Real Estate Weekly | December 30, 2011

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

DEC 30-JAN 5

TWENTY-ELEVEN FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

BUILDING: HOUSING DOWNTURN IS ‘HABITAT’ FOR GROWTH PAGE 3

SELLING:

HOW

TO HANDLE LOW OFFERS PAGE 5

SERENE SETTING

Agent: Tim Reichert 360-391-5587

Brown McMillen Real Estate 235 W. Rio Vista Avenue Burlington, WA 360.757.6013 www.brownmcmillen.com

$340,000

The heir’s say “bring us an offer” on this Northwest contemporary home.

Situated on 6.24 acres in a private setting overlooking the large pond and island. The home offers 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths in 1690 sq. ft.

The daylight basement garage and large wood deck add to the appeal of this unique home. There is also a detached 800+ sq ft shop with overhead door and storage loft and additional covered storage and an out building. Call for details MLS# 267821

SIZING DOWN, DOWN, DOWN PAGE 6

Q&A ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 9

CLASSIFIEDS

FEATURED ARTICLE: SIZING DOWN, DOWN, DOWN. The economic downturn has made many reassess every dollar they spend, from vacations to wardrobes, gym memberships, food budgets and even how much they allot to java. But one bigticket item many now are re-evaluating is their family home (cont. on pg. 6)

PAGE 10-11

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

Don’t let lowball offers get you down

Building - Housing Downturn is ‘habitat’ for growth

Pg. 3

Selling - How to Handle Low Offers

Pg. 5

Sizing Down, Down, Down

Pg. 6

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 9

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

5

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

PRI CE RED UC ED

Sedro-Woolley

$49,000

Newer home in Carriage Estates. Desirable 55+ mobile home park. 3 BR, 2 baths, 1684 sq. ft.

Abundant use of alder cabinets. Space rent $441/ mo – includes water, sewer, garbage. Now priced to sell! MLS #244217 Call Charlie, 708-1415 or Jeannie, 708-9645

PRI CE RED UC ED

JUS TL IST ED

Mt. Vernon

$89,900

Mount Vernon

$159,000

Mount Vernon

$169,500

Burlington

$314,950

Sedro-Woolley

$343,000

Burlington

$359,000

3+ bedrooms. 1.5 Baths. Great neighborhood.

Large unfinished basement, with tons of storage.

Cedar lined closets. Hardwood flooring. MLS #276721 Call Mike, 540-1341

Classic bungalow on Mt Vernon Hill. 2 br/1 bath.

Wainscoting & plate rail frame dining room.

Fenced yard w/ alley access. Detached garage/ storage. Walk to schools, downtown. MLS#304735 Call Dan, 360-348-6655 or Amber, 969-4030

Great starter home. 2 bedroom, 1 bath & 1146 sq. ft. Spacious Living & Family Rooms. Close to schools, parks & town. Fenced yard with dog run.

Security System. MLS #207627 Call Jim, 708-1681

Mount Vernon

$228,800

2,182 sq. ft, 4 bedroom, 2 bath home on corner lot. Easy I-5 access. Low maintenance yard, fully fenced backyard. New carpet, freshly painted.

Owner financing available. MLS #252997 Call Wilma, 661-1631

JUS TL IST ED

Mount Vernon

$299,950

4 bd/3ba 2756 sf. Master suite on main floor w/ fully finished basement. Beautiful hardwoods and custom kitchen. Park-like surroundings within city limits. MLS #302957 Call Dan, 360-348-6655 or Amber, 969-4030

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

2

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

December 30, 2011

Remodeled rambler on the 18th Fairway with golf course views. Brand new kitchen, hardwood flooring and paint. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms, 2 living rooms and an office. Has a very open floor plan, perfect for entertaining indoor or outside.

