Real Estate Weekly | April 13, 2012

APRIL 13-APRIL 19TWENTY-TWELVEFREE

RealEstateweeklyRESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH?PAGE 3

SELLING:GETTING REAL ON PRICEPAGE 4

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE A SECOND HOME PAGE 6

WHERE THE JOBS ARE PAGE 7

FIX COMMON HOUSEHOLD EYESORES PAGE 8

Q&A15’S GOOD.10’S EVEN BETTER.PAGE 9

CLASSIFIEDSPAGE 10-11

INSIDETHIS ISSUE

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

15869 ANDAL LANE, MOUNT VERNON $485,000One 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. Fish from the dock of your own private 1/4 acre trout fi lled pond. Wraparound covered porch. Hardwood fl ooring. French pocket doors, stained glass and bay windows are just a few of the features. Lovely setting, just minutes from either Big Lake or Mount Vernon. Take a virtual tour online at www.NorthwestMoves.com

FEATURED ARTICLE: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE A SECOND HOME. Second homes aren’t just for the extremely affl uent 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)

Debbie AllenCertifi ed Residential

Specialist, and Managing Broker360-708-8780

RE/MAX Territory NW320 S. Burlington Blvd.Burlington, WA360-755-9494www.NorthwestMoves.com

2 April 13, 2012 ReAl estAte Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly goskagit.com/reweekly ReAl estAte Weekly April 13, 2012 3

www.SkagitValleyRealEstate.com320 S Burlington Blvd • Burlington(360) 755-9494 • (800) 775-0153

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

Wilma LouiaOwner

661-1631

IvanaWood

770-3550

RonVan Pelt333-1045

ElizabethDetillion708-8800

DebbieAllen

708-8780

MichelleMitzel

630-4423

JimStransky708-1681

KirkCampbell770-7470

DanSoria

360-348-6655

Charlie & Jeannie Boon

708-9645

MikeWelling540-1341

Pete McDougallBroker

708-6500

Amber Soria

969-4030

Mount Vernon $299,950Bedrooms 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

Burlington $170,000This 3 bd/1.75 bath home sits on over 3.5 acres, mostly in pasture, bordering a lovely Creek. New-er roof, furnace and bath. Ready for your fi nishing touches. Propane Heat, freestanding fi replace. Newer detached garage/shop. 10 minutes from Sedro-Woolley. MLS #322888

Call Debbie, 708-8780

Burlington $139,900Updated 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

Mount Vernon $215,000Rambler in Desirable Trumpeter Development. 3 BR/ 1 ¾ Baths, 1660 Sq. Ft. Nicely updated-new paint, fl oors, counters. Baths w/ radiant heat in tile fl oors. Nice open fl oor plan, F.S. Stove in Fam-ily Room. New covered Trex Deck, Private Fenced Yard. MLS #321899

Call Charlie, 708-1415, Jeannie, 708-9645

BEST BUY IN THE CEDARS

Burlington $129,900Solid rambler on large lot and great location. New vinyl windows and partially fi nished basement. 4 bedrooms and 1 bath. A large detached shop/garage. Hardwood fl oors and a great country kitchen. MLS #281231

Call Mike, 540-1341

PRICE REDUCED

Mount Vernon $142,300Affordable 2 bedroom. 1.75 bath. 1199 sq. ft. New hardwood fl ooring and kitchen countertops. Large corner lot with mature landscaping. Plenty of Extra Storage. MLS #260435

Call Pete, 708-6500

Mount Vernon Lots Starting at $67,000Amazing 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 fl ood plain. Country feel, just 10 minutes from town. Use of private lake for the Nookachamp Hills residents.

Call Michelle, 630-4423PRICE REDUCED

PRICE REDUCED

Stanwood $195,000This property is a MUST SEE! 40+ acres mostly fl at 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

Burlington $359,000Single 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

VACANT LAND

NEW LISTING

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

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TABLE of CONTENTSWhat’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

8Pg.

To advertise in

or other Skagit Publishing publications, Call 360.416.2180 or E-mail [email protected]

View this publication online at www.goskagit.com/reweekly©Skagit Publishing LLC 2012 | All rights reserved.

