Weekend Update... April 4th, 2009

I currently have 6 Active Listings on the market. They Are:

Residential:
- 28191958 - $193,995 - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1014 SqFt, Sedro Woolley
- 28139798 - $274,750 - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1344 SqFt, Mt. Vernon
- 28198155 - $377,000 - 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 2032 SqFt, Burlington
- 29000501 - $415,900 - 5 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 3297 SqFt, Mt. Vernon

Vacant Land:
- 29044731 - $150,000 - Big Lake View Building Lot, Mt. Vernon
- 29044711 - $275,000 - Big Lake Waterfront Lot, Mt. Vernon


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Federal Housing Tax Credit Information

In a continuing effort to stimulate the economy, Congress has enacted legislation for First Time Home Buyers. They will receive up to a $8,000 tax credit for purchasing a home between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

First Time Home Buyers are defined in this legislation as people who have not owned a home for the past 3 years.

For detailed information about this great First Time Home Buyer program, click here.


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The Housing Market Has Already Hit Bottom...

The signs are all over the place. The housing market has hit the bottom and is due to spring up in the next couple months.

Here are the basic facts:
- Home sales contracts rose in June. Click here for the Reuters story
- The $300 Billion Housing Bailout Bill has been signed into law.
Click here for the Reuters Video
- The gas prices we've all felt the pain from have caused the cost of home building materials to raise sharply. Home builders will have to charge more for new homes in the coming months. If they don't (or are not able to get the higher prices), then they will slow down construction of new homes causing a shortage. The rule of "Supply & Demand" says if supply of new homes goes down, then the price will go up. Plain and simple.


What does all this mean to you? Well, the market activity is picking up, sales are picking up, the news media is seeing all the signs of the market stabilizing but are trying to stick with the problem stories because bad news sells better. The stories are beginning to be comical... "The real estate industry had some good news (sales are up), but something bad thing could happen at some point in the future."

I believe that the stories that will be reported starting somewhere around January of 2009 will be reporting that the housing crisis is over, the market hit bottom in August or September with the Housing Bailout legislation... All the polititicians, especially the newly elected ones taking office, will be taking credit for having fixed the housing industry problems. We'll have a new President who will be taking credit for having fixed the problems and created new jobs and got the economy rolling forward again...

The smart investors are quietly gobbleing-up the real estate on the market now and will be for the next few months. Next Summer, you'll be able to recognize them... They'll be the ones smiling!!

-Bill

2008 SICBA Home Tour | Showcasing Skagit & Island County New Construction Homes

Mark your calendars now! The 2008 Skagit-Island County Builders Association (SICBA) Home Tour will take place September 12-14th, 2008.
(Friday 12-6, Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 11-5)

I’m proud to represent the Chaffey Homes in Mount Vernon’s Nookachamp Hills development. We will be the first house of the tour with the fantastic ‘Sheadon’ plan! (The completed Amhurst and Donegal Chaffey Homes will also be open and available for touring.)

Room for everyone can be found in the Sheadon plan at Nookachamp Hills! This three-level basement home offers 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 3,731 square feet of living space. The main level features formal dining with chair rail accents, decorator lighting, accent paint and crown molding. Natural oak floor paves the way for the entry, powder room, kitchen and morning room. The kitchen is a cook’s delight and boasts a butler’s pantry, island countertop with granite and stainless steel appliances. The upper level has a bonus room and three bedrooms, including the lavish master suite with a luxurious soaking tub, full tile surround shower, dual vanities, and his and hers closets with melamine shelving. The basement has even more living area, with two additional bedrooms, one bath and an oversized recreation room with sliders leading to a covered patio. Click HERE for Full Details or call Bill Sauneuf at (360) 708-2929.

Located just East of Big Lake, Nookachamp Hills is set amidst a charming rural landscape filled with rolling hills. Showcasing Nookachamp Valley and mountain views, this remarkable community is nestled in the quiet, rural setting of Mount Vernon. It is bordered by natural habitat and a lake complete with a huge swimming dock to be enjoyed by all homeowners.

