Real Estate Weekly | April 13, 2012

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

APRIL 13-APRIL 19 TWENTY-TWELVE FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? PAGE 3

SELLING:

GETTING REAL ON PRICE PAGE 4

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE A SECOND HOME PAGE 6

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

15869 ANDAL LANE, MOUNT VERNON

Debbie Allen Certified Residential Specialist, and Managing Broker 360-708-8780

$485,000

One of a kind custom built Victorian style home on 5 acres with fantastic view of Mount Baker.

The home has over 3000 square feet of living area, with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Two roomy bonus rooms, one on third level, and another above the 2 car garage.

RE/MAX Territory NW Fish from the dock of your own private 1/4 acre trout filled pond.

320 S. Burlington Blvd.

Wraparound covered porch. Hardwood flooring. French pocket doors, Burlington, WA 360-755-9494 stained glass and bay windows are just a few of the features. Lovely www.NorthwestMoves.com setting, just minutes from either Big Lake or Mount Vernon. Take a virtual tour online at www.NorthwestMoves.com

PAGE 7

FIX COMMON HOUSEHOLD EYESORES PAGE 8

Q&A

15’S GOOD. 10’S EVEN BETTER. PAGE 9

FEATURED ARTICLE: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE A SECOND HOME. Second homes aren’t just for the extremely affluent and tropically inclined, as the latest numbers show. According to a 2011 survey from the National Association of Realtors, 19 percent of recent homebuyers own more than one home, up 5 percent from the previous year. Further, vacation properties made up 27 percent of all home sales last year. And the destinations aren’t just south-of-the-border getaways. (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

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by: Whidbey Island Bank

TABLE of CONTENTS What’s your home worth?

Pg. 3

SELLING: Getting real on price

Pg. 4

There’s no place like a second home

Pg. 6

Where the jobs are

Pg. 7

Fix common household eyesores

Pg. 8

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 9

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 ©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 BEST “any preference, limitation, or BUY IN TH discrimination because of race, E CE color, religion, sex, handicap, DAR S familial status, or national origin,

Mount Vernon - College Way and Urban Ave. Burlington - Burlington Blvd & E. George Hopper Rd. Anacortes - 2202 Commercial Ave. Sedro-Woolley - 339 Ferry Street

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

VAC AN TL AN D

Mount Vernon

Lots Starting at $67,000

Amazing view lots in great Nookachamp Hills community! One of over 75 lots to choose from.

All utilities stubbed on each lot. Oversized lots, up to one acre – out of flood plain. Country feel, just 10 minutes from town. Use of private lake for the Nookachamp Hills residents.

Call Michelle, 630-4423

Burlington

$129,900

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

PRI CE RED UC ED

Mount Vernon Stanwood

$195,000

This property is a MUST SEE! 40+ acres mostly flat with a gentle slope. Large pond with lots of building locations. There is a gravel road through the property. Power at the street. MLS #325270 Call Kirk, 770-7470

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

2

Dan Soria 360-348-6655

April 13, 2012

Amber Soria 969-4030

Burlington

Debbie Allen 708-8780

PRI CE RED UC ED

LIS TIN G

$139,900

Updated 3 bedroom rambler conveniently located near schools and shopping. Freshly painted indoors and out. New carpeting. Large fully fenced backyard with gardening shed. Very nicely landscaped. MLS #335337 Call Wilma, 661-1631

Burlington Mount Vernon

$142,300

Affordable 2 bedroom. 1.75 bath. 1199 sq. ft. New hardwood flooring and kitchen countertops. Large corner lot with mature landscaping. Plenty of Extra Storage. MLS #260435 Call Pete, 708-6500

$170,000

This 3 bd/1.75 bath home sits on over 3.5 acres, mostly in pasture, bordering a lovely Creek. Newer roof, furnace and bath. Ready for your finishing touches. Propane Heat, freestanding fireplace.

Newer detached garage/shop. 10 minutes from Sedro-Woolley. MLS #322888 Call Debbie, 708-8780

RE/MAX Property Management

$215,000

Rambler in Desirable Trumpeter Development. 3 BR/ 1 ¾ Baths, 1660 Sq. Ft. Nicely updated-new paint, floors, counters. Baths w/ radiant heat in tile floors. Nice open floor plan, F.S. Stove in Family Room. New covered Trex Deck, Private Fenced Yard. MLS #321899 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

Mike Welling 540-1341

NE W

Burlington Mount Vernon

$299,950

Bedrooms Galore! 6 Bedrooms and 3 baths downstairs. Nice Kitchen, living room and den. 1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment upstairs. Large lot, lots of parking. MLS #334299 Call Ivana, 770-3550

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

$359,000

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, 333-1045

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Jim Stransky 708-1681

If you are looking for someone to manage your rental home or just looking for a home to rent, Call Wilma Louia @ (360)755-5555

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Pete McDougall Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

What’s Your Home Worth?

