Andrew's Blog

Massive home in Mount Vernon

2008-07-30T15:08:30Z

911 N 12th St Mount Vernon, WA 98273

One of a kind updated farmhouse in the heart of Mount Vernon. The lot is huge, the home is huge, the garage/shop/studio loft area is huge,you can fit a 24'RV and hook it up in one of the bays. Garden space galore and a green house for starters. Private solarium off the master with a hot tub. Passive solar heat,skylights,wrap-around deck,and a fully finished basement add to the numerous features of this home. The MIL is a detached 650sqft 1 bedroom 1 bath with its own garage and laundry.

Offered at $574,952.00

Andrew Culp
Realtor
John L. Scott Anacortes
(360)391-9342
Fax: (360)293-5605
andrewculp@johnlscott.com
http://www.andrewculp.com/

They're coming out of the woodwork

2008-01-11T14:58:17Z

Calling all agents, calling all agents.........Beware of the telemarketers!!!! They have found our numbers and aren't afraid to use them. Just this morning I recieved three seperate calls from people trying to sell me search engine placement, preferred agent status on a HUD website, and the ever present House Values clones. Why is it that they try to solicit business right after the holidays, and right before we prepare to deal with the IRS?

These people need to understand the market conditions all over the country right now. Not all of us are ready to jump ship, but a lack of consumer confidence, tighter credit standards, fewer new jobs, and a decline in the stock market have had a pretty strong impact on the housing market. It's not all doom and gloom, but this time of year, it's tough to compete with the hangover of debt from the holidays.

The telphone used to be my friend. My link to the outside world. Wait a minute, here comes another number I don't recognize. Yep, just as I thought, another solicitor. Please take me off of your list.

Windward Village Beauty

2007-12-19T15:56:38Z

Roomy 5 bedroom home in Windward Village. Daylight rambler with Baker and Island views. Open concept main floor has hardwood floors with cherry accents,crown moulding,vaulted ceilings,and big windows to let in lots of natural light. Efficient gourmet kitchen has granite counters,gas range,double oven,and pantry. Master suite has 3/4bath with tavertine elevated counter and walk in closet. Downstairs has 2 beds,full bath and a rec/media room,and lots of unfinished storage.Contact Andrew Culp with John L. Scott Anacortes:

PRICE REDUCED TO $497,565.00

Andrew Culp
Realtor
John L. Scott Anacortes
(360)391-9342
Fax: (360)293-5605
andrewculp@johnlscott.com
http://www.andrewculp.com/

Oyster Run 2007 Anacortes

2007-08-15T13:49:38Z

Oyster Run 2007 is almost upon us! For those of you that live in the Northwest and haven't experienced Oyster Run in Anacortes, it is a blast! Our little town gets converted into a giant party with Bikers, Bars, Beer gardens, Boisterous fun, and Unmuffled exhaust. It all happens on Sunday September 23rd. There is no specified time or route to participate in the run. People even show up at the start of the weekend to check out the town and participate in the pre-run festivities. Downtown really gears up for the weekend by bringing in live music for the weekend. For complete details go to the official website http://www.oysterrun.org/ There are lots of links to local information on their site.

This is a very family friendly event. I take my boys downtown to look at the bikes and of course the people watching is fantastic. Here are a few pictures of the Bikes and the masses of people that come down for the food, fun and entertainment.

Nearly New in Mount Vernon

2007-07-17T16:37:33Z

Fantastic 2 bed 1 bath home in Mount Vernon. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings. Well maintained inside and out. Privacy fenced with attractive landscaping. Inside has decorator accents and a beautiful color palate. Own this gem for only $211,900.

Offered to you by:

Andrew Culp

Realtor, John L. Scott Anacortes

(360)391-9342

Is Print Advertising Dead?

2007-05-19T16:05:56Z

How oftem do you hear from sellers, that they don't think you have their home advertized in enough publications? When I take a listing, part of my own personal marketing includes the use of The Real Estate Book in marketing my listings. The value that I have found in print ads combined with internet exposure more than covers the cost of said ads.

