Sellers • June 24, 2024

New Price!!

by Danielle Martin

NEW PRICE!!!!

This mid century style home in Anacortes has a composite deck that wraps north to east for views of the ever-changing beauty of Fidalgo Bay and snow-capped Mount Baker. It’s the perfect spot to watch the July 4th fireworks, sailboat races and spectacular sunrises. This 4-bedroom house with primary on the main floor has 3/4 baths on both floors with an efficient layout & lots of storage.
3819 Terrace Dr. Anacortes, WA 98221

$799,000
For more info:
Danielle Martin 360.420.6807
More photos HERE & video tour HERE!

Real Estate • June 24, 2024

How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

by Danielle Martin

How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

The time it takes to close on a home can vary depending on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the home purchase and the parties involved. On average, it typically takes around 30 to 45 days to close on a home after the purchase agreement is signed. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual timeline can be shorter or longer depending on various factors, such as:

Mortgage Financing: If you’re obtaining a mortgage to purchase the home, the timeline can be influenced by factors such as the lender’s efficiency, the complexity of the loan application, and any potential delays in obtaining the necessary documentation or appraisal.
Home Inspection and Appraisal: The time it takes to schedule and complete a home inspection and appraisal can impact the closing timeline. If any issues or discrepancies are found during these processes, it may require additional negotiations or repairs, which can extend the closing timeframe.
Title Search and Insurance: A title search is typically conducted to ensure there are no outstanding liens or claims on the property. This process can take a few weeks, and obtaining title insurance may also be necessary, which can add additional time.
Contingencies and Negotiations: The presence of contingencies in the purchase agreement, such as a home sale contingency or repairs requested by the buyer, can affect the closing timeline. If negotiations or resolutions are required, it may lengthen the closing process.
Local Factors and Seasonal Variations: The time required to close on a home can vary depending on local customs, regulations, and the workload of the professionals involved, such as real estate agents, lenders, and attorneys. Additionally, certain seasons or times of the year, such as holidays or peak buying seasons, can result in increased demand and potentially longer closing times.

It’s essential to work closely with your real estate agent, lender, and other professionals involved in the process to get a more accurate estimate of the closing timeline for your specific situation.

Homeowners • Real Estate • Sellers • June 22, 2024

When A Seller Wants to Buy Their Own Home

by Danielle Martin

Getting a house ready for sale is a lot of work, however, always worth it in the end. For this listing, my client and I initially met up to discuss plans about four months prior to his home going live on the market. We came up with our list of “to do” items. We had a pre-inspection, organized and packaged up items not in use, painted, cleaned home professionally (including carpets), landscaping and interior staging. We were then ready for showtime with our photography day and then to go live!

After we had photos taken of this gorgeous home on the hill in Mount Vernon, my Seller told me that he loved it so that he’d want to buy his own home! If you love older homes that have been beautifully maintained, you don’t want to miss looking at this one. Click here to see why!

Real Estate • Sellers • May 30, 2024

Charming La Conner home with views of the Bay

by Danielle Martin

I love helping people with the sale of one of the most important things in their lives: their home! My client and met many years ago and it was so fun to reconnect while helping her prep her home to bring it on the market.

NW Craft Media and I were lucky to capture a break in our PNW spring weather to present you with a lovely virtual tour HERE.

Feel free to share with someone you know who would love this cozy home with views of the bay in La Conner. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a showing, please reach out.

16815 Chilberg Rd. La Conner, WA

3 bedrooms

1.5 baths

1,394 Sq Ft + approx. 200 Sq Ft detached studio

.28 acres

Built in 1927

MLS# 2237754

Offered at $729,900

Details: Discover a rare fee simple gem in LaConner with stunning bay views. This charming home features a main floor master suite for ultimate convenience, while the upper level offers two additional bedrooms, half bath and a versatile bonus room, ideal for guests. Inside, you’ll find beautiful hardwood floors and the cozy ambiance of a wood-burning stove. Enjoy a spacious updated kitchen with newer appliances and updated baths on both levels. The home opens up to two large new decks (hello summer), perfect for entertaining or enjoying peaceful moments surrounded by gorgeous landscaping as well as a detached studio perfect for guests, a home office, or a creative space. The property includes access to the use of Hope Island amenities.

View the virtual tour HERE. View the listing HERE.

Real Estate • Sellers • May 27, 2024

SOLD in 13 Days!

by Danielle Martin

SOLD in 13 days!

