http://thenorthwestlife.com/Real Estate market updates and information on how we will market your home or property.en-usThu, 14 May 2009 10:26:00 GMT10GDRSSFeeds v1.0http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/05/14/why-windermere<div>As many of you have noticed there are a lot of options for Agents when it comes to choosing a company to work with. There as many reasons as there are choices. I wanted to share why I chose Windermere.<br /> </div> <div>The following article is near and dear to me. A portion of every check I receive goes to the Windermere Foundations and after reading this you will understand a lot of the motivation I have for being with Windermere Peninsula Properties.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div> <div class="profile_thumb clearfix"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Windermere-Foundation/97663546146"><img alt="" src="http://profile.ak.facebook.com/object3/1557/123/q97663546146_3714.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="s_message_header clearfix"> <h2 class=" unread"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readupdates.php?id=97663546146">The Spirit of Philanthropy</a></h2> <div class="byline">From <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Windermere-Foundation/97663546146">Windermere Foundation</a></div> <div class="timestamp">Monday, April 27, 2009 at 2:56pm</div> <div class="s_message_content clearfix"> <div style="display: block" id="97663546146-essay-full">The Windermere Foundation helped pay the mortgage for a family whose 12 yr old daughter was at Children's Hospital awaiting an operation to place a shunt in her brain. Jessica has been in severe pain (yet the nurses say she never complains!) for most of her life and has had several surgeries to literally keep her skull from pushing into the back of her brain. Mom, Dad and a younger sibling have been here at her bedside for the past few weeks. The father was going to have to return to Anchorage to work, as their bills were piling up. Knowing how close the father is to Jessica, a social worker called the Windermere Foundation to see if we could help pay a portion of the mortgage so the father could stay while Jessica underwent this major surgery. Given the circumstances, we paid the entire mortgage. <br /> <br /> So glad the Windermere Foundation was able to provide a little relief for this family. Please keep Jessisca and her family in your thoughts. </div> </div> </div> </div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/05/14/why-windermere" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/05/14/why-windermere#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/05/14/why-windermereThu, 14 May 2009 10:26:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/14/shortsales-loan-modifications-and-forclosures-we-have-answers<p>On Thursday April 23rd,2009 from 6-8 pm&nbsp;the <strong>Windermere P</strong><strong>eninsula Properties</strong> office will be teaming up with <strong>Lender Vickie Nune</strong><strong>z</strong> from <strong>Wells Fargo Home Mortgage</strong>, <strong>Real Estate Attorney Mike Spence</strong>, <strong>Tax Accountant Catherine Wolf &amp; Real estate manager and Broker Richard Bell of Windermere Peninsula Properties</strong> to get the latest information on the <strong>current housing market</strong>.</p> <p>We expect a great attendance and <strong>RSVP is recommended</strong>. You can reach the <strong>Windermere Peninsula Properties office</strong> at <strong>360-275-5002</strong>. Or e-mail<strong> </strong><a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;&#58;&#82;&#98;&#101;&#108;&#108;&#64;&#119;&#105;&#110;&#100;&#101;&#114;&#109;&#101;&#114;&#101;&#46;&#99;&#111;&#109;" mce_href="mailto:Rbell@windermere.com"><strong>Rbell@windermere.com</strong></a></p> <p>There will be <strong>Straight Answers</strong> for <strong>Home Owners</strong> and <strong>Buyers</strong>&nbsp;given by <strong>experts in the field</strong>. The focus will be on <strong>short sales, foreclosures, &amp; loan modifications</strong>. Know who to ask and what to ask from those who&nbsp;work with these issues&nbsp;everyday.</p> <p>The <strong>workshop</strong> is <strong>free,</strong>&nbsp;and in the event you are unable to attend in person we will have information following the presentation available on the web at <a href="http://www.therealstateofrealestate.com/" mce_href="http://www.therealstateofrealestate.com/">www.therealstateofrealestate.com</a></p> <p>This is a great opportunity to get&nbsp;honest answers and reliable information on the best way to proceed in this new market. Whether you are a Buyer or a Seller or just want to understand&nbsp;the complexities of <strong>Real Estate Today...</strong> please join us!</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/14/shortsales-loan-modifications-and-forclosures-we-have-answers" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/14/shortsales-loan-modifications-and-forclosures-we-have-answers#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/14/shortsales-loan-modifications-and-forclosures-we-have-answersTue, 14 Apr 2009 14:35:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dinah-shares-behind-the-scenes-of-a-short-sale<p>We are all becoming more familiar with the <strong>Distressed housing Market</strong>. Not that the homes are distressed but it can be said that the owners are. Many of the properties <strong>show beautifully</strong> and are a <strong>great bargain</strong>...<strong>So</strong> <strong>why are they still on the market?</strong></p> <p>The easiest way to answer that question is to take a look at the <strong>process of getting an approval</strong> from the bank. It appears that it would be in the <strong>best interest</strong> of the <strong>lender</strong> to <strong>accept a sale now</strong>, even if the amount is <strong>less than owed</strong> than to go through <strong>months of negotiation </strong>and the potential of&nbsp;loosing a buyer only to<strong> foreclose,</strong> and submit to the process starting all over again.</p> <ul> <li>List property at a&nbsp;price that is&nbsp;less the amount owed to the lender </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Get a preliminary Title </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Permission forms signed by Sellers for Agents to speak directly with the&nbsp;bank&nbsp;on their behalf. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Have the sellers write a hardship letter ( we provide samples to follow) </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Complete the Short sale Packet and fax to the lender. Keep successful Fax confirmation. A lender may have more than one acceptable fax number...send a copy to each until successful. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Once an offer is received make sure the other agent noted that the property is a short sale as disclosed in the MLS, and is aware of the proper forms to use for such a sale. Request a HUD statement from the title company and forward it on to the Lender. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Fax over the offer with the loan number on the top of every page you fax.Keep in mind there may be a second loan on the property and you must follow all of the steps for each loan. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Call the&nbsp; bank for each step, and&nbsp;to confirm that they have the permission form. This may have to be faxed to a separate fax number than the listing paperwork or the offer. Be sure and&nbsp;ask which fax number is required for every step. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Resubmit any and all material that the Lender says they do not have, even if you have a successful fax confirmation. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Keep a detailed log containing the names of who you spoke with, and include the date and time. Keep detailed notes, and have them handy to refer back to especially when talking with the lender. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>The Lender wil be requesting a BPO (Brokers Price Opinion) to ensure that the offer is within&nbsp;a certain percentage of current market value before accepting it. Typically this is 10%.&nbsp; </li> </ul> <div><strong>Another important issue that is often overlooked is the other Agent. Keep them informed at every level.Some short sales are taking up to 120 days. Many are less. If you fail in keeping the lender&nbsp;informed you may have to start back at&nbsp;square one.&nbsp;Keeping the other Agent&nbsp;up to speed so they can relay the information to&nbsp;their buyers.No news can be just the thing that unravels all of your hard work and causes the buyer to find a different home.</strong> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><em>Often when working with a short-sale you are working with many people in different departments, or&nbsp;even states. There are millions of files in their system all in differing stages of approval. Note that some files are tossed if they do not have all of the required documentation. Every Lender is unique and what has worked with one may not be the way another does the same thing. Always be courteous, follow up, never assume, and you will be successful.</em></strong></div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dinah-shares-behind-the-scenes-of-a-short-sale" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dinah-shares-behind-the-scenes-of-a-short-sale#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dinah-shares-behind-the-scenes-of-a-short-saleTue, 07 Apr 2009 13:01:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/-a-sample-hardship-letter<blockquote> <p><strong>One of the first things a lender will ask for in a loan modification or a short sale will be a hardship letter</strong>. It sounds simple enough...that is if you write them all of the time and have one in your file.</p> <p><strong>Our office has dealt with many of these lately</strong>&nbsp;and we often&nbsp;suggest to&nbsp;our clients to&nbsp;review our sample letter to get them started.