Real Estate Weekly December 18, 2020

INSIDE

This Issue TREND-PROOF FURNISHINGS PAGE 5 FAMILY BECOMES IMPETUS FOR A LONG-DISTANCE MOVE PAGE 7 CLASSIFIEDS PAGE 7

DEC 18-DEC 24, 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS Q&A

Ask Our Broker.......................................................................P4

Trend-proof furnishings ...........................................P5 Family Becomes Impetus For A Long-Distance Move................................................P7

INSIDE PAGE

Classifieds............................................................................P7

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RE-Weekly To advertise in RE-Weekly or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call: 360.416.2180 or Email: ads@skagitads.com ©2020 by Skagit Publishing | All rights reserved.

All real estate advertised in Real Estate Weekly is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed

Cathy West Oak Harbor Escrow Manager/LPO 360.679.5055

Eldon Brown Skagit County Manager 360.707.2158

Shelley Miner Burlington Escrow Manager/LPO 360.707.2312

Christa Canell Freeland Escrow Manager/LPO 360.331.4838

Brandi Jensen Stanwood Escrow Manager/LPO 360.629.9737

Holly Mathers Island County Title Manager 360.675.2246

Katey Von Hagel Marketing Representative 360.707.1076

LAND TITLE AND ESCROW W

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.

Shelley Nevitt Anacortes Escrow Manager/LPO 360.299.0565

Service you deserve with people you trust Visit any of our 5 locations in Oak Harbor, Burlington, Freeland, Stanwood and Anacortes

Ltco.com 2

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.

2025889

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December 18, 2020

STAT Real Estate Stat

11%

The most recent U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Census Bureau numbers found September new housing construction is up 11.1% when compared to September 2019. Residential new home starts have been on the rise since midsummer, with a 1.9% increase from August 2020.

FEATURED HomE FRom covER: $360,000

Skagit Tradition Realty LLc 3780 E. college Way mount vernon, WA 360-424-0300 www.skagittraditionrealty.com PENDING

December 18, 2020

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Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

This cheery home offers a vaulted ceiling living room with natural gas fireplace; covered patio; large dining area; lovely kitchen with all appliances and walk-in pantry/storage closet; master suite with walk-in closet and bath with easy step-in shower; guest bedroom and bath; and a full sized utility room with a deep sink.

Stonebridge Community offers RV storage, clubhouse and walking trails.

MLS#1694796 3

2038747

511 Shady Lane, Mount Vernon

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

Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing interest in the floundering housing market for many people. “When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their homes, their primary focus is usually on the advertising that the agent will offer them,� says Jessica Goodbody of Weichert Realtors.

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

Call 360.416.2180 Today!

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RealEstate weekly In print and online goskagit.com ads@skagitads.com

December 18, 2020

Trend-proof furnishings

by Erik J. Martin oes that sofa of yours appear a little worn in the seat? Is your coffee table feeling a bit creaky? Are you tired of looking at that old dining room set? It’s probably time for some new furniture. Only you don’t want to purchase the first things you see at the store. You want to shop around carefully and choose furnishings that will remain stylish and functional for a long time.

And therein lies the challenge, say the experts. Because without doing your proper due diligence, buyer’s remorse is more than likely.

“Furniture is an expensive investment. People rarely purchase new furnishings

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December 18, 2020

you find online, but they will likely sell higher-quality goods. Their salespeople can explain how items are built and why the construction more than every 10 years, and in terms of design aesthetics method makes their furniture many folks keep their furniand product quality,” notes better quality than the junk ture for multiple decades,” Tyska. “That’s why it’s imporyou can get online,” Putzier says Lindsey Putzier, owner tant to do your homework says. and principal designer of and have a full design plan When it comes to selecting Eclectic Interiors in Hudson, before you begin purchasevergreen styles, Tyska says Ohio. “The cost of furnishing. Everything in your space transitional pieces will work ing an entire room can easily needs to work together and in almost any space, even exceed $20,000 for quality be well thought out.” if you change your design pieces, so you can’t simply For best results, the pros rec- aesthetic over time. rely on current popular trends ommend visiting a brick-and- “You need to design for what or first impressions when mortar furniture showroom you like, as you are the one shopping for furniture.” and consulting with an expe- living in the space. For exMichelle Tyska, manager of rienced designer on staff. ample, if you love colors and Ethan Allen Design Center “Avoid purchasing from big- patterns, incorporate them in Chicago, echoes those box stores or via online disinto your furniture scheme. thoughts. “You want to invest count websites. It’s true that You can use solid color fabrics in timeless core pieces that local furniture stores will not in your sofa, headboard, will last the test of time both be able to match the prices chairs, and other main pieces,

