Jill Watts (Realtor) Camas, Washougal, Vancouver Washington

FUN FOR YOU: Prolife Banquet Heathman Lodge Vancouver, WA, jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:31:00 -0500

Dear Friends, I am inviting you to our ProLife Banquet to support the Camas Washougal Pregnancy Clinic. It's a "free" fabulous dinner. (R.S.V.P. please) This is a fundraiser of course but it's also gonna be FUN for YOU! Thursday, November 5th, 7 pm at the lovely Heathman Lodge Vancouver, WA. (I love arriving early and having a cup of coffee or glass of wine sitting by their big rock fireplace!) Click here to check out the gorgeous Lodge! http://www.heathmanlodge.com/html/Vancouver-wa-restaurant.asp

Tables have already been paid for, so please come! I need hosts for a couple of tables, can you do that for me? I hope you have a heart for this ministry as I do. My phone number is 360-852-1689. This clinic is a Christian based ministry so I really hope you'll come and help support this little clinic that does BIG things. They do not receive any govt. funds, so really it's up to us to keep them going. Please help me do this!

There will be a scrumptious dinner and the popular author and parent trainer Judy Salisbury will be the speaker. Have you heard of her? She's a local girl with a passion for this ministry of saving babies. Here's a link to her page: http://judysalisbury.com/founder.htm I've heard her speak and she's FUNNY!!!! I think you'll enjoy her. Please R.S.V.P. to me by replying to this email or by phone: 360-852-1689. This is my cell and I can be reached anytime. Many, many blessings dear friends! Jill and Mike Watts

About Community Pregnancy Clinic of Camas Washougal

The Community Pregnancy Clinic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free and confidential early pregnancy services to women in the Camas/Washougal community. We have been offering services since 1994 and average over 800 clients a year.

What is our mission?

To provide compassionate help and hope to those who find themselves unprepared for pregnancy
To encourage and support both practical and informational programs which help to stem the tide of unwanted pregnancies in our community.
To make referrals when needed for social services, medical care, adoption, and for those who suffer emotional, physical or spiritual trauma from previous abortion
To offer to all who wish to receive it, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both work and deed, and the love and compassion of true Christian fellowship.

Hours of operation

Tues, Wed & Thurs 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

What is our affiliation?

The Community Pregnancy Clinic is an affiliate of CareNet, a Christian network of pregnancy care centers providing practical help, counseling, and positive alternatives to women and unborn children in the United States and Canada.

The CPC is a nonprofit organization which is staffed by volunteers from our community. The CPC receives no funding from federal, state, or local government agencies and is therefore dependent completely upon local fund-raising efforts.

About our clients

Most of our clients are 16 to 20 years old
Eight in ten are not using contraceptives
20% state they have no Christian background
Three out of four are single
30% have a positive pregnancy test
Nearly 9 out of 10 of those who find they are pregnant choose life for their unborn child

Jill Watts, Keller Williams

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!
Search the MLS: http://jillwatts.yourkwagent.com

360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Are you Selling or Buying a new home in one of the great livable cities that make up Clark County? (Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt) Buying? Call me (Jill Watts) at 360-852-1689! I have blazing hot deals from the RMLS right at my fignertips and can provide them to you before the sign even goes into the yard. Selling? The RMLS and Keller Williams up-to-the-minute technology will give you all the research you need to make your contract negotiations razor sharp and your buying or selling decisions precise and save your money! (I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future. No really! Call me!! 360-852-1689 to get started on your next life transition today)

Bringing Baby Home! jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:20:54 -0500

Click here:Bringing Baby Home! This is one of the most exciting days of your life! The little toes, little figners, cute little cheeks! Baby is here! All yours to care for and raise and make life easier for your baby than you had it growing up. Bringing Baby Home pretty much outshines birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and vacation! Check out the Bringing Baby Home website. (Bringing Baby Home!) It is well done by the Discovery Channel and has resources that you will find helpful in these first few days.

I have two young families that are expecting their first baby this month! They are eventually going to need a new home for more room, more toys, a fenced back yard for doggies and a swing set, a large place to store trikes, bikes and roller skates. A NEW HOME is SO possible these days!!! Hooray! Prices are still so low and interest rates are at an all time low. Well, I don't have to tell you that!

I am blessed to have been able to help some young families buy their very first home recently!! They have bought smaller first homes. But...they have equity now! They have a place to spread out, a place to paint and fix up and make it their own! A place to have guests over and celebrate holidays!

Here are some questions you may be wondering about:

I've heard there are HUGE homes for low prices, is this true?

Would you like documents about what to take to a lender?

How much mortgage can I get?

What kind of short sales or good deals are available near my work?

Call me if I can help you bring your baby home to a NEW HOME in Clark County!!

Jill Watts
Keller Williams
360-852-1689

Live like you are dying and list like you're bank owned.

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:53:42 -0500

This article I re-blogged just for my friends and family. If you know of someone wanting or needing to move...this article just makes sense. Steve from NH points out that it costs you money to stay in your current home. Some people are still waiting for the "Bottom" of the market before buying. That's like catching smoke in your hand, the bottom of the market is unpredictible. Call me, I will tell you what your house will bring you in today's market. 360-852-1689. Blessings Y'all! Jill

Via Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:

Live like you are dying, the lyrics of this Tim McGraw song speaks volumes to many different people.

As I listened to what this song is advocating, It occurred to me many sellers should heed this lesson. They put a price on a property that they think "someday" it may sell for. If moving on with your life requires the sale of a property you own...there is not an infinite amount of time to accomplish this sale. Life is Short.

What got me thinking about this, is I have several short sales a bank owned sale and a probate property that are pending. With these sales the process to close will be longer (in some cases much longer) than the time it took to find a buyer. The price was right, the buyers where motivated and the sellers showed their willingness to sell, by pricing the property to sell.

List like the market is dying. Life is Short.

#1 If you are going to buy after this sale...the sooner you sell the sooner you are in the buyers shoes (you are merely trading equity...if you buy a replacement property).

#2 Moving on is far less painful than hanging on (how many months of mortgages, taxes, insurance utilities will be spend holding...after you admit you want to sell).

#3 You may be better off renting for a time (dropping the major maintenance costs and healing your credit may put you in a better place in the long run than draining your savings, while waiting to score on unrealistic re-sales).