</p> <p mce_style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sometimes starting is the hardest part</strong>.</p> <p><strong>This&nbsp;is not an easy position to be in</strong>, but we do our best to help in every way we can.</p> <div><em>DATE<br /> <br /> LENDER NAME<br /> ADDRESS<br /> LOAN NUMBER Dear Sirs,<br /> <br /> Our names are/My name is [NAME] and I've/we've been paying the mortgage on our home at [ADDRESS] for __ years now. I'm/We're writing to you to explain why I/we have unfortunately fallen behind on our monthly payments.<br /> <br /> Explain your Hardship (Include dates and specific incidents that caused you to get behind, also explain how it has been resolved).<br /> <br /> We/I have sat down with my/our family and taken a very hard look at our financial situation and we all have agreed to make the following sacrifices in order to make certain that this situation never happens again. <br /> <br /> Explain what steps you have taken to correct your Financial Position (cut back on spending, canceled some things... cable, eliminated activities, met with Credit Counseling services).<br /> <br /> My family and I are truly grateful for the opportunity that you've given us to own our home and have every intention of keeping it for a long while, as well as making timely mortgage payments to you for it. Our children will grow up here and we hope that our grandchildren will also.<br /> <br /> Thank you again and we wish you all the best!<br /> <br /> Have everyone in your family sign the letter.</em> <div><em></em>&nbsp;</div> As a Distressed housing experts we pride our selves in being&nbsp;&nbsp;up to date, knowledgeable and equipped with the latest information to&nbsp;guide our clients through the process of Short Sales and other Loan&nbsp;issues.The real estate market is constantly evolving and we, the real estate professionals, will be there with you every step of the way.</div> </blockquote><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/-a-sample-hardship-letter" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/-a-sample-hardship-letter#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/-a-sample-hardship-letterTue, 07 Apr 2009 11:06:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/scams-targeting-distressed-home-owners<p mce_style="text-align: center;">Be aware that there are scams targeted to Distressed home owners...</p> <p>If you don't have the time or patience to dispute the inaccuracies on your credit report yourself, and if you want to know other methods of improving your credit score, an independent credit repair company or consultant could be just what you need. <br /> <br /> But how can you tell who is genuine? The Credit Repair Organizations Act was passed to help you do just that. Avoid the scammers by knowing what to look out for. <br /> <br /> 1. Shop around for a company so that you get a feeling for the standards that they all have. As with all services, it is usually better not to respond to people who contact you cold, directly by telephone or letter. Even if you agree to meet them, do not be pressurized into signing anything until you have had a chance to shop around. <br /> <br /> 2. Avoid any company that tries to collect money from you up front. They should not require payment until they have performed some services for you. <br /> <br /> 3. Do not select a company that makes guarantees about the results that they will get for you - for example, if they promise you a credit score increase of 100 points. They can advertise the average results that they have gotten for other clients, but they cannot promise you a certain score because they do not control that. Until they see your report and know your circumstances, they cannot be sure that they can improve your credit score at all. <br /> <br /> 4. They must inform you that you have a right to repair your credit for yourself. You do not need to hire anybody unless you want to. If their written information does not tell you this, they may not be legitimate. <br /> <br /> 5. Do not enter a contract that you cannot cancel. You should be allowed to cancel at any time. You would have to pay for the work that they had done for you up to that point, but no more. <br /> <br /> 6. Avoid any company that offers file segregation. This is an illegal practice that involves creating a new credit identity for you. <br /> <br /> People who file for bankruptcy almost always receive letters from companies promising to solve all of their credit problems in this way. They will say that it is legal but after your new credit file is set up, any time that you apply for credit you will have to lie on the application forms. Giving false information to obtain credit is fraud. You can be fined or even sent to jail. <br /> <br /> There are plenty of legitimate companies out there that can help you with improving your credit score. Keep these points in mind and you will have no trouble avoiding the most common credit repair scams.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/scams-targeting-distressed-home-owners" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/scams-targeting-distressed-home-owners#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/scams-targeting-distressed-home-ownersTue, 07 Apr 2009 10:59:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit8000<p><strong><em><u>FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT</u></em> </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For 2009, Congress has increased the credit to $8000 and made several additional improvements. This revised $8000 tax credit applies to purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. <strong>Tax Credits -- The Basics </strong></p> <p><strong><em> <p>1. What's this new homebuyer tax incentive for 2009?</p> </em></strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 2008 $7500, repayable credit is increased to $8000 and the repayment feature is eliminated for 2009 purchasers. Any home that is purchased for $80,000 or more qualifies for the full $8000 amount. If the house costs less than $80,000, the credit will be 10% of the cost. Thus, if an individual purchased a home for $75,000, the credit would be $7500. It is available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>2. Who is eligible?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p> <p>Only first-time homebuyers are eligible. A person is considered a first-time buyer if he/she has not had any ownership interest in a home in the three years previous to the day of the 2009 purchase.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>3. How does a tax credit work?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Every dollar of a tax credit reduces income taxes by a dollar. Credits are claimed on an individual's income tax return. Thus, a qualified purchaser would figure out all the income items and exemptions and make all the calculations required to figure out his/her total tax due. Then, once the total tax owed has been computed, tax credits are applied to reduce the total tax bill. So, if before taking any credits on a tax return a person has total tax liability of $9500, an $8000 credit would wipe out all but $1500 of the tax due. ($9,500 - $8000 = $1500)</p> <p><strong><em> <p>4. So what happens if the purchaser is eligible for an $8000 credit but their entire income tax liability for the year is only $6000?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This tax credit is what's called "refundable" credit. Thus, if the eligible purchaser's total tax liability was $6000, the IRS would send the purchaser a check for $2000. The refundable amount is the difference</p> <p>between $8000 credit amount and the amount of tax liability. ($8000 - $6000 = $2000) Most taxpayers determine their tax liability by referring to tables that the IRS prepares each year.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>5. How does withholding affect my tax credit and my refund?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A few examples are provided at the end of this document. There are several steps in this calculation, but most income tax software programs are equipped to make that determination.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>6. Is there an income restriction?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes. The income restriction is based on the tax filing status the purchaser claims when filing his/her income tax return. Individuals filing Form 1040 as Single (or Head of Household) are eligible for the credit if their income is no more than $75,000. Married couples who file a Joint return may have income of no more than $150,000.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>7. How is my "income" determined?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For most individuals, income is defined and calculated in the same manner as their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on their 1040 income tax return. AGI includes items like wages, salaries, interest and dividends, pension and retirement earnings, rental income and a host of other elements. AGI is the final number that appears on the bottom line of the front page of an IRS Form 1040.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>8. What if I worked abroad for part of the year?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Some individuals have earned income and/or receive housing allowances while working outside the US. Their income will be adjusted to reflect those items to measure Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). Their eligibility for the credit will be based on their MAGI.</p> <p><strong><em> <p>9. Do individuals with incomes higher than the $75,000 or $150,000 limits lose all the benefit of the credit?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Not always. The credit phases-out between $75,000 - $95,000 for singles and $150,000 - $170,000 for married filing joint. The closer a buyer comes to the maximum phase-out amount, the smaller the credit will be. The law provides a formula to gradually withdraw the credit. Thus, the credit will disappear after an individual's income reaches $95,000 (single return) or $170,000 (joint return). For example, if a married couple had income of $165,000, their credit would be reduced by 75% as shown: Couple's income $165,000 Income limit 150,000 Excess income $15,000 The excess income amount ($15,000 in this example) is used to form a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the excess income amount ($15,000). The denominator is $20,000 (specified by the statute).