Very large deck with hot tub. MLS #276434 Call Michelle, 630-4423

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Desirable open concept living on 1.38 acres. Main floor master & bedrooms. Large finished daylight basement w/ kitchenette & 3/4 bath. Sky lit kitchen includes pantry. Spacious office off living room. Vaulted ceilings & surround sound. 3-car garage w/ground to build shop. MLS #195914 Call Ivana, 770-3550

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Mike Welling 540-1341

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Single Level Home on Burlington Hill. 0.46 Acre Lot w/ Views to the East & South. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Cherry Cabinets & Granite Counters.

Hardwood Floors, Gas FP, Open Floor Plan. Large Master BR w/ Sitting Area & Master Bath. Secure 2-Car Garage. MLS #115774 Call Ron, (360) 333-1045

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Dan Soria 348-6655

Amber Soria 969-4030

Pete McDougal Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Housing Downturn is

BUILDING

‘habitat’ for growth

The housing market is in a slump, but the basic need for shelter is a constant. Enter Habitat for Humanity International - which placed sixth in Builder magazine’s survey of the largest U.S. homebuilders, with 6,032 home closings last year.

Despite the many relatively inexpensive homes for sale, Habitat is filling a big gap in affordable housing.

Observes Stephen Melman, economist for the National Association of Home Builders: “Affordability is close to an all-time high because of historically low interest rates and home prices rolled back about 10 years or more.” But, he adds, the requirement for “near-perfect credit scores and large down payments” are shutting out buyers. cont. on pg. 4

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

December 30, 2011

3

HOUSING DOWNTURN

cont. from pg. 3

Each of the many HFH affiliates nationwide maintain their own rules on who qualifies to buy a new or refurbished home, notes Matt Sutton, coordinator for the Clarksdale, Miss., affiliate. At the Clarksdale HFH, buyers “have to demonstrate that their current housing is substandard, that they have the ability to pay [the no interest loan], and that they are willing to be a partner,” shares Sutton. Partnering means the buyer and his friends and family must contribute at least 400 hours of labor on the home.

While low-income families are finding shelter, thousands of other Americans also are

4

homeowners, reports Nakia Fowler, a HFH spokesperson.

“These services are critical right now,” observes Dan Immergluck,

benefiting from HFH. Efforts have expanded

professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology. “We face a glut of vacant

to purchase and renovate vacant foreclosed

homes, and Habitat buyers are one of the few sources of buyers able to

properties and to provide repairs for existing

purchase in many markets.”

December 30, 2011

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

How to Handle Low Offers

SELLING

It’s a tough market for home sellers today. Not only is there a lack of qualified buyers in most markets, but many prospective purchasers seem to expect a Cadillac of a home for the price of a Chevrolet.

Sellers who have recently listed their home shouldn’t let lowball offers get you down. Instead, be prepared for some creative counteroffering in the hopes of getting a buyer to come up near your level.

“At this time, lowball offers are the rule, not the exception,” says Amy cont. on pg. 8

STAT

OCCUPY UNITS

OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES Lake McMurray

$489,000

Concrete

$130,000

Danya Wolf 360-708-8294

Enjoy privacy & a park like atmosphere in this 20-acre property featuring spectacular views of Sauk Mountain & Skagit River. Ideal for those who enjoy fishing & Richard Dickman hiking. MLS#175569

45% Percentage of property managers who report lower vacancy rates in 2011 compared with 2010 Source: Rent.com survey of property managers representing 29,000 communities and 5 million rental units

goskagit.com/reweekly

Beautifully appointed, custom home featuring 4 bdrms, 2.75 baths, dock, boat launch & 75 ft. of waterfront.

Daylight basement offers kitchenette & office/library.

This property offers lots of light, amazing views & unique park like approach.

MLS#236420

Real Estate Weekly

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

(360) 420-3155

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com

December 30, 2011

5

Sizing Down, Down, Down

Whether it’s a too-big empty nest or too-high utilities, cutting square footage presents many ways to pare costs

T

he economic downturn has made many reassess every dollar they spend, from vacations to wardrobes, gym memberships, food budgets and even how much they allot to java. But one big-ticket item many now are re-evaluating is their

6

December 30, 2011

family home or apartment - pare square footage and they pare their monthly mortgage or rental obligations. With so much inventory available in most markets, as well as lower interest rates, there are plenty of affordable housing prospects to consider.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Where To Pare Besides the mortgage payment, there are many other monthly and annual expenses that traditionally decrease with less space: homeowners’ insurance, property taxes, utilities, furnishings, and maintenance for the house and yard.

