Valerie's Belfair WA Real Estate Blog: January 2009

We have just finished your home inspection (Taking the Plunge -Home Inspection) and negotiated with the seller a few minor but workable repair issues. We're moving forward! The home is now officially pending! 

You have all the right "gear" along with the right team members to TAKE THE PLUNGE into home ownership!

You took the plunge into home ownership and we are swimming along rather nicely....

Behind the scenes your Team is working away diligently on all the little details that are needed to move towards the closing of your purchase.

When realtors refer to a purchase and sale being "signed around" or mutually accepted that is the term they tend to use when you and the seller came to agreement on the Purchase and Sale contract for the home. At that time, I opened escrow with the escrow company that was agreed upon in the purchase and sale, as well as deposited your earnest money check with the escrow company. 

I also sent a copy of your purchase and sale to your lender and made contact to ensure that they had all of the information that they needed from myself and you regarding the property to get rolling on the financing of your new home.  They too are diligently working behind the scenes towards the closing of your purchase.

When we first wrote your purchase and sale, I set your file up so that I can easily track how the process is going and make sure that the deadlines in the contract are met once we came into agreement with the seller. I check daily to make sure we are on track. So far so good! 

I have also been in constant communication with the real estate agent who is representing the seller so that they know that we are diligent about the process of closing the transaction and so the agent can keep the seller informed. There is nothing worse than not knowing what is going on or not hearing ANYTHING for a long period of time. It is very, very important to me, to have constant communication. 

Even if I have no news specifically for you, I will be communicating alot with you and the rest of our "team" so that all parties know what is going on. I also want you to know that I am available to answer any and all of your questions.

There are things that YOU need to be doing as well. I gave you a check list of some of the things that you are going to need to be taking care of (such as packing and moving particulars), while I am taking care of other items regarding your transaction.

Our next discussion will be on how your "to do" list is coming along. See you then!  

~~Valerie~~

 Remember I offer a FREE, No obligation comparative market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property.I specialize in people first and strive to provide consumers with an incredible real estate experience. I build relationships for life. My Success is YOUR Success.

 My area of expertise covers Allyn, Belfair, Hood Canal and the surrounding areas of Mason County, WA real estate market. Give me a call,drop me a line, or visit my website - Let's "Take the Plunge" together.

 Windermere Peninsula Properties-We believe that homes are where memories are made and people live their lives...

I am a stat freak, I admit it.

I use the stats on a daily basis and have them in my head all the time so that when ANYONE asks me about the Belfair WA real estate market and more specific home sales, (as well as the other surrounding areas, such as Allyn, Grapeview, Shelton and LakeLand Village), I am prepared to answer them with knowledge and current information.

I love showing home buyers that there are some great opportuntiies out there and that now is the time to get off the fence and do it.  Who knows when things will change?

I love sharing and educating home sellers in the local Belfair WA real estate market as well, and also on how I can get the job done if we use the facts and statistics and aggressive marketing strategies that work (which includes being priced right from the gitgo). 

Below is the wrap up for December 2008 for the last two weeks in Mason County WA and what we saw for closed sales during that time. 

I reblogged this post from Richard Bell, the Managing Broker with Windermere Peninsula Properties of Belfair and Allyn WA. He is a stat man as well.

If you would like  more information on homes sales in Mason County, WA, or something in particular that you would like to know, I would love to share that knowledge with you!  Drop me a line, give me a call or leave me a comment. 

Considering the weather, the sales that Mason County WA area had seen in the last two weeks of December, the sold volume was not too bad.

Take special note of those prices though of the ones buyers are buying...

Mr. Seller  are you priced correctly for the market and for you area?

Welcome to my new Belfair WA Real Estate Blog! I am very excited to get going here with local Belfair WA real estate information.

From everything to tips on selling your home in Mason County WA and surrounding areas to buying a home in Belfair WA and Mason County surrounding areas. Along with just general real estate tips, local Allyn, Belfair and Mason County happenings, market statistics and much more!

