Carrie Warra of Bank of the Pacific speaks about the differences and details of appraisals and home inspections.

To search for homes for sale in Anacortes, La Conner, or Oak Harbor, please call us @ (360)-293-4511. We would love to help you with your real estate needs whether you are looking to buy or sell your home.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, those who rent an apartment are 50% more likely to experience theft than those who own homes.  Despite the statistics, most people who live in apartments are still living without renters insurance.  A recent survey by Apartments.com of nearly 1,400 people hunting for apartments says that 67% of people do not have renters insurance.  The main reason why people claim they do not have renters insurance is because they think it is too expensive, or they never knew that kind of insurance existed.  Many people believe that renters insurance is too costly for their budget, but the average premium is under $200 a year, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.  The majority of respondents from Apartments.com who choose to protect themselves with renters insurance said they pay an average of $12.50 a month or less.  The most common components of renters insurance include protection against theft and destruction to personal belongings, including televisions and computers and liability, which defends renters from judgments that go against them in the event that someone is injured on their property.  33% of survey respondents are covered by renters insurance, their reasons for doing so…

1.Theft- 79%

2. Fire/Lightning- 70.7%

3. Water Damage- 52.3%

4. Weather(hail/windstorm)- 40.5%

5. Smoke Damage- 40.6%

It is also valuable for the management and landlord to have their tenants insured with renters insurance, 20% of the survey respondents say that it is mandatory to have renters insurance in their apartment community.

If you are a renter in Anacortes, don’t jump to conclusions thinking that renters insurance is too expensive.  The monthly cost is small, and it can be a great value to you and your home if anything happens to go wrong.

To search for homes for sale in Anacortes, La Conner, or Oak Harbor, please contact us at (360)-293-4511 or visit out website @ http://www.cbislandliving.com/ We would love to help you with your real esate needs whether you are looking to buy or sell your home.

FEMA has released the new flood maps for Skagit County. We are now a few days into a 90 day public review/comment period. As most of you know, and as so aptly described by one of our members, this is an octopus of an issue with many, many agencies, public and private, weighing in over many many years. There have been multiple and conflicting engineering studies that have been reviewed, rehashed and redigested.

What should or can we as an Association do about this issue?

There are many potential ramifications with the new maps – not just affecting individual residential property owners – but commercial and municiple property uses as well. Over the next few weeks, Washington Realtors and I feel it is important to really nail down the most serious impact points and express our support to those agencies that need it. I will be taking the temperature of the affected interests to determine who – if anyone – we as Realtors should stand behind. The county commissioners have made it clear that Skagit County as an entity will not take legal action against FEMA – and none of the government agencies nor the Realtor Association has the resources to take on a huge legal fight to have the maps changed.

In the meantime, you can help by reviewing the maps on the link at the end of the email, informing your clients, both residential and commercial, that the maps are available and encouraging them to participate in the public hearings. Also – please let me know how you and your clients will be impacted and in what way so that we can garner as much information as possible for an appropriate response from NPSAR. Regardless of our what our official response will be in the end, we and our clients will be dealing with this and the most valuable thing we can do for them is keep them informed.

Please feel free to call or email us if you have questions or comments about this issue .
360-293-4511 or islandliving@coldwellbanker.com

Here is the link to the maps as posted on the City of Mount Vernon website.

Casa del Sol

154 Sunset Point, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Available for sale through Coldwell Banker Island Living.

http://www.cbislandliving.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=detail&startrow=4&cfid=3243995&cftoken=12535433&CFID=3243995&CFTOKEN=12535433

Sunset Point offers year round sunsets and a magnificent perspective of the sea life in the San Juan Islands.  This is the prime whale watching location in the San Juan Islands with the whales often visiting several times a day.   A masterpiece of art designed for relaxation and rejuvenation; for a personal refuge or to entertain on a grand scale.  Situated on a point, it provides stunning views of freighters, cruise ships, and pleasure yachts navigating Haro Straight.  In the distance the Olympic Mountains tower and across the The Strait, Vancouver Island and the lights of Victoria are visible.  A masterful blend of stunning architectural features and design result in the marriage of math and art in the golden rectangle design.  Designed by architect Curtis Gelotte who has won over 50 design awards, 3 for Casa del Sol. 

2002 Seattle Homes and Lifestyles Home of the Year, 2004 Regional Best Custom Home, 2004 Silver Winner National Best Custom Home.

Access the Gelotte Hommas Architecture webpage: http://www.gelottehommas.com/

Below is an exclusive interview with Curtis Gelotte discussing his ideas behind the amazing architecture and design of Casa del Sol.