All real estate advertised in Real Estate Weekly is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin,

or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimi-nation.” 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.

RealEstateweekly

For further information call HUD Toll Free at 1-800-669-9777.

All Houses subject to prior chang-es 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.

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Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by:Whidbey Island Bank


By ERIK MARTINCTW FEATURES

What’s your home really worth? Visit a real estate website like Zillow.com and you’ll get one number. Ask a Realtor to crunch the data and

you’ll get another. Enlist the aid of a professional appraiser and you’re bound to get an even more disparate number.

While the only value that ultimately matters is what a buyer is willing to pay, it can be frustrating not knowing which source is the most accurate. That’s why many experts say it’s important to take these differing digits with a grain of salt and learn how and why to read between the numerals.

In today’s fast-paced, short-attention-span real estate environment, home sellers and buyers want on-the-spot answers, which has given rise to popular online residential real estate sites that can provide instant home value estimates, such as Trulia.com, Redfi n.com, Homes.com and the aforementioned Zillow.com. Many of these sites get their valuation data from a few sources that have compiled a national housing database, which is an aggregation of county clerk records in every town. Each site designs its own algorithm based on prices, trends and proprietary data.

For example, in calculating a “Zestimate,” Zillow uses an algorithm that takes into account information about the house itself (square footage, beds/baths, tax assessments, last sale price of the home, timing of the sale), says Katie Curnutte, communication director at Seattle-based Zillow. This info comes from both public records and from user-submitted data.

When Realtors want to determine a home’s value, they perform a comparative market analysis – an evaluation of comparable recently sold homes within the neighborhood of the home someone is looking to sell. They take into account the location, features, size and condition, among other factors.

Professional appraisers go even deeper into detail to calculate value. While they also look at comparable and recent sales in the area, they use detailed formulas to determine how each comparable property differs from the appraised property, with values added or subtracted to make the comps as much like the appraised property as possible.

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 buying, an appraisal is required by a lender in order for the buyer to secure a loan. Online valuations are often pursued by for-sale-by-owner sellers or those who are simply curious as to what a home is worth.

Some experts believe these instant online estimates are fl awed because human intelligence and updated factors like recent renovations and upgrades are taken out of the equation.

“I wouldn’t say that any of them are accurate,” says Bill Golden, a Realtor with RE/MAX Metro Atlanta Cityside. “They use sources like county deed transfers in the immediate area, which don’t take into account many of the important factors used in appraising a home’s value. They are using [comparable values] that may be geographically close but are in vastly different types of neighborhoods. I still think a Realtor has the best sense of a property’s value, as they are out in the fi eld and can see what a buyer is willing to pay for a particular property, which is the true defi nition of its value.”

Zillow’s Zestimate “is meant to be a starting point for a homeowner, buyer, or seller to fi gure out how much a home may be worth,” says Curnutte, who added that, nationally, Zillow’s median error is 7.9 percent. “The Zestimate is one piece of data, along with recently sold data and neighborhood home-value trends, that should be used to determine the value of a home. We encourage homeowners, buyers and sellers to take all the information that is available to them, and then have a conversation with a local professional.”

But buyers and sellers shouldn’t be afraid to fi gure out a home’s valuation themselves, says Matt Goyer, director of online marketing for Redfi n, a Seattle-based online real estate brokerage. “Picking a couple similar homes that sold recently and adjusting for size, they should be able to get a good estimate of what the home might be worth if it were to sell today.

“Sellers know their neighborhoods better than anyone else,” Goyer adds, “and if they have been paying attention to renovations and upgrades their neighbors have done, they can make even more informed choices of which comparables to use.”

What’s Your Home Worth?

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

$$$


By Marilyn Kennedy MeliaCTW FEATURES

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, no doubt you’ve been thinking about how much

you’ll get for it.Hold those thoughts; better yet,

erase them.Putting the right price tag on a

home requires careful analysis of the most recent data, say experts.

Sellers’ pre-conceived notions are easily skewed by emotion or outdated information. Indeed, many homes are incorrectly priced, as evidenced by surveys like a recent one from listing site Trulia.com, which found that one-quarter of the homes in its database had a price reduction.