My Bucket list doesn't include living in a home I can't afford...and waiting for someone to over pay me for the same privileges. Life is Short.

                                                                                                                      Steve Loynd, White Mountain New Hampshire real Estate Expert

   steve@alpinelakes.com toll free 800-926-5653 /cell 603-381-7898

    MLS search and Realtor web site: www.alpinelakes.com

    My outside Blog: www.steveswhitemountainblog.com

   Lincoln NH & Local interest site: www.localism.com/nh/lincoln

Larsen's Bakery Banana Cream Cake in Vancouver, WA jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:31:14 -0500

Larsen's Bakery Banana Cream Cake in Vancouver, WA comes to mind during this holiday time of year! Have you visited their bakery? They are famous for their Banana Cream cakes. Delicious!! These cakes taste divine. Whenever I go to a wedding, baby shower or birthday where this cake is served...I know that person is VERY special to have deserved such a cake.

I've heard that Larsen's Bakery even has a Banana Cream pie, but I love the cake so much that I only order it when I visit their bakery. They have so many other delightful creations and a coffee bar too!

This is a statement from their webpage: Larson's Bakery, serving the Vancouver, WA / Portland, OR area since 1986, is a family owned and operated business. In 1923, the Larson ancestors came to America from Sweden, bringing with them their family's secret recipes for the luscious baked creations found at Larson's Bakery. These dessert creations are baked works of art and the wedding cakes are the masterpieces of our baking artisans. Be sure to visit the Wedding Cakes picture gallery to view examples of our wonderful wedding cakes. Our baked goods are "made from scratch" and are fresh, fresh, fresh!

Larsen's Bakery is located at Larson's Bakery, Deli and Coffee Bar
13411 SE Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98684
Phone:360-253-4555
FAX: 360-882-6690

Here's a link to their webpage: http://larsonsbakery.net/

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Your home is your largest investment! We'll work together as a team to achieve your goals. I love assisting clients to find their dream home whether it is for investment in working with builders to build a custom home, short sales, relocation, bank owned sales...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close. You can easily maximize your profits in real estate in bustling Clark County, Washington.

Are you Selling or Buying a new home in one of the great livable cities that make up Clark County? (Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt) Buying? Call me (Jill Watts) at 360-852-1689! I have blazing hot deals from the RMLS right at my fignertips and can provide them to you before the sign even goes into the yard. Selling? The RMLS and Keller Williams up-to-the-minute technology will give you all the research you need to make your contract negotiations razor sharp and your buying or selling decisions precise and save your money! (I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future. No really! Call me!! 360-852-1689 to get started on your next life transition today)

Here are my favorite websites to get you started enjoying and exploring Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield. Battle Ground, LaCenter, Yacolt, Washington. Also check out our neighbor city: Portland, Oregon:(1)"Johann & Sandra's" FUN resource page: Click Here! (2) Vancouver's City Page has Maps, Events, etc. Click Here! (3) Check out our local School Ratings: Click Here! (4) For FREE stuff to do in nearby Portland: Click Here!

Stats of Clark County WA Properties for Sale jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:29:10 -0500

Stats of Clark County WA Homes and Properties for Sale: First part of this stats report shows a few of the popular Clark County neighborhood areas for real estate residential activity in the past week of 10/12-10/19/2009.

The second section of the report shows stats for all of Clark County, WA all areas of real estate for the month of September, 2009.

Week of: 10/12-10/19/2009	Active	Pending	Sold	Av. Days on Mkt
Washougal	56	9	6	81
Camas	50	18	9	56
Fishers Landing	30	7	4	88
Salmon Creek	144	40	31	106
West Vancouver	145	28	15	58


Month of: September 2009	Active	Pending	Sold	Days on Mkt	Av. Sold Price
All ClarK County	3560	583	470	150	$232,200

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Your home is your largest investment! We'll work together as a team to achieve your goals. I love assisting clients to find their dream home whether it is for investment in working with builders to build a custom home, short sales, relocation, bank owned sales...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close. You can easily maximize your profits in real estate in bustling Clark County, Washington.

Are you Selling or Buying a new home in one of the great livable cities that make up Clark County? (Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt) Buying? Call me (Jill Watts) at 360-852-1689! I have blazing hot deals from the RMLS right at my fignertips and can provide them to you before the sign even goes into the yard. Selling? The RMLS and Keller Williams up-to-the-minute technology will give you all the research you need to make your contract negotiations razor sharp and your buying or selling decisions precise and save your money! (I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future. No really! Call me!! 360-852-1689 to get started on your next life transition today)

Here are my favorite websites to get you started enjoying and exploring Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield. Battle Ground, LaCenter, Yacolt, Washington. Also check out our neighbor city: Portland, Oregon:(1)"Johann & Sandra's" FUN resource page: Click Here! (2) Vancouver's City Page has Maps, Events, etc. Click Here! (3) Check out our local School Ratings: Click Here! (4) For FREE stuff to do in nearby Portland: Click Here!

Homes for Sale October 2009 jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:08:03 -0500

Buy a House This Weekend-$8,000 Tax Credit is Ending for Now!Call me! jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:21:49 -0500

First-time home buyer credit nears the deadline...the "Money Clock is Ticking!" Buy a house this weekend! It's not too late!! One of my favorite things to do is helping 1st time home buyers. Their excitement is so high and they are eager to jump in and begin their new life. Reference my blog: http://activerain.com/allhomes4you

Puget Sound Business Journal ( Seattle ) - Kansas City , Mo. Business Journal

This article was sent to me by Jary Martinson, Branch Manager & Mortgage Banker at Life Mortgage. jmartinson@lifemort.com, www.lifemort.com

The clock is ticking for first-time home buyers wanting to take advantage of the 10 percent tax credit made available through the federal economic-stimulus act passed earlier this year.

The credits are available for purchases finalized through Nov. 30. But Tom Krattli, president of Kansas City, Mo.-based Plaza Mortgage Services, said he feared many first-time home buyers haven't got the message that they need to close on their mortgage loans by Nov. 30 to qualify for the credit. The 10 percent credit is good for a maximum of $8,000, regardless of how much federal tax liability the buyer has. It is not a loan that must be repaid, as was a similar first-time buyer credit that preceded it.

