Living in Olympia

Original story can be found on LivinginOlympia.info

The Story of Cutter

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 12:16:33 -0400

Every dog has a story to tell. Unfortunately for us, we're not able to hear most of those stories. Every once in awhile though, a dog comes into our lives and makes us a part of their story. This is what happened to me, and though I don't know the beginning or end of this dog's story, I was lucky enough to be a big part of the middle. This is the story of Cutter.

Each night, between the hours of 9 and 10, I take my dog Sonny out for a walk. Last night was no different, as we headed out the front door just after 9 pm. Sonny is normally a pretty mellow dog. Sure, he is just as excited about his walks as any other, but he usually plays it cool until we get off our property at least. Last night however, he bolted out the door and down the steps, almost tearing his retractable leash right out of my hands. Assuming there must be a cat in the road I followed along, trying to retract his leash to a reasonable length. But once I got onto the sidewalk I froze. Staring at me from my front lawn was a very surprised looking male pit bull.

My eyes immediately scanned the streets and sidewalks, expecting to see some frantic dog owner chasing after their escaped pup. But the streets were void of any activity and this dog still had its eyes set squarely on me. I gave a quick analysis of the dog and could tell that he was wearing a collar, though he was not well fed. He didn't seem too concerned by my barking pudgy 25 pound Corgi mix (even though Sonny is pretty certain he is a 120 pound stallion). I could tell by his body language that he was not considering attacking me so I knelt down and let out the slack in Sonny's leash to see how the dog would respond. His response said everything I needed to know. He gave an obligatory sniff of Sonny's rear, then got down in a playful stance ready to play a game of pounce and chase. Sonny didn't seem to mind too much so I let them play for a minute, expecting that frantic owner to come running down the street at any moment. But when they didn't show up after 5 minutes or so, I decided we would go about our walk and hope that the dog went on his own way.

However, the dog apparently thought a walk sounded like a splendid idea, so he joined us as we made our way down our usual route. He followed along nicely, deviating only to water a few bushes along the way. The dogs were doing so well together that I let Sonny off his leash in a large grassy area at the outskirts of our neighborhood. They sprinted around happily for awhile until I decided I better go find this dog's home before it became too late at night. I noticed he had a tag on his collar with a phone number so I gave it a try. It was the number to the Tacoma pet shelter and they were closed for the night. So, we went back home and I put Sonny in the house so I could head back out with this dog, hoping I would either run into that frantic owner or the dog would recognize familiar turf.

At this point in the story I should mention that I live in a master plan community with over 1000 homes. There was no chance I could make it to all those homes, or even all those streets, before midnight. But I gave it a solid effort. With this new companion strutting confidently off-leash next to me we hit the streets. We came across several people, but none claimed to recognize the dog. We began to head back toward home when I noticed a woman with 2 children walking toward me. For a moment I thought this might be that frantic owner, then quickly my hope dissipated as I could tell they were just out for an evening stroll. I asked them if they recognized the dog, to which they of course said no, but the dog must have thought they looked familiar because he took off after them (much to the horror of the mother). Figuring I was off the hook I continued toward home. But as I turned onto my block, the dog came flying around the corner, tongue waving, and proceeded to jump on me and give me ferocious kisses across my face.

If you are a dog lover like me then you know that this is where I realized I was going to be keeping this dog overnight. I took him through the side gate and let him roam the back yard while I slipped inside to let my wife know what was going on. She snuck a peak at him through the window and commented on how cute he was, then turned around and apparently sensing my strange bond with this beast said "you can't bring him in the house, you know". I did know, so the dog remained out back as we sat down and turned on the TV. But before we could even find a show to watch, the dog began howling. Not a cute, whimpery howl either. No, this was a full-on howl at the moon wolf cry. With neighbors close by at all sides, and the clock now reading 11:00 pm I decided that this would not be acceptable. I went out back and led the dog around to the front yard. I didn't want to release this poor dog to the wild where he could be hit by a car or be scared and attack someone, but I also didn't want to wake the neighbors or invite him in for a sleep over. So, I sat on the front porch with him for a few minutes and gave him a good ear scratch. The appreciative snorting sound was quickly followed by closed eyes and the next thing I knew the dog was fast asleep on my welcome mat.

I snuck inside, thinking I was home free. But soon the howling began again. We ignored him for 5-10 minutes and he eventually gave up. I didn't check to see if he had run off for fear that I would just make him start up the howling again. Instead I just went to bed.

I woke up this morning, assuming that since I hadn't been woken up to howling during the night that the dog had gone on its way. I went to the front door to check, and was both shocked and somewhat relieved that the dog was right where I had left him, curled up on the welcome mat. He immediately perked up, looking for more of the ear scratching that I had left him with the previous night. I laughed and gave him a quick scratch. Then I sat with him, drinking my coffee, until 8:00 rolled around so I could call back to the Tacoma Pet Shelter.

I reached the shelter and gave them the license number from the tag on his leash. They gave me the owner's name and number, and told me the dog's name was Cutter. I repeated the name and his ears perked up. I quickly hung up and dialed the number I'd been given. I reached a generic voice mailbox so I began leaving a message. Halfway through my message I noticed that I had an incoming call from that same number so I quickly finished my message and switched over. I answered and said hello several times, but all I could hear was some muffled noise and background voices. It was a pocket dial. I sent a text message to the same number, thinking maybe that would get their attention. Then I waited.

Several hours passed by. I sat anxiously in the back yard with Cutter, wondering what to do. Not wanting to turn him in to the local shelter, I decided to at least call down there to see if they could offer any suggestions. I got through to a man (whose name I wish I could remember because he really went the extra mile to help) and told him the story. He looked up the phone number I had been given for the owner but said they had no record of that number in their system. Then he decided to search online for the number and buried amid all the usual reverse phone lookup websites he found a business website with the number attached to it. He said there was one other person listed as a contact on the website and he gave me that number. That extra little bit of research changed Cutter's story dramatically.

I was now hot on the trail. The woman who answered when I called the new number was naturally confused and caught off guard by my rambling story, but when I mentioned the name of the registered owner and said I had her dog, she jumped to life. She remarked at how strange it was that the dog had gotten out since the owner had a fenced back yard. I asked her if she knew whether the woman lived in my neighborhood. She replied that she didn't really know the neighborhoods that well as she had just moved to Tacoma recently. I said, "well I'm not in Tacoma, I'm in Lacey." She said "Oh my!" then told me she would call the owner right away and give her my number.