The lowered tax bill is the main driving factor, says Karen Stroub, a real-estate salesperson in Westchester County, N.Y. Yet, other factors can reduce housing expenses beyond square footage, including moving to a location with a less prestigious view or address.

When Marvin Doniger, a Laguna, Calif., management consultant, and his wife cut their house size by 1,000 square feet, they also gave up an ocean view, which dropped their costs, he says. “We missed the view, but the house had become the equivalent of the one in the movie ‘The Money Pit,’” Doniger says, invoking the 1980s film where a young couple struggles to turn a dilapidated house into their dream home.

Author Elaine Fantle Shimberg and her husband cut both their square footage and electric bill

by a third when the last of their five children left for college. The couple, based in Tampa, moved into a two-bedroom condo. “We buy much less toilet paper!” she adds.

Making a careful choice about location - whether closer to work, family or recreational and cultural pursuits - can cut transportation costs and time.

Doug and Francine Cregar moved from a suburban house to The Residences at Dockside, a condo development on the pier in downtown Philadelphia, to cut cont. on pg. 8

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

8 ACRES… 4 Br, 3 Ba. brick home in rural neighborhood. Island kitchen w/ pantry, large dining room, nice rec room. Lg deck, hot tub. $349,000 #57569 83 ACRES… beautiful pasture land, some wooded areas. 3 Br, Ba Mfg home, 2 shops, 7 stall horse barn w/ hay loft. Great for cattle ranch or equestrian use. $599,000. #284837 LOVELY VIEWS… of Lake, Skagit Valley & Olympic Mtns from this wonderful one acre building lot w/public water & electricity. $185,000. #264683 AFFORDABLE HOME… on 1 ac. Home has hardwood floors, updated kitchen, tile counters & foundation. 300 ft of Creek front. No short sale, bank will finance. $159,500. #292338 BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME!… located in a quiet cul-de-sac. Gorgeous Timborana wood floors. Granite counters, tile accents, wide moldings & trim. $319,500. #29145114 Phil Hurtig 770-0787 Fritz Inman 661-0147 Shelah Inman 661-0145 Galen Kindred 770-7083 Holly Brown-Hilts 661-5538

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

$3,000 CLOSING COSTS… For qualified buyer, when you purchase this deluxe 2 Bedroom, 1.75 bath newer condo. #283810 $199,500.

WONDERFUL HOME… on 1 acre level lot in perfect condition. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, great kitchen, family room with gas fireplace.

Beautiful master suite. $325,000. #223246 CONCRETE… fixer on acreage! 3 acres, partially cleared. Home is 1 1/2 story. 4 bedrooms up 1 down & 1 bath. $119,000. #239452 BAYVIEW LOT… 1.25 ACRES.. fabulous water views ready for your dream home. $169,950. #136538 DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE… 10.7 acres on Pleasant Ridge, an elevated building site to enjoy views, slopes down to level farmland. $259,500. #289980

COUNTRY ESTATE… On 2.38 acres overlooking Padilla Bay. 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath home plus a separate Carriage House with studio apt up, 3 bays below. $629,000. #128481 A LOT FOR A LITTLE… 4 Bedroom, 2.5 bath home, all appliances included, spacious deck & patio.

Fenced backyard, close to walking/ biking trails. $194,500. #279134 LOW PRICED LIVING… upgraded mobile, newer windows, appliances, flooring & more. Covered deck. $20,000 #281152 LOVELY 3 BR, 2 BATH… home on 1/3 acre at end of quiet street, lots of privacy. 996sf garage-shop. $249,500. #284618 JUST REDUCED… 5 acre parcel.

