Anna 's Blog

Autumn color in the Puget Sound

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:38:21 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Tacoma WA Keller Williams Realty

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Maple leaves

Grape vine

Fall colors near Peck Field

Autumn colors near the Spar in North Tacoma

Maple

Tree in Tacoma showing it's true colors

Hope you enjoyed these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them, the Pacific northwest is definately beautiful in the fall! Early Autumn is a favorite time of mine!

All Photos copyright Anna Matsunaga

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Need a real estate professional, if we are in your area, consider interviewing our team for the position. Out of our area? We would love to help you find the perfect fit for you in your area! www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253-353-2662

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Why I am thankful I am a Realtor

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 03:25:02 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty 253-353-2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

In the last year's time many Realtors have had to evaluate whether or not they will stay in the business. Many of those that have stayed have had a challenging year. Because of this many likely have been so busy surviving that they have not had the opportunity to be thankful for what they have, but this is important since being appreciative of what we have is one of the ingredients to thriving now or in any market.

I will say, no matter what I am very thankful that I am in Real Estate....here are some of the reasons why.

1. I cannot be fired or laid off, I can end up with out enough work for a while, but I have a way to fix it.

2. I love the work I do.

3. The work I do is always new and fresh and involves so many different aspects I will likely never be able to learn it all

4. I have flexibility, so while I work very hard, I also can put my family first

5. I am able to do much of my work from home with my baby on my lap and my toddler right next to me

6. Even for 2009, definately not my best year I made more than many of my friends who invested thousands upon thousands of dollars in a college degree, instead of owing money for my education, I was able to pay cash for the education I needed to get my license and pay for my continued education out of my Real Estate profits AND get paid while I learn on the job.

7. I have been able to help alot of other people

8. I adore pretty much all of my clients and I get to work with many of them over and over and be part of their lives.

9.I can take my children with me to work. .

10. Even though in 2009 I dealt with the loss of a full time assistant, pneumonia for over a month, losing my voice for 2 months, pregnancy, preterm labor ( with bedrest needed for over 3 months) the birth of a new baby, a bankruptsy and a job change for my husband I did not lose my job. No employer could have kept me on in the midst of all this with the time off I took, thankfully I was able to do alot of work from bed.

11. I get to do alot of the things I love most with my job, meeting people, taking pictures, reading and researching, marketing & writing.

12. The people I work with are willing to give and share what they know, this applies to my client and my fellow Realtors.

13. I am able to work full time and still school my children from home.

14. There are so many many ways to make money in Real Estate. ( listing or buyer's agent, first timers, downsizers, move up buyers, investors, working the auctions, short sales, REO's bpo's commercial, property management, leasing, development, new construction and so much more) With all these options as the market changes we have the ability to morph what we are doing to pursue an income. We can also focus on what we are good at and enjoy!

15. I have a model to use in building my business. So many people who start a business are simply on their own to create what they need. As a Realtor I have models to follow ( ie Millionaire Real Estate Agent, the book the MAPS program and so many other venues) I also have a business with in a business, I operate inside a brokerage who is there to look after me, to guide and help me, to give me structure and to help me be successful.

16. I have the Realtor's association. I do not have to lobby for my own interests and do not have to do all of my own research and reinvent the wheel, there is so much that the Realtor's assoc does for me so that I do not have to do it for myself. ( yes, I scrape a little some years for my yearly dues, but if I paid to hire out what they do for me it would cost me more than 10 times as much!)

17. I can be myself. This is the first job I have had where I can completely be myself. Instead of this getting in my way it has advanced my career. I attract clients who like me for who I am and I do not have to pretend or try to be different than I am.

( me with Peter @ a recent real estate foreclosure auction @ the courthouse)

18. I have a network nationwide through venues like Active Rain where I can network with professionals accross the country, better yet they all seem to be and have been willing to help when I ask.

19. My skills and job are portable, no matter where life takes me I can have a job, I may have to meet new clients if I move far, and relicense if I move out of state, but realtors are needed most everywhere.

20. I can pick and choose my clients. I have the right to say no to working with a client and I can fire a client if I want or need to.

21. I get to work with people and families and be a part of their lives over and over again and also help their friends and family.

22. If I had not become a Realtor I would not have my 2 youngest children, since the control over my own life being a Realtor has given me is the reason why I have been able to work through pregnancies and births and the care of a new child, all while still bringing in the income my family needs me to. No other job that I know of would have given me that.

23. I have more opportunity and more security than I believe I could find doing anything else.

25. I see a year ahead with more opportunities for growth, blessings, learning and doing what I love than I have ever had before!

I am so very very thankful to be in real estate. My life is blessed in so many ways and being in Real Estate is just one of them, an important one, but just one.

Anna Matsunaga- www.teammomentumrealestate.com

If you would like more information about being a realtor please contact me, no matter where you live I would love to help you get started. anna_matsunaga@kw.com

Also would love to hear from everyone on why they are blessed in their job/ career/ calling

- All pictures are either microsoft free clip art or are copyrighted by Anna Matsunaga. www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Hot off the Presses- November RE newsletter w/ national statitics

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:54:13 -0600

This Month in Real Estate
November 2009

Commentary

Budding signs of recovery continued last month. The encouraging news arrived in a number of closely followed economic indicators. On Thursday, October 29, the U.S. Commerce Department stated the country's recession has officially ended, at least as leading data indicates.

U.S. GDP expanded 3.5 percent in the third quarter, the first period of quarterly growth in more than a year. A strong bounce in housing sales activity in September, mainly due to first-time buyers' efforts to claim the tax credit before it expires for November 30, pointed to stabilization in the housing sector. And more good news this week as an extension and expansion to the Home Buyer Tax Credit made its way through a congressional vote and has officially been signed into law by the President.

The recovery will continue to develop in small steps. The Recent Nobel Prize winner in economics, Paul Krugman, praised the progress, stating the most severe part of the crisis has now subsided and "the end of the world has been postponed." Moving forward, trade imbalances and mounting levels of government debt, as well as high levels of unemployment, will need to be addressed. For now, governments including the United States will continue to provide stimulus support until the major economies are firmly on solid ground.

