Real estate and other stuff in Anacortes, Washington

I Have Been Meme'd by Margaret Woda! Aaaghhh!

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:10:20 -0600

Just when I'd resigned myself to existing under the ActiveRain radar -WHAM!

First, here is a link to her blog, Margaret Woda, and her latest meme post. BTW Margaret, your high-speed chase story was awesome! You have put the fear into me -my son just got his driver's permit!

Here are seven things about me: (Clipart? no time for clipart - use your imagination!)

•1) I have the most wonderful kids in the world. I think all kids are great - mine are no exception. I believe that I am witnessing a living miracle every time I look at them. I don't think I tell them that often enough - they think I tell them too often.

•2) Claims to fame: My great-great uncle was an Olympic Gold medalist (trap shooter). I met Marcel Marceau when I was 10. I stood next to Eddie Vedder at a Mariners game once. (He probably doesn't remember.)

•3) I can be brutally honest without realizing it and my husband says I am way too opinionated to sell real estate! Hasn't slowed me down yet...

•4) I know I sound like a cheeseball, but I truly love selling real estate. I love my clients, I love taking care of my sphere with all kinds of spiffs and goodies and I love putting on my waders and helping people navigate the sometimes very muddy waters of our industry. I even love all the other agents - they are either dear friends or a constant source of material!

•5) I am a terrible housekeeper. Oh well. Here's what I think of monthly yard maintenance: best money I ever spent!

•6) I can multi-task with the best of them - but I CANNOT figure out how to run all the remotes that are required to turn on our entertainment system. I guess that's what children are for.

•7) Tops on my playlist right now... Coldplay, Weezer (always), John Legend, Angels and Airwaves, Earth Wind and Fire, NPR radio - LOVED the credit-default-swap program. Listen to it online if you haven't already!

Below are the seven people I am tagging. If you are one of them - read below for the rules. I will apologize in advance to you all - but you really have Margaret Woda to blame for tagging me in the first place. Remember, she has a lot more clout at ActiveRain than I do and she obviously knows a lot of people in the government- so compliance is a really good idea!

Gerry Khatchikian - Prudential Red Lodge

Silvia Dukes - Tropic Shores Realty (fellow Rotarian!)

Alysha Munoz - Keller Williams, Santa Rosa

Bridget Cella - Weichert

Kim Tomasko - C21 Hometown

Mary Lockman - Windermere Methow Valley (love it there!)

Mark A. Moore - RE/Max Alliance

Good Luck and Happy Memeing to you all!

THE RULES: (as passed along to me...)

Create a blog post with a link to the person who so happily tagged you for a MEME. See above.
List all of these rules in your post. Feel free to cut and paste this.
Share 7 things that others may not know about you. Do or have I HAD a life outside of real estate?
Identify 7 other ActiveRain members to tag for a MEME, and provide links to their blogs in your own MEME post.
Contact each of the tagged members and let them know that you were indeed fast enough to catch them and that you did indeed tag them...no matter how much they say you missed them!
No schoolyard rules in this MEME, nope you gotta do it if you are tagged. (I hear the MEME police are out in force, rounding up folks who ignore this "invitation")
Post a link to your MEME in the comments of this post - the one in which you were publicly tagged!)
Include your post in the MEME's Group. (I actually sent you an invite to the MeMe's Group, which included your notice that you were tagged for a MEME.

www.LiveInAnacortes.com

Wrestlers For Life!

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:16:18 -0600

Tomorrow (Thursday, the 15th) in the lobby in front of Brodniak Hall from 5:30 to 6:30, the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a reception / meet and greet for Jim McNally and the Wrestlers For Life organization. Afterward, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the wrestling match in the Williams Gym.

Jim does an amazing job raising money while helping the kids learn the value of community service. The Wrestlers For Life program sends kids into the community to help with all sorts of things in exchange for donations that go to the American Cancer Society.

Come down tomorrow night, meet Jim and the wrestlers and learn more about this very cool community outreach program. Refreshments will be served! Then, grab a hot dog from concessions and go cheer on the Seahawk Grapplers!

www.LiveInAnacortes.com

Tide Tables - (a little January optimism!)

