Real Estate Weekly | March 30, 2012

MARCH 30-APRIL 5TWENTY-TWELVEFREE

RealEstateweeklyRESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • RENTALS • LAND/ACREAGE

TIPS WHEN HIRING A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTPAGE 3

DID YOU KNOW?PAGE 3

GETTING STARTED ON SPRING CLEANING PAGE 4-5

SELLING: HOME IMPROVEMENTPAGE 6-7

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ROOFING MATERIALSPAGE 8

Q&ARE-RE-REFINANCEPAGE 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

1220 E. SKAGIT STREET, MOUNT VERNON $214,900OPEN HOUSE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 31ST, 12-3PM

Beautifully remodeled, charming Hillcrest home on sunny corner lot. Renovated kitchen with custom cabinets and eating nook. Craftsman touches and re-fi nished wood fl oors, large picture windows; home has a vintage feel, yet open and airy. Roof, windows, plumbing, electrical, insulation and heating system all newer since 2004. Impeccably tended to, this home is fi lled with light, detail and Northwest style. Extra large, newer two car garage and fenced yard with garden space. Close to Hillcrest Park! MLS#318417.

FEATURED ARTICLE:

Windermere Real Estate1030 E. College WayMount Vernon360.424.4901800.849.7939www.CindySullivan.withwre.comAgent:

Cindy Sullivan360-941-9443

SELLING: HOME IMPROVEMENT 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. (cont. on pg. 6)

2 March 30, 2012 Real estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly goskagit.com/reweekly Real estate Weekly March 30, 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

348-6655

Charlie & Jeannie Boon

708-9645

MikeWelling540-1341

Pete McDougallBroker

708-6500

Amber Soria

969-4030

Burlington $ 279,500Beautiful Burlington Bayhill Rambler. Shy 1900 sq. ft., 3 BR, 2 Baths. Remodeled kitchen. Fully fenced shy ¼ acre lot. RV parking. MLS #197512

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

Mount Vernon $210,000Well cared for 2 story home. Desirable Blackburn Ridge area. 3 BR, 2 ½ baths, 1628 sq. ft. Gorgeous new mahogany deck. Newer int & ext paint, many new updates. On fully fenced lot. MLS #290421


Burlington $ 179,500This fantastic house is move-in ready on a large fenced lot. RV Parking, with possible MIL unit on lower fl oor. Beautifully remodeled including new roof, hot water tank and fi replace. Large 500+ sq. ft. deck for entertaining or relaxing. MLS #315835

Call Elizabeth, 708-8800

Burlington $195,000Home is nestled on 4.38 acres. 3 bd/2 ba 1,404 sq. ft home w/ open fl oor concept. Large level fi eld w/mature trees lining a peaceful creek. Only 10 minutes from Burlington. So much space, let your imagination go wild. MLS # 333305

Call Amber, 969-4030 or Dan, 360-348-6655

Mount Vernon $275,000Rare 9+ acre parcel of farmland. 1324 sq. ft. ram-bler; 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Some hardwood fl oors. Living room with wood fi replace insert. Pantry off kitchen. Large 2 bay shop. MLS #233412


PRICE REDUCED

FRESHLY UPDATED

Bellingham $179,000Gorgeous mountain view lot. Almost 9 acres and equipped with a tranquil pond. Private setting, a mini forest in your backyard. A guarantee for a beautiful sunrise. MLS #334874

Call Amber 360-969-4030 or Dan 360-348-6655PRICE REDUCED

Burlington $185,000This 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

PRICE REDUCED

Burlington $279,900Beautiful Burlington Bayhill rambler on shy ¼ acre lot. Shy 1800 sq ft, 3 br, 1 ¾ bath. Large kitchen w/ generous amounts of storage. Im-maculately clean. MLS #223100


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

PRICE REDUCED

Burlington $139,000Updated 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

NEW LISTING

PRICE REDUCED

PRICE REDUCED

NEW LISTING

MINI FARM

NEW LISTING

Real Estate Weekly content sponsored by:Whidbey Island Bank

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.

Skagit Publishing is not respon-sible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers.

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

TABLE of CONTENTSTips when hiring a landscape architect Pg. 3Did you know? Pg. 3

Getting started on spring cleaning Pg. 4-5

SELLING: Home Improvement Pg. 6-7

The differences between roofing materials Pg. 8

Q & A: Ask Our Broker Pg. 9

Classifieds Pg. 10-11

8Pg.


