Real Estate Weekly | December 16, 2011

RealEstate weekly RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

DEC 16-DEC 22 TWENTY-ELEVEN FREE

INSIDE

THIS ISSUE

BUYING A HOME? PAGE 3

FIRE SAFETY: ROOM BY ROOM PAGE 4

HOUSING: IT’S GETTING BETTER PAGE 6

Q&A ASK OUR BROKER PAGE 7

15314 COTTONWOOD LN, MOUNT VERNON

$565,000

BEAUTIFUL acreage and residence in the heart of the valley. Quality built with custom detailing, surrounded by gorgeous landscape and western sunset Windermere Real Estate views. Formal living and dining, family room open to kitchen with granite and 1030 E. College Way breakfast bar with wine cooler. Ultra large master with private covered deck.

Mount Vernon 360.424.4901 • 800.849.7939 Barn with 6 matted stalls, cedar tack room, heated wash rack and loft storage. www.ElizabethMiller.net Guest suite with kitchen and ¾ bath. Heated shop with RV Bay. Outdoor arena Agent: Elizabeth Miller with drainage and sprinkler system. Fully fenced and cross fenced pastures.

(360) 420-3607 #300850

BUILDING: NUMBER OF GREEN HOMES CONTINUES TO GROW PAGE 8

CLASSIFIEDS

FEATURED ARTICLE: NUMBER OF GREEN HOMES CONTINUES TO GROW: The number of newly built homes may have ebbed during recent years, but green homes certainly are gaining ground. A full 25 percent of new single-family homes built in the U.S. in 2010 earned Energy Star qualification, according to (cont. on pg. 8)

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

Buying a Home?

Pg. 3

Fire Safety: Room by Room

Pg. 4

Housing: It’s Getting Better

Pg. 6

Q & A: Ask Our Broker

Pg. 7

Building: Number of Green Homes Continues to Grow

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 ©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,

Territory NW

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.

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

320 S Burlington Blvd • Burlington (360) 755-9494 • (800) 775-0153

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com PRI CE RED UC ED

OPEN HOUSE: Sat. Dec. 17 1-3PM

414 Evergreen St., Mount Vernon

$164,000

DIRECTIONS: 1-5 EXIT 227, E ON COLLEGE WAY TO RIVERSIDE DR. S. ON RIVERSIDE PAST FIR ST TO EVERGREEN ST. E ON EVERGREEN TO HOME ON RIGHT.

Classic bungalow on Mt Vernon Hill. 2 bdrm/1 bath. Wainscoting & plate rail frame dining room.

Fenced yard w/ alley access. Detached garage/ storage. Walk to schools, downtown. MLS#292866 Call Lisa, 391-2232

Concrete

$29,900

Get away from it all! Here is your year-round cabin, right next to the Skagit River.1 br/1 ba and a fireplace. Home is well built and above ground.

Large lot and close to many outdoor activities.

MLS# 253480 Call Pete, 708-6500

Sedro-Woolley

PRI CE RED UC ED

$67,500

Beautifully maintained triple wide. SW finest 55+ Senior Park with security gate. Approx 2000 sq ft with open floor plan. 2 bdrms, 2 baths, vaulted ceilings, built-in china hutch. Lots of storage.

Fenced landscaped backyard. 2 decks for entertaining. MLS# 228322 Call Wilma, 661-1631

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. 1 car carport and 4 small outbuildings. MLS# 260435 Call Pete, 708-6500

PRI CE RED UC ED

NE W

Mount Vernon Burlington

$214,900

This one owner home is straight off of the “mad men” show down to light fixtures, architectural details and style. Beautifully cared for, situated on over 1/2 acre with family room, gardens shop, RV parking. MLS# 263737 Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Wilma Louia Owner 661-1631

2

Lisa Davies 391-2232

Michelle Mitzel 630-4423

December 16, 2011

Mount Vernon

$199,950

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

PRI ME LO CA TIO N

LIS TIN G

$359,000

1990 SF Rambler in Nookachamp Hills. 3 BR, 2.5 baths. Hardwood, carpet & tile floors. Slab granite, tile backsplash, & several other high end finishes. Great room w/ a 2-sided FP. Lg kitchen perfect for a chef & large sized breakfast nook!.

Seller will pay up to 3% buyers closing costs.

MLS# 29154892 Call Michelle, 630-4423

Jim Stransky 708-1681

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.

