Real Estate Weekly | January 13, 2012

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

JAN 13-JAN 19

TWENTY-TWELVE FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

FIRST-TIME BUYERS REMAIN KEY TO HOUSING RECOVERY PAGE 3

HOMEOWNERSHIP: WHAT’S DRIVING PRICE PAGE 4

THE HOUSING MARKET: NEW GOLF COURSE LISTING!

Agent: Holly Hilts 360-661-5538

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

$310,000

Enjoy the expansive views of the fairways from this beautiful 3 bedroom rambler located on the 12th Tee of Skagit Golf and Country Club. This immaculate home offers large open living space with an abundance of natural light, hardwood floors, newer carpet, vaulted ceiling, skylight in kitchen, brick fireplace, sliding doors from both living and dining room out to the deck and a 3rd bedroom that would make a perfect office. Plenty of garden space and an easy care yard complete this fabulous package!

MLS# 308903

INDEXING THE IMPROVEMENT PAGE 5

THE VACATION HOME MARKET PAGE 6

Q&A ASK OUR BROKER

FEATURED ARTICLE:

PAGE 8

THE VACATION HOME MARKET The second-home market has taken a hit in recent years. Yet, the home-away-from-home might be the thing for some buyers. Back when the housing market was happily abuzz with sales, lots of buyers thought a vacation home would add to their happiness. What’s happened to (cont. on pg. 6)

CLASSIFIEDS 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

First-time buyers remain key to housing recovery

Pg. 3

Homeownership - What’s driving price

Pg. 4

The Housing Market Indexing the Improvement

Pg. 5

The Vacation Home Market

Pg. 6

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 8

Classifieds

Pg. 10-11

Pg.

4

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 ©Skagit Publishing LLC 2012 | 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

Burlington

$214,900

Beautiful custom rambler w/ family room. Over 1/2 acre on quiet dead end street. Shop and garden with well. RV Parking plus 2 car garage with plenty of storage. MLS# 263737 Directions: East on Highway 20 from Burlington, North on Mary Lane Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Concrete

$29,900

Get away from it all! 1 Bd/1Ba on a large lot, close to all outdoor activities. Year round cabin, right next to the Skagit River. Home is well built and above ground to withstand threat of flooding. MLS #253480 Call Mike, 540-1341

PRI CE RED UC ED

Burlington Mount Vernon

$379,000

Spacious home just outside city. Formal living/ dining. 2nd kitchen and oversized master suite.

Large finished lower level, lots of space. Sits on large lot. MLS # 258223 Call Ivana, 770-3550

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

2

PRI CE RED UC ED

PRI CE RED UC ED

OPEN HOUSE: Sun. Jan. 15th 1-3PM

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

January 13, 2012

$775,000

Gorgeous 2 story home custom built on 2 acres on Samish Island. 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. MLS # 287415 Call Wilma, 661-1631 or Glen, 421-1706

Jim Stransky 708-1681

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Mount Vernon

$189,500

Single level, ground floor condo in Mount Vernon with view over city. 2 bedrooms + office. Lovely master suite. Granite countertops in spacious kitchen. 2 car garage, covered deck, gas fireplace. Abundant storage. MLS #21439 Call Debbie, 708-8780

Calling All Landlords and Tenants, Let Us Help with Your Rental Needs!

Call Wilma Louia, 755-5555

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Mike Welling 540-1341

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Mount Vernon

$285,000

Rare 9+ acre parcel of farmland. 1324 sq. ft. rambler; 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Some hardwood floors.

Living room with wood fireplace insert. Pantry off kitchen. Large 2 bay shop. MLS#233412 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

NE W

Mount Vernon

LIS TIN G

$359,000

Built in 1994 in the style of the yesteryear. 3 bd/2.5 ba 2185 sq. ft home. This home is adorned with classic dormers, cedar siding, river rock fireplace and solid oak floors/staircase. 24 x 38 3 car garage. MLS#308824 Call Ron, 333-1045

“Highest Overall Satisfaction For Home Sellers and Home Buyers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” RE/MAX received the highest numerical score among full service real estate firms for home sellers and home buyers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM . Study based on 3,861 total evaluations measuring 8 firms and measures opinions of individuals who bought a home between March 2010 and April 2011. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-May 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

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

First-time buyers remain key to housing recovery

BUYING

First-time homebuyers accounted for 37 percent of the homebuying market last year, according to the 2011 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. While down from 2010’s tax-credit-incentivized record high of 50 percent, the recent NAR survey shows that first-time buyers remain an important part of the housing recovery.

According to the survey, the median age of first-time buyers was 31, and the median income was $62,400, up from $59,900 in the 2010 survey.

The typical first home was 1,570 square feet, cost $155,000, and it had an estimated monthly mortgage principal and interest payment of $794.

Naturally, repeat buyers were older, earned more and sought out larger, pricier homes.