Why do I choose one publication over another? For me it comes down to several factors. Service, distribution, exposure, awareness, name recognition, and placement. I don't know about the rest of the country, but around Puget Sound you'll see these books in convenience stores, grocery stores, ferry terminals, on the ferries, and doctors' offices. Just about anywhere there could be a captive audience you'll find people just thumbing through these magazines. Now, not everyone is serious about buying or selling when they peruse the listings. Most are just curious about how far their dollar can go in a particular market, or want to know how their home stacks up against the competition.

Here's the part I like. Every time someone goes through one of these books, they see your name and your face. They see your phone number and your web address. They can call anytime and ask questions about a particular listing and at that time I can engage them in conversation. That's how it all starts.

Advertisers that have made the leap to internet advertising in conjunction with their print ads far exceed their competition by offering two services for the price of one. One thing I have learned in this business is secret agents don't succeed. Get yourself out into the public spotlight any way you can.

Skagit River Brewery Mount Vernon WA

2007-04-28T11:25:31Z

Here's another of my favorite places. The Skagit River Brewery. This place has a long history in Mount Vernon and has been quenching many thirsty "Skagitonians" for a long time. Go to http://www.skagitbrew.com and check out the menu. I have to take a little time to blow my own horn.....About 12 years ago I was working at the brewery during it's remodel and transformation into a great brew pub. I was initially hired on as sous chef, but took over to oversee the development of a new kitchen and menu. Through a lot of hard work and close attention to Charlie's taste buds I think we all contributed to a really good menu. I'm proud to see that some of my favorite menu items are still going strong and I can assure you that the quality has not been sacrificed in any way.

Year-round Beers

Skagit River "Steelie" Brown Ale
Favored for its luscious malt character and smooth finish. The Brown Ale's caramel, roast and chocolate flavors go well with many foods.

Dutch Girl Lager
Light and bright. A dry malt flavor and crisp finish combine with a floral hop aroma to provide classic beer drinking pleasure.

Highwater Porter
A dry and roasty version of this old London style. Generously hopped for both aroma and flavor this beer is robust yet very drinkable. Limited availability.

Yellowjacket Pale Ale
Brewed extremely pale and distinctly hoppy. Crisp and refreshing this light ale is a classic "Northwest Style" Pale Ale. Unfiltered and dry-hopped for extra flavor.

Sculler's IPA
Full of Northwest hops and a rich and fruity malt back bone. Why say more? Open the bottle and drink some!

delrio Lager
An ultra-premium light lager, a distinctly American style beer brewed without cutting corners. This quality craft beer is all flavor and still only three calories more than Bud Light®.

Seasonal Beers

Trumpeter Stout
A "Big Bird" by any measure! This years Trumpeter is a huge beer with rich layers of smoke, chocolate, roast, caramel, jet fuel, motor oil and hops. Blowing above 10% abv, this bird should walk not fly. (Draft and 22 ounce bottles available late October.)

Other Seasonals
Stop in to see what other "Brewer's Whims" we have on tap. You'll be glad you did!

Anacortes Washington View Home

2007-04-28T11:00:05Z

514 38th St. Anacortes, WA 98221 $549,900

Directions: Highway 20 to Anacortes. Left(South)on Commercial, Left on 37th(The Store Grocery) Right on S ave. Left on 38th to address.

Built by Lnded Gentry, this brand new home overlooks Fidalgo Bay and Cap Sante. Main level open floorplan with fireplace,and a den/bedroom with its own fireplace. Beautiful granite countertops,tile backsplash,tile floors,and stainless appliances in the spacious kitchen. Water views from the Master Suite and an enormous walk-in closet. The Master Bath has granite counters,double sink,big tile shower and extra linen closets. Two lower bedrooms and full bath share a large family/media room with other bonus rooms.

