Real Estate Weekly | December 23, 2011

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

DEC 23-DEC 29

TWENTY-ELEVEN FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

FINANCE: GIVING UP THE HOME. SORT OF… PAGE 3

SAVVY HOME IMPROVEMENTS PAGE 4

Q&A ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 7

21737 STERLING DRIVE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY

Agent: Linda Eastman (360)202-4075

$339,900

One level living offering 4 bedrooms, den/office, spacious living room, large family room off the kitchen and a formal dining room. Wood Windermere Real Estate fireplace in the living room and free standing gas stove in the family 1030 E. College Way Mount Vernon room. Enjoy the hot tub located just off the family room with complete 360.424.4901 • 800.849.7939 privacy after a game of tennis on the sports court. Attached 2 car www.windermereskagit.com garage, detached shop/outbuilding. Situated on over 1.25 acres, over 5,000 sq.ft outbuilding. MLS# 266058

TAXES: PROPERTY PARTICULARS PAGE 8

CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 10-11

FEATURED ARTICLE: SAVVY HOME IMPROVEMENTS. If you’re looking to sell your home or just want to upgrade your current space, you need to know which home improvement projects will pay off in the long run and which ones will end up costing you. The best home improvements will increase your resale value, (cont. on pg. 4)

YOUR KEY TO REAL ESTATE IN SKAGIT, SNOHOMISH, ISLAND AND WHATCOM COUNTIES goskagit.com/reweekly

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American

TABLE of CONTENTS

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by:

Whidbey Island Bank

Home values have taken a hit, but property taxes remain high. Here’s why

Finance - Giving Up The Home. Sort of… Pg. 3 Savvy Home Improvements

Pg. 4

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 7

Taxes - Property Particulars

Pg. 8

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

8

To advertise in

RealEstate weekly

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call 360.416.2180 or E-mail ads@skagitads.com View this publication online at www.goskagit.com/reweekly ©2011 by Skagit Publishing | 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 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.

Territory NW

Go to our website for a quick and easy way to search all listings!

320 S Burlington Blvd • Burlington www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com (360) 755-9494 • (800) 775-0153

GR EAT LO CA TIO N

Sedro-Woolley

$129,950

1984 Stick built 3 bdrm, 1 ½ bath home with good size living room adjoining dining area. Kitchen has large pantry & plenty of storage. 1 car attached garage plus a huge fenced backyard with greenhouse make this a great buy. MLS#289699 Call Ivana, 770-3550

PRI CE RED UC ED Anacortes

2

Burlington

$137,375

Solid rambler on large lot and great location. New Vinyl windows and partially finished basement.

4 bedrooms and 1 bath. A large detached shop/ garage. Hardwood floors and a great country kitchen. MLS#281231 Call Mike, 540-1341

Burlington

$189,000

Spacious rambler located on the outskirts of Burlington. 3 bd/2 ba. Open floor plan, brick fireplace. 1/3 acre lot. Nice condition, ready for new owners. MLS#294493 Call Ron, 333-1045

PRI CE RED UC ED

PRI CE RED UC ED

$279,950

Classic home has wonderful built-ins & traditional features. Magnificent shop is 24X48 w/ over-large door for RV or large boat clearance & shop depth.

Gas radiant heat & commercial-style power allows for a business. Over 1 acre lot w/ Hwy 20 visibility. Great views of Padilla Bay & Mt. Baker.

MLS#187399 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

OP EN FLO OR PLA N

PRI CE RED UC ED

Lisa Davies 391-2232

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

December 23, 2011

Burlington

$284,000

Beautiful Burlington Bayhill rambler on shy ¼ acre lot. Shy 1800 sq ft, 3 br, 1 ¾ bath. Large kitchen w/ generous amounts of storage. Immaculately clean. MLS#223100 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Bayview

$440,000

Beautiful newer home on shy 5 acres. Bayview area, 3 BR, 2.5 Baths, 2897 SF. Extensive use of Travertine Tile & granite. Master BR on main floor w/ FP. Kit. w/island, eating bar & pantry. 2 car attached gar + Lg 2 bay shop/garage. MLS#160988 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

Mike Welling 540-1341

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

PRI CE RED UC ED

Mount Vernon

$230,000

Well cared for 2 story home. Desirable Blackburn Ridge area. 3 BR, 2 ½ baths, 1628 sq. ft. Gorgeous new mahogany deck. Newer int & ext paint, many new updates. On fully fenced lot. MLS#290421 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

VAC AN TL AN D

Bellingham

SAM ISH ISL AN D

Burlington

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

$785,000

3400 sq ft home features 3 bedroom and 2.5 baths. Open floor plan designed for entertaining. Huge trex deck surrounds the whole house.

