Bill Sauneuf's Real Estate Times

The American Dream

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:26:00 +0000

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) released their quarterly House Price Index on May 27th 2009. This report shows trends in house prices for the 1st Quarter of 2009, the Last Year and the Last 5 Years.

In this last category, statistics for the last 5 years, Washington clearly outpaces every other State in the Nation. Our fine State has an incredible 9 of the top 20 market gains in house values over the last 5 years! That’s an incredible statistic when you realize that the FHFA recognizes 294 markets in the United States.

If you’ve owned a home in or near Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Spokane, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Olympia, Bremerton, Silverdale, Tacoma, Vancouver, Seattle, Bellevue, or Everett for the last 5 years, congratulations! You’ve made a great investment.

Homes aren’t a short term investments like stock. Homes are long-term assets that are rightfully viewed in years rather than months. You don’t buy a house and sell it a few months later, right?

The last year has been rough for the housing sector, no doubt. However, Washington State and Skagit County (Mount Vernon – Anacortes) in particular have not been hit anywhere near as hard as the bulk of the country and we’re already recovering... The 1st Quarter of 2009 actually reported a gain in home prices, albeit a trivial .17 percent. It is still a positive number in this shaky economy trying to make a comeback. I don’t know about you, but I’m happy with that number!

I’m also very happy that my home’s value and the homes that my customers have bought through my services over the last 5 years have risen by over 50% in the last 5 years. It’s time for people to stop railing against home ownership and remember that it is the American Dream!

Dow Gains Nearly 1,400 Points!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:44:00 +0000

Make no mistake, the economic recovery is well underway in this country!

From March 2nd, 2009 through April 22nd, 2009 the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the DOW) has gained a whopping 1,395 points. Not bad for less than 8 weeks!

It certainly has been a rough 12 months that has affected the entire nation. Just a year ago, the DOW was around 13,000 points. An incredible amount of wealth in this country has been lost over the last year. I'm not losing sight of that. However; a recovery or rebound is clearly visible.

On March 2nd, 2009 the DOW was at 6,626 points compared with the 8,021 points during today's trading just a few minutes ago.

It is time to get going with the American Dream again! Invest in a house, buy some stock, get yourself or your family a nice car or something. The bargains out there are amazing.

The news reports are still mixed. There are still many good signs as well as bad, but like all of the other recessions America has ever faced, this recession will end.

This is America! It is time for our people to remember that!

Data Source: MSN Money Central. Click here for the current chart

Weekend Update... April 4th, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:54:00 +0000

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.

.

Existing Home Sales Up 5.1% in February!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Hi,

Sales of existing homes rose 5.1% in February, according to the National Association of Realtors.

This jump was much better than waht economists had been predicting. This news combined with the Toxic Asset purchase plan announced today has pushed the Dow Jones stocks up over 400 points so far today.

It sure does feel like we have finally turned the corner on this recession!! This combined with Citibank's profit announced a couple weeks ago along with the big news that Housing Starts had their biggest jump since 1990.

You can read more about the Housing story at the FoxBusiness.com web-site.

.

Reuters News Video About Housing News

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 22:23:00 +0000

March 17, 2009
Reported By Conway Gittens of Reuters

The Economic Recovery Has Begun!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 21:39:00 +0000

Hey Everybody,

Today, the Commerce Department announced that U.S. housing starts jumped a staggering 22.2 percent to an annual rate of 583,000 units last month. That is the biggest percentage rise since 1990.

Housing (banking) led us into this economic mess and it will be housing that leads us out of this mess...

Last week, CitiBank shocked everyone by turning a profit.

This week, home builders shocked everyone by actually building homes again. This announcement comes as the first gain in housing starts since April of last year.

Wall street understood the meaning of this announcement and posted a 178.73 point (2.48%) gain for the Dow, NASDAQ posted a 58.09 point (4.14%) gain, and the S&P 500 gained 24.23 points (3.13%) on the Commerce Department's great announcement.

All last week, I was reading stories by the various so called experts saying that this month's housing news from the Commerce Department will be more bad news... In reality, this day or this week may well mark the turning point in the market. 5 out of the last 6 Wall Street sessions ended the day in the green... The economic recovery has begun!

Here are some of today's stories.....
- Wall Street Journal - Home Building Rebounds While Wholesale Prices Rise
- CNN - Housing Starts Unexpectedly Surge
- Fox Business - Pleasant Surprise: Housing Starts Surge 22%
- Reuters - U.S. Housing Offers Hope For Economy
- Yahoo - Surprise Jump In Housing Starts Ignites Wall St. Rally

What Have I Learned Since Becoming a Dad?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:34:00 +0000

Before having a baby, I heard "A baby changes everything!" I heard that or something similar from several people.

What I've learned since becoming a Dad is that what I heard was an understatement.

How one little 9 pound baby can wreck your sleep, frustrate you like nothing else, and smile at you making all of it worthwhile I'm having trouble understanding.....

What I've learned since becoming a Dad is that I'm completely hooked.

What have you learned recently?

My Son Steven Michael Sauneuf was born February 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Hey Everybody!

My Son, Steven Michael Sauneuf, was born at 8:24pm on February 10th, 2009.

He weighed 8 Pounds, 15.1 Ounces and Measured 22 Inches Long.

Maggie and the Baby are both doing great!

Here are a few pictures:

I'm Baaaacccck!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:22:00 +0000

Hey Everybody!

I've been away from BLOGging for a while... Make that a long while...

My Wife Maggie and I had a baby on February 10th. With all the lead-up of her being pregnant and childbirth classes to take, and simply having to do more of the chores around the house there simply wasn't time for BLOGging.... Certainly at least there was not time to do it right.

