KC's Commercial Real Estate Blog

Fiber Optics Network Service in Skagit County

2007-11-27T13:24:27Z

Fiber Optics Network Service in Skagit County

Fiber optics is available for many commercial real estate locations in Skagit County. The network provided by Black Rock Cable services much of Anacortes, Alger, LaConner, Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro Woolley and the I-5 corridor.

Black Rock Cable has committed to expanding its service area whenever possible and likely will grow east of Sedro Woolley to Hamilton as Punkin Center LLC redevelops the 100 acre Crown Pacific site which includes plans for Janicki Industries to construct a 150,000 square foot manufacturing facility. Bringing the upper Skagit Valley into the commercial real estate market should have a positive economic impact to the surrounding communities.

Read more about Fiber Optics in Skagit County in Janicki News

KC Coonc, Associate Broker - Cell: 360.305.9977

Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc.

Windermere Commercial Real Estate

I Wonder If They Claimed Their Wallet?

2007-11-17T18:49:11Z

I found a wallet on the ground at the local gas station earlier this week. I picked it up and tossed it on to the trunk of my car while I was fueling it up. Nobody showed up looking for it in the time it took me to fuel up my car so I flipped it open and saw it had some cash, I don't know how much since it wasn't mine why would I count it? Anyway slid one credit card out and the name on it was Richard Archer, I then closed the wallet and called the local Police to have them pick it up.

This wallet had a lot of credit cards or debit cards judging by its thickness, but I did not feel right about looking through it. The cop showed up in about 15 minutes and I handed the wallet over to him. I did tell him I thought the wallet was not gone through by anyone since it still had cash and credit cards. I also gave my business card to the cop just in case he had questions later or if the owner of the wallet wanted to call and thank me for turning it in. Besides that, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to promote a Realtor in a good light. We do need that as often as possible.

One other thing was I did not feel good about taking the wallet inside to the minimum wage employee at the register. Please understand the person on shift at that time may have been the most honorable person one could ever meet, but I just did not want to chance it.

So my question is if given the opportunity to promote being a Realtor to the public, uncompensated, and as an overall act of good will to the public, do you take time to tell them you are a Realtor?

Irongate Storage Condos - Bellingham Commercial Real Estate

2007-11-14T16:06:20Z

Irongate Storage Condos - Bellingham Commercial Real Estate

Irongate Storage Condos, Bellingham, Washington offer are designed to accommodate small business or homeowners that have space limitations or CC&R's that prohibit RV, Boat, and motor home storage at their personal residence.

There are 22 units in phase one that are 25' x 60' and have 14'x14' doors on each end that allow the user "pass through access" along with a man door. Other features include high speed internet, gas forced air heating, fire suppression, three phase power, and are plumbed for bathrooms. Commercial real estate investors and users alike are attracted to this fine facility. Units are currently available for purchase and lease options are also possible.

Phase two will likely consist of 24 - 1,750 square units that should break ground in 2008.

For more information about commercial storage condominiums in Bellingham Call KC at 360-305-9977

Find Bellingham Commercial real estate for sale

KC Coonc, Associate Broker - Cell: 360.305.9977

Windermere Real Estate Whatcom, Inc.

Windermere Commercial Real Estate

Burlington Business Park - Burlington Commercial Real Estate

2007-11-02T18:09:22Z

Burlington Business Park - Burlington, WA

Burlington Hill Business Park is located in the northern part of Burlington Washington just off Old Highway 99. Burlington Hill Business Park is fronted along Old Highway 99 with full Interstate 5 exposure by Camping World, Foley RV, Skagit Powersports, Pacific Coast Auto Center, and Jerry Smith Kia. Other businesses located along Walton Drive, Park Lane and North Hill Boulevard include Walton Beverage, North Hill Resources, United Rentals, Bates Abrasives Inc., Cascade Stone Supply, Pacific Woodtech Corporation Design Decor', and Ferguson are just a few companies that chose to locate in Burlington Hill Business Park.