A few minutes later my phone rang. When I answered, an excited voice identified herself and expressed how happy she was that I had found her dog. She explained to me that she and her two kids had adopted Cutter as a tiny puppy and bottle fed him. He was the family pet. Then, about 5 months ago Cutter was stolen from their back yard in Tacoma. She said her kids have been devastated ever since and that they were all convinced they would never see him again. I bit my lip, choked back a tear and asked her when she would like to meet to get him back. She said she couldn't meet me until after 5 when she was done with work but that she was so excited to bring him home.

In an odd way I was relieved to get to spend a few more hours with this dog. For whatever reason we had bonded and he had found safety in my presence. I loaded him in the car and headed out to get a stronger leash. He didn't mind the ride at all and sat alertly as my copilot. Part way through the ride he got fidgety though and decided the back seat had better views. I could hear him rustling around and when I turned to look back I saw him perched happily in my daughter's car seat. It was a fitting move for this gentle giant.

We made a brief stop at my office, where he layed on the floor and had a nap. Meanwhile, his owner called me back and said she was free to meet me now. We made arrangements to meet at 7:00. An hour quickly passed and I had to run out to show several condos to an interested buyer. I got Cutter out to the parking lot at my office and opened the passenger door for him. He hopped right in, but when I went around to the driver side he decided to jump over to my seat before I could get in. I opened the door and tried to bribe him into moving but apparently he felt like driving. I couldn't get him to budge. I decided to try the back door, thinking maybe he wanted to cruise in the car seat again. No luck. Finally, a client leaving my office came over and helped me coax him into the passenger seat long enough for me to hop in.

When I arrived at the condos for my showing appointment I barely was able to squeeze through my door without him joining me. I hadn't even made it to the lobby doors when the howling began. I apologized to the man I was meeting and explained to him the circumstances. He found it amusing, so we went about our tour of the building. When I came back out the howling had subsided but Cutter was now firmly planted in the driver seat. I got him out and took a stroll around the building, hoping to build enough trust that I could get him in the car without him thinking I was going to leave again. That didn't work too well as he refused to move beyond the driver seat again. Knowing I couldn't move him I decided to close the door. He looked perplexed at the swift change in the balance of power. I moved around to the passenger side and he took the bait, jumping clumsily into the back seat. While he struggled to regain his footing I rushed back around to the driver side and jumped into my seat. Acknowledging defeat, he perched his front paws on the center console and gave me a big wet kiss on my ear. I told him it was time to go home.

We headed to our meeting place and I found myself visualizing this storybook ending where Cutter comes running across a field, ears flapping, tongue and tail waving into the outstretched arms of his long lost family. While reality wasn't quite so romantic, it was clear that Cutter knew he was home. When we arrived at the meeting place and I opened the door, he quickly bounded out to greet his owner. After a big hug around the neck and some kind words from the owner he ran over and jumped into the back seat of her car, where I can only assume he promptly fell asleep and enjoyed his first happy dreams in quite some time.

While this chapter of Cutter's story has a happy ending, there are hundreds of pets each day that find themselves wandering down a strange road, not sure where home is. If one of them finds their way to your front porch, don't just ignore them and hope they go away. Take the time to help them find a safe place. You never know the circumstances of another's life so treat everyone with the kindness and respect they deserve. And perhaps most importantly, don't settle for being a passenger in life, take a play out of Cutter's book and insist on driving.

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Mike Conner

Lacey FREE Summer Entertainment at Huntamer Park

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:07:24 -0400

Don't let the late start to summer weather in Lacey WA fool you, summer events are right around the corner. In fact, Lacey Parks and Recreation Department kicks off their FREE summer entertainment schedule tomorrow night at Huntamer Park. So bring the blanket, the umbrella, the flip-flops, and sunglasses and come out to enjoy the opening night of the Children's Entertainment Series.

Singer/storyteller, Tim Noah, will be on stage at 6:30 p.m. ready to take the crowd on an adventure. His will be the opening performance of an ongoing series of children's entertainment at 6:30 on Tuesday nights. Also on the calendar for summer entertainment is the Lacey In Tune Summer Concert Series. Come hear the sounds of some of the finest bands the Northwest has to offer.

Then, starting in July, the park will transform into a movie theater for the Outdoor Cinema Series. Enjoy family classics like Toy Story 3, The Karate Kid, and Grease.

For a full schedule of the Children's Entertainment Series, Lacey In Tune Summer Concerts, and Movies in the Park please visit: Lacey Free Summer Entertainment Schedule

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Mike Conner

More information about Park Lane in Lacey WA

Park Lane in Lacey WA - A Community of New Homes

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:50:04 -0400

Park Lane in Lacey WA - A Community of New Homes

Park Lane in Lacey WA is a new community being built by Western Washington home builder, OakRidge Homes. Featuring beautifully landscaped grounds, sidewalks, nature trails and parks, Park Lane offers great amenities for an active lifestyle.

Located minutes from I-5 in the growing Hawks Prairie area, Park Lane in Lacey WA makes a convenient location for commuting to JBLM. It is also just far enough from the busy commercial district to offer peace, quiet, and an abundance of opportunities to enjoy nature. Park Lane is tucked in among the Hawks Prairie Golf Courses, saltwater beaches, and retirement community Jubilee.

Photos from Park Lane in Lacey WA

Quality Construction by OakRidge Homes

The homes at Park Lane in Lacey WA are built using high quality materials and an eye for detail. Large bedrooms, open concept living areas, and kitchens perfect for entertaining are among the features that have residents falling in love with these homes. The standard features here are enough to impress, but there are also some very attractive upgrades that can be easily and inexpensively added to make your new home look just the way you want it to.

Homes at Park Lane range in size from 1700-2400 square feet, with 3-4 bedrooms plus dens and bonus rooms in some models. All the models at Park Lane come with 2 full baths and a powder room half bath. Park Lane floor plans

Prices range from the low to mid $200,000's with buyer incentives being offered monthly. Check out the current inventory at Park Lane and get up-to-date pricing.

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Mike Conner

Spring Arts Walk in Downtown Olympia

Easter Weekend in Olympia WA

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:28:51 -0400

Easter Weekend in Olympia WA

Spring is in the air, and Olympia is coming to life! It has been a long and strange winter, with unpredictable weather, economic uncertainties, and a host of global crises dominating the headlines. But none of that matters this Easter weekend in Olympia WA.