With many players, the appraisal game gets all the more confusing. Here’s what to know about home values

$ $ $

goskagit.com/reweekly

With the confusing array of valuation options available today, which source should you trust most? That depends on what you need the data for. If selling, a CMA is primarily useful for setting a realistic asking price. When hat’s your home really worth? Visit a real estate buying, an appraisal is required by a lender in order for website like Zillow.com and you’ll get one the buyer to secure a loan. Online valuations are often number. Ask a Realtor to crunch the data and you’ll get another. Enlist the aid of a professional appraiser pursued by for-sale-by-owner sellers or those who are simply curious as to what a home is worth. and you’re bound to get an even more disparate number.

Some experts believe these instant online estimates are While the only value that ultimately matters is what a flawed because human intelligence and updated factors buyer is willing to pay, it can be frustrating not knowing which source is the most accurate. That’s why many experts like recent renovations and upgrades are taken out of the equation. say it’s important to take these differing digits with a “I wouldn’t say that any of them are accurate,” says Bill grain of salt and learn how and why to read between the Golden, a Realtor with RE/MAX Metro Atlanta Cityside. numerals.

“They use sources like county deed transfers in the In today’s fast-paced, short-attention-span real estate immediate area, which don’t take into account many of the environment, home sellers and buyers want on-the-spot answers, which has given rise to popular online residential important factors used in appraising a home’s value. They are using [comparable values] that may be geographically real estate sites that can provide instant home value estimates, such as Trulia.com, Redfin.com, Homes.com and close but are in vastly different types of neighborhoods. I still think a Realtor has the best sense of a property’s value, the aforementioned Zillow.com. Many of these sites get their valuation data from a few sources that have compiled as they are out in the field and can see what a buyer is willing to pay for a particular property, which is the true a national housing database, which is an aggregation of definition of its value.” county clerk records in every town. Each site designs its Zillow’s Zestimate “is meant to be a starting point for own algorithm based on prices, trends and proprietary a homeowner, buyer, or seller to figure out how much a data. home may be worth,” says Curnutte, who added that, For example, in calculating a “Zestimate,” Zillow uses nationally, Zillow’s median error is 7.9 percent. “The an algorithm that takes into account information about the Zestimate is one piece of data, along with recently sold house itself (square footage, beds/baths, tax assessments, data and neighborhood home-value trends, that should last sale price of the home, timing of the sale), says Katie be used to determine the value of a home. We encourage Curnutte, communication director at Seattle-based Zillow. homeowners, buyers and sellers to take all the information This info comes from both public records and from userthat is available to them, and then have a conversation with submitted data. a local professional.”

When Realtors want to determine a home’s value, they But buyers and sellers shouldn’t be afraid to figure out perform a comparative market analysis – an evaluation of a home’s valuation themselves, says Matt Goyer, director comparable recently sold homes within the neighborhood of online marketing for Redfin, a Seattle-based online real of the home someone is looking to sell. They take into estate brokerage. “Picking a couple similar homes that sold account the location, features, size and condition, among recently and adjusting for size, they should be able to get other factors. a good estimate of what the home might be worth if it were Professional appraisers go even deeper into detail to to sell today. calculate value. While they also look at comparable and “Sellers know their neighborhoods better than anyone recent sales in the area, they use detailed formulas to else,” Goyer adds, “and if they have been paying attention determine how each comparable property differs from the to renovations and upgrades their neighbors have done, appraised property, with values added or subtracted to they can make even more informed choices of which make the comps as much like the appraised property as comparables to use.” possible.

By ERIK MARTIN CTW FEATURES

W

ReAl estAte Weekly

April 13, 2012

3

SELLING:

Getting Real On Price Every seller would love to get more.

But the best chance for moving a home is pricing it right from the get-go.

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW FEATURES

the Latest neWs

This year, some sellers will enjoy a welcome change: “Even though f you’ve been thinking about there are no markets where prices selling your home, no doubt you’ve did not fall in the past 12 months, been thinking about how much we are at a point where prices you’ll get for it. will go up a bit in some markets,” Hold those thoughts; better yet, observes Ingo Winzer, president of erase them.

Local Market Monitor, a forecasting Putting the right price tag on a home requires careful analysis of the firm based in Cary, N.C. Winzer predicts that some 35 most recent data, say experts. large markets and 17 smaller ones, Sellers’ pre-conceived notions out of the 300 the firm tracks, may are easily skewed by emotion or outdated information. Indeed, many see an uptick. But there are still markets seeing significant declines, homes are incorrectly priced, as he notes. evidenced by surveys like a recent Within markets, are micro-markets one from listing site Trulia.com, – neighborhoods that might buck the which found that one-quarter of the larger trend. homes in its database had a price The task for sellers: Learn reduction. the prices of most recently sold The right number is crucial to selling, say agents. Mindy Chanaud, comparable homes and sense the trend. a Coldwell Banker agent in For instance, Sam Bayne, an Greenwich, Ct., notes that although agent with Atlanta Fine Homes a price reduction can sometimes Sotheby’s International, subscribes give a property a “pop” on listing to a service that maps how many sheets, incorrect pricing drags out homeowners are delinquent on the time a home sits on the market, their mortgage or beginning and it also can give a property a foreclosure within one mile of a stigma that it “wasn’t snapped up.” particular property. A high number Here’s what experts say about arriving at a proper price: of distressed homes means an

I

4

April 13, 2012

abundance of downward pressure, with prices adjusting quickly. In these instances, “I don’t even think you can use comparables from longer than three months ago,” he says.

