Don's Blog

Credit Card Bailout Proposal Win-Win Situation for All

Don Fourtner (Coldwell Banker Town & Country) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:34:11 -0600

Joe the Plumber or Mary the Maid would argue that the 700,000,000,000 bailout has done little to ease the burden of the average citizen. The banks who have received the infusion seem determined to hold on to the cash as much as the average consumer who isn't buying houses or buying consumer goods.

I propose a plan that might really help the average citizen; as well as boost the economy should Congress decide to have another 700 Billion dollar bailout plan. As usual, the irresponsible CEO's of the failed companies may have already ruined it for the rest of us.

If there is still some of the money left from the 700 billion, I would suggest that it be temporarily frozen until my bailout plan is considered.

According to credit.com, the outstanding credit card balances in all of the US at the end of 2007 was 972 Billion. Now stay with me here and you'll see the beauty of my plan. Our amount is a couple of billion more than the original amount, but in our scenario the economy will get it all back through new home purchases, increased spending opportunities and perhaps even investing. It will take only one step to achieve our goal and get back to a stable debt free economy.

One Step Solution: Take the 972 Billion (give or take a few billion by the end of 2008) and pay off all outstanding credit card debt.

-Now instantly, several things have happened by default. The banks, credit card companies and department stores carrying the debt get a huge infusion of cash as well as being able to cut the collection department's budget.

-Their accounts receivable have been received and they can start fresh by issuing credit cards to those only with responsible credit histories.

-Consumers can now afford to live, save and spend as their entire paycheck is not going straight to debt payoff. Another added bonus would be we can once again answer out of state calls without fear of a credit collection agency being on the other end.

-Consumers can now afford the home they are living in and won't have to face foreclosure.

And the greatest benefit of all is that everybody's credit would instantly improve. (Of course you'll have to charge a little bit right away to keep it high, but that's another article).

With the debt to income ratio well under the standard, qualified applicants can now realize the pride and joy of home ownership once again.

Now that is a bailout that benefits everybody and stabilizes our economy at the same time. Plus, I can get back to doing what I love best: Selling houses.

Don Fourtner
Coldwell Banker Town & Country
Sequim, Washington
www.sequimrealestateonline.com

Using the Publicity of Twilight to Promote my Listing

Don Fourtner (Coldwell Banker Town & Country) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:54:26 -0600

When I discovered that the wave of publicity surrounding the theatrical release of Twilight was increasing the traffic past my listing, I had to find a way to capitalize. As a real estate professional, I have always strived to think outside the box. I don't want my advertising to look like everyone else and I don't want my website to look like a cookie cutter template.

Aside from the fact that my listing is only 35 miles West of Port Angeles and 20 miles East of Forks, Washington (where the movie is set), there is absolutely no connection. We all know that when it comes to marketing, it is all about perception. But how do I create a perception? The location of my listing was not featured or mentioned in the book or movie. I had to look at the facts to come up with an idea.

The publication of the book Twilight and the subsequent sequels has brought a wave of recognition to Forks and Port Angeles Washington where the story is set. It is reasoned that Forks, Washington with over 100-150 inches of rain a year is contusive to vampires due to the lack of sunshine.

With the release of the hit movie, the interest of the Olympic Peninsula has skyrocketed to frenetic proportions. There are stories of tourists driving cross country just to say they have been to Forks. One lady is rumored to have moved there temporally from Kansas to open a Twilight store during the wave. It is said that she plans on moving back after the craze is over.

Normally, there is increased traffic on HWY 101 West during the summer months as people head for the ocean or visit the Sol Duc Hot Springs resort. With the increased popularity, the seasonal treks have been abandoned in favor of year round pilgrimages. It is estimated that tourism to the area has increased by the thousands.

I did know that my listing sits in the heart of the old pioneer township of Heckelsville. Little is known about the lost township of Heckelsville where my listing lies except that in 1948 there was a grocery store, a schoolhouse and living quarters for the headmaster. The foundation for the school, the living quarters and the old orchard is all that remains on the seller's property. It was only through the Forks museum that anything at all is known about this pioneer township which has been gone for half a century.

