Brenda's Blog

Bank Owned Property Pierce County

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Sat, 16 May 2009 12:36:16 -0500

If you are interested in taking advantage of the low prices in this market, maybe you should look at Bank Owned properties. The advantage of Bank Owned vs Short Sale is the process. In general, Bank Owned purchases would be handled similar to a situation when you are working with an individual seller. The sale is still negotiated with a bank as the owner, however, you are not in the middle a short sale process. A short sale process is a combination negotiation between bank, current owner, as well as A LOT of time spent waiting.

Remember, with prices and interest rates this low, qualified buyers have an advantage to get into this market. For first time home buyers, it is a time when the prices are low enough that your monthly house payment is competing with (or very close) what you pay for rent. A first time home buyer could now begin to gain equity in a home instead of wasting the monthly rent payment.

Also, the tax credit for first time buyers is offering up to $8000 assuming you purchase by Dec. 1 2009! This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who qualifies for this credit.

For investors, now is a time to pick up the rental property where the numbers make sense!

Please contact me directly if you would like a copy of the latest Bank Owned Property in Pierce County.

Brenda@BetterProperties.com (email)

253-222-3503 (Mobile)

http://www.brendaworks4u.com

More About Stain for Cedar Shingles

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:36:20 -0500

Do you have cedar shingle siding? Older siding, not the newer sheets that look like shingles! When it needs to be re-stained, the dilemma begins with:

1) do you stain it the same color?

2) when using a different color that is lighter than the existing, will you be able to see the dark through the cracks?

3) do you use semi-transparent or full coverage stain?

4) how much pressure washing is too much or not enough?

I think the most important point to consider is color. Cedar shingles are reminiscent of an era and seen a lot on Craftsmen or Cape Cod architectures. They are also used in many newer home styles which sport a mix of wood products and stone. I love cedar shingles and like to see natural earth tones as the color selected as the shingle-look reminds me of the forest and living among nature.

Pressure washing is the other thing to consider ~ don't let your husband or son get too close with the pressure washer wand or you might find your shingles on the roof! :) Yes, we had that hapen.

http://www.brendaworks4u.com

Will the last one out of town turn off the lights?

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:08:22 -0500

July 2007 I made the decision to take an early out of my corporate career in order to pursue my dream in real estate. It was challenging to know that my start in the business would be at a time when the market was heading for a downturn. One year later, the depth of the downturn still has not been realized and may not be for another 9 months. This is a discouraging thought for a newer agent!

I am watching many agents leave the business. There are few answers. The number of houses available for sale in my neighborhood are increasing daily. The number of those listed for sale that are in a short-sale or bank owned situation are greater than 45%. I cannot count the number of foreclosures that are going to auction.

I wonder if we will see many homes "EMPTY" and "FOR SALE" as happened when Boeing laid off 60,000 in the '70's? The saying on the airport billboard was "will the last person leaving Seattle turn out the lights?"

By the way, why are the Boeing union workers striking during a time when most are struggling with making their mortgage payments?

www.brendaworks4u.com

Sunnyside Beach - Steilacoom, Washington

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:06:45 -0500

Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom is a great place to spend the day. The beach is sandy with large lawn area, volleyball setup, BBQ, restrooms.

I like to spend time walking the beach during low tide, you can go as far as Chambers Creek. This park has a lot to offer and so convenient if you live in or near Steilacoom. Another reason to check out homes in the South Puget Sound.

P.S. Don't forget your sunscreen - we finally have nice weather.

www.brendaworks4u.com

Labrador Puppies Available May 9th in Tacoma

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:00:37 -0500

April 18: The puppies are 4.5 weeks old. There are 3 males left and one female. Please call if interested.

Brenda, 253-222-3503

April 8: This is off topic, however, I've been talking about my litter of puppies that were due in March. They are here and it's been a crazy 3 + weeks! It started with emergency c-section and my supplementing the puppies until their mother was better!