Burlington Commercial Real Estate growth continues to withstand regional downward trends making Burlington Washington an excellent business friendly city to open or expand your business. For more information on Burlington Washington commercial real estate contact KC Coonc, Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate @ 360.305.9977

Search for Burlington, WA Commercial Real Estate

KC Coonc, Assc. Broker - 360-305-9977

Windermere Commercial Real Estate

Burlington, WA Commercial Real Estate

2007-10-30T13:48:54Z

Burlington, WA Commercial Real Estate

Burlington Washington's commercial real estate market is fast becoming the location of choice for local and franchise investment.

Commercial real estate in Burlington is a great place to relocate a business or to invest in commercial properties. Situated just north of Mount Vernon along the I-5 corridor, Burlington's commercial real estate features easy freeway access and high traffic count arterials.

Located west off I-5 Burlington's main commercial development is occurring along the I- 5 corridor. Many "Big Box" retailers such as Best Buy, Costco Wholesale, Fred Meyer, Home Depot, K-Mart, Old Navy and more have chose to invest heavily into commercial real estate in Burlington Washington.

Cascade Mall, located off Burlington Boulevard was the original igniter to commercial real estate in Burlington. Anchor retailers include AMC Theatres, JC Penney, Macy's, and Sears along with a host of other smaller retailers that fill in the gaps.

Many other small businesses and banks are scattered along Burlington Boulevard with a lot of service related industry located in the multiple industrial parks that lay to the East of Burlington Boulevard.

Auto Boulevard is off the George Hopper Road intersection where every possible car make and model is available from the numerous American, European, and Japanese dealerships.

Search for Burlington, WA Commercial Real Estate

KC Coonc, Assc. Broker - 360-305-9977

Windermere Commercial Real Estate

Burlington, WA Commercial Real Estate

Useable Property or Just Another Swamp?

2007-10-22T18:31:06Z

Do you want to sell your property to a developer for the most possible profit? What seller wouldn't want to get the most money for their property?

I cannot tell you how many times I see a property priced for sale like the entire property is 100% usable. This is a near impossibility for Whatcom County Real Estate and Skagit County Real Estate. The wetland review in the planning and permitting departments of Skagit County, Whatcom County or incorporated city limits is where you will find out how much useable land you actually have.

A current wetlands study, or at minimum a wetlands reconnaissance will help determine what can be done with a property if anything.

Developers just don't buy properties anymore without knowledge of the amount of wetlands that may or may not exist on a property. It may look like a grassy field but it may have soils that are conducive to wetlands and be as protected as a swamp.

If you want to sell your property for the most, pay the biologist to do the work. You will get the most possible money for the property if the buyer knows they are actually buying real estate and not air.

KC Coonc, Associate Broker

Windermere Real Estate - Bellingham

Windermere Commercial Real Estate - Bellingham

Give Me the Keys Now!

2007-10-20T13:34:45Z

Keys at closing are almost always a concern for me. I really prefer that buyers of multifamily properties change the locks or re-key the locks at closing, this is part of my strong recommendation. I recommend this for all properties, but especially multifamily.

Situation - I represented the seller on a duplex rental property. Buyer stated they would pick up the keys from my office at closing. No problem was my response. One side was rented and one side was vacant and the seller who lived out of state only provided me with one key for each unit.

The Explosion - Post closing buyer stopped by to get the keys. When the buyer discovered I had only one key she flew into a fit of rage. "Where are all the other keys to the vacant unit , she demanded?" I replied that this is all I was provided and regardless the locks on the vacant unit should be re-keyed for the future tenants safety. This did not go over well with the buyer and she said in a not so friendly tone "I have had rental properties for over 25 years and I have never changed a lock in the time I owned them"! I apologized and offered to re-contact the seller to have any other keys mailed to her home. She stormed out of my office.

25 years without changing the locks? Isn't that unfair to the tenants and places them at uncertain risk for theft or personal safety? How many times and how many keys are out there for that property in 25 years?

Is my policy wrong when dealing with multifamily property?