The typical repeat buyer was 53 years old, earned $96,600 - up from the $87,000 median in the 2010 profile - and purchased median 2,100-squarefoot home costing $219,500, with an estimated monthly payment of $1,006.

Overall, the media down payment for buyers was 11 percent of the homepurchase price, ranging from five percent for first-time buyers to 15 percent for repeat buyers. According to Paul Bishop, the NAR’s vice president of research, the down payment for both sets of buyers was a full percentage point higher than in 2010, and indication of tighter lending requirements.

STAT cost of building

60% Percentage of new home’s final sales price accounted for construction costs of the home.

Source: NAHB 2011 Construction Cost Survey

goskagit.com/reweekly

OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES OPEN HOUSE Sat 12-4

PEACEFUL HAVEN IN EAGLEMONT

389,900

$

2,311 sq. ft. Custom Rambler, Built 2008. Nat. Gas, F/A. 3 BD, 2 Full BA, Bonus Rm above gar. Jetted Soaking Tub. Travertine Tile Floor in Mstr BA w/Radiant Heat. Vaulted Ceilings, Great Rm w/Cust Floor-to-Ceiling NW Eldorado Stone Mt. Lodge Gas F/place. Kitchen/Mstr Bath w/Slab Granite Counters & Tile Backsplash, S/S Appls, Maple Cabinets, Instant Hot Water. Solid Plank Hickory Wd Flrs, French Doors, Whole House Water Filtration System. Two Car Garage w/Storage. EverGrain Comp Decking, Greenbelt behind house w/pond & nature trails, Private Mature Landscaping. CCR’s, Clubhouse, Golf Course.

FOR SALE BY OWNER - EAGLEMONT GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB COMMUNITY 4822 Beaver Pond Drive S., Mount Vernon, WA • sunsetswans@comcast.net George & Kerry Feldman • 360-424-5775 Cell: 360-739-5842

Real Estate Weekly

January 13, 2012

3

hom eo w n er s h i p

What’s Driving Price?

New home price estimator shows what features affect price and offers a glimpse into what the average home looks like A newly updated economic model developed by the National Association of Home Builders enables builders, developers, prospective buyers and owners to see the impact of various features and neighborhood characteristics might have on home price.

Based on the four principal Census regions of the country, the NAHB online house price estimator finds house prices to be higher in the Northeast and West regions of the country, in addition to central cities and suburbs. Home prices tend to be lowest in homes built outside of a metro area, though some regional variation exists regardless of urban status.

The standard new single-family detached home is defined by the following features, based primarily on averages or medians from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction: • 2,150 square feet of living space • Two full bathrooms and one half-bath • Three bedrooms • Garage (found in 70 percent of single-family homes built since the mid-1980s) • Central air conditioning (found in 90 percent of single-family homes) • Fireplace, which was in more than 50 percent of homes since 1974 up until 2010, when it dipped slightly below 50 percent • A separate dining room, which the 2009 American Housing Survey found in 2.2 million out of 3.8 million new owner-occupied housing units • Three miscellaneous rooms • Satisfactory shopping - grocery or drug stores - within 15 minutes of the community or neighborhood, which the AHS found reported by 90 percent of homeowners The single-family detached house price estimator can be found at nahb. org/housepriceestimator

4

January 13, 2012

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

The Housing Market

You think all housing markets are in the tank? Think again.

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metro areas to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index.

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective low points in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months.

The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.

The five metro areas that dropped from the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index in January were Anchorage, Alaska; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Canton, Ohio; Scranton, Pa.; and Charleston, W. Va. A full list of all 76 metropolitan areas currently on the IMI is

Indexing the Improvement

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

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

available at: www.nahb.org/imi.

The additions to the IMI followed news from the National Association of Realtors at the end of December that showed pending home sales had reached their highest level in 19 months.

The NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, increased 7.3 percent to 100.1 in November (the most recent month for which data is available) from an upwardly revised 93.3 in October and is 5.9 percent above November 2010 when it stood at 94.5. The October upward revision resulted in a 10.4 percent monthly gain. The last time the index was higher was in April 2010 when it reached 111.5 as buyers rushed to beat the deadline for the federal housing tax credit. The index, which measures housing contract activity, is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos and coops. A signed contract is not counted as a sale until the transaction closes. The data reflects contracts but not closings.