OPEN HOUSES & SHOWCASES

3780 E. College Way, Mount Vernonwww.skagittraditionrealty.com

360.424.0300 or 360.853.8888

Sandy Everett360-202-3706

Three Tracts $450,000 Total Price1601 Waugh Rd., Mount Vernon

Two fourplex tracts for $150,000.00 each and one fi veplex tract for $175,000.00 or buy all three tracts for $450,000.00. Building permit ready for thirteen (13) units or administrative, conditional use potential for professional/medical offi ces. All utilities; includes off-site, fenced storm retention pond. Enjoy sunsets and Mount Baker view from this 37,800 square foot city tract of land. Cascade Natural Gas, Comcast Cable, Public Utility District Water, Frontier, Puget Sound Energy and City of Mount Vernon sewer, garbage and drainage district are all available. MLS # 29133170 Danya Wolf

360-708-8294

a well-maintained landscape is important to many homeowners. In addition to adding to a home’s aesthetic appeal, a lush landscape can also help increase a home’s resale value. Oftentimes, homeowners without much experience tending to lawns and gardens hire a landscape architect to do the job for them. First-time homeowners on the lookout for a landscape architect should consider the following tips to make the most of that process.

• Find a professional who will work with you. though you might not plan to do any of the landscaping or gardening, that doesn’t mean you won’t have a vision of what you want the property to look like. a landscape architect should be receptive to your ideas and willing to work with your vision while keeping the channels of communication open throughout the project.

• Look for a professional with some experience. a landscape architect should be ready and willing to discuss his or her previous work experience. ask to see photos of previous work or even local addresses where work was done so you can see the finished product in person. landscape architects without extensive work histories aren’t necessarily unqualified, but homeowners should weigh the projects such architects have completed considerably.

• Discuss subcontractors. some landscape architects will handle the project entirely on their own, while others might subcontract part of the project. Determine who will be performing the project and how the hiring of subcontractors might affect the cost of the project.

• Discuss fees and get a fee schedule. How the project will be paid for is an important thing to discuss when interviewing landscape architects. each contractor might have a different fee structure, so you will want the one that’s best suited to you. If a series of payments will be made, get a fee schedule so there’s no confusion down the road.

• Get references. a professional landscape architect should have a list of references at the ready for potential customers. When contacting references, be sure to ask how satisfied they are with the finished product and how the project went with regards to scheduling and fees. When talking to a previous customer, also ask how amenable the landscape architect was to their ideas and how much he or she involved the homeowner in the project.

• Make sure the contractor is licensed. In many communities, landscape architects must be licensed. this information is public, so always verify if a landscape architect is licensed prior to making any final decisions or signing a contract.

when hiring a landscape architect

Tips ecoscaping is a growing trend among homeowners who want to take care of their lawns and landscapes but want to do so in a way that’s environmentally friendly. Integrating both landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science, ecoscaping is meant to help homeowners create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape design. It’s natural to assume that ecoscaping includes looking for ways to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, but there are many additional ways homeowners can embrace ecoscaping. this includes removing or refusing to plant invasive plants that are difficult to control because they are from different ecosystems and can threaten local wildlife and existing plants. Instead of choosing exotic plants that aren’t native to the area, choose native plants that are accustomed to the local climate. another way to embrace ecoscaping is to develop a planting strategy wherein plants are planted in beneficial growing conditions that can eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers and excessive watering.

Did you know?


For homeowners, spring cleaning is one of the annual rites of spring. the return of warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to open the windows, let some fresh air in and tidy up after a few months spent cooped up inside while the weather outside was frightful.

But now that spring has arrived, the time to clean up around the house has come. Homeowners about to start on their annual spring cleaning should consider the following before beginning.

Get the riGht tooLsthe right tools won’t necessarily be a hammer and

nails, but cleaning products that can make spring cleaning more efficient. Rubber gloves, cleaning products (preferably natural products that are good for the environment) and enough garbage bags to discard a winter’s worth of clutter should all be on hand before you begin cleaning. If they’re not, you’ll likely need to make a trip to the store while cleaning, which can be time-consuming and prolong the process.

take soMe inventoryMany people have no problem buying new clothes,

but they do find it hard to get rid of older items. Part of spring cleaning is tossing old items you no longer use,

G e t t i n g s t a r t e d

o nspring

cleaningspring

cleaning


and that includes clothing. Clothing can take up a significant amount of space, so take some inventory on your wardrobe and decide which items you want to keep and which ones you can afford to discard or even donate.