These little black lab puppies are now available for reservation. They will be ready May 9th. There were 9 in the littler, 5 females and 4 males. They are AKC, parents have OFA Hip and Elbows certified. They have been declawed and will have shots and worming. Champion Blood lines. Mother was a chocolate and the father was a black lab. Females are $650 and Males are $600. They are beautiful and sweet. Call Brenda at 253-222-3503

UPDATE 5/20/08 - all puppies have been sold and are gone. I do miss them but not the work. I still have one pup as I am keeping for my son until next Tuesday! They were cute.

Are You A Downsizing Baby Boomer?

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:07:45 -0600

Do you want to retire and relocate to a more relaxing and peaceful area? Are you someone who has worked hard all of these years and now it's time for your dream?

Maybe you are thinking of getting out of the city and owning that waterfront or view property? Maybe you are interested in remaining close to the Seattle/Tacoma area so that you can be near your children and grandchildren! It is possible to do it all!

Are you a Baby Boomer? Did you know, it takes one to know one?

I hope to talk with you soon!
Brenda Rix

P.S. Southern Puget Sound is great. Specifically real estate in Lakewood, Steilacoom, Dupont, Fircrest and University Place.

Heating Options

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:53:16 -0600

For supplemental heating options, we've been on a dedicated path to reducing our heating bills.

Most everyone is experiencing the same problem as our weather in the Pacific Northwest has been particularly cold this past January. This is not a new problem for us as our house was built in 1938 and is heated by a radiant heat system. Although radiant heating is fairly cost effective, the rates for natural gas have not.

We recently installed a Jotel wood stove insert to supplement the heating of our home and also purchased an EdenPure heater to stabilize the heating in the house.

It seems to be a great combination.

Weddings - Do it Maui Style

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:44:40 -0600

Another one "Bites The Dust!"

My very good friend Bonnie Tinsley, Chamber's Bay Real Estate, is in Maui for her son's wedding! It is so VERY exciting having our children marry and add more members to our families. AND grandchildren too.

Bonnie has 3 sons, and this will be her second daughter-in-law. I have 2 sons and will eventually have 2 daughter-in-laws. I keep waiting from my youngest son to get busy and get engaged! Any day now!

Investments - Stock Market

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:39:03 -0600

I recently rolled my 401k account into an rollover IRA. I did this in order to have control of my retirement investments outside of the basic 401k account. The basic 401k account only allows you to have your money in various Mutual Funds that are managed by the Mutual Fund Managers.

If you investigate your Mutual Funds, you will find that the funds are sometimes invested in company stocks for companies that not only you may not believe in, but are also companies that have nothing to do with the fund that you thought you were invested in.

So needless to say, I am working on my investments like it is a full-time job! I guess that is what we all should be doing to secure our future and retirement finances.

By the way, Fidelity is great!

Chocolate Lab - New Mommy To Be - Hopefully

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:33:26 -0600

I know you are all waiting and wanting to know about my dog, Busy, the chocolate lab.

The verdict will be in next Tuesday, February 19th. Busy will see her vet, Dr. Smith, to determine whether the breeding that took place three weeks ago resulted in pregnancy.

Busy is a 3 year old lab. She is 68 lbs a short stocky lab with a beautiful face. Let's hope we have a positive result.

By the way, if you are a breeder and looking for an excellent vet with recognition in her specialty, please take time to meet Dr. Smith at the Pet Doctor in Lakewood, Washington.

Painting for Home Staging

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:27:01 -0600

I wanted to share an interesting paint color for your home whether you are staging prior to selling or if you are interested in a change. The painting color ideas at Lowe's has the line for Valspar paints with the most interesting paint combinations and options.

Recently I used the Neutral paint scheme with the "yellow/gold/umber" tones. I used the Lyndhurst Mushroom and the Churchill Hotel Wheat with bright white crown moldings and trim work. The Lyndhurst Mushroom was the background for white woodwork around a fireplace with extensive shelving at the same height as the fireplace mantel. The Churchill Hotel Wheat used on the rest of the walls in the room.

