Home for the Holidays....They all start making their way home to LakeLand Village Allyn WA... The first part of the Holiday Season...
Thanksgiving starts itoff!- Tradition has most of the kids coming to my house for Thanksgiving and this year is no different. I am really excited this year about Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Some years I am not as excited but more worn out from it all happening so quickly and there being so much to do...
This year seems a little more special and a little different. And there really is no distinct reason other than it has been a TOUGH year for everyone. That has made me really appreciate even more the close relationship that our family DOES have. And it's made me more aware of that and how special our times together during the Holidays are.
Becky's making her way home from Pullman. She's got one shot basically to get across the mountains with all the winter weather that has been here and is still expected. She doesn't like driving it (it's a 5-1/2 hour drive over the mountain pass) and her car -w ell it's not the greatest, most reliable automobile in the world...
So we wait with bated breath- as we watch the weather and track her progress through text messaging! So far so good! She's in Ellensburg! That's about still 3 hours away but closer!
One almost home for Thanksgiving!
I am even actually excited about decorating the house this year!
I believe in never being just "satisfied." And I rarely just "let things happen."
Lenn's Post was EXACTLY what I was trying to get across to a few people who over the past year have asked me why I do what I do, how, and why I go for the listings and how I am successful at acquiring and getting them sold!
I read a blog post this a.m. written by a thoughtful ActiveRain member that sent a mixed message to me.
Adrienne Deans relates her experiences with leaving one brokerage for another in her question to grow her business and reach a higher level of achievement. Sadly, her former broker's message to her was that she should "be satisfied" with her present position and that she should simply "let things happen naturally".
Sorry to disappoint, but, in the real estate business, things don't "happen naturally".
HAVE A PLAN AND FOLLOW IT. Things are made to happen by real estate practitioners who have a plan, follow it and change their plan to adjust to changing markets. Never, in all my years in this business have I seen a real estate licensee succeed or even survive, by simply letting things happen naturally.
FOLKS ARE USUALLY LEADERS OR FOLLOWERS. I don't believe that people change that much. Unless you have actually lowered your income goals, you'll find that you'll need to work and perhaps even change direction from time to time to continue to achieve goals that we set for ourselves. Real estate practitioners who can change direction, understand and capitalize on market trends will usually find continued success.
FOLLOWERS, however, by waiting for business to come along, ignoring market trends and waiting for things to happen could soon find themselves our of resources and out of business.
As for your old broker, most employing brokers prefer agents who are "satisfied" with just enough to pay the broker a nice split, but not sufficient for the agent to want to move to a higher level and reduce the broker's split. The large real estate companies continue to dominate market share and volume but agents who remain"satisfied" waiting for thing to happen naturally will see their fellow agents' listing and selling volume continue to grow while their own does not.
THE LITTLE KNOWN REAL ESTATE BROKER "SECRET". Large brokerages thrive on two things;
(1) market share, and
(2) broker/agent commission splits
MARKET SHARE. Ever wonder why the heavy listing agents get the best offices, clerical assistance, advertising help, open house volunteers and invitations to the "top producers" breakfast meetings?? Even in a slow market where those listing are not selling, the top listing agent get the broker respect and support. It's the market share of listing that they bring to the broker. If there are 25 For Sale signs in a popular community and 10 of them are from one real estate company, that company will dominate the market for:
LIST TO LIVE? Well of course. Few new agents have not heard the advise of real estate school instructors say, "You can be at the beach and still sell homes." Listing agents can easily carry 10-20 listings, service them well and they will be paid no matter who brings the buyer. Buyers' agents, on the other hand, because of the nature and time constraints of acquiring buyer clients, showings, previewing, touring and managing offers/contracts are limited in the number of actual sales (income). The buyer's agent can only receive a commission for the buyer's side of the commission. The listing agent/broker has the potential to receive both "sides".
Why listing agents lead the market.
Listings - The old maxim "list to live" is still taught in real estate school, CE and employing brokers.
