KIRKLAND, Wash. (March 4, 2010) – Northwest Multiple Listing Service members reported strong gains in home sales during February, with brokers pointing to several encouraging signs for a busy spring season. Improving consumer confidence and a looming deadline for homebuyer tax credits are helping to boost activity, according to NWMLS officials.

“We are entering what is traditionally our busiest home selling season,” said NWMLS director. The NWMLS director also reported “significant traffic” at open houses, which he attributes to the first-time homebuyer tax credit and rising consumer confidence.

Pending sales (offers made and accepted, but not yet closed) jumped nearly 45 percent last month compared to a year ago, marking the 11^th straight month of month-over-month increases. Closed sales also outperformed year-ago totals, rising 33.5 percent. Members tallied 3,214 completed transactions last month, up from the 2,407 closed sales for February 2009.

 MLS members added 10,663 new listings to inventory last month, bringing the total number of active listings in the system to 36,350. That total is down 7.5 percent from the same month a year ago, creating a more balanced market that favors neither buyers nor sellers.

 Move-up buyers are accounting for some of the surge in activity. Brokers credit the combination of a $6,500 tax incentive for qualified repeat buyers and thawing jumbo loan market as factors in spurring activity for this segment.

 Interest rates on jumbo loans fell to 5.79 percent on a 30-year fixed-rate loan in the past few weeks. That’s a five-year low, according to Informa Research Services, whose clients include the nation’s top 25 banks.

Noting the peak real estate season is approaching, the MLS director pointed to several encouraging signs. “Homes are more affordable, mortgage rates are at all-time lows, and employment in the state appears to be on the rise,” said the MLS Director.

“All signs point to a strong spring,” she added.

 Earlier in the week, the state Employment Security Department reported the state’s economy “picked up some steam in January,” adding an estimated 12,400 jobs – the first monthly gain since November 2008. The plethora of shorts sales and foreclosures has diluted the price point of many homes that are selling, making appraisals more challenging. Buyers should be reminded of the possibility of rising mortgage interest rates due to the Federal Reserve’s plan to stop buying mortgages by the end of March.

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Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member brokers, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest.

The Northwest Organization for Animal Help is having an open house March 13th from 11am-3pm @ 31300 Brandstrom Rd in Stanwood (I-5 exit 215)   Jingles would love to have as much support for her friends as she can get!

Come Celebrate N.O.A.H.’s best year ever with special activities and events!

• Book signing by Elise Lufkin, Author of Found Dogs and
  To the Rescue, 11am – 2pm

• Agility demonstrationby trainer Stacy Ventura, 2-3pm

• Dog Costume Competition, 1-2pm

• Tours

• Bake Sale

• Refreshments

• Prize Givaways

Saturday, March 13, 11am – 3 pm at the N.O.A.H. Center

Visit N.O.A.H. for more information

Do your part to help the economy recover and buy that dream home today! Home sales produce vital economic activity that includes not only the transaction but also other related actions such as preparing and marketing the home for sale as well as purchases by the new buyers to equip and furnish the home.

Home and property sales generate jobs. The housing market accounts for 24% of the state’s employment.

KEY POINTS

• A first time home sale generates more than $15,00 in state and local revenue needed for vital services, from schools and roads, to health care and clean water.

• Every 1,000 first time home sales produce $112.4 million in economic activity in our state.

• Every 1,000 first time home sales produce 700 jobs – almost one job per home sale*

*Impact Report: Economic on Fiscal Impact of First-time Home Buyers, Feb 2009

Colleen Sargent: Anacortes real estate agent

You will want to see this video clip from the Today show.   This remarkable wind tower was built by none other than our local wind tower experts T.Bailey, Inc of Anacortes.   T.Bailey is a wonderful local company who have been part of the wind tower technology for a long time.  The turbine and viewing pod came from other parts of the world, but the tower is produced by T.Bailey, Inc of Anacortes.

I hope you enjoy this clip.   Anacortes can build more than the America’s Cup Racing Yacht.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/130739/nbc-today-show-gone-with-the-wind-atop-grouse

  I will help you Make the Right Move!

Colleen Sargent, ABR, IMS, ASP

Coldwell Banker Island Living

 Colleen.Sargent@ColdwellBanker.com

www.HomesInAnacortes.com  

 cell: 360-202-2155    Office  360-293-4511   fax: 360-293-6172

Time is running out to get
 the home buyer tax credit! 

Get the key to your new home & money back,
but you have to act NOW!

 Homebuyers who qualify and have not owned a home for 3 years, can receive up to an $8,000 tax credit.  
Existing homeowners who qualify and have lived in their current residence for five of the last eight years can now receive up to a $6,500 tax credit.

 In addition, low interest rates and a large inventory of homes to choose from could put your dream home within reach. To learn more about the tax credit, or just want information about buying or selling a home, contact any of our experienced Coldwell Banker Agents @ 360-293-4511
or e-mail us for more info.

 Don’t delay … to benefit from the tax credit, you must have a written contract in place by April 30, 2010.

