realtor: Six Degrees of Separation shrinks down to One when you know a Realtor - 06/19/10 06:27 PM

Naturally Realtors are in a position to hook their clients up with contractors, lenders or moving companies, but more often than not, we help and connect people in all kinds of other situations, too. We work with so many different entities that we're the perfect people to create connections. 
I was recently able to match a seller who had to pack up her household goods, with buyers, who just moved in and had a garage full of boxes to get rid of.
On another occasion I was able to direct a friend of a friend, looking for a rental home, to one … (7 comments)

realtor: Home improvements that pay you back and save you money. - 01/24/10 09:01 AM
 
Did you know that installing energy-efficient windows or doors in your primary residence will qualify you for a tax credit? This credit equals 30 percent of the cost, but is capped at  $1,500. If you're installing any renewable energy improvements such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps, there's also a credit of 30 percent of the cost, but this credit isn't capped, and the home doesn't have to be your principal residence.
Congress passed this stimulus package in 2009 to help promote energy efficiency. http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm
By taking advantage of this incentive, you don't just get help with the costs of the improvement, but you'll ultimately … (2 comments)

realtor: Lakewood's Crosswater Community Listing - 06/18/09 10:52 AM

Looking for a quality home just a short commute to Tacoma, Fort Lewis, or McChord Air Force Base?
Look no further than this exquisite listing located in the quiet gated community of Crosswater.
10512 82nd. Ave. Ct. SW Lakewood, WA 98498

This 2725 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a den. The master suite is conveniently located on the main floor. The many amenities include hardwood floors, granite counters, skylights, cathedral ceilings, custom tile work, ceiling fans, Feng-Shui design elements, French doors, greenbelt and much more.
 
For additional information and viewing the virtual tour … (0 comments)

realtor: Olympia - A city is as unique as the people who live in it. - 06/16/09 11:58 AM
 
Olympia is a quirky town. You'll encounter cars with expressive bumper stickers, unique houses and interesting public art.
 
In Olympia it's okay to be expressive, unique and to stick out. Diversity is welcome and is encountered everywhere. That's what makes Olympia so welcoming and interesting. One example is this car that I keep seeing in different places across town. I can't help but smile whenever I come across it in a parking lot, or see it pass me on the street.

It literally screams "happy" and "fun". I just wonder how it holds up in a car wash.
(2 comments)

realtor: Are there any funny looking homes in your neighborhood? Part One - 05/23/09 03:49 PM

Every town and community has some unique homes that just stand out (no, I'm not talking about dilapidated tear-downs).
I'm talking about structures that are unusual and over the top.
These buildings will make you do a double-take:
 




I don't know what these houses do for neighborhood home values, but they sure are sign of creativity, spunk and fun to look at.
More funny houses to follow soon.
Sandy NelsonOlympia RealtorBroker, GRI, ASPwww.SandyNelsonRealEstate.com 
 
 
 
(2 comments)

realtor: Realtor, Broker, Sales Person...What's the difference? - 12/19/08 10:13 AM

 
I'm a Real Estate Broker now!
I was pretty proud that I completed the licensing requirements and passed the state exam, but my husband injected his usual dose of reality and, in all seriousness, asked "What's the difference between a Realtor and a Broker?" He saw me attend classes and study, but he didn't know what it all meant and I suppose neither do 90% of the general population.
Here are the definitions:
A Realtor® is any licensed real estate sales person or real estate broker, who are members of the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors® agree to abide by the … (8 comments)

realtor: Avoid Burnout - 10 Easy Steps to get your Power back - 09/11/08 11:19 AM


Real Estate is a high energy, fast passed, be-on-your-toes kind of business. It's easy to be so busy working transactions, prospecting, marketing and pleasing clients that we don't even notice that we're in burnout mode.  Burnout doesn't just occur suddenly, like flipping off a light switch. It's more like the gradual power drain of a dimmer switch. Taking the steps necessary to keep the power on high is important, because lets' face it: You're no good to the transaction or to your clients when you're operating in burnout mode.
 