This weekend, the focus around Olympia is on several wildly popular community events as well as a certain fuzzy-tailed character spreading candy filled eggs all over town.

Spring Arts Walk in Olympia WA is a celebration of all forms of art. Local businesses in Downtown Olympia play host to some of finest local painters, musicians, sculptors, and more.

The Spring Arts Walk in Olympia is free to attend and there are over 100 participating venues along with countless impromptu street performances. There are performances, events, and displays open to the public from Friday night through Sunday afternoon (4/22-4/24).

Procession of the Species in Olympia WA

This one of a kind parade is a celebration of life and culture. People from all walks of life come together on the streets of downtown Olympia and dance their way through town wearing a colorful array of costumes. Everything from the sun, to earthworms, to aliens are represented in this hugely popular Olympia event. The Procession of the Species in Olympia kicks off Friday night with the luminary Procession at 9:30 p.m. then resumes on Saturday at 4:30 for the big Procession of the Species parade.

Easter Egg Hunts in Olympia WA

Lucky for the kids around town, Olympia has no shortage of Easter Egg Hunts to choose from. In fact, there is even one for the adults!

All over town both Saturday and Sunday, kids will be picking through lawns with their heads down and their baskets spilling over. There are a bunch of big Easter Egg hunts, but several local favorites draw the big crowds. Candy, toys, and prizes are at stake! Check out my list of the top Easter Egg Hunts in Olympia

Between these great events and the recent opening of the Olympia Farmers Market, it is a great weekend to live in Olympia! Get out and support local business and enjoy the festivities! I hope to see you out around town.

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Mike Conner

McAllister Park in Lacey WA - Real Estate Report

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:09:39 -0400

McAllister Park in Lacey WA - Real Estate Report

McAllister Park in Lacey WA offers some of the finest homes in the Lacey area. The neighborhood is perched atop a hill, offering beautiful territorial views. The homes of McAllister Park were built with the highest degree of craftsmanship and sit on comfortable lot sizes of 1/2 acre or more. Located minutes from the growing Hawks Prairie commercial district and I-5 access, McAllister Park strikes a perfect balance of convenience and comfort.

In 2009 and 2010, there were a combined 23 homes sold in McAllister Park. Prices for those sales ranged from $318,000 to $875,000. In terms of averages, the typical McAllister Park home sold for $450,952 and featured 3182 square feet of living space, a price per square foot of $144.72. As is the case in many higher end neighborhoods, the average time on the market for these home sales was slightly above normal market times for the area, coming in at 214 days.

As of this writing (3/25/11), there has only been 1 sale in McAllister Park in 2011. A 4,850 square foot beauty sold for a price of $595,000. However, there are some beautiful homes currently on the market to choose from!

Check out this list of currently available homes for sale in McAllister Park, Lacey WA

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Contact a real estate agent for McAllister Park in Lacey WA

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Mike Conner

Do People Read Blog Comments?

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:59:12 -0500

Do people really read all those comments at the end of your blog post? In a word....ABSOLUTELY! That is half the fun of a good blog post. Think about your own web browsing behavior. If you read a well crafted, thought provoking article do you find your eyes being drawn to the comments to see how other people have responded to it? It seems only natural to want to see how other people have interpreted and reacted to the information being presented.

Our virtual world of today is driven by our social desires. We crave transparency and we are drawn to platforms that provide it. Facebook is built around comments and interaction. Twitter draws you in with the @mention feature. The blogging world of today is no different. Sure, we all have strong opinions about a variety of issues and it is fun just to have a platform to write down those thoughts. But the real attraction of blogging is to solicit a response from our reader and start a conversation.

The art of commenting is no less important than creating the content in the first place. By leaving a thought provoking comment, you have created an opportunity for yourself. You have shown your personality and character, opening the possibility of further interaction. You don't have to be a skilled writer to have success in the blogging world. People love to know they are being heard, and a thoughtful comment can flip the blog on its head. Instead of the blog post being a method of attracting new contacts for the blogger, it becomes a way for you, the commenter, to have people interested in you.

But what about negative comments? There will always be people who disagree with you, or who just like to be argumentative or negative. Rather than fight it by moderating comments or getting into a public slugfest on a comment thread, try taking the high road. Use that negative comment as an opportunity to let your true professionalism shine through. Each online interaction we have is a chance to show our character in an otherwise anonymous virtual world.

So, now that you have taken the time to read my thoughts on blog comments I'm curious to know your thoughts on a few things....

What makes a good comment?

Is there a place for moderation in comment threads or should you leave it totally open?

Does a blog have to provide great content for you to want to read the comments and/or comment yourself?

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Mike Conner

Facebook Etiquette for Page Owners

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:49:49 -0500

Facebook Etiquette for Page Owners

Now that Facebook page owners have been granted the freedom to use Facebook as their page identity, I think it is a perfect time to have a quick discussion about Facebook etiquette for page owners. Since the changes were rolled out I've watched as my Facebook page turned from a fun social forum into a bulletin board style free-for-all. Page owners seem to be giddy over their new power and eager to spread their brand to other people's audiences. For some, the temptation to promote their brand on other pages is simply irresistable. Its just too easy to pass up.

Time to excercise some restraint people! Remember all that talk way back when Facebook was a new concept, about how you should treat it like a cocktail party? If you wouldn't walk into the room and say "I'm Joe Schmoe and I sell houses, do you or anyone you know plan on buying a house in the next 60-90 days?" then you shouldn't say it on Facebook. Especially not on someone else's page. Spam is a stinky meat (?) and you better believe people can smell it a mile away. Unless, of course, you are one of the gifted few that can get people to believe you are Nigerian Royalty looking for a modest American to look after your riches.

Some may argue that you can avoid having spammers on your page by changing the wall settings to only display posts by you. I don't feel good about that though, as I like to encourage interaction from my page's fans. If you share my philosophy then you may just have to deal with the fact that spammers will try to spread their stink on your page. So, rather than worry about how to moderate them, lets talk about a few tips to avoid becoming a spammer yourself:

DON'T: Post a link and tell people to come 'Like' your page on someone else's page.

DO: Post a link relevant to the conversation or focus of that page's audience.

DON'T: Attempt to sell your goods or services directly on someone else's page.

DO: Share your positive feedback about the goods or services offered by that page's owner.