In addition to very recent comparables, Winzer advises studying whether the inventory of homes for sale in the area has grown [downward price pressure] or lessened, a good sign. If the length of time homes take to sell shortens that bodes well for price, he adds.

QuaLitY data Data should be objective, but it can be misleading if it’s not interpreted by someone with an in-depth knowledge of the neighborhood and homes the data reflects.

A home sold nearby may have the same number of bedrooms and other descriptors of another seller’s home, but the comp may not reflect more subtle details, like whether the seller’s home is on a more desirable cul-de-sac, notes Steve Levine, a Realtor based in Shrewsbury, Mass.

Also, websites that offer price estimates on specific addresses can be off the mark, because there’s no

ReAl estAte Weekly

expert culling the data the estimate is based on. “The sites take property descriptions from public records,” says Levine, who recently submitted information about his own home to Zillow.com, so that the site’s estimator better reflected his home’s features.

second oPinions Even when presented with comprehensive data, agents say sellers might not agree on a suggested price.“If you have a seller who purchased in the middle of the last decade when prices were at a peak, they might not like what they hear,” observes Billy Coons, a board member of the Virginia Association of Realtors. Getting an appraisal, which can cost anywhere from about $300 to $600 can help sellers settle on an appropriate price.

An appraisal also helps guarantee that a buyer will get financing, since lenders will base their loan decision on a professional appraisal.

goskagit.com/reweekly

STAT RIGHT ON TIME

13

Percentage by which delinquency rates of first mortgages 30+ days past due decreased for U.s. consumers in 2011 source: equifax National Credit trends Report

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

OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES

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.

VACANT LAND PR I

CE R

ED

IO UC T

N

$147,000

VACANT LAND

$47,000

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

RealEstate weekly In print and online

goskagit.com

ads@skagitads.com

Mountain View Lane, Rockport: Beautiful wooded property located in the gateway to the Cascade Mountains. Two parcels 38.55 acres & 3.31 acres with possibility to subdivide into 2 residential, buildable properties. Sites are within easy walking distance to the Sauk River and adjacent to Sauk River Estates.

Dickman MLS # 341205 Richard (360) 420-3155

1 Mountain View Road, Mount Vernon: This 1.27 acre, wooded building site, is located just outside the Mount Vernon City limits. It could accommodate a stick built, modular or manufactured home, with plenty of room.

The tract has been surveyed and wetlands delineated. (2 of 4 sellers are Washington State Danya Wolf licensed real estate agents). MLS #336556 360-708-8294

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com

goskagit.com/reweekly

ReAl estAte Weekly

April 13, 2012

5

There’s No Place Like a Second Home Be it a vacation home, future retirement home or home for the child in college, buyers are looking to house No. 2

from the “solidly middle-middle class” to the “very rich.”

Data from the NAR shows that the typical vacation homebuyer in 2010 was 49 years old with a median econd homes aren’t just for the extremely affluent and household income of $99,500. The median price for a vacation home was around $150,000. It may be a hefty tropically inclined, as the latest numbers show.

According to a 2011 survey from the National price tag for a non-primary residence, but seeing that the Association of Realtors, 19 percent of recent homebuyers price was $169,000 the year before, now might just be own more than one home, up 5 percent from the previous the perfect time to jump on a secondary property. year. Further, vacation properties made up 27 percent of What makes for a good second home candidate? all home sales last year. And the destinations aren’t just It’s all about assessing personal needs and desires. south-of-the-border getaways. Some of the biggest second Many of these second-home markets fall outside of home markets fall in lesser-known cities in the U.S., such extreme metropolitan jurisdictions and into just-off-theas Silverdale, Wash., Whitefish, Mo., and Flagstaff, Ariz. grid suburban areas with lush art scenes and other According to real estate professionals in these secondtourist draws. In Heitland’s Flagstaff area, for example, home regions, there isn’t just one type of buyer investing in it’s recreational opportunities like golf, hiking, mountain these properties. biking, horseback riding and nearby national parks Pam Charron, a real estate agent at Michael Saunders that lure in buyers. It’s also a good escape from the & Co. in Sarasota, Fla., says that her firm sees a lot of congestion of nearby Phoenix, she says. For Charron, it’s investors who know the prices are not going to go lower, Sarasota’s water properties and urban art scene – from the theatre to annual sandcastle-building festivals – that and a lot of future retirees. make the area unique. For the markets in Montana and “They’re rushing in now because the prices have Washington state, it’s fishing and hunting opportunities dropped so low – 40 to 50 percent less than the high that draw in outsiders. For some cities, universities draw in times – and they’re taking advantage of that,” Charron homebuyers, whose children often live in the home while says. enrolled in school.

Ann Heitland, associate broker at RE/MAX Peak Another facet in second-home consideration is finding Properties in Flagstaff, Ariz., says that she sees buyers

By Lindsey Romain CTW FEATURES

S

6

April 13, 2012

a place that may eventually turn into the home proper.

