqft 3 car, large master w/5 piece bath, 2 extra finished rooms could used as bedrooms, 4fullbaths,securitysystem,fireplace,genset,deededlakeaccessToomuchtolist,checkoutthevirtualtour!

sanDi r. 360-770-8670 *BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME, CLOSE TO SEDRO WOOLLEY ON PRIVATE ACREAGE W/POTENTIAL VIEWS! *5+ ACRES, COMMUNITY WATER ASSOCIATION HOOKUP NEEDED, POWER AT STREET *ONE OF THE FEW “SMALL” PARCELS LEFT WITH WATER AVAILABLE, CALL FOR DETAILS 1315 n. 43rD. plaCe, Mount Vernon

$447,500

SOLD

SOLD

sanDi r. 360-770-8670

sanDi r. 360-770-8670

sanDi r. 360-770-8670

*GORGEOUS 1999 “REDMAN”, LOADED W/QUALITY UPGRADES, “SHY” 1800 SQ. FT. *3 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS, OPEN PLAN W/FAMILY ROOM, GAS HEAT, A/C & MORE *TOP 5 PARKS IN WASHINGTON STATE, GATED PRIVACY, LG. CLUBHOUSE W/INDOOR POOL

*SPACIOUS GRANITE KITCHEN/DINING RM./LIVING ROOM W/GAS FIREPLACE *3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS, BIG BONUS ROOM, GAS HEAT *LOVELY “BIG ROCK” & SUN RISE VIEWS, FULLY FENCED YARD!

*OUTSTANDING QUALITY, HUGE BONUS ROOM, LOVELY DEN/OFFICE, OPEN PLAN *3 BEDROOMS, MASTER SUITE DOWN W/WALK IN TUB, POSS. “IN LAW” SUITE! *QUIET CUL DE SAC, 3 CAR SIZE GARAGE, GREENBELT BEHIND, CLOSE TO ALL SERVICES

PEND

2nd floor Condo unit right next to the Hospital. This 2 bedroom 1.5 bath unit features updated kitchen, baths with raised basin sinks, new carpet & paint and is ready for new owners. Centrally located on the Hill in Mount Vernon near the shopping, schools, medical professions & just minutes to I-5. Private balcony overlooks quiet courtyard, assigned covered parking. Very well run & maintained complex!

“Fulfilling Northwest Family Dreams” 1674931

$188,900

sanDi r. 360-770-8670

Terrific end unit Condominium #1207156 • $149,900

CE! PRI NEW

open House sat. & sun. 1-4 Mike n. 360-708-1419/tara C. 425-879-2101

!

TED LIS ST JU

Trusted Service for over 76 years

Sandi Riley 770-8670 4223 lupine DriVe, “parkWooD” Mt. Vernon

open House sat. 12-3 Daniel k. 360-813-8449

8168 Maple aVe, lYMan

• 3010 Commercial Ave Anacortes 1-800-870-8571 • 360-299-0565

american dream real estate services, inc.

770-8670

CE! PRI NEW

• 111 E. George Hopper Rd Burlington Title: 360-707-2158 Escrow: 360-707-2312 1-844-878-1519

1620513

Sandi riley 1108 paWnee lane, “tHunDerBirD” Mt. Vernon $479,500

Local Professionals Serving our Community

CALL OR EMAIL TODAY! 360.416.2180 ads@skagitads.com

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LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W

Anacortes Office

1202 Commercial Ave Anacortes, WA 360-588-1515 • adrhomes.net

Mount Vernon Office

2788 E College Way Mount Vernon, WA 360-416-6500 • adrskagit.com

Like American Dream Real Estate Mount Vernon

www.adrhomes.net

1686945

October 27, 2017

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5

www.WindermereSkagit.com RESIDENTIAL n

eW

433 Crested Butte Blvd, Mount Vernon $283,000 Best buy in the neighborhood! Great 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home located in the Skagit Highlands Community. Master bedroom suite with master bath. Fun neighborhood with parks and walking paths. Fenced, level backyard with a beautiful rock wall. Large garage with storage cabinets. Large garden shed.

Call April Axthelm, 661-4947 MLS# 1201842

!