Burlington Schools, West of I-5, close to Mt Vernon & Bellingham.

Power & Driveway in. $100,000. #29129150

Evening Phone Calls Welcome Jan Scally Terri Heyntsen Ron Wortham Tim Reichert Tod LeHecka

421-5160 391-0938 661-1500 391-5587 333-1032

Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Dick Best 770-1491 Jeff Ingman 202-2859 www.brownmcmillen.com

December 30, 2011

7

LOW OFFERS

SIZING DOWN

cont. from pg. 5

Frankmore, a broker associate in Greenwood Village, Colo. “Every seller - from the moment the home is listed for sale - should expect a lowball offer as the new normal in a residential real estate transaction. The difference is that when the buyer has a genuine interest in purchasing the home, they will come up in price 100 percent of the time and pay for the house.”

Initial offers in Frankmore’s market are anywhere between 12 and 20 percent off the list price.

While sellers are entitled to be insulted by initial offers that, in their eyes, are unreasonably small, it’s important to put it into proper perspective.

“A good Realtor’s response to the seller should be, ‘We have this buyer today, and we don’t know when we might have another one. So let’s give them the courtesy of a counteroffer,’” says John Biondolillo, president of BCK Real Estate in Barre, Vt. Although you may be angry about a lowball initial offer, your best bet is to put your emotions aside and make a counteroffer.

“Always respond, Frankmore says. “In this market, a buyer feels like they have to lowball. Responding is the only way to flush out the bottom feeders from the genuine buyers. “A seller needs to counter initially with a little off the list price to let the buyer know they are interested in working the deal. At this juncture, a real buyer will counter back with a number that shows they are real.”

8

December 30, 2011

cont. from pg. 7

taxes, utilities and driving to city activities. “It’s so easy now getting around. And there are 50 restaurants within walking distance, Doug says.

Don’t Overdo It One big caveat, according to Susan Stynes, a Realtor in Richmond, Va., is to avoid over-downsizing. “I advise clients not to cut back more than 60 percent of their current home’s size, since some end up moving again to upsize, which can be expensive,” she says.

Jean A. Dorrell, a certified estate planner, recommends homeowners rent a smaller abode to test prospects if they’re not sure about size. Dorrell also advises downsizers to look into maintenance-free homes, like condos.

Similarly, some forms of housing, even if smaller, introduce new expenses, such as homeowner’s association fees or assessments.

Discussing pros and cons with a financial adviser may be beneficial. Also, compare current versus future costs and put them in the context of whether savings are justified. “If you save $500 but are miserable, it’s obviously not worth it,” Doniger says.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Q&A

A LITTLE BREATHING ROOM? QUESTION:

Our daughter is ineligible for any assistance with her deeply underwater mortgage because our name is on it as co-signers. What are the pitfalls to the following idea?

1. We pay off the mortgage and replace her name with ours on the deed.

2. We sell it back to her for its current market value. She gets a mortgage in her name only. This reduces her loan rate nearly 2 percent.

3. We finance a 12-year mortgage to her for the underwater amount.

She would still be liable for the full amount of the original loan. Her total monthly payments would not go down, but at the end of 12 years the second lien would be paid off and she would have a significantly smaller principal balance remaining on the first note.

If we see it correctly, this also would free her to sell her condo in a few years without facing short-sale issues or messing up her credit rating. She’d still owe the balance of the second loan to us, but she’d not be stuck in the tiny condo she now owns. We can scrape together cash to pay it off if we get most of it back right away; but we couldn’t take the chance of getting stuck with the whole amount if this idea is unworkable.

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

ANSWER:

A more direct and less expensive approach would be to increase the monthly payment so the loan can be repaid entirely in 15 years. The ultimate interest savings would be enormous, perhaps opening the door to cheaper refinancing as the loan balance declines and - maybe - local values rise.

Example: The property has loans worth $300,000 outstanding at 7 percent. The monthly cost for principal and interest is $1,996 per month. To repay the loans in 15 years would require $2,696 monthly, if prepayments are allowed. The total interest cost would go from $418,528 over the life of the loan to $185,366 - a savings of $233,162.

