Skagit & Island County Real Estate Podcast

We trace how Anacortes grows from an 1850s waterfront settlement into a premium Skagit County housing market shaped by industry, bold promotion, and civic investment. We connect the town’s working-waterfront past to the lifestyle and retirement demand that drives Anacortes real estate today. 
• early settlement roots and Amos Bowman’s promotion of Anacortes 
• the waterfront economy of fishing, lumber, transportation, farming and canneries 
• postwar housing patterns and how neighborhoods spread across town 
• Skyline as an early view-driven development and a turning point for utilities and growth 
• why Anacortes prices stay higher than Mount Vernon, Burlington and Sedro-Woolley 
• ferry visibility versus the Navy base and other true demand drivers 
• the 1992 mill fire, the end of rail service and the Tommy Thompson Trail conversion 
• recent high-end development pressures and what the West Basin project could change 
If you have questions about Anacortes you know the Atterbury second and third generation real estate are the guys to ask 
it's a great place come see us 

A brand new listing status just hit the Northwest MLS, and it’s already changing how homes show up online. We sit down with Joy Edwards Brown to unpack “First Look,” the closest thing Western Washington has had to a true Coming Soon program, and why it matters whether you’re selling a home in Bellingham, Skagit County, or Island County or trying to buy in a tight inventory market.

We walk through the mechanics in plain English: First Look can last up to 21 days, it flips automatically to Active, and it can’t be used again for 60 days if you try to reset it. Then we get practical about marketing and visibility. IDX syndication is the feed that pushes listings to public portals like Zillow and Redfin, and not every website is handling the First Look status cleanly yet. That means buyers may not see everything online, and agents need to update searches and client expectations so no one misses real inventory.

On the seller side, we talk strategy you can actually use: testing price without racking up days on market, gathering feedback on unique properties with few comparables, and creating a short runway when the house isn’t quite ready for showings. We also share the cautions: be consistent if you say “no showings” or “no offers,” double check listing input details, and don’t damage your first impression with rushed photos or half finished prep.

If you’re a buyer, seller, or agent trying to understand how First Look impacts exposure, negotiation, and fairness, this conversation will give you the framework to make better decisions. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s moving, and leave a review if it helped. Are you planning to use First Look or avoid it?

Thinking about buying your first home in Skagit County, Washington? Cintia Barajas shares practical first-time home buyer tips, including how to get started, financing options with as little as 0% down, and where to look for opportunities in the Skagit County real estate market.

Cintia discusses how first-time buyers can prepare for the home-buying process, understand their financing options, and identify areas and property types where buyers may find better values.

With the Skagit County real estate market shifting into a buyer’s market, buyers may have more negotiating power and opportunities than they’ve had in years.

In this video, you'll learn:

• How to get started buying your first home
• First-time home buyer financing options
• How 0% down home loans may work
• Areas of Skagit County where buyers may find opportunities
• Property types that can offer good value
• How a buyer’s market can benefit first-time buyers
• Why now may be a good time to begin preparing for a purchase

Whether you're looking in Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, La Conner, or other communities throughout Skagit County, these tips can help you understand the local market and take the first steps toward homeownership.

Thinking about buying a home in Skagit County? Start the conversation with a local real estate professional and find out what options may be available for you.

You can reach Cintia Barajas at [email protected]

We map out the can’t-miss summer events across Skagit County, from tulips and street fairs to parades, fireworks, and art booths. Then we shift into a late-spring real estate check on what buyers can negotiate and how to think about the months ahead. 
• Tulip Festival as the big seasonal anchor, plus street fair growth, food vendors, and live music 
• Skagit County Fair highlights, from petting zoo to rides, plus a memorable ride rescue story 
• Sedro-Woolley Fourth of July plans, parade to barbecue to Riverfront Park fireworks 
• Berry Dairy Days weekend schedule, parade, vendors, and fireworks 
• Mount Vernon Cinco de Mayo parade, downtown closures, community pride, and local businesses 
• Highland Games at Riverfront Park and the Anacortes Arts Festival downtown 
• Market snapshot in late spring, three-month supply of inventory, more balanced pricing 
• Buyer strategies, closing cost credits, possible price drops, and more room to negotiate 
• Contingent offers feeling more doable when the pace slows 

if anyone's interested in buying or selling, we're here. Contact Betsy at [email protected], Dania at [email protected]

We welcome Kim Iverson to discuss her new podcast "Anchored in Anacortes," which fills an important information gap for the community by covering local events and real estate trends. Kim shares her inspiration for starting the podcast and explains how it helps residents stay informed about happenings in and around Anacortes.

• Kim started "Anchored in Anacortes" after noticing people on Facebook constantly asking about local events they'd missed
• The podcast covers Anacortes events plus worthwhile happenings in nearby Whatcom County, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley
• Kim interviewed the Mount Erie Fire Chief for a 4th of July episode featuring home fire safety tips and resources
• Anacortes real estate market update: 14 new listings in the past 10 days with 7 under $700,000
• The market is balancing with homes under $700K still moving quickly, while luxury homes over $1M have more inventory
• Current market sees 98% list-to-sale price ratio, down from 100% a year ago, indicating more negotiation room
• Upcoming events include Shipwreck Fest, Shipwreck Music Fest, weekly farmers markets, Birds of Prey demonstration, and free summer concerts
• Kim recommends the farmers market vendor Skagit Gourmet Mushrooms and the fresh fruit trucks from Eastern Washington

Find and subscribe to "Anchored in Anacortes" on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can reach Kim Iverson at [email protected]

Rose Raivo shares her 25-year journey building and flipping six homes in Skagit County, revealing strategies for finding value in overlooked properties and turning challenges into equity-building opportunities.