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:45:46 -0600

So the sun came out for about 30 seconds today and I just couldn't help myself! I started thinking about summer.... the beach.... and I suddenly found myself checking the tide tables!

Here is the link for Anacortes / Guemes Channel area tide tables - courtesy of NOAA. You may not need it today - but you'll thank me when it's time to back the boat in or pack up the family and head to Washington Park!

Tide Tables

Go Summer!

www.LiveInAnacortes.com

I'd be happy to show you that home, shall we take your Ark or mine?

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:53:22 -0600

It seems the rain will never end! I have to keep reminding myself that when it's all over, this is the stuff that makes the Pacific Northwest so beautiful and green the rest of the year. And I take a bit of comfort in the fact that however bad it might be here, we still only get about half the rainfall of Seattle. Sorry Seattlites!

It was a truly miserable day today in Anacortes, weather-wise, that is. The rain was not only constant, it was cold and heavy. Despite the rain, though, there were some very bright spots in our real estate market... I was out showing property this morning in the pouring rain and I saw our floor agent get two very promising floor calls - one walk-in and one via phone - and help another agent's client who just wanted to drive-by some listings.

If buyers are out looking in this weather - imagine what it might be like when it stops raining! Keep the umbrellas open and your spirits up - spring is on the way!

2010 Winter Olympics - Are you going?

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 10:49:56 -0600

Would you like to see a once-in-a-lifetime Olympic moment? Were you in the Watercube watching Michael Phelps stand on the podium with the National Anthem playing? I wasn't - but that would have been pretty cool! What if you could be there when someone smashes a speed skating record or on the sidelines to watch the legendary Eddie the Eagle and his spectacle of a performance? The emotional power of the Olympics comes through loud and clear on the TV - you could be there - feeling the pulse of the crowd when an athlete accomplishes something no one ever though possible or displays a level of sportsmanship or sacrifice that goes beyond human boundaries.

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics are about to take place in our backyard, and, believe it or not, the first phase of individual event ticket sales for US citizens is OVER! You can still get some package tours that include tickets but many of those packages, particularly those that include tickets for the opening ceremonies, are SOLD OUT already!

There is a second round of individual ticket sales coming up in the spring - you need to open an account with CoSport, the official US Olympic ticket agent to get on the notification list so you don't miss that deadline.

The next summer Olympics are in London, the next winter Olympics are in Russia. It's a lot cheaper to drive up I-5 than fly to London or Russia! Don't miss what may be your chance in a lifetime to see the Olympics! It's a whole 90 minutes from Anacortes.

Go to www.CoSport.com to find out how to sign up to reserve tour packages or notifications of individual ticket sales. While you are waiting, I suggest you get your passport if you don't have one already. You will need it!

USA! USA! USA!

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:44:24 -0600

The Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American are reporting that Bill Evans, longtime Anacortes resident and athletic coach, has been named as the head football coach at Anacortes High School.

That is GREAT NEWS for Seahawk fans! Bill is a great guy -my own son has had him for a couple of classes and speaks very highly of him. He has a past record as a winning head football coach, and is very well-respected among the kids at the high school.

Congratulations to both Bill and the Seahawks!

Read the whole story here.

Anacortes / North Whidbey Home / NAS Area - Big, Beautiful and Priced to Sell!

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:30:43 -0600

If you are house-hunting in the Anacortes / Whidbey area, don't miss this builder's custom home! this home is priced to sell at $350,000 - it is truly beautiful! Here are some details....

Live beautifully in this Dugualla Bay custom home on a large, private lot. Close to Anacortes or Whidbey NAS. Huge deck w/ hot tub and access to a large, fenced back yard. 3 bedrooms, 2 master suites, gourmet kitchen, walls of built-ins, custom moldings and quality finishes throughout. Formal entry w/ gleaming wood floors welcomes you into a flowing floor plan that is perfect for formal & informal living. Craftsman detailing, covered porch, 2 car garage and all the amenities that the Dugualla Bay Community offers.

Click here for a link to complete listing info!

More Bald Eagles than you can shake a stick at!