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

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

TWO HOMES, ONE PRICE!… Shy acre property in lovely setting near Sedro Woolley w/3Br & 2 Br Homes. $279,500. #2669852 SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT… 11 acres w/public water & sewer. Preliminary plans for 128 Unit Development. $1,920,00.00 #296744 GREAT OPPORTUNITY… level piece of land in the city, zoned multi-family, 3 one story units can be built. Density for 2 story units. All utilities available. $315,000. #208598 FREEWAY VISIBLE… Office bldg on 1.76 acres in excellent Mt Vernon location. Comm’l & Light Industrial Zoning, great for any business use . $875,000. #243377 ZONED BURLINGTON… general office & misc. services allows many different uses. Check w/city.Put your business here in this great bldg. Over 2000 sf $224,500. #277005 Phil Hurtig 770-0787 Fritz Inman 661-0147 Shelah Inman 661-0145 Galen Kindred 770-7083 Holly Brown-Hilts 661-5538

REMODELED HOME WITH SHOP!… 3 Br, 1.75 bath home on large lot, Brl School District. Home nicely updated. $175,000. #304470 BIRCH BAY… 3 level acres with public water & sewer with 2 BR cabin. Zoned for up to 12 lots. Great investment. $205,000. #275743 2 BDRM COTTAGE… on 1+ acres east of Sedro Woolley.Extensive remodel, fenced. Home on PUD has irrigation as well. $115,000 #256759 SPECTACULAR VIEWS… of Similk Bay & beyond. Just over 1 acre, water, power in street, very desirable location $175,000. #121206 MOUNT BAKER VIEW… from this wonderful full acre building site. Public water & perk approved. $149,500. #235491 MV CONDO… nice floor unit, close to hospital. $89,000. #200244

COMMUTER SPECIAL… 3 Br, 2.5 bath home is on a corner lot, fully fenced back yard, just 5 minutesd to freeway. $194,000. #305726 OWN YOUR BUSINESS… nice location in Burlington w/2 businesses + apt above.Just 4 yrs old. $375,000. #286418 SAMISH ISLAND-8 ACRES… partial view property, 20’ strip, saltwater& desirable bldg site. Water & Power available, partially wooded. 15 min to B-ham. $275,000. #297147 PRISTINE CONDITION… located on quiet street, beautifully landscaped yard. 3 bdrms, 1.75 baths & large family room. Lots of storage. $219,500. #180350 RIVERFRONT RECREATION! … 2 acres of camping paradise on Skagait River.

Well & septic in, bathrooms w/shower, 3 newer travel trailers. Call now. $89,000 #297118

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

goskagit.com/reweekly

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

18519 Chantrelle Lane, Mount Vernon Country setting yet close to town on one full acre w/possible access to 8 additional acres of open space.Large wood wrapped Lindal Windows look out to private yard & deck.

Pine ceilings,slate hearth around the wood stove.Kitchen has nice high windows & vaulted ceiling w/deck off sliding glass door.

Master bedroom & master bath w/double sinks.Cedar siding, newer roof, and furnace Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 302484 $250,000

19042 E Stackpole Rd, Mount Vernon Country living on a large lot yet close to town. Hardwood floors, lots of built in cabinets. Mother-in-law apartment with wood heat and a room above the garage plus 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms in the house; ½ bath is plumbed for a shower.

Conway school district. Short sale, subject to lien holder approval Call Becky Elde 360-770-9427 MLS#: 304087 $165,000

Real Estate Weekly

814 Cul De Sac Rd, Burlington Main house with an attached ADU/ mother-in-law apartment. Main house: 3 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, own septic & drain field, living room, breakfast nook, dining room, bonus/rec room & small attached shop. The attached apartment: living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, own septic & drain field. Live in one side & rent out the other or invest & rent out both sides.

Call Racquel McDermott 360-420-1830

$164,000

5235 Timberridge Dr, Mount Vernon Beautiful NW Contemporary home. Bright with high ceilings, open kitchen, nice appliances, huge garage with storage.

Great floor plan. Move in ready. Motivated sellers. Call Laura Bird 360-630-9692 MLS#: 284020 $139,900

1048 Cassius Ct, Camano Island Beautiful custom 3 bed, 3Bth, 836 sq ft 3 car garage designed with views from every room of Mt. Baker, Utsalady Bay, Whidbey Is. and Canadian Mtns. Lg kitchen center island, built in china hutch, pantry. 2 gas fireplaces 2 upper & lower decks 729 Sq Ft. UVR windows, wired for generator. Seller will consider all offers.

Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 292797 $575,000

24404 McKendree Lane, Sedro Woolley Bring your horses this property has pasture with electric fence, corral, lean to for dry cover. 3 bed, w/den and closet. Storage sheds, carport/shop area. Covered front porch,new laminate in living room, family room area. Brand new roof.

Call Mike Whitney 360-421-4310 MLS#: 288311 $195,000

January 13, 2012

5

The Vacation Home Market

6

January 13, 2012

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

The second-home market has taken a hit in recent years.

Yet, the home-away-from-home might be the thing for some buyers

B

ack when the housing market was happily abuzz with sales, lots of buyers thought a vacation home would add to their happiness.

What’s happened to those owners since? And, in this downturn, is it possible to find happiness - personal and financial - from buying a second home?

We asked a few experts to assess the current state of the second-home market. While there are many sober observations, there are still reasons why a home-away-from-home can be a happy place.