DON'T: Leave irrelevant comments on posts on someone else's page just to promote your brand.

DO: Add value to the conversations unfolding on other pages.

DON'T: Ridicule, insult, or otherwise instigate drama on someone else's page.

DO: If you have something nice to say, say it. Otherwise remove fingers from keyboard and walk away. There are some arguments worth having, but when they are publicly visible remember to use discretion.

DON'T: Hijack a comment thread on someone else's page.

DO: Let the page owner moderate the comments on their own page.

Any Do's & Don'ts to add? Or perhaps some foreign investments you want me to hold in my account?

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Mike Conner

Facebook Rolls Out Changes to Pages - What You Need to Know!

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:43:59 -0500

Today Facebook rolled out a new look for Pages that matches the recent changes to user profiles. However, for page owners the changes include some awesome new tools for your marketing toolbelt! Here is a look at the new Pages, with a few of the important changes highlighted:

The changes will fully go into effect on March 1st, but page owners can choose to upgrade to the new layout starting today. I highlighted several of the key features in the screenshot above, but I would encourage you to sign on and take the tour of the new features to see how you can put them to use in your business! Here is a look at the changes I highlighted in my screenshot:

Use Facebook as your Page

This is by far the most exciting change with the new Pages. This option allows you to navigate Facebook as your page, rather than your personal profile. This is a huge opportunity to earn "sweat equity" on Facebook. You can now visit other pages and comment on their posts as your page. Why is this important? You can gain easy exposure to your brand simply by participating on other relevant pages. You can imagine the added exposure you can earn for your page by adding this to your Facebook strategy! Be careful not to be too spammy though, or you will do more harm than good...

Customize your Photo Display

Like your profile, your page now features 5 photos at the top of the page. You can control which photos are featured by tagging your page in photos. I can see the potential for an easy "featured listings" display! I upgraded to the new page layout today and I'm running a contest for my fans to submit their best photos of the area, then I will hold a round of voting and feature the winning photos at the top of my page. This is yet another opportunity to engage your fans or promote your brand.

Feature Pages 'Liked' by your Page

If you are a Facebook addict and have multiple pages tied to your business or community, this is a great way to cross market your efforts. You can select which pages are featured on the side of your page so they experience a boost in exposure...for FREE! To do this, click on 'Edit Page', then select 'Featured' from the side menu, then choose the first option to 'Add Featured Likes'. You can feature any 3 pages that your page has 'Liked'.

Change the Category of your Page

You are still locked in to your page name, but now you can at least change the category your page fits in. The new Pages make it easy to do this when you click 'Edit Page'. Try out several categories until you find the one that best captures the information you want to share about your page.

The only thing I'm not as excited about is that any custom tabs are now not as prominently displayed. They are still easily accessible right under your profile photo, but they aren't quite as eye-catching as the old tabs above your wall.

Do you like the new layout to Facebook Pages?

Do you have any thoughts on how the changes will impact your Facebook strategy?

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Mike Conner

How to Expand Shortened URL's and Avoid Viruses and Scams

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 13:58:25 -0500

How to Expand Shortened URL's and Avoid Viruses and Scams

Have you ever noticed how most pickpockets hang out in busy urban areas? Well our Social Networks are the new urban areas, with scam artists lurking around every corner waiting to catch you distracted so they can rip you off. If you are savvy about your privacy online you can avoid a lot of these headaches. But for real estate agents and other professionals who rely on building new relationships we often have a tough time ignoring the scam artists because we fear we may be losing a possible lead. Sure, that mindset is a recipe for disaster, but that is a topic for another day.

For now we'll focus on how to determine if you should follow the link that someone just sent you, or if you should avoid it like the plague. If you're on Twitter you are probably familiar with strange URL's that look like jibberish. There are a number of services available to shorten your URLs for linking on Twitter, like bit.ly, tinyurl, and now even ActiveRain will shorten your blog post URL. Here is an example from my Twitter page of a shortened URL:

This was an automated tweet, generated by my Facebook page wall. The Facebook application for Twitter automatically shortens the link URL so you end up with the link above, http://fb.me/QNY8vtys . Now, if you are already a fan of my Facebook page or a follower of my Twitter page you probably wouldn't worry much about following the link. But if that same URL came to you in a direct message or an @mention from someone you don't really know, or just in the results of your search on Twitter then you might be hesitant to follow it.

Follow the wrong link and you can open yourself up to the worst scam artists the internet has to offer. Do yourself (and your computer) a favor and take steps to protect yourself from these malicious attacks disguised as harmless shortened URL's. Next time you are unsure about a shortened URL, try out a free service from LongURL.org . Just type or paste in the shortened URL, click expand, and see what that link is really all about.

You'll be able to see the full URL, the page title, site redirects, meta description, content type, and in some cases a screenshot. So the next time someone posts that irresistible message saying "hey Mike, is this really you in this video?" you can find out if the link will lead you to a good laugh or a nightmare of identity theft!

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Mike Conner

Homes for Sale in Lacey WA

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:17:43 -0500

Homes for Sale in Lacey WA

Searching for homes for sale in Lacey WA? Find out about neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle and market trends you should be aware of before you go out shopping.

Whether you are looking for new construction, luxurious view homes, or the latest foreclosure listings, there are some great homes for sale in Lacey WA just for you. But make sure you consult a knowledgeable Lacey WA buyer's agent to help you analyze the market, strategize about how much bargaining room there might be and how to negotiate the best price and terms, including asking for repairs or closing cost concessions paid for by the seller.

Recent closed sales and currently available homes for sale in Lacey WA range from $81,000 to $650,000, with average prices hovering around $250,000.

Browse Homes for Sale in Lacey WA

Search Listed Homes - Displays homes listed for sale by real estate companies in our local MLS.
Search Homes for Sale in Lacey WA via Google Base - Gathers data from all over the web to include for sale by owner listings, foreclosures, and more.
Open House Notifier - Sign up to receive weekly notifications for all the homes for sale in Lacey WA being held open.
Market Watch - Looking for something specific but don't want to spend the time searching or waiting for it to hit the market? Tell me what you are looking for and I will send you instant notification as soon as new listings hit the market.

History of Homes in Lacey WA

Lacey WA was originally incorporated as a city in 1966, but its history stretches much further back. Land in the Lacey area was claimed in 1853 by settlers Isaac and Cathy Wood and became known as Woodland. Initially thought of as a suburb of Olympia, Lacey has since grown and developed its own unique community. Now, with population nearly 40,000, Lacey has grown up to be nearly equal in population to Olympia.

