REALTORS® know how important a professional home inspection is for the buyer of a new home in terms of educating the home buyer about the condition  of the property and the proper operation and maintenance of the home’s systems.  A well-documented and thorough inspection can also be a very valuable tool in negotiating a fair [...]

A new federal law goes into effect on April 22, 2010 which will require certification for contractors hired to perform renovation, repair and painting projects which disturb lead based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978.  Contractors must also follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination, and continue to provide a Renovate [...]

Jingles – Coldwell Banker Island Living mascot Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by many garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called Theobromine. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really  attracts dogs. Dogs are particulary attracted to this product and if they eat it they can die. Theobromine is in all chocolate, [...]

I love dog friendly events so I love the ANACORTES GARDEN ART FAIR  Saturday and Sunday  April 24 & 25  10 AM -  5 PM   Come and enjoy this free event at the DEPOT ARTS CENTER at 611 R Avenue in OLD TOWN ANACORTES WA.  You’ll find display gardens, plants, garden art, art exhibits and demonstrations, [...]

The new Anacortes-based company A GARDEN 4 U is finding a growing market for its raised garden beds with product finding its way to Mount Vernon, Whidbey Island, and Bellingham as well as customers closer to home.  People are excited about the opportunity to enjoy the relaxation and pleasure of gardening without getting down on [...]

The U.S. Commerce Department reported that U. S. housing starts rose 1.6% in March to a seasonally adjusted 626,000 annualized homes which was 16,000 more than predicted.  Not only is there an increase vs. the forecasts, but housing starts have risen for three straight months!  Housing starts are now at their highest level since November 2008.  The recovery of [...]

We have been requested to repost this on the Home Buyer Tax Credit.  You have until April 30th, 2010 to get the new home under contract! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit Question: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the [...]

Finding a new home can be exciting. But deciding what you truly want and need – and can afford – can be challenging. Making these decisions begins with setting priorities among many different preferences.  Here are many of the considerations you’ll want to discuss with your buyer’s rep: Basic Home Features What type of property? [...]

Salal Chapter Spring Native Plant Sale Saturday, April 24, 2010        10 a.m.-Noon  Beautify your Skagit home with some local plants from the upcoming spring sale.  Expect to find a good selection of native trees, shrubs, bulbs, perennials, ground covers and ferns. Native Plant Garden area of the Skagit Display Gardens Located at WSU-NWREC (16650 State [...]

The SKAGIT VALLEY tulips have been stunning this year!   Luckily, you still have time to feast your eyes on their intense and varied displays of color by taking part in the Annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival continuing until the end of the month.  Just minutes away from La Conner, Anacortes, Burlington and Mount Vernon [...]