RE-Weekly 12/30/2016

RE-Weekly.com REAL REALESTATE ESTATEIN INSKAGIT, SKAGIT,ISLAND ISLANDAND ANDWHATCOM WHATCOMCOUNTIES COUNTIES

INSIDE

This Issue This Issue

THE HOT AND COLD HIDDEN COSTS OF HOME OWNERSHIP P. 4

Q & A: Ask Our Broker P. 8

7 SMART THINGS TO DO WHEN PACKING FOR A MOVE

Open House Sat., July 23rd & Sun., July 24th, 1-3 PM

RealEstate weekly RealEstate weekly

P. 9

$319,900 $425,000 360-202-2859 (360) 540-5264

Classifieds

supplementto tothe theSkagit SkagitValley ValleyHerald heraldand andthe theAnacortes AnacortesAmerican American AAsupplement

P. 10 -11 1551000

304 17186 GARDNER Coho Court, ROAD, BURLINGTON Mount Vernon Jeff Jamie Ingman, Yantis/ Brown Windermere/Skagit McMillen Real Estate Valley

SEE SEE PAGE PAGE 33 FOR FOR MORE MORE

DEC. 30, 2016 – Jan 5, 2017

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FEATURE FEATURE HOME: HOME:

Re-Weekly content sponsored by: Northwest Fine Furnishings

TABLE OF CONTENTS The hot and cold hidden costs of home ownership................................. P. 4

Round sofas, entertainment centers, wooden toys, coat racks & wooden coat trees, cheval mirrors with storage, pharmacy lamps, funky printed pine cabinets, painted benches and much more!!!

Q & A: Ask our Broker.............................. P. 8 7 smart things to do when packing for a move................................. P. 9 Classifieds.........................................P. 10-11

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BURLINGTON

D CE DU E R

Burlington

$349,900

Wilma Louia Designated Broker/Owner 661-1631

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

$187,000

Quaint bungalow looking for new owner! 3 BR, 1.5 BA, 1,256 SF. Detached garage & great shop.

Large lot in town. Close to schools & shopping.

MLS #1048687 Call Corinne, 202-2397

Enjoy space & privacy. 4 BR home that backs to a greenbelt. Open kitchen & family room. Large master w/attached bath & walk-in closet. Lots of flex space.

Terrific storage. 2 pantries. MLS #976898 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Sedro-Woolley

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.

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com

G TIN LIs

Mount Vernon $239,950 On the hill in Mount Vernon. 3 BR, 2 BA, 1,192 SF. Open floor plan, vaulted ceilings. Separate laundry room. One car garage with shop space. Fully fenced level yard with landscaping. MLS #1061826 Call Ron, 333-1045

Mount Vernon $450,000 Mount Vernon $699,000 Wonderful custom home in Conway. Open floor plan w/kitchen & dining area adjoining lg. 3,634 SF,3 BR,3 ½ bath view home on 1 acre. Living,dining,nook,family, living room. Beautiful granite counters in kitchen w/lots of cabinets & walk-in pantry. den & Rec. rooms. 3 minutes from 1-5,S. MountVernon. Fabulous kitchen, range,granite,eating bar. 2 decks,patio,hot tub,RV parking,garden 2 master suites both w/walk-in closets and Jacuzzi tubs. Private location – approx. gas space.All natural gas,well insulated,tons of extra storage. 3 car finished 5.1 acres & 2,552 SF home. Oversized 2 car garage w/shop area. 3 Trex decks. MLS #980196 garage. Olympic mountain view & amazing sunsets. MLS #1014213 Call Ivana, 770-3550 Call Kirk, 770-7470

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

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Debbie Benjamin 708-8780

Corinne Cartwright 202-2397

Jennifer Baker 220-1526

Laura Kaestner 441-5099

Traci Erickson Property Manager 755-5555

1550069

Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

2

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

Rockport $155,000 Home in Sauk River Estates. Private location. Well cared for 3 BR, 2 BA home. Huge RV carport with hookups.

Shy ½ acre. MLS #907760

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

MOUNT VERNON

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

Territory NW T

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

1550405

Mon - Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 11-4 (360) 424-8455 www.nwff.com 919 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon

PAGE

INSIDE 4

December 30, 2016

FEATURE HOME FROM COVER: 604 GARDNER ROAD, BURLINGTON

$319,900

Brown McMillen Real Estate 235 West Rio Vista Burlington, WA 98233 360.757.6013

Local Professionals Serving our Community

ltco.com

1-844-878-1519

Jeff Ingman 360-202-2859

310 Commercial Ave Anacortes 360-299-0565

CLASSIC CAPE COD STYLE…

1-800-870-8571

home with den. Situated

Trusted Service for over 76 years

Beautiful 4 bedroom Burlington

1550045

111 E. George Hopper Rd Burlington Title: 360-707-2158 Escrow: 360-707-2312

www.brownmcmillen.com

on a .75 acre fenced lot.