The right number is crucial to selling, say agents. Mindy Chanaud, a Coldwell Banker agent in Greenwich, Ct., notes that although a price reduction can sometimes give a property a “pop” on listing sheets, incorrect pricing drags out the time a home sits on the market, and it also can give a property a stigma that it “wasn’t snapped up.”

Here’s what experts say about arriving at a proper price:

the Latest neWsThis year, some sellers will enjoy

a welcome change: “Even though there are no markets where prices did not fall in the past 12 months, we are at a point where prices will go up a bit in some markets,” observes Ingo Winzer, president of Local Market Monitor, a forecasting fi rm based in Cary, N.C.

Winzer predicts that some 35 large markets and 17 smaller ones, out of the 300 the fi rm tracks, may see an uptick. But there are still markets seeing signifi cant declines, he notes.

Within markets, are micro-markets – neighborhoods that might buck the larger trend.

The task for sellers: Learn the prices of most recently sold comparable homes and sense the trend.

For instance, Sam Bayne, an agent with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International, subscribes to a service that maps how many homeowners are delinquent on their mortgage or beginning foreclosure within one mile of a particular property. A high number of distressed homes means an

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 dataData 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 refl ects.

A home sold nearby may have the same number of bedrooms and other descriptors of another seller’s home, but the comp may not refl ect 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 specifi c addresses can be off the mark, because there’s no

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 refl ected his home’s features.

second oPinionsEven 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 fi nancing, since lenders will base their loan decision on a professional appraisal.

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.


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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

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PRICE REDUCTION

Record-low interest rates and record-low housing prices are renewing

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“When sellers are interviewing real estate agents to market their

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[email protected] print and online goskagit.com

STAT

13RIGHT ON

TIME

Percentage by which delinquency rates of fi rst mortgages 30+ days past due decreased for

U.s. consumers in 2011

source: equifax National Credit trends Report


By Lindsey RomainCTW FEATURES

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. Some of the biggest second home markets fall in lesser-known cities in the U.S., such as Silverdale, Wash., Whitefish, Mo., and Flagstaff, Ariz.

According to real estate professionals in these second-home regions, there isn’t just one type of buyer investing in these properties.

Pam Charron, a real estate agent at Michael Saunders & Co. in Sarasota, Fla., says that her firm sees a lot of investors who know the prices are not going to go lower, and a lot of future retirees.

“They’re rushing in now because the prices have dropped so low – 40 to 50 percent less than the high times – and they’re taking advantage of that,” Charron says.

Ann Heitland, associate broker at RE/MAX Peak Properties in Flagstaff, Ariz., says that she sees buyers

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 household income of $99,500. The median price for a vacation home was around $150,000. It may be a hefty price tag for a non-primary residence, but seeing that the price was $169,000 the year before, now might just be the perfect time to jump on a secondary property.

What makes for a good second home candidate? It’s all about assessing personal needs and desires. Many of these second-home markets fall outside of extreme metropolitan jurisdictions and into just-off-the-grid suburban areas with lush art scenes and other tourist draws. In Heitland’s Flagstaff area, for example, it’s recreational opportunities like golf, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and nearby national parks that lure in buyers. It’s also a good escape from the congestion of nearby Phoenix, she says. For Charron, it’s Sarasota’s water properties and urban art scene – from the theatre to annual sandcastle-building festivals – that make the area unique. For the markets in Montana and Washington state, it’s fishing and hunting opportunities that draw in outsiders. For some cities, universities draw in homebuyers, whose children often live in the home while enrolled in school.

Another facet in second-home consideration is finding

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!”

There’s No Place like a secoNd homeBe it a vacation home, future retirement home or home for the

child in college, buyers are looking to house No. 2


With an improving economy and a friendly real estate market, is now the time for you to relocate for work?By Erik MartinCTW FEATURES

It’s not just the overall average size of the new American homes that are

shrinking – down to 2,377 square feet last year from 2,438 square feet the year before, according to the National Association of Home Builders – but the stuff that goes in it, too.