15172 Deception Rd, Anacortes, WA. 98221
Sale Price $369,500        MLS # 27987

Enjoy beautiful water & island views from this level 3+ acres of pastural land. Great southern exposure for gardening, growing fruit &/or raising critters. All this plus a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath ranch home. Outbuildings including a barn/stable, covered storage shed and more. This beautiful property has it all – level acreage w/great water views, single level home and located on beautiful Fidalgo Island close to Deception Pass and parks, minutes from Anacortes.

Directions: South on Hwy 20 to Deception Rd. (Harold’s Market on Left), left on to Deception Rd. Go south approx .5 miles to intersection of No Dewey Beach Dr & Deception Rd. driveway on right.

Jack Dixon
Cell 360-941-5000

jack.dixon@coldwellbanker.com
www.CBIslandLiving.com

February 24, 2010—With winter comes snow, mud and dirty dogs. Take care of your pet’s skin and coat with the following winter care tips from the American Humane Association:

All dogs (except for the truly hairless breeds) require frequent brushing regardless of coat type. Brushing is very important to your dog’s health and happiness. Brushing stimulates the skin by removing dead skin flakes, encourages natural oil production, removes irritating debris and encourages blood flow to the skin. It also uncovers skin and coat troubles, such as dandruff, parasites or dry or brittle fur, which may indicate an illness. Failing to brush your dog regularly may result in mats, which breed bacteria and infections and can be very painful for your dog.

Dogs should be bathed regularly. Brushing before a bath is recommended, as it breaks down dirt, grime and debris so the shampoo will clean more effectively (and it might also relax the dog). Don’t wash dogs outside; the frigid water from a garden hose is extremely uncomfortable and can make them sick.

Treat your dog to a visit with a professional groomer periodically. Dogs with coats that need regular trimming- such as poodles and Shih Tzus- can be professionally groomed every four to six weeks. Many mixed-breed dogs and those with multi-length coats- such as golden retrievers, many spaniels and sheep dogs- can get a professional grooming every six to 12 weeks. Dogs with uniform-length coats- such as Labs, and beagles- can visit a professional every 12 to 16 weeks, but can get by with home brushings. A professional can identify and remove mats safely. Professional groomers also have the tools and experience to safely cut and style your dog’s coat.

Inspect your dog’s ears frequently. Clean inside the ear only when you see dirt, wax or debris. Use an unexpired canine ear-wash solution and cotton balls to clean the ear (do not use cotton swabs). Squirt the solution into the dog’s ear canal and massage the base of the ear canal for 20 seconds. Then use cotton balls to remove the wax, but only as far down as you can see. Stop immediately if your dog cries, bites or exhibits any sign of pain.

Perform inspections of your dog’s skin and coat. Because your dog is covered in fur that can hide medical and grooming problems, you should inspect every inch of the skin and coat with your eyes and fingers. Regular brushing will make the inspection easier because dirt, mats and tangles won’t get in your way. Look for any changes or abnormalities, such as bites, parasites, injuries, lumps or changes in the skin’s color or texture.

Remember, its cold outside! Dogs with short hair and dogs that get cold easily should wear coats or sweaters while on a walk to keep warm. You can also cover their feet with booties to protect their pads from salt or chemical de-icers. Wipe off any salt that might get on their stomach to keep them from licking it off.

For more information, visit www.americanhumane.org.

Clean out your garages or closets, in need of gently used Baseball gear.
Jessica Notaro of Coldwell Banker is hosting a first annual baseball equipment swap.

WHEN:  Saturday,  February 27, 2010   10am-1pm

WHERE:  Anacortes Pizza Factory

 You may drop off your donated gear prior to Friday February 26^th at either of the locations below.

1. Mt. Erie Elementary School front office

2. Coldwell Banker Island Living( 3110 Commercial Suite 101)

 Bring the kids and shop the swap!

March 27 -28 2010 

The 2010 Anacortes Salmon Derby, a scholarship event, established in 2007 by the Fidalgo Island Chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers. Partners in this event include the Port of Anacortes, which provides support  including promotional rates for moorage and launching (reserve only).

Derby Chairman Jay Field reports that $25,000 in cash prizes will be awarded this year, plus thousands of dollars worth of mechandise.  Top prize for the largest salmon has been increased to $15, 000; Second place will bring $5,000; Third place and secret weight bring $2,500 each.  Tickets remain in the family friendly price of $50.

Last year’s Derby resulted in distribution of more than $20,000 in scholarships.  “In addition to providing scholarships from this event,” said Field, “we have created another recreational opportunity for families, which allows us to showcase the public marina, its facilities and our downtown area”.  Only 1,000 Derby tickets will be sold for this event, starting February 1; local sales at Ace Hardware in Anacortes.

Visit www.anacortessalmonderby.com for all the details!

Nationwide housing production hit its strongest pace in the last six months this January, posting a 2.8% gain to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 591,000 units, according to figures recently released by the U.S. Commerce Department.

You can read the entire article at by clicking here

To learn more about the real estate market in Anacortes, La Conner, Bow, Shelter Bay, Guemes Island, Anacortes commercial real estate or the value of your home please visit www.CBIslandLiving.com