9151 Thunderbird Lane, Concrete $190,000 Well cared for manicured property with a 36’ x 24’ shop plus 30’ x 10’ shed on this beautiful property near the Skagit River.

Septic is in and it is ready to build on. Just over 20 acres of paradise is what you will find here. Parcel #112014 Address 9159 Thunderbird Lane is also included.

Call Becky Elde, 420-9427 MLS# 1201946 914 Nelson Street, Sedro Woolley $205,000 This 1940, quaint, cottage-style home sits in the heart of Sedro-Woolley on a large duplex lot. Many updates such as: roof, permitted electrical, exterior paint, free standing gas heater, dual pane windows, insulation & more. Kitchen has a vintage feel, complete with a cute breakfast nook. Bedroom has exterior single french door with side lights which leads to patio and back yard. Two built-in dresser storage areas are reminiscent of the time period. Fireplace adds warmth to an already cozy home.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 1189717

ne

W

!

201 N 30th St, Mount Vernon $329,000 Skagit Orchards, 3 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath home on nice sized lot with cedar fenced backyard. This home is great for entertaining, spacious kitchen, upstairs bonus room is very large as is the oversized two car garage. This home is close to shopping, the medical community and has easy I-5 access. Fantastic location, in quiet cul-de-sac, don’t let this one pass you by.

Call Karine Anderson, 421-1189 or Tasha Zahlis, 391-5075 MLS# 1196175

Open HOuse sun. OCT. 29 1-3pm 308 N 30th St, Mount Vernon $324,900 Super cute, super clean! Move-in ready 3 bed, 2 bath rambler on tree-lined street of newer homes. A deep, covered front porch welcomes guests. Sunny, spacious kitchen & gathering room open onto a large composite deck (plumbed for BBQ) & landscaped, fenced back yard. Kitchen has stainless appliances, including gas range. Breakfast bar. Gas fireplace in gathering room. Master suite w/walk-in closet, private bath. Two guest rooms w/additional full bath. Attached dbl garage. Cement board siding.

Call Don Neill, 420-4444 MLS# 1206076

ne

721 Bennett Street, Sedro Woolley $225,000 Cute Craftsman home on a double lot in the heart of Sedro Woolley, close to Mary Purcell School. Great floor plan w/wood fireplace, large living room, country kitchen, master on the main level, and a large upstairs bedroom. This home needs some modern updates but has a solid foundation. The detached garage/shop has a wood stove and work benches for the handyman. The basement is a canning/store room and would also make a great wine cellar. Two freezers, one in basement and one in shop can stay.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 1209052 202 Dallas Street, Mount Vernon $278,000 Great investment opportunity. Beautifully maintained spacious 3 bed, 2.5 bath Cedar Heights home near trails, parks & lakes with easy access to I-5 & shopping. Pre-listing inspection conducted, updates & maintenance completed. Priced to sell.

Don’t miss this great floor plan in desirable neighborhood!

Call Karen Peirolo, 360-348-0480 MLS# 1148922

W

!

4895 Ida Drive, Sedro Woolley $365,000 Serene homestead nestled on 2.36ac in the tranquil Prairie Acres community. Imagine your own private paradise w/nature trails meandering down to the Samish River & wildlife that frequents the surrounding habitat for your viewing pleasure! Rambler w/toasty wood stove; large dining, open to kitchen, offering stainless & great storage. Perfect master, covered back patio, Detached 2-Bay heated shop w/separate drive +covered RV area.

Adorable heated cottage w/covered deck.

Beautiful mature landscape!

Call Elizabeth Miller, 420-3607 or Travis Miller, 420-7291 MLS# 1207913

37701 Cape Horn Road, Sedro Woolley $379,000 Shop connoisseurs, RV enthusiasts, and boaters, this is perfect for you! Custom home & huge heated luxury 20x50 RV/boat/garage/shop w/full hookups. Gorgeous sunny view of the Skagit River & Cascade Mountains. Soft close solid maple cabinets, hardwood floors, 95% efficiency radiant floor heating, oak & marble floors, and a 12x50 deck. Two usable acres perfectly located for the next adventure to the North Cascades, Mt. Baker, Puget Sound, Canada, Seattle, Winthrop, hiking, biking, camping & more!