If there’s not much work in your neck of the woods, maybe it’s time to consider relocating to a market where the hiring rate is higher and job prospects are more plentiful.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, America’s unemployment rate fell to 8.2 percent in March, down from 8.5 percent at the end of 2011. Further, the economy has added more than 600,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2012, according to the BLS.

Assuming you’ve researched a new location and its employment possibilities carefully, don’t be too quick to pull the trigger on a move. Before making the major decision to uproot, it’s important to ponder other factors – including the real estate ramifications of needing to sell and buy or rent a home quickly.

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

and availability, in addition to the cost of living (including taxes and transportation expenses) in your intended location.

If you have a home to unload, be prepared to take a loss that you should be able to make up for if you plan to purchase another residence, said Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Real Estate Holdings, a development company based in Los Angeles.

Additionally, it’s crucial to price your home right based on current true market value for a faster sale, Sheres said.

“Any agent can list your house, but when it’s a buyer’s market you need a first-class real estate professional on your side. Use an experienced, top agent in your area,” she says.

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

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 and relocating to your leased home.

“I would always rent for the first 18 to 24 months so you can go there and put your full attention on the new job opportunity and not be distracted by the house,” Cardone says.

However, buying a home and foregoing renting can be

less disruptive in the long-term. Plus, interest rates remain near historic lows, you can earn equity in your property when you purchase, and short-term leases aren’t easy to find.

Lastly, think long and hard about future employment potential prior to deciding on a move.

“Be realistic with your skill set and set your sight on a job market or community that is aligned where you have the best opportunity for employment,” says Roger Atchinson, a vice president with RELO Direct, a Chicago-based corporate relocation management company. “Research communities for companies and opportunities and be prepared to take risks, Landing a position will be easier from the destination location than being hundreds of miles away and needing to relocate, which will cause prospective employers concern over.

Where the Jobs Are


Even 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.

BathroomA 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.

KitchenNo matter how many times you wash down

a tiled kitchen floor, grout has a funny way of never quite coming clean. Purchase a grout-cleaning 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.

WindoWsFew 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.

FurnitureRemedy nicks with furniture markers that

can blend into the wood grain or other surface materials and mask the dings and dents.

Fix common household eyesores


Brown McMillen Real Estate235 W. Rio Vista Avenue, Burlingtonwww.brownmcmi l l en .com

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP… Hilltop home,. open floor plan, hardwoods, vaulted ceiling, natural light. 3 Br & 1.75 baths up & 1/2 down. Private backyard, $264,000. #2929607 YR OLD VICTORIAN IN LACONNER… 2 story overlooking the Channel. Over 1800 sf, charm everywhere & nicely landscaped w/waterfall. $339,500. #338393EXPANSIVE VIEWS OF FAIRWAYS… 3 br, immaculate rambler, hardwood flrs, newer carpet, brick f/place, great deck, lots of garden space. $310,000. #308903

360.757.60131.800.869.7084

Holly Brown 661-5538Tim Reichert 391-5587Galen Kindred 770-7083Jan Scally 421-5160Shelah Inman 661-0145

Terri Heyntsen 391-0938Fritz Inman 661-0147Dick Best 770-1491Jeff Ingman 202-2859 Ron Wortham 661-1500

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

Evening Phone Calls Welcome

CREEK RUNS THRU IT… Interesting 20 acres near Sedro-Woolley. Best thing about it is the price. JUST $49,500. #3303509% CAP RATE… 6,600 SF building on 1.5 acres near freeway. Fully rented and excellent investment. $399,500.

NICE 20 ACRES… fronts on access road with great mountain views. Has power & water available. $99,500. #330544SMALL GRAVEL PIT… 20 acres near Sedro-Woolley.. Water & Power available to build your new home. $99,500. #330672

N E W L A N D L I S T I N G S

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

DEWEY BEACH WATERFRONT… home, boathouse, 100’ low bank w/front. Newer deck & septic. Well blt home, vaulted wood ceiling, many windows. 2 Br, 1.75 Ba $895,000. #271985NOOKACHAMPS HILLS… in Big Lake, 4 Br, 2.5 Ba home on lg corner lot, Over 2600sf, living room, family room & rec rm. 2 car garage+2 car de-tached garage. $289,500. #320637BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME!… in quiet cul-de-sac. Gorgeous Timborana wood floors. Granite counters, tile accents, wide moldings & trim. $319,500. #29145114

15’S GOOd. 10’S EvEN BETTER.