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:37:25 -0600

The Skagit River Bald Eagle season is in full swing from now until February. If you can, take a drive up Highway 20 into the North Cascades for prime eagle viewing. The Skagit River watershed area is home to one of the largest populations of wintering eagles in the world.

January 24th and 25th is the Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival and the Skagit River Interpretive Center is open with regular hours posted on their website: http://www.skagiteagle.org/.

Go see it! It's just one more reason why Skagit Valley is so cool!

Make the Interest Rate Reductions Count!

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 21:14:37 -0600

Some Buyer Math... or Does My Calculator Deceive Me???

Buyer A is not afraid of the economy and wants to take care of business! Buyer A finances a $300K house - 20% down - balance on a 5%, 30 year loan. Loan amount is $240K. Monthly PI payments: @$1393/mo, interest for the life of loan is over $223K.

Buyer B is afraid that the prices are going to drop more and waits another 6 months before buying. In that six months, the market has dropped another 10% (let's give Buyer B every advantage). Buyer B finances the same house right next door, but now it's $270K instead of $300K. Great! Saved $30K... BUT WAIT! Interest rates have crept up a bit - now they are at 7%. Buyer B puts 20% down and finances the balance for a loan amount of $216K. Buyer B also saved $6K on the down payment. Buyer B's monthly PI payments are $1530/mo AND the interest for the life of the loan is over $300K!

So lets review...

Buyer A paid $6K more for the downstroke, saves almost $150/mo. The amount borrowed was $26K more than Buyer B's loan. If Buyer A keeps the home for 5 years, they will save nearly $9000 in monthly payments over Buyer B. Immediate net gain over Buyer B after accounting for the $6000 downpayment difference is $3000K. If Buyer A and Buyer B keep the homes for 30 years, Buyer A will save $40K in interest after deducting the difference in purchase price.

If Buyer A sells in 5 years, the balance on his 5% loan will be just over $220K. If Buyer B sells after 5 years, the balance on his 7% loan will be just over $203K. A difference of $17,000, NOT the $30K that was the difference in purchase price. In just 5 short years, Buyer B just spent in interest nearly half of what he saved by waiting for the price drop!

Many agents agreed in commenting on Michael Pinter's blog (including me) that the lower interest rates being offered were not going to be enough to boost buyer confidence - but they SHOULD BE! Buyers that can take advantage of todays rates can save some serious MONEY over the life of a loan. We need to be proactive and educate educate educate!

Buyers - get thee to a lender - PRONTO!

(Disclaimer - my numbers and interest rates are NOT OFFERS or ADVERTISEMENTS! They are hypothetical and for mathematical example only!!)

Anacortes' very own "Evening at the Improv" is BACK!

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:43:03 -0600

It's been many many months since our local comedy pros have taken the stage - and with all the snow and the bleak media reports about the economy, we could all use a little laughter right about now!

One night only, January 9, 8:00pm at Brodniak Hall with a special pre-show at 7:30. We are sponsoring this show in conjunction with Marty, Craig, Brian, Nate and the rest to benefit SABA - the Anacortes Schools sports booster association.

Tickets are available at the door - $5 - with all the proceeds going to SABA. My advice: GET THERE EARLY! It will be crowded!

If you have never seen these very talented guys perform, you are in for something truly hilarious. The show is family-friendly (no swearing or off-color material, but really little kids might not get it), and pretty much guaranteed to make you laugh until you are in pain!

So- scrape off any remaining snow on your car and get over to Anacortes High School on January 9th - you will be VERY glad you did!

Help Save the BC / Anacortes Ferry Run!

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:46:45 -0600

The Washington State Ferries are a defining feature of Anacortes in so many ways. Not only are they beautiful to watch as they come and go, they bring tourist dollars through, provide lots of jobs, are a vital link to the rest of our treasured San Juan Islands and give us an amazing, international connection to Vancouver Island and the residents of Sidney and Victoria, BC.

The ferry run to Vancouver Island from Anacortes is once again in danger of being eliminated by the State of Washington as a "cost saving" measure. Once again, no one is considering the huge economic impact this ferry run has on our area. This is one of the few state ferry runs that actually operates in the black when all is said and done.