Call Tahlia Honea, 333-5815 MLS# 1199063 26891 Panorama Court, Sedro Woolley $419,000 Five private view acres w/3 bed, 2 bath home & 40x48 SHOP. Cozy & comfortable, this 1,824 SF home is also big on space. Main floor features wall of windows in the living area, overlooking Mount Baker & the Skagit River. Open kitchen w/new cabinets & granite counters. Hardwood floors. One main floor bedroom, plus living & family rooms. Master w/soaring ceiling stunning views, private deck. 1,920 SF shop (40x48) has tons of space for all your toys or home-based business. 18KW back-up generator.

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1189817 306 Longtime Lane, Sedro Woolley $450,000 Gorgeous mountain views from this home on the hill. Gourmet kitchen with easy access to dining room & living room. Large master suite with sauna & champagne soaking tub. Apartment upstairs is 929 SF with washer & dryer, perfect for extra guests.

Nice artistic drywall on the main level.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 MLS# 1195798

17302 Britt Rd, Mount Vernon $1,100,000 Opportunity is knocking! Fantastic, 10.88 ac, fully fenced working farm featuring lrg 3,689 SF farm house, recently updated, new paint, barns total approx. 5,700 SF have loft storage, built in shelving & provide plenty of space for hay, feed, equipment & your critters, currently used for horses, Alpacas, Llamas & more. Well on site is working, workshop also on property for treatment of lrg animals. Too many features to list, this is a MUST see, many business/hobby options here.

Call Karine Anderson, 421-1189 or Tasha Zahlis, 391-5075 MLS# 1179028 13240 Buchanan Lane, Mount Vernon $1,200,000 Two homes + SHOP! Private 5.56 view acres w/space for everything. Main home has 4,225 SF w/3 beds, 2.5 baths, plus 2 offices, & huge bonus room over 3-car garage. Gourmet kitchen w/HW floors, 2 pantries, big breakfast bar, granite, dbl oven. Great rm, wet bar, patio. Spacious master retreat w/2 w-i-c, Italian tile bath, 2nd laundry, balcony. Second 970 SF house w/own address, attch’d garage, 2beds, 1.75baths, vaulted living, covered patio. Outbldgs + 2,200 SF SHOP w/3 overhead doors, ‘club house’ above.

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1172234 18419 Peregrine Lane, Mount Vernon $1,395,000 Spectacular Cascade Ridge estate on approx 6+/- acres, just one hour from both Seattle & Vancouver, BC. Gated drive leads up to beautiful 4,835 SF home designed around the panoramic views of the bays, islands, Olympics, river, & farmland. Well-appointed home w/multiple living/entertaining areas, high-end finishes throughout. Two guest suites. Attached 3 car garage, plus walk-out basement shop & additional parking bays. FAA-approved Helipad.

RV parking. Indoor/outdoor living areas.

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1135956

997 Chestnut Loop, Mount Vernon $532,000 Spectacular 3 bdrm plus Den residence in the Premier 55+ community of Montreaux; providing majestic Mt. Baker & Cultus Mtn views! Expansive open design with No Steps throughout main. Spacious living & dining; grand kitchen w/granite, oversized breakfast bar & an amazing amount of storage. Main Level Master w/4pc bath, custom vanity & walk-in that will amaze! Upper level offers bonus room, skylights, guest beds & full bath. Enjoy AC, covered back patio +oversized deep garage & maintained yards.

Call Elizabeth Miller, 420-3607 or Travis Miller, 420-7291 MLS# 1169184 313 Longtime Lane, Sedro Woolley $649,000 Quality Living: 4,299 SF, 18’ ceilings, chef’s kitchen with 3 ovens, 2 dishwashers, instant hot water, maple cabinets. Media Room w/Bose surround sound system, dishwasher, sink & bathroom.

Main floor master & den both have fireplaces & 2 walk-in closets, 2 bedrooms up w/Jack & Jill bathroom. Downstairs: bedroom, family room & craft room that could be 5th bedroom. Garage is 24’ deep, parking for recreational vehicles, all interior walls & floors are insulated and exterior was painted in 2016.