1.  Create Personal Time
Find balance by scheduling time for yourself. Pick a time … (6 comments)

realtor: Questions sellers should ask their prospective listing agent - 07/10/08 12:49 PM

My husband is travelling to the east coast to assist his elderly mother in the sale of her home. He'll be interviewing several pre-selected Realtors and has asked me to write out a list with questions he should ask. I was so proud of him for thinking about what he should ask. I'm always surprised by how few questions are ever asked of me at listing presentations, other than the "what is your commission" question, which, in my opinion, should not be the most important question to ask. I was hoping to be able to restrict my list to 10 points … (4 comments)

realtor: Where do I get my Support? - 04/25/08 01:45 PM

Sometimes I think I must be the luckiest Realtor, because I'm fortunate to have two unbelievable business partners. Actually I should be the third luckiest Realtor, because my two teammates have me. In 2006, Al Stickland, Rob Chrisler and I have decided to pool our resources and talents to form "The Key Group".
                                              
We have developed the highest standard of ethics and practices that set us apart from most other Realtors, and we have designed a support system that strengthens our business, as well as provides extended services to our clients.
Before founding "The Key Group", conducting my business solo, I felt like I was … (10 comments)

realtor: Gorgeous Home in Popular Lakepointe - 04/11/08 11:36 AM

    
LACEY HOME FOR SALE 
This immaculate 3BR/2BA house is the perfect place to call home. The master bedroom is on the opposite side of the home from the other two bedrooms for privacy, and the open floor plan makes for comfortable living. This home comes with a washer, dryer and refrigerator and it's move-in ready. The kitchen has been updated with new stainless steel appliances, granite tile counter tops, tumbled stone tile back splash and new Pergo flooring. The patio has been tiled and the covered gazebo is perfect for back yard entertaining. The yard also features a storage shed and a … (0 comments)

realtor: Thurston County Market Details - 04/10/08 12:09 PM

On the front page of last Sunday's edition of "The Olympian" newspaper was the following article about the recent drop in Thurston County's home sale prices. According to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, March 2008 home sale prices have dropped 1.7% in Thurston County compared March 2007.
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a very minor drop in prices, occurring after years of continual price expansion. An adjustment of this dimension is the smallest of any county in Washington. Except for Grant County, every county in Washington showed higher home value depreciation in March; several in the double digits.
Another thing to take a look at are the home values as … (2 comments)

realtor: Make a Difference - 02/20/08 09:56 AM

 
You, too can feel this great!
Have you done your good deed for the day yet?
Join me and the other volunteers for the American Cancer Society in our efforts to help fight cancer. Continuous research is making it possible to find new cancer drugs, therapies and discoveries that may save the life of someone dear to you.
I and my team mates will be walking at the annual Thurston County Relay for Life event as the culmination of our fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society.
This is how you can make a difference:
Donate to the cause and help me reach my fundraising goal. Every dollar makes … (2 comments)

realtor: An Intimate Relationship - 12/05/07 10:10 AM

I'm a fairly private individual. It took me years to finally get a house cleaner. It was never a money issue, but I had to wrangle hard with the idea of a stranger having access to my home and seeing behind closet doors. There's really only a handful of people with restricted access through my privacy buffer: My cleaning lady Gaby, my doctor, my accountant, my attorney, a hand full of close friends and family.
Although my cleaning lady sees my laundry, she doesn't see me naked. My doctor has seen me naked, but doesn't know my last will and testament. My attorney knows how … (33 comments)

realtor: Dishonesty or Coincidence? - 07/25/07 10:55 AM
 
How strange that a property that has been on the market for over 50 days without a single price reduction just happens to get another offer coming in the day I'm ready to submit an offer for less than asking price. What are the odds of that happening more than once?
As Realtors we have a primary obligation to protect and promote the interests of our clients, but we are also obligated to treat all parties honestly.
I'm obligated to counsel my buyers that the listing agent is presenting a second offer. My buyers are just as apt to wonder about such a … (10 comments)

 
Sandy Nelson, your Olympia area Realtor (Riley Jackson Real Estate Inc.)

Sandy Nelson

your Olympia area Realtor

Olympia, WA

More about me…

Riley Jackson Real Estate Inc.

Address: 2415 Evergreen Park Dr., Olympia, WA, 98502

Office: (360) 789-7505

Mobile: (360) 789-7505

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