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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Real Estate Weekly

December 30, 2011

9

New remodel. Big Lake view. 2 Bdrm, 1.75 Ba, large master suite, granite & tile accents, W/D, D/W. No smoke/ pets. $995/mo. 206-778-8147

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Newer MV 3 bdrm, 1 ¾ bath, 2 BEDROOM MOBILE double car garage, separate 14x28 storage bldg. Close to South Skagit Highway, big hospital. No smoke/pets. yard, washer dryer hook ups Refs req'd. $1300. + $1000 $725 + 350 deposit 855-9747 dep. 424-9595 or 708-8664 Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2 ½ Ba, plus large bonus room, large fenced yard with garden space, $1,450 per mo. www.skagitsolutions.com 360-202-2160

RV companion, 50+, male/female. Email: greyold99@yahoo.com

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments.

See our listings at www.skagitrentals.com Remax Property Mgmt.

823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon 360-424-3198

$600, 2 Bdrm, older house, Lg. shop Stwd. Secluded 3 – acres, concrete flr woodstove 1 Bdrm apt. on MV hill. New propane tank, Concrete st $700/mo. 360-652-6560 paint, blinds, tile floor in next to high school, 1 and kitchen, $685. All util. incl. last. 360-770-2989 (425) 478-0848 1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

1 bdrm, M.V. 1 level, near Piazza Realty Property hospital, quiet, safe. No Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT pets/smoke. 1531 E. Skagit (7368) www.prpmrentals.com 1 bdrm in Burl. carport, natSt. $690. (360) 652-6560 ural gas heat, utility room, 1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 2 bdrm, 1.5 ba, MV hill, full $725/mo. W/S pd. $600/ bdrm, MV, near college, on- basement, private 1/2 acre, damage. No pets. 856-6878 site laundry, reserved park- fenced yard, view to river & ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! sunsets. No smoke/pet. $995 2 bdrm, 5 new appliances, Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 + $1000 dep. 360-661-6173, no smoke/pets, W/S/G pd, 961-9502 credit report required. $695 + 1 acre wooded lot $600 dep. 700A Talcott S.W. 2 bdrm, MV, deck, redecoReady to build. Well water. rated, clean quiet, W/S/G/ 4 bdrm, 2 ba, on st1 acre in 360-840-5728 12 miles East of I-5 near basic cable pd. Refs + dep. Concrete, $850, 1 , last & Lyman, Skagit County. Pro$725. No smoke/pets 360- damage. 360-421-7979 tective covenants. Come 424-1695. look. 360-826-3389 for apBurl. very nice 2 story, 1550 pointment. $74,500. Terms sq. ft. home, with carpet, frCute downtown studios, if qualified. plc., granite countertops, 1 on bus line.

BURLINGTON TOWNcar garage, applcs. incl., Great MV location $550.

HOMES READY NOW! $1,000 damage, $1200/mo.

ASK ABOUT OUR Contact Mike (360) 202-4700 Spacious 3 bdrm, 1.5 ba MOVE IN SPECIAL! units, W/D hook-ups, single after 5 p.m.

425-280-3436 garage, gas heat, on 1+ MV, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, W/S/G Burlington. Vintage 2 bdrm, pd., $30 application fee, large kitchen & dining room, $635 + dep. 360-873-8396. gas heat, all appliances, Small 2 bdrm, MV hill, newer fenced back yard, ideal home carpet, vinyl and blinds, re- office location. $900 + dep. cent paint. $695. W/S/G incl. Possible shop space avail.

755-0562 or 333-1151 425-478-0848

10 30,30, 2011 10 December December 2011

THREE 1 ACRE LOTS NEAR LYMAN. 12 miles east of I-5. Secluded – surrounded by wildlife areas. Ready to build. View is sensational.

The value is in the view – come look. Make an offer – Terms available. No worry of flooding.

Call 360-826-3389

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

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

Condo warehouse space.