Call Deborah McNeal, 707-8073 MLS# 1198533 18258 Peregrine Lane, Mount Vernon $799,995 Stunning Cascade Ridge home w/solar, this beautiful Soto McNett-design embraces outdoor living & west-facing views from every room. Custom millwork in cherry, walnut, & maple lends warmth to living areas. Floor plan is the perfect marriage of open concept & entertaining spaces. Spacious gourmet kitchen opens to comfortable informal living areas, steps to more formal dining & living rms. True master retreat occupies top floor & includes 2 walk-in-closets. Thoughtful design w/tons of storage.

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 MLS# 1179791

Windermere Real Estate/Skagit Valley • 1030 East College Way • Mount Vernon • (360) 424-4901 • 1-800-849-7939

April Axthelm Balisa Koetje Becky Elde Bette Thompson Bill Krieger Brett Johnson Cory Keihn

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360-661-4947 360-421-4111 360-770-9427 360-840-5109 360-421-4446 360-661-3825 360-441-1760

Dave Patterson David Mani Dawn Hardman Deborah McNeal Dick Nord Don Neill Donna Rowell

360-708-5030 425-319-7091 360-540-0058 360-707-8073 360-661-6529 360-420-4444 360-708-7984

Elizabeth Miller George Bellos Geri Cole Harry Ota Hollie Del Vecchio Jake Koetje Jamie Yantis

360-420-3607 360-708-9762 360-391-1614 360-708-3500 360-525-5538 360-466-8045 360-540-5264

Jim Glackin Jim Koetje Karen Beckner Karen Peirolo Karine Anderson Leah Hines Linda Eastman

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360-428-2828 360-202-2500 360-840-9455 360-348-0480 360-421-1189 360-428-3012 360-202-4075

Megan O’Bryan Nikki Ganske Rita Ingram Sarah Minton Shawn Danley Shelby Hagman Shelly Hanson

360-708-5817 360-941-8999 360-708-8338 360-770-3076 360-488-3858 360-982-0163 360-420-2565

Spencer Roozen Tahlia Honea Tasha Zahlis Tasha Zahlis Terri Heyntsen Travis Miller Warren Bingham

360-708-0634 360-333-5815 360-391-5075 360-391-5075 360-391-0938 360-420-7291 360-770-2421

October 27, 2017

www.AnacortesRealEstate.com LAND

RESIDENTIAL ne

W

1 Trump Island, Decatur Island

!

$8,750,000

Custom Build Luxury Estate on Private Island, enjoy

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your own Forests, Farm & Ocean Fronts. Located in

W

!

the San Juan’s this 29 Acre Island captures the iconic beauty of the beautiful Pacific NW. 360 degrees of water & forest views. 4230’ saltwater frontage w-tidelands. Architectural excellence w-contemporary design, superior quality & top of the line finishes throughout makes this a truly SPECTACULAR home.

Completely self-sustained environment. Power

Open HOuse 10/29 12-3pm 11689 Rocky Rd, Anacortes $450,000 Feel at one with nature in this comfortable home with an abundance of natural light streaming in. Relax on the great deck w/ the afternoon sunlight or entertain from the front living rm w/ vaulted ceilings & open kitchen. Delight in a lovely master with access to deck & walk-thru closet to full master bath. Use the upstairs loft flex rm as a yoga or artist studio complete w/ large storage closet. Lower level features 2 bedrms, 3/4 bath, laundry, storage rm & easy access to wrap-around driveway.

Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1189435

5705 47th St NE, Marysville $377,950 Enjoy the natural beauty of estuary, Olympics & walking trails in this spacious, warm home in Ebey Vista of Sunnyside, conveniently located to I-5 & shopping. Experience the light, natural flow of this 4 BR, 3 Full Baths, 2,357 SF home with wide entry, vaulted ceiling, open kitchen, gas fireplace in LR, 2 decks, new carpets, vinyl tile & dk wood flooring.

Private Master bath has generous soaking tub & glass shower. Spacious downstairs family room is perfect for media/entertainment center.