"There's going to be a lot of upset people," Krattli said. "If you're under contract by Oct. 15, you should be OK. But you can't have any major glitches along the way. And if you get much past Oct. 19 (to put a home under contract), in my opinion, you're right at the edge."

That's because it typically takes 30 to 45 days from the contract date to close on a home. During that time, inspections must be conducted, and the mortgage company must complete an appraisal, Krattli said.

Other factors compounding the need for first-time buyers to put a home under contract soon are that mortgage lenders are expected to be besieged with a last-minute rush of closings and that Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, Nov. 26, taking that date through Nov. 29 out of the equation for closings. Nov. 30 falls on a Monday this year.

"Obviously, the worst thing that could happen is someone thinking they're going to get the tax credit, and for some reason it's impossible to close by Nov. 30, and they buy the home and don't get the credit," Krattli said.

He said first-time buyers could make their contracts contingent on getting the credit, but in reality few buyers are doing so.

For those who miss the deadline, there is hope of an extension. U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-Ill., has submitted a bill that would extend the existing tax credit - good for the lesser of $8,000 or 10 percent of a purchased home's value - through June 1.

A second bill filed by Biggert would raise the maximum amount of the credit to $15,000, extend it to include non-first-time buyers and eliminate restrictions that exclude individual buyers earning $75,000 or more annually and couples earning more than $150,000.

The cost of both bills would be offset by recapturing unspent dollars authorized by the economic stimulus act.

Jill Watts
Keller Williams Realty

360-852-1689 cell

Supporting Young Life In Clark County, WA jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:32:41 -0500

Hi All! You know how I love supporting great causes! I have long believed in the richness of the Young Life events and meetings. They reach out with fun and give teens an opportunity to become closer to God. Supporting Young Life in Clark County is a strong way to make a difference in the lives of young men and women.

Here is a link to their webpage...check out the awesome programs, leadership skills and friendships they offer to our young adults. Click Here To Learn More About Young Life!

Here is a picture of the fabulous Wildhorse Retreat Camp that Young Life enjoys each summer through the leadership of young men and women of our Clark County community.

Here is a letter a dear friend and great Young Life supporter wrote inviting all of us to attend their fall banquet:

I am writing to invite you to support kids in our Clark County community at our upcoming Young Life Banquet. Young Life provides teenagers with what they all need...a safe place to hang out, mentoring relationships with caring adults, marketable skills and the opportunity to serve others. Young Life works with parents, schools, churches and community groups to tackle the social problems that our teenagers face.

Would you or your business consider sponsoring a table for our banquet on October 18th at Camas Meadows Golf Club? By sponsoring a table, you can help Young Life continue to grow in our community. Each table sponsor will be recognized at the individual tables and in our printed program. Full Table Sponsorship is $200.

For the past two years over 200 individuals from the Camas-Washougal area attended our annual banquets. Attendees enjoyed a nice luncheon, inspiring talk and learned more about supporting Young Life financially and by getting involved. Your support will allow us to continue growing the Young Life program in our area so that we can reach more kids.

You can call Stephanie or Kim at Camas Meadows Golf Club (833-2000 ext 107) and indicate you want to put on a charge card your contribution to the Young Life Banquet. OR your check can be made out to the Camas Meadows Golf Clubor Camas-Washougal Young Life and mailed to 2309 NW Lacamas Drive, Camas, WA 08607. Thank you in advance for your consideration and valuable support. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact me at 360-852-1689

What Does Young Life Do?

Their staff and volunteers enter the world of kids, focusing on their social, physical, mental and spiritual needs. Through relationships with caring adults, the controlled chaos of Club, conversations about significant life issues at Campaigners or the adventure of a week at Young Life Camp, kids are drawn into the fun and freedom of the full life for which they were created. Their facades are stripped away, revealing hearts and minds that long for meaning and purpose. We go where kids are. They accept them as they are. And they do more than accept them, they love them. They do this because every one of these kids is made in the image of God and His mind is set upon them. As they learn how to love these kids like God does, these same kids begin to see God working through them and they want more.

Do you have great memories to share about Young Life?

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Water Lily Cafe Downtown Vancouver, WA jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:16:30 -0500

Check out the cute little Water Lily Cafe right downtown Vancouver, WA. I highly recommend it because it has the BEST pasta salads and sandwiches and soups!! I love this little cafe and often drop by when I'm working at the downtown Keller William's office. (It's right next door!) The Water Lily Cafe is tucked into the SE corner of the 1st floor of the Bank of America building. (The address for the Water Lily Cafe is 805 Broadway, Vancouver, WA 98660. Phone is 360-693-9501 and Fax: 360-693-9520. They are open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.)

My good friend Monique and I like to grab one of their Chicken Fruit Pasta salads or a Tuna Pasta Salad and a drink and head out into the sunshine to have a "concrete" picnic. (There are brick/concrete flower beds and structures to sit on in the sun to enjoy this great lunch!) This cafe is owned by my friend, Connie Min. She has been in the food and cafe business for over 25 years. I asked her where she got all her delicious recipes and she said that it has come from experience, whatever people liked, she would repeat. I asked Connie what was the best food items she had to offer and she said, "IT'S ALL GOOD!" And, she's right. I love trying new sandwiches or one of her specialty soups. Connie did tell me that her most popular items are the "Merry Berry Sandwich," "California Turkey" and "Chicken Salad Sandwich" (That's because she bakes the chicken fresh every morning and cuts it up for the different items!) And I have to recommend the "Teriyaki Chicken Wrap."

The Cafe has adorable gift items too. It has lots of FUNNY/SASSY stuff you'd want to buy for a friend. I spend several minutes each time I go there chuckling over some of the cards, signs and magnets, etc.

GO AND ENJOY!!! YUM! P.S....they do catering too!

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

My Favorite Websites for Clark County Fun! jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:44:44 -0500

Here are my favorite websites to get you started enjoying and exploring Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield. Battle Ground, LaCenter, Yacolt, Washington. Also check out our neighbor city: Portland, Oregon:(1)"Johann & Sandra's" FUN resource page: Click Here! (2) Vancouver's City Page has Maps, Events, etc. Click Here! (3) Check out our local School Ratings: Click Here! (4) For FREE stuff to do in nearby Portland: Click Here!