For many years Lacey was centered around the commercial district surrounding South Sound Center. Early housing in Lacey was established in the neighborhoods south of Pacific Ave, between Ruddell Rd. and Sleater Kinney Rd. Over the past few decades, Lacey has expanded south and east, with neighborhoods springing up off of College St. and in the areas surrounding Long Lake and Hicks Lake. Since 2000, homes for sale in Lacey WA have been largely centered around the construction of Jubilee, a 55+ community in Hawks Prairie, and Horizon Pointe, a master planned community of over 1000 units located just south of Yelm Hwy. The Hawks Prairie area has continued to see massive growth, with additional non-age restrictive communities popping up all around Jubilee. The area is expected to continue its population surge with the development of the Lacey Gateway Project. Anchored by the recent addition of Cabela's, commercial and residential growth in the Hawks Prairie area is set to continue through 2020, raising the possibility that Lacey may soon become the largest city in Thurston County.

Neighborhoods in Lacey WA

Check out a few of the most popular areas and neighborhoods in Lacey WA:

Horizon Pointe - Master plan community at the south end of Lacey made up of single family homes, townhomes, and condos. Sales started in 2005 and construction continues today. Neighborhood perks include a huge community park, tree lined streets with sidewalks, a new elementary school in the neighborhood, and an active homeowner association. Approximate price range $150,000-$250,000*.

Hawks Prairie - Beginning with Jubilee in the early 2000's, this area has become more than a 55+ community. Centered around 2 beautiful public golf courses, more neighborhoods continue to spring up all around the NE end of Lacey. Amenities include easy I-5 access for commuters, access to parks and trails on beautiful Puget Sound, and of course the golf courses. Approximate price range $250,000-$500,000*.

McAllister Park - Perched on top of a hill in East Lacey, this neighborhood features territorial views and some of the finest homes in Lacey. Most homes here were built in the early 2000's. Aside from the views and luxurious homes, residents of McAllister Park enjoy the proximity to I-5 access and Hawks Prairie shopping. Approximate price range $400,000-$600,000*.

Beachcrest - This quiet community is located at the NE end of town and features a beautiful, private community beachfront park. The neighborhood has a very laid back, beachy feel and homes are surprisingly affordable. You feel like you are miles from urban life, but I-5 access and Hawks Prairie shopping are just a few minutes away. Approximate price range $175,000-$300,000*.

Long Lake - One of Thurston County's premiere lakes, the Long Lake area features a wide variety of housing options. Many residents choose Long Lake because it is a "ski lake". The lake is open to the public with a boat launch and city park, so it remains busy during the warmer seasons of the year. Approximate price range for lakefront homes here is $300,000-$1,000,000*.

Chambers Lake - The Chambers Lake area of Lacey includes some of the original neighborhoods of Central Lacey, as well as some newer neighborhoods along College St. There are classic homes from the mid 1900's as well as brand new homes with modern amenities. The excellent central location puts you close to pretty much anything you need. Approximate price range $150,000-$300,000*.

Meadows - An affordable option for many Lacey residents, the Meadows neighborhood is a large community at the east end of Lacey. It has convenient access to I-5, Hawks Prairie shopping, schools and parks. Most homes were built in the 1980's and range in size from 1,000 to 1,600 square feet. The neighborhood also features its own elementary school. Approximate price range $100,000-$200,000*.

Market Trends of Homes for Sale in Lacey WA

Prices of homes for sale in Lacey WA have been heavily influenced by two market segments in recent years, new construction and foreclosures/short sales. During 2010 there have been 152 closed sales of homes for sale in Lacey WA that were either short sales or bank owned. That represents 24.6% out of a total of 617 sales in Lacey for 2010. Compare that to 2009's sales figures for Lacey WA, where only 68 of the 720 sales, or 9%, were reported as short sales or bank owned.

Meanwhile, 2009 and 2010 were both dominated by new construction homes for sale in Lacey WA. In 2009, 47% of the homes sold in Lacey WA were reported as new construction. That figure dropped in 2010 but new construction still made up 38.2% of the homes sold.

(Required Disclaimer: Sales data based on sales reported to NWMLS, but calculations and statistics in this report were not compiled or guaranteed by NWMLS. Numbers may be slightly skewed because some sales may be incorrectly reported as both bank owned and short sale/approval required.)

*Approximate price ranges based on typical active listings and closed sales within the last 12 months. Some exceptions occur. These approximations serve as a guide not a guarranty.

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

People Shop for Homes on Sundays (and other Google Insights)

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 12:25:31 -0500

THIS IS NOT AN SEO POST.

How to reach customers through search engines is at the forefront of many discussions here on ActiveRain. The methods for achieving search engine results are pretty clear, yet somehow constantly under debate. So rather than throw rocks at that hornet nest, this post will explore how analyzing search trends can shed light on consumer patterns and give valuable clues about the future of our industry.

If I asked you what time of year generates the highest volume of Google searches for 'diet' you probably would have no problem answering. It is no surprise that people like to renew their commitment to healthy eating right around the same time as they ring in the new year. It probably also comes as no surprise that the lowest volume of searches for 'diet' occur in the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The chart below looks at the popularity of the search term 'diet' in the United States from 2004-present. (Read more here about Google's method for creating these charts)

But diet is not the only topic that experiences cyclical popularity. In fact, searches for 'homes for sale' and 'real estate' also follow some consistent patterns. For example, do you know what day of the week people are most likely to search for the phrases 'homes for sale' or 'real estate'? And a bonus question, what day of the week are people least likely to search for those phrases?

Those peaks and valleys follow a consistent pattern for both search phrases. Interestingly, the most popular day for 'homes for sale' is Sunday, but for 'real estate' it is Monday. And the least popular day for 'homes for sale is Friday, while for 'real estate' it is Saturday. These charts show only the last 90 days, but you can stretch it out over any period of time and the same patterns emerge, as well as some interesting seasonal trends.

Can you imagine what the chart would look like for a phrase like 'short sale' over the last 6 years? I could make a few predictions! But what about inquiries about your services? Do you think that with searches for 'short sale' on the rise you might see a similar pattern for 'real estate agent'?