Doesn't the landlord have a responsibility to use care and reasonable caution regarding keys to a multifamily property?

Your thoughts on this please.

A Gift from the City Council

2007-10-18T15:56:14Z

"Every time we annex a piece of property into the city limits the property owner are getting a gift from the city. We make these people extremely rich overnight." Those words keep replaying over and over in my head. This is what I heard an elected official say at a council meeting regarding annexing a property into the city that currently was in the designated growth management area.

This attitude really bothers me because I don't feel as though it is understood what really happens prior to annexation. As an example Mr. and Mrs. Property Owner bought 5 acres of land close to town and built their dream home......30 years ago. Most of their life was spent enjoying their property and home. In the last ten years things changed a lot.

You can't stop your car in the road on the way back from the store to talk to a neighbor because the traffic is 500 times greater than it used to be. 30 years ago only the people that lived along the the old narrow road utilized it. Even that evening walk that all the neighbors used to enjoy is now considered "taking your life into your own hands", since the old road has no shoulders or sidewalks. The old road is now the shortcut to Walmart.

Everyday Mrs. Property Owner gets up and goes out to the road to pick up last nights fast foods wrappers and beer cans from the flower garden that fronts her home that she so proudly cared for for over 30 years. Today is different than before because two beat up cars are parked next to each other across the road in the driveway to Smith's old barn. One of the shady looking men covered in tattos yell at her to stop looking at him and she scurries back into the house. "These must be drug dealers" she thought.

So many things have changed since the city has overtaken Mr. and Mrs. Property Owner's piece of paradise they made their home 30 years ago.

I don't see annexation as a gift, I see annexation as compensation for the impacts a city makes on its rural neighbors. Am I off on this?

KC Coonc, Associate Broker

Windermere Real Estate - Bellingham

Windermere Commercial Real Estate - Bellingham

Mount Vernon WA Commercial Real Estate

2007-10-15T15:32:01Z

Mount Vernon WA Commercial Real Estate

Mount Vernon Washington's commercial real estate market is fast becoming the premier choice for local and franchise investment.

Commercial real estate in Mount Vernon is a great place to relocated a business or invest. Situated just south of Burlington along the Interstate-5 corridor, Mount Vernon's commercial real estate features easy freeway access and high traffic count arterials.

Located west off Interstate-5 near the revetment in Downtown Mount Vernon, the commercial real estate is posed for revitalization. There is a proposed re-development and comprehensive plan for its waterfront and downtown core that will reshape the community of Downtown Mount Vernon as we know it today.

This plan includes replacing the revetment with a raised levee and boardwalk with retail, office, and housing overlooking the open space and Skagit River. This Historic core of the City of Mount Vernon will also include mixed use of retail, office and housing that will enhance the existing building and allow for new construction as part of the revitalization. Commercial real estate in Mount Vernon is under valued based on the forthcoming revitalization.

There is a strong mix of office, retail, and industrial space available for both lease and sale on the east side of the Interstate-5 off E College Way and in South Mount Vernon. The West side of Mount Vernon makes up for the smallest portion of commercial real estate in Mount Vernon, but like much of the City it is nicely mixed.

Mount Vernon is home to Skagit County Community College, which is naturally off E. College Way. This part of Mount Vernon features the most new construction and vacant land commercial real estate opportunities. Its proximity to the City of Burlington makes this a favorable location for complimenting businesses. Riverside Drive cross sects E. College Way and shares tremendous existing commercial real estate opportunities in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon WA Commercial Real Estate

KC Coonc, Assc. Broker - 360-305-9977 - Windermere Commercial Real Estate

Concrete, WA Real Estate Market Update

2007-10-10T18:46:26Z

Concrete, WA Real Estate Market Update

What is happening in the Concrete real estate market? Over the last 6 months, dating back to 4/13/07 there have been 35 homes sold in Concrete, WA. Those 35 homes have amounted in $6,391,275 in total sales volume. The average sales price was $182,608 and the median sales price was $173,350. The average days on market for a Concrete home was exactly 100.

