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Mount Vernon, WA Real Estate News

By Art Hademan
(Century 21 Real Estate Center)
I read this yesterday and had to pass it on. The company I work for fits this bill to a "T". We have to change or go with the flow and stay in the rut. I prefer to change. I know of a Keller-Williams franchise where the 22-26 year olds are getting rich doing what us old dogs don't have time for. Me - I'm gonna run with the bulls! Enjoy!! I recently had a fascinating conversation with another industry professional who made me laugh even though the topic was very sad. This person made an analogy to dinosaurs and the Ice Age that rang true as it relates to what is happening in the real estate brokerage industry. "Our industry (in general) is like a herd of dinosaurs grazing on dry grass wondering what happened to the green grass, while, in the distance, a glacier is slowly coming down the ...
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By Art Hademan
(Century 21 Real Estate Center)
We all better pay attention to this one! My wise father told me once that the only thing you really have of value is your name. This article really hits the nail on the head! We have all had the experience of throwing a stone in a pond and watching the waves ripple across the surface in ever expanding, concentric circles. Just as a ripple hits the shoreline, your reputation for the quality and quantity of service you render, precedes you in your marketplace. Whether you're aware of it or not, there's an active "word-of-mouth campaign" going on about you in your community. So the real question isn't whether or not people are talking about you, but more importantly, what are they saying?Consumer surveys consistently underscore the importance of impeccable business ethics and professional ...
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By Ben Kinney, We do real estate:Tech, Training, Sales, Brokerage
(Ben Kinney Team)
Spacious single level home with vaulted ceilings on quiet cul-de-sac near park and easy access to College Way and town. Featuring a large kitchen with ample cabinets, granite counters and island that opens into dining room. Nice size living room, den and bonus room plus a master bedroom with a large bath. Fenced backyard and oversize 2 car garage. HUD Home, Sold AS IS. Buyer to verify all information.View FULL DETAILS and additional PHOTOS here:http://www.home4investment.com/listing.aspx?ListingID=11402847&req=1 Superior search engine for MLS. Search by city, year built, square footage or any other detail. You will see multiple listing photos, satellite image, full MLS descriptions and Zillow pricing estimates. See how easy this is. Search in Mount Vernon and all surrounding areas.Kelle...
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By Bill Sauneuf
(John L. Scott Real Estate / Yelm)
Hey Everybody! According to a Farmers Insurance Group of Companies seventh annual Most Secure Places to Live survey released December 17, 2010, our little town of Mount Vernon, Washington is the 17th safest Small Town in America (fewer than 150,000 residents).  Yee Ha! Also, Bellingham did very well in the rankings for Mid-Size Cities (150,000 to 500,000 residents).  Bellingham is the 3rd safest Mid-Size City in America.  Again, Yee Ha! Full text of the article can be found by clicking on this link to RISMedia.   We live in a great part of the world.  It is beautiful and it is one of the safest places to live in America.  If you're thinking about moving here, please give me a call at (360) 708-2929. Thanks for reading!-Bill    
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
Happy Howl-o-ween to Skagit County Dog Lovers! What's almost better than kids in costumes? That's right the crazy, ever-so ridiculous but fun costumes that many of us decide to dress our pets up in. Myself included! For those Dog Lover's looking for additional ways to celebrate this fun holiday with your furry friends then this Howl-O-Ween Party is just the party for you!   Come support the Mt. Vernon Dog Park by attending the Howl-o-ween Party this Sunday, October, 31st, 2010 at Lickety Clips in Mt. Vernon. The party runs from 2-4pm and there is a $3 cover charge per dog Enjoy pet photos, a hot-dog bobbing contest, a doggie social and of course the most coveted event of the day the Doggie Costume Contest! We hope to see you there - Woof Woof!  
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This Saturday, September 11th, please join the Big Lake Fire Department and the rest of our community as we gather roadside at 7pm for the Big Lake Fire Department's annual procession around the lake in remembrance of the 9th anniversary of 9/11. Join our community in honoring and remembering those of whom we lost on that tragic day of September 11, 2001. Don't forget to bring your flags with you as we join together in Big Lake for this evening of remembrance.  9/11/01 - Never Forget And if you haven't done so already - make sure to check out the Big Lake Fire Department's new website at www.BigLakeFire.com   Picture Provided By: GeekPhilosopher: Instant download of free stock photos, images, backgrounds, and desktop wallpapers. Pictures can be used for personal and commercial web sites.
