sandy nelson: Buy a House - Get a Visa
- 10/22/11 12:49 PM
A bipartisan team of Senators, Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are proposing a new immigration bill that would allow private foreign real estate investment in exchange for a US visa.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203752604576641421449460968.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird
Foreigners would have to invest at least $500,000 in residential real estate and would have to live in the US for at least 6 months out of the year in order to qualify for a residency visa. This is not a work visa, and therefore would likely attract wealthy foreigners.
According to the National Association of Realtors, foreign investment in US residential real estate is currently only … (1 comments)
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sandy nelson: Pizza has arrived in Olympia
- 10/17/11 04:56 AM
I first went to La Gitana Pizzeria in Yelm a few months ago. I’ve heard about their authentic Italian pizza from friends and had to try it out.
I was surprised at how busy the restaurant was, especially considering that the prices were a bit steep for Yelm. The pizza was definitely worth the trip to Yelm, and I told the owner back then that he and his partner should consider opening a restaurant in Olympia.
Imagine my surprise when I went downtown for Arts Walk last week and noticed a La Gitana Restaurant right on Capitol Way. This was only their second … (1 comments)
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sandy nelson: Real Estate Private Transfer Fees - What a Scam!
- 03/12/11 11:10 AM
Once I sell a home, I'd like to get a commission every time the home re-sells (regardless through whom) for the next 99 years.
In my dreams, right?
As crazy as this sounds, that's exactly was has been permitted to occur for some builders who have recorded real estate transfer fees against the properties they sell. In many cases they are slated to receive 1 percent of the sales price every time the home sells for up to 100 years into the future.
A Private Transfer Fee, or PTF can substantially increase the cost for the follow on buyer to purchase a … (4 comments)
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sandy nelson: The Old Tumwater Brewhouse has new owners and new potential
- 11/18/10 12:09 PM
A few days ago I attended a Tumwater Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring a presentation by the new owners of the Old Brew house. Pat Rhodes and George Heidgerken bought part of the Tumwater brewery a few months ago, and together with Ryan Rhodes, the project manager, and Jim Brown, the project architect, spoke about the brewery's history, introduced a progress report, their vision of the old brew house's future and the potential it holds for the community.
If left unchanged, the historic brew house would have run a course of quick deterioration and would have been an irreplaceable loss to the community. As I've … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Olympia - An All America City
- 09/01/10 02:15 PM
I've been asked by newcomers to Olympia, if the signs greeting them when they enter the city are Olympia's slogan. You would really have to slow down and take a closer look to see that these welcome signs have a date on them and do not say "All American", like many people believe, but "All America".
The title "All-America City" is an award given annually to ten US cities by The National Civic League, to recognize communities for outstanding civic accomplishments. To win, each city must demonstrate innovation, inclusiveness, civic engagement, and cross sector collaboration. http://www.allamericacityaward.com/about/
Olympia has received the award for … (0 comments)
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sandy nelson: Increase of Distressed Homes in South Puget Sound Real Estate Market.
- 08/28/10 07:52 AM
Distressed homes aren't necessary dilapidated homes. They may look just like your house, or be brand new. Distressed homes are homes that have either been foreclosed upon and are returned to the market with the banks as the sellers, or they are "short sales", listings that are being offered for sale by their current owners for less than what they owe to the banks. Sometimes these homes are in less than desirable shape, but can be a real bargain for buyers. If there are a lot of distressed homes on the market in your neighborhood, these low sale prices will influence your … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Olympia's Sand in the City 2010
- 08/28/10 07:07 AM
...Tons of Fun
Sand in the City is back in Olympia from 27-29 August at the Port Plaza and surrounding area.
Stop on by to check out the amazing sand sculptures, to enjoy live music, dance performances, food and drink, and activities.