The Housing Market

Existing Home Sales - Up over 9%

Existing home sales bounced back strongly in September with much of the increase being attributed to the rush of first-time buyers trying to claim the tax credit before the end of this month. Sales jumped 9.4 percent to 5.57 million units over August sales of 5.09 million, marking five gains in the past six months and is 9.2 percent above levels seen last year. Sales activity is at the highest level since July 2007 when sales hit 5.73 million.

Median Home Price

Existing-home price was $174,900 in September, 6 percent higher from its low in January but still 8.5 percent below September 2008. Distressed properties, which accounted for 29 percent of all transactions in September, continue to hold down the median price, as they typically sell for 15-20 percent less than traditional homes.

Inventory - Lowest in 2.5 years

The current housing supply is the lowest seen in two and a half years. Total housing inventory at the end of September fell 7.5 percent to 3.63 million existing homes available for sale, representing an 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace, down 16.1 percent from August's 9.3-month supply. Compared to a year ago, there are now 15 percent fewer homes on the market. According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, "If we could continue to absorb inventory at this pace, home prices would return to normal, modest appreciation patterns next year."

Mortgage Rates - Close to 5%

Rates for 30-year fixed loans continue to hover around 5 percent. While having risen above the ultra-low 4.78 percent reached in the spring, rates remain at attractive levels for people looking to buy a home or refinance. As an economic recovery is underway and concerns over inflation come back, experts expect mortgage rates will likely go up.

Affordability - Very favorable

Historically high affordability conditions coupled with the first-time buyer tax credit are boosting home sales. Home buyers continue to benefit from low home prices as well as unprecedented mortgage rates. "Potential first-time buyers can take heart in that affordability conditions this year are the highest on record dating back to 1970," according to NAR President Charles McMillan. So far this year, the home price-to-income ratio has fallen well below the historical average of 25 percent. The ratio now stands at 15 percent.

Sources: National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac

For more information on any specific areas in Pierce county contact our team.

***Government Action***

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Extended and Expanded

As the deadline for the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit crept closer, it became a clear priority on the Hill. An extended and expanded home buyer tax credit is a part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits. This bill was signed by President Obama on Friday, November 6. All new provisions became effective on November 7.

The bill essentially remains intact but has a handful of important changes:

Existing homeowners who lived in their previous home for 5 out of the last 8 years will be eligible for up to a $6,500 credit.
The income limits have been bumped up $50,000 to $125,000 for individuals and up $75,000 to $225,000 for couples.
Those who qualify will have until the end of April, 2010 to find their new home and have a signed contract on it. They will have until the end of June to close.
Military, foreign services and intelligence employees with extended active service may qualify for a few special provisions, including an extra year to take advantage and they may not need to repay the credit if they move during the first three years.
The home purcahsed must be less than $800,000
Must be over the age of 18 and not classified as a dependant for tax purposes to qualify.

**To find out more about this program and or down payment assistance programs that may be able to be used right along with the tax credit, contact Team Momentum, 253 353 2662 or www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Sources: Bloomberg News, The Washington Post, U.S. Government Printing Office

Higher Loan Limits Extended

With the onset of the financial crisis, credit markets that were not backed or insured by the government froze. Mortgages that are backed by the government and purchased by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae are called "conforming loans". One type of non-conforming loan is the "jumbo loan". Traditionally, jumbo loans are mortgages that are greater than $417,000.
Since the crisis began, tightened lending practices have made this type of loan harder to secure. Jumbo loans currently come with substantially higher costs from larger down payments and higher interest rates. This has led to a 70% decrease in jumbo loan origination since 2007 and a greater inventory of homes in jumbo territory.
As part of the stimulus bill earlier this year, the conforming loan limits were raised to 125% of median home prices to a limit of $729,750 for 2009 and were set to expire at the end of the year. On October 29, the increased loan limits were extended through 2010. This means it will be easier for sellers whose homes fall in this category and cheaper for buyers to secure financing next year, compared to if the government let the limits expire.

Sources: Inman News, National Association of Realtors

Topics For Buyers & Sellers

Peace of Mind Home Buyers Worried about High Unemployment

The average duration that unemployed workers are out of a job is currently more than six months, near the highest level since the bureau started tracking the figure in 1948. The total number of unemployed people stands at 15.1 million. 5.4 million of those have been looking for work for more than 27 weeks.

With incentives in the housing market, including very low interest rates, a large selection of homes for sale in many markets, and highly affordable home prices, concerns about the job market and possible unemployment have held back many potential buyers.

Here are a few suggestions for potential buyers and current homeowners:

Buy well within your means. Although home buyers often want to buy a home they can see themselves growing into, stay within a conservative percentage of what you currently make. If you had to take a part-time instead of a full-time job, if your salary or hours were cut, or if you become a one-income household instead of two, make sure your monthly payment would still be attainable.
Put down a large down payment. Not only will your monthly payments be less, but the equity from the down payment creates a buffer zone. If you put 20% down when you purchase your home and home prices in the area drop 5%, you still have at least 15% equity in your home. For sellers, this built-up equity provides flexibility-should you need to sell in a hurry.
Have an emergency fund. Experts advise everyone, not just homeowners, to have an emergency fund of at least six months' worth of expenses. This fund should be saved in a liquid account, like a money market or savings account, for easy access if needed quickly. With the average time to find a new job currently above six months, seven or more months of savings is a good goal.
Pay down other debts. Lowering or eliminating debt service is always a good move and is particularly wise in the current job climate. If you were without a job and income, lower fixed monthly expenses help ease your financial burden and stretch the money in your emergency fund.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNNMoney.com, etc.