Kitchen features cement counters and rock fireplace. Fully fenced & gated, gardens and fruit trees. Private Beach Access. MLS#287415 Call Wilma, 661-1631

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Amber Soria 969-4030

$249,000

Gorgeous mountain view lot. Almost 9 acres and equipped with a tranquil pond. Private setting , a mini forest in your backyard. A guarantee for a beautiful sunrise. MLS#258795 Call Amber 360-969-4030 or Dan 360-348-6655

Dan Soria 348-6655

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Pete McDougal Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Finances

Giving Up The Home. Sort of…

Donating your home to charity has its own set of benefits

It’s difficult to sell real estate these days.

But it’s getting more popular to give it away.

tax advisers, says Bidwell.

Consider, for instance, an older homeowner who would like to remain in

In this troubled economy, charities

his home but would like to donate to his

“are realizing that cash gifts are hard to

alma mater. He can create a “retained

come by,” notes Dennis Bidwell of Bidwell

life estate,” notes Caroline Camougis,

Advisors, a charity consultancy based in

managing director at Delphi Partners, a

Northampton, Mass.

New York City consulting firm. That allows

Moreover, “There are more and more

him to give the home now, but continue to

older people who’ve arrived at a point

live in it, as well as enjoy a charitable tax

where they want to dispose of their

deduction for a portion of the property’s

vacation homes,” Bidwell adds.

value, avoid some capital gains taxes

Charities and nonprofits, such as universities, have long accepted real estate, from homes to farms, but the downturn is

and remove the property from the donor’s taxable estate, she explains.

In another arrangement, Camougis

prompting an uptick, Bidwell emphasizes,

says, the donor transfers the property to a

with even some small-scale charities hiring

charitable trust, with the trustee then selling

consultants to help them accept the gift.

the property. From the proceeds, the donor

Indeed, real estate donations can be

can receive regular income payments,

packaged in a variety of legal mechanisms,

much as if they purchased an annuity, and

offering tax or financial benefits to the

enjoy tax benefits. The charity receives the

donor. Donors typically begin exploring

remaining proceeds on the death of the last

donating by contacting their attorney and

beneficiary of the trust.

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

“There are more and more older people who’ve arrived at a point where they want to dispose of their vacation homes.”

December 23, 2011

3

Savvy

Home Improvements

If you’re looking to sell your home or just want to upgrade your current space, you need to know which home improvement projects will pay off in the long run and which ones will end up costing you.

4

December 23, 2011

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

The best home improvements will increase your resale value, positively affect utility bills, or reduce the cost of maintenance.

• Instant Curb Appeal: While high-tech showers or appliances are perks to buying, they do not set the stage when a potential buyer enters the house. So if you’re going to invest in a renovation, it should be one that instantly leaves an impression. Landscaping, new siding and refinished floors all show that a house is well maintained. They also send a message about the quality of an entire home more strongly than a single upgrade can.

• Seek Out Safety: How sturdy are your stairs? Are your walkways free from tripping hazards, such as cracked concrete or uneven paving? How secure are your doors and windows?

Are your entrances and pathways well lit? Upgrading these areas will make your home safer for your family and help alleviate concerns for any potential buyers.

Brown McMillen Real Estate 360.757.6013 1.800.869.7084 w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m

JUST REDUCED!! BOW RAMBLER… 3 Br, 2 Ba nearly 1500 sf. Home sitting on 1 acre, enjoy country living. $184,500. #283695 SMALL BUSINESS?… perfect location just 1/2 block east of Burlington Blvd., with lots of parking. Priced at 149,950. #103783

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

HISTORIC BANK BLDG… on busy Fairhaven Ave, Brl. Lots of natural light, appx 1950 sf, 2 baths & 2 entrances.