</p> <p>In this example, the <em>disallowed </em>portion of the credit is 75% of $8000, or $6000 ($15,000/$20,000 = 75% x $8000 = $6000) Stated another way, only 25% of the credit amount would be allowed. In this example, the <em>allowable </em>credit would be $2000 (25% x $8000 = $2000)</p> <p><strong><em> <p>10. What's the definition of "principal residence?"</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Generally, a principal residence is the home where an individual spends most of his/her time (generally defined as more than 50%). It is also defined as "owner-occupied" housing. The term includes single-family detached housing, condos or co-ops, townhouses or any similar type of new or existing dwelling. Even some houseboats or manufactured homes count as principal residences.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em> <p>11. Are there restrictions on the location of the property?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Yes. The home must be located in the United States. Property located outside the US is not eligible for the credit.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><em> <p>12. Are there restrictions related to the financing for the mortgage on the property?</p> </em></strong><em></em> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In 2009, most financing arrangements are acceptable and will not affect eligibility for the credit. Congress eliminated the financing restriction that applied in 2008. (In 2008, purchasers were ineligible for the $7500 credit if the financing was obtained by means of mortgage revenue bonds.) Now, mortgage-revenue bond financing will not disqualify an otherwise-eligible purchaser. (Mortgage revenue bonds are tax-exempt bonds issued by a state housing agency. Proceeds from the bonds must be used for below market loans to qualified buyers.)<em><em></em></em></p> <p><em> <p><strong>13. Do I have to repay the 2009 tax credit?</strong>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>NO.</strong></p> <p>There is no repayment for 2009 tax credits<strong>. </strong></p> </em> <p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><u><strong>NOW HERE IS A BIGGY!</strong>&nbsp;</u></p> <p><strong><strong>14. <u>Do 2008 purchasers still have to repay their tax credit</u>?</strong></strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;The $7500 credit in 2008 was more like an interest-free loan. All eligible purchasers who claimed the 2008 credit will still be required to repay it over 15 years, starting with their 2010 tax return.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit8000" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit8000#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/first-time-home-buyer-tax-credit8000Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:56:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dear-buyer-in-belfair<p>I wanted to take this time to thank you for purchasing a home that&nbsp;you are certain to love for years to come. I also wanted to congratulate you on your smart choice of timing.</p> <p><a title="Historic Low Interest Rates" href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7148582/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7148582/">Interest rates have hit historic lows</a> and you have been able to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity. Not only have you saved money on your monthly payments you were able to use the <a title="$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit" href="http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/home2.html">$8,000.00 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit</a>, because it had been at least&nbsp;three years since you have owned your own home. I was also impressed that you made an offer on a <a title="Short Sales!" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1000373/Belfair-Washington-Short-SalesQuestions-to-ask-BEFORE-you-list-your-home" target="_blank" mce_href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1000373/Belfair-Washington-Short-SalesQuestions-to-ask-BEFORE-you-list-your-home">short sale</a>, and even though it took an extra few weeks to close- you were patient and in the end you were able to get a terrific deal, and <a title="Helping the Home Owner Out" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1000709/Thowing-Home-Owners-a-Life-Saver" target="_blank" mce_href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1000709/Thowing-Home-Owners-a-Life-Saver">help the home owner out.</a></p> <p>I know from experience that you and I will be sitting across from each other one day when you do decide to sell your home, and I will be able to show you what a great move you made when you purchased this home when you&nbsp;did.&nbsp;There will be those who will regret&nbsp;that they did not buy&nbsp;during this&nbsp;market, but you will not be among them.</p> <p>Congratulations on your new home, may you have many happy memories here!</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Dinah Griffey, Michelle Roethle, and Ryan Lowe</p> <p><a href="http://www.thenorthwestlife.com/" mce_href="http://www.thenorthwestlife.com/">www.thenorthwestlife.com</a> or <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/" mce_href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/">www.freenorthwestreo.com</a></p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dear-buyer-in-belfair" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dear-buyer-in-belfair#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/04/07/dear-buyer-in-belfairTue, 07 Apr 2009 10:53:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/06/hud-listingsYou can now view Washington HUD Listings on <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com" target="_self"><a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/">www.FreeNorthWestREO.com</a> </a>You will find up to date information on purchasing a Government owned home and view listing for FREE with no personal information required.<P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/06/hud-listings" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/06/hud-listings#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/06/hud-listingsFri, 06 Mar 2009 20:31:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/on-a-scale-of-1-10<p><img style="border-bottom: black 5px solid; border-left: black 5px solid; float: left; border-top: black 5px solid; border-right: black 5px solid" title="Hartstene Pointe" alt="Hartstene Pointe" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/7/9/2/ar123630294729724.jpg" width="400" height="301" mce_style="float: left; border: black 5px solid;" mce_src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/7/9/2/ar123630294729724.jpg" />How cute am I? I live at <a title="Hartstene Pointe" href="http://hartstenepointe.org/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://hartstenepointe.org/">Harstene Point </a>in Mason County. It is a gated community and the wildlife here is encouraged to hang out. You are not supposed to feed us, but I can tell you it happens... and I love it.</p> <p>There is a lot to do here at the "Pointe." They have a <strong>pool</strong> with <strong>hot tub</strong> for soaking, miles of <strong>trails,</strong> a <strong>marina</strong>, <strong>fitness center</strong>, <strong>lagoon</strong>,<strong> tennis courts</strong> and <strong>fantastic views </strong>from just about anywhere of <a title="The Northwest life.com" href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/">Mt. Rainer, the sound or Olympics.</a></p> <p>They are not so keen on letting me in the pool or the tennis courts.If you would like a personal tour of Hartstene Pointe just call my friends- <a title="Dinah Griffey" href="http://www.dinahsliving.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.dinahsliving.com/">Dinah Griffey</a> and <a title="Michelle Roethle" href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/">Michelle Roethle</a> and they will show you around.For more info go to... <a title="TheNorthwestLife.com" href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/">TheNorthwestlife.com</a></p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/on-a-scale-of-1-10" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/on-a-scale-of-1-10#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/on-a-scale-of-1-10Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:46:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/a-few-of-my-favorite-things<p><img style="border-bottom: black 2px solid; border-left: black 2px solid; float: left; border-top: black 2px solid; border-right: black 2px solid" title="Sunsets make Dinah Smile" alt="Sunsets make Dinah Smile" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/7/1/2/ar123629590521736.jpg" width="352" height="570" mce_style="float: left; border: black 2px solid;" mce_src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/7/1/2/ar123629590521736.jpg" /><strong>Mason County Sunsets</strong></p> <p>picnics in the <strong>Allyn Waterfront park</strong></p> <p>Hiking in <strong>the Olympics</strong></p> <p>Smelling the sweet salt air in<strong> Union</strong></p> <p>Shopping along the pier in <strong>Hoodsport</strong></p> <p>Eating the Chinese Buffet&nbsp;at the <strong>Royal Shanghi</strong></p> <p>wine tasting at the <strong>Walter Dacon Winery</strong></p> <p>spa day&nbsp;@ the <strong>Alderbrook Resort and Spa</strong></p> <p>kayaking on <strong>Case Inlet</strong></p> <p><strong>Treasure Island </strong>sunsets</p> <p>a good book find at <strong>Sage Book Store</strong></p> <p><strong>jet skiing</strong>on<strong> Mason Lake</strong></p> <p>A hot cup of Coffee from <strong>Allyn Towne</strong> coffee</p> <p>Exploring the <strong>Theller Wetland Trails </strong>in Belfair</p> <p><strong>skydiving</strong> at&nbsp;the <strong>Shelton Airport</strong></p> <p>riding <strong>dirt bikes in Tahuya</strong></p> <p><strong>Whale watching </strong>in <strong>Hood Canal</strong></p> <p><strong>sailing</strong> the <strong>sound......