It turned out great !

Wildlife Art

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:15:09 -0600

While sitting in my exhibitors booth at the Washington Sportsmen's Show this past week, I had the opportunity to meet a very nice artist with her paintings on display. Her name is Jane Vanderzanden. Jane's business name is Imaginations of the Wild and she is located in Oregon.

Take a look at her paintings. The internet does not do them total justice as you cannot see the detail. There is one painting of a man fly fishing in the river and from the view in my booth, the water splash looked like a photo.

Here is her site:

WWW.IMAGINATIONSOFTHEWILD.COM

Washington Sportsmen's Show - Puyallup Jan. 23- 27

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 16:51:55 -0600

Reminder - my booth is #605. Stop by and let me know what your requirements for your vacation or recreation property search. There is anything from dry camping sites to million dollar recreation vacation homes. Waterfront to views to acreage or all three! There is something affordable for you depending upon your vacation and recreational property need.

My booth is also hosted by Mike Price owner of Grizzley Charters. He will be there to talk to you about guide fishing trips.

See you there!

Brenda Rix

Better Properties Real Estate

253-222-3503

www.brendaworks4u.com

Family and Dogs

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:05:24 -0600

As most of you know by now I am a dog fan. I love all pets, however, dogs are my favorite.

My lab Busy is "hopefully" going to be a mother ! Today the vet will tell me whether she is ready to start the process. Porter, the daddy, belongs to my son's best man, Jonathan. This ought to be an interesting adventure. Busy is chocolate and Porter is black, so we could get all three colors in the litter.

This will be my second batch of pups. We bred our beagle 18 years ago and enjoyed a healthy litter of 8 pups. I will keep this updated with the progress. It is crazy as I will be a grandmother for 1st time in April and I might have a litter of puppies that are 4 weeks old if this is successful.

Historical Societies - Lakewood & Steilacoom

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:10:43 -0600

If you are new to the Lakewood or Steilacoom area and are interested in getting to know the history of these communities, consider stopping in at either museum. Below you will find their respective websites for more information:

http://www.lakewoodhistorical.org/

Lakewood Historical Society is looking for artifacts, memorabilia, documents, photos, etc., related to early post offices, schools, Lakewood area business, 19th Century prairie life, and more.

http://www.steilacoomhistorical.org/

The Steilacoom Historical Society's museum overlooks the Puget Sound with the emphasis of "bringing the past to life in Washington State's oldest town."

Thanks for reading,

Brenda Rix

Volunteering - Washington Womens Employment & Education

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:59:28 -0600

Today I had the opportunity to meet Amy from Washington Women's Employment & Education (WWEE) organization. This non-profit organization's mission is to assist low-income individuals in gaining the skills, knowledge and courage to be self-supporting.

WWEE has been around for 25 years and is helping break the cycle of poverty so people can become self-supporting.

Be sure to volunteer in your organization of choice to support our communities!

Brenda Rix

Living on Anderson Island

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:49:20 -0600

If you are interested in island living, consider Anderson Island. My family and I lived on the island from 1993 through 1998 on Lake Josephine.

My husband and I thought, "wouldn't it be nice to have a weekend home?" Next thing you know we purchased a lakefront lot on Anderson Island. It was within the Riveria Community. We owned a lumber wholesale company so we were able to supply most of the finish wood products for the home. It was an A-frame style with over 10 species of wood inside and cedar on the outside. It turned out beautiful and took almost 2 years to build.

However, before you knew it, we had 1 too many houses and decided to sell our main home and move to the island.

Our sons at the time were in elementary school and attended the Anderson Island Elementary School. It was a huge change for them as we moved from the Lake Tapps area to Anderson Island. In 1993, there were only apprx 20 children in the entire school.