Signs - If one broker's For Sale signs dominate, owners will contact that company to list their home.
Showings - Every prospective buyer who visits a listing is a potential customer or client to list or buy.
Advertising - Advertisements in a magazine, web site, blog, newspaper or sign can lead to a sale.
Sales - Without sales, the agent won't survive and neither will be broker.
Commissions - For every listing generated by an agent, the broker has the potential of two "sides".
LETTING THINGS HAPPEN NATURALLY? I fear that would be a recipe for failure. Listings rarely come naturally.
No listings means no signs with your name and phone number.
No showings means no sales.
No advertising limits the potential to sell.
No sales, no commission.
No commission, no income.
BROKER/AGENT COMMISSION SPLITS means that the "satisfied" agent will continue to have a lesser commission split with their broker. Brokers recruit new agents who may only sell 2-3 homes a year and remain at a low commission split. Every wonder why brokers continue to hold the license of agents who may close only 2-3 sales a year? Those "satisfied" agents are, to the brokerage, money in the bank. Agents who "let things happen naturally" will not usually climb the broker/agent split ladder.
SUCCESS THROUGH VOLUME. How do Buyer's Agents who do not take listings survive and thrive? By becoming a broker and receiving a commission split from every commission earned by buyer's agents with the company.
Letting things happen naturally just might mean having to get a job. Real estate commission checks just don't happen naturally. They are rewards for a good job done. You can't just put in time and collect a pay check in the real estate business.
This came to me in an email. I do not know who the originator is so I can't give credit where credit is due other thanking the person who sent it to me... Brian McLellan thank you for serving and forwarding this on to me.
Whoever the originator is and this "man" thank you for the story and sharing it....
Also - it came in a very nice format, but I have no idea how to change the font and stuff so here it is in its raw format...
If the red shirt thing is new to you, read below a man's story and how it went for him.
RED SHIRT
"Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together.
After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home.
No, he responded. Heading out I asked?
No. I'm escorting a soldier home.
Going to pick him up?
No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq ; I'm taking him home to his family.
The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn't know the soldier, he had delivered the news of his passing to the soldier's family and felt as if he knew them after many conversations in so few days.
I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.
Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this flight He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow soldier. We will then turn off the seat belt sign."
Without a sound, all went as requested. I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. "
So here's a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.
Red Fridays.
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the "silent majority." We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.
Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that .... Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women a far will wear something red.
By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to make things better for you?" is. "We need your support and your prayers." Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.
IF YOU AGREE -- THEN SEND THIS ON.Reblog. Email it.
Mesmerizing... I couldn't resist posting this picture. My husband just sent it to me via a text message as he sits by the campfire after a long hard day of hunting.....
I can hear the crackle of the fire. Look at the amazing colors.
One of my husband's favorite times of year - hunting season. Sitting by the campfire with the guys. Telling stories. Enjoying good company. Relaxing and letting the little things go.
Getting back to simplicity-the simple things in life and the basics. We should all remember to do just that every once in a while....
Enjoy the simple things and get back to the basics.
Close to Belfair and Allyn - 3 bedroom Rental, with 2 car attached garage, large lot, close in
3BR/1.5BA Single Family House
$1,200/month
Bedrooms
3
Bathrooms
1 full, 1 partial
Sq Footage
1,630
Parking
2 dedicated
Pet Policy
No pets
Deposit
$1,200
DESCRIPTION
fairly new 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath home located in Belwood Estates. Convenient to Highways, schools and shopping. Vaulted ceilings, large master with master bath and walk in closet. Large lot on dead end street in small residential community.
see additional photos below
RENTAL FEATURES
- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Walk-in closet
- Living room
- Dining room
- Breakfast nook
- Dishwasher
- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven
- Microwave
- Washer
- Dryer
- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio
- Yard
- Cable-ready
LEASE TERMS
6 months minimum. First months rent and security deposit required. Credit and screening application.
I have been very spoiled this week by my friends! Yes they have spoiled me and it's kind of nice. I don't get to be spoiled too often or even spoil myself too much... course my husband spoils me all the time - but that's a different story!