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

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

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Real Estate Weekly

December 2011 11 December 30,30, 2011 11

VALLEY HOMES

(360) 424-7166

823 N 4th St • Mount Vernon www.buyingvalleyhomes.com

Visit Our Web site at buyingvalleyhomes.com Call us today or email us at remaxvalley@comcast.net

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

Property Management Services / Rental Listings Available (360) 424-3198

1048 Cassius Ct, Camano Island Beautiful 3 brm 3 bth 3 car gar custom designed by owner-engineer with the best island view of Utsalady Bay, Mt. Baker, Whidbey Is. Kitchen w/storage space, pantry, center Isle w/extra sink, 2 gas fireplaces, UVR windows, tongue & groove hardw flrs, Dbl front doors at entry and Mstr Brm w/ deck below Gen. wired, shop/wine cellar. Seller will consider all offers. Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 292797 $575,000

830 Greenstreet Blvd, Sedro-Woolley Character, charm and comfort abound in this wonderful 1940's updated Rambler w/full basement. The main floor is mostly hardwoods with 3 beds, 1.75 baths, a large kitchen w/breakfast nook, living room & formal dining room. Significant updating has been done: electrical, newer roof & vinyl windows. The backyard is fully fenced & includes gravel RV pad.

Call Racqel McDermott 360-420-1830 MLS#: 285503 $215,500

1103 Bennett St, Sedro-Woolley Great one story home in Sedro-Woolley. 4 bedrooms, full bathroom plus a bathroom off the master suite with a double vanity and a large shower. The house has hardwood flooring with the exception of the kitchen which has the perfect flooring for any kitchen, tile. Living room has a charming gas fireplace.

2-car garage plus room for more parking out front for extra cars, an RV or boat Call Racquel McDermott 360-420-1830 MLS#: 285473 $219,000

3816 Saje Lane, Sedro-Woolley Charming home nestled in the woods, it is so peaceful here. Home has new vinyl windows throughout. Small barn for animals with pasture that is fenced and cross fenced and a small barn for animals. 4 bedroom, 2 bath home with a creek and a beautiful setting with garden space, a playhouse, a 22’ x 24’ shop/garage.

Call Becky Elde 360-770-6427 MLS#: 283062 $280,000

North Homes Realty Inc.

5361 Park Ridge Place, Sedro-Woolley Quality built home on 4.89 acres of manicured pasture, fenced and cross fenced, barn has 4 stalls, tack rm, water & power inside and out plus room for 4 tons of hay in the loft.

Home is beautiful with rock fireplace, vaulted ceilings, large gourmet kitchen, manicured lawn and garden space is irrigated. Large master suite with large jetted tub and French doors to the patio. Wired in generator.

Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 300499 $480,000

5235 Timberridge Dr, Mount Vernon New Price! Beautiful NW Contemporary home. Bright with high ceilings, open kitchen, nice appliances, huge garage with storage. Great floor plan. Move in ready.

Motivated sellers. You have to see this one!

Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS#: 284020 $139,900

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

Sandi Riley 770-8670

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38182 STATE ROUTE #20, (BIRDSVIEW), CONCRETE $386,500 37909 THEO LANE, (BIRDSVIEW), CONCRETE $429,500 684 S. BURLINGTON BLVD., BURLINGTON $294,500

B Y AP P OI N T MEN T, EASY T O VI EW

BY APPOINTM E NT, EASY TO VIE W

•HUGE R.V. SHOP + R.V. DUMP, PASTURED 5 ACRES W/ MTN. VIEWS! •GORGEOUS CUSTOM 3 BEDROOM RAMBLER W/HIGH CEILINGS, QUALITY+ •HUGE MASTER SUITE, 2.5 BA.,LG. MAPLE CAB. KITCHEN. 3456 SQ. FT.!!

•OUTSTANDING QUALITY , BEAUTIFUL N/W CRAFTSMAN STYLE 2-STORY •3 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BA., DEN, LOFT/STUDY, + LG. BONUS RM, 3-CAR GARAGE! •3,000+- SQ. FT., PARKLIKE 1 ACRE W/COMM. RIVER ACCESS, RIVER VIEWS!!