As many years have gone by, prices of just about everything have raised quite drastically. Especially in Anacortes, where the prices of homes on waterfront and spectacular view points have skyrocketed.  In 1970, the average price of a new home was a measly $23,450.  In just 10 years that price raised an incredible $45,250, averaging the cost of a new home in 1980 to be $68,700.  As of March 2010, the average price of a new home was $214,00.  Thats a $190,550 difference in 40 years.  Don’t let the real estate market get ahead of you even further, jump in now!  Call Coldwell Banker Island Living today if any of our agents can help you with a home! (360)-293-4511

The prices of homes aren’t the only thing that have dramatically increased over the years…

Hundreds of people crowd the streets of Commercial Avenue in Anacortes for this special event.  What exactly are these people seeking?  A great bargain, great friends, great food, and the greatest garage sale known to the history of  Anacortes, this is Shipwreck Day. Shipwreck Day is the ideal destination for any garage sale fanatic, or even the casual bargain browser.  Find one of a kind treasures such as neat nik-naks, tiny trinkets, fashionable furniture, amazing artwork, crafty clothing … the list is endless.  The day is filled with locals and the occasional out-of-towner scrounging the streets for the best find.  Shipwreck Day is one event you don’t want to miss out on! Be sure to catch it next summer!

What is your dream of an island retreat? 

You want to be able to get to it easily.  You want low maintenance so you don’t spend your weekends working.  You are used to nice things and you want quality but you don’t want to spend a fortune.  You want a home that is sensitive to the environment, and of course an active water view.  You don’t want a huge home to have to maintain, but you plan to entertain and have friends visit so maybe a big clubhouse on site with a full kitchen and patio for entaining a crowd.

You have just described The Isles in Anacortes, WA  just a short 90 minute drive from Seattle.

We are very excited about the newest home at the Isles, “Catala” which is a new floor plan based on the feed back provided by Anacortes real estate agents as to what home buyers want in today’s market. 

” As a builder, my goal is to provide Anacortes home buyers with product that is right for Anacortes at a price that is right for the times.”  states Pete Peterson, developer and builder of The Isles.  “I look forward to building more homes in Anacortes to fulfill the dream of building a highly interactive, cottage community. Salmon bakes at the clubhouse, family gatherings, and other fun activities are picking up at the clubhouse. Our neighbors who have invested as vacation rentals/second homes are coming into town regularly to enjoy ‘their cabin’.”    These are the things the current home owners love about living in The Isles.


 
Prices start at $429,000. If you would like a tour of The Isles, please call Connie Moulaison 360-391-5561 or call the Coldwell Banker Island Living Anacortesreal estate office at 360-293-4511.

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE WINS COMMUNICATOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF VISUAL ARTS

Brand’s ‘On Location’ YouTube Channel Honored in Real Estate Website Category-One More Reason to List Your Property With Coldwell Banker Island Living

The International Academy of the Visual Arts has named Coldwell Banker On Location, the brand’s YouTube channel, a recipient of this year’s Communicator Awards for Creative Excellence in the real estate website category. The category honors the best site for the sale or rental of residential or commercial property.

“We were the first national real estate brand to add streaming video to our website. Today, our agents across the globe have posted more than 15,000 videos to our On Location channel,” said Mike Fischer, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The most exciting part of On Location is that we have only just begun – there’s a lot more to come.”

On Location has been rated among the top 10 most-viewed brand channels on YouTube. In April, just 11 months after launching On Location, Coldwell Banker announced it had received over 1 million views. The site was launched in May 2009 and was produced in collaboration with FD Kinesis.

“Home buyers would much rather see a home than only read about it,” Fischer said. “Our On Location videos empower them to get a feel for a home, a community or a real estate professional that they could not get from photos or a text description alone. Equally important are the home sellers who are now expecting video to be a part of marketing their property.”

With thousands of entries received from across the United States and around the world, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. The Communicator Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate.   Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of more than 98,000 agents working in more than 3,600 offices in 50 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to augment its web site www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create a iPhone application and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel.  The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program. 

COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE WINS COMMUNICATOR CREATIVE EXCELLENCE AWARD FROM INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OF VISUAL ARTS

Brand’s ‘On Location’ YouTube Channel Honored in Real Estate Website Category

The International Academy of the Visual Arts has named Coldwell Banker On Location, the brand’s YouTube channel, a recipient of this year’s Communicator Awards for Creative Excellence in the real estate website category. The category honors the best site for the sale or rental of residential or commercial property.