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Your home is your largest investment! We'll work together as a team to achieve your goals. I love assisting clients to find their dream home whether it is for investment in working with builders to build a custom home, short sales, relocation, bank owned sales...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close. You can easily maximize your profits in real estate in bustling Clark County, Washington.
Are you Selling or Buying a new home in one of the great livable cities that make up Clark County? (Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt) Buying? Call me (Jill Watts) at 360-852-1689! I have blazing hot deals from the RMLS right at my fignertips and can provide them to you before the sign even goes into the yard. Selling? The RMLS and Keller Williams up-to-the-minute technology will give you all the research you need to make your contract negotiations razor sharp and your buying or selling decisions precise and save your money! (I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future. No really! Call me!! 360-852-1689 to get started on your next life transition today)

"A Baby is God's Opinion That the World Should Go On"

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:17:43 -0500

Carl Sandburg said the title quote, "A Baby is God's opinion that the world should go on.." If you support the belief of the sanctity of human life, please join us on Thursday, November, 5, 2009 at the Heathman Lodge. The address for the Heathman is 7801 NE Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, WA right near Westfield Shopping Center.

This annual Fall Banquet supports the awesome little clinic in Camas called the Camas Washougal Community Pregnancy Clinic.
You can look forward to a wonderful evening surrounded by friends who all support the sanctity of human life. You will be inspired by the moving testimonials and delightful guest speaker.

There are several ways you can support their fall fundraising banquet.

1. You can Sponsor a table for 10 people. Provide a check of $350. to this address: PO Box 1036, Camas, WA 98607 (See number two below.)

2. You can call the clinic and tell them you'd like to be a table host. There is no charge to host a table! You can be the host and invite 9 of your friends to join you at your table. There are many generous people who PAY for a table because they just care about babies so much they want others to hear the message too. Call the Clinic at (360) 834-7256 and tell them you'd like to host a table! (Please let your friends know ahead of time there will be an "ask." Any donation of any amount is appreciated to keep this awesome clinic in business and helping little children grow up!)

3. You can attend the Fall Banquet as a guest! (I have a great time EVERY YEAR! It's a great event.)

The Heathman Lodge is very classy. I love as you walk in the door there is a huge stone fireplace. We often meet friends before the banquet or after the banquet and sit by the fire. You can order a drink there too.

The food at the Heathman Lodge is delicious. For this Fall Banquet you have your choice of: 1. Goat cheese and Forest Mushroom Stuffed Chicken. 2. Grilled Salmon over Creamy Mascarpone Polenta. 3. Grilled Flat Iron Steak. 4. Vegetarian Chefs Choice.

Hope to see you there!! Many Blessings Y'all!

Jill Watts
Keller Williams
(360) 852-1689 office
(360) 835-2831 fax

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!

A Salute to My Dear Friend Madeleine Owens

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:21:31 -0500

Isn't she beautiful? I have to think of my dear friend Madeleine Owens this month. She died last year around this time and I miss her very much. She was just one of the classiest ladies I've ever known. She was SO intelligent . She was an English teacher and spent many a night writing a book about all the movie stars she knew first hand. She worked for many years as a secretary at one of the big studios in Hollywood. She knew Red Skelton and Clark Gable and many others!

Her favorite drink was a martini. So here's a martini glass clink in salute to my dear friend Madeleine!

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com
GreatClarkCountyHomesForYou

What is your home worth in today's market? Call me! I can research it for you! I will happily give you more specific neighborhood values if you are interested. FREE!
EMAILHERE4FREECMA!!

I love assisting clients to find their dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close. Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today!

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Washougal River Salmon October 09 Clark County WA

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:23:14 -0500

The Washougal River is lower than I've seen it in the ten years that we have lived here. I feel sorry for the poor Salmon who are trying to make it up river to spawn. The salmon are coming back from a year or two in the ocean and are headed to a great fish hatchery about 15-20 miles up the Washougal River. Very often you can watch the Salmon splash through the rocks or perhaps gather in great schools and swarm round and round in the pools, trying to decide which of them will lead the way up through all the shallow rapids. This year, that will be very difficult for them because the river is so low.

If you take a drive up the Washougal river to see the fish, you can stop at some of the pull-outs along the road, but standing on the bridges is the best way to watch the fish. There's also a beautiful waterfall that looks like a teeny tiny version of the Niagra falls in early summer. The name of the falls is "Dougan Falls." But, right now...the water flow has to be greatly diminished. Bring a picnic though, there are beautiful fir trees and picnic tables in an area right past Dougan Falls on the left. Enjoy!

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Click Here to Search the MLS for Properties!

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Naked Beach in Washougal, WA Clark County

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:07:54 -0500

Naked! Naked! Naked! That got your attention I'm sure! Check out the Captain William Clark Park at Cottonwood Beach in Washougal, WA in Clark County. Been there??

It has an old name given by locals many years ago..."Bare A-- Beach." That drums up curosity! Now think what you will about that name, I do not know if people actually ever swam or appeared naked on that beach. Maybe it was Lewis and Clark that gave it that name! (Just kidding!)

But, nonetheless...it is a beautiful park and beach area. It is preceded by a flood dike that many, many people like to walk. (The Washougal Humane Society is nearby...you can sign up to volunteer and walk dogs from there along this scenic area.) O.k., got off track there. There are woods, beach, trails and the mighty Columbia river to play in. You can swim, wade, hike, enjoy the picnic sites, sand volleyball courts, and you can also camp there if you make a reservation. (Phone: 360-619-1111) The park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and there are no park fees.

Cottonwood Beach is a 75-acre park and includes 3.1 miles of easy trails. You can see spectacular views of natural wildlife, (referring to the animal kind, not human) the Columbia river and Mount Hood.

On March 31, 1806, Lewis and Clark camped at our very own Cottonwood Beach area for six nights and days. I imagine they fished and gathered supplies there for the rest of their journey.

There are some surprises for people who visit this area. Come take a look at a historic place and reflect on a walk back in time. Here's a link to check out the history of this beach for yourself:

http://www.portcw.com/cwcp.htm

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
Call: 360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Short Sale BootCamp in Washington State jillwatts@kw.com, 360-852-1689

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 01:02:22 -0500

Short Sale Specialist BootCamp taught by Michael S. Kaminiski was grueling and full of legal implications. The largest lessons to be pounded into our heads was "disclosure, disclosure, disclosure." We, as the real estate agents must be careful to protect our clients and ourselves. We have to make sure they know how the process works, what they are headed for and what will happen to them.