aDDress the winDowsIf the last several months have been

especially cold or snowy, then you might not have looked out the windows in quite some time. Unfortunately, those windows might have accumulated quite the amount of dirt and grime while you were huddled inside. When washing the windows, do so on a cloudy day, as the sun can actually cause streaking. In addition, be mindful of what you’re using to wipe down the windows post-cleaning. Microfiber rags typically give windows a great shine without any streaking.

the blinds and drapes will also need to be addressed, as they have likely accumulated some dust over the last few months. Dust the valance and the frame, and wipe the blinds down with a damp cloth. you can also use your vacuum’s upholstery and brush attachments to further clean blinds and drapes.

tiDy up the beDyou likely wash your bed linens regardless of the season. When

spring cleaning, toss these linens into the washing machine and don’t forget to wash the mattress pads and bed skirting as well. While those items are in the wash, flip all the mattresses in your household.

Don’t ForGet the kitchenthe kitchen is not immune to clutter, and it’s especially easy for items

to overstay their welcome in the refrigerator and the kitchen cabinets. look for old takeout containers in the refrigerator that have managed to stick around, and throw these out as well as any items that have passed their expiration dates. While items in the kitchen cabinets might not have an expiration date, it helps to remove them from the pantry and then dust and wipe down the shelves. When doing so, discard any items that no longer seem appetizing.

beat the ruGsarea rugs have no doubt collected dirt and dust over the last several

months. though vacuuming these area rugs might be enough during the year, take advantage of the pleasant weather and take the rugs

outside to beat them and rid them of dust and any other particles the vacuum might have missed over the last few months.

eMpty anD cLean the booksheLves

Bookshelves are one the biggest collectors of dust in many homes. Open the windows in the home and then remove books from the shelves. Once the books have been removed, dust the shelves and wipe them down with a damp cloth. and don’t forget to dust the books and reorganize titles before returning them to their newly cleaned shelves.

spring cleaning is something all homeowners must do to keep their homes healthy and clean. spring cleaning is annual event at many households, and a few simple strategies can make it go much more smoothly.

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

COUNTRY CLUB RAMBLER..UP-DATED... kitchen/bath,warm bright colors thru-out, hardwood flrs, gas f/place. Bose sound system & more.$394,000. #31347483 ACRES… beautiful pasture land, some wooded areas. 3 Br, 2 Ba Mfg home, 2 shops, 7 stall horse barn w/hay loft. Great for cattle ranch or equestrian use. $599,000. #284837HERE FISHY FISHY… fantastic acre plus pond sdtocked with fish on 15.7 acres, Pleasant Zridge. $224,500. #2900615 ACRES WITH SHOP… nice fin-ished apt. upstairs. Cleared pasture surrounded by trees in Alger area. $209,500. #324540NEW LISTING..BLUEBERRY FARM… 68 acres “Certififed Organic” fully irrigated & subterranean drainage system $2,100,000. #329958

WATERFRONT CABIN… wonder-ful low bank frontage w/exceptional views of Skagit Bay in LaConner. $159,500. #322508RARE BAYVIEW WATER VIEW LOT… 1.25 acres on Marihugh Rd. Build your dream home, fabulous sunsets. $169,850. #136538NEAR CITY HALL… Large Office and Warehouse building in great loca-tion. Perfect place for your business. $399,500. #318151BIRCH BAY… 3 level acres with public water & sewer with 2 BR cabin. Zoned for up to 12 lots. Great invest-ment. $205,000. #275743BUSINESS FOR SALE… well estab-lished landscape supply business. Net income $108,000. this year. Owner retiring. $129,500. #283797ON THE BORDER… between What-com & Skagit County, within a mile of freeway l find this 8.8 acres w/water & septic design. $219,500.#310662

360.757.60131.800.869.7084

Holly Brown-Hilts 661-5538Galen Kindred 770-7083Shelah Inman 661-0145Fritz Inman 661-0147Jeff Ingman 202-2859

Tod LeHecka 333-1032Mary Jo Reitsma 770-6013Phil Hurtig 770-0787Tim Reichert 391-5587Jan Scally 421-5160

Terri Heyntsen 391-0938Dick Best 770-1491Ron Wortham 661-1500

www.brownmcmillen.com

Evening Phone Calls Welcome

BRAND NEW 2012…Legacy Home-builders just completed beautiful 4 BR Rambler in great Mt. Vernon loca-tion. $325,000. #321277COUNTRY ESTATE… On 2.38 acres overlooking Padilla Bay. 3 Br, 3 Ba home+ a separate Carriage House w/studio apt up, 3 bays below.. $629,000. #128481COMFORTABLE MFG HOME.… 2 bdrms, 1.75 baths, dining area/eat-ing bar. Room to garden, shop for projects, covered deck & carport. $118,000. #212211GREAT OPPORTUNITY… level piece of land in the city, zoned multi-family, 3 one story units can be built. Density for 2 story units. Utilities available. $315,000. #208598PRIDE 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. #292960


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.