The schedule of fun includes:
Master Sand Sculpting DemoBuild and play in the Giant SandboxMake & Take Activity TentLive Tidepool Touch Tank Face Painting boothsSky-high climbing wall Search for sea shells at Sifting for Sea TreasuresMeet and greet Mini Horses and Donkeys from the Hoofed Animal Rescue of Thurston County Free Books with South … (3 comments)
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sandy nelson: Olympia's Pet Parade
- 08/23/10 12:04 PM
Olympia's annual Pet Parade, which occurs in August has been a favorite local event for over 80 years.
The parade is not only for pets, but also for children under the age of sixteen, who get to dress up and decorate their bicycles, or wagons in a selected theme. The theme for the 2010 parade was Fairy Tales.
Parade entrants are judged in six different categories: Big dogs, small dogs, impersonations, wheels, floats and pets.
It's such a joy to see the care and detail with which the animals, floats and children are adorned. The kids' pride is evident in showing off their … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: The benefits of adding a water feature to your home
- 08/23/10 10:53 AM
Feng Shui literally means "wind" and "water", and in Feng Shui water is associated with prosperity.
Water is an essential element in our lives. It is where life is thought to have originated and it is necessary for survival.
Most people associate water with as abundance, life, luxury and purity.
The sound of water is considered to be tranquil and calming.
Running water releases negative ions into the air, helping create a healthy air quality. It can also drown out nearby noise.
It is no surprise that houses with pools or located near water generally fetch higher resale prices.
If your home is not near water, you can easily capture some of the … (7 comments)
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sandy nelson: Olympia Home offers low-maintenance life style and master on the main.
- 08/12/10 09:18 AM
… (1 comments)
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sandy nelson: Up in the Air, trying to make a difference
- 08/02/10 01:33 PM
I'm always on the look-out for unusual sights and special events in Olympia for my Olympia Uncovered blog. This morning on my way to work on Olympia's West Side, I came across this sight on Black Lake Boulevard.
I did a little bit of googling when I got back to the office and learned that Pastor John from the Evergreen Christian Center is planning on living on this platform, 40 ft. in the air, in an effort to raise money for Project Rescue in India and Africa's Hope. Project Rescue is working on ending sexual slavery. Africa's Hope is helping equip … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Outside Dining in Olympia
- 07/09/10 02:15 PM
al·fres·co /ælˈfrɛskoʊ/ [al-fres-koh] -adverb 1. out-of-doors; in the open air: to dine alfresco.
If you want to enjoy the nice weather and beautiful Olympia sights while going out to eat, there are plenty of restaurants in town to choose from that offer outside dining.
Here are just a few of the local alfresco dining options:
Budd Bay Cafe Anthony's Seafod
Dockside Bistro Anthony's Hearth Fire
Waterstreet Cafe Oyster House
Mercato's Sorrentos
Fishtail Brew Pub The Sidewalk Cafe
The Farmers' Market Pellegrinos
Whether waterfront, sidewalk, or street-side restaurants, outdoor dining lets you enjoy Olympia's vibrant atmosphere.
… (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Discover Olympia's Wall Art (a photo tour)
- 07/09/10 12:09 PM
Our city is adorned with more painted buildings than any other city its size that I've ever been in. The paintings vary from lanscape and nature scenes, to modern art and Italianate wall frescoes. One can hardly go one block in downtown Olympia without getting a glimpse of wall art, and I'm not talking Graffiti. These paintings are vibrant, beautiful and a testament to the talented artists who call Olympia their home.
Sandy NelsonOlympia Realtor®
Our community is important to me. I take pride in … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Options when you're upside-down on your mortgage
- 07/08/10 02:19 PM
Home owners who are upside-down on their mortgage often don't know that there are alternatives to foreclosure. Of all the options available, foreclosure is likely the worst scenario.
There are several reasons mortgages can end up "under water" (meaning the amount of the mortgage exceeds the current home value). Sometimes the home owners take equity out of the home to make other purchases and home values drop, or homes were purchased with no down payment and home values have dropped.