Nicely updated, spacious kitchen with granite counter tops

and

stainless steel

appliances also detached garage. Affordably priced at $319,900. #1040290 1551001

December 30, 2016

RE-Weekly.com

3

The Hot and Cold Hidden Costs of Home Ownership

Consider utility bills carefully before you buy

B

efore purchasing, home shoppers scrutinize many financial factors that affect affordability – including the cost to finance and insure the residence, property taxes and expected upkeep. But a new study by Trulia and UtilityScore indicates they often underestimate a crucial metric that can have huge long-term repercussions on homeowner economics: utility bills for services like electric, natural gas or oil, and water.

Among the key findings of the study (details at trulia.com/blog/trends/ covert-costs-utilities):

• Nearly all of the top 20 most expensive zip codes by median annual utilities are located in Arizona and coastal California metro areas; • Owners of detached homes living in areas with lower home values, like Detroit and Pittsburgh, may be paying just as much for utilities (on average) as they do for their mortgage.

“Utility bills represent 25 percent of housing costs, on average, in the U.S. and are often more than property taxes and insurance combined,” says Brian Gitt, founder/CEO of UtilityScore in Oakland, Calif. “It is dangerous to overlook the cost of utility bills when • Single-family home dwellers spend house hunting because these bills a median of $2,715 a year ($226 can have a significant impact on your monthly) on utilities, equating to 1.4 budget.” percent of the median value of that Felipe Chacon, housing data home or $1.68 per square foot; analyst for San Francisco-based • Climate is not an accurate predicting Trulia, says he was most surprised factor for how much median utilities will by the aforementioned study’s lack of cost at the metro or zip code level; correlation between climate and what 4

people pay for utilities – places that are much warmer or cooler on average than what most people consider “comfortable” actually don’t pay consistently higher bills, often because the local utility provider(s) in that area charge lower rates than other areas of the country.

“If you purchase in an area with fairly low home values and fairly high utility rates, you could be unpleasantly surprised to find that what you thought was a financially responsible move in purchasing that home may actually push you beyond what is comfortable,” Chacon says.

First-time buyers who previously rented and buyers coming from attached homes need to pay extra close attention to utility costs before purchasing.

“Utilities in apartments and multifamily homes are often lower because the units themselves are smaller and

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they share walls with others who are also heating or cooling their spaces,” Chacon adds.

To prevent buyer’s remorse caused by utility bill sticker-shock, be proactive prior to purchasing, experts advise.

“If you are moving into a home in a lower-cost metro, make sure to talk to your real estate agent about what kind of utilities to expect. They should be able to give you a rough idea,” notes Chacon.

Denise Supplee, Realtor with Long and Foster Real Estate in Doylestown, Pa., recommends contacting the electric company and water and heating providers for your desired address “to request monthly bill estimates on the home you are considering – most companies will do that for you.”

Gitt suggests visiting myutilityscore. com to get instant free energy and water bill estimates for your prospective property as well as customized recommendations for home improvements that can reduce your future utility bills.

Additionally, it’s smart to have a thorough home inspection conducted that carefully assesses features and components that affect energy and water usage.

“Be sure the home inspector checks the heating and cooling systems, windows for efficiency, attics, crawlspaces and basements for drafts, and the overall home for proper insulation,” says Supplee, who is a strong proponent of purchasing a home warranty to cover mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues.

Jeff Wilson, HGTV host and author of “The Greened House Effect,” suggests taking it even a step further.

“Having a whole-home energy audit performed by a building science professional can give a full report of a home’s weaknesses,” Wilson says.

“The price of a super-inefficient home could potentially be negotiated down and the savings put toward renovations to improve efficiency and comfort.”

December 30, 2016

RE-Weekly.com VISIT RE-WEEKLY.COM TO EASILY SEARCH FOR LOCAL REAL ESTATE LISTINGS! EASY TO USE TOOLS & THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION FOR FINDING LOCAL REAL ESTATE

1550018

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR

MOUNT VERNON RAMBLER… 3 BD, 1 BA home on Fir St. Just over 1,000 SF with 2 car garage. Great starter home! $209,500. #1054260

OUTSTANDING CLEAR LAKE HOME… Come look! Nearly

BURLINGTON BUILDING LOT… Zoned general commercial.