Everybody knows there’s no perfect house. But with more people looking to sell than to buy, sellers need to go the

extra mile to make their home stand out.

“Every house

today needs to be well

prepared,” says Stafford

Manion, broker-owner

with Gladys Manion Inc.

in suburban St. Louis.

“Sellers need to go much

further than they used to.”

Anything untidy and

poorly maintained sends

up red flags that could

derail sales, Manion adds.

Sellers are wise

to tackle the biggest

structural and aesthetic

hindrances – anything

from septic systems that

haven’t been serviced

to wall cracks that have

settled horribly, says Jim

Ettenson of J. Ettenson

Realty in Rhinebeck, N.Y.

Such problems should

be addressed in listing and marketing materials for full disclosure, pros say. At the same time, home flaws sometimes

can be offset by showcasing a home’s positive features, says Susan Stynes, an agent with Long and Foster in Midlothian,

Va. “Don’t have a master bathroom, but have privacy on a cul-de-sac, two-car garage, or finished basement? Determine

positives and play them up,” says Stynes, who has used charts and spreadsheets on flyers to put pros and potential cons

in plain view.

But that’s still not enough. The most seasoned experts advise taking definitive action – (read: spending money) – since

many homes won’t appraise properly or sell if they’re not well maintained, says broker Donna Mercier with Coldwell

Banker in Lake Forest, Ill.

selling Home Improvement


Before you open your door to potential buyers, it pays to take a few extra steps to make your home stand out

MInor Projects for Major IMPactSellers looking to make a bit of pre-listing improvement should start with minor home flaws –

they’ll involve less time and money, yet they can make a big difference in how well buyers perceive a home’s maintenance.

Manion says anything visible that’s dated or dirty – carpet, wallpaper, paint – should get refreshed. Ettenson recently had a condo where the rooms had to be repainted, but the job was completed for just $2,500. “It made a huge difference,” he says.

Aging appliances fall into the same category. Sellers might consider replacing the worst offender with a new but basic model, or offer a cash credit to buyers toward the purchase of a new appliance, says Manion.

Because storage is so sought after, sellers can play a trick with a strategically placed armoire, which can give the impression of storage in a room with less-than-ample closet space. Best of all, the sellers can take the new-purchase armoire along with them when they move, says designer Kimba Hills of Rumba Style in Santa Monica, Calif.

Ettenson puts decluttering and depersonalizing at the top of his list. For example: Take personal photos off walls so buyers aren’t distracted and can see a room and its proportions, and follow the rule of no more than three things on any surface.

Unattractive curb appeal also is high on Manion’s list of changes, with everything from painting a front door to weeding beds, pruning dead limbs and spreading fresh mulch.

Major IMProveMents take a Plan

More extensive changes require more careful assessment, since not expenses may be recouped. Among the biggest issues:

Dated roofs are at the top of Manion’s list, especially when they’re near the end of their life, which may include curling shingles. “In many areas, you can put on a new roof for $10,000,” says Manion, “and because it will come up in a building inspection it’s better to do it up front. Casual lookers also will notice the upgrade when driving by.

Standing water is another big deal because it can become mold, be more expensive to correct and is a huge deterrent to a sale. First, find out why it’s coming in, and be prepared to spend upwards of $10,000, says Mercier.

Cracks in the foundation are major but often can be easily fixed – sometimes for as little as $1,000 to $1,500, says Mercier.


A roof is the primary defense a home has against the elements. It provides protection against wind, rain and snow, as well as shields the interior from the blazing heat. A compromised roof cannot do its job properly. There are many different roofing materials available these days -- each of which carries with it a certain length of usefulness.

Most roofs can last anywhere from 25 to 40 years, depending on the material composition. Homeowners may know it’s time to replace a roof without even venturing out on the roof. Ceiling leaks or discoloration can indicate it’s time to replace a roof. Check for sagging ceiling material on the top floors of the home if there is no attic. Wet or darkened wood or rusty nails in the attic could be signs. Rafters may channel leaks away from their original source, so it’s best to do a thorough check anytime wetness or discoloration is evident anywhere in the home.

Once the decision to install a new roof is made, homeowners must decide between the different

roofing materials. Research is

necessary to find a roof

that will be the right price and meet the homeowner’s needs. Here are common roofing materials.