One alternative is to try to hang in there and bid time, while the principle gets paid down and (hopefully) home values go back up.
… (6 comments)
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sandy nelson: Steilacoom, WA - What a neat town!
- 07/08/10 01:25 PM
Steilacoom is a quaint little town on the shores of Puget Sound. From the looks of it you'd think it's a remote village from another era, but it's right near the hustle and bustle of cities like Tacoma and Olympia, and just a few miles from Interstate 5.
Steilacoom happens to be the first incorporated town in the State of Washington (incorporated in 1854)
A few other firsts to boast about are:
The first brick building north of the Columbia River (which was also the first jail in Pierce County) The first Protestant church building The first school in Pierce County … (0 comments)
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sandy nelson: Traffic Circle Masterpiece in Olympia
- 06/26/10 01:34 PM
The city of Olympia recently had a new traffic circle installed at the intersection of Boulevard Rd. and Log Cabin Rd. It commissioned Seattle artist Steve Jensen to carve 12 8-foot tall pillars from naturally fallen old-growth timber. Each pillar has a different design, base on themes of nature. Ten of the pillars are arranged in a circle around the inner perimeter of the roundabout and two pillars are placed near the sidewalk, so pedestrians can get a close-up appreciation of the carvings.
Steve Jenson is a talented artist and at a price of $70,000, the beautiful carvings are not exorbitant, considering there … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: The Olympia Farmers' Market
- 06/19/10 05:06 PM
Did you know that the Olympia Farmers' Market is the second largest farmers' market in the State of Washington, second only after Pike Place Market?
It not only offers local quality organic produce, meats, herbs, clams & oysters, breads & pastries, fresh dairy products, plants and flowers, but also hand crafted gifts, a variety of food concessions and live entertainment. The on-site snow cone stand and the balloon artist are a perennial favorite with kids.
I love the intermingled food aromas of grilled Bavarian sausages, Indian curry and crab cakes. For visitors wanting a respite from the crowds, there is a serene … (4 comments)
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sandy nelson: Slightly odd-ball homes - an asset to a neighborhood?
- 06/19/10 04:39 PM
There's a difference between a home that freakishly sticks out and makes you shake your head every time you drive by, and a whimsical home with a little bit of an attitude. I love the homes with an attitude. The freaks, not so much. I feel really sorry for the neighbors who have to live next to the yellow house with the purple polka dots that looks like it has the measles.
Olympia is a little bit of an eccentric town, a uniqueness that's reflected in some of the local homes.
Sandy NelsonOlympia Realtor®
Our community is important to me. I take pride … (6 comments)
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sandy nelson: "Green" Gardening Tips
- 06/19/10 01:59 PM
Sustainable, "green" landscaping and gardening is not a difficult undertaking. Just a few different approaches, or changes in habit will help preserve our environment.
Shrink your lawn and replace the space with native grasses, trees and bushes instead. This will help conserve water and will require less fertilizing. Think twice before using herbicides. Instead of reaching chemicals to get rid of unwanted weeds cropping up in the driveway or walkway, spray some vinegar, or use boiling water. This will kill weeds just as easily. Leave lawn clippings on your lawn. This will recycle nutrients and will reduce the amount of yard waste … (3 comments)
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sandy nelson: Have we reached the bottom yet?
- 06/19/10 01:40 PM
Have we reached bottom yet? This is the question i hear most from home sellers.
In the South Puget Sound area we didn't have a bubble that burst. What our market experienced was more like a hot air balloon, that after a high light, has steadily descended toward ground. Like all things cyclical, it will rise again, ... and, when reaching a certain stratosphere, will ultimately lower again.
I don't know if it has reached bottom yet, but the decline is clearly leveling off.
We usually only know where the bottom is after we've already hit it and market values show … (2 comments)
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A bipartisan team of Senators, Mike Lee (R-UT) and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) are proposing a new immigration bill that would allow private foreign real estate investment in exchange for a US visa.
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