Many short sale clients are going through something akin to the "Five Stages of Grief." Denial: This can't be happening to me. Anger: Why me? This is NOT fair. Bargaining: I might can find a way to make this short sale/foreclosure nightmare go away. Depression: I can't make this go away and I will not make any money from the short sale of my home! Then finally, Acceptance: This is a bad thing that is happening, but I need to help my family move on. This is important for we real estate agents to understand this process. Until a client actually makes their way to the acceptance feelings, we might be working upstream against a flood of emotions and actions that would cause us to waste advertising dollars or our marketing time. The client has such a hurdle to get over. We are their support team.

We learned about the banking/lending culture. Banks and lenders are designed with a paramilitary culture with a top down mentality. Their emphasis is on "process...not deal making." The banks have people working there who are over-worked, beleagured and tired. These workers sometimes don't have exemplary organization skills and YES, they do lose our paperwork...sometimes one, two and three times! Some 1.5 million foreclosed homes are expected to wind up as REO's in 2009, so the prospect of quick, smooth sales are not on the horizon. The best way to get your deals a little more notice is to make a connection with the bank people that you get to work with...which is almost impossible to accomplish. Email seems to be a good way to cement a friendship with them because they are overworked.

Another thing we learned today is that Loan Modifications are not really a good answer to the short sale process. From the Short Sale BootCamp manual..."So, despite an increasing number of loan mods offered, one in four of those borrowers still default within 2 months and we have a 73% jump in foreclosures compared to last year." The REtrospective Magainze September/October 2009 issue writes that in Washington state, the number "3.79% represents the proportion of Washington mortgages with payments that are at least 90 days past due (including foreclosures in process, not yet completed). Compared to 1.58% one year ago." (To me, this still means that about 96% of us are still paying our mortgages on time!!)

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!

360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

Your home is your largest investment! We'll work together as a team to achieve your goals. I love assisting clients to find their dream home whether it is for investment in working with builders to build a custom home, short sales, relocation, bank owned sales...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close. You can easily maximize your profits in real estate in bustling Clark County, Washington.
Are you Selling or Buying a new home in one of the great livable cities that make up Clark County? (Battle Ground, Camas, LaCenter, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt) Buying? Call me (Jill Watts) at 360-852-1689! I have blazing hot deals from the RMLS right at my fignertips and can provide them to you before the sign even goes into the yard. Selling? The RMLS and Keller Williams up-to-the-minute technology will give you all the research you need to make your contract negotiations razor sharp and your buying or selling decisions precise and save your money! (I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future. No really! Call me!! 360-852-1689 to get started on your next life transition today)

Here are my favorite websites to get you started enjoying and exploring Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Ridgefield. Battle Ground, LaCenter, Yacolt, Washington. Also check out our neighbor city: Portland, Oregon:(1)"Johann & Sandra's" FUN resource page: Click Here! (2) Vancouver's City Page has Maps, Events, etc. Click Here! (3) Check out our local School Ratings: Click Here! (4) For FREE stuff to do in nearby Portland: Click Here!

Pumpkin Patch and Fun Fall Events for Clark County WA

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 00:42:21 -0500

Fall is in the air! Pumpkin patch events are right around the corner!! Check out this Clark County information to find some fun events for your family!

If you have other fun local events or traditions, please share them with us by commenting below! We need your input please!

Clark County

Bi-Zi Farm - Pumpkin patch, corn maze, pumpkins, hayrides, petting zoo, straw maze
9504 N.E. 119th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662. Phone: 360-574-9119. Email us at: Bi-ZiFarms@juno.com. Open: in October; See this page for hours.
A visitor writes on October 13, 2008: "LOVED IT!! Dress warm and bring boots if the weather's been wet. Beat the crowds by going during the week. Family farm - wonderful setup and operation. They have a pumpkin launch, straw-bale maze and mountain, corn maze, huge petting zoo, hay ride, 1 free hot drink (cider, hot chocolate, or coffee) and free bluegrass music. One free pumpkin with paid admission, with additional pumpkins available at 20 cents per pound (children under 2 get in free, but don't qualify for a free pumpkin). There are port-a-potties, and an area to wash your hands outside the petting zoo. They also have an area where you can wash your pumpkin off, so it doesn't get your car dirty. There are farm tools, machines and antique tractors (some of which kids can play on), and a huge farmer's market with fresh produce. Kids can help shuck corn and feed the chickens. This year, they've also got a "corn crib," filled a foot deep with shelled corn, for the kids to play in. " (Suggested by a visitor, ADDED: October 13, 2008)
Joe's Place Farms - pumpkins, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, prepicked produce, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, tractor-pulled hay rides, face painting
701 NE 112th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98684. Phone: 360 892-3974. Fax: 360 892-5467. Email us at: joesplacefarms@comcast.net. Crops are usually available in June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Open: June 1 thru September 9-6 Monday-Saturday October 9-6 Monday to Saturday Sunday 10-5 Nov until Thanksgiving Monday to Saturday 10-5 Fri after Thanksgiving til Dec 23 7 days 10-8 Payment: Cash, Check, Visa/MasterCard, Discover.
Christmas trees, too!
La Center Farms - pumpkin patch-pick in the field, haunted house, haunted trail, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, school tours
31215 Ne 40th Avenue, La Center, WA 98629. Phone: 360-573-8965. Email: boyntogs@aol.com. Open: Pumpkin patch and kid zone: Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4 pm. Directions: From I5 take the La Center Exit and drive to town. Turn right on 4th Street and drive through the city (4th Street turns into Lockwood Creek Road). Turn right on 40th Avenue and drive 1/2 mile. We are on the left hand side. Just follow the signs. Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Haunted House opens in 2010 on Friday and Saturday 6pm to 9pm. (UPDATED: July 31, 2009)
La Center Farms - pumpkin patch-pick in the field, haunted house, haunted trail, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms
31215 Ne 40th Avenue, La Center, WA 98629. Phone: (360) 573-8965. Directions: From Interstate 5 take the La Center exit and drive to La Center. Turn right onto 4th Street and drive through the city for about one mile (4th Street turns into Lockwood Creek Road ). Turn right onto 40th Avenue and drive 1/2 mile. We are on the left hand side. Just follow the signs. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October, December. Open: Halloween: Each weekend in October; Friday 6pm to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 12 to 5pm; Christmas: From the day after Thanksgiving to December 23; Monday through Friday 12 to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 to 5pm. Payment: Cash, Visa/MasterCard, Discover. Christmas: Enjoy our cozy barn where you can set down and enjoy free refreshments. Kids can enjoy Christmas cartoons and a play area. Easy parking in a very quiet and scenic location. (ADDED: November 16, 2008)
Pomeroy Living History Farm - pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, straw or hay bale maze, child-sized haybale maze, tractor-pulled hay rides, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals, school tours
20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd., Yacolt, WA 98675. Phone: 360-686-3537. Email: staff@pomeroyfarm.org. Directions: northeast of Battle Ground Wa. on the Lewis River. See website for map and directions And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in October. Open: Saturdays 10am to 5pm, Sundays 1pm to 5pm, every weekend in October . Tractor pulled hayrides through "Pumpkin Lane" to visit scores of "pumpkin People" with a stop at the Patch. Payment: Cash, Check.
Vista View Farms - pumpkin patch-pick in the field, raspberries, tomatoes
39015 NE 41st Avenue, LaCenter, WA 98629. Phone: (360) 263-6886. Directions: Interstate-5 LaCenter exit 16, turn East. Follow 2 miles. Turn right onto 4th Street Follow one half mile, turn left onto Highland Rd. Follow 4 miles. Just North of the White Centennial Church. And for a map to our farm, click here. Crops are usually available in June, August, October. Open: Please call for hours. (360) 263-6886 Our Raspberries are typically mid June thru Mid July. Tomatoes are mid August thru September, and pumpkins are ready in October. Payment: Cash, Check.