This is a chance for you to interact with me as well in a relaxed environment. Go ahead - ask me your questions!  I am anxious to help! 

In this first blog, I'd like to introduce you two great Belfair, WA and Mason County websites:

One is the North Mason Chamber of Commerce. Here you will find tons of information about the Belfair, WA and surrounding Mason County Area. It's a great website with lots of links and information.

The other is the Localism site for Belfair, WA. This too is a great source of information and stories about the Belfair, WA and surrounding Mason County areas. 

Check them out- let me know what you think.

 You can also visit my website for a property search, or other Belfair WA area information along with links to different resources.

~~Valerie~~

I believe in building lifelong relationships. YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCES. Let me show you a unique and exceptional real estate experience for Belfair, WA and the surrounding areas.

Following along with our discussions of "Taking the Plunge" into Home ownership, we have found the home you want to purchase. 

• You have met with a lender for pre-approval.
• You and I have established a comfortable, professional, trustworthy, loyal working relationship and we have shared what we expect from each other.
• We have discussed the priorities of wants and needs in your new home.
• We have reviewed the steps of purchasing a home and what to expect.
• You have done your homework reviewing the information I have provided you on the various neighborhood and areas that you have shown an interest in. We have also toured these areas.
• We have looked at homes that might fit the bill for you.
• You have chosen one and want to write an offer.
• I educated you in the process of submitting an offer so that you would make solid decisions and choices and understand what was going to happen in the process along with preparing and reviewing the forms required. 
•  You and the seller have come to a meeting of the minds and we now have a Mutually accepted offer! 

In your offer we included that the property is subject to your satisfaction of a home inspection on the home using a professional inspector who will inspect the property for you (Inspection Contingency).

A home inspector looks beyond the cosmetics to make sure that the home's general systems operate properly as well as the condition of the home. He will be looking for anything that may need repair or is/could be a problem or not working.

Generally a standard home inspection report will review the conditions of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical system, the roof, attic and visible insulation, walls, ceilings floors, windows and doors, foundations, basement and visible structure.  He will look for cracks in the cement walls, water stains, moisture, wood rot and many other things.

He will also point out the positives of the home as well as proper maintenance that will keep it in tip top shape.

You should be present when your inspector is doing the inspection to hear first hand about the home and its systems and to be able to ask the inspector questions. 

You need to remember through this process that no home is perfect.  If there are problems found, we will discuss these and then I will help you negotiate through the process.

Taking the Plunge to home ownership shouldn't be a scary, stressful and overwhelming experience. With the right agent by your side leading the way and the rest of my team such as a lender, inspector, escrow), I have the experience, knowledge and skills to take you through the process and give you a unique and satisfying home buying experience.  Let me take the stress and show you the way to a successful plunge... 

~~Valerie~~

Remember I offer a FREE, No obligation comparative market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property.

I specialize in people first and strive to provide consumers with an incredible real estate experience. I build relationships for  life. My Success is YOUR Success.

My area of expertise covers Allyn, Belfair, Hood Canal and the surrounding areas of Mason County, WA real estate market. Give me a call,drop me a line, or visit my website - Let's "Take the Plunge" together.

Windermere Peninsula Properties- We believe that homes are where memories are made and people live their lives...

We're back from our house hunting and our spirits are high as we await the sellers response on our recently submitted offer to purchase their home.

We've been discussing the buying process and how "taking the plunge" into home ownership should not be scary or stressful.  To catch up take a look at the previous blog "Wish-List-for-Taking-the-Plunge-into-Home-Ownership-Part-V."

We are confident because we have worked hard with your lender to assure us of what you can afford and what is comfortable for your budget, and myself to educate you and show you homes that will potentially fit your needs and criteria as close as possible while staying within your budget. 

 You have flown through this process with ease and without let downs because we have created a relationship of trust, loyalty, good communication and professionalism.