Ivana Wood 770-3550

Charlie & Jeannie Boon 708-9645

Bellingham

$525,000

Immaculate Custom Rambler. 3024 sq. ft., 3 br, plus office, 2 baths. Built in 2008, on 9 acres.

Brazilian and Travertine Floors. Open Floor Plan, perfect for entertaining. 3 car attached garage and 3 bay shop. MLS# 152500 Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

Mike Welling 540-1341

Kirk Campbell 770-7470

Sedro-Woolley

$395,000

Secluded country living. Awesome Valley and Mountain Views. Over 3,200 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms and 2 ¾ baths. Large living and family rooms. 5 acres in Panorama Community. MLS# 302521 Call Jim, 708-1681

Debbie Allen 708-8780

Elizabeth Detillion 708-8800

Amber Soria 969-4030

Burlington

$699,000

High traffic/Visibility Location. 3730 sq. ft. of office & retail space. Detached 5,880 sq. ft. warehouse. Zoned Heavy Commercial. Formerly housed Burlington Glass. MLS# 302281 Call Wilma, 661-1631

Dan Soria 348-6655

Ron Van Pelt 333-1045

Pete McDougal Broker 708-6500

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Buying a Home?

Avoid these mistakes

T

he dream of home ownership is one that lives on in spite of the global economic struggles. The process of buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster ride, with feelings of excitement mixed in with exhaustion, fear and uncertainty.

Over the last several years, the real estate market has been turned upside down, and many prospective buyers have begun to question some of the conventional wisdom associated with buying a home. While such skepticism might be a healthy attitude in the current market, prospective buyers -- particularly those who have never purchased a home before -- should avoid the following mistakes

that buyers make regardless of whether the market is up or down. * Failure to get qualified beforehand. Mortgage qualification is essential when buying a home, as it gives buyers preapproval for a loan before they make any offers. Making an offer on a home before you know what the bank is willing to lend you is a waste of time for everyone involved, including you, the seller and the real estate agents involved. Some agents will not show a home if you don’t have a preapproval. Once preapproved for a loan, don’t take any steps that might put that approval in jeopardy.

This includes anything that might drastically alter your credit score. * Being blindsided by additional costs. First-time homebuyers, once they have moved into their home, often experience some sticker shock when the additional expenses associated with home ownership arise.

These additional expenses include property tax and insurance costs and can be substantial. Even those buying a condominium or co-op should expect monthly maintenance fees even if their new place is brand new and needs no maintenance. * Shooting for the moon. The ongoing recession is in part the result of predatory lending that saw banks grant excessive loans to applicants who, in hindsight, could not actually afford all that they were approved to borrow. The result was many people buying homes they could not afford, and then suffering some steep consequences, including foreclosure, when the first mortgage payment came due or the interest rate rose. First-time and even veteran buyers must avoid shooting for the moon when it comes to buying a home, and instead only buy one they know they can afford. What the banks says you can afford isn’t always the same as what you know you can afford.

Only buy a home you know you can afford, regardless of whether the bank has approved you for a larger loan. * Pigeonholing yourself into an inadequate living situation. Just like buyers shouldn’t go overboard, they also must avoid compromising on the things that are most important to them. For example, many of today’s buyers, fully aware of the rash of foreclosures and all the housing horror stories of the last several years, are reticent to commit to a home, and might compromise with a condo or co-op. But if a home is what you really want, and another living situation that mirrors apartment life is going to make you miserable, see pg.9

goskagit.com/reweekly

Real Estate Weekly

December 16, 2011

3

Fire Safety Room by Room (Family Features)

H

ome fires may seem like the kind of event that happens to someone else, but the reality is, it could easily happen to you.

Approximately every three hours a home fire death occurs somewhere in the nation, according to the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Take action now to make sure your home is safer, and that your family knows what to do in case a fire does break out. And don’t stop there - share some positivity in your community by reminding family and friends to change the batteries in their smoke alarms when they change their clocks this fall.

Make a Plan

When a home fire occurs, you have very little time to get out. Having an escape plan that everyone is familiar with is a critical part of saving lives. Yet only 23 percent of U.S. families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan to ensure they could escape quickly and safely.

• Draw a floor plan of your home and find two ways out of every room. Sketch the exit routes clearly on the floor plan.