• Asphalt shingles:

This is the type of roof most homeowners first think of

when envisioning a roofing project. The three-tab asphalt shingle is the most commonly used roofing material. The economic value it offers is why this roof is one of the most popular. However, even though shingles are available in

many different colors, homeowners seeking something unique may want to select a different roofing option.

• Architectural shingle:

Similar to an asphalt shingle, the architectural shingle is made to be thicker and the layers are staggered to give the roof a more architectural look. These shingles are only slightly

more expensive than asphalt shingles, which still makes them a good value.

• Wood shakes and shingles:

Instead of asphalt, wood makes an ideal roofing material that’s also pleasing to the eye.

Over time wood will weather to different shades,

which can help the home blend in with the

environment. Wood shakes can be

expensive to install, and will require periodic cleaning to remove mildew or moss, and may need reoiling for preservation. There are also “fake” wood shingles that are made of composite materials that may offer the look of wood without the maintenance.

• Slate: This hard, stone material is very

strong and sheds snow and ice very well, which is why it was often used on homes in the Northeast. However, the weight of slate, which requires a more

substantial roof structure, and the cost make it less popular among today’s homeowners.

• Metal: This material is an ideal choice

for industrial applications or on agricultural or country homes where

snow is frequent. A metal roof can range from relatively

inexpensive galvanized steel to lofty copper that is pricey. A properly installed metal roof could last 50 years, which makes it a good value.

• Ceramic: Ceramic tile roofs

may be among the most expensive due to the craftsmanship and the installation required for these heavy tiles, but their life expectancy is 60 to 80

years. Chances are you’ll only have to do this type of installation once

in a lifetime. Many people are drawn to ceramic roofs

because of their beauty. They are commonly found on Mediterranean-style homes in warm climates. Most tiles are waterproofed and hard-fired so they won’t absorb

moisture, also making them safe to use in northern climates.

In general, a roofing job is not a do-it-yourself undertaking. It will require

an experienced and licensed contractor. A trusted roofing contractor can be found by exploring listings on the National Roofing Contractor Association Web site at www.nrca.net. Verify contractors prior to hire through organizations like the Better Business Bureau or on Angie’s List.

The differences between roofing materials


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

NORTH PUGET SOUND ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

525 East College Way, Suite J Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Tel. (360) 416-4902 www.npsar.com

You’d be surprised how much bird food you already have in your pantry:

Stale bread and crackers, peanuts (raw, roasted, shelled — but not salted), and oatmeal provide a good bird nosh.

Robins, orioles, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings will eat cut up fruit, such as oranges, placed on a platform covered by a roof to keep out rodents.

Woodpeckers and nuthatches will lick peanut butter off tree bark. Beef fat is a powerful nutrient for birds in winter. When temperatures drop

below 50 degrees, ask your butcher for a hunk of beef suet, and hang it from a wire cage you easily can find at hardware stores and online. If you eat bacon, chill the grease and mix it with nuts and seeds, then hang it in a cage.

Avoid salty and highly processed food; it’s no better for the birds than it is for us.

Don’t waste money on shelled sunflower seeds. Birds are accustomed to cracking shells in the wild and will happily do it at your feeder.

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com

Pamper Your Backyard Birds For Free!

re-re-reFinanceQUESTION: I’m self-employed and got a

stated-income, no-documentation, 30-year loan in 2006. times were good so I refinanced into a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. things were still going great and I refinanced into a 10-year fixed. then came the recession, and I’ve been struggling to make my $5,000 monthly payment. I tried to refinance back to a 30-year term and I tried a loan modification and was turned down for both. My credit score took a hit during the recession, and I would like to retire next year. What can I do?

ANSWER:there are distinct financial advantages to

loans with shorter terms. the overall interest cost for the loan is lower than with a 30-year product. However, by compacting the loan term the required monthly payments can get much larger. example: a $200,000 mortgage at 4 percent costs $955 per month for principal and interest over 30 years. Over 10 years, the same loan requires a monthly payment of $2,025.

Rather than a short-term loan, the better option is to get a 30-year mortgage with the right to prepay in whole or in part at any time and without penalty. this is the arrangement with FHa, Va and conventional mortgages. With such loans only the basic 30-year payment is required, however larger monthly payments are allowed. this means you can effectively create your own 15-year or 10-

year loan – and also stop the prepayments if times get tough. (Note that the interest rates for shorter term loan will be lower than a 30-year mortgage, but payment flexibility trumps that issue, in my view.)

keep making payments to maintain your credit. to refinance, try a local credit union or community bank. they may understand that part of the reason your credit score is down is because you’re making huge monthly mortgage payments, a correctable problem. also, look at a loan modification again because some new guidelines that recently have been announced may help you.

