Photos from Bill Sauneuf
Eaglemont Golf Course Welcome sign. Mount Vernon, Washington. Skagit County.Located in: Mount Vernon, WA
Since President Bush signed the Housing Bill on July 30th, I've experienced a huge surge in business! I was curious to see if it was simply me having some good results, or if there has been a shift in the market. I ran a search of homes for sale in Mt. Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro Woolley priced under $300,000. There are currently 422 Active listings in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). There are an additional 101 homes that have Contingent/Pending transactions on them. That is a very healthy number! It indicates that a Seller's Market is on the way! A healthy market is generally regarded as having 6 months of inventory. Assuming that all of the Contingent/Pending transactions close in the next 30 days, we'll have a shortage of homes under $300,000. There would be just over a 4 month inventory of homes. Market swings generally begin in the lower price ranges. After all, to buy a bigger or better home most people need to sell a smaller or less expensive one.
The July 2008 sales for all of Skagit County Residential Homes showed a 3.92% price increase over last July's sales prices. The number of Closed Sales is still significantly less than we had last year, but the Pending Sales figures for July are much more in balance with last year's numbers. All of the signs are there for a market that is rebounding in a big way! Consumer confidence is going up. Sales are going up. Prices are going up.
The news media will probably catch on to this in the next couple months. The doom and gloom stories are already disappearing and are now being replaced with the "Glimmer of Hope" and "Good News for a Troubled Market" type stories. Next, we'll likely see the "Rebounding Market" stories...
If you've been waiting for the market to "bottom out" before you buy, look around and you'll find that it is happening right now.
I just watched the video below reported by Conway Gittens of the Reuters news agency. The real estate market nationwide had a nice rebound in July, offering hope that the worst is over!
Consumer confidence showed a sharp rebound as well...
Enjoy the video!
I've been experiencing a solid resurgence of business since President Bush signed the Housing Bill at the end of July. The inventory of homes priced under $300,000 in Mount Vernon, Burlington & Sedro Woolley is down to a 4 month supply of homes, suggesting a Seller's Market... Thats right, I said a Seller's Market.
Believe it.... It is coming.
In an article released today, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced that existing-home sales rose in July to the highest level in 5 months!!
In the article, NAR's chief economist Lawrence Yun states that home prices in some regions could soon increase!
How does this relate to our little corner of the world in Skagit County??
I looked at the market activity. There are all the signs of a healthy market...
In the towns of Mount Vernon, Burlington, & Sedro Woolley, there are 773 Active residential homes on the market. There are 126 with Pending/Contingent Sales. This number shows a healthy market with a 6.13 month inventory of homes. - A 6 month inventory of homes is generally used as the break point in reporting on the market. More than a 6 month inventory is generally regarded as a Buyer's Market, less than 6 months of inventory is a Seller's Market. As I said, a nice healthy market...
I took a closer look at the Mount Vernon, Burlington, & Sedro Woolley market for homes priced under $300,000. Inventory is way down!! There are currently 430 Active residential homes and 97 with Pending/Contingent Sales. A 4.13 month inventory! A Seller's Market all of a sudden. The Buyer's have come back! Yes, a lot of them are looking to take advantage of Short Sales and Foreclosures, but it is a good start and a clearly healthy market.... One that is ripe for a price increase!
For Buyers waiting for the market to bottom out around here.... Get out there and Buy... The market HAS ALREADY HIT BOTTOM here!!
Hi,
I'm in the Chaffey Model Home in Nookachamp Hills in Mount Vernon. In a few minutes Megan Doyle & Elisa Filoni from Puget Sound Energy's Energy Efficiency Services division will be changing out ALL of the light bulbs in the model home from the traditional incandescent type to the new Energy Star high efficiency light bulbs!
We're all very excited to be promoting the Green movement. Chaffey Homes has always been a responsible builder, now as the newer technology, terminology and environmentally friendly standards are being developed, Chaffey Homes is at the forefront.
Chaffey Homes recently built an environmentally friendly concept house with Dave and Anna Porter. To date, over 10,000 unique visitors have toured their home. You can both see it and read all about it on their web-site. It won The 2008 NAHB Green Custom Home Builder award and a host of other awards.