</strong></p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/a-few-of-my-favorite-things" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/a-few-of-my-favorite-things#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/a-few-of-my-favorite-thingsThu, 05 Mar 2009 17:22:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/something-has-to-give<p><a title="STIMULUS... by jimalone" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/results/3103580878/" mce_href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/results/3103580878/"><img style="border-bottom: black 2px solid; border-left: black 2px solid; float: left; border-top: black 2px solid; border-right: black 2px solid" alt="STIMULUS... by jimalone" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/3103580878_6942018768_m.jpg" width="278" height="304" mce_style="float: left; border: black 2px solid;" mce_src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/3103580878_6942018768_m.jpg" /></a>There has been a lot of talk recently about foreclosed homes. Yes, there are great deals to be found right now. It is said that one in every eight mortgages is in jeopardy of defaulting. <strong>There is a crisis...</strong></p> <p>However it may be short lived. The government is making housing a priority. Right now there are countless programs that are going into effect to help home owners stave off foreclosure. <strong>This is good news...</strong></p> <p>However it appears that time is limited. With an aggressive plan in place to reduce the amount of foreclosures on the market the remainder will sell quickly.<strong>There is a site to go to...</strong></p> <p>If you are in Washington State and are in the market for a HUD home or a foreclosed property contact us at <a title="TheNorthwestLife.com" href="http://www.dinahsliving.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.dinahsliving.com/">TheNorthwestLife.com</a> or visit <a title="Free Northwest REO.com" href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/">FreeNorthwestREO.com</a> for a free list of homes in your area.</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/something-has-to-give" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/something-has-to-give#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/something-has-to-giveThu, 05 Mar 2009 17:21:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/save-your-home<p>Maybe you can make your mortgage payment today, but can you next month? Does it feel like you are running out of options? <strong>There is help.</strong></p> <p>I have been searching sites today to see what there is out there to help struggling home owners. There are many sites out there and a lot of advice being thrown around. It is hard to sift through it all to find what is best for you. Depending on your situation <strong>there may be several options.</strong></p> <p>One that&nbsp;I think is worth considering is <strong>loan modification</strong>. It may not be a permanent fix, but it should be able to buy you enough time to figure things out. I am providing a link to the site so that you can decide for yourself if it is an option for you.<a title="Loan Modification" href="http://www.homeforeclosurefighter.com/landing10/?mediatag=15330&amp;kw=&amp;click_id=9104838&amp;sub_id=15507" target="_blank" mce_href="http://www.homeforeclosurefighter.com/landing10/?mediatag=15330&amp;kw=&amp;click_id=9104838&amp;sub_id=15507"> Loan Modification may be the answer.</a></p> <p>One thing to look out for is the length of the contract. If the loan converts to the average interest rate in 5 years it could end up being a higher payment than you are comfortable with. For now though, and without a crystal ball it would buy you some time. If you see that it may not be a viable option in a few years when the loan adjusts you can sell. I would however not wait until the last minute. Chances are that you will not be the only one with this idea, and it may once again be a Buyers market and be a challenge to stand out enough&nbsp;to sell in time.</p> <p>If you have any questions or need more information please visit Dinah, Michelle, or Ryan At The <a title="The Northwest Life.com" href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/" target="_blank" mce_href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/">NorthwestLife.com</a></p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/save-your-home" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/save-your-home#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/05/save-your-homeThu, 05 Mar 2009 17:20:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/04/washington-bank-owned-foreclosures<div>Our&nbsp;new Foreclosure Site is up and running. We can't wait to see what kind of response we will get from local buyers seeking the great deals that you can get when buying a bank owned home. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Right now you can view a list for <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/index.cfm/page/53253/Mason_County.html">Mason County</a>, <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/index.cfm/page/53259/King_County.html">King County</a>,<a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/index.cfm/page/53254/Pierce_County.html">Pierce County</a> and <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/index.cfm/page/53252/Kitsap_County.html" target="_blank">Kitsap County</a>. We hope that you will find this website useful and give us a call for all of your Real Estate Needs. </div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Visit <a href="http://www.freenorthwestreo.com/">www.FreeNorthWestREO.com</a></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>See you there!</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/04/washington-bank-owned-foreclosures" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/04/washington-bank-owned-foreclosures#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/03/04/washington-bank-owned-foreclosuresWed, 04 Mar 2009 08:02:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/geoduck<div class="blog_entry_wrapper"> <div class="blog_entry "> <div style="overflow: auto; width: 100%; position: relative"> <div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/895592/Geoduck" rel="bookmark">Geoduck?</a> </h2> </div> <p><img id="detailimage" alt="" src="http://www.freshseafood.com/graphics/store/products/73.jpg" border="0" /><br /> This may not appear as the most appetizing dish you can imagine, but the geoduck is a northwest delicacy. Most people wonder what the heck is a geoduck? The answer is simple in our neck of the woods it is a very delicious shell fish much like a clam or an oyster but a lot tastier with a more unique name. Geoducks have puzzled people for ages. Their large size and unique character have caused them to be sought after world wide. So if you run across a Geoduck&nbsp;I have a <a title="how to eat a Geoduck" href="http://www.freshseafood.com/store/detail.aspx?sn=FreshShellfish&amp;id=73&amp;cat=6" target="_blank">link</a> on just how to enjoy them.</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="divbei895592"> <div class="blog_footer"> <table> <tbody> <tr valign="middle"> <td>Posted by <a href="http://activerain.com/dinahgriffey">Dinah Lee Griffey Bringing the Northwest Home</a> on 01/22/2009 09:45 PM </td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a style="white-space: nowrap" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/895592/Geoduck">Comments (17)</a></td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/action/channels/regional_localism/topics/geoduck">Geoduck</a> in the <a href="http://activerain.com/action/channels/regional_localism">Regional (Localism)</a> Channel</td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/geoduck" rel="nofollow tag">geoduck</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/washington%20seafood" rel="nofollow tag">washington seafood</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/what%20is%20a%20geoduck" rel="nofollow tag">what is a geoduck</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/preparing%20geoduck" rel="nofollow tag">preparing geoduck</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/looks%20weird%20but%20tastes%20good" rel="nofollow tag">looks weird but tastes good</a></td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/geoduck" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/geoduck#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/geoduckSat, 24 Jan 2009 05:56:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/welcome-belfair-rite-aid<div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/895348/Welcome-to-Belfair-Rite-Aid" rel="bookmark">Welcome to Belfair, Rite Aid</a> </h2> </div> <p>Last night we had a Chamber after hours event and the highlight was visiting our new Rite Aid in Belfair. 17 of the 21 people hired were from Belfair. There were great prices and quality items to purchase. I noticed my Husband loading up on all of the great Valentine's Day deals...What a guy!</p> <p><a title="Click to enlarge photo" href="http://www.kitsapsun.com/photos/2009/jan/21/77718/"><img alt="From left, Rite Aid employees Pennie Edwards, Kathleen Robb, Pegy Lowery (store manger) and Cheryl Nelson are among the 20-some employees getting the new Belfair store ready for the Jan. 22 opening." src="http://media.kitsapsun.com/bsun/content/img/photos/2009/01/21/Rite_Aid_1a_t220.jpg" border="0" /></a></p> <p>So if you are in town stop by and visit our new Rite Aid. You will be glad you did!