About Skagit County, WA

According to the Washington Center for Real Estate Research 2009 First Quarter Housing Analysis; Skagit County home re-sales were down +1.6% from the previous quarter, and down -37.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Statewide home re-sales were down -8.6% from the previous quarter and down -30.6% from the first quarter in 2008. Overall building permits in Skagit County are down -62.0% from the first quarter of the previous year, in comparison to the -53.3% reduction statewide. The median re-sale home price in Skagit County is down to $245,900 (down -14.0% from the first quarter in 2008), below the statewide median of $253,500 (down -13.7% from the first quarter of 2008). The 2009 first quarter Housing Affordability Index (HAI) was 114.9 for Skagit County, lower than the statewide index of 125.5

Samish River fishing can be frustrating as well as rewarding. This river has a respectable Steelhead run as well as a run of sea run cutthroat trout. The regulations on the Samish River are vague at best. The main stumper is the regulation eluding to the Hickson bridge. That is midway between interstate 5 and hwy 9. Be very careful about the rules as this area is checked often for violators. Samish River Park is located on hwy 9 between Cook Rd. exit and Bow Hill exit. Very convenient to Burlington and or Bellingham. Homes in that park range in the low $200s and up. The Samish River gently flows on the north side of the neighborhood. There is a home for sale there that is worth looking at if it fits the need. Nice and very well kept with a nice yard and modern features. Look on my website for all the particulars. Nice place and priced at $239,900.00. Should qualify for FHA and first time home buyers tax credit ($8000) from the Federal Govt.. On a FHA that could make the down payment. A great opportunity. If interested just call me at 360-393-9484 and I would be happy to show it to you. A little bit of Samish River fishing makes life a little sweeter when it's so close.

Bow hill, what an area. Predominately a upscale rural area with Puget Sound at you doorstep. At the base of Blanchard mountain and overlooking the sound this area has truly a future of location and quality of life. Abounds with wildlife: Bow Hill real estate has a great future. The location of halfway between Bellingham and Burlington (15 minutes each way)gives you all the needed amenities just minutes away north or south. Also halfway between Seattle and Vancouver BC near Alger Bow Hill located in the Cascade Mountains at the only location on the west coast where the Cascades touch the salt water. A wildlife ecosystem that is so intense that it would be very difficult to find anything comparable along Interstate 5 in Washington state. Bow Hill real estate still shows a solid value base. People like living here with all the outdoor recreation available. Seven local lakes, Blanchard Mountain along with Anderson and Galbraith Mountains a hikers paradise awaits. Come and see. If your shopping for a convenient area to live and work then check it out.

The Tulip Festival got off to a late start this year, as the blooms were not out on time. (Poster warns Bloom Date according to Mother Nature.) We still have a few more days to enjoy the glorious fields of colorful flowers, and fun events. There are wonderful shops and stands where you can order tulips for next years planting and lots of crafts and gifts. Food vendors, wine tasting, and fun little towns along the way. This is beautiful country and a good family outing. If you cannot get here, go online anyway and order your tulips to be mailed to you around October.

For more information go to www.TulipFestival.org

There you will find more events, and maps to direct you to the fields.