253-353-2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Contact Anna Matsunaga

your greater Tacomal real estate expert,

253-353-2662

for information about what's going on in the Greater Tacoma Area, or....to find a great Realtor with information about your area.

www.teammomentumrealty.com

Newsletter Contents

1. General Commentary

2. The Housing Market

3. Government Action

4. Topics for Buyers
and Sellers

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

When your team members make you proud!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:33:24 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Tacoma 253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

I have been blessed to be at a company that has a true go give spirit. At Keller Williams I have help when I need it, information at my fingertips and am very proud of who I work with.

However....this goes a step further when I apply it to my team mates. I am blessed and privileged to be part of a team that includes Sue Redkey. I met Sue 5 years ago when she was hired part time to do admin work on the team I belonged to at the time. ( not a job I felt was her strength, but one she did a good job at) I loved working with her from the start.

When I went out on my own and began my own team I was blessed to have Sue join me, first as admin and later as a full fledged buyer's representative. This is Sue's real strength and I must say she is one of the best buyer's agents out there, especially when she is dealing in her specialities of first time home buyers and downsizers. I am so very proud to work with her.

Because I know how well she cares for her clients and her integrity and commitment to doing a good job I was not at all surprized to get a forwarded email from our broker that he received from one of Sue's clients today, I do not have the client's permission to print their name yet, so I am just going to share the body of the letter.

Dear Mr Bozich

I would just like to convey how pleased I am with the support and help I received from one of your finest real estate agents, Sue Redkey. She is so nice and helpful, while being highly competent and professional. She went above and beyond to help me as I've considered the different real estate markets of interest to me. I've since received a job offer elsewhere and will be moving there. Sue kindly took the extra initiative to help me find a qualified and nice agent in that area. Furthermore, the Home Buyers product, which Sue provided to me has been a tremendous asset in determining the value of different properties in the area. I just want to say thank you again.

Sincerely,

I am so grateful to be affiliated with some one who cares like she does. If you would like to have a free subscription to the home buyer's product she speaks about, would like a referal to an agent in your area if you are out of our team's area, or if you are in our area and would like to work with a superior buyer's agent who really cares, please contact me so I can put you in touch with Sue Redkey!

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty. www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253 353 2662

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Tacoma Treasures, Restaurant Review, The Adriatic Grill (near Tacoma Mall)

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:02:13 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Real Estate, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253-353-Anna www.teammomentumrealestate.com

This is a restaurant review written by our team's intern/assistant Lani Panama, she was there last week and LOVED it. I am impressed with the restaurant as well, not just because of their food and service, but because they have supported our Keller Williams office with our fund raising efforts for Relay for Life!

It's got plenty of parking and is close to the Tacoma Mall so easy to get to from most everywhere. I love how close it is to our Keller Wiliams office!

Adriatic Grill Restaurant- By Lani Panama- Photos by Anna Matsunaga

I enjoy dining at the Adriatic Grill Restaurant near Tacoma Mall. The atmosphere is very warm and inviting. There is great customer service and the staff is very welcoming. The food is fabulous!

If you like Italian food like I do, then this is the place to go! I would highly recommend this restaurant. The prices are comparable to nearby restaurants, but the food is far more excellent! This restaurant is also kid friendly, with a goody bag to keep kids busy, as well as dough to play with while waiting for the food to arrive.

It doesn't take long to wait on the food, as the food always arrives quickly. The bread, balsamic, and olive oil they offer upon arrival is TO DIE FOR! And my personal favorite, their Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo is delicious, as well as there iced beverages. I can't wait to go back!!!

--Lani Panama

For more information, go to: www.adriaticgrill.com or call for reservations: 253)475-6000

Adriatic Grill is located at: 4201 South Steele Street, Tacoma, WA 98409

--Anna Matsunaga: www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Crepe recipe- easy healthy and fun!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:36:34 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 353 2662- www.teammomentumrealestate.com

I love to make a hot breakfast for the family, but often don't have time for something elaborate. This recipe is fast and is always a hit, plus, I can make it ahead of time as well and serve another day.

4 egg

1.5 cups of milk ( I usually sour with a little lemon or apple cider vinegar)

4 pinches of sea salt

3/4 cup or so of whole grain flour of your choice

--butter or olive oil for the pan

--Optional-

If serving with something sweet add any of the following ( one or more your choice)

Several dashes of cinnamon

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1/2 teaspoon rum flavoring or almond flavoring.

A little bit of stevia

A little bit of real maple syrup

If serving with something savory-

Several dashes of coriander

Several dashes of chili powder

A couple of pinches of cumin and tumric

To Make-

Heat up a skillet over medium heat while you mix ingredients-

In a mixing bowl mix milk, eggs and any other liquid ingredients you are adding.

Once mixed well add in dry ingredients until everything is smooth ( be sure it is very thin batter) Check skillet to see if it is hot enough by dropping a little tiny bit of water from your fingers, the skillet is the proper heat when the droplets "dance".

Quickly add a little butter to the skillet and then use just under a 1/4 cup measure for a small skillet and a little over a 1/4 cup for a large one, quickly pour batter and immediately lift and rotate skillet so that the batter is very thin and covers the whole skillet. Wait a few moments while the crepe cooks through and then flip over for a moment and cook and then remove to a plate in your oven on warm while your cook the rest or to a waiting plate of a hungry friend, spouse or child. Continue until you have finished all the batter. ( Warning you may have to start over I usually do as everyone wants more)

They are great plain, but usually you will want to fill them with something and roll them up.

Things to serve them with....

yogurt of any sort

fruit of any sort ( soft, so either fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries, or baked fruit like apples)

sour cream

steamed veggies

cheese sauce

cream sauce

syrup

apple sauce

use your imagination!

Also good rolled around sausages ( according to my son, I have not tried so cannot personally endorse)

I like to make these up ahead of time ( although this is hard to do since everyone wants them right off the stove) They make nice snacks and quick lunches and break fasts.

Hope you enjoy as much as we do!

--Anna Matsunaga

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Fall colors in Tacoma

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:14:41 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 353 2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Fall colors behind Bryant Montessori on Ainsworth.