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!

CLICK HERE FOR GREAT DEALS & SHORT SALES!

Camping Out VS. Home Ownership

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:19:45 -0500

Did you see the Friday night CBS report on homeowners who are now homeless? It showed homeowners who have put everything they own in storage and are living in tents and campers. The report interviewed some of the new homeless. One lady said when they had to move out four months ago, she had to position her mind to think of it as just a vacation. They had to put all their household goods in a storage building.

Then the camera then moved to their previous home in a modern subburbs. Their home was about 2500 sq ft with huge yard. There was someone else's car in their driveway. The garage door was open and contained someone else's home items.

I know that even in our market center here in Vancouver that there are fewer agents than there were last January. What are they doing?? Where did they go?? Are they camping?

Sometimes we live such a protected life and in such a small circle we don't see the real pain of this market crash.

Keeping It Real in a Buyer's Market - What Buyer's Market????

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:33:48 -0500

MULTIPLE OFFERS on properties in Clark County is very common right now...so is it really a Buyer's Market...or is it a Seller's Market? Below you will find Loreena's blog about this very problem. I liked Loreena's comment about buyers playing the game of "How Low Will the Seller Go?" to try to get the best deals. And also her comment about "Don't play a fool about the house you like-especially if it is packed with emotions to house your family." Loreena includes comments at the bottom of her blog that point out that other agents in other states are experiencing the same thing.

Via Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of www.Frisco-TX-Homes.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):

In real estate, we call a Buyer's market when there are too many homes for sale than buyers. The news media paint the doom and gloom markets all over the country and speak very much in generalization. The public watches the news and believe what they hear.

However, as we have always said, Real Estate is LOCAL. One state differs from another. One city. One neighborhood. One set of price range too. No doubt that under $300K here in the greater Frisco TX area are selling like HOT CAKES.

But the buyers are hearing that the economy is bad, and the houses are going into foreclosures. Buyers want to take advantage of these "attractive" pricing. They play How Low You Will Go with the Seller and they act as if they are doing a favor for the Seller for buying their house.

In my experience, I have never got involved in as many multiple offer negotiations as I have been since 2003. In fact, I'm getting pretty good at it (fighting multiple offers for buyers and writing back up contracts). It's almost something I always prepare my buyers for. The "talk" about multiple offer situations. Some who may not believe me finds it surprising. They will soon find out the hard way.

With our local economy, my buyers are learning the real truth about the housing market in the area: Don't play a fool about the house you like - especially it is packed with emotions to house your family. Whenever you didn't put your best foot forward, and rather test how low the Seller will go, you may lose the house you really like.

But please don't take my word for it.

Read the comments below by real estate professionals ALL over the country on a Facebook status I followed over the weekend (mid-September 2009):

Brian Block of Northern VA & D.C. Real Estate - Is it 2009 or 2004? 3 good offers in 48 hours on a house I have for sale!

Rich Jacobson of Kitsap County Washington Real Estate - just had two come in on one of my listings...it's karma!

Chris & Stephanie Somers of Philadelphia Real Estate - Starting to happen more ! Same thing happened to us on a listing we had 2 weeks ago. It was great ! And the seller is very happy !!

Russ Ravary of Michigan Homes for Sale just wrote this hot off the press post about how busy this real estate market it.

A buyer for my listing had 3 offers to choose from in the 2nd week of listing.

A listing of mine had multiple offers in 12 days, and sold for more than asking price.

Another listing of mine sold for more than the Seller's expectation - quoted as per Seller.

BOTTOM LINE PEOPLE! It's happening even in a Buyer's market. What Buyer's Market???

If you are a real estate professional, please share your Good news here. I really do want to open the minds of Buyers the realities of losing the house you love.

So, keeping it real in a Buyer's market - Where's the Buyer's market?

*********************************************************************************************

All contents are original. Consider subscribing to my blog for more real estate commentaries.

Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.

Contact:

Loreena Yeo
Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY
(214) 783-2210
loreena@loreenayeo.com

Super-serving Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake area communities and other surrounding areas.

Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY).
Keeping It Real in a Buyer's Market - What Buyer's Market????

Short Sale Properties Educational Bootcamp

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:17:58 -0500

I work daily with short sales, either buyers wanting to buy them or sellers wishing to sell their home as a short sale. I have decided to get more training in Short Sales in order to provide my customers with the best possible service. I will be attending a Short Sale Specialist Bootcamp at the end of this month. (Bootcamp...hopefully not so much like the other kind of Bootcamp with the marching, saluting, exercising, running with a 40 pound pack, lack of sleep, etc.) But an educational BootCamp.