Loads of charm, remodeled, newer lighting & appl. Alley access. $197,000. #297564 VERY PRIVATE 20 ACRES… secluded bldg site, mostly level end of road property. $179,000. #297233 RAMBLER W/DAYLIGHT BASEMENT… 3 Br, 2.5 Ba, hardwoods, French doors opens to deck, vaulted ceilings, soaking tub & more. $275,000. #28187196 AFFORDABLE LIVING… great investment property or first time buyer. 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath condo, convenient Burlington location. $99,000. #153357

LOVELY SKYRIDGE… home w/4 bdrm & 2,870 sq ft of top quality living area+ a 3-car garage all on a .55 acre lot! $387,000. #28079612 VERY PRIVATE… on 1.65 Ac parcel w/ adjoining 4.59 Ac tract. 3 bdrm, 1 3/4 ba home, 840 + sf shop & out bldgs.

Unique pond, $340,000. #267821

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you for your continued business with

Brown McMillen Real Estate.

Our professional staff is looking forward to serving all your real estate needs in the coming year.

Jeff Ingman Jan Scally Fritz Inman Tod LeHecka

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

202-2859 421-5160 661-0147 333-1032

Evening Phone Calls Welcome Shelah Inman 661-0145 Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Galen Kindred 770-7083 Dick Best 770-1491 Holly Brown-Hilts 661-5538

Phil Hurtig Tim Reichert Terri Heyntsen Ron Wortham

770-0787 391-5587 391-0938 661-1500

December 23, 2011

5

• Get Energy Efficient: Making energy-efficient additions and repairs helps reduce the home’s operational costs.

Improvements, such as added insulation and upgraded HVAC systems, could reduce cooling costs by up to 30 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Home appliances account for about 20 percent of your utility bills, so efficient choices can cut your costs while helping the environment.

When planning an improvement project, consider the long-term benefits of high-quality materials. Using lowgrade products to save money now can actually cause more headaches - and potentially cost you more money - later.

Cheaper materials usually don’t hold up as well over time and often require more maintenance.

When upgrading building materials, look for options that require little maintenance and have a high perceived value. Fiber cement siding is a great example of this concept because it can recoup as much as 84 percent of the cost upon resale. According to Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report, re-siding with fiber cement is one of the best home improvement investments, providing more of a return on investment than kitchen and bathroom remodels.

Additional benefits, like termite and fire resistance, add to the savings in the overall cost of maintenance.

What home improvements are not worth the money?

• Room additions can be costly and risky, especially if the space added is customized, such as a sauna or wine cellar, which may not appeal to future buyers.

• Marble countertops may look nice in the beginning, but the porous stone needs constant maintenance. Marble can be damaged by water, burned by hot pans and eroded by cleaning products. Unless extreme care is used, it is possible that marble countertops will need to be replaced at the time of sale.

• High-tech systems for the Internet or sound are a nice luxury, but because technology is continuously improving, updates will become outdated rather quickly.

6

December 23, 2011

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Q&A

giving the gift of home?

QUESTION: I own a home and paid for it in cash. I have paid all the bills on time. No problems with the property. Based on these factors can I sign my house over to anyone? Can I sign a house over for less than I paid for it? After a house is purchased, how long is it before it can be signed over? Are there other issues that might arise from signing a house over?

ANSWER: As a sane and sober adult

you can generally give your property to anyone. That said, let’s look at some issues.

First, if you give the home to someone there will be gift and estate taxes to consider.

Second, if you sell the home to someone for less than fair market value there may be tax claims based on the “imputed value” of the discount.

Third, changing title may set off transfer taxes. However, if you transfer an interest for “good” consideration, such as love and affection, then in some jurisdictions there may be no transfer taxes. Property taxes will continue to be based on local assessments.

Fourth, instead of an all-cash purchase, if you quickly resell a financed home the lender may feel you got low-risk, low-cost residential

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

financing, but you’re really a stealth investor.

Depending on the facts and circumstances, that might lead to claims of mortgage fraud.

Fifth, you want to use proper paperwork and recording to avoid future liability.

Sixth, the rules may change if you’re facing such situations as bankruptcy or divorce.

Seventh, capacity counts. Gifts from older people, for example, are sometimes challenged with claims of diminished mental capacity. You really do have to be sane and sober when giving away a home.

The bottom line: A home is a huge asset.

If you want to give real estate to someone, do it right with help from a fee-only financial planner, tax professional and local attorney.

Now could be the time to sell a new home and earn a slice of the real estate pie.

Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people.

“When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them,” says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors.

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

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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Real Estate Weekly

December 23, 2011

7

taxes

Property Particulars

Home values have taken a hit, but property taxes remain high.