•PRIME COMMERCIAL VISIBILITY NEAR (HWY. 20/RIO VISTA) INTERSECTION! •TRADITIONAL 2+ BEDROOM, 1.5 BA. W/LG. REC ROOM , .38 ACRE •MEDICAL/BUSINESS OFFICE USAGE,OR LIVE IN NOW, COMMERCIAL USE LATER!

24497 OLD DAY CREEK RD., SEDRO-WOOLLEY $644,500

11365 WESTERN LANE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY $234,500

1601 FOREST DRIVE, MT. VERNON $278,400 R GA

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•TOP OF THE HILL PRIVACY, 11+ ACRES, WOODED + FENCED PASTURE! •CUSTOM RAMBLER W/3110 SQ. FT., LAKE & MTN. VIEWS, LG. SHOP •3 BD., 2.5 BA., VIEW KITCHEN/FAMILY RM., LG. VIEW MASTER SUITE!

•GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, PRIVACY++ ON 5 FENCED ACRES, CLOSE IN!! •HUGE 3-BAY SIZED SHOP W/HIGH DOORS, STABLE + OUTBUILDINGS •3 BEDROOM, 2 BA. MANUF. HOME W/COZY WOOD STOVE, LG. KITCHEN!

•APPROX. “HALF” ACRE, CLOSE IN, REMODL. 3 BD., 2 BA. HUGE RAMBLER •LG. FAMILY/BONUS RM., OPEN/SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING RM., + SUNROOM •2356 SQ. FT. + 700+ SQ. FT. GAR/SHOP, HOT TUB, A MUST TO SEE!

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•OVER 1700 SQ. FT. W/HUGE FAMILY RM. W/HARDWOOD FLRS., GAS FPL. •PRIVATE SETTING,QUIET CUL DE SAC, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS,SERVICES! •3 BD., 2 BA., ;2 CAR GARAGE, OPEN PLAN LG. LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN

•WELL OVER $130,000 INVESTED BY SELLER, UPGRADED TO THE MAX! •OPEN LIVING/DINING RM, LG. KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST NOOK W/WOOD FLRS. •3 BD., 2 BA., COV. PATIO, FENCED YD., HUGE FINISHED DOUBLE GARAGE!!

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2610 E. SECTION ST. #79, (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $54,500 2725 E. FIR ST. #43, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $26,500

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817 DANNA DRIVE, SEDRO-WOOLLEY $199,500

BY APPOINTM E NT, EASY TO VIE W •UPDATED INSIDE & OUT, OPEN PLAN W/SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING RM. •COZY FAMILY RM OFF KITCHEN W/EATING AREA, 2 BD., 2 BA., AIR CONDITIONING! •GORGEOUS COVERED DECK + SUNNY PATIO, LG. SHOP, PARKLIKE PRIVACY

900 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $47,474 Open, bright well maintained home with great floor plan, kitchen with dining area & island. All appliances stay. 1 car garage. Located in secure 55+ park with RV parking. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #236863 869 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $95,000 Immaculate triple wide with 2 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, den, vaulted ceiling. Kitchen with island & maple cabinets. 10x20 insulated shop with workbench. 55+ community. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #230071 1100 3RD ST., SDW $121,950 Cute, affordable 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. Gas heat & fireplace. Greenhouse, storage shed & corner lot. Close to town.

Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #272362 8047 AVERY LANE, SDW $149,900 Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1344 sq ft, 1998 manufactured home on level & cleared 1.1 acres. Rural area but close to amenities.

Photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #264108

4406 BRYCE DR., ANA $193,900 Great Skyline area home! Fannie Mae owned approved for Homepath. This home has new paint & appliances. 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. Don’t wait on this one…priced to sell! Call Lee Ann Dean or Karine Anderson at 424-4901. #299902 2902 MONTGOMERY PL, MV $215,000 Spacious 1800 sq.ft. rambler with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths. Master with walk-in closet & ¾ bath. Living room with fireplace.