Our sons loved the island as they road their bikes everywhere, swam at the swimming hole, swam across the lake from Lake Josephine across Lake Florence! Yikes, I didn't like that one! They drug our small fishing boat across the roads from lake to lake, they built BMX style bike trails in the woods (they were extensive - my oh my), they climbed the clay banks on the sound (another dangerous thing I didn't know about), and yes, they had so much fun.

Our dog Katie even loved the island. When she wasn't walking around the lake each morning with Ruth Luberts, she could be found hanging out at the store, and at the park begging for food from the picnickers. During our daily search for the missing dog, we were heading towards the park thinking she'd run off to visit the people. Suddenly, Katie comes running towards us heading home as fast as she could. We wondered what she was doing - well, she had a full package of hotdogs in her mouth. I imagine she was heading home for a BBQ!

Anyway, if you are considering moving to the island, I'd be happy to assist you.

Brenda Rix

Better Properties Real Estate

253-222-3503

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

email - - Brenda@BetterProperties.com

Pacific Oceanfront Acreage near Kalaloch

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:30:22 -0600

Please contact me for more information regarding Pacific Oceanfront lots in Washington State. They are near Kalaloch Beaches, the Olympic National Parks, and Lake Quinault.

These lots are each 1.3 acres in size and can be sold individually or multiple lots to create more privacy. Each lot is approximately 70 feet of high bank oceanfront. There are no facilities at these site (water, electric or septic systems installed). This is perfect from RV camping and relaxing.

This area is VERY beautiful and private which lots of wildlife in the area. It is fee simple ownership and within the Quinault Reservation.

Each lot is $60,000 in price or buy all three for $170,000.

Let me know if you would like pictures and additional information.

Brenda Rix

Better Properties Real Estate

253-222-3503

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

Brenda@BetterProperties.com (email)

SOLD ! ! ! ~ ~ ~ ~Riverfront Land - Bogachiel River

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:14:49 -0600

Please check out my listing of river frontage on the Bogachiel River in Forks, Washington. This is on the western side of the Olympic Peninsula in Clallam County.

The property is apprx 1/2 acre on the river and set up with water, septic and electric. It is customized for 4 RV hook-ups, each with 30 amp electrical boxes, their own water faucet and septic downspout. Just bring your RV and the site is ready for you. Why buy into a RV camp when you can own your own!

I have wonderful pictures of the land. Please contact me for pictures.

This recreational real estate site is a must see for $79,900. You can have it all ~ vacation property!

There are elk, deer, eagles, and the occasional bear sighting!

Talk to you soon,

Brenda Rix

253-222-3503

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

email - Brenda@BetterProperties.com

Western Washington Sportsman Show - Jan. 23 thru 27, 2008

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:00:30 -0600

Be sure to attend the Western Washington Sportsman Show on January 23 through 27.

There are so many vendors there covering fishing, hunting, boating, and not to mention stuff for your pets. I am sharing Booth #605 with Mill Creek Inn, Forks, owner Mike Price. Mike is also the owner a fly fishing charter service - Grizzley Charters and would be happy to tell you about his trips. (He has many stories and I've seen the results of his fishing and hunting trips!)

I will be there to assist you in your search for recreational or vacation homes or property. I have a love of the Olympic Peninsula and hope to share that with you.

Come by and see me!

Brenda Rix

Better Properties Real Estate

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

253-222-3503

Military Relocation to Washington - Real Estate for Ft. Lewis & Mc Chord

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:46:19 -0600

Are you active military personnel who is relocating to Washington State and looking to purchasing a home? I am interested in introducing you and your families to the region. I have been a Pierce County resident for 24 years and care about safe neighborhoods, schools, and future activities / interests for you.

You can search county wide via my web site at:

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

Also, I have additional Blogs via my profile by clicking on Brenda's Blog in "blue" above which will direct you to school info, skiiing, boating, and parks.