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Beat the Heat at the Annual Porterhouse Brewfest in Downtown Mount Vernon! What better way to beat the heat then to cool off with an ice cold beer! Or two! Well if you agree, then be sure not to miss the 8th Annual Porterhouse Brewfest taking place today in downtown Mount Vernon. Kicking off at 2pm, the Porterhouse Brewfest will feature 20+ microbreweries from all around the Pacific Northwest. Come join this "Blues & Brews Block Party" and enjoy several tastes of beer, great food & live entertainment performed by one of the 3 live bands that will be performing today! Tickets are $24 at the gate. (This includes 5 tastes; additional tastes can be purchased at an added cost). Come support this wonderful benefit for our historic Lincoln Theater located in downtown Mount Vernon. The Porterh...
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
I pulled into my house on Big Lake last week and found this little doe enjoying her dinnertime and the sunset down by the waters of Big Lake. The doe couldn't have picked a better night for a snack by the water as it was again another absolutely beautiful night with a glowing summer sunset in the backdrop!      And there must be something in the water!  As these two were headed up my driveway Monday afternoon!
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
Come Cool off at the New Mount Vernon Spray Park! The recent addition of the "Spray Park" at the new Kiwanis Park in Mount Vernon has been quite the hit! With the recent spikes in temperature the new Mount Vernon Park has been flooded with children and families taking advantage of the spray park as a means to cool off from the heat. Located just off the corner of Broadway and 18th Street this Mount Vernon Park is the perfect place to have lunch, splash around in the water and just have some great family fun! The Kiwanis Spray Park is open daily from 11am to 6pm daily. Directions to the Kiwanis Spray Park in Mount Vernon: Head east on E. College Way, Turn right at N. 18th St (College Food Mart /Gas Station/Little Caesar's), Continue on N. 18th  with becomes S. 18th St., Park will then be...
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
Take a Bite out of Hunger at the 2ndAnnual Bite of Skagit! Next Saturday on July 31st the Skagit Food Share Alliance will host the 2ndAnnual Bite of Skagit fundraising event in downtown Mount Vernon aimed at supporting local agriculture and working to stamp out hunger in the process. The funds raised at the Annual Bite of Skagit will then be used to help support our 13 local food banks here in Skagit Valley by the acquisition and donation of local produce going to benefit those individuals and families in need. Featuring live music, special guest Graham Kerr and countless food and beverage vendors this event is on its way to becoming the next summertime staple here in Skagit Valley. The event runs from 12-4pm and admission is free. Tickets for food & drinks will be available to purchas...
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By Sabrina Linman, Mortgage Pro
(SecurityNational Mortgage)
It appears the House of Representatives did pass USDA H.R. 4899 7/6/10, although they did not pass all of the amendments proposed by the Senate. Therefore, it will go back to the Senate for discussion - they are out until 7/12/10. Here's my question: Are you working with lenders that aren't funding through on the USDA loans? At PrimeLending,  where I work, we are a direct lender and are funding USDA loans even though Congress and the Senate have not acted quickly. We are confident in obtaining the funding and confident in the market - that is why we continue to fund USDA loans. If you want to work with a Lender that can close on USDA loans please contact me personally. My team is ready to qualify your buyers and close on USDA loans. I hope to receive feedback on this post and hope that ...
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Living out on Big Lake I am fortunate to witness these spectacular sunsets quite often. No need for many words; I just wanted to share another great Big Lake sunset from Tuesday night. So head out to Big Lake one of these nights and catch a glimpse for yourself!
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
 The 4th of July is only 18 days away! Here in Big Lake we have a longstanding tradition to celebrate our nation's Independence Day on the day prior. Every year on the 3rdof July as many as 60,000+ people from around Skagit Valley flock to Big Lake in order to witness the annual Big Lake Fireworks Display, put on by our wonderful volunteer fire department. The fireworks display and festivities out at Big Lake is one of the biggest summertime celebrations within Skagit County! One of the coolest things about the Big Lake celebration is how excited and eager the entire community is to celebrate. From setting up tents and decorations to getting the boat ready to hit the water; everyone goes all out gearing up for the holiday. And what symbolizes our Independence Day more than FLAGS!!!! For...
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By Sabrina Linman, Mortgage Pro
(SecurityNational Mortgage)
10 Tips for Developing a Positive Attitude in the Workplace 1.   Gratitude - Be appreciative of everyone who does a good job and gets things done on time. Be especially appreciative of those who go above and beyond what they're required to do. Appreciation feels good for both the giver and the receiver. 2.   Celebrate the Victories - For some reason, many people tend to focus on everything they don't like and that's going wrong. Try instead to focus your attention on things that are going well by taking time often to celebrate the victories at work. Reward yourself or praise another individual for a job well done. If you're part of a team that does something successfully, arrange a get-together to celebrate it. If you're a manager, send frequent notes out to your staff outlining things ...