• If an upstairs window is one of the escape options, make sure you have a fire escape ladder long enough to reach the ground. Make sure every adult knows how to use it. Adults should be responsible for helping younger children.

• Assign an outside meeting place, so that if the family escapes from different routes, you can quickly locate each other.

Room by Room

Bedrooms

The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., when most families are asleep.

• Do not trap electrical cords against walls. Heat can build up, posing a fire hazard.

•Use only lab-approved electric blankets and warmers.

Make sure cords are not worn or coming apart. Do not leave electric blankets switched on all night unless they are marked “suitable for all night use.”

• Keep bedding, curtains and other combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters.

•Never smoke in bed.

• Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard. By law, mattresses made since then are required to be safer.

• Have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

Living Room

•Do not overload electrical outlets.

4

December 16, 2011

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery® Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011 and marks the 24th anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, created by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This program reminds people to check and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors during the fall time change.

Installing smoke alarms on every level of the home can give your family precious minutes to get out and get to safety.

•Never run electrical cords under carpets.

•Check all electrical cords for fraying or other signs of damage.

• Only light decorative candles when adults are in the room. Use stable candle holders that will not catch fire. Blow candles out when you leave.

• During a power failure, do not use candles or oil lamps for light. Keep battery operated flashlights and lanterns in easily accessible places.

Candles used for light in the absence of electrical power cause onethird of fatal home candle fires.

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in each room, including the living room.

Kitchen

Cooking equipment is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

• Never use extension cords to plug in cooking appliances. They can overload the circuit and start a fire.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.

If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from the cooktop. This includes potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels and curtains.

•Keep the cooktop, burners and oven clean.

• Loose clothing can dangle onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting clothing or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

Garage

• Store all combustible materials away from regular sources of heat, such as water heaters, space heaters, boilers and furnaces.

• Keep wood finishes, spray paint, paint thinners and other flammable products in a dedicated storage container with a closed door.

• Store all combustible materials in their proper containers and be sure they are clearly marked.

• Keeping the garage tidy can also help keep it safe. Get rid of stacked boxes, newspapers, recycling and trash. They can be instant fuel for a fire.

• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

• Once a month, check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button.

• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year.

Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Never disable smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.

• Carbon monoxide alarms are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Know the difference between the sound of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES Parson Creek Road, Sedro Woolley NE W

L IS

T IN

21st Street, Mount Vernon

G NE W

Beautiful 1.13 acre property featuring mature landscaping, storage shed w/electricity & 2-car garage.

This property would lend itself well to removing current manufactured home & replacing it with a new one or custom build your dream home.

Donna Kurras MLS#300921

Information sourced from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, The Home Safety Council, and the U.S. Fire Administration.

goskagit.com/reweekly

$139,000

Real Estate Weekly

360-770-7596

PR I

$199,900

CE

Well maintained duplex featuring 2 bdrm units w/1 bath, beautiful masonry fireplace, double carports w/ attached storage buildings & cyclone fencing for large backyards. Unit 132 is remodeled w/brand new kitchen Danya Wolf cabinets, painting & flooring. MLS#242619 360-708-8294

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com

December 16, 2011

5

Housing It’s Getting Better New index offers insight into where housing actually is improving

Sometimes, it's just nice to hear some good news. That's the goal of the NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index.

Introduced in early September, the IMI identifies local markets that recently have been gaining ground in the housing market.

Specifically, the index reveals metro areas that have shown an improvement for at least six months in housing permits, employment and home prices.

The inaugural list of improving metropolitan areas includes:

6

• Alexandria, La. • Anchorage, Alaska • Bangor, Maine • Bismarck, N.D. • Casper, Wyo. • Fairbanks, Alaska • Fayetteville, N.C. • Houma, La. • Midland, Texas • New Orleans • Pittsburgh • Waco, Texas

December 16, 2011

The Improving Markets Index is designed to track markets throughout the U.S. showing signs of improving economic health. It measures three sets of independent monthly data on Metropolitan Statistical Area: employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics; home-price appreciation from Freddie Mac; and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau. A metro area must see improvement in all three areas for at least six months being included on the improving markets list.

Going forward, the IMI will be released on the fourth business day of each month.

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

Q&A

THE 3-PAYMENT PLAN QUESTION:

In a short sale where the financing was FHa-insured, is the borrower first required to miss three payments? this advice was given to me by a lender before it would allow a short sale to go forward.