I'm not trying to imply that people are going to stop looking for real estate agents online. But I do think it is important to analyze data like this from time to time and decide if there are opportunities to reach customers in a new way. It might just change the way you look at SEO. Or it might lead you away from your SEO focus altogether....after all, the number one search term in the United States over the past 12 months was 'Facebook'.

This Google Insights for Search tool is available for you to play with for free. You can easily analyze trends on a more local level, adjust the timeframe for your data, compare keywords, see popular related searches, and more. Go check it out and learn more about search trends in your area.

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Christmas Tree Farms in Olympia WA

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:16:54 -0500

Christmas Tree Farms in Olympia WA

Finding the perfect tree is an essential part of your holiday preparations. You have to find the perfect showpiece that will welcome your guests and drive your cats crazy. Luckily, there are several great Christmas tree farms in Olympia WA to choose from:

Hunter Christmas Trees: Hop on a yule tree wagon and browse their 150 acres of trees or stay warm with a cup of cocoa or cider and choose from the selection of fresh cut trees in the barn. Be sure to check out their reindeer straight from the North Pole and pick out something special from their Christmas Store. Boy Scouts are available on weekends to shake out the needles from your tree and bundle it for the ride home.

Clyde 'n Dale's Holiday Trees: Experience a horse-drawn trolly ride through this 10-acre family farm in SE Olympia. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19th from 9-5. Enjoy fresh hot cider, live musical performances, and shop for goodies in the gift shop!

Schilter Family Farm: Located in the Nisqually Valley, this family farm is rich in history and boasts a 140 year old barn that is the scene for their Lighted Nativity. Fresh cut or 'choose and cut' trees are available, and can even be drilled and mounted in a specialty stand on the spot.

Check out our map of Christmas Tree Farms in Olympia WA to find these farms and a few other local favorites:

View Christmas Tree Farms in Olympia WA in a larger map

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Horizon Pointe in Lacey WA - Santa's Next Stop?

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:20:32 -0500

Horizon Pointe in Lacey WA - Santa's Next Stop?

Santa Claus is coming to town! Horizon Pointe in Lacey WA to be exact. And he'll be travelling in style! With a holiday-optimized antique firetruck escort and the assistance of Lacey and Tumwater firefighters, Santa and crew will spread holiday cheer to many of the neighborhoods around Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.

On Monday, December 13th Santa Claus will be taking to the streets of Horizon Pointe in Lacey WA to hand out candy canes and let all the neighborhood kids know that he's making his naughty list. But Horizon Pointe is just one of the many stops on Santa's holiday circuit.

Check out the list of neighborhoods and events around Olympia where you can catch a glimpse of Santa in our guide: Where to Find Santa in Olympia WA

Join our Facebook and Twitter pages for more holiday event announcements and Santa sightings!

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Singing Trees and Sweet Holiday Housing Options in Olympia WA

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:42:05 -0500

Singing Trees and Sweet Holiday Housing Options in Olympia WA

Downtown Olympia was overflowing with holiday cheer this afternoon. The Olympia Downtown Association officially welcomed the holiday season with its Downtown for the Holidays celebration. Horse drawn wagon rides and photo-ops with Santa set the tone for the day and put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Around 3:00 people began hustling to stake out their spot along Capitol Way to watch the Holiday Parade. After the Capital High marching band completed its turn in front of Sylvester Park, the crowds scattered and made their way inside to escape the cold. My family and I headed inside to the Olympia Hotel ballroom to check out the Gingerbread Holiday Cottages Competition put on by Habitat for Humanity.

Talk about some sweet holiday housing options in Olympia WA!

After we warmed up enough it was back outside to watch the Singing Holiday Tree. Capital Playhouse's Kids in Koncert performed holiday hits from their perch on Legion Way. Then the countdown was on for the lighting of the tree at the center of Sylvester Park. It was a great way to ring in the holiday season and a fun way to support the small businesses in downtown Olympia as well as the organizations who put on the event!

Happy Holidays Olympia, and a special thank you to all the people who put together the event! Be sure to come out for these other great holiday events in Olympia in December:

Saturday, Dec. 4th - Olympia Toy Run

Saturday, Dec. 11th - Duck the Malls - Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale

Saturday, Dec. 11th - Alternative Giving Fair

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Delphi Area Home on Acreage - Rural Olympia
Tumwater Rambler in Established Neighborhood
Beautifully Updated Home in Desirable Olympia Neighborhood
Hawks Prairie Lacey Home for Sale
Beckonridge Home in Lacey, WA

5224 Brassfield Dr. SE, Olympia WA - Gorgeous Hewitt Lake Home For Sale

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:36:09 -0500

5224 Brassfield Dr. SE, Olympia WA - Gorgeous Hewitt Lake Home For Sale

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Nearby Homes
Neighborhood

$400,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2039 sqft
Lot: 0.77 acre(s)

Location

5224 Brassfield Dr. SE
Olympia, WA 98501
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Mike Conner

City Realty, Inc.
(360) 970-4408
mike@cityrealtyolympia.com
http://activerain.com/mikeconner

Listed by: City Realty, Inc.

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Free Photos for Your Blog in 3 Steps

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 11:51:10 -0500

Free Photos for Your Blog in 3 Steps

Are you following the rules for properly crediting the photos used in your blog? If you use all your own original content then you are in the clear. But for many bloggers, using other people's photographic talents not only dresses up their blog but saves them time. The problem is that if you happen to improperly credit your photos you could open yourself up to some serious legal headaches.

Searching for the perfect photo is time consuming enough. Add to that the extra steps of reviewing the Creative Commons license info and conditions of use, and you can end up burning quite a bit of daylight.

Enter Wylio.com.

At Wylio.com you can find and insert free photos for your blog in 3 steps and they do all the dirty work of properly crediting the photo for you. All you really need to know how to do is copy and paste. So, what are the 3 steps to start using free photos for your blog?

1. Go to Wylio.com to search the database of over 160 million photos available for use on Flickr.

2. Choose the alignment for your photo (left, right, or center) and resize the photo (their resize tool is extremely easy to use).

3. Copy and few lines of HTML code and paste it in the HTML editor of your blog post.

That's all. Wylio does the hard work for you of checking the photo license and properly attributing the work to the original publisher. And the end result? A great photo with proper attribution, and a noticeable absence of stress.

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Architecturally Significant Modern Homes

3 ActiveRainer's Doing BIG Things on Facebook

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 14:56:15 -0400

Is your Facebook strategy producing results? Do you even have a Facebook strategy?