If you would like to learn more, please call Bill Sauneuf at (360) 708-2929.
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!
I serve primarily Skagit County - Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes, La Conner, etc. I also serve Island County - Oak Harbor, Whatcom County - Glenhaven & Bellingham. Seattle too..
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My Certifications
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Real Estate Terminology
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Acre - A unit of measure used in real estate. One acre equals 43,560 square feet of land.
ARM - Adjustable Rate Mortgage - A loan that allows the interest rate to be changed periodically.
Agency - A legal relationship in which an owner-principal engages a broker-agent in the sale of property or buyer-principal engages a broker-agent in the purchase of a property. See The Law of Real Estate Agency Pamphlet
APR - Annual Percentage Rate - The total finance charge (interest, loan fees, points) expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Amortization - The gradual repayment of a mortgage by periodic installments.
Application Fee - The amount that a lender charges for processing a borrower's application for a loan.
Appraisal - An estimate of the value of a property.
Appreciation - an increase in property value.
Assessed Value - The valuation placed on a property by a public tax assessor as the basis of property taxes.
Assumption of Mortgage - Agreement by the buyer to assume responsibility for a mortgage owned by the seller; the seller remains liable to the lender unless the lender agrees to release him or her.
Balloon Loan - A mortgage that has a substantial amount of the principal due at the maturity of the note.
Broker - A person licensed by a state real estate commission to act independently in conducting a real estate brokerage business. Although the requirements for a broker's license vary from state to state, an individual usually must have one or more years of experience in the industry and pass an examination.
Building Codes - Local safety codes regulating the construction of buildings. They include design, materials, and many other related aspects of construction.
Buydown - A payment to the lender from the seller, buyer or third party, causing the lender to reduce the interest rate during the early years of the loan.
Cap - A maximum amount of interest that can be charged.
Capital Gains - The taxable "profit" made from the sale of real estate. This can be either recognized (and taxes paid), or deferred.
Capital Loss - The loss derived from the sale of a capital asset..
Certificate of Title - A document stating that a seller has an insurable title to a property. It must be signed by a title examiner to be valid.
Closing - The final step in transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer.
Closing Costs - Fees and expenses, not including the price of the home, payable by the seller and the buyer at the time of closing (e.g. brokerage commissions, title insurance premiums, inspection and appraisal fees).
Comparables - Recently sold properties that are similar in size and location to the property being purchased.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) - A survey of attributes and the sales history of comparable homes as well as current homes on the market used to help determine the current market value of a property.
Commission - A fee paid to an agent or broker for services performed. This is usually based on a percentage of the total transaction.
Community Property - Property acquired and jointly owned by husband and wife in which each has equal interest.
Contingency - A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding.
Contract - A binding legal agreement between two or more parties the conditions for the exchange of value.
Conventional Loan - A fixed-rate, fixed-term loan that is made without government insurance.
Convertible ARM - Loans that give you the opportunity to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage, usually between the 13th to 60th month of the loan.
Convey - To transfer property or title from one person to another.
Cooperatives (co-ops) - A buyer purchases shares in a co-op corporation, made up of the residents in the co-op property. The buyer owns the shares rather than owning the real property. In exchange, the buyer has the right to occupy a co-op unit.
Co-Signer - A person who signs a note and thereby becomes liable for repayment of that note with the borrower.
Debt-To-Income Ratio - A lender's calculation of a borrower's income represented by a borrower's housing payments plus all other revolving debt payments.
Deed - A legal document conveying title to a property.
Deed Restrictions - Any provisions in a deed restricting ownership or use of the property. Limitations on rights-of-way, or easements granted to other parties are examples of deed restrictions.
Deposit - A percentage of the purchase price paid when the Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed. It is typically held in escrow until the transaction is completed.
Depreciation - Refers to when a property's value decreases.
Down Payment - A percentage of the purchase price that the buyer must pay in cash and may not borrow from the lender.
Earnest Money - A payment given to the seller by a potential buyer indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.
Equity - The owner's value or interest in a property.
Encumbrance - A legal right or interest in lang that affects a clear or marketable title and diminishes the land's value. This can be in the form of zoning ordinances, easement rights, claims, mortgages, liens, un-pait taxes, a pending legal action, or restrictive covenants.