Fending for myself while my husband is on his annual elk hunting trip, it's the perfect time to reconnect and catch up with friends that I have not seen in a while, as well as spoil myself and let myself BE spoiled!
Last night two very good friends of mine that I have not seen in awhile due to our busy schedules, surprised me by taking me to dinner at the Robin Hood Restaurant and Pub in Union WA.
Located in Union, WA along the South Shores of Hood Canal, it is a quaint restaurant and pub offering the finest in Northwest cuisine as well as a spectacular setting. Their menu consists of meals that are natural to the region and features fresh organic produce grown only miles away!
Trust me - it was delicious!
I had a natural New York Steak, Hans enjoyed the Port Glazed Duck Breast and Jimmie had the Pan Seared Sea Scallops.
For dessert we went with apple crisp and vanilla ice cream for Hans and Myself and Jimmie went for the lava cake and vanilla ice cream ~~drool~drool~~drool!!!!!!!! All soooooo yummy!!!!!!
Check it out the next time you're in the neighborhood- The Robin Hood Restaurant and Pub in Union, WA. You won't be disappointed!
An amazing waterfront property with an amazing home .... 4.61 acres total with a 2880 square foot home included.
It also includes the tide-lands, with the outer part of the tidelands currently leased to a shellfish company which brings in a little extra income for the homeowner, as well as keeps the oyster beds in good shape!
It's Northwest Contemporary style is functional and beautiful. A Puget Sound waterfront Home for sale waiting for it's new owner.
Set off the street - the home was planned around what counts - the view, the beach, and comfort.
2048 square feet of the home is on one level. Massive tongue and groove vaulted ceilings with suspended main beams show off the Northwest contemporary style as well.
A 24 ft X 42 ft great room open concept home is truly a GREAT ROOM incorporating all the meaningful areas into one - the kitchen, the dining area, and the living room. The ceiling to floor view windows frame the pristine beach and marine view.
Brazilian Cherry 5" wood planked floors flow from the kitchen through the living room. A propane fireplace with a bench height hearth also offers built in cabinets for all the stereo and video equipment or other items.
Built in 2006, the current homeowners had planned to stay here forever. But as we all know, life changes and now youhave a great opportunity to own a spectacular waterfront home on the Puget Sound.
Granite tile counters, custom cherry cabinets, a raised breakfast bar on the stove/range top island offers extra seating as well as style. Great place to sit in the morning, watch the sun come up and keep the cook company while making breakfast!The kitchen is open to the living and dining room area.
A dining area is established between the living room and kitchen or there is a breakfast nook to the right of the kitchen with its own large view window looking out over the grounds.
The master suite will knock your socks offwith comfort and room as well! Over-sized, it has a sitting area with a propane fireplace and an over-sized sliding door to the deck. Alongside the corner propane fireplace an office nook area with another large view window. The master bath is just as elegant and comfortable as the rest of the home!
A third bedroom is offered in the Guest quarters(apartment style) above the garage with its own kitchen, living room, and bath as well as a separate entrance.
Truly an elite waterfront home built for the view, the waterfront and comfort. Owner is willing to consider owner financing as well. Call for your personal, private showing and details!
Whether you are buying or selling a home, don't put your goals off without talking to a local real estate expert with knowledge of waterfront homes for sale on Hood Canal and the Puget Sound.
LakeLand Village~29 Homes for Sale~ What's been happening in the Fall LakeLand Village Real Estate Market?
Homes for Sale in LakeLand Village in the first couple of weeks of October seemed to have taken off and then..... it slowed backed down....
As the seasons change did and will the real estate market change? Well it seems as though there was a slight stall in offers being written for the month of September, it picked back up the first couple of weeks of October and then the last two weeks it all but stalled...... (Hmmm where'd everyone go??)
