sandy nelson: 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)
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sandy nelson: 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)
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sandy nelson: Vacation Home Exchange
- 03/21/08 11:00 AM
No, this article is not about exchanging homes with other people for vacation purposes, like in the movie "The Holiday". That's for a future blog.
This is about how to claim your vacation home in a 1031 tax exchange.
The IRS allows you to put off paying capital gains tax on the sale of investment properties by exchanging them for properties of equal or more value.
Until recently the rules were a ambiguous in regard to vacation homes.
Starting in March 2008, an exchange residence used for rental income at least 14 days a year, can be used by the owner for personal use 14 days a year, or … (2 comments)
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sandy nelson: Seattle Ranked Among Cleanest US Cities
- 03/18/08 04:24 PM
Forbes Magazine's annual ranking of the cleanest US cities, named Seattle as the second cleanest US city for 2008, following right behind Miami.
http://www.forbes.com/logistics/2008/03/17/miami-seattle-orlando-biz-logistics-cx_tvr_0317cleanest_slide.html
In addition to using air pollution and ozone data from the American Lung Association for the 49 major metro areas with populations exceeding 1 million, the water quality and per-capita spending on Superfund site cleanup and solid-waste management was also figured into the measurement. Incidentally, Seattle spends more per capita on waste management than any major city.
Blessed with weather patterns that push out smog, Seattle's clean air is a result of the nearby Pacific Ocean, the Cascade Mountains and … (15 comments)
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sandy nelson: Thurston County Inventory Absorption Rate
- 03/18/08 03:31 PM
GOOD NEWS FOR THE THURSTON COUNTY HOME MARKET!
Inventory of active listings is at a recent record low at 1626 active listings on March 16th, 2008, versus 2052 active listings on November 10th, 2007. At the same time the amount of average sales per month over the past 12 months has gone up from 336 average sales per month in November to 378 average sales per month in March.
What do these statistics mean? A standing inventory of greater than four months generally indicates a buyer's market. Inventory of less than three months typically indicates a seller's market. The trend shows that we're approaching … (7 comments)
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sandy nelson: Northwest Landing or Dupont?
- 03/16/08 10:36 AM
To many people the two terms "Northwest Landing" and "Dupont" are confusing, as they are freely interchanged. Why then are there two names?
Here's a little history on the two communities which have essentially become one:
The quaint city of Dupont started as a company town with over one hundred houses, a butcher shop and a hotel, built by explosives manufacturer E.I du Pont de Nemours Co. in 1906. The residents were allowed to purchase their homes in 1951, at which time the city was incorporated. The City of Dupont is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Weyerhauser lumber company purchased the area … (0 comments)
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sandy nelson: Every Home Tells a Story
- 03/03/08 08:36 AM
Although we might not always meet the home sellers or occupants when we show a home, we can still learn a lot about the lives they lead. Not so long ago I showed a house that was listed as a "fixer". As we approached we could see graffiti sprayed on the exterior wall. Inside we were greeted by dated, peeling wallpaper, a musty smell and shocked by an extremely filthy kitchen and bathroom. The dilapidated furniture were from the 60s and throughout the home were containers with faded dusty plastic flowers. Upon a closer look I discovered an old photograph of a handsome soldier during WWII on the wall, with a black armband draped over … (12 comments)
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sandy nelson: New German Resource
- 03/03/08 08:06 AM
Olympia's first German Club.
The club offers a chance to meet other Germans and to stay fluent in the language, as well as in what's going on in Germany.
The website: http://www.germanclubolympia.com/ offers a resource guide with helpful links to German television programs, radio stations, webcams, recipes, shopping and much more.
Much labor has gone into making this organization a reality and much more effort is in the works at offering a rich cultural program for the members and the local community.
Visit our website and come back often.
Sandy
Sandy NelsonRealtor for Olympia area real estatewww.sandynelsonrealestate.com
… (3 comments)
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sandy nelson: This Stinks
- 02/21/08 10:14 AM
When I first heard the creator of a new website, called "rottenneighbor.com", speak about his new concept at a news interview, I thought that perhaps his idea had merit. He's just a young guy from California who wants home buyers to be able to have a place to check out the potential neighbors before taking the step of buying a home and then possibly being stuck with a loud, messy or obnoxious neighbor.
Home buyers can check school performance, the sex offender registry and home values, why not their neighbors?
Well...here's the thing about human nature: It's riddled with ugly vices, such as envy, prejudice, jealousy, spitefulness … (12 comments)
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sandy nelson: 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)
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sandy nelson: It's Easy being Green
- 02/13/08 10:14 AM
With "green" I don't mean being envious, or the US Dollar, although going green does have something to do with saving money. As most people know, "living green" means to be environmentally conscious, and what better place to start making green choices than at right at home. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 21 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from household energy use. Using less energy and water will consequently help you save your "green-backs".