“We were the first national real estate brand to add streaming video to our website. Today, our agents across the globe have posted more than 15,000 videos to our On Location channel,” said Mike Fischer, chief marketing officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The most exciting part of On Location is that we have only just begun – there’s a lot more to come.”

On Location has been rated among the top 10 most-viewed brand channels on YouTube. In April, just 11 months after launching On Location, Coldwell Banker announced it had received over 1 million views. The site was launched in May 2009 and was produced in collaboration with FD Kinesis.

“Home buyers would much rather see a home than only read about it,” Fischer said. “Our On Location videos empower them to get a feel for a home, a community or a real estate professional that they could not get from photos or a text description alone. Equally important are the home sellers who are now expecting video to be a part of marketing their property.”

With thousands of entries received from across the United States and around the world, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. The Communicator Awards are judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from acclaimed media, advertising and marketing firms.

About Coldwell Banker®
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate.   Coldwell Banker is the oldest national real estate brand in the United States and today has a network of more than 98,000 agents working in more than 3,600 offices in 50 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker brand is known for creating innovative consumer services as recently seen by being the first national real estate brand to augment its web site www.coldwellbanker.com for smart phones, the first to create a iPhone application and the first to fully harness the power of video in real estate listings, news and information through its Coldwell Banker On LocationSM YouTube channel.  The Coldwell Banker system is a leader in specialty markets such as resort, new homes and luxury properties through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® marketing program.

FHA loans are mortgages issued by qualified lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).

1. FHA Loans Are Not Only For Lower-Income Borrowers. FHA loans are available to everyone. In fact, even Bill Gates can get one. There is no maximum income restriction associated with FHA loans. Borrowers do need to substantiate income and assets by submitting proper documentation. This requirement ensures that borrowers are well-vetted and truly able to afford their future homes.

2. FHA Loans Are Not Only For First-Time Buyers. Many people believe FHA loans are available only to first-time homebuyers. This is not the case. Whether borrowers are making their first home purchase or their fifth, they can look to FHA loans as a home financing option.

3. FHA Loans Are Not Just Small Loans; In Fact, Loan Amounts Can Be As High As Almost $800,000. The government recently raised the maximum loan amount from its original cap of $362,790 to $793,750 as a way to help stabilize the housing market. The amount a buyer can borrow varies from county to county. Later this summer, condo buyers interested in FHA loans can visit www.checkfhaapproval.com to instantly identify FHA-approved condo associations and review maximum loan amounts for a given location.

4. FHA Loans Are Not Affiliated With The Section 8 Housing Program. While both programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA loans have nothing to do with low-income subsidized housing. FHA loans are simply mortgages insured by FHA. This insurance provided by the federal government allows lenders to lend more freely by assuring them that they will be repaid in the event of default. Most traditional lenders, including Wells Fargo & Co., JP Morgan Chase and Citigroup are able to provide FHA loans to their customers.

5. FHA Loans Are Often More Affordable Than Conventional Loans. While FHA loans typically offer the same interest rates as other loans, borrowers benefit from a much lower down payment of as low as 3.5 percent.

6. FHA-Approved Condo Developments Are More Desirable To Buyers. With 87 percent of home buyers indicating that they plan to use FHA loans, condo associations that are not FHA approved are missing out on a significant pool of prospective buyers. Under rules in place since February 2010, an entire condominium development must now apply to HUD and be granted FHA approval before a buyer can purchase a unit in an association with an FHA loan or before an existing unit owner can refinance into an FHA loan.

Due to the general unwillingness of today’s lenders to extend credit with respect to conventional loans, many borrowers find that FHA is their best bet. Lenders don’t mind lending when the federal government (FHA) assures them of repayment.

Homeowners associations (HOAs) should note that although FHA-insured mortgages might be easier to obtain, they are not “risky” loans, due in large part to the strict “full documentation” requirements placed on borrowers.

Individual buyers or sellers can initiate the approval process or current owners can encourage their HOA to apply.

7. FHA Loans Are Assumable. In addition to lower down-payment and credit-qualifying requirements as compared to conventional loans, FHA loans are assumable. This means that when a seller with an FHA loan sells his or her property, the loan and its financing terms (interest rate) can be transferred to the new buyer. This unique feature will certainly make a property more valuable in times of rising interest rates.

“Now, more than ever, buyers and sellers need to understand the options available to them when it comes time to buy a home.  At Coldwell Banker Island Living we have worked with countless individuals to easily and efficiently navigate the home buying process.

Originally printed by RISMEDIA, July 1, 2010