</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/welcome-belfair-rite-aid" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/welcome-belfair-rite-aid#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/welcome-belfair-rite-aidSat, 24 Jan 2009 05:54:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/december-stats-mason-county<div class="blog_entry_wrapper"> <div class="blog_entry "> <div style="overflow: auto; width: 100%; position: relative"> <div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/889009/Mason-County-Washington-Sales-Market-Report-Dec-2008" rel="bookmark">Mason County Washington Sales Market Report Dec. 2008</a> </h2> </div> <p><strong>It is&nbsp;Market Statistics blog day for me</strong>. Reporting to anyone interested on how we are doing in Mason County Washington. This is the last sales market report for the year "2008". You can be the judge on how were doing.</p> <p><img height="115" alt="" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/1/8/0/ar123238907908171.gif" width="98" /></p> <p><strong>Mason County Real Estate Sales Data for December 16 through December 31 2008 has recorded a total of 42 Sales in the amount of $11,083,491.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Area A&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Area B&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Area C&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Area D&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>SFR&lt;5 Acs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 16</p> <p>SFR&gt;5 Acs&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1</p> <p>NSF&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4</p> <p>MF&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>COMM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2</p> <p>CONDO&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>LS/M&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7</p> <p>LO/P&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 7</p> <p>LO/SP&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1</p> <p>LOUN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline">3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4</span></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Totals&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 42</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Area A</strong>'s (<em>Shelton</em><em>, </em><em>Arcadia</em><em>,Kamilche</em>) 14 real estate sales $ amount was <strong>$4,846,000.</strong> <strong>Area B</strong> (<em>Hartstene</em><em> </em><em>Island</em><em>,Agate</em>) $ amount was posted at&nbsp; $<strong>1,405,050</strong>. <strong>Area C</strong> (<em>Ayers Point, Belfair, </em><em>East</em><em> </em><em>Shore</em>) came in at <strong>$4,171,291</strong> and <strong>Area D</strong> <em>(Triton Head,Hoodsport,</em><em>Union</em>) was <strong>$661,150.</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><em>&nbsp;</em></p> <p><strong>In summary, the average sales price of a SFR&lt; 5 acres was $155,587 with a Median Price of $146,000. NSF average sales price $207,888 with the Median at $191,500</strong>. Lot sales averaged $64,757, median $53,000.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Highest price range for a SFR&lt;5Acs that sold</strong> during this period was in the $350,000-$399,999 price range. The Lowest sale price for a SFR was under $25,000.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Loans and Mortgages</strong> for all of Mason County totaled 139 in the amount of $ 24,776,710. The average rate for a Conventional 30 year loan was 5.4%.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Abbreviations: <em>(</em></strong><em>SF&lt;,5 Acs - Single Family Resale on less than 5 acres SFR&gt;5 more than 5 acres. NSF - New Single Family, MF -Multi Family, COMM - Commercial, CONDO - Condominium, LS/M - Land Sold with Mobile, LO/P - Land Only/Platted, LO/SP - Land Only/Short Platt and LOUN - Land Only unplatted.)</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="divbei889009"> <div class="blog_footer"> <table> <tbody> <tr valign="middle"> <td>Posted by <a href="http://activerain.com/surferdude">Richard R Bell Broker-Manager~Allyn Belfair Mason County Washington</a> on 01/19/2009 12:22 PM </td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a style="white-space: nowrap" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/889009/Mason-County-Washington-Sales-Market-Report-Dec-2008">Comments (3)</a></td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/action/channels/activerain/topics/market_report">Market Report</a> in the <a href="http://activerain.com/action/channels/activerain">ActiveRain</a> Channel</td> <td style="border-right: #888888 2px solid">&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/mason%20county" rel="nofollow tag">mason county</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/market%20statistics" rel="nofollow tag">market statistics</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/sales" rel="nofollow tag">sales</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/tags/loans" rel="nofollow tag">loans</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> </div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/december-stats-mason-county" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/december-stats-mason-county#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/24/december-stats-mason-countySat, 24 Jan 2009 05:51:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ohthe-places-we-will-go<div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/885421/Oh-the-places-you-will-go" rel="bookmark">Oh, the places you will go!</a> </h2> </div> <p><img title="Kayaking on Mason Counties Hood Canal" style="border-right: black 3px solid; border-top: black 3px solid; border-left: black 3px solid; border-bottom: black 3px solid" height="270" alt="Kayaking on Mason Counties Hood Canal" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/0/0/3/ar123214411530036.jpg" width="360" /></p> <p><strong>Experiencing the Northwest</strong> is a quest unlike any other. Purple Majestic Mountains surrounded by trails for hiking enthusiasts of all levels, to the deep cool&nbsp;waters of <a href="http://www.explorehoodcanal.com/" target="_blank">Hood Canal</a> known by scuba divers as some of the best waters to dive in the W<em>orld.</em> There is a lot to do around here.</p> <p><strong>Of course there are the golf courses</strong> like <a href="http://lakelandliving.com/" target="_blank">LakeLand Village's 27 hole course</a>,&nbsp;secluded beaches, and&nbsp;upscale get aways. From here to there and there to here... there is something for everyone in <strong>Beautiful Mason County</strong>. So come and get away; stay for a day ...or the rest of your life. <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/www.explorehoodcanal.com" target="_blank">Mason County</a> is a place like no other.</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ohthe-places-we-will-go" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ohthe-places-we-will-go#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ohthe-places-we-will-goSun, 18 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/stretch-island-fruit-company<div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/873999/Stretch-Island-Fruit-Company" rel="bookmark">Stretch Island Fruit Company</a> <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px">(<a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/write/873999">edit</a>/<a onclick="return confirm('Are you sure you want to DELETE this entry?');" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/delete_entry/873999">delete</a>)</span> </h2> </div> <h1><strong><em>Stretch Island Fruit Leather...<br /> "Always ready outdoors, at home, at school, at work, <br /> for sports, for travel".</em></strong> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Notice: Stretch Island Fruit Company was recently sold to Kellog's! <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>When Ron and Mary Sagerson first visited Stretch Island back in January of 1972, they immediately fell in love with the area.&nbsp; "Here we were in an absolutely beautiful little corner of God's world," says Ron.&nbsp; "We looked at each other and said, 'Let's stay. Let's find a way to live and work here.'"&nbsp; Soon they had purchased a home and vineyard and became acquainted with neighbors Harry and Mary Branch.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; Both families were growing grapes and making natural fruit leather at home. Since fruit leather was not available commercially at that time, they all agreed that manufacturing it on a larger scale was a project worth pursuing. It was Harry's sister, Bonnie, who provided the proverbial laundry room for the first production <img height="32" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/company-art.jpg" width="250" border="0" />area in 1977. Soon Harry, a natural-born salesperson, was selling Stretch Island Fruit Leather to local stores.<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; <img height="171" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/early-building.jpg" width="210" border="0" />In 1979, the Sagersons bought out their partners and moved the production to a larger space next door to their home. The company moved or remodeled several more times over the next 27 years to accommodate growth, as the business became steadily larger. Today, Stretch Island Fruit Leather is located about two miles south of Allyn on State Route 3 in rural Mason County. <br /> <strong><em><br /> First Expansion next door to home</em></strong><br /> <br /> <br /> <img height="225" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/fruit-vat.jpg" width="264" border="0" />&nbsp; So what exactly IS fruit leather? It's simply dried fruit in a bar. "A convenient, portable fruit, in your pocket ... without the squish!" Old-fashioned fruit leather recipes say: Find a fruit blend that you like (apple and strawberry for example). Use ripe fruits, wash them, and carefully take out stems and seeds. Puree them in a blender and spread the fruit on a tray. Let it dry naturally under the sun (or in a home dehydrator) until the texture is just right. Then cut the fruit leather into strips and store in a dry place.