Value Lessons The National Association of Realtors’ research shows that the median price of a vacation home fell about 11 percent last year, more than double the drop (five percent) in primary homes.

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

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Tel. (360) 416-4902

www.npsar.com

The reason for the bigger drop, relates NAR spokesman Walter Molony, is because there are more “distressed” sales - sales of homes in or at risk of foreclosure amongst vacation homes.

Looking at a map devised by the National Association of Home Builders, which charts the concentration of second homes in each county, it’s indeed likely that there are higher distressed sales, since states like Florida and Arizona, both with high foreclosure numbers, also are heavy with second homes, notes Daniel McCue, research manager at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.

But in upscale Naples, Fla., while there has been roughly a 50 percent drop in values from the peak last decade, the drop isn’t really due to distress, contends Tom Doyle of Sun Realty, in Naples. Rather, the drop stems from “an oversupply of housing cont. on pg. 9

Robin Lee Luif Associate Broker

(360)420-2026 2417 CROSBY DRIVE, MOUNT VERNON One of kind custom home by a master builder. Gorgeous hardwood floor, vaulted ceiling & huge windows take in the sweeping valley view. Beautiful white stone fireplace in the living room & it matches the white stone on the exterior front.

Upper & lower decks run the full length of the home. 5 bedrooms & 3 baths, 4,000+ SF. Nicely landscaped lot in a quiet neighborhood. MLS# 218717 Just $339,950.

RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME This time, it’s going to be different. A brand new year, brimming with possibilities, and you’ve resolved to move through your house like a whirling tornado of can-do, fixing and painting and organizing. This year, nothing will stop you.

Welcome to your home improvement New Year’s Resolutions!

1. Lose weight (cut energy use) 2. Quit smoking (purify indoor air) 3. Get out of debt (budget for improvements) 4. Learn something new (educate yourself on home finances) 5. Get organized (de-clutter) 6. Volunteer (support your community) 7. Drink less (curb home water use) 8. Spend more time with the family (share home improvement projects) 9. Get fit (exercise your DIY skills) 10. Be less stressed (use maintenance-free materials)

1501 MEADOW LARK LANE, MOUNT VERNON Classic rambler in a nice quiet neighborhood on a spacious lot. Slate entry & then enter the living room with big windows looking out to the nicely landscaped backyard. Double fireplace with gas in the living room & wood burning in the family room. 3 bedrooms & 1.5 baths & just over 1700 SF. New roof & new vinyl installed. MLS# 229760. Priced for $219,950.

Source: Houselogic.com

3319 E. SECTION ST., MOUNT VERNON Charming home on a spacious city lot. Old fashioned front porch & a fantastic floor plan make this home a stand out. The spacious master suite is on the main floor plus there are 3 more bedrooms up and a great bonus room with nice westerly views. Kitchen/family room combo and a cozy living room up front. Huge 3 car garage with tons of storage. Over 2300 sq. ft. MLS# 271177. A sweet price of $284,990.

Mission Statement: The North Puget Sound Association of Realtors advocates for Realtors and their clients, provides services to help members prosper, and promotes the protection of property rights.

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

January 13, 2012

7

Q&A

no listing agreement, now what?

QUESTION:

Our agent recently sold our investment property. We did not have a listing agreement.

We got an offer on the property, but did not agree on a commission, as we had no listing agreement. The commission was outlined at closing. We requested a copy of the listing agreement, but our agent will not provide one to us. Will the agent have to reimburse us for the fees associated with the sale?

ANSWER:

Real estate rules vary by state, but even if an unwritten arrangement is allowed it’s unclear why anyone would want one.

For instance: What was the listing price? What was the commission rate? Was the washing machine included in the sale offer? When did the listing period end? When was the commission earned, due and payable? The answers are all debatable without a written agreement.

You also say you sold the property. Was a real estate commission established within the sale agreement? If yes, was the amount sought at closing by the broker any different?

Verbal listing agreements are a danger to both owners and brokers. Everyone is best served with a clearly written agreement that outlines the broker’s obligations, the offering terms, the length of the agreement and compensation for performance.

As to what will happen, you’ll now need the advice of a local real estate attorney - a cost that could have been avoided with a written listing.

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

QUESTION:

Can I use Social Security income to qualify for an FHA mortgage?

ANSWER:

Yes. As HUD explains it:

“Retirement and social security income require verification from the source (former employer, Social Security Administration) or federal tax returns. If any benefits expire within the first full three years, the income source may be considered only as a compensating factor. Direct compensation, such as for a service-related disability, is acceptable, subject to documentation from the VA. Education benefits, used to offset education expenses, are not acceptable.”

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

8

January 13, 2012

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ads@skagitads.com

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

the vacation home market

cont. from pg. 7

built during the boom,” Doyle says.

The downward pressure on today’s second-home market offers lessons for tomorrow’s buyer.