• Finding deals by looking for land that others avoid due to complications like wetlands or required additional surveys
• Writing letters directly to landowners to find off-market opportunities, which resulted in successful land purchases
• Building on various properties from quarter-acre city lots to seven-acre rural parcels
• Recognizing that properties with challenges often sell at discounts that create immediate equity once issues are resolved
• Shopping discounts and materials more aggressively when building specifically to flip
• Using manufactured homes as investment properties for faster turnaround times (under six months vs 9-12 months)
• Walking land at different times of day to determine optimal home positioning and design features
• Leveraging construction loans to finance projects after thorough feasibility planning
• Working as a husband-wife team with complementary skills in construction and design
• Examining properties for potential views, light exposure, and unique features to maximize value

You can reach Rose at [email protected]

The housing landscape is changing dramatically across Washington and Oregon, with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) at the forefront of addressing affordable housing challenges. Paul, Howard, and special guest Bert Clay from Anacortes dive deep into groundbreaking legislation that's creating unprecedented opportunities for homeowners and investors alike.

Gone are the restrictive days of limited ADU potential. New laws now permit up to two ADUs per single-family lot, with increased size allowances up to 1,000 square feet and eliminated owner-occupancy requirements. This opens doors for creative housing solutions that benefit multiple stakeholders in the community. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer looking to offset mortgage costs, a retiree seeking additional income while aging in place, or a family needing space for multi-generational living, ADUs offer practical solutions.

The conversation tackles important questions about implementation timelines (with full adoption coming by 2025-26), HOA restrictions (existing ones remain, future ones can't prohibit ADUs), and the genuine investment potential that could transform ordinary homeowners into landlords without purchasing additional properties. Unlike high-rise developments that dramatically alter neighborhood character, ADUs represent a gentler density increase that often improves communities by renovating underutilized spaces like alleys and old garages.

For those sitting on substantial home equity but struggling with monthly cash flow, ADUs provide a strategic path forward. By converting unused space or adding detached units, homeowners can generate rental income while maintaining their property's character—potentially transforming their backyard into a retirement plan. The hosts encourage starting the planning process now, even if implementation is still months away, as thorough preparation will position property owners to maximize these exciting new opportunities when they fully arrive.

Ready to explore how ADUs could work with your property? Connect with Bert Clay at John L Scott Anacortes or their property management division, Green Ocean Real Estate Services, to navigate this evolving opportunity landscape. Bert can be reached at [email protected]

Experience the unfiltered charm of Bow-Edison in our latest episode, where local real estate expert Shalyce Pocock reveals everything these communities offer! Nestled away from the bustling I-5, Bow-Edison are often pastimes for travelers, but Shalyce invites you to truly explore their potential as ideal places to call home. 

Join us as we discuss her journey into real estate, which began back in 2012, and how her deep passion for Bow and Edison shapes her approach to connecting new residents to the area. Shalyce highlights unique local experiences—from tantalizing dining locations such as Taylor Shellfish to the excitement of the lush trails that define the landscape. The communities celebrate a rich culture steeped in history, family ties, and a vibrant community spirit, drawing individuals and families alike into its fold.

We also dive into the current state of the housing market in Bow-Edison. Shalyce provides clarity on property types, pricing trends, and the influences of interest rates, arming listeners with essential knowledge to make informed decisions. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking for a starter home or seeking larger properties with lush acreage, this episode prepares you to navigate the changing landscape of real estate in these beautiful towns.

Curious about making a move? Contact Shalyce Pocock for a personalized tour and discovery into what makes Bow and Edison such a compelling place to live! Subscribe for more insights and stories about thriving communities!

[email protected]

Anacortes exemplifies a picturesque island lifestyle, blending outdoor adventures with a vibrant community life. We delve into the city's growth, affordability challenges, real estate market insights, and the unique experiences that make Anacortes a desirable location for both families and retirees.

• Exploration of Anacortes as a gateway to the San Juans 
• Lisa's personal journey from childhood to real estate expert 
• Discussion on the town's growth and its limitations as an island 
• Shift in demographics and challenges for younger families 
• Emphasis on the quality of life and recreational opportunities 
• Insights into the resilient real estate market of Anacortes 
• Highlights of the local community support and engagement 
• Overview of unique microclimates and their impact on living conditions 
• Encouragement to experience Anacortes beyond a transit point 
• Invitation to connect with the local community and explore real estate options

You can reach Lisa at [email protected]

The episode explores the intricacies of property management, focusing on the dynamics between tenant satisfaction and landlord interests. Our guests, Allen Workman and Alicia Sustaita, share vital insights on the current rental market, pricing forecasts, misconceptions about property management, and strategies for successful tenant relationships while revealing what sets their services apart.

• Analysis of the current rental market conditions 
• Overview of seasonal trends affecting rentals 
• Predictions for rental prices through 2025 
• Common misconceptions about property management 
• Importance of maintaining happy tenant relationships 
• Tips for landlords on lease management and tenant screening 
• Unique offerings of Green Ocean Real Estate Services 
• Insights into adherence to landlord-tenant laws 
• Discussion on property inspections and maintenance 
• Personal reflections on the joys of property management

Green Ocean Real Estate Services covers Skagit, Island & Whatcom County. You can reach them at https://greenoceanrentals.com/about/