Below is part of an announcement from our Anacortes Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Mitch Everton, regarding community action to save this ferry:

"In her current budget, the Governor has proposed elimination of the Anacortes-Sidney ferry run.

A community meeting to save the international ferry run is scheduled for Wenesday, January 7 @ 6:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the impact of this decision, provide contact information, and lay out an action plan.

Please put this on your calendar and plan on attending. The impact of this decision on our local economy will be potentially significant. It will take a concerted effort to turn the tide on this, especially given the dire situation of our state budget. "

The last time we had to rally to save our ferry, the state thought the private ferries to BC that operate out of Seattle would serve the demand just fine. We love those ferries, too, but given the popularity of the ferry runs from Seattle and Anacortes, believe that there is a place in the market for both to operate successfully. It is true that the state ferries aren't as glamorous and are a little rough around the edges on the creature comforts sometimes, but they serve a critical need in our island transportation network.

If you are from Anacortes or just have a fond memory of the San Juan Islands or the ferry system (this one in particular), please speak up! Backpackers, bikers, kayakers and sight-seers beware! If we lose this ferry, it will be gone forever, and with it, a big part of the San Juan experience.

If you can't be at the meeting, send me your comments or send them to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. You can find them at www.anacortes.org.

We need your help!

Anacortes Real Estate Update

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:19:30 -0600

We hardly ever get snow... Really! Another three inches or so fell at my house last night - it just keeps coming down! Real Estate must go on, though! So I will put down my sled and take off the apron, (snow makes me want to bake - go figure) and post some real estate stats for those who are interested.

15 single family homes have closed so far in December in Anacortes and Fidalgo Island. That is already over twice as many as November. Good news! Prices are continuing to fall, and although the snow is keeping folks out of the office and off the street, things look a bit more optimistic heading into the New Year.

There are currently 253 homes on the market in Anacortes - about 20 of them have accepted offers.

Average price of homes sold in December is $339K. Average price of active listings is $590K. Average price of pending homes is $400K.

Average days on market for pending homes is 151.

Again - I cannot overstate the buyers opportunities right now in the market. Interest rates are at historic lows, prices are more reasonable than ever and sellers are motivated. If you are a first time buyer - get to a bank this week and find out your lending options. If you are thinking of moving up, out or downsizing, getting into waterfront or waterview, now is a great time to take advantage of the low buy-ins. They won't last forever.

And for sellers - buyers are out there as evidenced by the market activity this month. Let's get it on the market, and get it sold!

Follow the seagulls and discover Anacortes at www.GoSeagull.com.

Anacortes View Lot - Gorgeous San Juan Island Views

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:18:00 -0600

Here is a rare chance to own a beautiful Georgia Place view lot in Anacortes - perfect for your dream home! This desireable hilltop neighborhood is where you will find some of our most beautiful view homes. Imagine spending summers entertaining on your deck while taking in the incredible San Juan Islands and watching the yachts glide by on the deep blue Guemes Channel.

Treasured Little Cranberry Lake and the Anacortes Forest Lands are waiting nearby for your after-dinner stroll. Choose the wide, leisurely forest paths or take a more challenging hike if you are so inclined. Watch the eagles fish and the tadpoles swim. A true in-city retreat!

This view lot won't last long - come to Anacortes and see how good life can be.

$409,900

Mortgage Rates

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:00:17 -0600

I have had lots of hints from lots of lenders over the past few days about interest rates dropping under 5% - but I just got the first actual confirmation from a lender offering a 30 year fixed at 4.5%. It looks like it's actually here. Hard to believe that they would ever be so low, but encouraging that our fed is willing to go the distance to help out home buyers!

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:03:36 -0600

It NEVER snows in Anacortes! Really! Except once in a while... like now! If memory serves, but it often doesn't, this year's weather pattern seems eerily similar to the winter of 1996, when we had a ton of snow throughout the holidays, even a fresh few inches on Christmas morning to cover Santa's tracks. We have escaped the usual November winds, and I don't remember a cold Northerly wind like this in the last few years. So... white Christmas? Maybe! I know my kids are hoping so!