Fall colors

Fall colors, Tacoma WA 98405

Enjoy I'll post more soon! It's so great when the trees show their true colors!

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Tacoma, 253 353 2662

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Advice for a nursing mom going back to work with out baby along.

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:20:25 -0600

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 353 2662

I wrote this in response to a question on Mamasource posed by a member, then I got to thinking it might be helpful to others so I am posting it as a blog as well. I feel so blessed to have a job where I do not have to be making these choices myself ( leaving baby) :) Any way hope some of you out there find it helpful....

I am prefacing this advice with you must figure out what works for you and make your final decisions. I do have a background in breastfeeding having lactated continually since 1997 and have helped 100's of moms with nursing when I was a childbirth educator and since as well....

I too have a 3.5 month old child too. I too work full time, in fact went back to work when he was less than 1 week old. I have been blessed however and was able to start back partly from home and partly part time. I also am blessed since I have a job where I do not have to separate from my small children and take them along. Is there any chance you could do that with your job? ( you did not say what you do)

I would suggest in order to maintain your milk supply that you never ever give baby a bottle when you are there yourself. If you are working and away it can really effect your milk supply. I would also suggest that if you don't that you sleep with your baby and nurse while you sleep so baby does not need as much milk during the day. ( I have to do this since we are on the go with my job so much during the day) The more my babies nurse at night the less they need during the day and the easier my life is.

Also consider feeding baby with a cup instead of a bottle. A tiny shot glass or tiny dixie cup carefully fed to baby often works better and the sipping motion the baby does more closely similates nursing so is often easier for baby, it also has the benefit of being easier for clean up, baby does not get air in their little tummies and also no nipple confusion. I would also suggest that if you are pumping or hand expressing at work. ( and you should be) that you do not do it on an exact schedule, having a more varied schedule make for more milk production.

You baby is smart and prefers you to a bottle. Make drinking milk from a cup something different he does when you are gone and he is more likley to take to it than if you try to give him a bottle when you have the breast right there. Many moms I helped who were going back to work have used this tactic I've described very sucessfully.

In summary,

*Nurse baby when ever you are with baby
*Nurse baby just before leaving.
*Nurse baby @ night and relatch him any time you wake at night ( of course sleeping with him)
*If you are able to be with baby at work or at least on a break nurse then
* Pump or express as often and frequently as you can when you are away and on the non nursing side some when together too so you have enough for him.
*Cup feed baby instead of a bottle.
* NO Pacifiers at all ever
*Nurse baby the moment you get back home

Please let me know how it works!

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Benefits of Townhome lifestyle- more exercize and maybe weight loss!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:31:31 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253-353-2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

In Pierce county and around the nation town homes are fast becoming a popular urban way to live.

Among the many benefits of Townhome living (easy to care for home, not having yard work, safety from close proximity to neighbors and so on) is one that likely you have not thought of.

Weight loss, and better fitness may be a side effect of your new town home? How so?

Well, having 3 stories in your home means you do more stairs than if you lived in a Ranch style home. So not only do you get more squarefootage for your money, you also get more exercize for your time spent in your home. Walking around your ranch home doing your day to day chores and so on will burn about 6 calories a minute, however doing the same when taking the stairs in your 3 story townhome will burn more than double the calories, this of course adds up in the end cumulatively to weightloss.

Not only that but the muscle built from doing stairs will continue to burn more calories per hour even if you are doing nothing than if you had not built the muscle.

To get an idea of the impact take a look at the 2 links that follow regarding stairs and impact on calories burned.

http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/NR/rdonlyres/erodpfuan72mqvpk55qngdskrs3uwpbwb6bj57gmw3tgtoewct6tm7jrtu6gvltq3pmk4um4676nan4cbfscmfr7tsc/calories.pdf

http://espn.go.com/trainingroom/s/1999/0924/75442.html

This 3rd link also in addition to having information about stairs has some good basic information on how to cut calories in other painless ways as well.

http://exercise.about.com/cs/weightloss/a/howtoloseweight.htm

So not only will you likely get more house for your money with your new town home, but you may also get less of you from the resulting weightloss you get using the stairs in your home!

Anna Matsunaga Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Relocating to the area? Our team has what you need to make your move, information, resources and more.

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Good advice from KW corporate regarding social media

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:10:42 -0500

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253-353-2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

I started blogging just a little over a year ago and I made personal rules for myself when I started. If I had something really really negative it would not go in a blog. I would only write good reviews for local businesses, if it was one I could not honestly do that for, then I would not write it. If I disagreed I would be very very civil or I would say nothing at all. If some one made a bad comment that was harmful I would delete, if some one criticized me I would take it to heart if it were made with the attempt to help and not to degrade. I would write my own content or I would include a link if I liked some of the content I found and wanted to share. I would reblog where allowed and be sure my comments on the reblog made it clear it was not mine. I think I have done well with following my own rules and they would go along way towards keeping any of us safe with social networking and business. However Keller Williams just posted more good advice, some of which went further than I had thought of.

Here is the link, please check it out, lots of good advice!

http://blog.kw.com/2009/10/19/social-media-laws-the-new-wild-wild-west/

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

a great new free tool for tracking your ads!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:44:45 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253-353-2662

Since advertising and social networking are an important part of all of our businesses we really always want to know what is working. This is one of the things I love about Active Rain. I can see my statitics right away and know if things are being looked at and what of traffic I am generating.

With some of my advertising though, I am less sure. Sometimes people call on a house, but can't remember where they found it and of course so many see it that I never know about so....what if you could track each of your venues for free?

Well leave it to Craigslist to do something else wonderful for Realtors.

http://craigslistadtracker.com/Default.aspx

Go there and create a free account. You can use the tracker code with any set up that supports HTML. Then you can view reports and have them sent and so on and not just know where your hits are coming from, but also what areas and time and more.

I am excited about this and intend to use it. I think it will also make a nice tool to send my listing clients so that they can see how well the ads are working.

Let me know how it works for you and I will keep you posted!