Already I have received classroom materials. The Desk and Field supplementary material for becoming a Certified Short Sale Specialist contains information on topics such as: "What Listing Agents Need to Know About Short Sales," "Mortgage Broker Practices," "Analysis of Short Sale Properties" "Liability After Closing."

There are two sides to every story and this one having all the fabulous buyer's market deals that can occur because of the huge mortgages handed out a long time ago. And the other side of the coin is the homeowner who is totally distressed because they are losing their home and all the money and dreams they have invested in it.

So, I've decided to learn how to best handle both the Buyer's great investment opportunity side and also the Listing of the Seller's short sale home.

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Comfy Chairs and Good Books at Camas Library

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:06:29 -0500

Starting a new business or retiring with some extra time on your hands? Learn a new career, delve into a mystery, try a new recipe, build a deck, ace a computer skill...it's all possible through the Camas, WA library system. Any subject in the world can be researched through our fabulous library system.

The Camas libary is awesome. It is new and up to date, has plenty of computers (donated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) and best of all...it has these great "coffee-house" comfy chairs to curl up in next to some sunny windows on the south side of the library. It's just completely luxurious to while away an afternoon with a good book.

The library is located at 625 NE 4th Ave. in Camas, WA. Their hours are Monday through Thursday 10 am -9 pm and Friday 10 am to 6 pm. On Saturday the hours are 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sunday. Some of the fun stuff they do are story hours, celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and reading and discussion groups for all ages.

Here are some tips that will help you maximize your time spent at Camas Library:

1) Get a library card! There are no library fines at the Camas Library unless you lose a book. If you lose a book, you have to pay a replacement coverage cost.
(2) There are computers available so you can apply for a new job or learn a new skill. Computer time is one hour a day, but the upside is that the internet at the library is super fast.
(3) There are reference books about every major company, who the CEO/President is, their company philosopy, how many people work there and other pertinent items you'd want to know for an interview or researching that new career.
(4) There are reference/front desk people, you can call them and ask a question and they'll get back to you with the answer.
(5) If you don't like to read...there are CD's, DVD's, etc. Grab a CD to listen to in your car on your commute or while working in your garden. The ultimate in multitasking...learn a skill while you work.

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
360-835-2831 fax
jillwatts@kw.com

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Renting in Clark County? Your Landlord Thanks You!

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:38:00 -0500

Are you tired of your stack of rent receipts pushed into the back of a kitchen drawer? Would you like to have something tangible for your money? I have AFFORDABLE homes and properties for sale for you!!! Pick any area in Clark County: Camas, Washougal, Vancouver, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Yacolt, LaCenter...whereever will best suit your needs, your work schedule, school..you can own your own home just right for you! You CAN own your own home.

In Clark County for the week of 9/2/2009 to yesterday 9/8/2009, our RMLS shows there are 29 new listings that are priced between $100,000 to $165,000. That's affordable!

Here's what you could be reaping the rewards for yourself, your family and your future:

Your own sweet kitchen to cook up a favorite recipe to share with people you care about most.

A fireplace, all toasty and warm to lay in front of for that Sunday afternoon nap.

Three and even four bedrooms and a 2 car garage.

A backyard for friends, family and pets to gather in privacy.

Does this sound like something you'd enjoy? Call me today and say goodbye to your landlord. He'll be sad to see your money go!! There are great homes out there for $130,000 to as high as you can afford. You can choose a home that will fit your monthly payment allotment. Do yourself a favor, stop renting! Build some equity.

Interest rates are low. Home inventory is high. It's a Buyer's market for awhile more. What are you waiting for...tell your landlord Bye-Bye! Contact your lender today and get pre-approved! We can make your home buying dreams come true.

Should I stay or Should I Sell? I Hear The Market Isn't That Great

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:15:32 -0500

Sell Now?? Or Stay?? This is an excellent article that answers questions people are always asking me. Thanks Sal for saying it so succinctly!

Via Bergen County Realtor, Sal Poliandro, CDPE, SRES, ePRO, Short Sale Specialist (RE/MAX Properties):

YES! Well actually it depends on your situation.

Scenarios of people who have to sell and should sell now.

Estate situation: Someone passed away and now the estate is left with a property to sell. Waiting in this type of situation could be detrimental. First, the property should be gone through. There are personal items and family memories that should be passed from one generation to the next. After that, there will probably be other items. An estate or garage sale could be in order. Once that is done, my advice is to get the home cleaned out and ready for sale.

Divorce situation: Families are always going through situations. Divorce is all too common. During a divorce proceeding it is common for the judge to order that the home be sold and the proceeds split. Keeping the home in good showing condition and making it accessible will go a long way towards getting the highest possible price.

Financial situation 1: In this current economic climate, there are many people who are having difficulty paying their mortgages. Many people have taken advances on credit cards and personal loans to bridge the financial gap. Unfortunately, this can not last forever. If you notice this happening to you; it may be time to downsize to help reduce your overhead expenses. While you may feel that you'll get less for your home, you will also pay less for the next home that you buy.

Financial situation 2: You are behind on your mortgage payments. If you've missed payments and don't think you will be able to catch up; now is the time to put your home on the market. Depending on your situation, you can sell your home if it is worth less than the outstanding mortgage amount. The bank would then take care of paying all your fees including Brokerage fee, attorney fee, transfer tax and possibly some other fees. Don't make foreclosure an option, there are people who can help you in your current situation.

Job Transfer: Your company needs you in another location, outside of New Jersey. Perhaps you could keep your home here and rent it out. The reality is that it is very difficult being an absentee landlord. Transition is very difficult. If you have a family, being apart from them can cause its own set of challenges. Best scenario, put your home on the market, sell it and then move to your new location.

The Reality for Buyers and Sellers

People are always buying and selling Real Estate, regardless of market conditions. Some of you may remember 18% mortgage rates. People bought homes when the rates were extremely high. Home prices go up, home prices come down.

Meet some people who are going to buy, no matter what the conditions.

Renters: People who have been renting and up until now have been priced out of the market. With the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit, there is more incentive than ever.