In fact, the NAR reports that 34 percent of vacation homebuyers said that they plan to use their property as a primary home in the future. For the prospective retirees, this is particularly common.

“We see many baby boomers who plan to retire in the next few years take advantage of our low market prices with intent to move here after retirement,” says Charron, who notes that many of them purchase more than one second-home property.

One thing is certain: Prices will go up. It’s just a matter of when. “Our prices are at bottom, but how long it will take for them to start going up is uncertain,” Heitland says. So for the second home curious, it may be now or never. She says she’d encourage anyone interested to start poking around. “I’d start to look now with the idea of buying if you see something,” she adds. “Our inventory right now is very low, which should be putting some upward pressure on prices.”

Sarasota agent Charron also notes the inventory shortage in her market. She says that and the low prices – which she says are about the same as they were in 2000 – should be a clear indicator to get the ball rolling.

“If you’re on the fence, I would recommend buying now because in two or three years when the prices go up, you’ll look back and think ‘I should have bought then!”

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Where the Jobs Are With an improving economy and a friendly real estate market, is now the time for you to relocate for work?

While relocating to a more thriving market can offer the promise of increased income, greater job stability and possible career advancement, Claire Sheres, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Boca Raton, Fla., says you need to carefully evaluate housing costs, styles

better price on your home the housing market improves can be a risky gamble.

“The housing market is unpredictable, so it could be a long wait,” says Gautam Godhwani, CEO of SimplyHired.com, a job-search engine. “If a jobseeker can afford to do so, it’s far better to make an investment in future success and just move to a new location.

Trying to wait out the real estate market is tough, and doing so could unnecessarily set back your career.”

When it comes to choosing to rent or buy a home, explore the pros and cons of each option. Renting allows you to get familiar with an area first before committing to a major purchase. Also, it’s much easier to coordinate the timing between leaving and closing on your existing home

By Erik Martin and relocating to your leased CTW FEATURES home.

“I would always rent for t’s not just the overall the first 18 to 24 months so average size of the new you can go there and put American homes that are your full attention on the new shrinking – down to 2,377 job opportunity and not be square feet last year from distracted by the house,” 2,438 square feet the year Cardone says. before, according to the However, buying a home National Association of Home and foregoing renting can be Builders – but the stuff that less disruptive in the long-term. goes in it, too. and availability, in addition to the cost of living (including Plus, interest rates remain near historic lows, you can earn If there’s not much work in your neck of the woods, taxes and transportation expenses) in your intended equity in your property when you purchase, and shortmaybe it’s time to consider relocating to a market where location. term leases aren’t easy to find. the hiring rate is higher and job prospects are more If you have a home to unload, be prepared to take a Lastly, think long and hard about future employment plentiful. loss that you should be able to make up for if you plan to potential prior to deciding on a move.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Be realistic with your skill set and set your sight on America’s unemployment rate fell to 8.2 percent in March, purchase another residence, said Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Real Estate Holdings, a development company a job market or community that is aligned where you down from 8.5 percent at the end of 2011. Further, the based in Los Angeles. have the best opportunity for employment,” says Roger economy has added more than 600,000 jobs in the first Additionally, it’s crucial to price your home right based Atchinson, a vice president with RELO Direct, a Chicagoquarter of 2012, according to the BLS. on current true market value for a faster sale, Sheres said. based corporate relocation management company.

Assuming you’ve researched a new location and its “Any agent can list your house, but when it’s a buyer’s “Research communities for companies and opportunities employment possibilities carefully, don’t be too quick market you need a first-class real estate professional on and be prepared to take risks, Landing a position will be to pull the trigger on a move. Before making the major your side. Use an experienced, top agent in your area,” easier from the destination location than being hundreds decision to uproot, it’s important to ponder other factors of miles away and needing to relocate, which will cause – including the real estate ramifications of needing to sell she says. prospective employers concern over. and buy or rent a home quickly.

Delaying your relocation in the hopes that you’ll get a

I

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

April 13, 2012

7

Fix common household eyesores

E

ven a spotless home complete with the latest gadgets and popular kitchen and bathroom decor cannot compete with little eyesores that go unfixed. These may include anything from loose knobs to scuffed floors. Although it may take a little work, it’s generally easy to eradicate common blemishes.

Bathroom A home’s bathroom or bathrooms get more than their fair share of use. As a result, everything from stains to grout to rings around the toilet are common in the bathroom.

Vinegar and baking soda can be handy tools in the bathroom. Pour vinegar into the toilet and add some baking soda to create a foaming action. Use a toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl. Then allow the solution to sit for an hour before flushing away.

The same combination can be used to scrub down soap scum that accumulates inside the bath tub.

Soak a cotton ball in vinegar and place on surfaces where hard water stains have accumulated. The vinegar will dissolve the scale and make it easy to wipe away.

Kitchen No matter how many times you wash down a tiled kitchen floor, grout has a funny way of never quite coming clean. Purchase a groutcleaning product from a home store and use a stiff-bristled brush or even a toothbrush to get into the grout lines. Then consider using a grout stain and sealer to prevent future discoloration.