ANSWER:

We sent this question over to HUD and received this response: “the information is incorrect. Under the code of federal regulations 24 CFR 203.370 (c) 2 and section 204 of the National Housing act the loan must be in default at the time the short sale transaction closes for HUD to legally

pay a claim (31+ days). this does not preclude the servicer from processing the short sale request with the loan current if the borrower and property meet all the short sale requirements and close the transaction with the loan one month delinquent.” to suggest that a borrower must miss three payments that could otherwise be made does several things. First, it means that the borrower’s credit will be seriously downgraded - even if a short sale is not completed. second, it sets a foreclosure in motion and with it additional borrower costs and fees. third, it puts the lender in the position of suggesting the encouragement of default, a huge no-no in the lending business. Fourth, in some jurisdictions it may set up the borrower for a “deficiency” judgment after the transaction, a suit by the

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

lender to get back its money and fees.

If the loan is current and the borrower needs to move the best option may be to rent the property. While home values have been falling rental rates have generally held steady or increased in most areas.

Whenever a lender or “foreclosure rescue specialist” suggests deliberately missing payments borrowers should immediately ask for assistance from an attorney or a community housing organization. Pro bono legal services may be available through law schools and bar associations. state attorneys general also may be able to suggest sources of help. (c) CtW Features

Brown McMillen Real Estate 360.757.6013 1.800.869.7084

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP… in this Hilltop home. Open floor plan, hardwoods, vaulted ceiling, lots of natural light. 3 BR & 1.75 baths up & 1/2 down. Private backyard,covered patio. $264,000. #292960 4 BR RAMBLER!… home w/great room, den, bonus room & kitchen w/eating space. Fenced backyard. Hot Tub, many upgrades. $225,000. #226036 AFFORDABLE COUNTRY HOME… on 1/2 ac.. Living rm w/free standing woodstove, adjoining kitchen & dining.

3 bdrms + den/hobby rm. 1 3/4 baths.

2 outbuildings . $195,000. #233664 MOUNT BAKER VIEW… from this wonderful full acre building site. Publlic ic water & perk approved. $149,500. #235491 #235491 DOWNTOWN D OWNTOWN BUNGALOW… totally updated w/2 BR + Den. 1910 classic home is convenient to all amenities in Mt Vernon. $119,500. #286658

MT VERNON HILL… cozy one level, good sized backyard, alley access, garden space. Updated, dble pane vinyl windows, 3BR, 1.5BA. $159,950. #277024 INDUSTRIAL SITE… Almost 10 acres zoned for Warehouse, Mfg & Distribution. Burlington Hill Bus Park. $$2,100,000.

2,100,000. #214854 NEW N EW PARK MODEL HOME… views of PPadilla adilla Bay . Covered front porch, bltin hutch, blinds thruout. Lots of light .

55+ park. $47,500. #61691 SKAGIT RIVER PLAYGROUND!… Hop into your RV, drive east with your picnic basket, enjoy this 3/4 acre lot! $39,000. #29000965 129 ACRES… nicely wooded and great opportunity to buy large acreage at just $3,837 per acre. $475,000. #104177 NORTHWEST CRAFTSMAN… One of the largest homes, backs up to protected area. Open plan, lg kitchen, covered patio. $350,000. #107987

pro o

AILING APPRAISALS

YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!… The great floor plan in this 4 BR, 3 BA home with new roof, carpet, paint make for a move-in ready dream home. $319,900. #299079 BUSINESS FOR SALE… well established landscape supply business. Net income $108,000 this year. Owner retiring. $129,500. #283797 GORGEOUS VIEW ACREAGE!!… Panoramic view of valley, river & mountains from this 10+ acre parcel. Enjoy nature at it’s best. Power & water to property. $249,000. #147323 A BIT OF PARADISE… pasture land w/ newer 2 BR, 2 BA mobile. 11+ ac on S. Skagit Hwy. Frontage on Finney Creek. $149,900. #266577 LARGE ACREAGE… 76.84 acres of gently rolling acreage with new drilled well. Secluded yet only 15 miles from Mt. Vernon. $289,000. #221286

235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlington

f

STAT

w w w. b r o w n m c m i l l e n . c o m

60%

Percentage of home builders who say recent appraisals have come in below their contract sales price. FyI: 53 percent say appraisals are coming in lower than building costs Source: NAHB

goskagit.com/reweekly

Jeff Ingman Jan Scally Fritz Inman Tod LeHecka

Real estate Weekly

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

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

Phil Hurtig Tim Reichert Terri Heyntsen Ron Wortham

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

December 16, 2011 7

Building

Number of Green Homes Continues to Grow

The number of newly built homes may have ebbed during recent years, but green homes certainly are gaining ground.

