Brett's Blog

Can you identify this blast from Tacoma's past?

2008-08-13T16:17:11Z

What a shame to see one of my favorite destinations as a child reduced to this level.

It doesn't seem like it was all that long ago that "mystery pic" was a happy place for children to visit here in Tacoma. At one time this entrance led to a walking trail that transported the young visitors into some of childhood's best loved stories.

Now due to age, neglect and vandalism, Humpty Dumpty, Jack Sprat, his wife, and a host of other children storytime favorites no longer live here.

If you are a local, I've already given you far too many hints and I'm sure you've guessed it by now. But just for fun, let's leave this out there for folks not familiar Tacoma to guess.

If you get it right, I'll give you a gold star! :-)

Interested in moving to Tacoma Wa? Search for all listed homes and condos on our Tacoma Real Estate Website.

My Hat has been thrown into the ring!?!

2008-08-04T17:17:43Z

Who said having a strong internet presence wouldn't get you anywhere? Apparently we've created such a buzz with our websites that someone thinks I'm the man for the highest elected office in the world! Flattering to be sure, but I'm not ready to drop my business and race around the country debating Barrack and John. If I'm voted in I'll serve, but right now I've got a full plate taking care of my real estate clients. President Tousley does have a nice ring to it doesn't it? :-) Isn't the Internet Cool?

Sumner Building Lots For Sale Under $100k Each

2008-08-02T16:26:52Z

3 Sumner residental building lots available for $275,000. Located one block North of Main Street and zoned MDR, these downtown Sumner lots show potential. Current plan calls for 3 single family homes to be built on this approved 3 lot short plat. Seller will include 2 house plans with purchase of all three lots. All lots are level and are bordered by a maintained paved street.

What a great place to build in demand cottage style housing in the heart of Sumner. Shopping, dining and the Sounder station are all within easy walking distance.

For more information call 253-820-2745 or visit our Sumner real estate website at www.brettsellshouses.com/Sumner.php

Even the bears are out looking for new homes.

2008-07-01T11:02:50Z

The recent Buyer's market and low interest rates have spurred a lot of interest lately in the local housing market. I'm seeing more traffic at open houses, builder's sites and calls are way up lately. Most of this activity is good to see, it shows that many buyers are shaking off the analysis paralysis fostered by the news media.

There are however some less than desirable visitors in some of our local neighborhoods this time of year.

Yes it's bear time again here in Washington! This time of year many juvenile bears are out wandering in search of a new home. Unfortunately that sometimes leads to them taking up residence in your neighborhood. While bears are beautiful creatures to view from afar, they make lousy neighbors!

We just had one shot and killed out on the Key Peninsula yesterday after it attempted to gain entry into a home. Luckily the homeowner was unhurt, but the bear had to be killed as a result of the encounter.

A little closer to home, my neighbor lost two sheep a couple of days ago to a bear and the WDFW is trying to trap the bear as we speak.

It wasn't long ago we had a bear swim from Vashon Island over to the Normandy Park area.

Abundant wildlife is one of the true gifts of living in Washington, but it does come with some responsibility as well. If you live in one of the traditional bear hot spots, Issaquah, Maple Valley, North Bend, Enumclaw, the Kitsap Peninsula or East Pierce County there are some steps you should take to minimize the risk.

1. Don't feed the bears! They look cute and cuddly, but remember a bear is a wild animal and may surprise you by how swift and aggressive they can be with little warning. Keep your garbage cans inside, don't leave pet food outdoors, and if you see a bear in the area, it's a good idea to remove the bird feeders too. They are very opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of an easy food source.

2. Watch your pets! Don't let your dogs run loose. It's common for folks to think their dogs will help keep bears away, but that is not always the case. It's not uncommon at all for large dogs to get into a scrape with a bear and then retreat to the safety of their master's company. Sometimes bringing the angry bear with them unwittingly.

Smaller pets and livestock can be viewed as a relatively easy food source by a hungry bear, keep them inside the barn at night if possible.

3. Don't attempt to interact with the bears! What you perceive as a loving gesture may well be looked at as a threat and dealt with accordingly by a bear.