Anacortes Waterfront Festival

2007-04-16T15:52:06Z

Events:

Waterfront Festival Kick-off Dinner - hosted by the Port of Anacortes and presented by the Economic Development Association of Skagit County and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce, this event launches the festival with a community gathering. Tickets $47/person or $360/table of 8 are available by calling EDASC 360.336.6114.

Featured band: Tim Casey and the Bluescats (www.timcaseybluescats)
Children's Area - Free activities for children and pay-for-play features

FREE BOAT RIDES - brought to you by the Anacortes Yacht Club, located on D Dock
Learn in the Big Top - Educational displays - learn about boats, the waterfront and so much more.
Boat Show - In-water and trailered boats will be on display. Contact the chamber to get involved.
Car Show - Open Class Car show. Contact the Majestic Glass Corvette Club: 299.9303

New Mount Vernon Listing

2007-02-20T11:55:17Z

Immaculately maintained home on the hill in Mount Vernon. Lots of garden space on this large lot,with a spacious wrap around deck for entertaining and views of the Skagit River. The interior boasts a bath off the master, gas fireplace insert,and views of the Skagit from the living room and kitchen. The lower level has a spacious flexible floor plan with lots of possibilities for different uses, bedroom, offfice, meia room. Bring your imagination.

This Big picture window looks out over the deck and to the Skagit River.

Lots of garden Space in the back yard

The Finished Basement has over 700 square feet and is flexible as an office/bedroom/media/family room.

Ah, Anacortes

2007-02-14T15:01:10Z

With a little rain today, I'm reminded of what's to come. Spring is definitely on its way. It's Valentine's day and I hope you are all having a happy one! Buds are forming on the trees, some of the bulbs we planted last year are starting to come up. Tulip time is right around the corner. Have a look at the colors that come out around here in the spring. http://www.tulipfestival.org/ Sometimes you just never know when the tulips are going to come out. Skagit County is really a busy place when they do. We get tourists from far and wide that fall in love with our beautiful landscape and waterfront environment. I forget if the groundhog saw his shadow, but around here the flora are telling me that spring is soon to arrive.

I Don't Care What the Media Says

2007-02-01T13:13:21Z

I don't really care what the media and all of the nay-sayers think. The Real Estate market is still in good condidtion so long as the houses have the right price and the right amount of exposure. My sellers couldn't be happier right now. The market time on this house has been less than 45 days and we have a strong offer signed around. There is also a backup offer, equally as strong. This has made their contingent offer that much stronger on the house they're moving to.

1031 Exchange a few FAQ's

2007-01-30T13:22:36Z

What exactly is a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange?

It is a transaction in which an individual can increase their net worth through the deferment of capital gains tax.

It is done by relinquishment (sale) of one investment property, with the acquisition (purchase) of another, by a Qualified Intermediary.

Who is a Qualified Intermediary?

A Qualified Intermediary is someone who is not the taxpayer or an agent of the taxpayer (realtor, attorney, accountant or tax adviser, broker, lineal descendant, or employee).

When is the best time to retain an Intermediary?

The best time to retain an Intermediary is when you are in the planning stages. This allows the Intermediary ample time to notify all parties and affords you the opportunity to carefully review all documentation well in advance.

Couldn't I use my CPA or my attorney for this procedure?

Yes, if that person has not acted as your employee, attorney, accountant, investment banker or broker, or real estate agent or broker within a two year period, preceding the exchange.

Exchanges must be properties "of a like-kind".....What does this mean?

Like-kind refers to the nature or character of the property. Examples of like-kind include rental properties such as duplexes, triplexes, multi-unit apartment buildings, office complexes, raw land, storage facilities, warehouses, factories, hotels, marinas, farms, parking lots shopping centers, etc.

Assets other than real estate can be exchanged including businesses, planes, boats, trucks and equipment. Exchanger can sell one property and acquire three or vice versa. Both properties must be held as a business use or investment property for a minimum of one to two years.

On the other hand, examples of non-like-kind include primary residences, second or vacation homes, stocks, bonds, notes, or interest in a partnership.

Is there a time limitation in which to complete an exchange?