FISHERMAN’S PARADISE... Waterfront acreage, excellent Salmon fishing, close to Anacortes & short ride on 2 private ferries. Low bank (20 to 30ft.) South facing w/sun exposure. $299,000. #1046623

DETAILS AUTO WASH… Great location, 4 self-served bays. One automatic drive thru wash, 3 vacuum detail islands. List price is based on a 10% Cap Rate on Actual 2015 Net Income. $1,671,780. #820139

TWO HOMES! 3 Bd. 2 Ba. rambler. Granite, hardwood, stainless appliances, vaulted ceilings, master suite w/walk in closet. Plus 2 BR, 1 BA chalet style home. View of Skagit River. $375,000. #966598

ZONED INDUSTRIAL… Older 4 bdrm home located on 1.41 acres. Good business location. $249,500. #1030907

5 ACRE VIEW LOT... On Bayview Ridge. Beautiful westerly views of farmland, islands & bay. Great neighborhood w/established homes, close to I-5. $349,000. #905050

NEW PRICE… Located in Vedere Terrace. 4 BR, 1.75 BA home sitting just over 1,400 SF. Large fenced backyard, fresh paint, & ready for new owner. $269,500. #1020406 COMMERCIAL SITE... In excellent Mount Vernon location, paved street w/all utilities available and drainage installed. $437,000. #676549

READY TO BUILD... 22 Lots in Nookachamp Hills near Big Lake. Water, Sewer, Electric & Nat’l gas to each lot.

Priced from $84,000-$145,000. #746424 -#746695 GREAT POTENTIAL for 8 or 9 lot subdivision with utilities in the street. Convenient to schools and towns. $535,000. #772211 CONWAY EQUESTRIAN DELIGHT! One of a kind beautifully designed for luxury living! 2 master bdrm suites, 2 family rooms, chef’s kitchen, 5 Baths, breakfast room, 5 acres fenced & much more... $860,000. #978235

Across from Regence Blue Shield. Great site for clinic or any professional use. Lot is 164 X 210, sewer & water meter is in, survey & elevations are done. $415,000. #791084

CUSTOM BUILT… 4,802 SF, 3 BR, 3 1/4 BA one level fully finished daylight basement. Kitchen w/granite & stainless.

Large corner lot w/fenced backyard. $525,000. #1024839 DREAM HOME SETTING... Full acre of level pastureland w/views of mtns surrounding Big Lake. Fronts on paved street has PUD water & electric available. $150,000. #927385 SAND & GRAVEL RESOURCE AVAILABLE... In an area of high quality sand and gravel deposit. Estimated

by Sherwood Appraisal at 2.3 million tons of available aggregate. 1,200 SF shop & office building on property. $1,350,000. #1049831

Kristen Tuttle

708-8392

Jeff Ingman

202-2859

Tim Reichert

391-5587

Yvonne Brown

840-4375

Shelah Inman

661-0145

Ron Wortham

661-1500

Galen Kindred

770-7083

Jodi Dynes

333-7783

Mary Jo Reitsma

770-6013

Holly Hilts

661-5538

Fritz Inman

661-0147

Travis Lohman

661-4533

December 30, 2016

RE-Weekly.com

BURLINGTON HOME... 4 Bdrm home+ Den located on huge 33,515 SF lot that is fully fenced. Beautiful home! $319,900. #1040290 Terri Heyntsen Tod LeHecka Jan Scally David Parsons Dale Owenby

391-0938 333-1032 421-5160 391-4008 913-8662

1551008

HILLS OF SEDRO WOOLLEY... Contemporary 10 yr. old two story home in Sedro Woolley. 3 BD, 2.5 BA & workable floor plan. 2 car garage, priced to sell. $198,000. #1040879

4,000 SF home, interior recently refinished. Incredible views, 2 bay shop. Detached garage, big yard, mature landscaping. $589,500. #1039790

5

www.WindermereSkagit.com RESIDENTIAL 16515 Britt Road, MV $229,900 Mount Vernon rambler loaded with charm.

3 beds, 1 bath, 1,394 SF. very nicely maintained with several outbuildings, carport & shop. Back yard is partially fenced with lots of room for all of your toys. Cedar lined closets, hardwoods throughout, mud room with huge pantry & storage space. Large side yard for a great garden area.

Call Karine Anderson, 421-1189 or Tasha Zahlis, 391-5075 #1030153 331 Carter St, SW $265,000 Well maintained home, located in a quiet, neighborhood. This 1,300+ SF, 3 bed, 1 level home, is walking distance to town. Inside features include newly remodeled bathroom, tile floors, large kitchen, & bonus room. Fenced backyard & large deck. New 8’x16’ shop, chicken coop, & RV parking.

Call Bette Thompson, 840-5109 #1056660

607 Cedar Tree Drive, SW $319,000 Brickyard Creek community 3 bed, 2.75 bath rambler. Updated kitchen with granite, stainless appliances & stunning backsplash. Spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings make this a great home for entertaining. New deck in front yard adds to curb appeal. Fully fenced backyard with deck, patio.

Call Shelby Hagman, 982-0163 #1035937 405 S. 32nd Place, MV $325,000 Spacious 3 bed 2.25 bath, Mount Vernon Hill home located in a quiet cul-de-sac. Newer composition roof, established landscaping.

Home features walk-in pantry, family room, formal dining room & living room. Garage has lots of space for storage. Located just minutes from schools & amenities. Covered back porch & private large fenced back yard.

Call Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 or Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 #1058463

7325 279th St NE, Arlington $295,000 Serene acreage in a great commuter location.

This truly cared for home offers great living space indoors & out. Large living area is open to gracious dining. Bright kitchen with gas stove.