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

would really like is a 10-year mortgage. Is

such financing available?

ANSWER:Not generally, but you can make your

own. Here’s the recipe:

First, get a 30-year, fixed-rate

mortgage.

second, be certain you have the right

to prepay the loan in whole or in part at

anytime and without penalty.

third, go to an online mortgage calculator

to determine how much extra to pay. For

instance, a $150,000 mortgage at 4 percent

costs $716.12 per month for principal and

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

would be paid off in 10 years.

By prepaying the loan you will save a

considerable amount of interest and lop off

240 monthly payments. the

lifetime interest bill across 30

years is $107,803; the interest

cost is just $32,242 if the loan

is paid off in 10 years.

Is prepaying a mortgage a good

investment? Paying off high-cost credit card

debt is a better choice, but if your credit

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

of sense and comfort associated with paying

off a mortgage as quickly as possible.

For specifics, speak with local lenders.

Q&A ASk OUR BROkERBy Peter G. Miller


10 April 13, 2012 REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly

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Visitwww.bestplataround.comfor pics, prices and mapsFree list of 0 down homes

w/pics:www.0downlistings.com

MUST SELLFixer UppersDistress SalesBank ForeclosuresFree list with pics:

www.WaBankHomes.comDIRECT 425-345-4920

JEFF LATHAM KWNWRE

Move in Special. Big Lakewaterview RV space. $300.No dogs. (206) 778-8147

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

Burl. 4 plex, 2 bdrm, 1 ba,single car garage, W/S/Gpaid. $800 + $800 damage.No smoke/pets. 757-6476

S.W. 2 bdrm, 1 ba, single cargarage, W/D hook-ups, nosmoke/pets. $825/mo. Refs.check. 360-424-9595 or 360-708-8664

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

MV duplex, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, allapplcs. incl. W&D. $875 +$500 damage. S/G pd. Nopets. 360-202-0359.

MV 802 S. 22nd Pl. 2 bdrm, 1ba, fenced yard, gas heat,garage, W/D, $925/mo.$500/dep. 360-424-6974

LUXURY INTERIORMt. Baker ViewMV 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

DAFFODIL COURTW/S/G/basic cable pd. W/D.

Call for details.856-6652

The Rent Lady4 bdrm, 3 bath

MV Hill$1,695/mo + dep.

Call Mary (360)540-3334Burlington

2 bdrm, 1 bathFamily Room,

$875/mo. + dep.3 bdrm, 2 bath

Garage$1,100/mo. + dep.

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

RENTALSHouses & Apartments.

See our listings atwww.skagitrentals.comRemax Property Mgmt.

823 N. 4th, Mount Vernon360-424-3198

Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2½ Ba, plus bonus room, largekitchen, fireplace, 2 cargarage, fenced & landscapedyard. $1,550 per mo.

www.skagitsolutions.com360-422-5708

MV 4 bdrm, bonus room, 2 ½ba, garage, gas heat, $1300/mo. $800/dep. 360-652-6080

MV 4 bdrm, 2 ba, dlx ranch,off College Way. 1889 sq. ft.,gas heat, all applcs, garage,fenced yard, decks, fireplace.Avail 4/25. 1 yr lease. $1295/mo., 1st + $1000 dep. Nopets/smoke. 360-820-3533.

FOR RENT: Concrete area,3 bdrm, 2 full ba, fireplace, allappliances furnished. Section8 accepted. $975/mo. 360-333-9159 or 422-5162 after5pm.

Burl. 3 bdrm, 2 ba, $1195/mo. Gas heat, garage, nosmoke/pets, 360-391-8788.

BIRDSVIEW NEW 3 bdrm, 2ba, custom, covered deck, allapplcs., $1185 + dep. 336-1904 or 206-919-2368

Beachfront Lake Samishhouse, rent for 2012 + 2013school year or winter retreat,avail. Sept.-June. 3 bdrm, 2ba, laundry, W/S pd., cable/internet ready. Nosmoke/pets. 360-708-1721.