In a delayed exchange, the replacement property must be designated within 45 days of closing escrow on the relinquished property and the exchange escrow must close within a total of 180 days.

What are the consequences of not completing the exchange in time?

According to IRS guidelines, the exchange becomes null and void if the replacement property has not been designated within 45 days of closing on the relinquished property or if the exchange acquisition exceeds the allotted 180 days.

All funds will be returned to the investor minus nominal exchange fees. The IRS will view the attempted exchange as a sale. As a result, the taxpayer will be responsible for paying all capital gains on the transaction.

Can I close on my replacement property before I find a buyer for my relinquished property?

Yes. This exchange is known as a Reverse Exchange. The IRS Code does not directly define Reverse Exchanges. The IRS has published a Safe Harbor regulation providing for them.

Can I make improvements on my replacement property?

Yes! A Construction /Improvement Exchange is an exchange where the Intermediary retains ownership to the replacement property and improves it. Once construction is complete, the Intermediary trades or conveys the property to the exchanger.

If you are planning to incorporate improvements to the replacement property into your exchange, please contact your intermediary as early as possible. An exchange with improvements must be structured a little differently than a standard deferred exchange.

Can I take some cash out of an exchange?

Yes, the exchanger is permitted to receive some of the equity. This equity is referred to as "boot" and is a term used to describe unlike property received in an exchange.

Cash, notes, personal property, reduction in mortgage or debt relief are all examples of boot and are subject to tax. Most transactions can be restructured to help reduce or eliminate boot.

To avoid boot, an exchanger must trade across or up in equity and mortgage.

Craft Beers in Anacortes

2007-01-29T17:39:06Z

Here's a topic that is very dear to my heart..........

One of the benefits to living in the Northwest is the accessibility of fantastic craft beers. I'm lucky enough to live and work in a town with its own Brewery. Not only do they brew great beers, they have a fantastic restaurant to compliment their beer selections. They also feature local and world renowned musicians on a regular basis.

Probably my favorite Anacortes Ale is their Porter. It's one of their regular brews that they do year-round, and I have always found it to be a staple with a burger or a steak. The flavor profile reminds me of dark chocolate, with a rich aroma and a full creamy head. It's not as sweet as some Porters can be, its dry hoppy texture helps to balance the rich malt on the palate. I can't make this too long of a blog...I'm getting thirsty!

Check out their website http//www.anacortesrockfish.com

Dives in the Pacific Northwest

2007-01-26T17:33:43Z

Nanaimo

Dives in the Pacific Northwest

Anacortes Diving And Supply leads regular trips to some of the best dive sites in the Pacific Northwest, and according to such sources as Dive Travel Magazine and Jaques Custeao some of the best dive sites in the World!

At least once a year we try to get to Port Hardy for such world renown dives as Browning Wall, a wall covered with unimaginable life. Check out their website at http://www.anacortesdiving.com/

Anacortes Market Report

2007-01-23T13:43:06Z

Here's a market overview for Anacortes' fourth quarter:

October 2006: 79 total transactions closed with $90,479,812 in dollar volume.

November 2006: 69 total transactions closed with $67,278,844 in dollar volume.

December 2006: 71 total transactions closed with $84,937,942 in dollar volume.

The Median Sales Price for a single family home was @ $316,000 which had a slight gain of @ $10,000 from the previous quarter. The Average Sales Price was @ $379,000 and also had a slight gain of @ $4,000 from the previous quarter.

Now, I could dissect and extrapolate all kinds of data from our market, these figures, I have found, are the most telling. I don't care how the market trends may go, it's tough to compete with Santa Clause. It also seems that a lot of buyers are now re-entering the market since interest rates have stabilized and it now seems that the little dip we had has bottomed out. Our market activity is back on the rise and soon will come spring and summer and all the excitement that goes with it.

Ethics Question

2007-01-18T16:48:57Z

I smell a..............

Here's a doosie. I am working out the listing details with a client. It's a bit tricky and involved with a RELO company. But who cares? Tricky and involved go along with being a Realtor. Oh, yeah, lots of paperwork too.