4. Don't panic! If a bear is spotted in your neighborhood there is no need to form a posse to drive it from your area. Simply pick up the phone and call the WDFW for some help. They are pros and can better evaluate the situation and put some proven measures in place to ensure yours and the Bear's safety.

So if you have an unwelcome guest in your neighborhood call the WDFW Hotline @ 1-800-477-6224

Tacoma Real Estate | Whale Watching

2008-06-25T13:53:12Z

Working in the Tacoma Real Estate market has some excellent advantages! I took a little time out the other day to cruise around 5 mile drive in Pt Defiance and see if I could spot the gray whale that's been hanging around lately. I got the call from my brother that he had spotted one while on the ferry to Vashon Island over a month ago. Apparently the living is good for the whale as he/she was still in the area.

I stopped on the bluff overlooking Pt Defiance looking out towards Dalco Point, and sure enough he made an appearance. Unfortunately the whale was on the Vashon side of the water and was nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Another whale watcher was there with a 2 foot telephoto lens on his camera and seemed very excited at the shots he was getting.

He was clicking away when I shot this pic with my little digital camera.

Now if you can spot the whale in this pic, you most likely have feathers, talons and sleep in a nest. But it was fun to take some time out of the day and enjoy what Tacoma has to offer.

The Tousley Group provides real estate guide service to home buyers and sellers of Tacoma real estate. Give us a call if we can help! 253-820-2745

Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

2008-06-23T16:38:48Z

Looking for a great place to spend the day that won't break your budget? Pack up a picnic lunch and head to the Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium!

Located just minutes from Tacoma, Pt Defiance offers a world class zoo, and aquarium, beach access, 5 mile drive and fine dining on the water.

Inside you'll find Elephants, Tigers, Polar Bears, Reindeer and a large interactive exhibit for the little ones complete with a petting zoo. We really enjoyed the Walrus and Beluga whale exhibit! You can get a great underwater view of these massive sea going mammals from the downstairs observation point.

The Aquarium was a favorite of my 3 year old son, he enjoyed viewing the sharks, flounder/sole and cod in their enormous two story tank. Another hot spot is the marine touch tank area where young and old alike can touch and feel sea anenomes, sea cucumbers, starfish and hermit crabs.

The sea horse exhibit was the highlight for my girls, and the clown fish (Nemo) was a hit as well.

It's an all day adventure for under $50.00 that provides not only entertainment but a lot of education about the animals and their habitat as well.

Anderson Island Building Lots

2008-06-23T15:58:50Z

No doubt the high cost of fuel has changed many families summer vaction plans this year! My goodness I paid $4.89 per gallon last time I fueled up my diesel pickup! Throw a camper, trailer or boat into the mix and wow does your fuel bill go up dramatically. Here's a clever alternative that is largely unknown by most here in Pierce County.

Anderson Island! Just a short ferry ride out of Steilacoom to your new island get away. Anderson Island is a largely rural island blessed with tall evergreens, abundant wildlife, two lakes and a nine hole golf course!

Not long ago, these lots were being sold on late night T.V. for as much as $49,000! The current median sales price is approximately $26,000. Inventory is way up on the Island and prices are very reasonable.

It's a buyer's market on Anderson Island! We have 5 lots available starting at $24,999, if you'd like more information about them please give us a call at 253-820-2745 or visit our Pierce County Real Estate website www.BrettSellsHouses.com for more info.

Search for Tacoma Real Estate by Map

2008-02-07T13:38:00Z

New Features on www.BrettSellsHouses.com

We've made some changes to our Tacoma Real Estate Page that will make it easier than ever to find your dream home online. In addition to our popular map search and MLSfinder service, we've recently added a handy little tool right on the page allowing you to search by price.

Just one click! No complex instructions or multiple forms to read thru, Just great Tacoma homes at great prices!

Off to Montana for a week!

2007-11-08T11:25:28Z

I'll be heading to SE Montana tomorrow morning with 4 good friends for a week of deer hunting. We've managed to find a great place to stay on this trip. It's a hunting lodge rich in history, with some colorful characters in it's past. I'll be taking lots of pics of the trip and will post the best here on my AR Blog.

We look forward to our time in Broadus every year! The people are wonderfully friendly and are an absolute pleasure to speak with. Check back for more blog entries through out my trip!