There are currently 29 homes for sale in LakeLand Village
The average asking price is $301,303 (down from September);
The average dollar per square foot is $148.77;
The average days on market is 209
There is one (1) contingent homes for sale(the buyer has to sell their current home first in order to complete the purchase of the new home);the two contingent sales from last month fell through as the buyers could not sell their homes before their contingency expired.
There are five pending homes for sale in LakeLand Village (up from 2 in September);
The average price is $229,625.00;
The average dollars per square foot is $127.50;
and the average days on market is 296.5.
Four of the pending offers were written and accepted during the month of October.
Sold properties in LakeLand Village for the month of October was ZERO (0)!!! September only saw two and neither month has been extremely impressive for sold properties. November should shape up to be a strong month with many pending sales finalizing.
There's still plenty of great homes for sale in LakeLand Village as well as the surrounding areas to choose from! There's something out there for just about everyone.
For those of you who do not know about LakeLand Village, it is a small residential golf course and lake community nestled above the small town of Allyn, WA (check this LakeLand Link out). Allyn, WA as well as LakeLand Village offers many amenities as does the surrounding area of Southern Puget Sound and Hood Canal.
Now is a great time to get the most home for your dollar in LakeLand Village as well as other areas. Or if you are thinking about "moving up" in a home, this is the better time as well.
Whether you are buying or selling a home, don't put your goals off without talking to a local real estate expert with knowledge of homes for sale in LakeLand Village regarding your individual real estate goals.
Other Homeowners are now also eligible for the Tax Credit to purchase a new home!
That's right - with the signing of the Extension of the Tax Credit and it's expansion, a current home owner, which by definition is someone who has used their home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years, is eligible.
You will need to find a home that you would like to purchase and be in a written binding contract for that home on or by April 30, 2010 and the purchase must close by July 1, 2010 in order to be eligible.
Now how cool is that?
How much is the tax credit? $6500.00 unless you are married filing separately which it would be $3250 each. Remember, this is if you are not a First Time Home Buyer but qualify as a a current home owner.
If you are a First Time Home Buyer, definition being you have not had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to your purchase, the tax credit remains $8000 ($4000 each if married filing separately).
There are some fantastic homes out there for sale with fantastic prices! Don't miss the boat (or the credit) - LET'S GO SHOPPING for your new home!
I also offer a FREE comparative market analysis for sellers tailored specifically for your home or property. If you would like more information on selling your home in this market, please give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on in! I believe in building relationships for life... YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!
We believe homes are where memories are made and living takes place!
Yes it is true and official.... Obama signs extended Tax Credit Into Law. And it's not just for First Time Home Buyers anymore.
What's it about? Here's a quick run-down:
The First Time Home Buyers Tax Creditpretty much remains the same - $8000 credit ($4000 if married filing separately) with a new deadline of April 30, 2010 to have a written binding contract in place to purchase a home that will close no later than July 1, 2010.
The Expanded part is that now a current homeownercan sell or who has sold a home that has been used as their principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years can receive a $6500 credit ($3250 if married filing separate) for purchasing a new principal residence so long as they are in a written binding contract to purchase by April 30,2010. They too will have until July 1, 2010 to close on the new home.
What do you have to do to claim the credit? You need to attach documentation of the purchase to your tax return. Now how simple is that?
Great News! So what are you waiting for? Let's go SHOPPING FOR YOUR NEW HOME!!!
If you would like more information regarding the homes for sale in Belfair WA, drop me a line, or give me a call. I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Remember real estate is LOCAL.
I also offer a FREE comparative market analysis for sellers tailored specifically for your home or property. If you would like more information on selling your home in this market, please give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on in! I believe in building relationships for life... YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!
We believe homes are where memories are made and living takes place!
Hood Canal and Puget Sound Waterfront Homes Specialist along with vacant land & residential real estate in Belfair~ Allyn~ Grapeview & Shelton. Building lifelong relationships is my business.
Your Success is MY success!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
the market share of listing that they bring to the broker. If there are 25 For Sale signs in a popular community and 10 of them are from one real estate company, that company will dominate the market for:
;)
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