Supersized master with 4pc bath. 2 guest beds plus office/den! Back yard entertainment deck.

Plenty of room for your RV & all the toys!

Call Elizabeth Miller, 420-3607 or Travis Miller, 420-7291 #974326

7604 Grandview Rd, Arlington $390,000 Enjoy country living with easy access to I-5 & town. Charming home on 11.65 acres. This 3 bed, 1 bath home has bamboo flooring, new carpet, & upgraded kitchen. Light & bright home with stainless appliances, custom lighting, remodeled bathroom, & deck off the master. Paved driveway, outbuildings & basement for extra storage.

Call David Mani, 425-319-7091 #1053086

9826 District Line Rd, Burl $299,999 Rambler in a country setting just minutes from I-5.

4 beds, 1.75 baths, 2,116 SF. 2 car garage and large shop on nearly .5 acre. Private backyard with views of farmland & Sterling Hill. Plumbing recently updated in home. Large remodeled rec room, living, laundry room, & kitchen with eating space highlight the interior. Home is located on a quiet street surrounded by established properties.

Call Brett Johnson, 661-3825 #1041632

517 S. 38th Place, MV $439,000 Beautifully updated SummerRidge home with 4 beds plus office. Hardwoods throughout main floor. Kitchen with slab granite counters, opens to sunny informal dining area & living room w/stacked stone fireplace. Formal dining room. Office off entry. Master bedroom w/brand new tile/granite 5 piece bath. Finished basement has family/rec room, .5 bath, opens to patio & fenced yard. Attached garage.

Call Megan O’Bryan, 708-5817 or Spencer Roozen, 708-0634 #1037585

814 S. Anacortes St, Burl $300,000 Spacious rambler in a peaceful setting with a large family room & a large office area. Over half an acre of fenced yard, private setting, & covered patio in the back. 30’ x 24’ insulated shop plus a 30’ x 12’ lean to. Home has a new septic, new paint inside & out. Roof is 7 years old. Oversized laundry room.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 #1035601

925 W. Pearle Jensen Way, La Conner $448,900 Waterfront home right on the Swinomish Channel near the La Conner Marina. Enjoy peaceful, stunning views of the channel with deep water boat traffic & gorgeous view of Mt. Baker. Modest home but a good base for a remodel.

Call Shelly Hanson, 420-2565 #1015688

4403 Oakes Ave, Ana $624,900 Views of the Sound, ferry & boat traffic from all living areas! Larger lot with room for RV or boat. This is an older house that has been completely transformed - all is new, of very high quality. Gas fireplace, granite counters, stainless appliances, real hardwood flooring, master w/large walk-in closet, Kohler fixtures, gas stubbed to decks for bbq, rounded corners, cathedral ceilings.

Call Jim Glackin, 428-2828 #1032294 13278 Bay View Lane, Bayview $995,000 Bay View home situated on 2.5 acres. 3,800+ SF of luxurious living space. 2 master suites. Designer kitchen with stainless appliances, double ovens, granite counters, & spacious island. Media, bonus room with .5 bath. Outdoor living area. 44X32 attached RV garage.

Call Linda Eastman, 202-4075 #1008047

Glencoe Lane, ANA $75,000 Level property with a beautiful private setting on just shy 3 acres located on Guemes Island. Good sized outbuilding for storage, potential for a drilled well, power at the road.

Call Linda Eastman, 202-4075 #915721 2307 Antone Way, ANA $180,000 Rock Ridge is located at the highest point in beautiful Anacortes. Whether you purchase a view lot, or one of the lots slightly away from the view you will be surrounded by quality homes built by some of the finest craftsmen. Capture the beauty of the area out your window, enjoy the ocean breezes, the nearby trail system, & all just minutes from downtown.

Call Deborah McNeal, 707-8073 #589020

VACANT LAND Francis Rd, SW $75,000 2 acres in great location, close to everything.

This property is zoned rural village residential & could be split into 2 one acre parcels for two homes. Water in the street. Nice soil, great for gardening or a small mini farm.

Call Becky Elde, 770-9427 #946956

Skagit Valley • 1030 E College Way • Mount Vernon • (360) 424-4901 April Axthelm Balisa Koetje Becky Elde Bette Thompson Bill Krieger Brett Johnson Cory Keihn Dave Patterson

6

360-661-4947 360-421-4111 360-770-9427 360-840-5109 360-421-4446 360-661-3825 360-441-1760 360-708-5030

David Mani Dawn Hardman Deborah McNeal Dick Nord Don Neill Donna Rowell Elizabeth Miller

425-319-7091 360-540-0058 360-707-8073 360-661-6529 360-420-4444 360-708-7984 360-420-3607

George Bellos Geri Cole Harry Ota Hollie Del Vecchio Jake Koetje Jamie Yantis Jim Glackin

360-708-9762 360-391-1614 360-708-3500 360-525-5538 360-466-8045 360-540-5264 360-428-2828