Dupont WA Real Estate

2007-11-08T11:18:01Z

Dupont WA Real Estate buyers and owners have a powerful new resource available to them at http://www.duponthousevalues.com/ . Gary Smith @ Allied Home Mortgage and I have teamed up to provide you with a comprehensive website covering the Dupont Real Estate market.

With it's wide range of affordable housing ranging from modest condos to luxurious 3000+ sq ft homes, Dupont fits the needs of many home buyers. Add to that a Fantastic location, 18 hole golf course, and a strong Home Owners Association, and you have a one of Pierce Counties most desirable communities to live in.

We'll be regularly updating local news and community events as well as blogging about the very best aspects of living in Dupont WA.

If you are searching for a great community near Ft Lewis to live in, give Dupont a look. Here's a link to what is currently available on the Dupont WA Real Estate Market.

Come on News Media

2007-11-08T10:52:40Z

What on earth are we to believe? I just saw Cramer on the Today show lamenting the fact that it is so difficult to obtain a mortgage. While it is more difficult for borrowers with sketchy credit or high ratios to obtain a loan, it certainly is not impossible. We're still getting first time buyers into their first homes with 100% financing or very near 100%

FHA with down payment assistance programs, VA, Conventional My Community programs, Local Government Grants, State Bond, etc etc etc. All these programs allow for a home buyer to purchase with little to no money down at good rates.

I find myself fielding questions many times a day from buyers that are wary of news reports of the "Mortgage Meltdown".

The truth is: If you have taken reasonable care of your credit, and are interested in buying within your budget, there are still many many loan products available to you.

The media's self fulfilling prophecy of financial doom and gloom will only be realized if the public believes their hype.

Graham View Home For Sale

2007-11-01T13:42:23Z

Custom Built Mt Rainier View Home

This 3 bedroom 3.5 bath newly built home features breathtaking territorial and mountain views. Slab granite counters and island with GE stainless steel appliances accentuate the open kitchen. Oak Hardwoods, 9 foot ceilings, Roman arch doors, Vaulted ceilings and extensive millwork adorn this fine custom view home. Warm yourself by the gas fireplace on cozy winter nights or rely on the economical heat pump for year around comfort. You deserve this home!

View the virtual Tour @ http://www.brettsellshouses.com/graham.php

Brett Tousley

Keller Williams Realty

253-820-2745

wwww.BrettSellsHouses.com

So long Ameridream.....I'll miss you!

2007-10-08T23:27:49Z

HUD has recently ruled that DPAOs (Down Pay Assistance Organizations) such as Ameridream are no longer welcome in FHA deals. Now I have read the entire ruling (Read it right before bedtime if you are an insomniac, it'll put you right to sleep) and I clearly understand HUD's position. But could the timing be any worse?

For those of you not familiar, DPA programs such as Ameridream allow an FHA buyer to purchase a home with little to no money down. This is accomplished by negotiating a down payment assistance grant from the seller to Ameridream. In turn Ameridream agrees to grant a Down Payment Grant to the buyer. If you've also negotiated seller paid closing costs into the deal, your buyer can essentially purchase at zero down with FHA financing. Yes I see how the waters can get a bit murky here.

In defense of the DPAOs, I can tell you that these programs have helped many renters turn into first time buyers. I've had many of these deals over the last year and a half here in Tacoma and I can tell you that all of my clients are still paying their mortgages. We're not dealing with non owner occupied stated income loans here! We're dealing with folks on the lower end of the pay grade and helping them get a rung up on the equity ladder.

We now have until Oct 31 to close any outstanding DPA contracts in escrow, unless Ameridream wins an injunction, they are effectively out of business come Nov 1.

I'd be interested in others comments positive or negative about this latest HUD ruling. What's your 2 cents on this subject?

You can read about the struggle here on Ameridream's website.

Nearly New Fort Lewis area Rambler

2007-08-28T16:14:00Z

Lovely energy efficient rambler tucked away in the Nisqually valley. Located just minutes from Ft Lewis, this nearly new rambler is awaiting it's new owners. Beautiful kitchen with stainless steel appliances and pantry. Living room features vaulted ceilings, and a tv nook above the cozy gas fireplace. Spacious master suite features a full bath & walk in closet. Nice deck overlooks the fully fenced back yard. Come take a look you'll love what you see!