There was my story from nothing at all. Why did a township with great fishing in the Sol Duc River, rich soil, fruit trees and plenty of firewood suddenly disappear? Did it have something to do with vampires?

See what I came up with here: http://www.sequimrealestateonline.com/twilight.html

Where is Sequim, Washington and why is everybody moving here?

Don Fourtner (Coldwell Banker Town & Country) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:22:05 -0600

The small city of Sequim, Washington sits on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest almost directly across the water from Vancouver Island, Canada. The ambiance of this Dungeness Valley paradise could never be described in words. However, I will attempt to do so in hopes that you might find out what thousands of visitors a year already know. River rafting, skiing (both snow & water) and general sightseeing.

Coming into Sequim from the East, you are instantly stricken by the majestic mountain range to the south and the sweeping water views from the north. You might even notice the subtle change in the cloud cover as you drive into the valley. That is because Sequim is the driest spot in Western Washington, getting just an average of 18" of rain per year. However, there is just enough of a mix of rain and sun to keep the town and surrounding neighborhoods lush and green practically year round.

The natural layout and location of Sequim allows for an eclectic variety of outdoor activities. The surrounding area offers a paradise of fishing, hunting, hiking, bicycling, nature walks,

Every year in July, 35,000 visitors from all over the world come to Sequim to celebrate the annual Lavender Festival.

15 miles to the west and you find yourself in the historic city of Port Angeles. This seaport city also offers a ferry ride to Victoria, Canada. Continue West and you can visit the natural hot springs and the Hoh Rain Forest.

We invite you to visit the Sequim Valley and the surrounding area and experience what visitors and residents have already discovered.

This area is not only a great place to visit; it is also a great place to live!

What is the secret to the weather in Sequim Washington?

Don Fourtner (Coldwell Banker Town & Country) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:15:06 -0600

Talk to an outsider and you are led to believe that the Pacific Northwest in Washington State and Annual Rainfall are synonymous. Despite the reputation, a review of the facts reveals a whole different perspective.

Although, the mountains, water and lowlands all contribute to the most diverse weather in North America, you might be surprised to learn that Seattle ranks 54th in metro cities (100,000+ Population) with an average rainfall of about 38" a year. (Winner is Mobile, AL. with 65 inches). So let us put that rumor to bed.

However, holding the record for the lower 48 states is the small town of Forks, Washington (pop 7000) with an average annual rainfall of a whopping 120 inches. That is 10 feet a year! The locals joke that if you see someone with an umbrella; they are a tourist. Amazingly, the annual rainfall decreases one-half inch for every mile you travel east.

Keep heading east and you will find yourself in the "Blue Hole or Rain Shadow" known as Sequim, WA. One of Sequim's claims to fame is the average annual rainfall of only 16" a year. That is equal to Hollywood, California. If that isn't dry enough for you, head another 7 miles north to the Dungeness Spit and you lose 5 to 7 inches more per year.

How is it possible to go from the wettest area in the nation to an area that matches Southern California by driving only 70 miles?

The secret is Sequim's proximity to the Olympic Mountain range. As most of our rainy weather blows in from the southwest, the wet air starts rising up the southwest corner of the Olympics becoming heavy as it rises dumping a good portion of it's goods on the lucky folks living in Forks. By the time it reaches the summit, most of the moisture is gone. The air sinks down the Northeast side of the Olympics right over Sunny Sequim.

What does this mean to the residents and why is everyone interested in Sequim Real Estate?

The weather allows for year round produce growing seasons you won't find anywhere else. Imagine fresh produce in the dead of winter. The home prices are lower than southern California and make it an excellent place to retire. Most transplants find that a luxury water view property can be purchased for half the price of a similar property in California.

Don't worry; we have property in every price range with most either with Water or Mountain View or both. If that isn't enough, Sequim is accommodating to retirees with state of the art medical facilities and the whole gambit of outdoor activities.

Sequim is often listed on 100 best places to retire and I invite you to visit and find out what all the fuss is about.