Here’s why - and how you can lower yours

W

ith home values plunging in many markets around the country, it seems only logical that most homeowners

today would pay lower property taxes.

8

December 23, 2011

Yet, according to the National Association of Home Builders, property taxes across the nation have increased by nearly 20 percent from 2005 to 2009 (the most recent data available). And several experts say those numbers may continue to get worse, especially if the American economy continues its downward trend. What many taxpayers fail to understand is that a decrease in home values has little impact on property tax bills.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

“Property taxes don’t bear any relation to real property values. Each school district and municipality sets a budget for the coming year, then collects that total amount by dividing it proportionately among all real property in their district,” says Charles D. Rubin, president, PropertyTaxDatabase.com, Red Hook, NY.

with any evidence you need, like photos, blueprints or deeds.”

If you find no errors, step two requires examining properties in your neighborhood with comparable features and comparing their assessments to your own. If yours is significantly higher than others, you can file for an appeal-usually with your area assessor’s office or a locallevel independent review/grievance board that will hear the evidence you gather and decide if an assessment reduction is in order.

Adds James Lumley, author of “Challenge Your Taxes (Wiley, 1998): “Property taxes are more a function of how much money a community, municipality, and/or county need to operate. As state and federal dollars previously spent for local needs shrink, communities must often make up the difference with property taxes.”

Several factors are considered when determining property taxes. Local governments typically examine a home’s previous value, as well as recent sales in the neighborhood and whether any improvements or modifications made to a property or neighborhood add value to a home. The methods that assessors use to arrive at taxable values also can include market averages and replacement cost, and these methods can involve arbitrary conclusions, excessive averaging and human error.

Ultimately, property taxes are usually based on an equation of the mileage rate or levy (the amount of money you pay per $1,000 of value) multiplied by the government’s property assessment.

Complicating matters is that many localities reassess properties on a threeor even five-year basis, which means that assessed values in some areas are only now catching up with actual home prices,

goskagit.com/reweekly

To increase your chance of success, ask a local Realtor to conduct a comparative market analysis and consider paying for a property appraisal by an independent professional, says Nadine Lewis, an attorney in Santa Monica, Calif.

says Pete Sepp, executive vice president of the National Taxpayers Union.

If you believe your property tax is too high, there are steps you can take to possibly get it lowered.

“First, check over the accuracy of your property assessment. Are the proper features - like bathrooms and garage recorded?” Sepp asks. “What about the age of the home, or occupiable square footage, or lot size? Human errors can and do occur, and they often boost a tax bill. If you discover an outright error, bring it to your assessor’s attention, along

Real Estate Weekly

If your appeal is rejected, depending on your state laws, you should be able to take your case to a state-level board or court where you can ask for a hearing.

The further up the ladder you go, however, the greater the likelihood that you’ll need legal representation.

Lastly, don’t expect the property tax upward trend to change anytime soon, says Susan Stynes, a Realtor in Midlothian, Va. “If home values continue to fall, I would predict a higher chance of property taxes increasing,” she says.

“However, much of that is counting on factors that many can’t predict. How will the economy rebound? What will that mean to home values? Can we get rid of the current oversaturation of foreclosed and short sale homes? These will all be trends to watch.”

December 23, 2011

9

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

1 & 2 BDRM MV APTS., quiPiazza Realty Property et, W/S/G/recycle & basic caMgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT ble pd. Covered parking and (7368) www.prpmrentals.com storage room including laundry on-site. No smoking/ 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba, MV hill, full basement, private 1/2 acre, pets. 360-708-1721 fenced yard, view to river & sunsets. No smoke/pet. $995 + $1000 dep. 360-661-6173, 961-9502 3 Bdrm in S-W, fenced yard, $900 mo. 1St, last & $500 damage dep. No smoke/pets.

360-856-1757 4 bdrm., 2 ba. home in Lyman, fenced yard, $1100 1 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts mo., 1st & dep. Avail. 1/1/12.

2 x 1 ½ Town homes 360-661-6502 Covered-Assigned Parking Garages / Storage Avail.