We based our offer on the asking price of the home and the review of a comparative market analysis that I prepared for you on that home specifically (comparative market analysis' are not just for a sellers benefit!)  so you were comfortable with the asking price and your offer. It also helped you know that the seller was priced fairly and you understand that because you have offered less than the asking price, the seller may not take what you have offered. We shall have to wait and see!

We discussed and reviewed all of the forms that we included in your purchase and sale offer to the seller. This is the contract that outlines the details of the property transfer between yourself and the seller when you both agree on all of the terms.  A purchase and sale agreement will generally consist of the following:

• Earnest Money Receipt
• Financing Addendum
• Inspection Addendum
• Conditions/disclosure addendum
• An addendum outlining any special conditions.
• Title Contingency Addendum

Purchase and Sale agreements are handled differently in various states and there are many different laws as well, so it is important that you work with a real estate professional that knows the laws and forms where you are buying or selling. Another great reason to work with me!

We also talked about what the next step would be if the seller accepted your offer - A home inspection on your part. It is a very, very important step for you to partake in even if it is new construction.  We'll discuss the home inspection in more detail in the next blog of discussion of "Taking the Plunge!" into home ownership.

~~Valerie~~

Remember I offer a FREE, No obligation comparative market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property. 

I specialize in people first and strive to provide consumers with an incredible real estate experience. I build relationships for a life.  My Success is YOUR Success.

My area of expertise covers Allyn, Belfair, Hood Canal and the surrounding areas of Mason County, WA real estate market. Give me a call,drop me a line, or visit my website -  Let's "Take the Plunge" together.

Waterfront home sales along the South Shore, North Shore as well Southern Puget Sound shores of Grapeview and Allyn, stayed fairly consistent with the rest of the Belfair, WA real estate market for the year 2008.

We generally see the waterfront market have a market of its own. What I mean by that is that it will usually lean towards a normal market or a sellers market but 2008 was not like that.  Sellers saw the woes of a high amount of competition which is unusual in our area for waterfront homes for sale.

Buyers had many, many great choices and prices but only a few put their dollars out there as it seemed everyone fell prey to the same scared economy, bad news all around scene.  It was a buyers market even in the waterfront areana.

Overall the 2008 year for waterfront home sales along the South Shore, North Shore and Southern Puget Sound shores of Allyn and Grapeview saw a total of 18 sales. All in all not bad - 2007 showed 24 sales for the same waterfront area. 

The current inventory for waterfront homes for sale along the shores of the Hood Canal's North Shore and South Shore and southern Puget Sound shores of Allyn and Grapeview at a total of 34.  That is still a larger than normal inventory than we generally have at peak season of spring through summer. So there are many good homes and prices to chose from.

The prices for these waterfront homes on the market did slighty decrease, but not as much as we saw non-waterfront home properties prices decrease.

Everyone is curious as to what the new year of 2009 will bring. Will buyers take their curiosity and turn it into action to take advantage of the great choices, great prices and great interest rates? 

 Take advantage of the many opportunities that are awaiting out there.  Who knows when things will change again. 

 What are your plans for summertime fun this year? 

If you would like more information on homes for sale along the North and South Shore of Hood Canal and southern Puget Sound shores of Allyn and Grapeview, give me a call, drop me a line, or visit my website.

I believe in building relationships for life. My Success is your Success. 

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties

It's time to take a peak at Homes for Sale on the Hood Canal as we move closer to the thought of summertime fun!  

This particular blog is strictly saltwater waterfront homes for sale on the Hood Canal in Belfair and Union and the Puget Sound in Allyn and Grapeview. (This does not include For Sale By Owner properties).

Starting the 2009 year, waterfront homes on the Hood Canal in Belfair and Puget Sound in Allyn and Grapeview, the number of homes for sale has decreased although it is still a considerable amount on the market with no sales yet for January of 2009.

The waterfront home price ranges are all over the board and there are a LOT of great waterfront homes on Hood Canal as well as the Puget Sound and great prices.  The sales have been slow to come but there have been sales.