</p> <p><em><strong>Pureed Fruit in Vat Before <br /> Going Into Drier&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></em></p> <p><img height="139" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/fruit-bars-out-of-drier.jpg" width="180" border="0" /><strong><em>Fruit Bars Coming Out of Drier<br /> </em></strong><br /> At Stretch Island, they follow a very similar process, but instead of the sun, they use dehydrators at low temperatures to maintain flavor. The natural sugar of the fruit provides a sweet taste with only 45 calories and no added sugar. Stretch Island Fruit Leathers are also manufactured without the use of artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The Sagersons strongly believe in the importance of 100% natural food to provide the best-tasting, highest quality, naturally healthy and fat free fruit snack available. In fact, they chose the name "Fruit Leather" to purposely differentiate from the candy version. <br /> <br /> &nbsp; In 1994, Ron and Mary were happy to welcome their son, Bob, who joined them in the business. Bob graduated in economics from the University of Washington in 1990 and previously taught high school mathematics while coaching golf and basketball.<br /> <img height="193" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/bob-ron-ofic.jpg" width="206" border="0" />&nbsp;</p> <p>Ron still works at the company and maintains the title of President of the Corporation, while Bob, now the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), manages most of the daily operations.</p> <p><em><strong>Bob and Ron in the office</strong></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <img height="161" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/construction.jpg" width="210" border="0" />&nbsp; Stretch Island Fruit Leather ranks in the "Top 20" of Mason County employers with about 80 employees working two shifts per day. Production is not seasonal and provides steady employment year round. An additional 6,000 square feet of production area is currently under construction adjacent to the original 12,000 square foot building, which will allow for an additional 30 employees and possibly a third shift in the future.</p> <p><strong><em>New Construction</em></strong><br /> <br /> &nbsp; Stretch Island Fruit Leather employees are a happy lot. Three of them have worked for the Sagersons for over 20 years each! Most employees live locally and many others have worked at the factory for several years.<br /> <br /> &nbsp; Sold nationwide and now even available at Costco, the market for Stretch Island Fruit Leather continues to grow and expand globally. Customers in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada are also enjoying the product as it becomes more and more available in the mainstream market. Annual sales topped $10 million last year.</p> <p><img height="167" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/stretch-island-fruit/hands-pkgng.jpg" width="185" border="0" />&nbsp; Stretch Island Fruit Leather is manufactured in two lines: regular and organic. Pure and simple, the process involves a puree of 100% fruit (the majority of which is grown in Washington, Oregon or&nbsp; California) that is molded into flat portions, spread on trays, dried and packaged for sale. It is approved for diabetics, certified Kosher, and continues to be a favorite with both adults and kids of all ages. The product has also been approved for reimbursement in the school lunch program by the federal government.</p> <p><strong><em>Package Quality Control</em></strong></p> <p>&nbsp; The regular line includes nine flavors: Great Grape, Sour Apple, Tangy Apricot, Rare Raspberry, Berry Blackberry, Chunky Cherry, Truly Tropical, Sweet Strawberry, and the most recent to be introduced: Mucho Mango. In addition, a second line of Fruit Leather made from organically grown fruit was added in 1990. Stretch Island ORGANIC Fruit Leather is produced in Apple, Grape, Strawberry and Raspberry flavors. <br /> <br /> &nbsp; With one 7,200 square foot off-site warehouse located in nearby Kitsap County, the Sagersons are big fans of their high-speed Internet access provided by local Hood Canal Telephone Company's fiber optics. "It has really helped our internal communications in particular," commented Bob. "We share files directly between our production facility and the warehouse, which allows us to increase our efficiency in filling orders."<br /> <br /> &nbsp; For more information and a free sample, visit their website at <strong><a href="http://www.stretchislandfruit.com/" target="_blank">www.stretchislandfruit.com</a></strong>. You can also reach Stretch Island Fruit, Inc. Customer Service at 1-800-700-9687.</p> </h2> </h1> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/stretch-island-fruit-company" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/stretch-island-fruit-company#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/stretch-island-fruit-companySun, 18 Jan 2009 15:59:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ornamental-stone-in-allynwa<div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/874004/Ornamental-Stone-in-AllynWA" rel="bookmark">Ornamental Stone in Allyn,WA</a> <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px">(<a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/write/874004">edit</a>/<a onclick="return confirm('Are you sure you want to DELETE this entry?');" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/delete_entry/874004">delete</a>)</span> </h2> </div> <p><a name="ornamental stone"></a>Ornamental Stone</p> <p><img height="286" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/allyn-businesses/ostonepots2.jpg" width="395" border="0" /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Just down the street at the junction of North Bay Road and State Route 3, Ornamental Stone features a classic line of hand cast exposed aggregate stone products constructed onsite for commercial and home use.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><br /> <br /> <img height="237" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/allyn-businesses/ostonekeithclose2.jpg" width="327" border="0" />Initially founded in 1964 by Spence Chamberlain as a part-time enterprise in his Lake City garage, the business moved to Allyn in 1987 when his son Keith took over. It's been a full-time thriving operation ever since with a crew of six churning out 15,000 pounds of product each week.</p> <p>"At Ornamental Stone, our goal is to produce quality and competitively-priced products that will last," says Keith.</p> <p><br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The five-step process is simple, but requires skilled attention. Once the concrete is hand-packed into a mold, a template is employed to hand sweep the sand inside for a smooth interior finish. After the concrete hardens, it is carefully removed from the mold, washed and readied for sale or shipment. <br /> <br /> <img height="216" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/allyn-businesses/ostonesafeco2.jpg" width="304" border="0" /> <br /> Stone planters, benches, waste receptacles and many other products designed&nbsp; and constructed by Ornamental Stone are used throughout the Pacific Northwest. Airports, Safeco Field, Key Arena, Microsoft, Boeing, the Tacoma Dome and many other large institutions. Customers request Ornamental Stone products from as far away as Florida and in major cities throughout the country, including Hollywood! <br /> <br /> <br /> <img height="227" alt="" src="http://www.timwing.com/allyn-businesses/ostoneshop2.jpg" width="336" border="0" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Just as popular are the many stone products designed for home use. Planters of all shapes and sizes are a favorite addition to local landscaping along with garden benches and tables. Imagine the possibilities as you shop the inventory of available homes in North Mason County. Visit <a href="http://www.ornamentalstone.com/" target="_blank">www.ornamentalstone.com </a>for a complete listing of what this business has to offer. <br /> <br /> <br /> "At Ornamental Stone, our goal is to produce quality and competitively-priced products that will last," says Keith. Customers are also attracted to the strength, durability and appearance of these products. <br /> &nbsp;</p> <hr /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ornamental-stone-in-allynwa" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ornamental-stone-in-allynwa#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/ornamental-stone-in-allynwaSun, 18 Jan 2009 15:58:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/bank-owned-foreclosure-properties-on-the-peninsula<p>We welcome you to view our new web page dedicated only to local foreclosure listings. We&nbsp;hope that you will visit today. You can also view local Hud government owned homes and short sales in Allyn,Belfair,Shelton,Gig Harbor, Port Orchard and Bremerton. We enjoy helping our clients purchase these homes and it is well worth the effort.&nbsp;Call or visit us at <a href="http://www.thenorthwestlife.com/index.cfm/page/51789/Bank_Owned_Forclosures.html">http://www.thenorthwestlife.com/index.cfm/page/51789/Bank_Owned_Forclosures.html</a> 360-551-8888</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/bank-owned-foreclosure-properties-on-the-peninsula" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/bank-owned-foreclosure-properties-on-the-peninsula#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/bank-owned-foreclosure-properties-on-the-peninsulaSun, 18 Jan 2009 15:57:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/olympic-bakery-undergoes-a-renovation<p>My three children and I were out and about yesterday and we stopped at the wonderful Olympic Bakery on Pickering Rd in Shelton. It had been a while since I went and had one of there many tasty pastries and treats. They recently did a huge remodel and if you are in the area you should stop by and see. You can even view the bakery while they are working and their cakes,cookies,etc.