For one, don’t think of buying a vacation home, “unless you really want one and can afford it,” relates Michael Dubis, a Madison, Wis., financial planner.

“Affording” means that you can pay the second home’s mortgage and expenses while also easily funding retirement, education, and other necessary expenses.

Additionally, properties tend to hold value better in areas that have limited land for new building, notes Tom Kelly, co-author of “How A Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment” (McGraw-Hill, 2004).

Moreover, well-known vacation destinations, ideally offering fourseason recreation, usually can be easily rented, adds Kelly, offering income to the property owners if they need it.

percent; Forest County, Pa., with 75 percent; Rich County, Utah, with 73 percent; and Lake County, Mich., with 69 percent.

Curtailing the interest deduction, says Dietz, could have a big negative impact on purchases, and heavily concentrated secondhome areas would especially suffer.

However, not everyone agrees that the interest deduction is a big incentive to buyers. “It’s mainly personal - they want the home,” says Bob Waun, managing director at Americor Mortgage/Vacation Finance in Birmingham, Mich.

The 2010 NAR second-home research finds that 14 percent of buyers think tax benefits are important.

Mount Vernon

Good Timing “Rates are super-low,” notes financial planner Dubis.

“Property values are down, and there’s tons of supply.”

Usually conservative about real-estate investing, Dubis relates that even he “has looked out of curiosity” at the many vacation homes now listed.

Buying now may mean your home’s value will increase, but only if you have a very longterm horizon, he believes.

Think of the home as a vacation opportunity, not investment, he cautions. And only buy if the fun is worth the possibility of losing money, Dubis concludes.

$65,000

Mount Vernon

$229,900

Taxing Matters While second home values have declined to levels many believe are at or near bottom, Robert Dietz, an NAHB economist, worries about politicians talking about eliminating the deductibility of mortgage interest on second homes.

In tracking the concentration of second homes, the NAHB finds that 339 counties in the U.S. have at least 20 percent of total housing being second residences, and 26 counties have at least half their total composed of second homes. The leading counties are Hinsdale County, Colo., with 86

goskagit.com/reweekly

Custom park model w/custom cabinetry, extra windows and all appliances. Space rent is $405. MLS#307281

Sedro-Woolley

$139,000

Double wide manufactured home on 1.13 acres. Mature landscaping with fruit trees, full fencing, double garage and outbuildings. MLS#301187

Real Estate Weekly

1700+ Sq. Ft., 3 Bedroom rambler with country kitchen, masonry fireplace, double garage and garden space. ¼ plus acre lot. MLS#307231

Sedro-Woolley

$75,000

Small home with covered front porch and detached additional living unit. Additional unit has kitchen, studio space and bath. MLS#283343

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com

January 13, 2012

9

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

Affordable. Section 8 okay.

1 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts 2 x 1 ½ Town homes Covered-Assigned Parking Garages / Storage Avail.

Complete Appliance Pkgs Sport Courts / Playgrounds Pet Friendly Call Today! 360-856-4803

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

Piazza Realty Property Mgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT (7368) www.prpmrentals.com

½ off 1st months rent. 3 bdrm, 1 ba, MV, close to schools & I-5. $1150 + $800 dep. S/G pd. Pet ok w/dep.

1 bdrm, M.V. 1 level, near 899-5874 or 708-9887 hospital, quiet, safe. No 3 bdrm, 2 ba., in Burl. pets/smoke. 1531 E. Skagit $1250/mo., 1st & $800 dep.

St. $690. (360) 652-6560 Credit chk. 360-766-5203 1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 bdrm, MV, near college, onsite laundry, reserved parking. W/S/G pd. Qualify today!

Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 2 Bdrm, 315 W. Woodworth, S-W. $700 + dep. W/D hookups, no pets/smoking.

W/S/G pd. 360-755-1362 Burl. Studio $600/mo. $500/ dep. $50/app. fee.

No smoke/pets. 360-770-6273 Cute downtown studios, on bus line.

Great MV location $550.

ASK ABOUT OUR MOVE IN SPECIAL! 425-280-3436 MV VIEW CONDO 1 BDRM, 55+. Maddox Creek, $850.

Call Judy 360-202-0349

Almost new Burl. 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, lrg. yard, 2 car garage, $875, 1st, last + $500 dep. No pets/smoke. 425-772-2292 ANACORTES GREAT VIEW! Remodeled 3 bed/2 bath in Skyline. Water view from new deck borders open space. $1200. 333-7431

Newer MV 3 bdrm, 1 ¾ bath, double car garage, separate 14x28 storage bldg. 820 S. 12th. No smoke/pets. Refs req'd. $1200. + $1000 dep.

424-9595 or 708-8664

10 January 13, 2012 10 January 13, 2012

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

MV 3 bdrm, 1 ba, 1500 sq. ft.