How to shop for and select furniture that won’t fall out of fashion quickly

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and mix in colors and patterns within your pillows, artwork, and accessories that you can swap out,” says Tyska. “Keep in mind that velvets, leathers, and linens are always in style. Trendy metal finishes, on the other hand, are quickly outdated.”

Putzier is a fan of mixing different styles of furniture to create a collected, curated look.

“Avoid purchasing sets of furniture. Instead, mix a sofa from one style with a couple of chairs from another,” she advises. “Remember that whatever the super trendy style is at the moment is going to be very outdated in a few years. We’re currently deep into the modern farmhouse era, which means an

overload of grays and whites.

This can create a somewhat classic look, but it can be executed poorly with an excess of gray.”

Jeanette Chasworth, CEO and interior designer with Monrovia, California-based The Color Whisper, is a fan of the traditional look that Queen Anne chairs or a nice rolled arm sofa sports. “Less ornate but traditional lines will always have a place in the American home. This is why many people choose neutrals, because they are comforting and have a more timeless sense than the latest patterns,” Chasworth explains. “I’d also recommend looking closer at the 60s modern style, which has been in vogue for a while, with its clean lines and simplicity of form.”

Mollee Johnson, the owner/ principal designer of Style 1519 in Lake Zürich, Illinois, suggests staying away from ornate details like nailheads or tufted fabric.

“Top grain leather in a neutral color is a good choice not only for durability but timeless style. Always look for hardwood frame construction, and choose a fabric that has over 15,000 double rubs for durability – this is a readily available number on the tag,” says Johnson.

Before committing to any furniture purchase, measure your room’s dimensions carefully to determine if the pieces will fit.

“Then, make a game plan.

Write down exactly what you want in that room so that you’re not tempted to buy a random piece just because it’s on sale,” Putzier recommends.

“Also, pay attention to dimensions – furniture can look a completely different scale in a giant warehouse versus your living room.”

Lastly, ask the salesperson about the quality of the furniture and the warranty and return policy.

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Down Payment Options Question:

We’ve been saving money for a down payment but increasingly think we would rather buy with 5% or less upfront rather than the 10% we can afford. What will lenders think of this?

Answer:

Lenders traditionally want 20% down. In September, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical home nationwide sold for $311,800, up 14.8% from 2019. “September’s national price increase marks 103 straight months of year-over-year gains,” according to NAR. To buy that typical home with 20% down means purchasers will need more than $62,000 in cash plus closing costs and money to move.

Most people plainly do not have so much in savings. Research published in September by TheAscent.com, part of The Motley Fool, found that a typical saver had just $3,500. NAR says that in 2019 the average first-time buyer purchased with 6% down while repeat purchasers bought with 16% upfront.

However, lender demands for big upfront payments can be off-set by several factors.

First, instead of a big down payment, you can buy with little upfront through the VA and USDA programs (zero down), the FHA (3.5% down), and with conforming loans (as little as 3%).

Second, there are many down payment assistance programs available to off-set upfront costs. For information by location, check what programs might be available to you at DownPaymentResource. com.

Third, lenders may be re-thinking down payment requirements.

The JPMorgan Chase Institute has done an important study that suggests that liquidity -- having cash on hand -- may be a better way to avoid loan defaults than big down payments. The 2019 study found that “borrowers with little post-closing liquidity defaulted at a considerably higher rate than borrowers with at least three mortgage payment equivalents of post-closing liquidity.”

The study also showed that: “Borrowers with little liquidity but more equity defaulted at considerably higher rates than borrowers with more liquidity but less equity.”