Consider these five simple options:
1. Re-use and Recycle
Separate your trash into waste and recyclables. Re-use as much as possible and be conscious about purchasing recycled products. … (4 comments)
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sandy nelson: New Listing in Chehalis
- 01/26/08 11:45 AM
Get away from it all in the privacy of this tasteful home on ample elevated acreage. You'll love the comfortable lay-out of this immaculate 3 Br/2Ba home. Wood floors, new carpets, 9-foot ceilings and new paint are just a few of the amenities of this incredible rambler. Enjoy the picturesque views from the large back-yard deck. In addition to these wonderful features, the property also comes with an enormous 36'X48' 4 bay shop, with cozy radiant heat flooring. Hurry, this gem won't last long!
Find more Information at http://www.sandynelsonrealestate.com/Olympia_WA_listings/AA9D2138-BD94-D12A-21E72165F0B54C8B.shtml
Sandy NelsonRealtor for Olympia area real estatewww.sandynelsonrealestate.com
… (4 comments)
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sandy nelson: Ride the Dash, your free downtown bus.
- 01/10/08 10:12 AM
One of the great, but little known amenities the city of Olympia offers, is the free downtown shuttle service called the Dash. The buses are easily recognized by their cool, colorful designs. The Dash service is quick, easy and free. You simply hop aboard and let it take you to your downtown destination. The shuttle operates weekdays every 12 minutes from 6:45am until 7:15pm. Parking is available at both ends of the shuttle run, at the Olympia Farmers Market and at the Capitol Visitor parking lot at Wheeler Ave. You can park for free for the first two hours and then just pay 50 cents an … (4 comments)
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sandy nelson: More Troops for Ft. Lewis
- 01/04/08 11:40 AM
By 2013 Ft. Lewis will see an increase of about 2000 additional military service members and about 5000 additional civilian personnel. With accompanying family members, those numbers could mean an influx of 15,000-20,000 people moving into the South Sound area. In terms of impact, it's the population of a small town. A growth of this magnitude will affect the nearby communities in regards to housing, jobs and schools. Washington Senator Patty Muray promised to work on helping the surrounding communities to handle the growth. Although the Army plans to take over 500 housing units from adjacent McChord Air Force Base, the … (13 comments)
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sandy nelson: 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)
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sandy nelson: Leavenworth, WA - Almost like Germany
- 11/29/07 07:46 AM
All the years I have lived here in Washington, I have never made it to the town of Leavenworth - until now.
Leavenworth is a small mountain resort town 2 hours east of Seattle. The town is modeled after a Bavarian village theme. When people learn that I'm German, they invariably ask if I've ever been to Leavenworth and then proceed to rave " It's just like Germany there". The reason I never had a desire to take the drive to Leavenworth was my fear that I would just be too repulsed by the "Kitsch" (cheap imitation) effect.
Well, I finally took the plunge … (13 comments)
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sandy nelson: The Agent Bonus Lure
- 11/26/07 04:21 PM
In the current buyer's market I more frequently come upon listings that offer a selling bonus for the agent who brings an acceptable offer. Now what does that imply about real estate agents???
It implies that, motivated by extra money, agents will bring buyers to a listing they might otherwise not have shown. Additionally, since the bonus only applies to an accepted offer, agents might actually put influence on their buyers.
Here is where it could get really ugly: Tasked by relocating buyers to put together a tour of homes, an agent might purposely arrange the tour to include homes that are all lacking compared to the … (63 comments)
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sandy nelson: Washington State Landlord Requirements
- 11/21/07 10:02 AM
Did you know that the Washington State Legislature has enacted a law that requires landlords to notify their tenants about mold?
http://www.leg.wa.gov/pub/billinfo/2005-06/Htm/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5049.E.htm
The best way for landlords to fulfill this obligation is to include the Washington State Department of Heath's brochure on mold when handing over the keys. Just to be on the cautious side, have your tenants initial on the lease that they have received the pamphlet.
For additional information on this requirement visit http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/IAQ/mold-notification.htm
Sandy NelsonRealtor for Olympia area real estatewww.sandynelsonrealestate.com
… (9 comments)
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sandy nelson: Yucky Weather? South Sound Guide to Fun Indoor Destinations for Kids
- 11/21/07 09:47 AM
With the weather getting colder and wetter, it's increasingly difficult to get the kids out of the house and active. To prevent cabin fever and for a way to spend quality time with the kids, I've compiled a local guide of fun destinations.
Take a Trip to Westfield Shopping Center
"Kids, we're going to the mall!" (No, you're not being schlepped around the house-ware isles at JC Penney)
The Olympia mall offers several cool destinations for families of all ages:
Play an exciting game of "glow in the dark" miniature golf at Glowgolf, located in the old Mervins store. http://www.opryglowgolf.com/
Create your own unique Teddy Bear at the enchanted Bear … (8 comments)
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sandy nelson: Burdensome Impact Fees
- 11/16/07 11:47 AM
Those pesky impact fees many cities charge for developing a new property are adding up to be quite a large chunk of change. The motivation behind charging impact fees is to recover the cost of added strain of the development on the public facilities, such as schools, roads, parks etc.
The city of Olympia is authorized to charge impact fees under the Growth Management Act. The way these fees are calculated is a vague formula based on rate studies. The high cost of impact fees is driving up the price of new construction homes, making it even more difficult for first time home buyers, … (2 comments)
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