Valerie's Belfair WA Real Estate Blog: Valerie Spaulding~Allyn~Belfair~Hood Canal & Mason County~WA~Real Estate~ (Windermere Peninsula Properties~Allyn~Belfair~WA)

Hood Canal & Puget Sound Waterfront Homes for Sale~How was the year in review?

2009 was a very tough year all around - the economy overall and the housing market in general, so what went on with Hood Canal & Puget Sound Waterfront Home Sales?  Surprisingly enough there were 23 homes sold along the shores of Hood Canal and Puget Sound in 2009.  I decided to take a look at 2009 and compare it to 2008, 2007 and 2006 to see how much of a difference there was in price, homes sold, and the time on the market. 

Waterfront homes as a general rule, tend to be more for recreational, part-time summer use, but there has been an increase in the number of waterfront homes that are lived in full time along the Shores of Hood Canal and Puget Sound. 

When reviewing Puget Sound Waterfront homes for sale, I am reviewing the statistics for my market area of Puget Sound which consists of Victor, Allyn, and Grapeview -all along the shores of Case Inlet & North Bay.  Shelton is also in my market area but there does tend to be a slight difference in marketing and values so I did not include that area in the statistics but will be reviewing it in another blog.

The statistics I am looking at regarding the homes for sale and sold on the Hood Canal are along theSouth Shore and North Shore of the Hood Canal in my market area which includes the towns of Belfair, Union and Tahuya in  Mason County. 

We carried quite a large inventory of waterfront homes for sale throughout the year of 2009. The end of the year we did see some come off the market which did lighten the inventory some.  We also saw an increase in the showings of waterfront homes for sale  above the $500,000 price range during the month of December and into the new year.  A lot of these buyers are also cash buyers-possibly taking advantage of the great homes for sale with great prices and values as opposed to placing their hard earned dollars elsewhere... 

So here's the wrap up:

2009 there were a total of 23 waterfront homes sold along the Hood Canal & Puget Sound in Mason County.

• (9) were sold along the South Shore of Hood Canal
• (5) were sold along the North Shore of Hood Canal
• (9) were sold along the shores of Puget Sound - North Bay and Case Inlet.
• The average sale price wasas $391,283
• The average market time was 235 days
• The average dollars per square foot was $338.63

2008 there were a total of 23 waterfront homes sold along the Hood Canal & Puget Sound in Mason County.

• (8) were sold along the South Shore of Hood Canal
• (6) were sold along the North Shore of Hood Canal
• (9) were sold along the shores of Puget Sound - North Bay and Case Inlet
• The average sale price was $604,158
• The average market time was 152 days
• The average dollars per square foot was $337.95.

It is interesting to see the difference in the market times and the fact that 2009 the buyers were focused on homes under $500,00 for the most part.  It is also interesting to see that the dollars per square foot for both these years stayed fairly consistent.

2007 there were a total of 27 waterfront homes sold along the Hood Canal & Puget Sound in North Mason County.

• (9) were sold along the South Shore of Hood Canal
• (5) were sold along the North Shore of Hood Canal
• (12) were sold along the shores of Puget Sound - North Bay and case Inlet.
• The average sale price was $584,815 (3 of the homes sold for over a million dollars)
• The average market time for these homes was 119 days
• The average dollars per square foot were $379.49 - roughly a 12% difference from 2008 and 2009.

One more year to take a look at - 2006 - I think it is safe to say that 2007 was the peak of the market but let's see how it compared to 2006.

2006 there were a total of 42 homes sold along the Hood Canal & Puget Sound in North Mason County.

• (12 ) were sold along the South Shore of Hood Canal
• (16) were sold along the North Shore of Hood Canal
• (14) were sold along the Puget Sound - Case Inlet and North Bay
• The average sale price was $$480,970 (the highest sale was one at $1.06 million. 
• The average market time for these homes was 129 days
• The average dollars per square foot was $330.34

Interesting..... the average dollars per square foot was higher in 2007, but there were more Hood Canal and Puget Sound Waterfront  homes sold in 2006.  Good numbers to take a look at.

So in a nutshell would you agree 2007 was the peak of the north Mason County waterfront home sales along the Hood Canal and Case Inlet/North Bay-Puget Sound as far as values go?  Overall the average dollars per square foot has stayed consistent as well as the number of sales for the last few years.  Even in 2008 and 2009 the average dollars per square foot was higher than in 2006. 

Got to say, that it is nice to see that the waterfront homes for sale have pretty much held their value!

I hope this information was helpful. If you would like more detailed information or a market specific report for your waterfront home, I would love to help you out with that.  Drop me a line, give me a call or stop on in!

LakeLand Village~Allyn~The "Now & Then Real Estate Market"

I am always curious about statistics and love to compare things to previous events or years. I thought it would be interesting to take a peak into the past and check out the statistics for homes that sold in the small residential golf course community of LakeLand Village -comparing from 2006 through 2009.

2009 - There were 21 homes sold in LakeLand Village Allyn, WA for the entire year.

• The average sold price was $244,752
• The average dollars per square foot for the LakeLand Village sold homes was $135 per square foot.
• The average days on the market for the sold homes was 182 days. Actually not too bad.