Q&A ASk OUR BROkERBy Peter G. Miller

STATTHE

roaD to recovery

the number of foreclosures completed in 2011, down from 1.1million in 2010.

source: Corelogic

830,000

10 March 30, 2012 Real estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly goskagit.com/reweekly Real estate Weekly March 30, 2012 1110 March 30, 2012 REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly

Rent to own or for sale byowner. Owner could possi-bly carry contract. 5 bdrm,3 ba home, 3,000 sq. ft. inSedro-Woolley, nearschools. Large kitchen,master suite on main floor.$1450/mo. 360-661-5375

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

READY FOR BUSINESS!Prime Riverside Dr $319,000Paved 21,780.00 square feetsales lot with lights,signs andready to go on busy River-side Dr. Over 2000 sq ftbuilding with offices, shop,lobby area, bathroom, atticstorage area. Large shopdoor with garage door open-er. Upstairs office has view ofentire sale lot. Land Use (550)RETAIL/AUTO/TIRES/MARINECRAFT/AIRCRAFT & AC-CESS. Neighborhood (6R9)AUTO SALES/SERVICE FA-CILITIES. Reduced Price$319,000. Contact: Terry Minor Email:[email protected]: 360-428-5040 Website with photos :http://cmrvs.com/cmsaleProfessional, medical,

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

FSBO OPEN HOUSE THISSAT & SUN

PRICE REDUCED TO$229.000! OPEN 10-3PMTHIS SAT & SUN MARCH31 & APRIL 1. MUST SEEINSIDE THIS LOVEY RE-MODELED HOME & HUGESHOP ON 0.81 ACRES OFFLAT AND DRY LAND INBOW. 9530 AVON ALLENROAD. OFF COOK ROADEXIT ON FREEWAY 360-630-5105

Doublewide 2 bdrm, 1986,clean, good condition,Mount Vernon. $8250.Terms. 206-920-1523

Spaces for rent in MountVernon for dog washing &beauty salon, 17926 SR536Memorial Hwy, nearby PamisIndian & American Restau-rant. 360-202-3942.

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

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

MV room in large housew/bus stop, W/D, all utils. in-cluding cable & internet,$490/mo., $100/dep. 360-424-6974

Roommate wanted. Sharehouse in Burlington. Quiet,neat, verifiable income. Refs.$550/mo. Call Sandy be-tween 6-9pm, 360-540-3449

2 Bdrm apt. to share.Mount Vernon

Call 360-610-1417

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

MV duplex, 2 Bdrm, 1 Ba, allapplcs. incl. W&D. $875 +$500 damage. S/G pd. Nopets/smoke. 360-428-1721

MV 3 bdrm, 2 ba, 2019 S.18th. Gas furnace & fireplace,garage, deck, yard, W/D,$1075/mo. + $700 dep. Nopets. 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 COURT$800.

W/S/G/basic cable pd. W/D. Call for details. 856-6652

Samish IslandGreat View

Clean, quiet, waterfront2 bdrm., 1 ba.$895 + depositThe Rent Lady360-299-2353

www.rentlady.com

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

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

1 - 4 Bdrm Rentals.Piazza Realty Property

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

STANWOOD 2 bdrm, view,garage incl., $800/mo. + utils.360-941-1081

Spacious 2 bdrm Cam-bridge Apts., Burl., W/D,D/W, fireplace, on bus line,$725. Chuckanut PropertyMgmt., (360) 733-3640.

SW 1 bdrm, upstairs, $600 +$400 dep. Cute & convenient,no smoke. 856-6737

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

Cute downtown studios,on bus line.

Great MV location $550.ASK ABOUT OUR

MOVE IN SPECIAL!360-941-6986

4 bdrm, 2 ba, almost newdlx range, in nice neighbor-hood off College Way. 1889sq. ft., gas heat, all applcs, 2car garage, fenced yard,deck, fireplace. Avail 4/25. 1yr lease. $1295/mo., 1st +$1000 dep. No pets/smoke.Credit check. 360-820-3533

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 $610.

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

10 March 30, 2012 Real estate Weekly goskagit.com/reweekly goskagit.com/reweekly Real estate Weekly March 30, 2012 11REAL ESTATE WEEKLY goskagit.com /reweekly March 30, 20112 11

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 & SUNDAY 1-41601 Forest Dr. Mt VernonSUNDAY 1-411452 Galbreath Rd, Burlington2631 Club Ct #308, Mt VernonFor Deta i ls and d i rect ions,v is i t openhouse.com.