Anyway, I went to his house last night to get some pictures for the Broker Market Analysis. I was all over his house snapping away and when I finished, he told me a little tale.

One of the agents, competing for the listing, had presented him with an offer. It was a low-ball offer and he was insulted. He asked me for some advice. I told him that he was perfectly within his rights to consider, refuse, or counter that offer. Since I had nothing in writing at the time, I explained that I wasn't really representing him yet. Free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

With that being said now comes the part that blew my mind. The competing agent presented the offer for the buyer without a one time listing. Dangerous ground. The agent presented the offer with a quick market overview of sold properties that tried to justify the low offer. It was like performing a CMA with biased or slanted information, and hoping the seller was just dumb enough to fall for it. Some of the comps that were presented to him were over 18 months old. This particullar seller has a good sense of the market and he and I were in agreement at what a good selling price would be for his home. That price is around $60,000 more than what was offerred.

So now I sit and wait for the RELO company to assign me as the listing agent. I have every confidence that they will. In the meantime I have to wonder if the competing agent has submitted their Market Analysis at the lower price range and if that price can be supported by slanted comps. There is more conflict of interest here than I care to partake of. I really like when a client calls me and says,"I need to sell my house. Would you do it for me?" Ah, if only they were all that easy!

Sticky Situation

2007-01-16T17:11:19Z

I love the classified ads. Calling on FSBO's can be a great way to capture hot leads. When I see an ad like this I automatically think, "there's a divorce on the way". I've listed a few homes when divorce was the leading motivator. As a Realtor, I'm called upon to do a lot more in the way of counseling in divorce situations. It's not easy and I try my best to stay as neutral as possible. I'm amazed at how people open up to me and sometimes, they just unload on me. If I have the time, I try to help just by being a good listener and giving them a chance to vent. My best advice to my clients has been to just do what's fair and equitable, and with that in mind, just be decent to each other.

101 things to do in Anacortes

2007-01-14T11:29:03Z

Whether you are planning for a family vacation, an individual retreat, an eco-adventure or a romantic getaway, there is much to do in Anacortes to enhance your stay. Here is a list of 101 things to do, just to get you started!