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

More free goodies! A free blanket! Even free shipping included!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:28:13 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, www.teamomentumrealestate.com ,Keller Williams Realty

253-353-2662

Most of us like the word FREE. I always am on the look out for free things, but of course don't want junkie things in the house....so when one of my friends on Facebook posted this I got excited and ordered right away. We already have one that we paid just under $20 for. It's a blanket with sleeves....ok that sounds goofy, but if you have a person in the house who likes to be warm, but is always cold they will love it.

We bought ours for our oldest daughter, she seems to alway be cold and some mornings getting her out of bed is hard because of it. Other times I would get her out of bed only to find her sitting in her chair in front of the computer ( she home schools) doing NOTHING. Why? Well she was cold and did not want to uncover herself. This snuggy blanket has solved this problem.

Get yours for free!

http://suzzly.com/snuggiepromo.html

Have fun and let me know when it comes in 6 weeks. Let me know how you like it!

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

My response to "Real Estate Agents are Idiots"

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:15:47 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momenum, Keller Williams Tacoma

253 353 2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

My husband is a Network Engineer and a Electronic Engineer. He also works with radar and almost everything concerning hardware in computers. He's what you've got to call a smart guy. On his previous job he was in and out of lots of Real Estate offices when equipment needed to be serviced ( computers and so on and networks of computers) Over and over he came home saying to me "Real Estate agents are IDIOTS!"

Of course I consider myself smart ( not in the ways he is but smart none the less) and I am a Real Estate agent....so....I of course take offense. Not just for my sake but for the sake of many many really great agents I have worked with and love.

What other job requires what ours does? A good agent must master several things that all on their own require a degree.

1. Marketing

2. Contract writing and negotiations

3. Valuation of homes.

4. Understanding psychology of our clients

5. Advertsing

6. Networking socially and with other businesses

7. Learning neighborhood charaeristics

8. Negotiations

9. Writing

10. Business management

11.Sales

12.Accounting

13. Business planning and budgeting

14. Adminstrative management

15.Basic law regarding Real Estate

16. Contact management

17. Consulting

and much much more.

If we also have assistants or a team ad to that

18. Hiring/ Recruiting

19. Management

20. Coaching

This of course does not take into account any of our specialties......

Being a Real Estate agent is one of the most challenging things I have done and even though I love to learn and I soak up what I am interested in like a dry sponge, I feel I will never ever be at a point where I could possibly know it all. I must say this is one of the biggest blessings of Real Estate. To be any good what so ever I must constantly be learning and growing and doing new things.

So let's go back to my husband's point of view....where does it come from? Well mostly that many of the agents he encountered did not understand HIS job. They often did not know how to operate the equipment he was called to work on and often it was their mess ups that brought him there....Well....Real Estate agents (unlike engineers) tend to be people people. So, although we may all use the computer and other office equipment daily we have little interest in how it works. What makes our clients tick? Well now THAT'S interesting. How to market a 4 plex missing the entire floor in one unit, that's a challenge we are ready to take on. Remembering to back up our hard drives....maybe not.

This brings me to another point. With a job that requires so many different skills, few of us will be good at them all. I know the areas in which I am "an idiot" and I work hard to surround myself with others who are good at them so that I can focus on doing what I am naturally good at.

That's the beauty of Real Estate, you can do that, that's the beauty of Real Estate teams.....you can totally do that....and really I don't want to be a genius at keeping a complete file ( I have people for that) I'd rather be a genius at marketing, negotiating and helping people get what they want.

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253 353 2662

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Tacoma Treasures....Wapato Park.

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:47:30 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662.

There are many places in Pierce county I love to go, especially after living in the area since 1992. However one of my favorites is quite close to home....Wapato park. It holds special significance for me since my husband and I had our wedding there ( ok actually our 10 year anniversary, but we had a wedding then since we had not had one when we got married in the first place) I also love it because I have spent many hours running and walking around the lake and also have many memories with my children playing there together.

Just take one look at the beautiful arches near the round about drive and you will know why this is a destination for weddings or at least wedding pictures.....The rest of the park is as well cared for. It has seasonal plantings of flowers that are changed out and kept in color for most of the year. You will also find the following @ Wapato.

Walking / bike trails.

Volley Ball Courts

Horse shoe courts

Picnic areas

Play equipment

Juvenile fishing part of the year

Baseball field

Open play areas

Duck and goose watching

Rating the park

Space-10

Layout- 10

Parking 8.5

Maintainance 9

Ammenities- 8.5

Cleanliness-7.5

Pretty factor 8.5

Play equipment 8

Accessibility-8

Dog friendly-7

Family friendly-8.5

I would love it if there was a small fenced off leash area for dogs since there are none on the S. End of Tacoma and there is enough room there. Judging from the number of dogs that are seen there @ any given time I am guessing it would be popular. The equipment is nice, could be a bit more of it.....once in a while I see trash there and the other issue with cleanliness if the ducks and other water foul can make a mess....but the park is actively working on that issue.

For walking and running, hardly could there be a better set up. According to mapmywalk.com the jaunt around the lake using the main bridge is just about exactly a mile which is great. The paths are wide and fairly level which makes for nice running and walking and you get up and down hills both making a nice varied work out.

I forgot to mention, not just duck watching, but also squirels, there are plenty in the park to see as well.

The location also makes it accessible via bus lines, and to people coming from other parts of town and even other towns since it is right off the freeway. Last week met friends from Lakewood there and they mentioned would be coming back plenty now that she knew how very close and easy to get to it was.

Haven't been in a while?... drop in while the weather is still nice, although, you will not be disappointed even in the rain, you just might get wet though....

--Anna Matsunaga Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

House Extends Tax Credit to Active Military for One More Year

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:53:57 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma WA

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

This is great news for Pierce county area buyers and sellers with so many of them being Military folks. Also forecasts perhaps an extension of this for all.