Jim Koetje Karen Beckner Karen Peirolo Karine Anderson Leah Hines Linda Eastman Megan O’Bryan

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360-202-2500 360-840-9455 360-348-0480 360-421-1189 360-428-3012 360-202-4075 360-708-5817

Looking for hom

For a free p WA-CL 713524, OR-ML 5271

Amie Download my smartph

Amie Mani | NMLS ID # 404665 | branch manager/M

North Cascades • 520 Cook Road Nathan Loeb Nicole Ganske Rita Ingram Sarah Minton Shawn Danley Shelby Hagman Shelly Hanson Spencer Roozen

360-333-7197 360-941-8999 360-708-8338 360-770-3076 360-488-3858 360-982-0163 360-420-2565 360-708-0634

Tahlia Honea

360-333-5815 B

Tasha Zahlis

360-391-5075 B

Tessa Jarvis

360-503-1939 C

Tiffany Danley

360-298-4857 C

Travis Miller

360-420-7291 C

Warren Bingham 360-770-2421 C

December 30, 2016

www.AnacortesRealEstate.com RESIDENTIAL !

4432 Blakely Dr, Anacortes $299,900 Home has great potential. Includes 1252 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths one level living with a large yard (10,978 sq ft) for gardening and entertaining. Living room, kitchen and dining areas are well laid out for easy living. Home has new carpet and new windows will be installed the week of the 19th. Close to tennis courts and minutes to favorite local trails and parks.

Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1048880 1600 5th St #D-162, Anacortes $135,000 Old Towns, Anchor Cove Marina near Guemes Island Ferry, restaurants & shopping.

55 x 15.5 (approx) slip 7’8” Max Stick out. Marina amenities; tender storage area, small boat moorage on dock, head pump out cart, wood shop, recycling for oil, fuel & anti freeze, laundry room, library, restrooms with showers, crab cooking station, BBQ’s. Full parameter fence, elec security gate & harbormaster lives on site. Live aboard allowed for owners. Owner financing available terms can resemble rental costs.

Kathy Rogers 360.941.4400 MLS# 886608 235 Reed Bay Rd, Decatur Island $550,000 Two lovely homes for the price of one! Both have beautiful views of the water and islands and include a fully-encl in-ground pool and hot tub.

Lower home has expansive decks, 2BR, 1 3/4BA, open floor plan and charming wood interior.

The larger upper house was built in 1987 and is wheelchair accessible, has 2BR on the main, a generous well-equipped kitchen and finished daylight basement. Expansive windows overlook the deck and bay beyond. Perfect place for all ages to enjoy! Incl mooring buoy.

Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 974739

me financing? I’m here to help!

pre-approval, please contact:

Mani • 360.428.4626 hone app at: amie.mortgagemapp.com

Mortgage Consultant | WMS Series LLC/Skagit Valley

d • Sedro-Woolley • (360) 856-4901

Bill Robillard

360-770-4707 Colleen Craig

Buzz Ely

2911 Meridian Ct, Anacortes $949,000 This is a FINE home. Quality built by Paulk Const.

Main level living w/ southerly views, open floor plan, den w/ built in shelves, lg walk in pantry, great eating is. in kit, hdwd floors, brazilian vltd ceilings & grand fp. A beautiful mst ste & a mst bath w/ amazing touches. Lower level brings you 3 bdrms, family rm, media rm, & adtl lg finished rm for guests. Remarkable landscaping, tiered grdns, multi level patios, hot tub, & green house and a detached shop. We invite you in.

Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 933364

6035 State Route 20, Anacortes $565,000 Beautiful park setting with berries, fruit trees, shop, room for animals and space to play.

4 bedrooms, 3.5 bths, 3580 sq feet with recent updates to kitchen, bathrooms and carpet, 2 gas fp’s and great access to Whidbey Island and I 5. Close to Campbell Lake and Gibralter beaches. Home includes a huge living area downstairs that is plumbed for a MIL suite with their own access. Very private. Not a drive by come take a look.

Gina Davis 360.708.7794 MLS# 1014051

34 Rosario Ct, Decatur Island $215,000 Absolutely charming new “cottage in the woods” with covered porch, cathedral ceiling in “Great Room”, Vermont Castings wood stove, dining nook, custom carved mahogany door, tiled walk-in shower, hardwood floors, heated bathroom floor, Electrolux range, Fisher Paykel refrig, demand HW and lovely, private park-like location. Still time for buyer to choose final finishes and countertops. Detached 12x12 cedar shed could be a great bunkhouse for guests.

DSL/WIFI, private dock, airstrip and beach.

Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 926888

Campbell Lake Rd #Lot 2, Anacortes $88,000 This property provides an opportunity to create a uniquely personalized home in a wooded setting overlooking beautiful Lake Campbell.

Just minutes from Deception Pass & Mt Erie, the property is perched on a sunny, south-facing slope, offering filtered views to the sparkling lake. Access to the lake is assured by an included interest in a common waterfront parcel.