New carpet & interior paint. Fenced yard with deck & sprinkler system. 2 car garage. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #274079 1501 MEADOW LARK LN, MV $219,950 Classic rambler on spacious, private lot! Slate entry & big picture windows from the living room take in the patio & backyard. Fireplaces in family & living rooms. Call Robin Luif at 420-2026. #229760 2028 FOWLER ST, MV $229,500 Great location, great floor plan at a great price! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, newer roof, new exterior paint & many interior upgrades. Covered back deck & fully fenced. Call Mel Foley at 770-3115. #236846 455 KLICKITAT, LAC $235,000 Wonderful La Conner home featuring views over the marina, spacious rooms, open floor plan, two fireplaces, attached garage and great amenities abound. Call Sarah Minton at 7703076. #29136416 7759 F & S Grade Rd, SDW $259,000 Charming home on 7+ acres overlooking the valley. Large upgraded kitchen, formal living & dining rooms & cozy family room. Extra bonus room for guest, MIL or art studio. Call Rita Ingram at 708-8338. #243405

512 TALBOTT ST., LAC $279,900 Custom Craftsman style rambler in the heart of La Conner on fee simple land. Features 2 bedrooms, den & great room concept with hardwoods, open vaulted ceilings & nice covered front porch. Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #287388 18307 PETER BURNS RD, MV $297,500 23 acre farmette close to Big Lake & ORV Park. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, detached 28’x48’4 bay shop, fenced pasture with 30’x36’ barn. Dog kennels & grooming room. Call Warren Bingham at 770-2421. #231367 1033 NEZ PERCE DR., MV $306,500 Beautiful 1 level home with many upgrades located in Thunderbird. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, huge master closet. Den off the living room, gas fireplace, hardwoods & beautiful views. Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #287381 10943 MARY LN, BRL $348,000 Lovely 1 story home with 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths & nearly 2100 SF, large master suite, kitchen with eating bar & pantry. 2 car garage, 2 storage sheds & heated 24x48 shop/garage. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #243332 901 JAMESON ST., SDW $349,950 Completely restored & updated historic 1903 Victorian home.

3142 SF, 3 bedroom plus parlor, den/office, family & bonus rooms. Many original features combined with many updates.

More photos & info at www.SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #282892 23804 COPPER RIVER CT, MV $359,000 Beautiful & spacious Chaffey-built Nookachamp Hills home.

3200+ sq.ft. on .45 acre with 4 bedrooms, 2.75 baths. Large kitchen with island, stainless appliances & pantry. Large yard & patios. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #278764 4859 BLANK RD., SDW $369,900 Beautiful NW craftsman home on nearly 1 acre; very private location. 10’ ceilings, extensive use of clear fir, Brazilian marble, concrete floors & artist designed stained glass windows & lights. More info at skagitvalleyhomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #271395 7601 STATE ROUTE 9, SDW $389,000 Spectacular log home on over 3 acres. One-level, 2 bedroom, 2 bath, built-in 2006. Hickory floors, clear-cedar ceiling & fir logs.

Park-like setting. More info & photos at SkagitValleyHomes. com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #272363 22578 S.R. 534, CONWAY $425,000 One of a kind home on 6.2 acres. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths plus large home office. House sits back from Hwy for privacy. 2 car garage. 18X36 in-ground swimming pool. Call Traci Gilbertson at 333-3479. #213565 15002 CHANNEL LN, LAC $435,000 Waterfront home at a great price. 1-story home with wonderful floor plan with spacious rooms & spectacular water views.

Large level lot, 2 car garage. Close to LaConner. Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #249568 1045 BLACKBERRY LN., CAMANO ISLAND $915,000 2430 SF waterfront home. Large lot located at dead end with outstanding views of the Olympics, Mt. Baker & Sunsets. 70’ of waterfront. New metal roof, trex decking. Call Traci Gilbertson at 333-3479. #164059

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