If you are military and looking for a great home in Pierce county and want to know more, please call me 253 -353-2662

Via Nicole Lahti, Austin Texas Mortgage (Real Mortgage Partners):

Yesterday the House of Representatives unanimously voted to extend the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to active military personnel, foreign service and intelligence officers. HR 3590 extends the existing tax credit to this group until November 30th, 2010. The bill now goes to the Senate, and is expected to pass with the same ease.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) because it was thought that military personel serving oversees this year did not have the same opportunity to take advantage of the tax credit. If the original qualifications are met, the extension applies to military personnel who spent at least 90 days of the current calendar year oversees. It also does not require borrowers to payback the tax credit if they are deployed after receiving it. The current tax credit requires borrowers payback the tax credit if they do not occupy the home within three years of receiving the tax credit.

No word yet on whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended for all eligible borrowers.

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Barrie Townhomes - Condo vs. Freehold

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:49:05 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty, www.teammomentumrealestate.com

I just found this post about Town homes in Barrie. Helpful information about the basic differences in the terms town home, town house and condo. I will write more soon about the differences between them in a resale and purchase sense and how living in one or the other could be quite different as far as the experience, cost and resale even if it is a town home style condo we are talking about vs a town home that is not a condo.

Read on....

Via Stephanie Adams (Barrie Condo Team - Royal LePage First Contact Realty):

To those looking into the Barrie townhome market for the first time, navigating your way around can be a bit confusing. For instance, what’s the difference between a condominium townhome and a freehold townhome? And why are some called ‘townhomes’, while others are referred to as ‘townhouses’?

In order to clarify things a bit for those in unfamiliar territory, here are the basic differences.

First, the easy one: ‘townhome’ or ‘townhouse’? These terms are used interchangeably, and mean the same thing, but the term I prefer to use with my clients is ‘townhome’, because it’s not just a building I’m referring to – it’s your potential new home. This building will become your personal space, where you go to escape, raise your family, and live your life.

Now for the main difference between condominium and freehold townhomes: freehold townhomes are those for which you pay no monthly fees, and are responsible for all maintenance like shovelling snow, mowing the lawn, etc. Condominium townhomes include a monthly maintenance fee, but the trade-off is that you don’t need to worry about cleaning the pool, or maintaining your driveway in the winter or lawn in the summer – it’s all looked after for you.

If you’re a professional or retiree who just doesn’t have the time or interest to invest in the upkeep of a house, a condominium townhome might be a good option for you.

Affordable luxury

Whichever you choose, both freehold and condominium townhomes in Barrie usually offer upgrades and amenities that are often cost-prohibitive when looking at a detached home. Items like ceramic or hardwood floors, upgraded cupboards, granite countertops, and whirlpool tubs are just a few options that generally have a large price tag attached to them in detached homes, but are often more affordable in a townhome. It boils down to value for your money, and the lifestyle you want.

An appreciable investment

Like a detached home, townhomes are an investment that will (or should, depending on the market conditions) appreciate in value. And, again like a detached house, the more amenities and upgrades the townhome has, the higher the resale value.

When it comes right down to it, choosing a freehold or condominium townhome in Barrie is simply a matter of personal choice based on lifestyle and affordability.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage Barrie (First Contact Realty) specializing in Barrie Condos and townhomes. Stephanie is part of the Barrie Condo Team.

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

How to get 2 free books....

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:08:09 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty

www.teammomentumrealestate.com, http://www.reisecrets.com/ebooks.htm 253 353 2662

Do you like to read? More importantly do you like to read books that expand your mind and open up new possibilities? If so I am sharing a link you will like.

You can down load an ebook copy of Napolian Hill's Think and Grow Rich and also As a Man Thinkth for free at this link.

I have not read Think and Grow Rich for a long time, so I downloaded it and got started.

Hope you enjoy too.

Here is the link.

http://www.reisecrets.com/ebooks.htm

Happy reading!

Anna Matsunaga www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Natural pest control....or how to uninvite ants from your house.

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:05:48 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253 353 2662

I have always been a fan of the natural way to do things and once I had kids well I kinda became a Nazi about it. So when we get unwelcome visitors.....

I just don't want to poison the family too or our pets. I also worry about the environment....and with a baby just a few weeks old in the house I really don't want toxic anything anywhere nearby at all.

Problem is the ants like alot of the same food we do.....

So last time they found our honey jar we just put honey outside for them and then washed the floor really well with vinegar where they had been entering and it worked, but they are back and I needed some new ideas so I went online and found this great site.

http://www.thefrugallife.com/ants.htm

Great part is, most the solutions are things you have in your house and so nontoxic ( most of them) that you can eat them!

Hope this helps if you have uninvited guests!

Anna Matsunaga Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma WA

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Lakewood's rich history- video to check out

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:56:12 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 353 2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

In getting ready to work with a large project in Lakewood, I have been doing some research on the area and it's history. The history is rich and interesting even though Lakewood has only been incorporated since 1996. Noteable residents of Lakewood have been a part of much of what has happened in all of Pierce county.

There are also many historical sites now open to the public as parks and more such as Lakewold park, and Fort Steilacoom park. The many lakes almost all have public access as well, so residents of the Lakewood area can enjoy year round lake lifestyle whether they live on the lakes themselves or not. The lakes are known for water skiing and fishing or simply a great place to have an leisurely afternoon on the water. Even many of the buildings we pass daily in Lakewood have historical significance ( such as Hollywood video) as many of the buildings either were designed by an early visionary architect, or are based on matching his design.

I learned alot from this video, for instance, did you know that Lakewood is home to one of the oldest Golf and Country clubs in the US? Also did you know that Lakewood also boasts one of the ONLY hunt clubs in Western US? The information on Lakewood's past and it's development along with interesting information like this make this video worthwhile to watch.

If you are relocating to Lakewood I would suggest you watch to see the rich heritage of the area you are moving to. If you already live in the area you will simply find it interesting.