Debbie Macy 360.391.2422 MLS# 938342

LAND

364 Airport Perimeter Wy, Decatur Island $299,000 Taxi home...Airstrip property with a gorgeous view of the water, islands and Olympic Mtns.

Home is set up for sleeping at least 8 people and the large kitchen, dining room and outside deck make feeding them all a “breeze”. Each level of the home has a full bath and the large unfinished basement is great for storing all the toys needed for island fun. Fully furnished with queen, twin and king size beds and tables and chairs for indoor and outdoor dining. Great location for pilots or boaters. DSL Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1002589

157 Center Island, Center Island $65,000 Very pretty, private lot in a great location with a possible expanded water view. All utilities are on site and a nice cleared building area is ready to go. The sunny site is ringed by beautiful fir trees and a decorative curved driveway hides you from the road. For a full-priced offer, seller will also include a licensed mooring buoy.

Located above the community center with easy access to docks, clubhouse, caretaker, airstrip and beaches; and only a 25 min boat ride from Anacortes! DSL avail Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 977465

9772 Golden Vw Trail, La Conner $222,000 100 ft of water front in a cottage designed for vacations. Imagine sitting on your deck with this view!! The floor plan is uniquely set up for entertaining with an open kitchen and living area, but two distinct living areas so your guests can have a living area of their own and even a separate entrance. Lease amount is $14,335.00 per year. New 50 Year lease @purchase.

Kristi Gabrielse 360.420.3119 MLS# 870830

1812 40th Ct, Anacortes $159,000 Build your custom home on a level 8,900 square foot lot in town. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac, the property allows for a gracious home and outdoor space. Utilities are on site and await your plans. Located near the Anacortes Community Forest Lands, take advantage of the walkability right out your front door.

Christine Cleland-McGrath 360.708.0267 MLS# 1006398

3715 W 10th St, Anacortes $270,000 Sunsets! Views of Guemes Channel and the magical San Juan Islands beyond! It’s all about the view....come build your dream home in the desirable Rock Ridge neighborhood of quality homes. A short walk or bike ride to the Anacortes Forestlands to enjoy the trail system and Cranberry Lake. Close to the ferry and Washington Park. Easy access to town for shopping, dining and to enjoy the culture of the Old Town Anacortes downtown.

Leigh Zwicker 360.333.9975 MLS# 963554 2806 W 3rd Pl, Anacortes $225,000 7,754 Sq Ft. lot located in The Highlands a premier custom home neighborhood. Nestled against the lush backdrop of the Cranberry Lake Forest lands The Highlands enjoy some of the most stunning views on Fidalgo Island.

Colleen Craig 360.770.9638 MLS# 1014083 184 Suquamish, La Conner $385,000 Outstanding view lot w/120 ft of waterfront & U-shaped dock has 2-80’ finger piers for mooring multiple boats. Possibility docks can be permitted to 100’. Shelter Bay is a delightful Marine Community in LaConner only 90 minutes to Seattle or Vancouver, BC. Level lot to build your dream home & plenty of room for your boat & that of your guests. Underground utilities in place. Leased Land w/lease set thru 2044 & discussions ongoing for new 75 yr lease. See Shelter Bay website for amenities & info Colleen Sargent 202.2155/ Debbie Macy 391.2422 MLS# 1052318 1954 Thatcher Pass Rd, Decatur Island $120,000 Incredible Potential...one of the best deals in the islands! 263’ of high-bank waterfront on Thatcher Pass, with 5 acres of pretty trees, open sun-filled clearings, great shared well, driveway, utilities and abundant wildlife. “As is” pricing offers the opportunity to immediately create “sweat equity” removing uninhabitable 800sf structure and abandoned vehicles. Decatur Island is a short water taxi ride from Anacortes and has 1-room school, beautiful beaches, DSL and a welcoming community.

Sarah Jones 360.333.2783 MLS# 1031496

Anacortes • 3018 Commercial Ave • Anacortes • (360) 293-8008 360-770-9638 Gina Davis

360-708-7794 Joan Handelmann

360-202-4800 Leigh Zwicker

360-333-9975 RebeccaChamberlain

360-421-5021

360-202-4626 Colleen Sargent Caroline Baumann 360-202-7327 Cynthia Aanestad Catherine Mers 360-982-6831 ChristineCleland-McGrath 360-708-0267 Debbie Macy

360-202-2155 Jack Dixon

360-941-5000 John Prosser

360-202-3891 Linda Macy

360-708-8284 Rick Bennett

360-202-2630

360-610-0120 Jackie Stone

360-661-2247 Judy Moore

360-770-3515 Margi Houghton

360-202-0041 Rob Skelton

360-488-3776

360-391-2422 Jeannine Reinig

360-724-8555 Kathy Rogers

360-941-4400 Nate Scott

360-708-2354 Sarah Jones

360-333-2783

Cheryl Frazier

770-335-7513 Jessica Notaro

360-202-1441 Kristi Gabrielse

360-420-3119 Paul Weisz

360-391-7281 Vickie Cooley

206-949-1010

360-202-4789 Donna Cunningham

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Deposit Dispute Question:

Our house was supposed to close in several weeks but now our buyer has backed out of the deal because of personal issues. We have a $1,500 deposit and have offered to return $500.