I'd tell you where the best sledding is in town, but then everyone would know and it would get crowded. All I can say is stay off the streets - that is really dangerous. If you want the inside tip on where to sled safely, call me. In the meantime, get busy on that snowman!

For lots of local links and info about Anacortes, go to www.lawscraig.com

Calling all Penguins!

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:35:20 -0600

Well, it's not exactly skinny-dipping, but it sure is fun to watch! The Thunderbirds will be going with whoever else is brave enough to jump in Clearlake for a quick swim on New Years Day, 2009. I haven't actually swam in the lake, but I was so cold last year just standing on the shore that I was pretty convinced I had frostbite! I was never so happy to see a cup of hot cocoa!

If you count yourself among the brave of heart, contact me and I'll put you in touch with the powers that be to get you registered for the event and hook you up with a really cool T-Shirt that says... Penguin Dip!

Thunderbirds!

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:30:00 -0600

Congratulations are in order to the Anacortes swimmers from the Thunderbird Aquatic Club that made it into the Pacific NW Swimming Short Course Champs meet! We are sending 9 - count them - NINE swimmers this December to the meet in Federal Way over the weekend of the 13th and 14th.

The Thunderbirds are a USA swimming club with age group swimmers from the very very young to the very very... well, you know what I mean! If you'd like more info about the Thunderbirds, see the website at www.thunderbirdswim.org.

Please support our local Anacortes pool. Not only is it the home of the Thunderbirds, it is an invaluable community asset. The next time a pool levy is on the ballot, remember that we are so lucky to have such a great faciility!

Holiday events at Brodniak

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:22:07 -0600

Broadniak hall is decked out for the holidays! First, it's the Nutcracker, performed by Fidalgo DanceWorks. A holiday tradition, especially in Anacortes. Only two shows, so get there early - they will both sell out as usual! Saturday, December 13 at 7pm and Sunday, December 14 at 3pm.

Anacortes High School Holiday Choir Concert is Monday at 7pm. Our choir is excellent - if you haven't seen them yet- please go to this concert. From contemporary to traditional holiday selections, our choir director likes to mix it up and she really inspires these kids. They are great!

Next up it's the Holiday High School Band concert. Go Band! This is a lot of fun and will get you in the holiday mood with great symphonic band selections and some really cool drumline performances. 'Cause nothing says Christmas like a good drumline! Tuesday at 7pm.

By the way - in case you haven't had the pleasure of attending anything at Brodniak Hall, it's at the North end of the High School. Go East on 17th to the end to enter the parking lot. Brodniak is just South of the Gymnasium.

Downpayment Assistance in Anacortes

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:59:50 -0600

Washington State has several downpayment assistance programs for targeted areas and people groups in our state- see if you qualify for one. Couple these with the low interest rates and lower prices and you have unprecedented opportunities for home-ownership!

Follow the link below to find out what you might be eligible for!

http://www.wshfc.org/buyers/downpayment.htm

FHA Opportunities in Anacortes

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:40:18 -0600

I just went to an FHA class sponsored by Wells Fargo. For many years, the housing prices in Anacortes and the FHA loan limits did not even come close to matching up - so we didn't see a lot of FHA loans processed here.

Now, thanks to new FHA limits in our county and some great prices in Anacortes, there are lots of properties that qualify. In some cases, the house price can go as high as $305K with the minimum amount down.

FHA can be a great option not just for first-time buyers, but for any buyers looking for low down-payment options. There is no income limit, just loan cap amounts. It can also work really well for people looking to get their kids into something (co-sign) for very little money down. This is a great alternative to conventional financing for investment property that can require big downpayments. As long as one of the co-signers is going to live in the house for a year (in most cases) the FHA low down payment requirements can be applicable. The FHA buyer can end up with a very attractive, very low-interest, fully assumable loan - something that could be a real value-added feature of a property when it is sold in the future.

Down payments on FHA loans can be gifts from a family member or close friend.

For sellers, FHA offers lots of great options. Seller contributions to buyer closing costs are allowed, as are loan buy-downs, points, etc. that can be offered as buyer incentives.

FHA property inspections have loosened up a lot since the old days, as well, and the appraisal process is really no more rigorous than a conventional appraisal.