If you would like to see what is currently for sale in Concrete, WA, check out our Concrete homes for sale.

KC Coonc, 360-305-9977 Windermere Commercial Real Estate

Bellingham Commercial Real Estate

Mommy or Daddy Will Pay

2007-10-10T15:37:08Z

If you are an agent selling multifamily property in a college town sooner or later a buyer will say "I don't want college rentals because the college kids will destroy my property". They may do just that, but if you have the parent(s) cosign on the lease taking responsibility for the actions of their child you are almost always covered.

My experience is that Mommy or Daddy makes lots of money and they are likely paying for, or subsidizing their child's education and they view housing as part of that expense.

Any property manager that works in a college town will tell you pretty much the same thing so don't shy away from college rentals, because I think they are the best possible multifamily investment. One other thing, the college campuses across the nation are almost all expanding so how can this be a bad investment?

Birch Bay Waterfront a Great Canadian Investment

2007-10-09T20:12:58Z

Birch Bay Waterfront a Great Canadian Investment

Nestled between Canada and the Pacific Ocean, Birch Bay is an emerald that is
just being discovered. Birch Bay offers miles of sandy beaches with a serene
outdoors life that is not overcrowded. An ideal place for crabbing, beach
combing or just relaxing come discover Birch Bay for yourself.

With the strength of the Canadian Dollar and proximity to the border, Birch Bay
is a perfect place to invest in a second home on the waterfront. Homes in Birch
Bay probably cost less than you may think. If you are a beach lover, waterfront
homes on Birch Bay are a truly incredible value. If you only plan on staying in
visiting Birch Bay for a couple weekends out of the year, no problem. Hundreds
of
people rent waterfront homes in Birch Bay for a week or weekend at a time
though out the year.

True Birch Bay waterfront homes can be purchased in the $600,000 range. While
you can buy a new home just walking distance from the beach in the low
$200,000's. If you are a beach lover, this really makes homes in Birch Bay an
investment worth strongly considering. Remember the golden rule about
waterfront... They are not going to make any more of it!

Call KC Coonc 360-305-9977 for a Private Tour of Birch Bay

See here for a list of Birch Bay Waterfront homes for sale

Whatcom County Real Estate Sales thru 3rd Quarter

2007-10-09T16:41:09Z

Market Comparison for Whatcom County

Sales Activity for Residential & Condos

01/01/2006-09/30/2006 vs. 01/01/2007-09/30/2007

2006 Units Avg. Price DOM 2007 Units Avg. Price DOM

Whatcom 2729 $308,171 81 2660 $313,781 106

Bellingham 1337 $325,657 84 1353 $333,846 109

Ferndale 287 $320,530 79 293 $333,752 93

Blaine 384 $305,550 94 329 $318,914 114

Lynden 219 $314,480 76 225 $296,329 96

So what has gone up and what has gone down? Prices have gone up everywhere in Whatcom County with the exception of Lynden. Days on the Market (DOM) has gone up everywhere in Whatcom County with no exceptions. The number of units sold has gone down in Whatcom County as a whole, but up in Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden.

Stats provided by KC Coonc courtesy of Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom, Inc.

Windermere Real Estate

Fairhaven Condos

2007-10-09T16:22:19Z

Fairhaven Condos

Since 2003 the Fairhaven condos have doubled in volume. There are currently around one thousand condominiums in Fairhaven. The newest condominiums being built are by far the nicest. Located just near Boulevard Park are the Park Place Residences. At $1,700,000 they are truly spectacular. The Park Place Residence condominiums feature 35' ceilings of steel and glass construction.

Other newer Fairhaven condos are Harris Square. Harris Square is located on the corner of Harris and 10^th Street, which is an ideal location for someone looking to live without the use of a car. Harris Square condominiums are currently being offered around $350/sq.ft. - $400/sq.ft.

Other recently built condos in Fairhaven in The Waldron Building, The Young Building, Fairhaven Garden's Building, Tenth & Taylor. New condos in Fairhaven with a view of Bellingham Bay start in the price range of $500,000 and continue up to $1,700,000.