Carport. S/G pd. $950/mo. + 2 bdrm, 5 new appliances, $950 dep. No smoke. 1212 no smoke/pets, W/S/G pd.

N. 17th. 360-941-5395 $695 + $600 dep. 700B Talcott S.W. 360-840-5728 Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2 ½ Ba, plus large bonus room, large fenced yard with garden MV 9 plex, 1010 So. 16th, 2 space, $1,450 per mo.

Bdrm, 1 Ba, W/D, garage, www.skagitsolutions.com woodstove, $800 mo., $500 360-202-2160 dep. 360-4246974

1 acre wooded lot Ready to build. Well water.

12 miles East of I-5 near Lyman, Skagit County. Protective covenants. Come look. 360-826-3389 for appointment. $74,500. Terms if qualified.

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments.

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

823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon 360-424-3198 SKAGIT HIGHLANDS, M.V 3 bdrm,1.5 ba,1,450 SF, W/D, fenced yard, 2 car garage, no smoke, pets neg. $1275/mo W/S/G incl. (360)770-4762

SW 4 BRM HOUSE Near schools, on quiet street w/fenced backyard. $1000 a mo. + $1000 deposit. Credit Beautiful 3 bdrm, 1 ba home check req'd. Call Clayton in historic downtown LaCon- 360-941-1182 ner, 1 block from Marina and walking distance to schools and downtown. Beautiful details, hardwood floors, tile inlays, new appliances will full laundry, lovely private yard, DAFFODIL COURT gardens, & separate studio/ 55 & older. W/S/G/ cabin w/electric/heat/phone. basic cable paid. W/D. $1300/mo. + security & damCall for details. 856-6652 age. Call 360-840-4335.

MV, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, W/S/G pd., $30 application fee, Country home, MV, newly renovated 3 bdrm, 1 ba, large $635 + dep. 360-873-8396. yard, $875/mo. Refs + $600 New remodel. Big Lake dep. 360-424-4066 view. 2 Bdrm, 1.75 Ba, large master suite, granite & tile ac- S.W. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, $850. 3 cents, W/D, D/W. No smoke/ bdrm, 2 ba, $995. Gas heat. pets. $995/mo. 206-778-8147 No smoke/pets. 855-0877

2 bdrm, 1 ba, nice, quiet, South MV area, W/S/G pd.

W&D incl. Gas heat. No smoke/pets. $25 app fee. $725/mo + sec. Dep. 360629-0430

1 bdrm in Burl. carport, natural gas heat, utility room, $725/mo. W/S pd. $600/ damage. No pets. 856-6878

WINTER SPECIAL Mount Vernon 2 & 3 bdrm duplex

Private, quiet setting, all new. All appliances, W/S/G incl. Only $795, $855, $895 & $925/mo. Call 206-4099317 or 206-849-3334.

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.

ANAC. Doublewide, 3 bdrm, 2 ba, yard, gas furnace storage shed $775 928-345-2086

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

Lg. shop Stwd. Secluded 3 acres, concrete flr woodstove $700/mo. 360-652-6560

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

Prof. office space, 1000+ sq. ft. on Riverside Dr., MV. Move in ready, available now. $900/mo. 928-505-2730 or 360-595-2611 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

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Professional, medical, dental office space for lease or sale, 1500 sq. ft., near Island Hospital in Ancortes. (360) 293-6998

Rock Quarry Skagit County rock quarry supplying aggregate county wide. Includes 23+ acres, crushers, loaders, permits, and accounts. Call for more Info (360) 201-8886 A.R.E. REALTY

Condo warehouse space.

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

New Mount Vernon Home 2281 S. 19th Street 2000 sq. ft. rambler on 10,000 sq. ft. lot Very quiet, secluded, S. Mount Vernon area 3 bdrm/den, 2 ½ baths Granite countertops, stainless appliances Open floor plan Master suite features soaking tub, double vanities, double shower Close to schools, shopping, easy I-5 access Nearing completion, call builder direct. $325,000 Brokers protected.

Legacy Home Builders Charlie Ash 360-770-7678 www.legacyhb.net

HOME FOR SALE 29,900 This is a spacious 1800 square foot manufactured home in a quiet community. It has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, it has a formal dining room, two living rooms, a wood stove and vaulted ceilings with skylights. It has a storage shed too. With qualified Bank loan the monthly payment is $750, this includes the mortgage, space rent, garbage & sewer.

The community is also pet friendly. This is an all age park. 600 N Reed st #50. Call 360-333-3110

3 bdrm in Concrete, regular size lot, fully fenced yard, storage shed, no flood zone, $29,000. obo.

Sold as is. 360-420-7220

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

January 13, 2012 11 January 13, 2012 11

SANDI RILEY 770-8670

North Homes Realty Inc.