Elizabeth La Rance 206.747.0676 MLS# 1208932

& Water. Caretakers Cottage & Dock!

Leigh Zwicker 360.333.9975

MLS# 648615

12342 Windward Wy, Anacortes

$1,750,000

Stunning views of the majestic Olympic Mt. Range, San Juan Islands & the sparkling Salish Sea welcome you to this private waterfront estate. Main home is elegantly finished w/high end detailing & designed to absorb the panoramic views & NW light. Airy living spaces feature; open kitchen, dining & master suite all w/access to expansive decking. Lower level boasts

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additional en-suite bedroom(s), lg family rm & office.

Darling guest cottage; detached garage & shop w/carport parking (5+cars) Colleen Criag 360.770.9638

MLS# 1182033

10989 Josh Green Lane #4, La Conner

$650,000

Rare opportunity to own this one of a kind premier boathouse at the Gateway to the San Juans. Unique & impressive design, the interior well is 85 X 24 and 2220 21st St, Anacortes $450,000 Beautiful Main Level living home with Channel and Mountain views. This home is centrally located in Anacortes and convenient to schools, shops, restaurants and more. Home features a great room conveniently located to the kitchen as well as 4 bedrooms (two potential main floor masters) & 2.5 baths. Beautiful living and dining rooms boast expansive views and a gas fireplace. Second floor has additional bedroom and bonus room. Chair lift included. Attached 2 car garage & RV parking potential.

Paul Weisz 360.391.7281 MLS# 1159880

can accommodate up to 90+-’ yacht or several smaller

4905 MacBeth Dr, Anacortes $768,000 Enjoy dramatic sunsets and marina views from this spacious, 3,384 SF, Skyline view home located on large corner lot. Great home for entertaining w/ large deck overlooking the Skyline Marina, Burrows Bay, islands, and Olympic mountains.

Great room concept with vaulted ceiling. Gourmet kitchen, Master suite with master bath. Generous size bedrooms & lots of storage. Kitchenette on lower level.

Close to Washington Park, Skyline Marina, & Skyline amenities of clubhouse, tennis courts and beaches.

Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 1149870

in this unique Guemes Island home ½ mile from the

boats. Top of the line galvanized steel construction, concrete float design, private gangway access, remote control roll-up boat doors plus mezzanine level that can be finished into office. Located at the jumping off point to the best cruising waters in the US & Canada.

Debbie Macy 360.391.2422

MLS# 964734

7564 West Shore Dr, Anacortes

$479,000

3+ BD/2.5 BA, over 3,500 SF of living and working space beach. Spacious 2 story floor plan that boasts potential for extended living with separate exterior entrances.

Bonus rooms throughout. 4 stall barn; fenced for horses. Garden w/mature landscaping. Circular driveway; privacy of natural conifers and alders; ponds.

Enjoy island life with the convenience of a quick 5 minute ferry ride from Anacortes, only 90 minutes from Seattle.

Margi Houghton 360.202.0041

MLS# 1111582

NHN Gibralter Rd, Anacortes $40,000 Very affordable lot in Anacortes with partial water view. Build your home the way you would like to.

County says that lot is buildable but buyer to do all permitting and septic design. This is priced to sell with all costs to buyer reflected in the price.

Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1208716 Island View Dr, Anacortes $275,000 This 5 acre high bank waterfront lot has spectacular views of Huckleberry, Saddlebag Island, Padilla Bay and the Cascade Mountains. Park-like setting with conifers, ferns and rocky outcrops. Lot certification has been done. There is a good well and power at the lot.

Approximately 335 ft of waterfront. Bring your plans and build your island get-away. Guemes Island is only an eight minute ferry ride from Anacortes.

Margi Houghton 360.202.0041 MLS# 819622 13 Lot Rick Ridge Pkwy, Anacortes $299,000 Welcome to The Summit at Rock Ridge on coveted Fidalgo Island. Like an island above the island, Rock Ridge offers unsurpassed views of the legendary San Juans in a community of premier Strandberg homes. Capture the beauty of painters light on the water and relax in the refreshing ocean breezes.

Minutes from town and the pristine, lush forestlands.