1 See the 360° view from Mt. Erie
2 Go whale watching
3 Browse the antique shops
4 Watch the sunset at Sunset Beach
5 Walk the loop at Washington Park
6 Go swimming at the Fidalgo Pool
7 Ride the ferry to Sidney/Victoria, B.C.
8 Watch chocolate making
9 Fly fish at Pass Lake
10 Watch large ship repairs at Dakota Creek Industries
11 Picnic at Bowman's Bay
12 Go bird watching at the Heron Rookery
13 Have a great cup of coffee overlooking the marina
14 Check out the glacial till at Rosario Beach
15 Kayak to Hat Island
16 Watch the boat builders
17 Shop at the oldest marine hardware store on the west coast
18 Go scuba diving
19 Photograph the tulips
20 Sail model boats
21 Hike around Little Cranberry Lake
22 Buy a yacht!
23 Workout at the gym
24 Look through tide pools
25 Ride the Guemes ferry
26 Mountain bike on the forestland trails
27 Jump off the cliff at Whistle Lake
28 Row to the island on Campbell Lake
29 Discover the "Lady of the Sea"
30 Go to the Quilt Show & Walk
31 Watch for eagles and falcons
32 Attend a local wine tasting
33 Go to an antique container opening!
34 Enjoy the Waterfront Festival
35 Go to the Saturday Farmer's Market
36 See the Vela Luka Dancers
37 Take in a movie at the Anacortes Cinemas
38 Rent a canoe
39 Charter a fishing boat
40 Go crabbing
41 Visit the Depot Art Gallery
42 Tour the W.T. Preston
43 Take your kids to Storvik park
44 Visit the Causland Park Memorial
45 Visit the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center
46 Walk across Deception Pass bridge
47 Drive or walk to Cap Sante Lookout
48 Take sailing lessons at South Harbor Park
49 Fish off Curtis Wharf
50 Hang glide off Mt. Erie
51 Take the kids to story time at the new library
52 Tour the Anacortes Historic Murals
53 Hike to the cave at Little Cranberry Lake
54 Go to the Skagit Symphony at Brodniak Hall
55 Feast at a salmon barbeque
56 Dance the night away at a pub
57 Water-ski at Campbell Lake
58 Take a photo at the 'lookout tree' at Washington Park
59 Ride the ferry to Friday Harbor for the day
60 Buy fresh shrimp and salmon at the docks
61 Golf at Similk Golf Course
62 Take an airplane ride over the islands
63 Take a dinner cruise on the Sound
64 Try your luck at the local casino
65 Go bowling
66 Take your kids to the skateboard park
67 Fly kites at South Harbor Park
68 Take a kayak safety class at the pool
69 Hike the Whistle Lake trail
70 Look for seals on the rocks & logs
71 Go clam digging
72 Take a drive around the island
73 Relax in the hot tub at a hotel
74 Take a nature walk through Forestlands
75 Learn the art of knot tying
76 Browse the downtown art galleries
77 Go to the Arts and Crafts Festival
78 Watch the town crier competition
79 Find the lighthouse at Bowman's Bay
80 Have a family picnic at Washington Park
81 Take a walking tour of the shipyards
82 Attend a church service
83 Walk the docks at the marinas
84 Have a Berry, Berry smoothie!
85 Go to the First Friday Art walk
86 Find a treasure at Shipwreck Days
87 Take your child to Kids R Best Fest
88 Check out the Powell story poles
89 Visit the Anacortes Museum
90 Pick up an Anacortes t-shirt
91 Go to a play at ACT
92 See the Harleys at Oyster Run
93 Row a boat on Heart Lake
94 Enjoy a Sunday brunch
95 Shop for smoked salmon
96 Go on a tour of Bunnies By the Bay
97 Crew with OARS (Old Anacortes Rowing Society)
98 Play softball at Volunteer Park
99 Look at property on Fidalgo Island
100 Take a Yoga or Pilates class
101 Make a new friend from Anacortes

Anacortes Salmon Derby is Coming Up

2007-01-13T00:18:43Z

This seaside community with a rich maritime history will host the 2007 Anacortes Scholarship Salmon Derby on Saturday and Sunday, March 10 and 11. Members of the Fidalgo Island Chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers (PSA) will partner with the Port of Anacortes and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce to present a derby featuring prizes of cash and merchandise.

Plans include a grand price winner (fish weight) of $5,000 and a $2,000 "secret weight" winner. The total of cash prizes is expected to be $10,000. The derby organizers plan a large collection of merchandise prizes as well. Boundaries of the derby will be Marine Area 7. Ticket prices are $50 per person.

This is an event not for profit. All proceeds will go to a scholarship fund benefiting students pursuing education in the fisheries area. The derby will also boost the economy and provide a recreational opportunity for families.

We encourage your participation and support of this exciting new Derby, spearheaded by volunteer Chairman Jay Field and a team of volunteers who have already shown evidence of considerable skills and commitment to making this a first-class event.

Saturday night will be a no host social with raffle prizes given away. Entry to the raffle is included with the derby entry fee. Sunday afternoon will be a Barbeque and Awards Ceremony.

Free overnight moorage will be provided all participants at the Cape Sante Boat Haven. Free Launching will also be provided for trailerable boats with out bunk trailers. Boat Launching is also available at Washington Park.

The Premium of a good view

2007-01-12T17:51:04Z

The views are fantastic!! The only drawback is the 2:15 a.m. run from the stockyard. If the noise don't wake you up, the smell will!!

It never ceases to amaze me how much of a premium house buyers put on a view. I deal with view property and homes nearly every day. Anacortes Washington is certainly a beautiful place. We have a good balance of occupied and preserved shorelines. To our west there are some of the most beautiful sunsets over puget sound looking at the San Juan Islands and out the Straight of San de Fuca. Western Washington has a diverse selection of view potential. We have lakes, mountains, forests, farming valleys, cities, oceans, islands, bridges, you name it and we got it.