OPEN HOUSES

$225,000 MLS#335079• Detached shop • 4 bedrooms• Large deck • Many extras

$354,900 MLS#334020 • 5.25 acres • Bonus Room• Small pond • Fruit trees

$399,500 • 23 acres • Lg shop w/loft • Covered porch • Fresh and painted

$48,900 MLS#335306• 55+ Park • L-Shape kitchen • Garage • Immaculate

SOLD$399,500

SOLD$399,500 • 23 acres • Lg shop w/loft SOLD• 23 acres • Lg shop w/loft SOLD• Covered porch • Fresh and paintedSOLD• Covered porch • Fresh and painted$77,500 MLS#302832• 2 bdrm condo • Centrally located • SS appls • Cherry finish cabinets

$259,300 MLS#278063 • Active adult living • Spacious 2 bdrm • 2 car garage • Immaculate

$248,500 MLS#306633• Riverfront retreat • Private 4+ acres • Huge family rm • Garage + shop

$109,500 MLS#322721 • 50’ Saltwater frontage• Fabulous views • 3 bdrm home• Detached studio

$644,500 MLS#232468• Lake views • 11+ acres • Open gourmet kitchen • Over 3100 sf ranch beauty

$217,900 MLS#336001• Updated 4 bdrm • Sports court • New roof • Huge deck

North Homes Realty Inc.

SANDI RILEY 770-8670 Sandi Riley

770-8670

GREA

T PRI

CE!

1601 FOREST DRIVE, MT. VERNON $269,000

•2356 SQ. FT. REMODELED RAMBLER, QUIET ST. CLOSE TO MEDICAL/SHOPPING/SCHOOLS! •NEWER DETACHED

OVERSIZE GARAGE/SHOP, HOT TUB, GAS HEAT, TANKLESS H/W HEATER. 3 BEDROOMS, 2 BA., HUGE FAMILY ROOM.

OPEN SAT. & SUN 1-4

11365 WESTERN LANE, (CLEAR LAKE) SEDRO-WOOLLEY $234,500

•HORSE ACREAGE W/5 FENCED & CROSS FENCED ACRES, ADJ. TO RIDING TRAILS, MTN. VIEWS! •CLOSE IN, VERY PRIVATE W/ SOLID 3 BD., 2 BA. MANUF. HOME, STABLE

•LG. SHOP W/HIGH OVERHEAD DOORS

BY APPOINTMENT, EASY TO VIEW

2518 STONEBRIDGE WAY, MT. VERNON $259,300

•55+/ADULT COMMUNITY CLOSE TO MEDICAL/SHOPPING, QUIET AREA W/TRAILS, CLUBHOUSE, R.V. PARKING

•”STAND ALONE” RANCH-STYLE CONDO W/MAX. PRIVACY, BACK OF CUL-DE-SAC,COV. PATIO •2 HUGE BD., 2 BA.


11452 GALBREATH ROAD, BURLINGTON $184,500

•A MUST TO SEE INSIDE, YOU’LL APPRECIATE MANY UPGRADES/UPDATES THROUGHOUT! •OPEN PLAN W/3 BEDROOMS, NICE OFFICE/DEN, 1.5 BA., NEW “TREX” DECK,FENCED YD.*NEWER “TRIPLE-PANE” WINDOWS.

OPEN SAT. 1-4

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

•”LIKE NEW” CONDITION, GORGEOUS “DESIGNER DECOR” THRUOUT, A “BEAUTY”! •OAK “L-SHAPED” KITCHEN W/CERAMIC TILE ACCENTS, SUNNY BREAKFAST NOOK

•SPACIOUS 2BR/2BA. HOME W/GAS HEAT, SINGLE GARAGE, 55+ LIVING AT IT’S VERY BEST!


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

•ENJOY 55+/ADULT LIVING AT IT’S VERY BEST, WHY PAY RENT? *LG. 2 BEDROOM, 2 BA. (JETTED TUB) + FAMILY ROOM ADJOINING KITCHEN •SPACIOUS DINING/LIVING

RM. W/BRICK FPL. (GAS), GAS HT.,GARAGE!

OPEN HOUSE SUN. 1-4

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

•FINISHED GARAGE, NICE SHOP + STORAGE BLDG, BACK OF PARK PRIVACY •$20,000 PRICE REDUCTION, IMMACULATE 3BR/2BA, W/LG. KITCHEN & NOOK • ”TOP 5” 55+ PARK

W/GATED PRIVACY, LG. CLUBHOUSE W/INDOOR POOL, ADJOINS GREENBELT


ATTR

ACTIV

E!