These building lots are one-of-a kind, perched at the highest build-able point in Anacortes.

Colleen Criag 360.770.9638 MLS# 1129851 2719 Strom Place, Anacortes $165,000 Located at the near tip of Fidalgo Island and only moments from Anacortes’ beloved Washington park.

6,534 SF lot with gorgeous view, nestled on a cozy culde-sac in “The Woods at Sunset Cove” and build ready with all utilities on the property.

Colleen Criag 360.770.9638 MLS# 1048866 NHN Baltimore Ave & W 2nd St, Ancortes $525,000 Desirable undeveloped parcels in the heart of Anacortes. Enjoy water views of the Guemes Channel, Cypress & Guemes Islands from southern portion of the property. Paved West 2nd Street (from Dakota Ave) ends right into the middle of the property for development.

Great investment opportunity that could be large estate type building sites or develop into multiple homesites.

Wonderful location on the island to downtown, forestlands, parks and ferry.

Debbie Macy 360.391.2422 MLS# 1108456

Windermere Real Estate/Anacortes Properties • 3018 Commercial Ave • Anacortes • (360) 293-8008 • (800) 327-5291

Barb Robinette Bill Robillard Bob Hyde Buzz Ely Caroline Baumann Catherine Mers

360-298-8754 360-770-4707 360-661-0756 360-202-4626 360-202-7327 360-982-6831

October 27, 2017

ChristineCleland-McGrath Cheryl Frazier Colleen Craig Cynthia Aanestad Debbie Macy Donna Cunningham

360-708-0267 360-202-4789 360-770-9638 360-610-0120 360-391-2422 770-335-7513

Elizabeth LaRance Gina Davis Jack Dixon Jackie Stone Jeannine Reinig Jessica Notaro

360-202-8212 360-708-7794 360-941-5000 360-661-2247 360-724-8555 360-202-1441

John Prosser Kathy Rogers Kristi Gabrielse Leigh Zwicker Linda Macy

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360-202-3891 360-941-4400 360-420-3119 360-333-9975 360-708-8284

Margi Houghton Nate Scott Paul Weisz Rebecca Chamberlain

360-202-0041 360-708-2354 360-391-7281 360-421-5021

Rick Bennett Rob Skelton Sarah Jones

360-202-2630 360-488-3776 360-333-2783 1674554

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FHA or Other?

Question:

?

We hope to buy a first home during the next few months and thought we would use FHA financing. However, our lender says we might be better off with a conforming mortgage. We thought FHA loans were the go-to financing for first-time buyers like us, so why the suggestion to use something else?

Answer:

The obvious problem is that most people do not have big down payments, especially those at the start of their careers. According to the National Association of Realtors, in 2016 repeat buyers typically put down 14 percent while firsttimers purchased with just 6 percent up front.

To get past the down-payment hurdle first-time buyers often purchase with mortgages backed by some form of insurance. For example, there are

traditional loans with little down such as FHAbacked financing from HUD (3.5 percent) and VA loans (0 down) as well as newer options such as Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgages (3 percent), and Fannie Mae HomeReady loans (3 percent).

Which is best for you? You have sit down with a loan officer and compare each program.

For instance, what are the credit score requirements? Allowable debt-to-income ratio?

Up-front and annual mortgage insurance costs?

Interest rate?

And, no doubt, the new programs are getting more marketplace traction. According to June data from the Ellie Mae Millennial Tracker, “63 percent of all closed loans made to Millennial borrowers were conventional loans for an average amount of $205,066. Thirty-two percent of closed loans were FHA loans for an average amount of $173,381.”

However, behind the scenes, some lenders increasingly don’t like the FHA program. The problem is not the amount down, insurance costs or other borrower requirements. Instead, in

Q& A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

processing large numbers of loans, mistakes are made. There are big mistakes and little mistakes – think about all the paperwork required for a mortgage application, some 500 pages in a typical application according to a 2014 report from Virpack. Many lenders believe HUD is overly harsh in penalizing lenders under the False Claims Act of 1863 when small or technical mistakes are found – mistakes that may not result in federal losses.