People outgrowing their current home: People continue to have children and with children comes the need for more space. The thought process has always been... Should we renovate or move? With home prices at a much more reasonable level the move up buyer is alive and well.

Transferees: Northern New Jersey and New York City are hot beds for business, believe it or not, there are companies that are still hiring and expanding. Folks are being brought in from around the world to work in our area. Guess what? They need housing.

Married Children living with their In-Laws: In an effort to save money, some married couples have moved in with their In-Laws. While this may have seemed a good idea at the time, it can't last forever. If you are married, you know what I mean. These folks are out in droves looking to buy a home and be on their own, again.

Here is the moral of this column. There are always people buying and selling Real Estate, regardless of what the "market" is doing. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

Get Educated. Get Empowered.

For more information on this or any other topic, call Sal Poliandro, Broker Associate, Realtor, Marketing Advisor,

Short Sale Specialist and CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert

ePRO, SRES at 201-259-2187, visit our websites: www.SalAndDawn.com or shortsaleguy.org

Follow me on Twitter: @salanddawn

Sal can be reached by snail mail at RE/MAX Properties 73 East Allendale Road Saddle River, NJ 07458

Graph of Clark County WA Aug. '09 Residential Market Stats

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:59:17 -0500

Check out this graph to see the latest ups and downs of our Clark County, WA real estate property for sale activity. This is residential only. It does not encompass commercial, farms, lots and land.

This encompasses all areas of Clark County. Note active available short sales, available bank owned and especially notice PENDINGS! And for those of you FSBO's who THINK you can sell your house by yourself...month after month professional realtors leave you in the dust! Quick sales, save you money through proven negotiation, powerful marketing...and they ASSIST you with all the legal documents that you could really mess up if you mark just ONE thing wrong. Scary!!

Here's the graph. I'd love to hear your comments! Thanks!

For me, when I see the short sales and the bank owned, I think of the people who are really sad to lose their homes and on the flip side of that, there is someone else who is extremely excited to get a home that they probably could not have afforded. People in transition. Our market in transition.

Camas! Washougal! Vancouver! Come Join The Party!!

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:16:49 -0500

Hey Clark County! Vancouver, Camas, Washougal and all cities hither and yon ...Calling all my friends who like to "party"!! I finally did it! I went a took a Zumba class! I went all by myself to see what it was like. It was FUN, FUN, FUN!

I went to Kelly Emerson's ZUMBA classes at the English Estate Winery today! It was a blast. The music is bumping and exciting. It makes you want to dance. Kelly is just wildly fun, bubbly spirited and teaches the steps so easy that anyone can follow her lead. The dance step patterns are repetitious and easily built upon for the next set. There is no teaching...it's so easy you just DANCE. The salsa type songs are fairly short too...which felt manageable today. I liked having lots of different routines. ( I asked and there are several types of music in the class: Reageaton, Merenque, Salsa, Bellydance, Cumbia, Flamenco and Samba!)

Kelly is very affirming and watches over the new people in the class, which would have been me for today. I noted that she watched in the mirror and smiled at me a lot. I think she was really watching to see that I didn't kill myself since I'm so way out of shape these days! I am out of shape. I haven't exercised as much as I should so this hour long class of pure dance was more than a challenge. Often I had to just "mark time" because I couldn't keep up with the whole class the whole time. But, if I can do it...you can too. Please come try out this fun new exercise/dance class with me Tuesday and Thursday mornings at nine thirty a.m. at the English Estate Winery. There are people of all ages in the class and the dress is just casual with tennis shoes.

Newbie Hint...bring a bottle of water and stand near the big electric fans!! And your first class is free!

(There are plenty of dance steps that work your whole body..and the best part is... there are no sit ups! Whooohooo!)

P.S. The English Estate Winery is located at 17908 SE 1st, Vancouver, WA ..off of HWY 14, go North on 192nd, Take a left at the intersection near the Home Depot and go about 1/2 block West. The beautiful winery is located on the right hand side, just pull in and find a place to park. The dance studio is located at the front of the property nearest the road. Here is the website if you want to see what you are missing...Come Join the Party! www.vancouverzumba.com

P.S.S. There are other teachers too for a variety of styles of ZUMBA classes: Marlaina Renton and Tiffany Eneas

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.

Volunteering Surprises

Jill Watts (Keller Williams) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:18:49 -0500

Volunteering brings great joy and sometimes surprises. St. Francis Soup Kitchen in Portland, Oregon was a great life lesson in giving to others and taught us life surprises too.

In the 1990's I was a Catholic youth minister for ten years at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Camas, WA and led many social justice projects. Social justice is a big part of my inner core. I had the best job in the world...helping teens get involved in serving others just for the joy of it. We had fun, laughed, played and learned about real life through volunteering.

We worked once a month for two years at St. Francis Soup Kitchen in Portland. We served meals and helped in the kitchen. Unexptectedly, there were surprises that we learned as we volunteered: 1. Looking into the eyes of the homeless people coming down your food line was a big surprise. You could see all kinds of things in their eyes including happiness, gratefulness and hopelessness too. 2. We were told at our first training that sometime there are fights between the homeless during mealtime. Our instructions were to back up against the wall and wait for instructions. 3. We served soup and also did fundraisers back at our church in order to help furnish the "family" dining room at St. Francis. We provided a carpet for the floor and a vaccuum cleaner. The surprise there for us was that there are many, many families that are homeless and come for meals. 4. Some of the homeless walk many miles a day just to come get a good meal.

St. Francis's mission is to create a safe and healing environment, a transition for individuals into new lives including education, recovery skills and spiritual grace. And hope.

Their address is 111 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209 and their phone number is: 503-227-0421

Have you had life surprises?? Or volunteered for the joy of it?

Jill Watts, Keller Williams
MY MOST IMPORTANT HOME SALE IS YOURS!
360-852-1689 office
jillwatts@kw.com

I'd love to assist you in finding that dream home whether it is for investment in a custom home, short sale, relocation, rental, bank owned sale...quick, smooth sales and purchases are managed for you, contract to close.
Maximize your profits in real estate in Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver, Washington today! (Don't forget the $8,000 tax credit amd that interest rates are at an all time low!)

I am also connected to our new Keller Williams Commercial group, so give me a call today to get hooked up with a dynamic possibility for your investment future.