Click here for information about Fairhaven condos for sale.

Bellingham Waterfront Homes

2007-10-09T15:40:06Z

Bellingham Waterfront Homes

Bellingham's waterfront extends from Chuckanut Drive to Marine Drive located on the north eastern coast of Bellingham, WA. Waterfront homes located along Chuckanut Drive start in the $500,000 and range up to around $4,000,000. The homes on the waterfront along Chuckanut Drive feature high banks near the street, to isolated cliffs to no bank beaches in coves. In fact, many of the high bank homes have access to the 5 local beaches along Chuckanut Drive. Just near the Whatcom and Skagit Count border, you will find Larrabee State Park, which has waterfront access for the entire public to enjoy.

Moving north, but still at the south end of Bellingham, there are more waterfront homes featured in the Edgemoor Neighborhood of Bellingham. In the Edgemoor Neighborhood of Bellingham, waterfront homes begin in the $1,000,000 price range and typically are located on ½ acre lots. Most of the waterfront home in Edgemoor have been substantially remodeled, or have been constructed on the site of a previous home.

North of Edgemoor is Fairhaven, which is also part of Bellingham, WA. Although Fairhaven does not feature any waterfront homes, you will find hundreds of water view condominiums. If you are interested in Fairhaven Condos with a view of Bellingham Bay I have more information about them as well.

Downtown Bellingham is located north of Fairhaven and is mainly commercial. Bellingham Commercial real estate is also highly desirable and I have more information about it, but not here. However, just on the western outskirts of downtown Bellingham is Eldridge Ave. Eldridge Ave. does not feature true waterfront homes either, but does offer outstanding 1920's style homes with a southerly exposure of the waterfront and Bellingham Bay. Waterfront homes located along Aldridge Ave start in the $400,000's and go up to around $900,000.

Our last stop of waterfront homes along Bellingham Bay is on Maine Drive. Marie Drive is west of Bellingham and features stunning southern exposure waterfront. This part of Bellingham's waterfront is very special and is one of the few places where you can walk out on a sandy beach when the tide is out. Waterfront homes on Marine Drive also start in the $500,000 and go up to around $2,000,000.

Click here to see Bellingham Waterfront Homes for sale.

Medical Building Development Opportunity

2007-10-05T15:25:31Z

$739,000 - XXXX Buck Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

1.42 acres with C-2 General Commercial Zoning. Application has been made to the City of Mount Vernon for an 11,964 sqft Professional Office Building with 52 off street parking spaces. Excellent location along Kulshan Creek in Parker Business Center. Preliminary design is for 3 separate 3,988 sqft suites that can be combined for one large user. Plans and engineering completed and submitted to the City.

See More at http://Windermere-Commercial.com

Mount Vernon Movie House for Sale

2007-10-05T15:16:33Z

$595,000 - 520 S Main St. Mount Vernon, WA 98237

6,000 sq.ft. Retail building in downtown Mt. Vernon. Building was originally a movie theater that still has high ceilings that would allow for a mezzanine. Owner wiling to lease back all or part with terms to be negotiated. This is a great location for a variety of business uses.

See More at http://Windermere-Commercial.com

1 in 10 Homes

2007-10-04T12:35:28Z

That is right, 1 in 10 homes are currently selling every month in Whatcom County. So what does it take to get your home sold right now with all of the competition? Not only do you need to be the BEST house in your price range, but you need to be the best priced as well.

As for some better news, home prices in Whatcom County have increased since last year. 3rd quarter volume sales are up this year and nearly as strong as 2006. The Federal Reserve is working hard to keep interest rates low. As of today, the typical interest rate on a 30 year fix is around 6.375%.

The other market factor that we currently have going on is the strength of the Canadian Dollar. It is true, the Canadians are coming. The strength of the Canadian Dollar combined with high real estate costs in British Columbia and a buyers market in Whatcom County are providing a little needed stability to our real estate market. We will have to wait a couple of more months to see how this plays out.