Windows Few things around the house are as unsightly as torn window screens. Whether on house windows or porches, torn screens tell visitors that you don’t care very much about the appearance of your home. But repairing window screens is a relatively easy task. There are screen replacement kits that take you through the process step-by-step if you plan to replace the entire screen. For very small tears, you may be able to patch the damage. There are self-stick patches for screens, but often the glue draws attention to the repair. Rather, get a small piece of new screen material and use an upholstery needle and invisible finishing thread to attach the patch.

Furniture Remedy nicks with furniture markers that can blend into the wood grain or other surface materials and mask the dings and dents.

8

April 13, 2012

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

15’s Good.

10’s Even Better.

QUESTION: I can get 15-year financing, but what I

First, get a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.

Q&A

Ask Our Broker

By Peter G. Miller

240 monthly payments. The

Second, be certain you have the right

lifetime interest bill across 30

to prepay the loan in whole or in part at

years is $107,803; the interest

anytime and without penalty.

cost is just $32,242 if the loan

Third, go to an online mortgage calculator

is paid off in 10 years.

to determine how much extra to pay. For

Is prepaying a mortgage a good

would really like is a 10-year mortgage. Is

instance, a $150,000 mortgage at 4 percent

investment? Paying off high-cost credit card

such financing available?

costs $716.12 per month for principal and

debt is a better choice, but if your credit

interest. At $1,518.68 per month, the loan

cards have a zero balance, then there’s a lot

would be paid off in 10 years.

of sense and comfort associated with paying

ANSWER: Not generally, but you can make your own. Here’s the recipe:

By prepaying the loan you will save a

off a mortgage as quickly as possible.

For specifics, speak with local lenders.

considerable amount of interest and lop off

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

DEWEY BEACH WATERFRONT… home, PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP… Hilltop boathouse, 100’ low bank w/front. home,. open floor plan, hardwoods, Newer deck & septic. Well blt home, vaulted ceiling, natural light. 3 Br & vaulted wood ceiling, many windows. 1.75 baths up & 1/2 down. Private 2 Br, 1.75 Ba $895,000. #271985 backyard, $264,000. #292960 NOOKACHAMPS HILLS… in Big Lake, 7 YR OLD VICTORIAN IN LACONNER… 2 4 Br, 2.5 Ba home on lg corner lot, story overlooking the Channel. Over Over 2600sf, living room, family room 1800 sf, charm everywhere & nicely & rec rm. 2 car garage+2 car de- landscaped w/waterfall. $339,500. tached garage. $289,500. #320637 #338393 BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME!… in quiet EXPANSIVE VIEWS OF FAIRWAYS… 3 cul-de-sac. Gorgeous Timborana br, immaculate rambler, hardwood wood floors. Granite counters, tile flrs, newer carpet, brick f/place, accents, wide moldings & trim. great deck, lots of garden space. $319,500. #29145114 $310,000. #308903

MT VERNON HILL… cozy one level, good sized backyard, alley access, garden space. Updated, dble pane vinyl windows, 3 BR, 1.5 Ba. $159,950. #277024 MT. VERNON CONDO… nice floor unit on 11th St. Close to Hospital, $83,000. #200244 BIG PROPERTY… 129 wooded ac just 10 mins from Mt Vernon. Can be divided into 6 lots. $475,000. #104177 INDUSTRIAL ZONED PROPERTY… one +acre site off Hwy 20 West of SedroWoolley. Call for details. $90,500. #322642

NEW LAND LISTINGS CREEK RUNS THRU IT… Interesting 20 acres near Sedro-Woolley. Best thing about it is the price. JUST $49,500. #330350 9% CAP RATE… 6,600 SF building on 1.5 acres near freeway. Fully rented and excellent investment. $399,500.

Holly Brown Tim Reichert Galen Kindred Jan Scally Shelah Inman

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

NICE 20 ACRES… fronts on access road with great mountain views. Has power & water available. $99,500. #330544 SMALL GRAVEL PIT… 20 acres near Sedro-Woolley..

Water & Power available to build your new home. $99,500. #330672

Evening Phone Calls Welcome

661-5538 391-5587 770-7083 421-5160 661-0145

Terri Heyntsen Fritz Inman Dick Best Jeff Ingman Ron Wortham

391-0938 661-0147 770-1491 202-2859 661-1500

Tod LeHecka 333-1032 Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013 Phil Hurtig 770-0787

April 13, 2012

9

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

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

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

2 bdrm, extra large fenced yard, 333 S. Norris, Burl. $895 + utils. & $500/dep.

206-947-9923 or pick up application at Burlington Storage, 111 S. Norris.

Anac., sunny, private 1 bdrm apt. $650. incl. W/S/G/TV. No smoke. Refs. 360-293-2251

Beachfront Lake Samish house, rent for 2012 + 2013 1 bdrm MV. Quiet, safe, 1 school year or winter retreat, level, near hospital. Seniors avail. Sept.-June. 3 bdrm, 2 welcome. S. 16th & Skagit St. ba, laundry, W/S pd., cable/ $690. 360-652-6560. internet ready.

No smoke/pets. 360-708-1721.