 Buyers were definitely shopping price in 2009 and there were many choices of homes for sale in LakeLand Village throughout the year- inventory reached an all time high of 54 homes for sale. 

2008 - There were 21 homes sold In LakeLand Village~Allyn~WA~ the entire year of 2008. Interesting this number is the same as 2009. Let's see what else stayed the same or changed.

• The average sold price was $306,500 - Now there's a considerable change from 2009!
• The average dollars per square foot for the LakeLand Village homes sold for 2008 was $156 - another big difference
• The average days on the market was 274 days. Interesting that it took longer for the homes to sell in 2008 but their average price and average dollar per square foot seemed to remain fairly strong in comparison to previous years.  

2007 - There were 29 Homes sold in LakeLand Village~Allyn~WA~ the entire year of 2007.

• The average sale price was $335,017
• The average dollars per square foot for the LakeLand Village Homes sold for 2007 was $166- another big difference from 2008 and definitely a huge difference from 2009!
• The average days on the market was 192 days.

Let's take a look back one more year to 2006 for homes that sold in lakeLand Village for the year .

2006 - There were 50 homes sold in LakeLand Village~Allyn~WA for the entire year of 2006. I think it is safe to say this is going to probably show as LakeLand Village's "Peak" market for real estate sales.

• The average sale price was $333,604 - quite an average with 50 homes that sold in comparison to the above 29 and 21.
• The average dollars per ssquare foot for the LakeLand Village Homes Sold for 2006 was $159.77 - slitghtly down but with 50 homes sold- that's a pretty solid number.
• The average days on the market was 153 days. Another difference reflecting LakeLand Villages' "peak" market.

As 2009 winds down, we are all looking forward to a Successful, Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year! 

With that said, which kind of driver are you when it comes to driving your business?

Are you focusing on the rear-view mirror more than you are focusing on looking forward through the windshield?

"Focus on looking forward through the windshield to achieve your goals; use the rear-view mirror to reflect upon what is behind you" is something one of my friends is always telling me.

He is always reminding me that we need to "see" where we are going all the while using the rear-view mirror for an occasional look at where we have been and what could be creeping up on us; Knowing that we can't change that part, but use the past as knowledge and experience.

Our true attention needs to remain focused on looking forward through the windshield to see where we are going.

We can't change where we have been but we can learn from it as well as take direction from it while looking through the windshield to the future.

The rear-view mirror shows us places we have been and things that are done. Gone. Can't change. But we can use them to our advantage while facing forward and focusing on what is to come.

Granted there are more than likely going to be a few curves thrown in front of us that we weren't anticipating but it's all in how we use our (rear-view) past experience to successfully navigate and help us through it.

Knowledge gained from our rear-view mirror experiences will make us better drivers facing forward looking through the windshield.

Which are you going to do? Are you going to drive your career and goals focusing on what has happened in the rear-view mirror or look forward to new experiences and better roads to come through the windshield in front of you?

Here's to everyone a wish for a very successful, happy, healthy and PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LakeLand Village Homes for Sale and Sold~After Thanksgiving Sale?~Market Report~

I know, I know it is so hard to believe that we are already past Thanksgiving and moving swiftly towards Christmas!!  ~~SIGH~~  Time seems to go so fast this time of year! 

So what's been going on In LakeLand Village during the month of November? In anticipation of the First Time home buyers tax Credit Ending, it seemed that we started off to a slow start in November as far as buyers making offers on homes. It also seemed as though the buyers weren't out looking as much as they were in October.

The really interesting part was that the pending sales and sales reflect that the buyers are all shopping in a price range of well under $300,000.  Hmmm.... And if you think that is interesting, check out Richard Bell's Blog Report of "where they buyers are coming from." I think you will be quite surprised!

The inventory of homes for sale in LakeLand Village has dropped down to 23 active homes for sale listed with Real Estate Agents. It's about average for our normal fall/winter inventory based on the years past. 

• Average Price : $298,459
• Average $$'s per square foot : $144.16
• Average Days on the Market: 238

We have one contingent sale currently in LakeLand Village. This means that the buyer must sell their current home first in order to progress with transaction on the home in LakeLand Village.

Out of the many homes for sale in LakeLand Village over the last six months, there are currently 4 homes for sale pending (meaning they have mutually accepted offers on them between buyer and seller).

• Average Price : $234,675
• Average $4's per square foot : $146.57
• Average Days on the Market: 219 days

October had shown that there were NO sold properties in LakeLand Village - that was quite a shocker, but more than likely it was because of slow downs possibly due to the type of loan the buyer was trying to obtain.

November showed 3 closed sales and with the 4 pending sales in LakeLand Village, December should actually statistically be a good ending to a very, very unpredictable year in the housing market in LakeLand Village.

• Average Price : $263,000
• Average $$'s per square foot: $144.21
• Average days on the market: 87

Something interesting regarding the sold properties during the month of November is that the list price to sell price percentage is at 100% meaning the homes were sold at their list price....

I hope that everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving with family and friends! Our house was sure full of thanks. Even though it has been a tough year for all - we are very thankful for what we have and what we have done....