The money has been deposited with the courts and the buyers have hired an attorney. We feel $1,000 is fair compensation because we had the house off the market and lost a potential full-price offer but they want to split the deposit.

Answer:

If the matter goes to court you will need to hire an attorney. You have offered $500 and they want $750 (half of $1,500). The difference is $250.

You will want to retain an attorney not just because $250 is at stake but because there might be very much larger numbers involved. It may be that the potential for a bigger liability is why the buyers

want a settlement and not just the superficial $250 difference between the two positions.

The purpose of a real estate deposit is to assure performance by the purchasers. As a seller you take a considerable risk when you accept a buyer’s offer, including such perils as the loss of other offers, the cost of complying with the agreement and the possibility of a price drop if the deal does not go through.

It’s entirely possible for an offer to fail without the loss of a deposit because most purchase agreements today are contingent arrangements.

They say that the buyer wants to make an offer but only if certain requirements are met such as financing at or below a certain rate, a satisfactory home inspection, approval by a relative, etc. If the contingency is not met the buyer is typically entitled to the return of their full deposit.

Because real estate deals are risky sellers should seek the largest possible deposit. With a big deposit owners have more leverage if a dispute arises. For example, imagine if you had a $10,000 deposit in this situation.

Notice that the broker or other party holding the deposit has not written a check to either buyer or seller, instead they have deposited the money with a court. This is a common practice because

Tips to help homebuyers get the best bargaining position

Q& A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

without approval of both parties the deposit money cannot be released.

In your situation you say the agreement fell through because of personal issues with the purchaser. Does the agreement say the deposit will be returned because of such matters?

You want an attorney to read the agreement and determine the facts and circumstances involved.

Once that’s done the attorney can explain the options available to you.

For instance, what does the agreement actually say? Does it give you the right to the deposit if the deal falls through, or does it also say you have a right to the deposit plus the right to sue for additional damages? Does it say that if you accept the deposit you lose the right to sue for more money?

As you’re about to see, the devil really is in the details.

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!

RealEstate weekly In print and online

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December 30, 2016

7 Smart Things to Do When Packing for a Move

How to make the least fun part of moving an easier experience

Y

ou signed the official papers – you’ve got a new home! But your excitement is tempered by the fact that before you can move in, you’ve got to pack up your current place. To make the job easier and reduce the risk of losing or breaking anything, we’ve compiled seven tips that will help move you efficiently to your new home sweet home.

1. Give yourself enough time to pack In general, start packing as early as possible – you probably have more stuff than you realize. “If there’s anything you know you won’t need before the move, pack it,” says Ira Avdushev, president of Elite Moving and Storage near Chicago.

“This way, you’re not stuck packing everything at once as well as handling last-minute chores, such as changing your address and finding new schools, at the same time.”

2. Be selective about boxes If you’ll be asking local stores for their December 30, 2016

empties, take only those that are sturdy, dry and clean, with lids or tops that close all the way. But don’t use them for fragile items like glasses or plates, says Avdushev, because if the boxes get crushed, so will its contents.

A better choice: glass and china boxes, which have double walls that are sturdier than regular cardboard. You can buy them from moving companies, selfstorage stores and U-Haul locations.

and so on rather than mixing things from different rooms in the same box.

“It’s a matter of convenience,” Avdushev says. “You don’t want to unpack and have to run from room to room to put things away. It’s much easier if you are in one spot opening a box that has all the items from the same room.”

5. Be strategic about packing How to pack a box depends on what’s going into it. “Heavier items like books 3. Buy the right supplies and paperwork should go in small Besides boxes, get multiple rolls of boxes – the average person will have tape and dispensers, a box of zippera hard time physically picking up a big sealed plastic sandwich bags for nails box that’s heavy,” Avdushev says. “And and screws that you’ve removed from if the box is too heavy, it could split items (and intend to put back together) from the bottom.” Large boxes are best and plenty of print-free packing paper for bulky, lightweight things like cloth(newspaper is fine, too, but may leave ing, pillows, and anything else that smudges). won’t break if the box gets squished.

When packing fragile things, use a lot 4. Pack each room separately Put all the kitchen things in one box, all of packing paper. First, scrunch some to make a thick padding at the bottom the master bedroom items in another,

RE-Weekly.com

of the box, then put each glass or dish in a few more pieces. Contents should tight within the box; if there are any empty spaces, fill them with paper or towels. Place another layer of paper on top of the items before closing the box.

6. Keep track of everything Label every box to indicate in which room it should go. Also number the boxes and use a notebook to list each one’s contents, which will help if you need a roll of paper towels right away and it could be in one of several “kitchen” boxes.