1 Bdrm Sedro-Woolley Laundry, manager on-site.

BIRDSVIEW NEW 3 bdrm, 2 No dogs. (360) 856-6652 ba, custom, covered deck, all applcs., $1185 + dep. 3361ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 1904 or 206-919-2368 bdrm, MV, near college, onsite laundry, reserved parking. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! Burl. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, $1195/ Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 mo. Gas heat, garage, no smoke/pets, 360-391-8788.

Apartments for Rent: All utilities paid including power and cable TV. Studio FOR RENT: Concrete area, $550/mo.

Monthly rental 3 bdrm, 2 full ba, fireplace, all agreement. 24 hr. on-site appliances furnished. Section laundry, close to college. Call 8 accepted. $975/mo. 360333-9159 or 422-5162 after (360) 424-0221.

5pm.

LaVenture Village Apts. 2 bdrm currently avail. MV 4 bdrm, 2 ba, dlx ranch, $730/mo. Income limits ap- off College Way. 1889 sq. ft., ply. Call 360-424-4622 gas heat, all applcs, garage, fenced yard, decks, fireplace.

NO HIDDEN FEES! 1 yr lease. $1295/ Fairhaven Manor 757-2149 Avail 4/25. mo., 1st + $1000 dep. No Norris Place 757-3060 pets/smoke. 360-820-3533.

2 & 3 Bdrm Apts.

Affordable. Section 8 okay.

MV 4 bdrm, bonus room, 2 ½ S.W. Newer 2 bdrm, 1 ½ ba, ba, garage, gas heat, $1300/ W/D, 1 car garage, no pets. mo. $800/dep. 360-652-6080 $850/mo. Call Mark at 360708-2694.

Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2 ½ Ba, plus bonus room, large kitchen, fireplace, 2 car garage, fenced & landscaped 3 bdrm, 1 ba, S.W. Garage, yard. $1,550 per mo. www.skagitsolutions.com D/W, fenced. $1050. + dep.

360-422-5708 360-856-1210

10 April 13, 2012 10

April 13, 2012

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments.

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

823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon 360-424-3198 The Rent Lady 4 bdrm, 3 bath MV Hill $1,695/mo + dep.

Call Mary (360)540-3334 Burlington 2 bdrm, 1 bath Family Room, $875/mo. + dep.

3 bdrm, 2 bath Garage $1,100/mo. + dep.

Call Robin (360)299-2353 www.rentlady.com

MV duplex, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, all applcs. incl. W&D. $875 + $500 damage. S/G pd. No pets. 360-202-0359.

Quiet, spacious, country setting, close to I-5, hospital, college. Paid utils. incl. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, laundry room, $1125; 2 bdrm, 1 ba, laundry room, garage, $975. No pets/ smoking. 360-708-1721

Brand New 0 Down Homes!

$22 hrly Income Qualifies Cheaper than rent 24 hour Recording INSTANT PROPERTY INFO 1-800-270-4033 EXT 3000 Visit www.bestplataround.com

S.W. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, single car garage, W/D hook-ups, no smoke/pets. $825/mo. Refs. check. 360-424-9595 or 360708-8664

DAFFODIL COURT W/S/G/basic cable pd. W/D. Call for details.

856-6652

for pics, prices and maps Free list of 0 down homes w/pics: www.0downlistings.com MUST SELL Fixer Uppers Distress Sales Bank Foreclosures Free list with pics: www.WaBankHomes.com DIRECT 425-345-4920 JEFF LATHAM KWNWRE

Burl. 4 plex, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, single car garage, W/S/G paid. $800 + $800 damage.

No smoke/pets. 757-6476

Clean singlewide with 2 decks. All necessary things to move it. $12,000. Take it with you. 70X14. 360-8264145

LUXURY INTERIOR Mt. Baker View

MV Large 2 & 3 bdrm, three floor plans.

Private patio. W/S/G incl.

All appliances. Lrg garage.

Only: $925; $945; $995.

Call 206-409-9317

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

MV 802 S. 22nd Pl. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, fenced yard, gas heat, Move in Special. Big Lake garage, W/D, $925/mo. waterview RV space. $300. $500/dep. 360-424-6974 No dogs. (206) 778-8147

MOBILE HOME IN MV PARK. Lots of storage & carport. $7000. Details, 770-7957

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

21737 STERLING DRIVE, SEDRO WOOLLEY $339,900

OPEN HOUSE SAT, APRIL 14,12:00-2:00 4 bedrooms, den/office, spacious living room, large family room & a formal dining room. Wood fireplace in the living room & free standing gas stove in the family room. Hot tub located just off the family room with complete privacy. Attached 2 car garage plus 2 detached outbuildings, one offering 5100+ s/f & the other building approx. 1900 s/f, per assessor's records.

MLS# 266058 Call Linda Eastman (360)202-4075 WRE/Skagit Valley

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

WATERFRONT COTTAGE $107,000; salt water & Mtn views; 5 min to LaConner; pics at: www.vrbo.com/198695.