Anac. Mt Baker view 3 bdrm, 3 bath, $1400, 2 car Complete Appliance Pkgs Sport Courts / Playgrounds garage RV garage, workshop, Pet Friendly sunny deck 360-391-6204 Call Today! 360-856-4803 Burl. very nice 2 story, 1550 sq. ft. home, with carpet, fr1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 plc., granite countertops, 1 bdrm, MV, near college, on- car garage, applcs. incl., site laundry, reserved park- $1,000 damage, $1200/mo. ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! Contact Mike (360) 202-4700 Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 after 5 p.m.

GREAT VIEW 3 BR / 2 BA Anacortes remodeled manf. home with water view from huge deck. Borders Skyline open space. $1200. (360) 333-7431.

Newer MV 3 bdrm, 1 ¾ bath, double car garage, separate MV VIEW CONDO 1 BDRM, 14x28 storage bldg. Close to 55+. Maddox Creek, $850. hospital. No smoke/pets.

Call Judy 360-202-0349 Refs req'd. $1300. + $1000 dep. 424-9595 or 708-8664 MV, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, W/S/G RENTALS pd., $30 application fee, $635 + dep. 360-873-8396.

Houses & Apartments.

See our listings at www.skagitrentals.com New remodel. Big Lake Remax Property Mgmt. view. 2 Bdrm, 1.75 Ba, large 823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon master suite, granite & tile ac360-424-3198 cents, W/D, D/W. No smoke/ pets. $995/mo. 206-778-8147

2 bdrm, 5 new appliances, no smoke/pets, W/S/G pd, credit report required. $695 + $600 dep. 700A Talcott S.W. 360-840-5728

2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, 4-plex, upstairs unit, gas heat, new paint, single car garage, no pets, no smoke, 1017 B Crestview Ln., MV. $695 + $600 damage dep. Credit check. Call Joe 360-4244886.

BURLINGTON TOWNHOMES READY NOW! Spacious 3 bdrm, 1.5 ba units, W/D hook-ups, single garage, gas heat, on 1+ acre in a parklike setting.

W/S/G pd., $1000/mo. + dep. Background/credit ck. $45, Skagit Tradition Realty LLC, Danya Wolf, broker 360-708-8294. Sandy Everett, broker 360-202-3706

2 bdrm, MV, deck, redecorated, clean quiet, W/S/G/ basic cable pd. Refs + dep. $725. No smoke/pets 360424-1695.

NO HIDDEN FEES! Fairhaven Manor 757-2149 Norris Place 757-3060 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts.

Affordable. Section 8 okay.

Big Lake RV Resort: $400/mo. W/S pd. Boat launch, dock 360-422-6206

4000 SQ. FT. of business/industrial space. Former auto body shop set up with heat, lights, office, bath, (5) 10' doors, and asphalt parking.

9094 Stevenson Rd., Anacortes. $2000/mo. or can split. Call 425-239-1020

MV 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, W/D, Lg. shop Stwd. Secluded 3 $725/mo. & $725/dep. 360- acres, concrete flr woodstove $700/mo. 360-652-6560 420-1685

10 December 23, 2011 10 December 23, 2011

REDUCED: Mobile Home in beautiful Park Village, Mount Vernon. 1248 sq. ft.

3 Bdrm, 2 Ba, open floor plan, large bedrooms, storage shed, newer roof and furnace. Many upgrades. $19,650. 360-319-4274

WHY ADVERTISE IN THE SKAGIT VALLEY HERALD?

IN A TIGHT MARKET, KEEP PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT YOU,

COMMERCIAL LOCATION 1200 Riverside Dr, M.V. Paved 21,780.00 square feet sales lot with lights, signs and ready to go on busy Riverside DR. Over 2000 sq. ft. building with offices, shop, lobby area, bathroom, and attic storage area. Large shop door with garage door opener. Upstairs office has view of entire sale lot Land Use (550) RETAIL/AUTO/ TIRES/MARINECRAFT/AIRCRAFT & ACCESS. Neighborhood (6R9) AUTO SALES/ SERVICE FACILITIES. Contact: Terry Minor Email: terrycm@isomedia.com Phone: 360-428-5040 Website with photos : http://cmrvs.com/cmsale Reduced Price! $319,000

NOT THE OTHER GUY. You should be advertising in these tough economic times.

To advertise in the most powerful local media available, call us at 360.424.3251

Condo warehouse space.

18'x60'. All amenities. Security. Call Rick, 360-3197359

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Real Estate Weekly

December 2011 11 December 23,23, 2011 11

www.WindermereSkagit.com

THANK YOU FOR HELPING WITH TOYS FOR TOTS.