View the Virtual Tour of this Fort Lewis area Rambler @ http://www.brettsellshouses.com/fort-lewis.php

Call Brett Tousley@ 253-820-2745 for a private tour!

Keller Williams Realty

New Construction Rambler on acreage for Sale

2007-08-28T16:04:01Z

Over 2 acres of towering evergreens surround this lovely new construction rambler. Spacious floorplan features vaulted ceilings with skylights, 4 large bedrooms plus a private home office. Master suite with walk in closet and 5 pc bath. Large kitchen with stainless appliances and walk in pantry. Custom concrete, Milgard windows, Trane central air, 30 year roof, Hardie plank siding, Fully landscaped yards,sprinkler system, new garden storage shed. Level building site for your future shop/barn

View the Virtual Tour @ http://www.BrettSellsHouses.com/purdy.php

Call Brett Tousley@ 253-820-2745 for a private showing or more details!

Keller Williams Realty

Puyallup Rambler for Sale

2007-08-28T15:39:52Z

A NorthWest Classic! This Beautiful Zetterberg built rambler is located on a quiet tree lined cul de sac in South Hill's Lyndehurst neighborhood. An entertainer's dream, featuring a large gourmet kitchen with tile counters and island range top, perfectly positioned adjacent to the formal dining room and casual bonus room. The elegant formal living room features a large bay window for your guest's enjoyment. Master Suite complete with soaking tub, overlooks the secluded back yard.

Priced to sell @ $350,000 this lovely home is move in ready and awaiting it's new owners.

Call Brett Tousley @ 253-820-2745 for your private showing!

Keller Williams Realty

Puyallup Home for Sale

2007-06-30T14:29:43Z

Puyallup Home For Sale

A North West Classic! This Beautiful Zetterberg built rambler is located on a quiet tree lined cul de sac in South Hill's Lyndehurst neighborhood. Close to local shopping and services, Great Puyallup Schools, and large lots, the Lyndehurst neighborhood is truly one of the “Gems” in Gem Heights. For information on this Puyallup home, including all pics and the virtual tour, contact The Tousley Group.

NWMLS # 27116429

Brett Tousley

Keller Williams Realty

253-820-2745

www.BrettSellsHouses.com

Go Big or no Home

2007-03-15T19:43:08Z

Think back to your very first job, you know the one that paid for your first car, bought that atari system your folks wouldn't buy, or paid for that horrid get up you wore to prom. Chances are that job was in the retail sector and served the public. Doesn't matter if you were manning a drive thru, selling clothing, or changing oil at the local quick lube. Customers always run in packs!

Remember you could sit in peace and quiet for a time, but as soon as that first customer rolled in, all of a sudden everyone wanted in on the action.

Real estate is much the same. A home may sit on the market drawing little attention, you may have had your eye on it for quite a while waiting for the "perfect time" to write an offer. You just know it will go down another $5,000.00 don't you?

If you are right, Your agent will call and inform you that your dream home has just reduced by 5k. You may hurriedly dash to your agent's office and write an offer only to find out you are offer number 2 of 3! Where did everyone else come from? You may be surprised how often this happens!

If you are wrong, the home will sell to another buyer, and you will never get the chance to compete for it.

Follow these simple steps.

1. Get yourself pre-approved for a home loan. Submitting a pre-approval letter with your offer will often move you to the top in a multiple offer situation.

2. When you find the home that fit's all your needs.....Buy it! You must be financially and emotionally ready to make the offer Before you look at homes. Waiting on a price drop or rushing through a pre approval at the last minute is no way to buy a home.

3. Avoid making insulting offers. Everyone wants a good deal, but remember you may offend the seller with a low ball offer. Your Buyer's agent will search comparable properties to help you determine the actual value of the home you are interested in. Offer accordingly.

4. Have your property "Market Ready"! If you have a home to sell and are offering contingent on it's sale, make sure it's ready for the market. Chances are the listing agent will want to preview your home and price before the seller will accept a contingent offer. As an experienced Pierce County Real Estate Agent, you can bet I will!