“Default closely followed a loss of liquidity regardless of the homeowner’s equity, income level, or payment burden.”

“Homeowners with fewer than three mortgage payment equivalents

Q&A

ASK OUR BROKER

By Peter G. Miller

of liquidity defaulted at higher rates regardless of income level or payment burden.”

“Mortgage modifications that increased borrower liquidity reduced default rates, whereas modifications that increased borrower equity but left them underwater did not impact default rates.”

While research from the JPMorgan Chase Institute is unlikely to change underwriting requirements in the short term, it surely means that lenders will be happy to see a pattern of strong savings.

Greater liquidity suggests that borrowers have a good ability to deal with financial setbacks. Liquidity also has practical advantages likely to be reflected elsewhere in a mortgage application. For instance, borrowers with solid cash-on-hand should have strong credit scores. The reason is that if you have a lot of cash, you have the ability to pay debts on time and thus avoid credit dings and the cost of late fees.

Strong reserves are a big plus for lenders, especially when combined with solid credit, ongoing income, and small monthly debt payments. And if you borrow with less down, the mortgage will be somewhat larger, an inherent attraction for lenders.

Email your real estate questions for Mr. Miller to peter@ctwfeatures.com.

own the local real estate market

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expand your reach when you combine the power of our digital audience and premium print ads in the re weekly ask your multimedia account executive for details.

ContaCt: 360.424.3251 • ads@skagitads.Com 6

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December 18, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS PUBLISHER'S NOTICE

Family Becomes Impetus For A Long-Distance Move Considerations to keep in mind

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aybe it’s the months of FaceTime, but no face-to-face contact. Or, maybe it’s suddenly become clear that you don’t want to travel hundreds of miles to see cherished family members.

Whatever the reason, this pandemic year is getting families thinking about moving nearer each other.

“This has been especially for recent retirees who retired with the specific goal of sending more time with their grandchildren,” says Lynn Dunston, a certified financial planner in December 18, 2020

Denver.

But right now, “we’re finding people are holding off on those moves, because of the risk in relocating now,” says Kate Granigan, CEO of Life Care Advocates, Newton, Ma. But families are mulling the possibilities, and that’s good since honest discussion and planning are essential to making a long-distance, family motivated move successful, adds Granigan.

“Make sure you have a family meeting beforehand and weigh everything carefully,” agrees Teri Dreher, owner of

NShore Patient Advocates.

Among the issues to discuss, advises Granigan, are what your hopes your contact with family will be once you’re nearer – and what other family members’ expectations are as well.

It’s also important to consider the future as well as the present, Granigan says, examining issues like what would happen if a grandparent who moves nearby could no longer live independently.

Moreover, since it’s unrealistic to expect the family to fulfill

every aspect of your life, it helps if you’re also moving to a place you’ll enjoy, says Karen Condor, whose work with Expert Insurance Reviews allowed her and her husband to move to Greenville, County, S.C. four years ago.

Previously, career moves separated her from her brother and his family, and Condor was anxious to reconnect, but her grown nieces had limited time.

“Reach out to establish your own connections in your new community,” Condor concludes.

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All rental and real estate for sale advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for the rental or sale of real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

To complain of discrimination call HUD at (206) 220-5170.

55+ 1BDRM CONDO $202,500!

1416 Lindsay Lp Unit #108, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 MLS#: 1682360 Enjoy life at The Ridge at Maddox Creek; a desirable 55+ condo complex.

Sit on your ground floor patio & relax by the landscaped creek. There are no stairs in this 1bd (w/ walk-in closet), 1bth condo & there is elevator access to secure underground, assigned parking & storage. Large & bright kitchen w/ lots of storage & counterspace. Spacious living room w/ cozy gas fireplace completes this lovely unit. Building has rec room & kitchenette available for use.

Nearby to walking trails.

Call Kerri Jones: 206.963.6615

2 Bdrm house with loft on 1/4 acre, needs remodeled but is livable, asking $159,500. To view call 520-221-1607 or 360-840-3292.