Waterfront Homes for Sale and Sold on Hood Canal ~Belfair

There are currently a total of 11 waterfront homes for sale on South Shore of Hood canal; 13 on North Shore of Hood canal and 10 waterfront homes on Case Inlet Puget Sound. The prices range from $385,000 on up to $1,395,000.  As you can see there are many choices and many price ranges. There is something for everyone out there!

There are currently no  pending sales. 

December 2008 only saw one sale along the Shores of Hood Canal and Southern Puget Sound  Mason County WA area at a price of $475,000.

The amount of waterfront homes for sale on the Hood Canal and Puget Sound is actually down  from previous months.  Could this be the start to a change of the Hood Canal and Puget Sound waterfront market? 2008 showed it to be a buyers market for the entire year. Quite possibly that will change this year?  

None of us know exactly when a market will change or hit bottom. It is generally after we move past that bottom that we know we hit bottom. So it is important for buyers to look at their goals and decide where and when  the best time  and bottom is for them and their goals.

This time of year generally starts to bring us buyer inquiries on Hood Canal and Puget Sound waterfront homes as the buyers gear up to find their "summertime fun" home.

2008 had a total of 18 sold waterfront homes on South and North Shore of Hood Canal and the Puget Sound (Case Inlet) Allyn, Grapeview, Belfair and Victor. Sold prices have ranged from $360,500 to $1,502,690. 

So you see, there truly is still something out there for everyone! I would love to help you research and find your summertime or fulltime waterfront property on Hood Canal and Puget Sound. You can search through all of the active listings at my website. If you have questions, would like more information, or would just like to chat about the market - please - give me a call. I am at your service!

There are a LOT of GREAT OPPORTUNITIES out there if you are looking for WATERFRONT PROPERTIES ON HOOD CANAL AND PUGET SOUND !  

~~Valerie - Your Hood Canal ~Belfair~ & Puget Sound Waterfront Home Specialist~ Give me a call or drop me a line!

I am going to introduce my buyers who are out looking or contemplating looking for homes or property for sale in the Belfair WA area, to try a new angle - LET'S GO BOTTOM FISHING!

I have been asked many, many times over the past hours, days, weeks, months - "WHERE and WHEN WILL WE SEE THE BOTTOM OF THE BELFAIR WA REAL ESTATE MARKET? WHEN WILL IT HAPPEN?"

My first thought was to myself- well let me grab my magic crystal ball and see what it says because no one comes out running with a huge flag, megaphone, parade and the media behind them declaring "THIS IS IT !  THIS IS THE BOTTOM OF THE MARKET!!" 

 So how do you tell where and when the bottom is????  

A very good friend of mine and I were talking about this subject yesterday and he said to me that "Buyers should make their own bottom - let them find the bottom and determine the bottom based on their goals and where they think the bottom should be."

You will not KNOW exactly when we are at bottom.  We will only be able to tell as we LEAVE the bottom and start in the other direction.   And that means you MISSED the bottom.

There is no definitive, pin-point, this is the number for the bottom of the real estate market or a way to know it as it is happening.  Just as with a recession - we do not know we are in a recession until months later. The same is true in the real estate market - we do not know we have hit bottom until the bottom actually passes! Make sense? 

You as the buyer have to determine your own bottom based on your OWN goals.  YOU determine what you feel the bottom is.  What do you think the bottom price of a home or property for your goals on the market should be?  And once you have determined it - make that offer and see if it is the bottom or what you think is the bottom!  

Otherwise, guess what?  The bottom of the Belfair WA real estate market and all other areas will pass you by as well and before you know it - we'll be moving in the other direction and someone will declare based on statistics "Oh Yes - THAT was the bottom." 

You ready?  Let's go Bottom Fishing! You might end up catching the bottom of YOUR market."

If you would like more information on homes and property for sale in the Belfair WA area, or would like to discuss things further, give me a call, drop me a line, or visit my website! Don't forget- I offer a FREE, no obligation real estate market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property.

I specialize in the Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal & surrounding communities in Mason County WA real estate market. I believe in building relationships for life. People and homes are my specialty. YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!