FHA also has some great options for rehab loans and reverse mortgages.

It is definitely a new day for FHA - especially in Anacortes! Check it out!

Support your local band!

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:59:20 -0600

Support our local Anacortes High School Band! You love them at the football games and in the parade - come and show your support for them at the Band Craft Fair, after the Christmas parade on Saturday. It's at the Anacortes Middle School gym from noon until 4:30. Lots of great local craftspeople will be selling their wares. Buy raffle tickets, enjoy a hot baked potato, find the perfect, unique gift for everyone on your list - there are lots of ways you can help out. Our band needs you! Fight fight fight for purple and white!

Anacortes Old Town Classic

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:08:20 -0600

This is the Anacortes Classic you have been waiting for!

For more photos and info, click here

Remodeled craftsman on a lovely street in the historic district of Anacortes. 1900 sq Ft of traditional "old house" finishes; gleaming wood floors, tile fireplace, kitchen with granite counters walk in pantry, eating bar and dining space. The large finished attic is perfect for a home office, play room, rec room or additional bedroom.

Two bedrooms and a large tile bath are on the main floor. Laundry, storage space and plumbing for another bathroom in the basement. Beautifully landscaped yard with cement stamped patio; detached garage with shop space. Walk to the library, explore the museum, stroll around Causland Park or enjoy all the downtown shopping and dining amenities that wonderful Anacortes has to offer!

Priced at $399,950

First time buyer?... Read on...

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:01:57 -0600

Here are some interesting points from the National Association of REALTORS. If you are getting ready to buy a home, give yourself every advantage in the deal. It's easy to forget the basics when you are busy with househunting, inspections and negotiations. And when your ready to start looking in Anacortes - go to www.goseagull.com!

Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

1. They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

2. They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3. They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying process.

4. They don't do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

5. They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Source: Real Estate Checklists and Systems

reprinted from National Association of REALTORS

Here come the holidays!

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:40:28 -0600

Here's what's happening in Anacortes this week...

Town Tree Lighting - this Friday, December 5th, downtown. Enjoy an old fashioned tree lighting complete with carolers from the high school, hot cocoa and Santa, who sometimes shows up in a limo and sometimes on a fire truck! Starts at 6pm.

Afterward - hang out downtown and go on the Art Walk - the holiday art walk is always the best one of the year - everyone is open late and there are plenty of holiday goodies around!

Breakfast with Santa is the next morning at Fidalgo Center from 8 to 11:30, followed by the annual Lions Club Christmas Parade downtown on Commercial at 11:00. Parades are awesome in general, and this one does not dissapoint in the small town charm department! There is a good possibility that the majority of our population has been in the Christmas Parade at one time or another as a scout, preschooler, volunteer, car driver, or band member. So grab your latte and a goodie from the Calico Cupboard (and maybe your umbrella) and get your spot on the sidewalk.

Later that night is the Island Hospital Foundation Celebration of Trees auction event at the Port Dock. Tickets include dinner and lots of holiday festivities - and you get to look at and hopefully bid on, some amazingly beautiful trees and wreaths. Don't miss it!

For more details on all of these events, go to www.LawsCraig.com and in the links section, click on Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.

Anacortes Assessments

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:18:14 -0600

The Anacortes American reported on Wednesday that assessments in Anacortes won't change much this year - except for Skyline. Skyline is anticipated to see some decrease in assessed values this year.

According to the American, "Anacortes was physically inspected in 2007 and its assessed value went up nearly 20 percent, increasing from about $4.342 billion to about $5.275 billion. The value is for all properties in the Anacortes School District boundaries, including residential land and commercial property, such as the refineries. The assessed value increase was an accumulation of what happened over the past few years."

The recent market downturn probably won't be reflected in most assessed values until 2010. Skyine residents will see a drop this year of about 5%.

Skagit County uses an overall budget basis for calculating taxes, so your taxes may or may not rise if your assessment changes. Your taxes will rise and fall based on your overall change in value compared to everyone else in the county. I encourage you to get wise about your property taxes - how they are calculated, how value is determined and how an increase or decrease in value really affects your bottom line!