Best Wishes,

Brenda Rix

253-222-3503

Western Washington Sportsmen Show - Puyallup January 2008 - Recreational Property

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:09:31 -0600

Are you an advid sportsman? ? ? ?

Be sure to attend the Western Washington Sportsmen Show will be held at the Western Washington Fairgrounds in Puyallup on January 23 - 27, 2008. Everything imaginable for the Northwest outdoor scene - Kid's Trout Pond, boats, outfitters, seminars, recreational vehicles, field-trial dogs, expert anglers and hunting experts. There are so many things to see for the outdoor enthusiast!

Please visit my booth (#605) for information regarding recreation / vacation real estate for sale. I am in the same booth with Grizzley Charters, owners of Millcreek Inn.

http://www.BrendaWorks4u.com

http://www.oloughlintradeshows.com/WSS/wss.htm

See you there!

Best Holiday Wishes,

Brenda Rix

brenda@BetterProperties.com

253-222-3503

Washington Floods - Help Storm Victims

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 09:54:36 -0600

Are you interested in helping the storm victims in Washington State?

There are still many affected from the flooding in Washington State, thousands have been affected by damage to their homes and property. The American Red Cross is mobilizing to help the victims. You can donate money that is earmarked for these victims via a special fund through the American Red Cross.

Here is the King 5 News Link or you can send any donation to the information below:

http://www.king5.com/sharedcontent/northwest/specialreport/stories/NW_102307WAB_storm_northwest_response_JM.6ebfe43e.html

Make Checks payable to American Red Cross AND note your donation is for NORTHWEST RESPONSE: Storm Relief.

Mail to the news station:

Northwest Response c/o King 5

PO Box 19640

Seattle, WA 98109

Every little bit helps support these individuals and their families. It is the holiday season and they've lost the most basic of necessities.

Let's not forget Thurston, Mason, and Pacific County famililies that are affected!

My Bogey on the Bogachiel River near Forks, Washington - the fishing is great !

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:11:34 -0600

Bogey is my 7 1/2 year old lab and was named after "golf bogeys"! My husband is a golfing nut. Later we found our place on the Bogachiel River near Forks, Washington. The river is also known as the Bogie by the locals, now we have the coincidental name. My younger lab, Busy, is 3 years old. Busy runs the place, including controlling which dog gets to sit in the chair. Yes, they are "bad dogs."

Bogey and Busy spend many hours in this river chasing balls, sticks and anything else that floats. My dogs love it here.

Best Wishes,

Brenda Rix

Military Relocation to Washington - School Districts - Ft. Lewis & McChord

Brenda Rix - DuPont, Lakewood & Pierce County (Better Properties Real Estate) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:13:21 -0600

Are you an active military family with school age children that are relocating to McChord Air Force or Ft. Lewis Army base in Pierce County, Washington? If so, I've compiled a list of the school districts in the county and their web site link for your use:

School District Web Site:

Bethel www.bethelsd.org

Clover Park www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us (Lakewood)

Dieringer www.dieringer.webnet.edu

Eatonville www.cruiser.eatonville.webnet.edu

Fife www.fifeschools.com

Franklin Pierce www.fp.k12.wa.us

Orting www.orting.webnet.edu

Peninsula www.peninsula.webnet.edu

Puyallup www.puyallup.k12.wa.us

Steilacoom www.steilacoom.k12.wa.us **

Sumner www.sumner.webnet.edu

Tacoma www.tacoma.k12.wa.us

University Place www.upsd.webnet.edu

White River www.whiteriver.webnet.edu

Please visit my web site for additional information regarding relocation, real estate, homes, and Buyer & Sellet tips:

www.BrendaWorks4u.com

Or email me at Brenda@BetterProperties.com if you have any other questions about the schools or the area. ** My sons both attended and graduated from Steilacoom School District. Pierce County is family friendly with many educational resources, parks and recreation.

Best Wishes,

Brenda Rix

253-222-3503