ADUL

T/55

+

38182 STATE ROUTE 20, (BIRDSVIEW) CONCRETE $384,500

•OUTSTANDING MOUNTAIN VIEWS SURROUND, W/5 ACRES OF PASTURE •CUSTOM BUILT HIGH-CEILINGED “RANCH

STYLE” BEAUTY W/2678 SQ. FT. •3 BD., 2.5 BA., LARGE “GREAT ROOM”, GORGEOUS CHERRY KITCHEN, HUGE SHOP!


REDU

CED!

SHOR

T SAL

E

NEW

PRI

CE!

55+ PA

RK

Anita Kohl961-7795

JUST

LIST

ED!

2725 E. FIR ST. #43 (PARK VILLAGE) MT. VERNON $26,500

•QUIET AND VERY AFFORDABLE 55+ PARK LIVING, OPEN PLAN W/MANY UPGRADES •NICE COVERED DECK, LG. SHOP BUILDING, PARKLIKE BACK YD. W/GAS FPL. •2 BD., 2 BA., OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/FAMILY ROOM/LIVING/DINING RM.,

“GORGEOUS”!!


55+ PA

RK

GAR/

SHOP

!

ADUL

T/55

+

55+

55+

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

869 CARRIAGE CT, SDW $95,000Immaculate 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

1100 3RD ST., SDW $121,950Cute, affordable 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home. Gas heat & fire-place. Greenhouse, storage shed & corner lot. Close to town. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #272362

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

126 E. EVERGREEN ST., MV $157,000Charming craftsman style home, formal dining room, kitchen with built-in cabinetry. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath & basement with shop area. Carport with storage room, RV parking with power outlets & alley access. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #333508

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

1501 MEADOW LARK LN, MV $219,950Classic rambler on spacious, private lot! Slate entry & big picture windows from the living room take in the patio & backyard. Fireplaces in family & living rooms. Call Robin Luif at 420-2026. #229760

101 N. 30TH ST, MV $229,900Large 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 & beauti-ful landscaping, Pergo flooring & much more. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #288360

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

6751 WORLINE RD, BOW $269,000Great home on .75 acres located in Bow & out of the 100 yr flood plain! Many updates throughout including all new kitch-en. Shop, deck, patio, RV parking with full hook-ups. More photos at SkagitValleyHomes.com. Call Bill & Jannette Krieger at 421-4446. #282613

2417 CROSBY DR., MV $339,950 Classic 1969 custom home by “Master Builder” Len Holmgren. Gorgeous living/dining combo with rock fireplace & hard-wood floors. Valley views. 5 bedrooms & 4,000+ SF. Call Robin Luif at 420-2026. #218717

325 ROSE CT., MV $389,900Exquisite Tudor in Hill Top. 2651 sq.ft. of captivating charm, with 4 bedrooms & 2.5 baths on over 1/3 acre of blossoming landscape. Call Elizabeth Miller at 420-3607. #311383

16663 BEAVER MARSH RD., MV $399,950Updated home offering views of Mt. Baker & surrounding farm land. 2.7 fenced acres, barn, 4 bay garage & shop. Hot tub & in-ground, glass enclosed swimming pool. Call Alice Hanson at 770-8791. #166950

22578 S.R. 534, CONWAY $409,000One of a kind home on 6.2 acres. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths plus large home office. House sits back from Hwy for privacy. 2 car garage. 18X36 in-ground swimming pool. Call Traci Gilbertson at 333-3479. #213565

14363 ROADRUNNER LN, BRL $512,0004 Bedroom home in Bay View on just shy 1 acre. 3,100+ SF, formal dining, office, bonus room, great room & open floor plan. Butler’s pantry, walk-in pantry, lg. island with granite counters & eating bar. Call Linda Eastman at 202-4075. #307721

1231 S. 10TH ST., MV $619,000Completely restored 1929 home on nearly one acre with expansive views of the Skagit River, tulip fields & beyond. Updated kitchen with cherry cabinets & granite counters. Call Jim Glackin at 428-2828. #319380

1045 BLACKBERRY LN., CAMANO ISLAND $915,0002430 SF waterfront home. Large lot located at dead end with outstanding views of the Olympics, Mt. Baker & Sunsets. 70’ of waterfront. New metal roof, trex decking. Call Traci Gilbertson at 333-3479. #164059

Real Estate Weekly | March 30, 2012

Documents

Transcript of Real Estate Weekly | March 30, 2012