Escrow - The placement of money or documents with a third party for safekeeping pending the fulfillment or performance of a specific act or condition.
FHA Mortgage - A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, permitting lenders to offer better terms.
Fixed Rate Mortgage - A loan that has only one stated interest rate.
Fixture - A recognizeable entity that is permanently attached to the property and belongs to the property when it is sold. (Such as a sink or light fixture)
Good Faith Estimate - The owner's value or interest in a property.
Hazard Insurance - An insurance policy that compensates for property damage from specific hazards such as fire and wind.
Home Inspection - A professional review of a home to assess its overall condition and identify existing or potential structural and/or mechanical problems.
Hybrid Loans - An approximation of closing costs that a lender is required to give to a prospective mortgage borrower within three days of applying for a loan.
HUD - Housing and Urban Development - A U.S. government agency established to implement certain federal housing and community development programs.
Interest - The cost of borrowing money. This is usually expressed as a percentage rate.
Lien - A legal claim against a property that must be paid when property is sold.
Listing Contract - An agreement whereby a property owner hires a real estate company for a specified period of time to sell a property. Upon the sale, the real estate company receives a commission usually in the form of a percentage of the sales price.
Loan Origination Fee - The charge you must pay to the lender for processing your mortgage.
Loan-To-Value Ratio (LTV) - The relationship between a mortgage on a property and its value. For example, if there is an $80,000 mortgage on a property worth $100,000, then the loan-to-value ratio is 80 percent..
Market Price - The actual price a property is sold for.
Market Value - The highest price a ready, willing and able buyer will pay and the lowest price a seller will accept.
Mortgage - A lien on real estate given by the buyer as security for money borrowed from a lender.
Mortgage Commitment - A written notice from the bank or other lending institution stating that it will advance mortgage funds in the specified amount to enable a buyer to purchase a property.
Mortgage Insurance - A policy that provides protection for the lender in case of default and guarantees repayment of the loan in the event of death or disability of the borrower. This is generally imposed with a loan-to-value ratio of more than 80% of the market price
MLS - Multiple Listing Service.
Origination Fee - An fee or fees for processing a proposed mortgage loan.
P & I - A periodic (usually monthly) payment that includes the interest charges for the period plus an amount applied to amortization of the principal balance.
PITI - Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance Payment - The periodic payment that includes the principal and interest payment plus a contribution to the escrow account set up by the lender to pay insurance premiums and property taxes on the mortgage property.
Plat - A map or diagram of a lot, sub-division or community drawn by a surveyor showing boundary lines, buildings, improvements to the land (buildings, etc), and easements.
Points - A dollar amount, expressed as a percentage of the mortgage amount, which is paid to a lender as a consideration for making a loan. A point is 1% of the amount of the mortgage loan; also called discount points.
Power Of Attorney - A written document giving authorization to one person to act on behalf of another person.
Pre-Approval - Preliminary approval for a mortgage loan before an application is complete. It may or may not be a formal commitment by a lender to make a loan. It will usually outline conditions to be met before final loan approval.
Prepayment - Payment of part or all of a mortgage loan before it is due.
Prepayment Penalty - A fee paid by a borrower who pays off the loan before it is due. (This does NOT apply to all loans.)
Pre-Qualification - An informal estimate of the maximum mortgage loan amount that a borrower could obtain. This is based on a calculation of available income and existing debt.
Principal - The amount borrowed upon which interest is paid. (distinguished from interest, taxes and mortgage insurance)
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - See Mortgage Insurance.
Promissory Note - A written agreement primising to repay a loan.
Prorate - To divide or assess proportionally.
REALTOR® and REALTOR ASSOCIATE® - Registered collective membership marks that identify real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS and subscribe to its Code of Ethics.
Settlement - All final transactions required to make a contract final.
Survey - A plat or map made by a licensed surveyor showing the results of measuring the land with its improvements, boundaries and its relationship to surrounding lands.
Title - A document that is evidence of ownership.
Title Insurance - Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in the title.
Title Search - A check of title records to identify liens, encumbrances and ownership rights to the property.
VA Mortgage - A mortgage loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, an agency of the federal government that provides services for eligible veterans.