2400 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $298,400

Sandi Riley 770-8670

2518 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $269,500

OPE N SAT. 12-3

OP EN SAT. 12-3

•SPACIOUS “END UNIT” W/VIEWS OF WOODED GREENBELT •GAS HEAT, GAS FPL., 2 BED., 2 BA., UPGRADED INTERIOR! •LARGE OAK KITCHEN W/OPEN FAMILY RM., APPLIANCES + GARAGE + CLUBHOUSE W/INDOOR POOL!

•OPEN PLAN W/HUGE OAK KITCHEN W/ISLAND, ADJOINING FAMILY RM. •LG. 2000+ SQ. FT. “RAMBLER/ CONDO”, 3 BD., 2 BA., BIG DECK! •LOVELY MASTER SUITE, GAS FPL., A/C, 2-CAR GARAGE

•BRAZILLIAN CHERRY FLRS., 2 LG. BD., “BONUS RM.” W/ FRENCH DOORS, GORGEOUS! •VAULTED DESIGN W/GAS FPL., GAS HT., 2 BA., DOUBLE GARAGE,1700+ SQ. FT. •LOADED W/PRIVACY, LG. COVERED PATIO, BACK OF CULDE-SAC, “STAND ALONE” CONDO!

15280 STATE ROUTE 530, CONCRETE $264,500

11365 WESTERN LANE, SEDRO WOOLLEY $234,500

1601 FOREST DRIVE, MT. VERNON $278,400 D MO TIV AT E

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•TOTAL PRIVACY ON 4.25 ACRES, CLOSE TO CONCRETE JUST 10 MINUTES FROM TOWN •APPROX. 600 FT. OF RIVERFRONT, GREAT FISHING! PASTURE, STABLE, “SHORT SALE” •3 BD., 3 BA., 2450 SQ. FT., 4 CAR GAR., LG. HEATED SHOP!

•”ABOVE” CLEAR LAKE, SECLUDED YET CLOSE TO TOWN, FENCED/CROSS FENCED 5 ACRES •STABLE, OUTBUILDINGS + HUGE SHOP W/HIGH DOORS, CLOSE TO RIDING TRAILS •3 BD., 2 BA., 1670 SQ. FT. MANUFACTURED HOME, “SHORT SALE” VALUE , CALL TODAY!

•2356 SQ. FT. W/LG. FAMILY/BONUS RM., HUGE LIVING/DINING RM W/GAS FPL., GAS HEAT! •3 BD., 2 BA., SUNROOM, HOT TUB, OVERSIZE 700+ SQ. FT. DET. GARAGE/SHOP •”SHY” HALF ACRE, LOADED W/PRIVACY & CLOSE IN CONVENIENCE!!

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2725 E. FIR ST. #74, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $30,000 2725 E. FIR ST., #55, (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $21,500 2610 E. SECTION ST., #50, (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $72,500

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•QUIET, TOTALLY AFFORDABLE 55+ PARK LIVING , CLOSE TO CLUB HOUSE, R.V. PARKING! •3 BD., 2 BA., EXTRA OPEN/ SPACIOUS KITCHEN & NOOK •SEP. FORMAL DINING ROOM, HUGE FAMILY RM. W/WOOD AIR-TIGHT STOVE

•QUIET “WESTERLY” LOT LOCATION, TALL SHRUBS OFFER PRIVACY +!! •UPDATED W/NEWER FLOOR COVERINGS, REMODELED KITCHEN, GAS STOVE •2 BD., 2 BA., FAMILY RM., SUNNY LIVING/DINING RM. W/BAKER VIEW

BY APPOINTM E NT, EASY TO VIE W •GREAT NEW PRICE, UPGRADED INSIDE & OUT, OUTSTANDING VALUE, W/MOST FURNISHINGS ! •3 BD., 2 BA., GORGEOUS “PALM HARBOR” W/OAK TYPE CABINETS, TILE ACCENT TRIM, LOADED! •NEWER CARPET, AIR CONDITIONING, NEW ROOF/SKYLIGHTS +DOUBLE GAR.

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

North Homes Realty Inc. 360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 12-3

2630 Club Ct, Mt Vernon 2400 Stonebridge Wy, Mt Vernon 2518 Stonebridge Wy, Mt Vernon For Details and directions, visit openhouse.com.