</p> <p><img height="218" alt="" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/3/4/6/ar123169665864339.jpg" width="336" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Call Dinah and I at 360-551-8888 or 360-275-5002 We will take you out for breakfast or lunch and discuss your Real Estate Needs!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>You can visit the Olympic Bakery on the web at <a href="http://www.olympicbakery.com/">www.olympicbakery.com</a></p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/olympic-bakery-undergoes-a-renovation" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/olympic-bakery-undergoes-a-renovation#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/olympic-bakery-undergoes-a-renovationSun, 18 Jan 2009 15:52:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/check-out-this-great-local-website<div style="overflow: auto; width: 100%; position: relative"> <div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/880440/Great-Web-Site-to-Visit-about-the-Kitsap-Peninsula" rel="bookmark">Great Web Site to Visit about the Kitsap Peninsula</a> <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 10px">(<a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/write/880440">edit</a>/<a onclick="return confirm('Are you sure you want to DELETE this entry?');" href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/delete_entry/880440">delete</a>)</span> </h2> </div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="760" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img height="207" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/headers/cities/BelfairHeader.jpg" width="760" border="0" /></td> </tr> 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</tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="20" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <object id="KITSAP-MAP" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" height="350" width="260" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"> <param name="_cx" value="5503" /><param name="_cy" value="7408" /><param name="FlashVars" value="" /><param name="Movie" value="" /><param name="Src" value="" /><param name="WMode" value="Window" /><param name="Play" value="-1" /><param name="Loop" value="-1" /><param name="Quality" value="High" /><param name="SAlign" value="" /><param name="Menu" value="-1" /><param name="Base" value="" /><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="" /><param name="Scale" value="ShowAll" /><param name="DeviceFont" value="0" /><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0" /><param name="BGColor" value="" /><param name="SWRemote" value="" /><param name="MovieData" value="" /><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1" /><param name="Profile" value="0" /><param name="ProfileAddress" value="" /><param name="ProfilePort" value="0" /><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="false" /></object></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Click on the map to drag left and right.<br /> Click on a city name to jump to a city page.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <img height="24" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /><br /> </td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="190" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="10" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="230" alt="Entrance to the Theler Wetlands Trails in Belfair, Washington" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/content/cities/ThelerWetlands.jpg" width="190" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="2" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> <td>Entrance - Theler Wetlands Trails</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="10" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><strong>Belfair</strong> lies at the innermost&nbsp;waters of Hood Canal and is home to the internationally-renowned <a><strong>Hood Canal Theler Wetlands</strong></a>, the region's center for environmental recreation and education.</p> <p>Last year over 150,000 visitors strolled the 135 acres of the Hood Canal Theler Wetlands, where four miles of barrier-free scenic trails are open daily, dawn to dusk. Viewing platforms, 1768 feet of floating boardwalk and many interpretive kiosks provide extended opportunities to fully experience the variety of wildlife throughout the wetlands.</p> <p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="125" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a><img height="162" alt="North Mason Chamber Directory" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/content/cities/8_05_NMCCdirectory.jpg" width="125" border="0" /></a></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="10" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="2" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a>Click to view North Mason Chamber Directory</a></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="10" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </p> <p>The<strong> </strong><strong>Mary E. Theler Exhibit Building</strong>, located at the <a><strong>Hood Canal Watershed Project Center</strong></a> near the trailhead, offers hands-on interactive displays and educational exhibits.</p> <p>Watch for the <a><strong>Mary E. Theler Community Center</strong></a> across from Belfair Elementary School on State Route 3 near the south end of town. The trailhead is located adjacent to the parking lot.</p> <p>You'll find a variety of shops and restaurants in Belfair. Boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping opportunities abound.</p> <ul> <li><a><strong>North Mason Chamber of Commerce</strong></a></li> <li><a><strong>Mason County Tourism</strong></a><strong><a> </a></strong></li> </ul> <p><a><strong>Mission Creek Corrections Center</strong></a></p> <a href="http://www.findlocalweather.com/forecast/wa/belfair.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Click for the latest Belfair weather forecast." src="http://www.findlocalweather.net/forecast.php?forecast=hourly&amp;pands=belfair+wa&amp;config=png&amp;alt=hwicc" border="0" /></a> <br /> <br /> &lt;!-- &lt;a href="javascript:external_site('http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&amp;city=Belfair&amp;state=wa&amp;zoom=5');" mce_href="javascript:external_site('http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&amp;city=Belfair&amp;state=wa&amp;zoom=5');"&gt;&lt;img src="/images/buttons/butt_mapquest.jpg" mce_src="/images/buttons/butt_mapquest.jpg" width="204" height="25" border="0" alt="Find this city via MapQuest"&gt;&lt;/a&gt; --&gt;<a><img height="23" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/buttons/button_getmap.jpg" width="76" border="0" /></a></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="230" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="2" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="157" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="2" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="369" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Specials and Happenings!</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="4" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="2" border="0" /></td> <td><img height="79" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/footer1.jpg" width="369" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="height: 25px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="230" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.visitkitsap.com/default.asp?ID=21">contact vcb for visitor info</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="2" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table style="height: 25px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="230" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.visitkitsap.com/ecard.asp">e-mail a postcard from kitsap</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> <td><img height="1" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="2" border="0" /></td> <td> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table style="height: 25px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="157" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.visitkitsap.com/other/site_map.asp">site map</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="2" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table style="height: 25px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="157" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.visitkitsap.com/default.asp?ID=63">privacy policy &amp; legal</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="760" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img height="5" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>32220 Rainier AVE NE, PO Box 270, Port Gamble, WA 98364&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;360.297.8200&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp;800.416.5615&nbsp;&nbsp;•&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;&#58;&#105;&#110;&#102;&#111;&#64;&#118;&#105;&#115;&#105;&#116;&#107;&#105;&#116;&#115;&#97;&#112;&#46;&#99;&#111;&#109;">info@VisitKitsap.com</a></strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="5" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>Copyright 2009 Kitsap Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau. All rights reserved.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="15" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>This site performs best with Internet Explorer V5.0 or above and Netscape 4.7 or above JavaScript-enabled browsers.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><img height="5" alt="" src="http://www.visitkitsap.com/images/1x1trans.gif" width="1" border="0" /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>To fully experience this site, please disable any pop-up blockers.<br /> Pop-up windows displayed on this site are never advertisements and are always user-initiated. <a href="http://www.visitkitsap.com/default.asp?ID=66">Click here</a> for more information.