To watch go to http://vimeo.com/6744332 and take a look

To find out more about Lakewood, history and the city now and goings on with in I would suggest you also visit http://www.cityoflakewood.us/

There you will even find a schedule and phone # to make an appointment for coffee with the Mayor and much much more.

--Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma, 253 353 2662. www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

A Tacoma Treasure--Also 4 those living in Lakewood- Famous Footware!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:05:10 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

One of the places I consider a Treasure in Tacoma and a benefit of Living in Lakewood as well is that both have Famous Footware locations. Now WHY would that make a town a better place to live? Well if you have to ask you likely don't have 6 people in your family to keep in shoes.

I have 4 kids and 3 of them wear shoes. ( I don't believe in shoes for children who don't walk yet) Keeping the 3 of them and my husband and I in shoes is no small task and can be a big chunk of money as well. Thank goodness we have 2 close by choices for locations for Famous Footware.

The first time we went in we just decided to browse, but we soon knew we would be coming back alot. My oldest son has grown out of all of his shoes 3 whole times in the last year ( now @ age 12 is 2 sizes larger in shoe size than his dad is) and just when we thought we had things caught up for him his sisters grew out of theirs too. Enter Famous Footware. We can actually afford to get them their new shoes there. We find a nice selection of brand names there along with off brands that are just as nice as the known names.

We always find a large selection as well. We have purchased everything from soccer shoes to heels there, from slippers to boots. My girl's favorite there is the brand of boots called Bear Claws, they are similar to Uuggs with out the price that make you go Uugg.

They also have great sales, often buy one get one and buy one get one half off and such.

If you have a family who you need to keep in shoes or you just want to save on keeping yourself in them, head over to the Lakewood Town Center to

10330 59TH AVENUE SW #C
Lakewood, WA 98499

Or in Tacoma go to

LINCOLN PLAZA
2505 SOUTH 38TH ST #A113
TACOMA, WA 98409

You can also check them out on line @ www.famousfootware.com

Have fun shopping and $aving!

--Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253-353-2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Living in Lakewood-Dining at Old Country Buffet

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 00:22:28 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

253 353 2662- www.teammomentumrealestate.com

If you are living in or near Lakewood WA or considering living there, one of the restaurants you will want to visit is the Old Country Buffet ( or Old country Bee as they call themselves) You need to visit, not for the fine dining, it's not fine dining, but for a nice clean all you can eat restaurant with lots of variety. You will find it located right in Lakewood Town Center.

What I like about it most is that no matter who you are there will be things you can eat there. They have a huge salad bar, a taco bar, a dessert bar, and several areas with all different sides and main meat dishes. I like to go there with the kids since other than the line at the register, which moves quickly, there is no waiting for food. There is also no complaining because they "don't like this kind of food" which happens often when I make one family member happy @ other restaurants, here they can pick out the kind of food they want.

We went there last Friday after a very full week where I had had little time to pay attention to them, let alone make decent meals. We had a very fun time. Sam got among other things pepperoni pizza, corn, salad, jojo potatoes and mac and cheese. Chlo'e got steak, chicken and mac and cheese and a taco. Joeleah ate corn, chicken, pizza, and breaded shrimp. I had a large salad and breaded okra and breaded shrimp. The kids had fun making sodas with every flavor in them. They also had chocolate milk. Those of you who know me know why the pop is such a treat to them)

Then of course there is dessert, which of course I tell them all before we go in, they must have dinner before dessert.

Then as we come in we are greeted by a sign....

They point it out and ask if that means they have to follow my rules about dessert. I say yes. My rules trump a sign at a restaurant. They do eat dinner first and I am proud to say don't over eat dessert.

Sam has a small dish of chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream and Joeleah has chocolate icecream her brother gets for her.

Chlo'e gets a little icecream and a little cake. I opt for a small cheese cake and a little apple cobbler with vanilla icecream.

All in all it's a great night at dinner. With a buffet there is the added benefit that it is socially acceptable for you to get up several times during a meal, this is a plus when dining with a 3 year old who seems unable to sit still through any meal even at home ( at least she stays dressed when we eat out!) This is also a plus when eating out with a 9 week old who has his fussy time right at dinner time, we can get up and walk around to calm him with out anyone looking at us funny.

This is really a family friendly restaurant. We feed me and Sam ( he's 12) and Chlo'e and Joeleah ( Peter's meals are of course one of the few things not offered on the buffet) for about $35. We can hardly have fast food for that little and this definatly trumps that.

We have also come here before on the weekends for breakfast, they have a great omlet station set up then and lots of great breakfast items, this too is well priced, about $6 for an adult.

Going to the Old Country Buffet reminds me of being a child. My family often ate at a similar restaurant when I was growing up. ( I am the oldest of 5 kids,) I am pretty sure my parents liked "their" buffet restaurant for many of the same reasons I like Old Country Buffet....of course "mine" is nicer than the buffet I visited as a child.

Old Country Buffet is one of the benefits of living in Lakewood and shopping the lakewood town center. A fun weekend day could be breakfast @ OCB and then shopping @ the town center. We had almost as much fun eating dinner at OCB and then shopping for an hour @ the towncenter, specifically Micheals and Ross dress for less.

--Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma.--253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Moving to Lakewood? Give our team a call we would love to help you with your relocation.

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

What to buy your wife for your anniversary- Advice from my kids

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:19:28 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253-353-2662

My kids are 12 and younger, so you may or may not want to take marriage advice from them, however they have seen alot of families from the inside so....

Anyway this morning as we were making breakfast they started a discussion on what you should not buy for your wife for an anniversary present...

.husbands if you have the date coming up, pay attention. ( I was in stitches)

Chlo'e- says don't buy her-

Throwing knives,

bleach,

pepper grinder,

sponge,

pots and or pans

, a gun,

a big thing full of scrap metal,

poison,

man eating bear or wolf,

a mop,

any thing she is allergic to,

a box of spiders,

rotten fish or any type of uncooked meat,

a broom,

a coffin,

a rope,

a wrench, or a candle stick, or a lead pipe ( too much clue?) steel toed boots,

a mailbox.....