Steve, our new baby is starting to get used to being in the world and Maggie and I are getting used to having him in our lives. Finally, a somewhat regular routine has developed and life is getting back to our version of normal - or something like that... ;-)

In short, I think I've got the time to BLOG again. I'm even getting enough sleep to be able to write something coherantly. So, like I said in the title.... "I'm Baaaacccck!"

If you're curious about Steve, look for my next BLOG, where the new and proud Dad will brag on his Son....

Peace,
-Bill

Toy Run Before the Rains -- October 18, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:13:00 +0000

Here's your chance to do some good and have a great time riding!! You can help the children and the families helped by:
- The Salvation Army of Anacortes,
- Pregnancy Choices of Mount Vernon, and
- Lydia Place of Bellingham (a Domestic Violence Shelter)

TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS - October 18, 2008 - Anacortes ELKS

YOU are invited to participate in the TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS being put on by the Anacortes Elks #1204, Anacortes, Washington.

DATE: October 18, 2008

TIME: For Anacortes - Breakfast 8 am. Leave on Poker run 9-11 am. Return by 4pm for Poker Run results, Raffle and Chili / Spaghette (yum!). If leaving from Mount Vernon Elks or Bellingham Elks, leave time is still to be determined.

COST: Rider Registration - $25 per bike / per rider (bike with passenger = $50.00), includes BBQ. Breakfast $5.00 - All you can eat! PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU PREREGISTER AT THE OYSTER RUN, IT ONLY COSTS $20 Per rider/per passenger!!!
WHO THIS BENEFITS: The children and families of Skagit and Whatcom Counties served by the Salvation Army (Anacortes, WA), Pregnancy Choices (Mount Vernon, WA), and Lydia Place (Bellingham WA - a domestic violence shelter)

PREREGISTRATION: We would like everyone to preregister at the Oyster Run (September 28, 2008 - Anacortes, WA). You can do this at the Elks Lodge, 1009-7th Street, just off Commercial

- OR -

MAIL IN REGISTRATION: Mail your check with your contact info, including complete name, address and phone number to:

TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS COMMITTEE
Anacortes Elks #1204
1009 - 7th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221-4105

See the Official Toy Run Before the Rains web-site for more details!

The Oyster Run is Coming to Anacortes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:44:00 +0000

Sunday Spetember 28, 2008

For the Best Information about the Oyster Run, please visit the official web-site at:
http://www.oysterrun.org/

The Oyster Run is an annual Motorcycle Rally in Anacortes. Thousands of motorcyclists and guests will be there for the fun!!

It is the Largest Motorcycle Run In The Pacific Northwest!!

Check it out, you'll be glad you did!!

-Bill

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:28:00 +0000

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.

Great Mount Vernon, Washington Home For Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:49:00 +0000

This is a great home built by Hansell Mitzel with all the bells and whistles that are featured in a Hansell Mitzel Home and some well beyond that... Granite Counters in the Bathrooms, Jetted Tub & shower in the Master Bedroom Suite, raised 4-panel doors, painted millwork, vaulted ceilings, a security system, etc... The list goes on and on...

Call me today at (360) 708-2929 to schedule a showing, or come by the Open House on Saturday August 16th to simply see it for yourself.

The Asking Price is 284,975

The Address is:

1716 Marde Place

Mount Vernon, WA 98274

To get there, go South on 18th from College way, Pass Blackburn Rd, turn Right onto Marde Place and look for the Preview Properties sign.

The Housing Market Has Already Hit Bottom...

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:21:00 +0000

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!

Reuters: A glimmer of light for US housing?

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 11:38:00 +0000

In a news video released by Reuters news agency July 25th, 2008 reports that new home sales have been better than expected.

This Reuters news video is reported by Sasha Salama with a soundbite courtesy of Eric Landry of Morningstar.

Lets Make A Deal...

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:03:00 +0000

(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!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Mon, 26 May 2008 10:09:00 +0000

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.

The Housing Crisis Is Over

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:42:00 +0000

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!

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Starts TODAY...

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:21:00 +0000

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!

Open House in Lake Stevens | Great Water View Home!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 02:50:00 +0000

Open Sunday March 16th from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Incredible Lake Stevens Picture Window Views from this Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2304 SQFT Home w/ a 3 Car Garage! Large Kitchen w/ Island, Pantry, Gas Stove & Ceramic Tile Counters. Huge Master Suite w/ Walk-In Closet & Attached 5 Piece Bath! Hardwoods in the Entry, Kitchen, & Dining Nook. Great Millwork. Lake Views from the Family Room, Master Suite, Entertainment-Size Deck, Backyard & Hot Tub! 2nd Master Bedroom. Vaulted Ceilings. Gas Fireplace. Great Landscaping. Forced-Air Gas Heat.

A Bargain at $489,995

Quick Facts:

Features: Spectacular Lake View
City: Lake Stevens
Bedrooms: 4 + Den
Bathrooms: 2.5
SQFT: 2304
Price: $489,995

Just Listed: Great Sedro Woolley Home on 4.75 Acres!

noreply@blogger.com (Bill Sauneuf) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Incredibly Private & Well Maintained 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath Cedar-Sided Home on a 4.75 Acre Property. Beautiful Territorial Views through the Forest from the Living Room, Wrap-Around Deck & Hot Tub. The Home features Spectacular Vaulted Exposed Wood Ceilings, Huge Double Pane Window Wall for Enjoying the View, a Nicely Updated Kitchen w/ Great Storage, 2 Wood Burning Fireplaces, Comfortable Living Room & Dining Room. Huge 1,024 SQFT Detached Garage/Shop is sure to please! Underground Utilities!

Full Details

Quick Facts:

City: Sedro Woolley

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

SQFT: 1800

Lot Size: 4.75 Acres

Price: $414,000