My clients were referred to me by a trusted local lender who knew that their meticulous nature would need a realtor with patience and expertise. From the moment we met, it was clear they were detail-oriented and approached every decision with careful analysis.

They had a very specific plan: they wanted to buy a new home non-contingent and then sell their current house. This strategy would give them leverage in negotiations and avoid the stress of coordinating two transactions simultaneously.

After discussing their needs and preferences, we set out to find their new home. They had already shortlisted several properties and had detailed notes on each. Over the next 3-4 months we toured several homes where my clients asked insightful questions about the structural integrity, potential for appreciation, and even the neighborhood’s development plans.

In the end, one property stood out to them. They loved it, but true to their nature, they wanted to be thorough. We negotiated a non-contingent offer, confident in their ability to secure financing and knowing their current home would sell quickly and had a comprehensive inspection in which we successfully negotiated.

Once their offer was accepted, we turned our attention to selling their existing home and made a list of “to do’s” so that their home would be in prime condition for the market. This included professional cleaning of the home and floor surfaces, home staging and professional photography & videography. They provided me with a detailed list of upgrades and improvements they had made over the years which we shared in marketing the home. We priced the house competitively and marketed it effectively selling it in just 13 days on the market.

The entire process went smoothly, thanks to thorough preparation and clear communication. Thank you Peter & Ashiyah! I was pleasure to both find you a lovely new home and sell your existing home.

Cleaning Services: Cindy Sullivan

Carpet Cleaning: Ace Carpet Cleaning, Anacortes, WA

Home Staging: Sally Zawistowski https://www.facebook.com/sally.berentson

Photography & Videography https://www.facebook.com/nwcraftmedia.wa

Real Estate • Sellers • Uncategorized • May 27, 2024

Legacy Craftsman home on the hill in Mont Vernon

by Danielle Martin

This home was such a special one to have the privilege to bring to the market. I worked with my clients for the last four months to prepare his home to be show ready. We shared memories of raising his family and what they loved about the home. I took special note of these items and we highlighted them in our marketing. In the last four months, we organized, cleaned, donated, painted, more organizing, had an estate sale and finally got down to go time and not a detail was missed so this home would be ready for a new buyer to fall in love with.

Our virtual tour (https://youtu.be/TKi5fZzPz44) is a must see as well as www.nwcraftmedia.com and I had fun making this quick promo video for you. Enjoy and feel free to share with someone you know who is looking for a piece of Skagit County history.

420 E. Fulton Street, Mount Vernon, WA

4 bedrooms

5 baths

3,226 Sq Ft

.28 acres

Built in 1918

MLS# 2239433

Staged by SavvyNess Interiors, Design & Build

Buyers • Uncategorized • May 27, 2024

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home

by Danielle Martin

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it’s important to learn about this program and its benefits.

Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home.

Top Benefits of VA Home Loans

VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they’re a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include:

Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home. The Associated Press says:

“. . . about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a home with no money down.”

Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI. VA loans do not, which means veterans can save on their monthly housing costs.
Limited Closing Costs: There are limits on the types of closing costs you pay when you qualify for a VA home loan. So, more money stays in your pocket when it’s time to seal the deal.

An article from Veterans United sums up how remarkable this loan can be:

“For the vast majority of military borrowers, VA loans represent the most powerful lending program on the market. These flexible, $0-down payment mortgages have helped more than 24 million service members become homeowners since 1944.”

Bottom Line

Owning a home is the American Dream. Veterans give a lot to protect our country, and one way to honor them is by making sure they know about VA home loans.

Real Estate • Sellers • May 18, 2024

Just Sold: Here’s the story…

by Danielle Martin

Today, I closed a chapter with a very special client who recently faced the heartbreaking loss of his spouse. While it’s never easy to move on from memories built together in a home they loved, he took a brave step forward towards a new beginning.

When we first met we discussed his plans to move forward and what the timing looked like. He had a home that he wanted to make an offer on that would be contingent on his home selling, and quickly. In this market, contingent offers work, but the sellers need to be ready to list their home, typically within 5 days of a contingent offer being mutually accepted. In this case, my clients home was better than show ready. I quickly gathered my team, including photographer, videographer, sign installers and transaction coordinator and we went to work. The home was listed and we were under contract in less than 24 hours. We closed at 103.45% of list price!

I feel deeply honored to have been trusted with the sale of their cherished home, and I’m immensely proud of him for the courage it took to embrace this change. It’s a bittersweet farewell to a home filled with love and memories, but also a hopeful hello to new opportunities and adventures. Wishing him all the strength and happiness in this new chapter of his life.