A full 25 percent of new single-family homes built in the U.S. in 2010 earned Energy Star qualification, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, an increase from 21 percent of homes in 2009.

Overall, about 1.2 million new homes have earned Energy Star designations since 1995. The total represents nearly $350 million in savings on utility bills and a reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions equal to those from more than 450,000 vehicles.

Last year, the EPA said 16 states exceeded the 25-percent share in having new homes receive the Energy Star Label: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah and Vermont.

Energy Star requirements for energy efficiency in homes include: • Effective insulation systems _ • High-performance windows _ • Quality construction to reduce leaks and drafts _ • Efficient heating and cooling equipment _ • Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances • Energy Star was introduced in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

For more information on the share of homes in the marketplace qualifying for Energy Star is available at www.energystar.gov/homesmarketindex.

8

December 16, 2011

Real Estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly

from pg.3 - don’t settle for that situation for the sake of security. Doing so could

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

goskagit.com

ads@skagitads.com

cost you financially, especially when you realize the situation isn’t what you’d hoped for and look to sell earlier than is ideal. * Skimping on the cost of an inspector. An inspector is your last chance to find out if a home is your dream home or a money pit. Even if a house appears to be everything you want, don’t close on the sale until the house has been thoroughly inspected. The old adage that advises against judging a book by its cover certainly applies to buying a home, and prospective buyers should enlist the services of a qualified inspector before closing on the sale of a home.of today’s buyers, fully aware of the rash of foreclosures and all the housing horror stories of the last several years, are reticent to commit to a home, and might compromise with a condo or co-op. But if a home is what you really want, and another living situation that mirrors apartment life is going to make you miserable, don’t settle for that situation for the sake of security. Doing so could cost you financially, especially when you realize the situation isn’t what you’d hoped for and look to sell earlier than is ideal. * Skimping on the cost of an inspector. An inspector is your last chance to find out if a home is your dream home or a money pit. Even if a house appears to be everything you want, don’t close on the sale until the house has been thoroughly inspected. The old adage that advises against judging a book by its cover certainly applies to buying a home, and prospective buyers should enlist the services of a qualified inspector before closing on the sale of a home.

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.

1 & 2 BDRM MV APTS., quiPiazza Realty Property et, W/S/G/recycle & basic caMgmt., Inc. 360-424-RENT ble pd. Covered parking and (7368) www.prpmrentals.com storage room including laundry on-site. No smoking/ ½ off 1st months rent. 3 pets. 360-708-1721 bdrm, 1 ba, MV, close to schools & I-5. $1150 + $800 dep. S/G pd. Pet ok w/dep.

899-5874 or 708-9887

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, 1.5 ba, MV hill, full basement, private 1/2 acre, fenced yard, view to river & sunsets. No smoke/pet. $995 + $1000 dep. 360-661-6173, 961-9502 3 Bdrm in S-W, fenced yard, $900 mo. 1St, last & $500 damage dep. No smoke/pets.

360-856-1757

3 bdrm, 1 ¾ ba, 200 E. Rio Vista Burl. Gas heat, big yard.

1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3 $1000 + dep. 360-708-9484 bdrm, MV, near college, onsite laundry, reserved park- 3 Bdrm, 1 Ba, 3309 W. 2nd ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today! St., Anac. $795/mo. $600/ Move in tomorrow! 428-3887 dep. 360-588-1610 COZY, CLEAN BURL. APT., 2 bdrm, 1 ba, $750/mo., 1st, last & $500/dep. W/S/G/cable pd. No pets/smoke. Avail. now. 360-755-1428 MV, 2 bdrm apts., upper w/deck, redecorated, clean quiet, W/S/G/basic cable pd. Refs + dep. $740. No smoke/pets 360-424-1695 MV, 2 bdrm, 1 ba, W/S/G pd., $30 application fee, $635 + dep. 360-873-8396.

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

Affordable. Section 8 okay.