Anac., sunny, private 1 bdrmapt. $650. incl. W/S/G/TV. Nosmoke. Refs. 360-293-2251

2 bdrm, extra large fencedyard, 333 S. Norris, Burl.$895 + utils. & $500/dep.206-947-9923 or pick up ap-plication at Burlington Stor-age, 111 S. Norris.

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.Piazza Realty Property

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

3 bdrm, 1 ba, S.W. Garage,D/W, fenced. $1050. + dep.360-856-1210

S.W. Newer 2 bdrm, 1 ½ ba,W/D, 1 car garage, no pets.$850/mo. Call Mark at 360-708-2694.

NO HIDDEN FEES!Fairhaven Manor 757-2149

Norris Place 757-30602 & 3 Bdrm Apts.

Affordable. Section 8 okay.

LaVenture Village Apts. 2bdrm currently avail.$730/mo. Income limits ap-ply. Call 360-424-4622

Apartments for Rent:All utilities paid includingpower and cable TV. Studio$550/mo. Monthly rentalagreement. 24 hr. on-sitelaundry, close to college. Call(360) 424-0221.

1ST MO. FREE! 1, 2 & 3bdrm, MV, near college, on-site laundry, reserved park-ing. W/S/G pd. Qualify today!Move in tomorrow! 428-3887

1 BdrmSedro-Woolley

Laundry, manager on-site.No dogs. (360) 856-6652

1 bdrm MV. Quiet, safe, 1level, near hospital. Seniorswelcome. S. 16th & Skagit St.$690. 360-652-6560.

1 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts2 x 1 ½ Town homes

Covered-Assigned ParkingGarages / Storage Avail.

Complete Appliance PkgsSport Courts / Playgrounds

Pet FriendlyCall Today! 360-856-4803


REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly April 13, 20112 11

SEDRO-WOOLLEYRent-to-own this new 1470sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2 ba. Greenbuilt home. $1,450.00 mo.

For details go towww.skagitsolutions.com

One of a Kind PropertyMt. Vernon Hill Home

125 N 6th St., Mt. Vernon

Open Saturday, 1-3pmA beautifully gracious homeboasting spacious andcharming rooms. Hard-wood floors, 10' ceilings, 4bdrms, remodeled kitchenwith custom cabinets andupgraded appliances, gasfrplc, charming deck, river& city views. Very lrg yard,fully fenced, beautifullylandscaped with roses, fruittrees and very private. Plusa garage and garden shed.

$364,500 MLS# 285329Sarah Minton360-770-3076

Windermere/Skagit

BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME2281 S. 19th Street

2000 sq. ft. rambler on9950 sq. ft. lotVery quiet & secludedS. Mount Vernon area4 bdrm, 2 ½ bathsGranite countertops,stainless appliancesOpen floor plan withhigh ceilings thru-outMaster suite featuressoaking tub, doublevanities, double showerClose to schools, shop-ping, easy I-5 accessNow 100% completeOpen Sat., Noon–3

$319,500.JEFF INGMAN(360) 202-2859

Brown McMillen Real Est.

Rent to own – MV 3 Bdrm, 2½ Ba, plus bonus room, largekitchen, fireplace, 2 cargarage, fenced & landscapedyard. $1,550 per mo.

www.skagitsolutions.com360-422-5708

WATERFRONT COTTAGE$107,000; salt water & Mtnviews; 5 min to LaConner;pics at:www.vrbo.com/198695.Call 425-787-6070

Professional, medical,dental office space forlease or sale, 1500 sq. ft.,near Island Hospital in An-cortes. (360) 293-6998

21737 STERLING DRIVE,SEDRO WOOLLEY

$339,900

OPEN HOUSESAT, APRIL 14,12:00-2:004 bedrooms, den/office,spacious living room, largefamily room & a formal din-ing room. Wood fireplace inthe living room & freestanding gas stove in thefamily room. Hot tub locat-ed just off the family roomwith complete privacy. At-tached 2 car garage plus 2detached outbuildings, oneoffering 5100+ s/f & theother building approx. 1900s/f, per assessor's records.