Driving Directions:
From I-5, take the #227 exit, go East on College Way to State Highway 9, South approximately 2.7 miles to the Nookachamp Hills Development on the left. Turn left on Nookachamp Hills Drive to top of hill and continue on. The Chaffey homesite is to the left, viewing Otter Pond.

SICBA Home Tour 2008 - Coming September 12-14

Mark your calendars now! The 2008 Skagit-Island County Builders Association (SICBA) Home Tour will take place September 12-14th, 2008. (Fri. 12-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5)

I’m proud to represent the Chaffey Homes in Mount Vernon’s Nookachamp Hills development. We will be the first house of the tour with the fantastic ‘Sheadon’ plan!

Lets Make A Deal...

(Click on the pictures below for full details.)

These Beautiful New Chaffey Homes are

Available Now in Nookachamp Hills!

(Click on the pictures above for full details.)

LET'S MAKE A DEAL...
And Have We Got A Deal For You!

Saturday, May 31st & Sunday, June 1st

from 12pm - 6pm ONLY,

we invite you to take advantage of something big!

Visit the Chaffey Homes in Nookachamp Hills (Mount Vernon), choose the home of your dreams, and let the deal begin!

• All Reasonable Offers Considered
• Guaranteed 30 Minute Response Time
• 1 Page Contract Negotiation*

For further details contact Bill Sauneuf at (360) 708-2929.

* Must be converted to full Purchase and Sale Agreement within 2 (two) days of approval. Prices are subject to change without notice. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. This offer valid on Chaffey Homes standing inventory of homes only and must close by July 25th, 2008.

Mt. Vernon-Anacortes Market Outranks 84% Of the Nation!

The Skagit County Real Estate market is one of the better markets in the Nation! According to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) Their report, released May 22, 2008 says that the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Metrpolitan Statistical Area ranked 46th in the Nation of the 292 areas measured for percent change in house prices. - Our local market is better than 84% of the Nation's markets. Washington was the 15th best State in the same report. Click here to read it for yourself.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Starts TODAY...

According to the official Bloom Map the Daffodil Fields are in Full Bloom!

The Tulip Fields are not quite there yet, but soon...

The Activities For the 25th Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Start Today at McIntyre Hall. Click here for details about tonight's activities!

Skagit County has many things to see and do. Mount Vernon is most famous for it's annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. The beautiful tulip, daffodil, & iris fields draw thousands of people into Skagit County each year.

There's also loads of scenery, several murals and, of course the Tulip Smokestack. Don't miss the historic Lincoln Theatre or the Children's Museum

There are plenty of other things in and around Mount Vernon as well. The Skagit Speedway in Alger offers dirt track racing all summer long. There are several wineries in the area. Heading West, out toward the beautiful San Juan Islands, you can do some whale watching. Skagit County is a great place to visit and a fantastic place to call home!

Skagit County has it all. From the Tulips in Mount Vernon, the Eagles in Concrete, the Charm of historic La Conner, to the Sea Faring Community of Anacortes... Skagit County has something for Everyone!

Visit my web-site and click through the various cities of Skagit County if you'd like to see or learn more about this great place to call home!

Mount Vernon Dog Park.... Help Make It A Reality!!!

Mount Vernon Dog Park.... Help Make It A Reality!!!

I found the following posted on the City of Mount Vernon's Web-Site. Here is a link to the page:http://www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us/page.asp_Q_navigationid_E_730
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey!! A dog park is something we desperately need around here!

Thanks,
-Bill

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Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation would like your input!! Take our 5-minute survey regarding the possibility of establishing a Dog Park in within the City of Mount Vernon.

Click Here to take the Dog Park Survey!

Remind your friends, neighbors and dog-lovers to complete this survey before January 11, 2008! Please leave your contact information if you're interested in getting involved!
Contact Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation if you need assistance with the survey or you would like to obtain a printed copy.


Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation

1717 South 13th Street

Mount Vernon, WA 98274

Phone: (360) 336-6215

Fax (360)336-6290

Open House at a Great Mt. Vernon Home!

Open House Saturday December 8th From 1 to 4 pm.

Welcome to Tulip Country! Excellent Move-In Ready 4 Bed, 1.75 Bath, 3,036 Square Foot Home w/ a 2 Car Attached Garage & a Detached 528 Square Foot Shop on a 12,197 SQFT Lot. The Kitchen has a Maytag Double Oven, an Island & loads of Cabinets. This home Features New Windows, Flooring & Countertops & Newer Roof. 2 Fireplaces - 1 Wood & 1 Gas. Large Wrap-Around Entertainment-Size Deck w/ storage below - overlooks a Wonderfully Landscaped Backyard. Shop is Insulated, Sheetrocked & has 220v power. Full Details

15383 Cottonwood Lane
Mt. Vernon, WA 98273

Quick Facts:
- MLS#: 27206184
- City: Mount Vernon
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 1.75
- 3,036 SQFT +2 Car Garage +528 SQFT SHop

- Price: $338,900

Great Nookachamp Hills Listing!

Move in Ready!! Great Curb Appeal too! Comfortable one story 3 bedroom, 2 Full Bathroom home in the Nookachamp Hills Area of Mount Vernon. This fine home features a Level Entryway, Great kitchen, bright Living Room with Gas Fireplace. Patio doors in the Dining Room open out to a Nice Big Backyard. Tile, Granite, and Painted Trim compliment the finishing details. 2 Car Garage and gravelled side yard for added parking. This home features Gas Forced-Air Heat and a Gas Water Heater to keep the utility bills reasonable. Full Details


Quick Facts:
3 Bedroom
2 Full Bathrooms
1,698 Square Feet

$349,950 Asking Price

Click Here for
Homes in Nookachamp Hills Available NOW

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Just Listed at Big Lake!

Cleared and Ready for You is this .63 Acres of Buildable Land in Mount Vernon with a Big Lake View. Gently sloping down toward Big Lake. Quick access to Highway 9, College Way and I-5. Near Overlook Golf Course and Big Lake Bar & Grill.

Asking Price $179,000

Great New Mount Vernon Listing!

Your Dream Home is here and priced to sell quickly! Contemporary home in supreme condition. Desirable neighborhood close to all amenities w/ Easy I-5 access. This custom built home is perfect for entertaining w/ an open floorplan & covered deck & spacious kitchen w/ top of the line stainless steel appliances that stay. Also Master Suite features large walk-in closet & extra large 5 piece master bath. Three additional rooms, 3.5 bath, office/nursery & extra large rec/bonus room. Won't last long!

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Asking Price: $439,000

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Quick Facts:

- 4 Bedroom

- 3 1/2 Bathroom

- 2850 Square Feet

- Built in 2001

- 2 Car Attached Garage

- Forced-Air Gas Heat

- Hardi-Plank Siding (nearly new)

- 2007 Taxes: $2999
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Visit http://www.sauneuf.com/ or call Bill Sauneuf at (360) 708-2929 for more information. You'll be glad you did!
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www.NookachampHills.com

Nookachamp Hills is a Planned Residential Community with beautiful homes still being built. Situated just a few minutes Northeast of Big Lake, most homes come with beautiful Territorial Views of the local forested hills or of Big Lake itself.... or both. There are several builders that have built/are building homes in this development - including Hansell Mitzel Homes as well as Chaffey Homes, and Christopher Homes among several others.

Click Here for

Homes in Nookachamp Hills Available NOW

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Or Visit

http://www.nookachamphills.com/

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Happy Independence Day America

Some folks from around my neighborhood put on a great fireworks show last night! I was fortunate enough to catch a few good pictures....

Hope you enjoy them!
-Bill

Price Reduced on a Beautiful New Construction Home!!!