As a borrower your goal is to get the best financing for your situation. If your loan officer thinks something other than FHA financing is right choice for you, that’s fine – but make sure there are objective reasons for the lender’s recommendation such as a lower cost or more liberal qualification standards.

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® 525 East College Way, Suite J

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (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.

Mission Statement: The Nor th Puget Sound Association of Realtors advocates for Realtor s and their clients, and promotes the protection of property rights.

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Realtor.com~Michele Dawson

October 27, 2017

Buyers Energized By Utility Costs

Money matters, which is why more buyers are concerned with efficiency

“W

e’ve found the perfect home! It has above-code attic insulation!”

You don’t hear that phrase, or anything like it, because we focus on more eye-catching features, like new kitchen cabinets.

But research shows that buyers pay more for energy efficient homes.

One study this year by the University of Texas (UT), for instance, found that homes sold between 2008 and 2016 in Houston with an energy-efficient certification sold for six percent to eight percent more that a comparable home without the certification.

Many newer homes built after 2007 have a “LEED” certification, and some existing homes have been upgraded to achieve and “Energy

October 27, 2017

Star” designation, and there are local energy efficiency certifications.

Today, “Buyers of all ages” are interested in energy efficiency, if not for environmental reasons, for energy cost savings, says Laura Stukel, of L.W.Reedy Real Estate, Elmhurst, Ill. If a home has low utility bills, that increases affordability, making it “important information for a buyer,” says Pamela Brookstein, of non-profit Elevate Energy.

A couple of years ago, the Chicago multiple listing service (MLS), was upgraded to allow real estate agents to easily import costs directly from utility companies.

Since the 1980’s, a Chicago ordinance required buyers receive annual utility costs at closing.

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“Now many agents put the costs right into the MLS,” Stukel says.

Ironically, “Even if costs are high, I’ve seen it be a positive to buyers,” she adds. “That’s because they feel more confident about affordability.”

Even when the MLS doesn’t allow for agents to import costs from utility companies, agents say it’s advantageous to mention energy-efficiency, whether it’s a certain feature, like new windows, or if a home has earned a energy certification.

“It’s usually placed in the ‘public remarks’ because this is a section [of the MLS] that is generally uploaded” to other real estate website, says Raylene Lewis, agent with Century 21, College Station, Texas.

9

In Loving Memory

Keith Stanford JohnSon July 6,1932 to October 21, 2017

Keith S. Johnson passed into the loving embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his family, daughters Danya, Lale and Kari, his grandsons, Rogan (with Sabrina) and Seaver by his side. Keith is preceded in death by his loving wife Alison.

Keith has been a vibrant member of the community; developing many areas of real estate and home communities in the Skagit Valley starting in the 1950’s; Parkway Drive, Thunderbird, Cascade Ridge, Thunderbird Village, College Heights and Colonial Mobile Home Park. He also acquired and managed the popular Riverside Lanes bowling alley. Keith also built the John King Rehabilitation Center AKA Skagit Recovery Center. Johnson Properties was begun in 1936 by Keith’s parents, Arthur E Johnson and Beatrice Lee Johnson, with his brother Elliott and in 1953 Keith joining the family business and continuing for 64 years. This legacy goes on as Danya continues as a Realtor, operating as Skagit Tradition Realty, LLC. Keith’s vast knowledge of the valley, real estate, city and county regulations will be missed by all who knew him and used him as a valuable resource. Keith was an avid Husky fan and card player, Bridge being his favorite. He and Alison loved their family immensely, and traveled as far as Shishmaref AK and later, up the Alcan Hwy, to Homer AK and down to Kingwood TX to celebrate family birthdays and holidays.

Keith’s boundless energy, generous spirit and determination will be greatly missed.

Keith is survived by his four daughters, Danya Wolf (Don) of Mount Vernon, Lale Johnson (Tony Flynn) of Wickenburg AZ, Kari Greiner (David) of Homer AK, Moni Butler(Jim) of Porter TX. He is also survived by his brother A. Elliott Johnson and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Keith on Saturday October 28th at 3:00 pm at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 1511 E Broadway.

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

360.424.0300

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 1675010

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October 27, 2017