MLS# 266058Call Linda Eastman

(360)202-4075WRE/Skagit Valley

North Homes Realty Inc.

SANDI RILEY 770-8670 Sandi Riley

770-8670

2610 E. SECTION ST. #74 (LITTLE MTN. ESTATES) MT. VERNON $69,500

•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

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4


•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

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4


•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.

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

2518 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $259,300

•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!!

OPEN HOUSE SAT. 1-4


•NEW LISTING, LOADED W/UPGRADES, LG COVERED PATIO W/PRIVATE SETTING YARD •OPEN PLAN W/BIG LIVING/DINING

RM., OAK KITCHEN W/BREAKFAST NOOK, GAS HEAT •3 BD., 2 BA., FIN. GARAGE, DESIRABLE WEST/OUTSIDE LOCATION

OPEN HOUSE SUN 1-4

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

•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”!!

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

OPEN HOUSE SUN 1-4

PRIVA

CY +

+


•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

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

Anita Kohl961-7795

55+ PA

RK


•OUTSTANDING NEW PRICE, DESIRABLE BACK OF PARK “CUL DE SAC” +! •3 BEDROOM, 2 BA. W/SUNNY

BREAKFAST NOOK •OAK TYPE KITCHEN W/2 PANTRY AREAS, GARAGE, SHOP + COVERED PATIO, PRIVATE YARD.

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

55+ PA

RK

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

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

Megan Daly 206-383-4407Mike Newman 708-1419Noli Goode 630-6527Paula Margerum 220-0681 Rick Kiesser 770-1195Sandi Hocking 708-1523

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

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

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.

REAL ESTATE CLASSES STARTING NOW!

CALL SCOTT 360-540-2121

SAT 1-42518 Stonebridge, Mt VernonSUNDAY 1-42610 E. Section St. Mt VernonFor Deta i ls and d i rect ions,v is i t openhouse.com.OPE

N HOUS

ES

$259,000 MLS#327398• 5 acres • Fenced pasture• Lg Barn • 3 bdrm 2 bth home

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

$384,500 MLS#296437• 5 Mtn view acres • Huge shop• 2678 sq ft • Loaded with extras

$399,000 MLS#340400• 8 Res units • Long term tenants, • 1 Comm unit • Build to suit$28,500 MLS#340976• 55+ community • 2 bedroom, • Family room • Pond location

$219,000 MLS#322843• 2200+ sq ft • Lg family room • Awesome views • Granite counters

SOLD$329,950 • Sold fast! • Spacious basement • Unique home • Creek frontage

$315,000 #23523• Extra Lg Duplex • 1800 sf each • 3 bdrms w/garage • Well maintained

$450,000 MLS#201498• 9 unit building • Fully rented • Updated • Centrally located

$269,900 MLS#282698• Immaculate • Lg fenced backyard • Hot tub • Tons of upgrades

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

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

STOP!Let us make this easy for you.Go to WindermereSkagit.com for Photos, Open Houses, and Maps for EVERY listing.

11453 BAYVIEW-EDISON RD., #23 MV $39,888Fantastic 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 $39,950This 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

869 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $89,000Immaculate 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

2000 CASCADE AVE., MV $120,000Affordable 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 $124,950A 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 $139,000Well 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 EACHOffered as a duplex at $339,800 or individual Townhouse units for $169,900. Each unit has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gas fire-places, 2 car garages. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #171607

304 W. STATE ST., SDW $175,000REDUCED!! 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 $209,900Historical 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 $215,000Spacious 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 $219,000A 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 $230,000Great 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 $235,000Wonderful LaConner home featuring views over the marina, spacious rooms, open floor plan, two fireplaces, attached garage and great amenities abound. Call Sarah Minton at 770-3076. #29136416

61 ALGER CCC RD, SDW $239,900Fabulous 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 $339,9001-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 $349,0002 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 770-8791. #107634

3416 LINDSAY PLACE, MV $435,000Custom 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

Real Estate Weekly | April 13, 2012

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Transcript of Real Estate Weekly | April 13, 2012