SMALL 1 BEDROOM townhouse style, 3/4 bath, $650 + $500 dep. Utils. incl. no pets/smoke. Sedro-Woolley 360-855-0396

Leasing a Central Whidbey Island three bedroom house and farm that is part of the Ebey's Landing National Historic Preserve. Views of Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. Includes three bedroom/one-bath residence and garage, one barn and hay loft (50' by 100'), one barn (60' by 100' presently with horse stalls), one barn (70' by 300') and approximately 35 acres surrounding buildings. Great place for a horse operation or an organic farm operation. Additional acreage maybe available at later date. $1900 per month, security deposit, with other terms. 425-891-8702

RENTALS

Houses & Apartments.

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

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

4 bdrm., 2 ba. home in Lyman, fenced yard, $1100 mo., 1st & dep. Avail. 1/1/12. 2 bdrm, 5 new appliances, 360-661-6502 no smoke/pets, W/S/G pd, credit report required. $695 + All utilities pd. $750/mo. $600 dep. 700A Talcott S.W. Completely furnished, deco- 360-840-5728 rated and outfitted cabins, just bring your clothes and CONCRETE 2 bdrm, W/D, groceries. 1st , last, damage. carport, W/S/G/Gas included.

No smoke/pets. Birdsview $675 + dep. (360) 293-4553 360-826-3159 La Conner 2 bdrm, 1 ba, Anacortes Alexander Beach garage. W/D, gas heat. No 2 bdrm, ¾ ba, cottage, 2 car pet/smoke. $850 + dep and garage, $995/mo/lease, app fee. 360-739-2735 $995/dep. 360-679-3355 MV 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, W/D, Burlington. Vintage 2 bdrm, $725/mo. & $725/dep. 360large kitchen & dining room, 420-1685 gas heat, all appliances, MV 49 WILLOW LANE fenced back yard, ideal home 1 bdrm, 1 ba. On-site laundry office location, $900 + dep. & storage. Ample parking. No 755-0562 or 333-1151 pets. $650 incl. W/S/G. Avail now. Nice. 360-420-5700 Newer MV 3 bdrm, 1 ¾ bath, double car garage, separate MV duplex, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, all 14x28 storage bldg. Close to applcs. incl. W&D, storage hospital. No smoke/pets. shed. $875 + $500 damage.

Refs req'd. $1300. + $1000 S/G pd. No pets/smoke. 360dep. 424-9595 or 708-8664 202-0359

10 16,16, 2011 10 December December 2011

2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, 4-plex, upstairs unit, gas heat, new paint & carpet, single car garage, no pets, no smoke, 1005 B Crestview Ln., MV. $695 + $600 damage dep.

Credit check. Call Joe 360424-4886.

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 360-424-0300.

Sandy Everett, broker 360202-3706

2 BEDROOM MOBILE South Skagit Highway, big yard, washer dryer hook ups $725 + 350 deposit 855-9747 ANAC. Doublewide, 3 bdrm, 2 ba, yard, gas furnace, $775.

No dogs. 928-345-2086

MV room in large house, W/D, all utils. including cable & internet, $490/mo., $100/ dep. 360-424-6974

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

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

Prime location view lot #60 Burlington Hill (Tinas Coma). Lot in neighborhood of quality homes. Will reduce $75K if purchased before Dec. 31st. New price $115K. Will carry contract with 25% down. 808-2835501 ask for Joe.

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. $20,650. 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

28' travel trailer for rent, can be moved to any location, rent is negotiable. 336-5314 Big Lake RV Resort: $400/mo. W/S pd. Boat launch, dock 360-422-6206

3 bdrm, 1 ¾ ba, 200 E. Rio Vista Burl. Gas heat, big yard. $1000 + dep. 360-708-9484 Lg. shop Stwd. Secluded 3 acres, concrete flr woodstove $700/mo. 360-652-6560

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

4 unit apt. building, great rental history, (3) 2 bdrm, 1 ba, (1) 1 bdrm, 1 ba, coin laundry, 4 stall covered parking with opener, separate storage, hospital hill area, Mount Vernon. $350,000. 970-846-6849

2028 FOWLER STREET, MOUNT VERNON $229,500 A HOME FOR the HOLIDAYS! Reduced & priced to sell!

Not a short sale and not bank owned, which means a nice easy purchase for you.

Go to www.windermere. com/236846 Call Mel Foley at (360)770-3115.