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div> </div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/check-out-this-great-local-website" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/check-out-this-great-local-website#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/18/check-out-this-great-local-websiteSun, 18 Jan 2009 15:51:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/what-makes-an-agent-a-good-service-provider<p><strong>I value good service</strong>. I am fortunate to have Sales Associates who also <strong>value good service</strong>. I know this to be an accurate statement because of the feedback I receive from our clients.</p> <p><strong>The remarks</strong> I hear most often from our clients are: "<em>Your Agent was prompt</em>" or "<em>She was very attentive to our needs". "Our Agent was courteous and professional".</em></p> <p><strong>What goes into making an Agent a good service provider</strong>? When I interview potential Agents, I often look for good interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic. With good consistent training this Agent Candidate will without doubt become a <strong>good service provider</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Agents who value good service</strong> give rise to a cheerful office environment and pleasant workplace. When we all work together in improving and mastering our objective of good service, the <strong>quality of service</strong> being practiced also rises the <strong>quality of life</strong> of the Agents, Staff and Brokerage.</p> <p><strong>Once again I will declare</strong> that I am fortunate to have Agents who, regardless to how the market may be performing, value and perform good service to their clients. And because they believe in the value of good service, they are not displaying a negative temperament but are optimistic, helpful and encouraging.</p> <p><strong>As Brokers</strong> ,we try hard to have a productive office and a peaceful office. I believe that a workplace that has Associates, Staff and a Broker that <strong>value good service will be a productive office.</strong></p> <p><strong>If the entire office</strong> is full of energy and has positive considerations towards their clients, the market and their peers then all this will create an environment of constructive and productive service.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>And ‘09 will be so, so Fine</strong></p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/what-makes-an-agent-a-good-service-provider" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/what-makes-an-agent-a-good-service-provider#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/what-makes-an-agent-a-good-service-providerMon, 05 Jan 2009 08:43:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/mason-county-washington-state-market-sales-data-report<div style="overflow: auto; width: 100%; position: relative"> <div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/856541/Mason-County-Washington-State-Market-Sales-Data-Report" rel="bookmark">Mason County, Washington State- Market Sales Data Report</a> </h2> </div> <p><strong>It's a Monday</strong> and the Last week of <strong>2008</strong>. May the New Year bring Forth a Robust Economy and a Rebounding Real Estate Market.</p> <p><strong>Since joining</strong> and posting to AR I have explored, written and commented on a host of Topics. However, I am still a Real Estate Professional and a Managing Broker and must continue my duty to enlighted the public and this Community to our <strong>Local&nbsp;Mason County Real Estate Market Data</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Market Data</strong> is not always the most popular topic but it is <strong>So&nbsp;important</strong>&nbsp;to our Business. Would you not agree?</p> <p><strong>With that Said</strong>, I bring to you:</p> <p style="text-align: center"><strong>The Mason County, State of Washingtion</strong> <strong>Market Data Report</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Mason County Real Estate Sales Data for December 1 Through December 15, 2008 posted an <strong>Area Total of 40 Sales in the amount of $6,506,208.</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>In <strong>Area A</strong> (<em>Shelton</em><em>, </em><em>Arcadia</em><em>, Kamilche</em>) <strong>14 Sales</strong> were recorded in the amount of $2,195,008. <strong>Area B</strong> (<em>Hartstene</em><em> </em><em>Island</em><em>, Agate</em>) posted <strong>9 Sales</strong> totaling $1,247,300. In <strong>Area C</strong> (<em>North end of the County</em>) <strong>10 Sales</strong> were reported in the amount of $2,249,500 and <strong>Area D</strong> ( <em>Hoodsport, </em><em>Union</em>) had <strong>7 Total Sales</strong> in the amount of $814,400.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>A Real Estate Sales Analysis breakdown shows: <strong>14 Sales</strong> were Single Family Resales on less than 5 Acres, <strong>1 </strong><strong>Sale</strong> of a Single Family Resale on more than 5 Acres and <strong>2 Sales</strong> of New Single Family Housing.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There were no <strong>Multi-family</strong> Sales but there was <strong>1 Commercial</strong> Sale.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;Land Sold with a Mobile Home posted <strong>6 Sales</strong>, Platted Lots recorded <strong>8 Sales</strong>, <strong>3 Short Plats sold </strong>and <strong>5 </strong><strong>Unplatted</strong> Land Sales were recorded.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Prices for Single Family Resales on Less than 5 Acres show us that 1 Sold in the $<strong>400,000 to $499,999</strong> range and 1 in the <strong>$350,000 to $399,999</strong> range. There were 3 each in the <strong>$250,000-$299,999, $200,000-$249,999</strong> and <strong>$180,000-$199,999</strong> respectively.</p> <p>There were 2 Sales in the $<strong>145,000-$159,999</strong> range and 1 in the <strong>$115,000-$129,999</strong> range.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Average Price for a Single Family Resale for this period was <strong>$233,800</strong> and the Median price was <strong>$206,250</strong>. New Single Family Average and Median Price was $228,450. Lots Average Price was $<strong>34,144</strong> while the Median was $<strong>12,825</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There were <strong>120 Loans</strong> taken out for the period in the amount of <strong>$24,977,309</strong> with an average rate of <strong>5.4</strong>% for a Conventional 30 year Real Estate Loan.</p> <div class="clearer">&nbsp;</div> </div><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/mason-county-washington-state-market-sales-data-report" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/mason-county-washington-state-market-sales-data-report#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2009/01/05/mason-county-washington-state-market-sales-data-reportMon, 05 Jan 2009 08:41:00 GMThttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2008/11/23/western-washington-real-estate-and-job-outlook<div> <h2 style="margin-top: 2px"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/801288/Western-Washington-Real-Estate-and-Job-Outlook" rel="bookmark">Western Washington Real Estate and Job Outlook</a> </h2> </div> <p><strong>In the Third</strong> series of economic reports provided by Gardner Johnson Land Use Economics, The Gardner Report points out that our Region has been adding Jobs for the past 12 months ending September 30, 2008. King County posted the most gain with a percentage change of <strong>+3.1%</strong> in annual employment.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Mason County's</strong> percentage change in Annual Employment was <strong>-0.5%</strong>. This appears to be the norm for a number of rural counties of Western Washington. For Example, Island County reported a -0.1% Change, Grays Harbor had a -0.4%, Skagit at -0.8% and Cowlitz was -1.3%.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>The Counties</strong> showing positive gains were: Kittitas with a&nbsp; 2.1% change, Lewis at 1.3%, Whatcom 1.2%, Thurston 1.1%, Snohomish 0.8%, Jefferson 0.5%, Kitsap 0.5%,Clallam 0.3%, San Juan and Pierce were even at 0.0%.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>While it is true</strong> we are experiencing a slowdown and we have six Counties reporting negative year-over-year growth, our Region had an overall employment growth up by <strong>over 9000</strong>. King County's job growth did jump from <strong>2.2% to 3.1 %</strong> on an annualized basis.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Matthew Gardner</strong> stated in The Gardner report "<em><strong>we continue to compare very favorably against a vast majority of the country but one should not forget that we are insulated, not isolated".</strong></em></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;<strong>In the Third Quarter Regional Real Estate Report</strong>, our Region posted around <strong>14,500</strong> closed transactions. According to Gradner this figure suggests "<em><strong>that</strong> <strong>we have not yet seen decreases in inventory levels that will indicate a more stabilized market</strong></em>." During this period all but one county saw negative price growth over the same period in 2007. Prices in the Region have gone down by an average of <strong>11.4%</strong> over the past <strong>12 months</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>The good news</strong> is there was limited negative growth occurring in King, Thurston, Whatcom and Kittitas Counties. Also, the fundamental value of <a href="http://windermerepeninsula.com/">Mason County</a> residential real estate is still positive. Our Home Price Escalation over a 5 year period was on average a healthy <strong>36.8%.</strong></p> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><P><a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2008/11/23/western-washington-real-estate-and-job-outlook" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2008/11/23/western-washington-real-estate-and-job-outlook#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Market Information Bloghttp://thenorthwestlife.com/blog/2008/11/23/western-washington-real-estate-and-job-outlookSun, 23 Nov 2008 13:53:00 GMT