Over the past few years we've been bombarded with people telling us to create a social media presence. I've watched the number of real estate related Facebook pages in my area grow tremendously as more and more agents and companies jump into the game. But it isn't enough just to create your page. Interaction is what we are all seeking. After all, it is called "social" networking right?

Like many of you, when I am looking for inspiration on a project I often turn first to ActiveRain. So many people on here are not only brilliant innovators, but willing to share their recipes for success. If your Facebook page is not gaining followers or lacking interaction I encourage you to look around at what other successful people are doing, then create a strategy that fits for your personality based on their model.

Time for a Facebook Page Makeover?

Here are 3 pages created by ActiveRainer's that will provide some inspiration:

Created by Dallas, TX real estate agent Douglas Newby, this page is probably the most wildly popular real estate related page on Facebook. Douglas has built a subscriber list of over 200,000 people! Naturally with that level of following you are bound to get a ton of interaction (the last post on the page received over 1,000 comments and likes). But what is most intriguing about the page is that there is absolutely no self promotion whatsoever. He has built his Facebook empire around a simple, popular topic: modern architecture. Can you think of anything you are passionate about in the real estate arena that others might also like to talk about?

365 Things to Do in Vancouver WA

One of my personal favorites, this creation by Dale Chumbley enjoys a following of almost 13,000 people. Centered entirely around things to do in his hometown, Dale sparks up a great dialogue by featuring a new thing to do each day. He incorporates video into his related blog that further engages his visitors. There is no doubt that anyone who looks at his page will think about him when they are considering buying or selling in Vancouver, WA. In the minds of his followers, his face is equated with being an expert in the local community. I've even heard that he has been approached in the middle of a huge crowd at a local event by someone who recognized him from his page. And sure enough, they were just thinking about hiring a real estate agent.

State College, PA Real Estate - Guide to Living in Happy Valley

If you haven't seen one of Nyssa Smith's Tuesday Tours you will definitely want to check out her Facebook page. She does an outstanding job of blending her love for the Happy Valley community with her expertise in the real estate market. And her weekly video tours are not only consistent, but they display her personality and passion for both real estate and community. For consumers and colleagues alike, Nyssa's enthusiasm shows through in her content and makes people want to know more about her and what she does.

Once you have your own strategy in mind, ask Douglas, Dale, or Nyssa what they are doing to turn their Facebook fans into real estate customers. And of course, please check out my Facebook pages for Living in Olympia and City Realty, Inc.

Do you have any favorite real estate related Facebook pages? What separates them from the crowd?

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Beachcrest Olympia Home for Sale
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Downtown Olympia Condos Union Heights

Pattison Lake Lacey WA - Lakefront Living for Less

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:56:52 -0400

Pattison Lake Lacey WA - Lakefront Living for Less

It really doesn't get much better than this. Enjoy all the perks of lakefront living on Pattison Lake in Lacey WA without paying the price tag or the taxes! How? Check out this great new listing on Pattison Lake Lacey WA.

4 bedrooms, a quarter acre lot, hot tub, lake views, and a quiet quarter acre lakefront park right out your back door! You don't even have to maintain it!

Pattison Lake, Lacey WA Lakefront Living

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Lacey WA Lakefront Homes

$265,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1536 sqft
Lot: 0.24 acre(s)

Location

4736 Lakemont Dr. SE
Olympia, WA 98513
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Mike Conner

City Realty, Inc.
(360) 970-4408
mike@cityrealtyolympia.com
http://activerain.com/mikeconner

Listed by: City Realty, Inc.

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Beachcrest Olympia Home for Sale
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Union Heights Condos Downtown Olympia
Downtown Olympia Condos Union Heights

Beachcrest Olympia - An Affordable Beach Community

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:49:26 -0400

Beachcrest Olympia - An Affordable Beach Community

The Beachcrest neighborhood in Olympia is one of the few places on the Puget Sound where you can enjoy accessible beaches, affordable living, and an extremely convenient location just minutes from I-5. Residents enjoy the private community beach park as well as the proximity to the Hawks Prairie Golf Courses. This makes an excellent home for those commuting north to Fort Lewis, Tacoma, or Seattle, or anyone who enjoys the laid back atmosphere of a true beach community.

Request more information about homes in Beachcrest Olympia or scroll down to preview a hot new listing in Beachcrest.

Beachcrest Olympia Home for Sale

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Beachcrest Olympia Homes

$249,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2104 sqft
Lot: 0.18 acre(s)

Location

5046 Marian Dr. NE
Olympia, WA 98516
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Mike Conner

City Realty, Inc.
(360) 970-4408
mike@cityrealtyolympia.com
http://activerain.com/mikeconner

Listed by: Lisa Lageschulte | RE/MAX Parkside

Our recent listings

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Union Heights Olympia - Downtown Condos for an Urban Lifestyle

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:09:27 -0400

Union Heights Olympia - Downtown Condos for an Urban Lifestyle

Over the past few years a growing number of Olympia residents have expressed a desire to find housing that is convenient to downtown Olympia. A few projects have been rejected and others lacked proper funding. One proposal that did become reality though is Union Heights Condos on Capitol Way, situated between the state capitol campus and downtown Olympia.

The Union Heights Olympia condos were designed with an urban lifestyle in mind. Featuring huge windows around the perimeter of the building, residents can soak in views of Puget Sound, the capitol dome, and downtown Olympia from their living rooms. All units were designed to maximize the view as well as the living space. Open floor plans provide a practical use of the space in each unit. While you can walk, ride, or catch the bus easily from Union Heights, there is also a private parking garage for residents to use.

Union Heights Olympia Views

Also at Union Heights Olympia

In addition to the luxurious condos at Union Heights Olympia, there are plenty of commercial opportunities here. 2nd floor office suites and shared conference room conveniences are available for lease, making this a great opportunity for a home-based business. You don't even have to leave the building for your lunch break. Just head down the elevator to enjoy a delicious Meconi's sub sandwich on the ground floor!

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Is the Long Tail Dead? Google Instant Raises the Stakes for Ranking Relevancy

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:27:57 -0400

Is the Long Tail Dead? Google Instant Raises the Stakes for Ranking Relevancy

If you haven't visited Google in the past 24 hours I recommend you go there NOW! Your blog traffic depends on it! What's all the fuss? Well, yesterday Google rolled out Google Instant, their new and improved search which displays results for your search phrase before you finish typing. Now on the surface this seems harmless to your blogging traffic. However, there is something very important going on here....