The big deal in Anacortes is a water view. The most rewarding day with an Anacortes water view is when a pod of Orcas goes by, breaching, hunting, or just plain doing what they do. If any Realtor is lucky enough to be showing a view home with Orcas frolicking in the background, I'd say that's a slam-dunk! Fidalgo Isand is also home to Bald Eagles, and other raptors, as well as a variety of seabirds that enjoy a fairly well protected habitat.

Real Estate Profitability

2007-01-11T14:19:30Z

I'm really optimistic about 2007. I think that a lot of the buyers that were holding back around the holidays are starting to re-enter the market. Mortgage applications are up in my area and prices seem to have stabilized. Of course it is more important now to price a home right the first time. The homes that are priced right are percieved as the cream of the crop and outsell their competition. I work with my sellers to achieve the highest realistic price for their home, and I impress upon them that it's the market that sets their price, not their need or greed.

Oh, and another thing. I used to counter low ball offers in a sarcastic tone. If they came in at $20K below the asking price, I would counter back at $20K over the asking price, and let the selling agent know that my sellers were deeply insulted. Since our market has cooled since 2005, I have a different tone. I look at any offer and think, "well,here's a starting point, let's put this together". That strategy has paid off for me. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.

Thanks Mary

2007-01-07T14:43:55Z

Thanks to Mary McKnights blog I have a new client. I took some of her blogging advice and did some commenting on local blogger's sites. I added a link to one of the local businesses and they wrote back to thank me. It just so happens that they want to move and were just about to contact a Realtor. Now I'm their man. Thanks again for some good advice.

Anacortes Friends of the Forest

2007-01-05T17:40:13Z

This is a breif snapshot of what Denise Crow and The Anacortes friends of the forest do. Here's a link to their page http://www.friendsoftheacfl.org/

Overview
The Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL) comprise approximately 2800 acres of forests, meadows, lakes and wetlands at the heart of Fidalgo Island, entirely within the city limits of Anacortes. The ACFL is owned by the City of Anacortes and is managed by its Parks & Recreation Department. Policy guidance is provided by a five-member ACFL Advisory Board whose members are appointed by the mayor. More information about the City, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Advisory Board can be found at http://www.cityofanacortes.org./. Click the map above for an enlarged view of the ACFL map (this is a 34 K image).

The ACFL is managed for its recreational and conservation value according to the ACFL Management Plan adopted in 1991. The ACFL Management Plan is part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Copies of the plan are available from the City of Anacortes Planning Department and at the Anacortes Public Library.

Several large tracts of the ACFL have been gifted to the City over time and are protected in their natural state by deed restrictions placed on the gifts by the donors. Much of the rest of the ACFL was purchased by the City in 1919 from Douglas Allmond's Washington Power and Light Company. This land was held by the City to protect the local lakes that served as water supplies for Anacortes residents. While the City no longer draws water from ACFL lakes, Whistle Lake remains a backup water source and all the ACFL lakes are managed to preserve their water quality.

The ACFL now includes the land formerly known as Heart Lake State Park.

Members of the Friends of the ACFL and the Washington Native Plant Society have compiled lists of the plants found in the ACFL. Visit our Plants page to learn more about our Forest plants and lichens, and to obtain species lists for the areas you wish to visit.

Visiting the Forest
The ACFL is a beloved community treasure. Careful management and trail policies allow the ACFL to be shared by a variety of human user groups including hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, motorcyclists, bird watchers, dog walkers, fishers, swimmers, paddlers, photographers, scout troops and school classes as well as the native plants and wildlife. For the health of the woods and the enjoyment of other visitors, please stay on the trails, observe posted trail restrictions and park hours, keep pets on a leash at all times and pack out what you pack in, including pet waste. To learn more about forest ettiquette, please read the articles on our Stewardship page.