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
Welcome to our wonderful community called Big Lake! Located just a few miles outside of Mount Vernon, this small waterfront village is an absolutely wonderful place to call home. And while unfortunately not everyone can stay here in Big Lake forever, we wish you the best wherever the road may take you. If you must sell your home on the lake, here is a short list of things to consider when trying to sell your home.   1. Have Great Curb/Lakeside Appeal! You already have a great location being at Big Lake now to make your waterfront home shine and standout even more! Remember good first impressions set a tone. So make sure your lawn is frequently mowed (especially for those selling vacant lots), keep docks & decks pressure washed, remove all unnecessary clutter and do some light landscapin...
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
While there are only 25 days left until summer officially begins on June 21st the rainy weather has unfortunately made for quite a wet spring here in Skagit County. And although everyone is eagerly waiting to get outside and soak up some sunshine there are several great places around Skagit Valley for you and your family to enjoy while this rain persists a bit longer. So if you are looking to get out of the house here are several fun suggestions throughout our wonderful county for you to enjoy and stay dry in the process! 12 Fun Indoor Places to Visit around Skagit Valley!   1.  High School/Skagit Valley College Open Gyms Contact your local high school. Many of the high schools here in Skagit County, as well as Skagit Valley College have open gym times where you can run around and shoot...
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By Sabrina Linman, Mortgage Pro
(SecurityNational Mortgage)
Do you know the percentage of 1st Time Home-buyers in the market place? 48% - that's right and the median age is 28 years old Do you know the top three reasons 1st Time Home-buyers are purchasing? Affordability Tired of Renting Tax Credit Do you know the primary method of communication for 1st Time Home-buyers? Email/Internet Phone Call Face to Face Do you know the primary snag for 1st Time Home-buyers? Credit Cash to Close Be sure that your 1st Time Home-buyers are educated about the requirements to buy before you write up that offer. Make sure that they have been pre-qualified by a preferred lender and that their income and assets have been VERIFIED by the loan officer. When I say VERIFIED I mean VERIFIEDwith actual Tax Returns, W2's, Pay stubs and Assets Statements. We don't want to ...
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By Dani Baird Russell
(John L. Scott Skagit)
The sun is shining in Skagit County today! Although this last month or so has transpired to be quite rainy and damp in only a few short months summer will be upon us. With that brings some of the most beautiful sunsets that one can witness here in the Skagit Valley. Of course there are many places in our beautiful county where one can stumble upon such amazing views; however I just happen to be a little biased! (I've lived on Big Lake since I was three years old and have had the pleasure of witnessing countless breathtaking sunsets over the years).  With the lake serving as a backdrop, the sun over the water is as picturesque as one can imagine.  So vivid in color, each sunset presents such unique beauty and drama that one cannot feel anything but happy when watching the sun set over Bi...
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By Sabrina Linman, Mortgage Pro
(SecurityNational Mortgage)
The Home Buyer Tax Credit is still available to Members of the uniformed services, members of the Foreign Service and employees of the intelligence community. These taxpayers have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and qualify for the Home Buyer Tax Credit.  The taxpayer must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence on or before April 30, 2011 and must close on the purchase by June 30, 2011. Let's all remember to offer this incredible opportunity to the members of the uniformed services serving our Great Country. The Member must have served outside of the U.S. for at least 90 days during the period beginning and after Dec. 31, 2008 and ending before May 1, 2010. In addition if the member was injured while serving outside of the U.S. and the...
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By Dave McFarland
(The McFarland Group)
I know it sounds crazy to go to a Tulip Festival but I can honestly say, don't knock it until you try it! Last year was my first Tulip Festival in Skagit Valley, WA. We went up on a Saturday, BIG MISTAKE! I-5 was backed up for miles, MILES! I kept thinking, all these people want to go and look at tulips? So we turned around and went home. Curious to see what all the fuss was about we went back on a weekday. We went to Roozengaarde first. Roozengaarde was fun because they had a ton of different varieties of tulips on display like a show garden. Then in the fields they had miles and miles of tulips. It was a sight to see! The fields only had red and pink when we were there but it was still a sight! Kind of a walk to get out there but totally worth it! Next we went to Tulip Town. Tulip Tow...
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