HAVE A SUPER DAY!  See ya next month!

Ohhh and pssssst...... don't forgot about the Tax Credit Extension and EXPANSION that nows allow current homeowners who are buying a new primary residence to acquire up to a $6500.00 tax credit as well!

Previous Month's Market Reports for Homes for Sale and Sold in LakeLand Village, Allyn, WA: 

• October 2009
• September 2009
• August 2009
• July 2009
• June 2009 -
• May 2009 
• April 2009
• March 2009
• February 2009
• January 2009
• 2008 LakeLand Village Market Report

Have you Heard the News?!!!!!

 Yep -even if you are not a First Time home Buyer you too may be able to take advantage of the newly EXPANDED TAX credit!!

TAKE A LOOK AND LISTEN.........

Holiday Festivities in LakeLand Village~~Up and Coming Events~~

LakeLand Village is getting ready for the Holidays! From the homeowners dressing up their homes in holiday color and cheer to the LakeLand Village Community Club putting together the final touches on some Holiday Fun!

Mark your calendars!

Friday December 11th is the Lakeland Village Christmas Party at the Clubhouse. It is for all LakeLand Village Residents and paid for by the LakeLand Village Community Association.  The fun starts at 4:30 for the immediate LakeLand Families with children and grandchildren.

At 4:45 Santa Arrives! For more details and pre-registration (required) give Joanne at the office a call at 360-275-3508.  

And what would Christmas in LakeLand Village be without our annual Christmas "House Lighting" Contest which is judged on

December 21st!  Categories include : Most Unique, Most Colorful, Best use of White lighting, and best use of Animated characters! 

Oh and don't forget December 8th, Tuesday, is the December Board meeting starting at 5:30PM.  All property owners are welcome!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! 

Short, simple and sweet, courtesy of the Washington Association of Realtors, the following  short video is an explanation in a nutshell. I just learned something new as well - did you know that you might be able to qualify for the expansion credit part (up to $6500.00 tax credit) if you lease your current primary residence and purchase a new one?? Yep - Listen.......

I would be more than happy to answer questions you might have about our local Belfair, Allyn, Hood Canal and Puget Sound Real Estate Market, as well as area information. Remember, all real estate is local so it is important to talk with an agent who KNOWS your market area!

If you would like more information about selling or buying a home in Belfair, Allyn, Hood Canal, Grapeview or the surrounding area, give me call, drop me a line, or stop on by....

I believe people come first and building lifelong relationships with my clients...

Valerie

Associate Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

360-710-5622

 My web page: www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com

My Belfair Blog : www.BelfairWARealEstate.com

 My Email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

 My Address : 30 NE Romance Hill Rdm Suite 102, Belfair, WA 98528

Home for the Holidays....They all start making their way home to LakeLand Village Allyn WA... The first part of the Holiday Season...

Thanksgiving starts it off!- Tradition has most of the kids coming to my house for Thanksgiving and this year is no different. I am really excited this year about Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Some years I am not as excited but more worn out from it all happening so quickly and there being so much to do...

This year seems a little more special and a little different. And there really is no distinct reason other than it has been a TOUGH year for everyone. That has made me really appreciate even more the close relationship that our family DOES have. And it's made me more aware of that and how special our times together during the Holidays are.

Becky's making her way home from Pullman.  She's got one shot basically to get across the mountains with all the winter weather that has been here and is still expected. She doesn't like driving it (it's a 5-1/2 hour drive over the mountain pass)  and her car -w ell it's not the greatest, most reliable automobile in the world...

So we wait with bated breath- as we watch the weather and track her progress through text messaging!  So far so good!  She's in Ellensburg! That's about still 3 hours away but closer!

One almost home for Thanksgiving!  

I am even actually excited about decorating the house this year!  

I believe in never being just "satisfied." And I rarely just "let things happen."

Lenn's Post was EXACTLY what I was trying to get across to a few people who over the past year have asked me why I do what I do, how, and why I go for the listings and how I am successful at acquiring and getting them sold!

Such a great post ---Enjoy!!!

RED SHIRT FRIDAY.....

This came to me in an email.  I do not know who the originator is so I can't give credit where credit is due other thanking the person who sent it to me... Brian McLellan thank you for serving and forwarding this on to me.

Whoever the originator is and this "man" thank you for the story and sharing it....

Also - it came in a very nice format, but I have no idea how to change the font and stuff so here it is in its raw format...

   
If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below a man's story and how it went for him.

RED SHIRT

"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. 

After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.

No, he responded.
Heading out I asked? 

No.  I'm escorting a soldier home.

Going to pick him up?

No. He is with me right now.  He was killed in Iraq ; I'm taking him home to his family. 

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.  

I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.  

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom. 

"Ladies  and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have  had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the  United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back  home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."

Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. "

So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

Red Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority."  We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing. 

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of  showing solidarity and support for our troops  with dignity and respect starts this Friday --  and continues each and every Friday until the  troops all come home, sending a deafening  message that .... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far will wear something red. 

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than  ever, certainly more than the media lets  on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.Reblog. Email it.

IF  YOU COULDN'T CARE LESS -- THEN DO NOTHING.