Where to Get a Map
Trail maps of the ACFL are published by the Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department. In addition to topographical features and trails, the maps include a brief history of the ACFL, trail regulations, and information about how you can help protect this invaluable community treasure. Maps are on sale at the following locations in Anacortes.

Anacortes Parks & Recreation Dept.
904 6th Street
360-293-1918

Anacortes Chamber of Commerce
Visitor Information Center
819 Commercial Avenue
360-293-3832

The Business
1717 Commercial Avenue
360-293-9788

Watermark Book Company
612 Commercial Avenue
360-293-4277

What's in One Forest Land Acre?
The quick answer is an astounding 8,310 visible plants, many wildlife species, carpets of moss and masses of fungi. Plus perhaps a billion things living underground. To determine just what it is we save when we permanently protect an acre of the Forest Lands, Friends of the Forest made an on-the-ground study of a typical acre (a little larger than a football field) south of Little Cranberry Lake in February 2000.

Producers. We counted a total of 360 standing trees-cedar, hemlock, cascara, Douglas fir, big-leaf maple, holly, and alder. We also found 40 snags and 195 downed logs.

The shrub community consisted of nine species--salal being the most common but also present were elderberry, salmonberry, red huckleberry, gooseberry, Indian plum, ocean spray, Oregon grape and honeysuckle. There were 3,520 of these plants in our sample acre.

The herbaceous plants that cover the ground were the most numerous. At the time of our survey some 4,195 specimens of dewberry, sweet cicely, sticky bed straw, sword fern and wood fern were visible. By May that number will probably triple with the emergence of nettle, lady fern, bracken fern, calypso orchid, Indian pipe, coral root orchid, star flower, Siberian miner's lettuce, false Solomon's seal and wild lily of the valley.

We found 20 species of mosses and liverworts that cover about 50% of the ground, log and live-tree surfaces in numbers impossible to count.
Consumers. Since animals don't stand still to be counted, we can only report on what species might use this acre sometime during the year. Beaver, Douglas squirrel, Townsend chipmunk, white-footed mouse, bush-tailed wood rat, common muskrat, meadow mouse, porcupine, and Oregon black-tailed deer eat the flora. Carnivores could include coyotes, raccoons, skunks, weasels, river otters, garter snakes, alligator lizards and many amphibians.

As many as 65 bird species may use this acre, depending on the season - some to breed, some to forage and some to roost. The proximity of the lake and beaver ponds increases the habitat value of this acre.
Decomposers. The trees, shrubs and ground cover in our typical acre - tons upon tons of woody debris - eventually decompose. Most of this absolutely essential work is performed by fungi. Mushrooms are only the visible fruit of the larger, hidden fungus body, which consists of a network of tiny, hair like tubes called hyphae that fill all soil and rotting wood in the forest. Where one body begins and another ends is nearly impossible to detect. Many more species of fungi, including lichens, live in our acre than do all other kinds of plants.

Fungi's cleanup work is assisted by microorganisms such as protozoa, bacteria and tiny invertebrate animals, insects, crustaceans, spiders, mites, visible earthworms and invisible nematodes-perhaps a billion in our acre.

Expireds and your actions

2007-01-03T18:03:52Z

This recently came to my attention, especially after the begining of the new year. On our MLS, there have been a rash of expired listings, new listings, and back on markets. Why on earth would anyone set a listing expiration date for New Years Day? Some agents have re-listed the property (rules violation) and some have had the listing extended.

Now, what I'm getting to is my real concern. As far as Blogs, Craig's list, any internet classifieds, and especially personal websites are concerned, do fines come down on agents for failure to change the status of a listing in their web based advertising?

I can understand in print advertising that you can't change the ads once they have gone to print. I also know that changing the listing status in the MLS has its time limits and deadlines. A blog or website ad can be changed pretty quickly, but is the content subject to the same scrutiny as corporate websites or the MLS, and does my local MLS have the authority to levy any fines on me because of any errors or omissions found on my personal (used to market my business) websites?