$209,000

MLS#307534 $329,900

MLS#265957

$265,000

MLS#277434

$269,500

MLS#278063

• 3 large bdrms • Just like new • Lots of pluses • Great location

• Private 5 acres • 3 bdrms + den • Shop/Garage • Spacious kitchen

• Lg bonus rm • 4th bdrm/den • Newer 3 bdrm • Granite counter tops

$264,500

• Active adult living • Spacious 2 bdrm • 2 car garage • Immaculate

MLS#306633

• Riverfront retreat • Private 4+ acres • Huge family rm • Garage + shop

$21,500

MLS#296509

SOLD

• Great location • 3 bedrooms • 2 car garage • Close to schools

$165,000

MLS#305982 $278,400

• 4 bedrooms, • Fenced backyard • Close to schools • New listing Anita Kohl 961-7795 Cleaver Sanders 941-3482 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 DJ Jacobs 941-5279 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210

MLS#294946

• Shy ½ acre • Huge family room • 720 sf shop • Over 2300 sf

George Herner 840-3743 Jackie Lindeman 770-9080 Jared Storrs 853-6895 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145 Margie Ernst 708-3198

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 11453 BAYVIEW-EDISON RD., #23 MV $39,888 Fantastic 2008 Fleetwood in pristine condition with Padilla Bay views. Master with step-in-shower. Guest room, additional full bath. Large cedar deck. Open kitchen with all appliances. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #220167 700 N REED ST., #87, SDW $39,950 This large 4 bedrooms, 2 bath double wide is very clean & move-in ready. Many upgrades & improvements.

One of the nicest homes in Valley View. Close to shopping & all services. Call Rita Ingram at 708-8338. #275029 807 W. HAZEL, MV $79,500 Loads of potential in this fixer. Large kitchen with tons of cabinets, large living room, potential for upstairs master suite. Large lot, covered patio, fenced back yard.

Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #266500 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 2819 CLUB CT., #117, MV $124,950 A very nice 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath condo. 1 car attached garage. HOA dues cover exterior maintenance, water, sewer, garbage & cable. Community amenities include tennis & racquet ball courts & indoor pool. Quiet neighborhood with easy access for commuting. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #301505 4733 MT. BAKER LOOP, MV $194,900 Skagit Highlands resale! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, nice corner lot. Features include large rooms with many living areas, den on main floor, large pantry/laundry room. There is also a bonus room with closet upstairs.

Call Lee Ann Dean at 421-3082 or Karine Anderson at 421-1189. #286800 101 N. 30TH ST, MV $229,900 Large 4 bedroom Homestead home built in 2002. New interior paint & nearly new carpeting, 3 living areas, main floor master with separate entrance, fenced back yard with patio & beautiful landscaping, Pergo flooring & much more. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #288360 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 6751 WORLINE RD, BOW $269,000 Great home on .75 acres located in Bow & out of the 100 yr flood plain! Many updates throughout including all new kitchen. Shop, deck, patio, RV parking with full hook-ups. More photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com.

Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #282613 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 420-3607. #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 21737 STERLING DR., SDW $339,900 1-level home on 1 acre, 4 bedrooms, den, living & family rooms, formal dining, 2 fireplaces, 3 baths. Court yard with hot tub, tennis court, 2 car attached garage, detached shop & large outbuilding. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #266058 17766 PAMELA ST., MV $387,900 S. Mount Vernon custom luxury home on ½ acre with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths plus den & bonus room upstairs.

Great room with built-ins, gas fireplace & Kempas hardwood floors. Chefs kitchen with cherry cabinets.

Call Karen Beckner at 840-9455. #284524 125 N. 6TH ST., MV $389,500 Built in 1923. Traditional 4 bedroom, 3000 sq.ft. home featuring hardwood floors, 10’ceilings, beautifully remodeled kitchen, many custom & gracious touches throughout. Very large yard, private & beautifully landscaped. Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #285329 15314 COTTONWOOD LN, MV $565,000 Beautiful resident in the heart of the valley. Shy 5 acres with sprawling rambler, barn with 6 stalls, fully fenced/ cross fenced with huge outdoor arena. Huge shop in addition to office/guest quarters. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #300850 24116 N. WESTVIEW RD, BIG LAKE $769,385 Beautiful custom waterfront home, approx. 80’ frontage, unobstructed views of lake, 2900+/- SF. Large family room with gas stove. 4 bedrooms & 4+ bathrooms. 1000 ft. of deck overlooking huge dock with new floats & boat lift. Call George Bellos at 708-9762. #285378

STOP!

• Affordable 55+ living • 2 bdrms, 2 bths • Family rm • Baker views

$119,000

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

Anita Kohl 961-7795

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2631 CLUB COURT (NORTHRIDGE) MT. VERNON $159,500

www.WindermereSkagit.com

$325,000

MLS#292252

• Lg island kitchen • River rock fpl • Lg Master • Theater room

REAL ESTATE CLASSES STARTING NOW! CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121

Marlene Deasy 661-6720 Megan Daly 206-383-4407 Mike Newman 708-1419 Noli Goode 630-6527 Paula Margerum 220-0681 Rick Kiesser 770-1195

Sandi Hocking 708-1523 Sandi Riley 770-8670 Sharon Stokes 661-6164 Shaunna Harris 206-715-1623 Traci Cypher 708-9481 Veronica Lopez 420-0696

Let us make this easy for you.

Go to WindermereSkagit.com for Photos, Open Houses, and Maps for EVERY listing.

We give you all the details, on every listing, at windermereskagit.com!