Is Long Tail Still a Viable Strategy?

Imagine yourself as a potential homebuyer sitting at your keyboard, a blank Google search bar before you. You are looking for a condo at the brand new Union Heights building in downtown Olympia. You begin to type your search....

u...n...i...o...n space h...e...

As you are typing, you become aware of the results being displayed in real time, WHILE YOU TYPE, below your search phrase. As you type the E in Heights you notice a few relevant results at the top of the list:

"That's great!" you say? If you are a long-tail blogger then situations like this one may lead to some headaches. Here is what I mean...

Prior to the launch of Google Instant, I had achieved a #1 ranking for the phrase "Union Heights Olympia WA" for my RealBird listing page. I was also relevant (within the top 3 results) for a few long tail variations of that phrase. Can you see my dilemma here? I fear that my number one ranking for "Union Heights Olympia WA" may have just taken a back seat. If googlers use the Google Instant feature they may never make it to that full long tail search phrase before finding relevant results.

To be fair, I have not yet blogged about Union Heights Condos here on ActiveRain. Done correctly, I am confident I can still claim the top spot for my first search example. For instance, another neighborhood I have targeted with my hyperlocal blog posts has actually benefitted from the new search enhancements. Where I previously only held long tail relevancy for the neighborhood, I am now visible very early in the typing of the search phrase. It jumps from a major airline, to my blog, with just one stroke of the keyboard.

So, to answer my initial question about the long tail being dead....no, its not dead, but the rules have changed. If you haven't already left this post to go Google your coveted long tail phrases I would recommend doing so. Does your blog or website benefit from the changes or is it harmed by them? Remember, change can be a good thing. While your competition may be asleep at the wheel you can get started early in building your strategy for relevance with the new Google Instant features.

You'll notice in the first example above, that even though I have only typed a portion of my search phrase Google has filled in their top predicted search phrase in a light gray at the end of my typing. That phrase is what the results are based on. So now you have an even more powerful way to predict the best titles for your blog posts!

**UPDATE**

I posted an article about the Union Heights condos immediately after writing this one and I now do have the #1 rank for the search mentioned above! Thank you ActiveRain Google juice :-)

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Whitmore Glen Olympia WA: Affordable Luxury Homes

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:21:38 -0400

Whitmore Glen Olympia WA: Affordable Luxury Homes

The real estate in highest demand around Olympia always seems to be the hardest real estate to find. For years now clients have asked me why there don't seem to be any affordable new homes near Olympia High School. Well apparently I wasn't the only one getting that question. Local builder Rob Rice, and his Gemini Corporation, also had a sense of the high demand for affordable new homes near Olympia High School. His latest project, Whitmore Glen, aims to satisfy that demand.

When you take a reputable local home builder & a prime location, and combine them with high quality materials, design & craftsmanship you end up with a community that people can be proud to live in. When asked about the vision behind Whitmore Glen, Rob Rice offered this response:

"The location of this community is key for anyone looking for a home in the Olympia School District. Whitmore Glen is one of the only new home communities available in this school district and its proximity to the neighboring towns of Lacey and Tumwater is ideal. In addition, the City of Olympia has planned a neighborhood park right in the community."

Whitmore Glen Homes

The quality of craftsmanship is striking, and the high end materials and finish work lend a sense of luxury to the homes in Whitmore Glen. Hardwoods, granite, 9 foot ceilings, fenced back yards, Alder cabinets, 5 piece master baths, and more are all included as standard features. Choose from 6 different rambler and 2 story floor plans. Home sizes range from 1,732 to 3,225 square feet with 3,4, or 5 bedroom plans. Considering the quality of homes and the prime location these homes are surprisingly affordable, starting in the high $200's.

Location of Whitmore Glen Olympia WA

Just minutes from Olympia High School, Whitmore Glen is located on the south side of Log Cabin Rd. between Cain Rd. and Boulevard Rd. In addition to the proximity to Olympia High School, these homes enjoy easy access to I-5, Yelm Hwy, and Olympia's city center. Other schools nearby include Pioneer Elementary School and Washington Middle School.

Request More Info About Whitmore Glen Olympia WA

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

Burfoot Park, Olympia WA

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:05:33 -0400

Burfoot Park, Olympia WA

Burfoot Park in Olympia, WA is located at the mouth of Budd Inlet very near Boston Harbor. The park is property of Thurston County and includes over 50 acres of nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and beaches.

The beaches include views of the Olympic Mountains, Budd Inlet, and the state capitol dome as well as plenty of opportunities for hands on learning about Puget Sound creatures. Crabs, clams, geoducks, jellyfish and more can all be seen and studied from the beaches of Burfoot Park.

Directions to Burfoot Park, Olympia WA

From I-5 take the Olympia City Center exit and follow north to Plum St. Once you cross over State Ave. it becomes East Bay Dr. A scenic drive past East Bay Harbor and Priest Point Park will put you in Gull Harbor where the road changes names to Boston Harbor Rd. Follow this through the rural landscape until you reach Burfoot Park on your left just before the Boston Harbor community.

View Burfoot Park, Olympia WA in a larger map

Burfoot Park, Olympia WA Hours

9:00 a.m. to dusk, year round.

Photos from Burfoot Park, Olympia WA

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner

How Does Sustainable Housing Look To You?

Mike Conner (City Realty, Inc. - Olympia, WA) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:12:36 -0400

How Downsizing Led One Man to Happiness and Wealth

I have read quite a lot about "mini homes" in recent years, and I can't help but think the days of over-sized homes full of unnecessary belongings may be coming to an end. Economic factors combined with environmental concerns are causing people to analyze their budgets and lifestyles, as we usher in a new era of responsible living. One of the pioneers of this movement is Jay Shafer, a man who proved to the world that 89 square feet is more than enough to find happiness at home.

While Jay Shafer may have gone to the extreme with his 89 square foot dwelling, there is no denying the importance of the lessons we can all take from him: Make the most of what you have, don't live outside your means, and spend your time and resources pursuing things that bring you true happiness. Even though you likely won't run out and eliminate 90% of your square footage immediately, this video may inspire you to rethink your lifestyle and put the emphasis back on things that are of true importance in your life.

____________________________________________________

Mike Conner