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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30 States had Positive Changes in House Prices over the last year!

More good news for the real estate industry!!

According to the Office of Federal Housing Oversight's Housing Price Index for the 2nd Quarter of 2008 released August 26th, 30 of the 50 States had positive changes in house prices from June 2007 through June 2008, including our very own Washington State!

Only 4 States (Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and California) experienced overall price declines of more than 5 percent.

The 20 ranked cities in the United States with the worst price declines over the last 4 quarters were ALL in Florida, California, and Nevada.

I really do sympathize with the people of these four fine States. Some of the price declines they have experienced are simply horrible! However, there are 50 States and only 4 with truly bad news for the last year. The rest of the country is simply experiencing a market correction from a rapid increase over the last 5 years combined with some sloppy loan practices that hurt the lending industry. The United States overall had a -1.71% change over the last year (skewed down heavily by the 4 troubled States). However, even with the challenges over the last year, the United States STILL has had a 34.84% increase in home prices over the last 5 years! - How is that supposed to be bad???

Over the last 5 years, Arizona STILL gained 62.68%, Florida STILL gained 54.03%, Nevada STILL Gained 50.81%, and California STILL gained 41.81% despite the losses of the last 4 quarters.

It is time for the news media to put away the "Chicken Little - The Sky is Falling" type stories. The truth is that the nation's real estate market is rebounding.

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

Pending Home Sales Rebound

In a Reuters news video reported by Conway Gittens published August 7, 2008, it was announced that Signed Contracts for pending home sales unexpectedly rose in June.



Watch the video for more...

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.

The Housing Crisis Is Over

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal on May 6, 2008 by Cyril Moulle-Berteaux, "the housing market is bottoming right now." (Click here to read the article for yourself.)


Give me a call at (360) 708-2929 and we'll go house shopping!

SICBA Home Tour - Piazza Construction

I toured the "Inman Home" built by Piazza Construction on the SICBA Home Tour this past weekend. It was simply the finest home I've ever been in!

A lot of very good thought and design went into the layout and flow of the home. The details, moldings, cabinetry, etc... that went into this home were classy but not gaudy in any way. The Media Room is by far the best one I've ever seen!

It was a fine home that was designed to be lived-in and enjoyed. A lot of times when you go into an upper-end home like this, it feels like a museum... Very pretty, but don't touch anything... This was nothing like that. It screams out something more like "Welcome Home, relax and enjoy!"

Apparantly I'm not the only one so impressed with this home. In the "Home Tour" contest for the Skagit Island Counties Builders Association (SICBA), this home won seven ribbons! They are:

     * 3,000 Square Feet & Above
      * Best Floorplan
       * Best Landscaping
        * Best Kitchen
         * Best Master Bedroom
          * Best Master Bathroom
           * Most Innovative Technology

             * BEST OF SHOW OVERALL

My Congratulations to John Piazza and the entire Piazza Construction team for building this great home and to Bill & Beverly Inman the owners of this great home who will certainly reap the benefits!

If you would like to see more pictures of this home, click here to visit the Piazza Construction photos of this home.

If you would like to see the official web-site of Piazza Construction, click here.

SICBA Home Tour - Sept 28, 29 & 30

The Skagit Island County Builders Association (SICBA) is having their annual Home Tour This Weekend!

This year there are 16 Homes on the tour from Piazza Construction, Hansell Mitzel Homes, Landed Gentry Home & Communities, Quadrant Homes, RGN Construction, Christopher Homes, Chaffey Homes, Lang Custom, Paulk Homes, Yonkman Construction Inc., Cascade Custom Homes & Design Ink., and Clifton View Homes.

The Homes are available for tour on:
- Friday Noon to 6:00pm
- Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
- Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm

Click here to visit the SICBA Web-Site for more information about the homes and where they are!

Enjoy!
-Bill

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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Maggie Made an Amazing Apple Crisp Dinner!

Wow! Did I ever just have an amazing feast!



Maggie made:
- BBQ Baby Back Ribs
- Corn on the Cobb picked fresh today at the farm
at Rosabellas Garden Bakery
- Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
- Maggie's Maple Baked Beans



and For Dessert:
- This Amazing Apple Crisp using Gravenstien Apples picked today
at the orchard at Rosabellas Garden Bakery

You can get your own Apples, Corn and a whole lot more at Rosabella's Garden Bakery at the corner of Farm to Market Road and West Allen Road in Bow.

Highland Games & Celtic Festival - July 14-15, 2007

Highland Games & Celtic Festival

Next Weekend July 14-15, 2007 is the 13th annual Skagit Valley Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

This year the Festival will be held at Edgewater Park in Mount Vernon. Click here for Driving Directions.

Ticket Prices are as follows:

Click here to visit the Official Web-Site for the event!

I hope to see you there!! Jester & I are looking forward to the Sheepdog Trials, but we're pretty sure he'll only be able to see the video.

Enjoy the Festival!

-Bill

http://www.sauneuf.com/

http://activerain.com/blogs/billsauneuf

Bill@Sauneuf.com

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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Just Listed - 1.15 Acres of Buildable Land in Bow - with a View!!

Beautiful Allen Area 1.15 Acre Buildable Property with Trees and a Water View! (Buyer will need to cut down some of the trees to see the water). This property is located near several luxury homes. Only Minutes to Town! (Burlington/Mt. Vernon or Bellingham) Desirable Burlington School District. Build Your Dream! - $159,995

View More Pictures and a Flyer at http://www.sauneuf.com/

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Search Sedro Woolley Homes by Neighborhood

Search for Homes for sale by Neighborhood







Washington >> Skagit County >> Sedro Woolley >>

Neighborhoods:

Alger Bacus Hill Brickyard Creek Cain Lake Cape Horn

Clear Lake Day Creek Dukes Hill Eagle Valley

Glenhaven Hamilton Lyman Sedro Woolley

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.

Start Thinking about the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival

The fields are starting to bloom! Daddodils are blooming in several fields. The official Tulip Festival will begin on April 1st, but Mother Nature works on her own schedule! This year, it looks like the festival and the tulips may actually arrive together.

Click here to see the Official BLOOM UPDATE and MAP

Its beautiful in Skagit County all year long, but in Spring it looks simply spectacular!
Hope to see you here!-Bill

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