Call 425-787-6070

Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2 ½ Ba, plus bonus room, large kitchen, fireplace, 2 car garage, fenced & landscaped yard. $1,550 per mo. www.skagitsolutions.com 360-422-5708

BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME 2281 S. 19th Street 2000 sq. ft. rambler on 9950 sq. ft. lot Very quiet & secluded S. Mount Vernon area 4 bdrm, 2 ½ baths Granite countertops, stainless appliances Open floor plan with high ceilings thru-out Master suite features soaking tub, double vanities, double shower Close to schools, shopping, easy I-5 access Now 100% complete Open Sat., Noon–3 $319,500.

JEFF INGMAN (360) 202-2859 Brown McMillen Real Est.

SEDRO-WOOLLEY Rent-to-own this new 1470 sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Green built home. $1,450.00 mo.

For details go to www.skagitsolutions.com

One of a Kind Property Mt. Vernon Hill Home

125 N 6th St., Mt. Vernon Open Saturday, 1-3pm A beautifully gracious home boasting spacious and charming rooms. Hardwood floors, 10' ceilings, 4 bdrms, remodeled kitchen with custom cabinets and upgraded appliances, gas frplc, charming deck, river & city views. Very lrg yard, fully fenced, beautifully landscaped with roses, fruit trees and very private. Plus a garage and garden shed. $364,500 MLS# 285329 Sarah Minton 360-770-3076 Windermere/Skagit

REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly

goskagit.com/reweekly

April 13, 20112 11 Real Estate Weekly

April 13, 2012

11

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

www.WindermereSkagit.com

360.424.2100 • www.century21northhomes.com

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

OPEN HOUSES

North Homes Realty Inc. SAT 1-4

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

2518 Stonebridge, Mt Vernon

SUNDAY 1-4

2610 E. Section St. Mt Vernon For Details and directions, visit openhouse.com.

$269,900

MLS#282698

• Immaculate • Lg fenced backyard • Hot tub • Tons of upgrades

$399,000

SOLD

MLS#340400 $329,950 • Sold fast! • Spacious basement

• 8 Res units • Long term tenants, • 1 Comm unit • Build to suit

$28,500

MLS#340976

$219,000

MLS#322843

$259,000

MLS#327398

• 5 acres • Fenced pasture • Lg Barn • 3 bdrm 2 bth home

869 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $89,000 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

• Unique home • Creek frontage

• 55+ community • 2 bedroom, • Family room • Pond location

• 2200+ sq ft • Lg family room • Awesome views • Granite counters

$450,000

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

$234,500 MLS#301356 • 5 acre Ranchette • Huge 3 bay shop MLS#201498 • 2 stall horse barn • Mtn view settings

• 9 unit building • Fully rented • Updated • Centrally located

• 5 Mtn view acres • Huge shop • 2678 sq ft • Loaded with extras

Jared Storrs 853-6895 Jeff Dowrey 661-2161 Karl Morse 395-5405 Lorie Groth 425-422-7145 Margie Ernst 708-3198 Marlene Deasy 661-6720

#23523

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

SANDI RILEY 770-8670 2610 E. SECTION ST. #74 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $69,500

Anita Kohl 961-7795

2610 E. SECTION ST. #18(LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $49,500 K PA R

55

55

PR

Sandi Riley 770-8670

+

+

IVA

CY

++

2518 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $259,300

K

Anita Kohl 961-7795 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210 George Herner 840-3743 Jackie Lindeman 770-9080

North Homes Realty Inc.

REAL ESTATE CLASSES STARTING NOW! • Extra Lg Duplex • 1800 sf each CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121 • 3 bdrms w/garage • Well maintained

MLS#296437 $315,000

PA R

$384,500

OP E N H O U S E S AT. 1 - 4

2610 E. SECTION ST. #25 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $68,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #52 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $48,900

2610 E. SECTION ST. #50 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $54,500 PA R 55

+

PA R 55

+

PA R + 55

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

K

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4 •GREAT NEW PRICE UPGRADED “MARLETTE” BEAUTY! •NEWER ROOF, PAINT, HEAT PUMP/AIR CONDITIONER , + PROF. LANDSCAPED YD. •HUGE “OAK” KITCHEN, 2 LG BED., 2 BA., “GORGEOUS”!!

K

OP EN H OU SE SU N . 1-4 •DESIGNER DECOR INTERIOR, OPEN/SUNNY KITCHEN & NOOK • SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING RM., NEW FLOOR COVERINGS, GAS HEAT, 2 BD., 2 BATHS •FULLY FENCED PRIVATE YARD W/ GREAT MTN VIEW., WHEELCHAIR “RAMP” ACCESS

K

•OUTSTANDING QUALITY, LOADED W/UPGRADES, •“BRAZILIAN” CHERRY FLOORS, 2 OVERSIZE BEDROOMS, VAULTED LIVING/DINING RM. •2 DESIGNER BATHS, BONUS RM. W/DOUBLE FRENCH DOORS, GAS HEAT, GAS FPL., 2 CAR GAR!!