WRE/Skagit Valley

FOR SALE BY OWNER Quiet, peaceful Condominium, StoneBridge Community, MV hilltop area, oak flooring, vaulted ceilings, master suite w/walk-in closet & bath with oversize shower; guest room, full bath, den/home office, features gas heat, hot water and fireplace, kitchen has spacious pantry, built-in microwave, laundry room with utility sink and cabinets, approx. 1368 sq. ft.

Private covered deck, huge double car garage all on single level with attic storage. Clubhouse, group activities, adjoining Haggen walking path. Close to shopping and medical facilities. Priced at $174,500.

Call Barbara for viewing appointment 360-428-5617

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

Real Estate Weekly

December 2011 11 December 16,16, 2011 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

North Homes Realty Inc.

$315,000

$234,500

#23523

MLS#301356 • Extra Lg Duplex • 1800 sf each • 5 acre Ranchette • Huge 3 bay shop • 3 bdrms w/garage • 2 stall horse barn • Mtn view settings • Well maintained $139,900

MLS#256370 $150,000

• Small town • 4 bedrooms • Lots to offer • Close to river

$294,500

MLS#302054

• Commercial Zoning • Approx. 1/3 acre • 2 bdrm 1.5 bth • Lots of parking

$109,900

MLS#270819 $129,500

MLS#292182

• Upgraded beauty • Huge oak kitchen • Top 5 retirement park • Lg shop + garage Anita Kohl 961-7795 Cleaver Sanders 941-3482 Dawn Hardman 540-0058 DJ Jacobs 941-5279 Duane Gish 770-9299 Dominic Pettruzzelli 333-5210

#28121879

• 5 private acres • 5700 sq ft • 750 sq ft MIL apt • 2159 sq ft shop

• Large lot • 3 bedroom • Walking distance to most • Great price

$48,500

$1,150,000

LOCAL FOOD BANK DRIVE! BRING DONATIONS TO 526 E. COLLEGE WAY

• Family room + den • All appliances

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

VALLEY HOMES

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

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

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

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, La Conner, & Mt. Vernon fireworks. Amenities as follows: 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/etc, central vac,circulating hot water sys, eletostatic air cleaner, water softener. Seller will consider all offers. Call Jim Nicholas 360-708-9379 MLS#: 292797 $575,000

1201 Fidalgo Dr, Burlington Well maintained 1,023 sq foot one story home backs up to a lovely lush greenbelt.

Surrounded by a beautiful lawn & plenty of gorgeous flowers. The Cedars is a peaceful 55+ community w/ RV parking & a spacious clubhouse. Home w/2-car garage, 2 beds/1.75 baths & an open floor plan including a living room, dining room & kitchen.

Call Racquel McDermott MLS#: 285543 $159,000

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

3710 BROADWAY ST., MV $289,900 Nice hilltop home on just over 2/3 acre. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2345 sq.ft. family & bonus room & 3 car garage. Sunny fenced back yard & 1/3 acre of private evergreen filled woods. More info & photos at skagitvalleyhomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #277733 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

#265266 #225091 $229,995 • 3+ bedrooms • Split level

• All appliances stay • Cute yard • Great starter or rental • 2 bd, 1 ba

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

(360) 424-7166

#242253

• Adult living • 2 bdrm 2 bath condo • Gas f/a heat • Lg master suite

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 $94,500 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

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 $208,900 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 1110 3RD ST., SDW $229,000 Lovely 2 story home with 2350 sq.ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths & den, large master & living room. Home with character, upgrades of Brazilian Cherry floors, light fixtures & front door.

Charming separate mother-in-law studio. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #273557 101 N. 30TH ST, MV $234,900 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 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

1301 ALPINE VIEW DR., MV $429,000 Beautiful Eaglemont home on the 12th green offers: 4 bedrooms, 2629 SF, 3 car garage & main floor master. Brazilian Labradorite stone c’tops & all new hardwood. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #269149

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 12485 PERSONS RD, BOW $949,000 5 acre property in Bow with expansive views of Padilla Bay & the San Juan Islands. Private location. NW Craftsman custombuilt home features superior design & attention to detail. Call Jim Glackin at 428-28287. #262078

STOP! 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

5361 Park Ridge Place, Sedro Woolley Quality built home on 4.89 acres of manicured pasture, fenced and cross fenced, barn has 4 stalls, wash rack, 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 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 $149,900

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