Beautiful New Construction Home! 4 Large Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath + Den/Office + A Huge Bonus Room. 3 Car Attached Garage. Large Beautiful Kitchen w/ Oak Cabinets, Hardwood Floors, an Island & Pantry. Formal Dining Room w/ Built-Ins. Family Room w/ Gas Fireplace. Huge Master Suite w/ Vaulted Ceiling, Large Walk-In Closet, Jetted Tub, Large Shower & Double-Sink Vanity. Peekaboo View of Big Lake. Heat Pump & Gas Furnace = Gas or Electric Heat + Air Conditioning. Dual Stage Water Heaters. Great Location! $414,800

Quick Facts:

- Bedrooms: 4

- Bathrooms: 2.5

- Garage: 3 Car

- SQFT: 2,463

- Price: $414,800

For More Information, Virtual Tours, Property Flyer, etc....

please call Bill Sauneuf at (360) 708-2929 or visit my web-site at http://www.sauneuf.com/
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A Nice Affordable Home Available Now

Nice 3 Bed, 1 Bath, 992 sqft home on a large 7,405 sqft lot. This fine home has a 1 car detached garage that could serve as a guest room. It has a Large Kitchen with Oak Cabinets and a Gas Range/Oven. All of the Appliances Stay with the home. There is a Large Beautiful Yard to Play In and Plenty of Car and RV Parking! This home has a Nice Convenient Location just minutes from I-5, Schools, Parks, & Shopping.

At $199,000, this fine home is sure to sell quickly!

For More Information about this and all the other fine homes available, visit my Web-Site at http://www.Sauneuf.com or simply give me a call at (360) 708-2929.
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Nookachamp Hills.... A Planned Residential Community in Mount Vernon

Nookachamp Hills is a Planned Residential Community with beautoful homes still being built. Situated just a few minutes Northeast of Big Lake, most homes come with beautiful Territorial Views of the local forested hills or of Big Lake itself.... or both.

There are several builders that have built/are building homes in this development - including Hansell Mitzel Homes as well as Chaffey Homes, and Christopher Homes among several others.

Click Here for a list of the currently available homes in this beautiful Skagit County neighborhood.


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Skagit Valley Tulip Festival....

Ready, Set, ...Better to wait a week... then Go....

The Daffodil Fields are all in and looking Great....

However, there are only 2 Tulip fields that are showing their colors, but even they aren't to full color yet.

The best suggestion I have at this point for coming up to see the Tulip Fields is to wait a week, then come on up.

Check out The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival's Official Bloom Update and Map for a complete update.

There is good news... The Tulips should be in Full Bloom during the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair (Friday April 20th, 2007 through Sunday April 22nd, 2007 from 10:00am - 6:00pm each day)

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Real Estate Photography Class...

I took a fairly advanced class in Real Estate Photography today. It was interesting hearing some of the tricks of the trade in getting that perfect picture of a building or a feature of a building as well as some of the things done in food photography.... Lets just say that the burgers you see on TV will NOT be consumed by anything other than a trash can....

I found the class to be very educational and it got me thinking about the pictures I've taken for my listings and how they can be improved.... This last sentence is the reason I took the class! I would have preferred it to be more hands-on, but it was still a good class and 7 1/2 clock-hours to boot... Not bad for $97

If you'd be interested in taking a class in Real Estate / Architectual photography and you're in Western Washington, I'd suggest calling Dennis Huckaby at (360) 332-1570 or Send an E-Mail to huckaby1@comcast.net

I've been an avid hobby-photographer for years and know a good amount about photography... I'm not a professional photographer by any means, but I'd say that I'm a good semi-pro....

As a result of a phone call with Dennis as well as some nice home-staging from the Seller, I had a listing photo go from this:

to this:

Nice improvement, eh...?

Hansell Mitzel Homes New North Hill Townhomes....

I went to the Grand Opening of the Hansell Mitzel Homes new development of Townhomes within their North Hill development in Mount Vernon.