7. Clear an area to set packed boxes When you start the packing process, try to pick out-of-the-way spots where you can store the filled boxes, like the corners of the dining room or another place that won’t get much activity.

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17714 KiNgFiShER cOVE LANE, Big LAKE

$950,000 1510 S 6Th ST., MOUNT VERNON

3 Bed/1.75 Bath rambler close to everything! Walk to downtown shops and the Riverwalk!

Great starter home. Roomy kitchen with walk-in pantry; ample storage, garden window and gas stove; vaulted ceilings.

Fully fenced backyard; Suzanne Jenkins deck off slider.

360-941-2983 MLS #1047096

Waterfront home with 75 ft of lake frontage with private dock! Custom Spanish Style home w/ sweeping staircase up to luxurious master suite.

Kitchen with granite and sub-zero refrigerator; radiant heat; skylights; vaulted ceilings; surround sound; built in vac; rec room and bonus/storage room.

Fantastic views from choice Danya Wolf Carla Fischer of 3 decks!.

360-708-8294 360-982-0010

1802 BAKERViEW cT, MOUNT VERNON

EaglEmont 63 WiLLOW LANE, MOUNT VERNON

$122,000 Attractive, large lot in beautiful Eaglemont Golf Course community, close to brand new 20,000+ SF clubhouse, dining and full fitness facilities.

Complete plans for a beautiful home on this lot are n e g o t i a b l e . Elva Hunter MLS #475295 360-202-3086

$254,900 604 NORThERN AVE., SEdRO WOOLLEy

$179,000

23786 KAMLOOp cT., MOUNT VERNON $150,000

5798 JENNiFER LANE, BOW

$239,000

$375,000 Large triple-wide manufactured home on 5 plus acres. Newer hardwood floors and carpeting.

Sweeping land views.

Garage with extra room.

G a t e d community for privacy and security.

Minutes to I-5. Suzanne Jenkins MLS #1025330 360-941-2983

Large lot in Nookachamp Hills Community. Beautiful country setting overlooks a private lake for you to enjoy. Less than 10 minute drive to the city of Mount Vernon. All utilities Yolanda Sakuma 360-421-0435 are stubbed to the lot.

MLS #1059504

13813 STATE ROUTE 9, MOUNT VERNON (5 AcRES)

$219,000

3903 E. cOLLEgE WAy, MOUNT VERNON

$600,000 5 Bedroom older Williamsburg Style Colonial home on 3.78 developable acres with possibility to have 20 residential lots. Very level lot for easy development. Home is circa 1900’s.

Large bedrooms and dining room. Shop with

Permit-able for in home business. Roomy, 1,700 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath 1 1/2 story home on spacious 1/3 acre lot in convenient location. Updated interior, country kitchen, charm of yesteryear. Easy access to everything!

Danya Wolf Shopping, schools, bus line and medical.

Zoned for possible in-home business. Plenty 360-708-8294 of parking, including for RV. Nicely fenced back yard with fruit tree and other trees. MLS #1008048

1804 BAKERViEW cOURT, EAgLEMONT

Mount Baker view from one of the premier large lots (10,972 Sq. Ft.) in beautiful Eaglemont! Builder/Owner will build for you or bring your own builder!

All utilities are in and ready for you to build. Complete set of plans for a beautiful home on this lot is negotiable. Builder completed 1806 and 1808 Bakerview Ct. MLS #848246

Charming home with lots of potential, in need of some elbow grease and imagination; 4 beds/1.5 baths; extra-large and roomy kitchen has loads of cupboards and dining area, lovely Carla Fischer brick fireplace, arched doorways, 360-982-0100 built ins; some original wood floors; sunroom; uniquely fenced yard.

MLS #1040913

Beautiful view property, ready for you to build your dream home. PUD water, power and 3 bedroom septic surrounded by a circular driveway or continue on to another wonderful building site - cleared, Carla Fischer Celia Miller level, and with spectacular mountain view! New gravel 360-982-0010 360-391-6065 road is partially paved. Good access from Highway 9 for easy driving into property. I-5 minutes away. Watch for signage. MLS #1014931

underground electricity. Home to be sold as is.

Commuters schools,

John Hunter

360-202-3854

shopping,

medical, Skagit Valley College, I-5.

MLS #1045770

Danya Wolf Suzanne Jenkins Brett Tacker Sandy Everett JoAnn Boudreau Celia Miller Donna Kurras Elva Hunter John Hunter Russ Lanker Shirley Bertholf Carla Fischer Yolanda Sakuma Patricia Box

$165,000

dream!

Close to everything;

SUZANNE JENKINS

360-941-2983

360.708.8294 360.941.2983 360.840.7931 360.202.3706 360.391.0746 360.391.6065 360.770.7596 360.202.3086 360.202.3854 360.708.1117 360.840.1863 360.982.0010 360.421.0435 360.941.9186

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

360.424.0300

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 12

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