RAMBLER STYLE HOME 3 bedroom, 1.5 baths, with mature orchard on 1.53 acres in a park like setting. Located at the top of the hill on Dewey Beach with a view. 1604 sq. ft., built in 1965.

Workshop, 2 car garage, metal roof, hardwood floors, electric heat with appliances. $525,000.

Call 360-303-6373 15435 Deception Rd., Anacortes.

Try selling in the Classifieds Call 360-424-4567 to place your ad today

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1102 S. 21ST. STREET, MOUNT VERNON

$349,000 7704 SIlVER lAkE ROAD, MAplE FAllS

$349,000

This home ‘lives bigger’ than its stated size of 1491 sq.ft., offering 2 beds, plus bonus room, 1 3/4 baths on a large lot with ample parking, a detached 2 car garage and a HUGE storage building. The kitchen has a large pantry, skylight and plenty of cupboard/counter space.

Master has a large shower with an oversized vanity and a walk-in closet. Living area features vaulted ceilings and ceiling fan. Main bath has 2 doors for easy access to the laundry room and the outdoors. This home is set back from the road and has a beautiful front yard or you can enjoy the privacy of the large Patricia Box yard in the back, as well.

Sherry Ruderman Office Manager/Broker MLS# 1694535 360-540-1552 O: (360) 424-0300 C: (360) 941-9186

Great 3 bedroom Mount Vernon home on the hill nearby Little Mountain Elementary and

2xxx URBAN AVENUE, MOUNT VERNON

$600,000

Prime 1 acre level, commercial parcel, subject to boundary line adjustment.

MLS#1649968

Mount Baker Middle schools. Offers kitchen with lots of cabinets, all appliances included; updated vinyl windows, fresh paint inside and out, one car garage, large yard with patio, blueberry and marionberry bushes! Yum! Parking for small RV or boat. Heat pump/central heating and air conditioning provides year round comfort. 325 square foot garage (per Danya Wolf

Skagit County Assessor). Mostly fenced. MLS#1689654

18582 CASCADE RIDGE CT.,MOUNT VERNON 5+ Acres

Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

$998,000

360-708-8294

4629 BEAVER pOND DRIVE S.

Elegant finish work in this 3130 square foot custom home:

Eaglemont Golf Community offers an 18 hole Championship public golf course. All utilities are in the street and ready to build.

MLS# 1504177 360-202-3086

European hardwood floors with inlay; 3 fireplaces, one which is open to both the country kitchen and the dining room; 3 large bedrooms, two with a “Jack and Jill” bath; 2 family rooms. Plenty of parking. 36 X 36 barn with three stables; a tack room; a storage room; plus a loft. Three separate fenced areas for horses, plus an outdoor arena. Wonderful trails throughout the wooded Danya Wolf

portion of the acreage. MLS# 1673949

657 HUMpHREy plACE, BURlINGTON

Elva Hunter

360-708-8294

$499,000

Beautiful views from this 5 bedroom, 3 bath Hansell Mitzel Home built with many upgrades, built on the “perfect” cul de sac, fenced yard; with a country feel yet wonderful location for commuting to Bellingham, Anacortes, or Everett/Lynnwood/Marysville. Lighted stone pillars at end of driveway welcome you home. Covered front porch offers seclusion for one’s morning cup of coffee or tea; hardwood entry; wainscoting; air conditioning; under cabinet lighting, pantry; and granite countertops in baths. Back yard offers custom decking and incredible sunset views. Danya Wolf MLS# 1679704 360-708-8294

360.424.0300

$105,000

H STREET RD., BlAINE

$1,200,000 Eighty (80) acres of mostly woods including Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, Cottonwood; Alder; and Birch; with one large pond great for duck hunting toward the northerly portion of the 80 acres, some meadows, one small beaver pond, plenty of walking trails or bring your ATV; and an old dug well near the old home site by the southerly edge of the property to the east of the gate.

Future homesite/Pasture land along the southwesterly edge of the property.

Potential for up to 16 building sites. Shown Danya Wolf 360-708-8294 by appointment. MLS# 1568051

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernon

www.skagittraditionrealty.com 2038744

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