OP EN H OU SE SU N . 1-4

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

2610 E. SECTION ST. #37 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $98,900

2610 E. SECTION ST. #19 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $64,500

2610 E. SECTION ST. #35 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $74,500

55

+ PA R

PA R 55

+

PA R + 55

OPEN HOUSE SUN 1-4

• ONE OF A KIND PRIVACY AT BACK OF PARK, OUTSTANDING “TRIPLE-WIDE” •BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED INSIDE & OUT, HUGE DECK, OVERSIZE DOUBLE GAR. + LG. HEATED SHOP •3 BD., 2 BA., OPEN DESIGN OAK KITCHEN

K

•FABULOUS NEW PRICE, “PALM HARBOR” LOADED W/ UPGRADES •LIKE NEW, INSIDE & OUT, NEW ROOF & SKYLIGHTS, NEW CARPETING, GAS HEAT, AIR CONDITIONING •3 BD., 2 BA., GORGEOUS OAK & TILE TRIM KITCHEN

K

•ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS “MODULINE” BEAUTY LOADED W/STYLE & APPEAL •SPACIOUS 2 BD., 2 BA. W/OPEN PLAN, HUGE LIVING/DINING RM. •BRIGHT/SUNNY L-SHAPED OAK & TILE TRIM KITCHEN

K

•OUTSTANDING PRIVACY W/LG. BACK YARD, GARDEN AREA! •REMODELED INTERIOR W/NEW FLOOR COVERINGS, NEW KITCHEN W/CHERRY CABINETRY •3 BD., 2 BA., NEW “HARDIPLANK” SIDING, MASTER W/DOUBLE FRENCH DRS.

OP EN H OU SE SU N 1-4

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

•NEW LISTING, LOADED W/UPGRADES, LG COVERED PATIO W/ •OUTSTANDING NEW PRICE, DESIRABLE BACK OF PARK PRIVATE SETTING YARD •OPEN PLAN W/BIG LIVING/DINING “CUL DE SAC” +! •3 BEDROOM, 2 BA. W/SUNNY RM., OAK KITCHEN W/BREAKFAST NOOK, GAS HEAT •3 BD., 2 BREAKFAST NOOK •OAK TYPE KITCHEN W/2 PANTRY AREAS, BA., FIN. GARAGE, DESIRABLE WEST/OUTSIDE LOCATION GARAGE, SHOP + COVERED PATIO, PRIVATE YARD.

2000 CASCADE AVE., MV $120,000 Affordable 3 bedroom, 1 bath rambler. Updates include kitchen, laminate floors, roof & hot water heater. Add. 420 sq.ft. bonus room & shop attached to house. Spacious yard with lovely landscaping, garden space & RV parking. Call Karen Beckner at 840-9455. #339664 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 1068 SINCLAIR WAY, BRL $139,000 Well maintained 1 level condo located in 55+ “The Cedars”.

User friendly kitchen with island & pantry, window coverings, 2 bedrooms with walk-in closets. Call Warren Bingham at 770-2421. #275510 1225-1227 E. FAIRHAVEN AVE., BRL $147,900 EACH Offered as a duplex at $339,800 or individual Townhouse units for $169,900. Each unit has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gas fireplaces, 2 car garages. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #171607 304 W. STATE ST., SDW $175,000 REDUCED!! Lovely updated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home, large eating kitchen & bar. Fully fenced, low maintenance yard.

Attached 2 car garage. Close to town. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #149139

43699 E. MAIN ST., CNC $209,900 Historical vintage home offered for the first time in over 60 years. Approx. 3160 sq.ft., 5 bedrooms, detailed craftsmanship throughout with open beam ceilings, beautiful moldings. New furnace, gas fireplace & free standing gas stove. 2 detached garages. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #280977 20383 ERIC ST., MV $215,000 Spacious 2231 sq.ft. rambler on almost 1/2 acre in quiet south MV neighborhood. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Kitchen with island.

Double sided fireplace. Big fenced yard. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #17444 39541 BAKER LAKE RD., CNC $219,000 A nice rambler with basement & 3 bedrooms, 1 bath all on over 9 acres. Newer roof, windows, wiring & paint. Many outbuildings for your equipment. Close to lake & river fishing.

Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #311226 2010 SANDALWOOD, MV $230,000 Great rental history duplex sits on large lot. Each unit offers 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, washer/dryer, fireplace & 1-car garage.

Lower unit A with a partially fenced yard. Call Sherry Johansen at 708-3636. #60925 455 KLICKITAT, LAC $235,000 Wonderful LaConner 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 61 ALGER CCC RD, SDW $239,900 Fabulous 2005 manufactured home on 5 acres. Large 2 car garage/shop & greenhouse. Great place to enjoy peace & quiet & watch wildlife. Call Tasha Zahlis at 391-5075. #138104 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 8112 EMMANUEL LN, CON $349,000 2 story home on 5 acres of pasture with spectacular mountain views. 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Attached 2 car garage & 36x36 shop/barn with 10x14 & 8x7 doors. Call Alice Hanson at 7708791. #107634 3416 LINDSAY PLACE, MV $435,000 Custom Craftsman home. 4000+ sq.ft., with gorgeous master suite & huge kitchen with granite. Outdoor living area on covered deck. Huge finished shop in basement. Call Megan O’Bryan at 708-5817. #28602

STOP! 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!