If you are prepared and follow your agent's advice, buying a home will be a fun and rewarding experience. If you choose to ignore good advice and come to the game ill prepared, your experience and results will mirror your lack of preparation.

Make your self scarce for showings!

2007-02-03T03:56:10Z

I recently read a great blog posting about a home seller with hurt feelings and a foolish buyer's agent who made some disparaging remarks about the home in front of her. This brings to mind one of the cardinal rules of successful home selling.....Never be present for showings of your home.

Like many agents, I've run across my share of eager, well meaning, home sellers while showing homes to my clients. Not only does it make for an uncomfortable situation for the potential buyers, it can potentially cost the seller plenty of money!

In my neck of the woods the friendly agent standing on your doorstep works for their clients...not you. They are a professional buyer's agent, and they mean business. Their goal is to help their buyers purchase the very best home available at the very best terms possible. While a foolish buyer's agent may turn this meeting into an adversarial encounter, the good ones will charm your socks off.

If you choose to remain in your home for a showing, remember this.

You are now nose to nose with a pro, anything you say can and will be used against you in the negotiation of your home sale. Please don't let yourself get into this predicament.

Do your very best not to be home during a showing, your agent and your pocketbook will both thank you!

Working with Military Clients

2007-01-30T23:27:12Z

I have the good fortune of living and working next to Fort Lewis and McChord AFB. I appreciate the benefit of sharing the road with a convoy of Strykers rolling down I-5, watching the massive cargo planes come and go, and seeing the Chinooks flying high over my house on their way to Yakima. The advanced equipment our military uses is amazing, and formidable but, it's the people that make the difference.

As you may imagine, I work with a lot of military families moving into and out of the area. I've found them to be quite different than your average client. I've seen our active duty men and women handle complex real estate transactions, involving moves across the nation, better than many of us would handle a move across town!

Some may say it's the training they receive that allows them to so quickly adapt to a new situation, research their options, and make difficult decisions with relative ease. Training may be a part of it, but I've noticed that these folks also possess unique integrity and high character. I'm not so sure that can be trained into a person.

So remember that our servicemen and women deserve our very best efforts regardless of what price range or credit score they may be in.

After all they are the only reason why we are free, they've earned it.

Wolverine Sighting in Graham!

2007-01-24T02:51:22Z

We had a rare sighting the other day while driving my daughter to school. Up ahead in the ditch I saw an odd looking critter running about, of course as I approached, the fool thing ran into the road! I was able to get the pickup stopped before I ran this mystery animal over. As it continued across the road I realized that I was looking at a wolverine!

I watched her run around in some one's front yard for a minute or so and then she high tailed it back into the woods.

Wolverines are not exactly common to the area, in fact this is the first one I've ever seen outside of a zoo. Upon returning home, I called up our local wildlife park, and asked if they had all their wolverines accounted for. Indeed they did, but they were aware of a "facility" near by that had recently misplaced their wolverine.

All's well that ends well, The wandering wolverine was successfully captured a few days later and returned to her home.

What the heck does this have to do with real estate? Nothing, But my daughter and I will always have the memory of the day we saw a wolverine on the way to school.

The smell of "Money"

2006-07-30T03:55:27Z

This may be an unpleasant topic for some of you, but this post is directed at those hardy souls who fancy themselves as real estate investors.

Long ago I stumbled upon this truth in Real Estate: Homes that smell like cats just won't sell!

You see the average buyer will buy only what they can see, meaning that a home buyer often times will not look past an unusual paint color, out of date carpet or appliances, or a messy yard. They want a home that is move in ready at a fair price. I can tell you from personal experience that the vast majority of home buyers will NOT even consider your home if it smells of pets!

Attention investors! If you are viewing a home and catch that eye watering smell of a cat, you've hit the jackpot. Not only has your competition for the home been significantly cut down, but it's such an easy fix that it shouldn't concern you in the least.

Here's the procedure for removing the offending odor.

Remove carpet and pad, let dry for a day or two at high heat, paint sub floor with Kilz paint, two coats may be necessary in the worst cases, install new carpet!

Yes, many may turn and head for the door when they encounter the "Smell of Money" but savvy investors can smell a bargain from the front door.