Townhomes don't mean just a one bedroom place... Instead, these are luxurious three and four bedroom homes ranging from 1,723 sqft through 2,437 sqft.. These are truly luxury townhomes that include features like "Tiger Wood" Hardwood Flooring (among others) which have absolutely striking and spectacular colors, Ceramic Tile Showers, Multiple Gas-Fireplaces per home, Marble Countertops, Nice Open Floorplans, Great Kitchens, quality landscaping from Lefeber Turf Farm, nice Big Decks and Beautiful Views over the Skagit Valley and much much more.

This development will only have a total of 26 of these homes built and some have already been sold. A good sampling of the homes are available for touring to help choose between floorplans, features, etc..

The quality and pride put into each of these fine homes needs to be seen to truly be appreciated! I was very impressed by these homes.

I would be happy to arrange a showing of these fine homes, just give me a call at (360) 708-2929.

Open Sunday 1:00-4:00 in Mount Vernon

Beautiful Move-In Ready New Construction at Big Lake! 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home + Den/Office + Another Bonus Room. 3 Car Attached Garage. Beautiful Kitchen w/ Oak Cabinets, Hardwood Floors, an Island & Pantry. Large Family Room w/ Gas Fireplace. Huge Master Suite w/ Vaulted Ceiling, Large Walk-In Closet, Jetted Tub, Large Shower & Double-Sink Vanity. Peekaboo View of Big Lake. Heat Pump & Gas Furnace = Dual Heat + Air Conditioning. Dual Stage Water Heaters. Great Location!

$419,800

Visit http://www.sauneuf.com/ for more information, pictures, flyer, etc...

The Address is:

23085 Sagers Lane

Mount Vernon, WA 98274

To Get There, Exit I-5 at College Way, go East (toward and past the college), go Right (South) on Highway 9, turn Right on West Big Lake Blvd, Turn Right at the new construction homes on Sagers Lane. It is the 2nd house on the right.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Search for Mount Vernon Homes By Neighborhood

Search for Homes for sale by Neighborhood

Washington >> Skagit County >> Mount Vernon ............................Neighborhoods

Big Lake
Blackburn Ridge
Cascade Ridge
Cedar Ridge
Clear Lake
College
Conway
Eaglemont
Hillcrest Park
Hilltop Haven
Lake Cavanaugh
Lake McMurray
Little Mountain
Maddox
Meadows
Monte Vista Terr.
Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon Hill
Nookachamp Hills
Parkridge
Skyridge
Thunderbird
West Mount Vernon

New Listing in Mount Vernon - A Great Rambler

Well Maintained 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath Rambler with a 1 Car Garage (Partially Converted to living space, but could easily go back to garage) Nicely remodeled/updated Beautiful Kitchen with an Amana Stove/Range and Microwave/Vent Hood. Large Bedrooms including a Master Bedroom with 2 closets. This home has an updated Bathroom as well.

The large backyard is fully-fenced and has both a large deck and a patio. There is also a great 8'x12' Storage Shed in the Backyard.

The location is excellent too! It is on the hill, so no flood insurance, and it is close to schools, shopping and hospital - all on a nice quiet street!

Asking $235,995

For More Information, Visit:

http://www.sauneuf.com/Featured/1016/Core.html

Great New Restaurant in Mt. Vernon - Reverie BBQ

I just had my first of what will be many meals at a new restaurant in Mount Vernon. It is called Reverie BBQ and I thouroughly enjoyed it! For only $6.99 (+tax) I had a "Pulled Pork Sandwich Meal" that came with 2 sides. I had the Shrimp Gumbo and Cornbread for my Side Items, but they had Homemade Potato Salad - German Style, "Hot" Slaw, Smoky Beans, Cornbread, Cup of Soup, and Green Salad to choose from.

They also have BBQ Ribs.... Think I'll have to try those next time!!



Here is their contact info...

Reverie BBQ
1300 South 2nd Street (several blocks South of Kincaid)
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 419-8BBQ (Thats 360-419-8227)



They're open 11:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.



Go give'em a try!! You'll be glad you did...