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

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MOUNT VERNON

$359,000

Beautifully maintained executive home featuring 4 bdrms, 2.75 baths, daylight basement, formal dining room, private patio & yard.

MLS#235143

MOUNT VERNON

$255,000

Well maintained rambler featuring bonus side lot, 3 spacious bedrooms, oak cabinets in kitchen, breakfast bar & large living room.

MLS#302029

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

SEDRO WOOLLEY

$139,000

Beautiful 1.13 acre property boasts mature landscaping with full fencing, storage shed & 2-car garage. The current 3-bdrm manufactured home can be removed and replaced with a new one or to custom build your dream home. MLS#300921

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon www.skagittraditionrealty.com

24442 WICKER RD, #40, SDW $29,000 One of the largest homes in the community. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1848 sq.ft. Very well kept all age community with affordable space rent. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #284879

22216 FRANCIS ROAD, MV $48,500 Fannie Mae owned home approved for Homepath. Cute 1900 farmhouse has been remodeled, 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in the middle of farmlands. Sitting on .29 acre with mountain & farmland views. Call Lee Ann Dean or Karine Anderson at 424-4901. #299359 94 WILLOW LN, MV $108,999 Great starter or rental home on dead-end street. Over 1/4 acre lot with a carport/storage shed & RV parking. New roof & paint. More info. at skagitvalleyhomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #285014 1710 SKYLINE WAY, #105, ANA $120,000 The park is your back yard! Nicely updated 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo in Skyline. All new appliances, flooring & fixtures. Close to marina, parks, beach & ferry. Call Mel Foley at 770-3115. #253952

AMERICAN DREAM REAL ESTATE SERVICES, INC. To our Community, American Dream Real Estate would like to thank everyone for keeping Skagit County a vibrant and desirable place to live through these changing times. 2011 was a challenging year for most, and yet we saw our local businesses make thoughtful and responsible decisions to better serve our community. The past few years have been hard on many and still we saw our charities supported. More importantly through all the bad news you could still count on being treated to smiling faces and constant courtesy in our shops and on our streets. More often than not we take for granted what we have to be thankful for. This Christmas we can all be proud of our individual contributions to this great community that we know as The Valley.

We wish Everyone the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest and Healthiest of New Years.

Mark & Nancy Redis - American Dream Mount Vernon Leonard & Suenema Johnson - American Dream Anacortes American Dream Real Estate - A Skagit County Business

“Fulfilling Northwest Family Dreams” website: adrskagit.com

2426 W MEADOW BLVD, MV $153,000 Very nice 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with new flooring, paint, appliances & exterior paint. Fannie Mae owned home approved for Homepath financing. Nice deck & huge backyard.

Call Lee Ann Dean or Karine Anderson at 424-4901. #299818 127 E. LAWRENCE ST., MV $169,000 5 bedroom hilltop home, located near the YMCA. Gas heat, 2 car garage. Photos & more info. at SkagitValleyHomes.com.

Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #289068

41947 CHALLENGER RD, CON $231,500 Charming 1354 sq.ft. log home nestled in the woods. Over 29 acres, some acreage in forestry. This home is rustic with nice Southern exposure. Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #302892 18653 BLACKBERRY LN, MV $239,900 Enjoy beautiful views of Big Lake from a private covered deck or from the picture windows that surround this gorgeous 1760 sq.ft. home. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Fully finished lower level. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #275165

19331 84TH AVE. NE, ARL $246,900 Wonderful home in desirable Crown Ridge. Fannie Mae owned & approved for Homepath. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, hardwoods & property backs up to green belt. Call Lee Ann Dean or Karine Anderson at 424-4901. #298375 7110 STEELHEAD LN, BRL $279,000 Lovely 1 level home nestled along the Samish River with 73+/- ft of high-bank riverfront. 4 bedrooms, 2.25 baths. Many upgrades. New exterior paint. Covered patio & gazebo. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #243904 2340 CROSBY DR, MV $279,900 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with over 3700 sq.ft. of living space.

Western valley & sunset views. Call Elizabeth Miller at 4203607. #241764 3319 E. SECTION ST., MV $284,990 Spacious & sunny home with a great floor plan. Nice kitchen/ family room combo with a fireplace. Main floor master suite plus a bonus room upstairs & 3 more bedrooms. Big 3-car garage. Call Robin Luif 420-2026. #271177

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