Interested in investment real estate? Choose an experienced agent that will work with you to achieve your goals!

www.brettsellshouses.com

So your Realtor® wants you to work with his/her preferred lender?

2006-07-30T03:38:18Z

I've been asked this question before, "Why should I work with the lender you have recommended?"

Here's the long answer: I have developed relationships with lenders over time that I know will treat you with the respect you deserve. I only recommend lenders that I have determined will give you a fair deal on your loan, communicate with me throughout the home buying process, and close transactions on time. You see there is a great deal more to a good lender than APR and Loan origination fees!

From the outside looking in, a Realtor's job seems fairly easy, and I want my clients to think that! The truth is, I am spinning many plates in the air through out your transaction, ensuring your financing is progressing as it should is a major concern to me.

I need to know that your lender is truly working in your best interest, has enough experience and clout to negotiate with their underwriters for you, and will deliver the documents on time to the escrow company.

I can provide superior service while searching for your next home, negotiating on your behalf, schedule all inspections...etc, but if the lender drops the ball, you may still lose the home you loved, despite my very best efforts.

Rest assured there are no kickbacks, or good old boy agreements that would cause me to unethically steer you to a particular lender. This is a highly regulated business and RESPA is there to protect you. I have worked with many quality lenders, and depending on your personality and physical location I may refer you to several of my trusted lenders.

What these lenders all have in common is excellent customer service, high ethical standards, and proven performance over time.

My reputation depends on it.

Spend some time in the front yard

2006-07-13T01:22:48Z

If you are considering selling your home, you've no doubt taken the time to give the home a thorough cleaning. Your agent may have suggested baking bread or cookies shortly before a showing. For some reason Vanilla flavored candles seem to be very popular today as well. There are a lot of tips and tricks to help your home show well.

Surprisingly many home sellers overlook street appeal, specifically the lack of it. Many a time I've pulled up to a scheduled showing with buyers in the car and have been told "let's skip this one". Buyers can be brutally honest at times. Most buyers will not have the chance to enjoy the smell of freshly baked cookies in your home if you don't spend some time in the front yard.

Preparing your home for sale starts at the curb, take a walk across the street and take a good hard look at your home.

Is the grass lush and green? If not, put some fertilizer on your shopping list.

Are the shrubs and hedges trimmed neatly? When in doubt cut them back.

Do the flower beds look neat and colorful? Take the time to re-mulch your flower beds, pull the weeds, and pick up some annual "color spots" at the nursery.

Oil spots on the driveway are a big turn off! Get those oil spots cleaned up and park the offending vehicle over a drip pan while your home is on the market.

Speaking of concrete, How's that walkway? A few minutes with a pressure washer can make old concrete look new again.

Buy a new door mat to welcome your potential buyers, and scrub that front door.

Your potential buyers will never get the chance to fall in love with your home if they never leave the car. Spending a little time and money on the curb appeal will help your home sell quicker and for the best possible price.

You're in good company!

2006-07-11T14:13:59Z

A recent study by the NAR (National Association of Realtors) found that 79% of all home buyers started their home search on the Internet. This trend has continued to rise each year as more and more of the public rely on the Internet for information on a daily basis.

This has spawned a major online lead generation industry. Lead generation companies have positioned themselves squarely between the consumer and the real estate professional. While many of these companies claim to add value to the consumer by matching them with a qualified Realtor in their area, offering over the net home evaluations, or sending you homes that are just listed, the fact is, they are the very definition of a "Middle Man"!

Here's how a typical lead generation company works. Through pay per click ads, traditional marketing, and cold calling, these companies attempt to drive you, the consumer, to their websites with promises of free house value evaluations, new listings, area info, rebates...etc. Once you visit the site and sign up for your "Free" info, your name and contact information is sold to an agent who provides this information to you.

The days of the lead generation companies have come and gone. The tech savvy agents around the country have realized that not only are these lead generation companies not good for their own financial health, they do not offer any added value to the home buyer or seller.

The information a home buyer or seller is searching for can be found on many real estate web sites. The web sites are owned and operated by the very best agents on the web. If you're in the market to buy or sell a home, you've come to the right place.

If you are considering a move in Pierce County, cut out the middle man and contact me directly.

253-820-2745 or visit my website www.brettsellshouses.com