Sam says don't buy her-

Rat poison or traps, shot gun, needles, a window,

a baseball bat ( especially not a titanium one)

a chain,

a machetti,

a reem of copier paper,

a tarp,

a thing of dollar store soap,

microphone,

or an empty box.

They agree that the following are good gifts, but I think that you might want to take some of these with a grain of salt

A piano,

guitar,

diamond ring,

diamond earrings,

a bunch of roses

, a baseball,

a car,

plant a flower garden,

a pretty hat,

a jacket,

a camera,

a nice dinner ( meat in it's ok if it's cooked),

a wardrobe of diamond dresses ( Chlo'e's idea, clearly she is not as practical with other people's money as her own, Sam said you should save the money for yourself instead),

a maid to clean the house,

paint brushes and easle if she paints,

pokemon things if she likes pokemon, a

movie ticket,

sew her a blanket,

a laptop,

200 inch TV,

a sling so her hands are free while she holds your baby,

take her out for the night to a ball,

a nice hand bag,

a real dog if she likes dogs,

a hand held game ( if she is a game freak),

a nice pair of high heeled shoes....

Any way they told me that you should stick with the list of things TO buy so that she does not take the throwing knives & gun and rat poison and kill you with it and then take the bleach and sponge and clean up the mess and the tarp and haul you off on it and bury you in the coffin....

Maybe instead you should ask her for a list of 10 things she'd like and then surprise her by getting one or more of them...or maybe a nice card?

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253 353 2662

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Astounding customer service can be little things, in fact it almost always is...

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:57:09 -0500

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma 253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

I have always hoped that my clients feel I give really good customer service and that what I do for them is memorable.

I work hard to do it and some times I feel I need more money to do it better....I loved this video, reminding me that heart is what is more important here.

Please watch you will love it!

Thank you to a fellow blogger for sharing it first!

http://www.stservicemovie.com/index.html

--Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty 253 353 2662

www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Townhomes a modern option for today's lifestyles..live in one? We want to hear from you!

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:41:28 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty.com www.teammomentumrealestate.com

253-353-2662

Do you live in a Townhome? This lifestyle is becoming more and more popular for many reasons.

For one, the suburban home with lots of house and yard to maintain just does not really hardly fit most family's reality. Most families have 2 wage earners. Both often work more than 8 hours a day PLUS a commute. This does not give much time for maintaining a yard and the home. Who wouldn't like to simplify their lives and have more time with their family rather than a date with their lawn mowers?

Less and less households have children in them and singles and couples both have very busy lives, a town home often is appealing for the same reasons above and may be more feasible for these folks than some one with very small children.

More and more people are working from home. With the separated areas created by 2-3 stories common in many of today's town homes it is easy to put an office area on the bottom floor and living space above, helping separate work and home even when you work from home.

Being part of an urban community. Block parties are being replaced by meetings of townhome communities, a neat way to have an area defined and likely to have people of similar backgrounds drawn to your townhome community for the same reasons you are.

Less land, more house. As there is less and less land available of course homes need to take up less of it. Good news is that with this you can buy more house on the less land!

Some people fee that townhomes are just a fad that will come and go, but this trend is definately not that new ( think of the historic San Francisco row homes) and with changes in our lives and in demographics, it it definately here to stay as well.

Team Momentum is launching a Blog that will be an online magazine for Townhome living. If you live in one, or sell them we want to hear from you. We want to know what you love and don't love about the life style, why you chose it, and your story about you. Please include your name, where you live, what type of townhome is it one story, 2 story, 3 story, duplex or triplex or 4 plex style ect ( maybe even pics of you and of your townhome) we would like to feature you and your story in upcoming blogs!

Please email your stories to anna_matsunaga@kw.com or use the contact button @ www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Thanks!--We'll see you "about town"--

Anna Matsunaga,, Team momentum, Keller Williams Realty www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662

Seattle area Credit Union really thinks out of the box, creates a stir

Anna Matsunaga (Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:14:08 -0500

From Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum, Keller Williams Realty Tacoma, 253 353 2662 www.teammomentumrealestate.com

Verity Mom applicant-

News-- A Seattle area credit union, Verity Credit Union has created a contest that has created a real stir. The contest is to choose one local mother to be their "Verity Mom" This mom will be paid to blog, to make videos and commentary on local events and review local businesses. In launching the program and through the contestants doing all they can to get attention for the contest Verity has gotten much more attention than some expensive TV campaign ever could. This is smart high tech, high touch all the way viral marketing.

I am so impressed with the Credit Union for thinking of this idea and am excited they have decided to target the audience they have, one that often does not get the respect of the community or the focus of businesses that advertise. I liked the idea so much I decided to go ahead and apply myself. Now I am one of 34 local area women who are competing for the title of "Verity Mom. Funny thing is I had not even heard of Verity until Saturday of this week, that evening I logged into facebook and there was an ad for the contest.

I had appointments scheduled for the entire next day, but decided to see if I could make it work any way to get my application in. I had less than 4 hours to work on it and that was punctuated by feeding children and bed time stories. Still I was able to get my entry in just 5 minutes before the midnight deadline, although I must admit the blog and bio and video all were less polished than they would have been had I known about it sooner. I am excited about this no matter who wins!

If you are a business owner large or small you need to go to their website www.veritymom.com to see how they have created this awesome viral marketing. While you are there please comment on my entry/blog. ( I am entry #27) If you are in WA you should look into an account with them, any CU that thinks out of the box like this has to be banking extraorinare.

Also if you have a business or service that you own, or that you really like and it is family friendly please comment here on this blog with info about it, why do you like it and their name and web address, I will include them in the resources page Verity has on line for all to see.

If you have ideas for blog topics that would benefit moms ( or at least make them laugh) please write about them to me in comments as well.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

--Anna Matsunaga

Anna Matsunaga, Team Momentum Keller Williams Realty Tacoma

www.teammomentumrealestate.com 253-353-2662