Variance - A limited exception from local zoning requirements.
Warranty - A written or implied guarantee that property is in the condition described and will perform as promised. This includes met mechanical systems, plumbing, and appliances. Century 21 has a Home Warranty Program available through AON that can be purchased by either the buyer or the seller.
Zoning Ordinances - The acts of an authorized local government establishing building codes, and setting forth regulations for land usage.
If you're considering selling your home, you'll want a Realtor who is there for you 24 hours a day... A Realtor who markets your home well on the Internet, in Print, with a Toll Free hotline, and a Talking House radio transmitter broadcasting information about your home all day long. You deserve nothing less!
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My Personalized
Marketing Services
- This Web Site: www.Sauneuf.com
- Realtor.com: www.Realtor.com
- The Real Estate Book: www.RealEstateBook.com
- Harmon Homes: www.HarmonHomes.com
- Pacific Northwest Homes: www.PNWWHomes.com
- Northwest MLS: www.NWrealestate.com
- Real Estate.com: www.RealEstate.com
- Lycos Search: www.Lycos.com
- Bob Vila's Site: www.BobVila.com
Inexpensive Improvements to Help the Property Show Better
and Closing Documents Prior to Signing
"Bill Listed and Sold my condo in less than one week! He advised me on the best Buyer to choose in a bidding war, and we made more profit than we had planned on receiving! Thanks Bill"
-- Jennifer P.
Shoreline, Washington
Happy Condo Seller
"Bill took the time to identify our complicated wants and requirements & worked to match these with a unique property. This required him to find a property that was not presently listed. He presented all the information and connections to complete a complicated transaction & was involved from selection to closing."
-- John & Georgia M.
Burlington, Washington
Happy Home Buyers
"Thanks for selling our house so quick and being so aggressive in your marketing. We feel the Large Sign, Flyer Box, Radio Transmitter and the Home Warranty all played a major part in our sale. We enjoyed working with you. Thanks again."
-- Brian & Debi
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Home Sellers
"Bill made me feel like I was a priority. He goes out of his way to make sure you know whats going on."
-- Steve S.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy Navy First-Time Home Buyer
"Bill was right there for us at every stage - from the tedious search for our next home to finalizing the sale and purchase process. We felt confident enough that we could concentrate on the move itself."
-- Ray & Allie J.
Mount Vernon, Washington to Concrete, Washington
Happy Home Sellers & Buyers
"With the Housing Market so crazy and demanding, Bill still was willing and able to tend to our needs of finding our perfect home - And he accomplished that for us! Thank you Bill & Century 21"
-- Bryan & Cindy T.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"We appreciate Bill's patience throughout our experience. He was very clear in explaining each step throuhout the process."
-- John & Shari M.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"Bill had great recommendations and suggestions for preparing my home for the real estate market. He uses successful marketing techniques and got immediate results!"
-- Adrienne S.
Mount Vernon, Washington to Burlington, Washington
Happy Home Seller & Buyer
"Bill will go the extra mile, through this whole process, even off hours. I was stressed, one phone call, he'd set our minds at ease. We love our home! Thanks Bill.."
-- Jan & Leslie J.
Burlington, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"What I appreciated was the honest critical opinion of our home, changes we could make to make the home more salable. Tactics that I am sure that lead to the quick sale of our home. Very prompt, reliable service. Every detail was covered. We have bought and sold several homes and never had more professional treatment. Above and beyond the call of duty!!!"
-- Paul & Evelyn R.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Home Sellers
"I thought buying a home would have been a huge pain, but Bill explained everything in detail. He even found us a lender that got us a Very low rate mortgage! I don't think it could have been easier for a first time home owner. Thanks."
-- Paula & Jason M.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"Bill helped us find a home and kept us well informed through-out the entire process. He stayed with us all the way including the signing. We couldn't have gotten here without him."
-- Joe & Judy S.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Homeowners
"Bill was amazing. Not only did he find us the perfect house for our family, he went out of his way to make our first home buying experience a great one."
-- Jason, Paula, & Samantha D.
Happy First-Time Homeowners
Oak Harbor, Washington
Navy Family
"Bill went above and beyond his duties when it came time for closing."
-- Todd P.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy First Time Homeowner
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