Things market-wise are continuing to get better in our area. We’ve had a 3% increase in home sales in Western WA. Our own Mason County is still not showing as much increase as some of our more popular counties, but we are doing better.
My attention is on the job situation. Until unemployed people start going back to work, and others feel more confident about keeping their jobs, our real economy will not be where we need it to be. I don’t care how high the DOW goes, and I care less about the GDP. These indicators are not measuring the real economy.
Our real economy rests in the people, and their well being, not in the paper, or financial economy. We ought to be measuring the way we are stewarding and using our resources, our goods and services. Our resources include the people of this country. We are not just “consumers” as some seem to think. We are the basis of the real economy of our country, along with other resources such as timber, good soil for growing things, water, etc.
Too often people focus on the paper economy, and watch the DOW go up and down, and ignore the real stuff of our economy. We real estate agents have a saying: underneath all is the land. We need to be more down to earth about the economy again, and less focused on how well the “investor class” is doing, and more focused on the real economy.
As I look at things like more good paying jobs, educational opportunities, affordable health care, availability of affordable housing, and the general confidence of every day people, I am looking at the condition of our real economy. When the real economy is good, then we real estate professionals are happy indeed.
Tags: economy, educational, health care, jobs, paper, real economy
If you are planning to visit Mason County, here are some of the upcoming events you can catch while you are here:
- July 9: Music in the Park at 7 pm. You will find this park near the Post Office in Shelton. Can’t miss it!
- July 11-12: Nisqually Kennel Club AKC dog show. This event is at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
- July 18-19: Allyn Days Salmon Bake and Festival starts at 10 am. Allyn Waterfront Park.
- July 24-26: Mason County Fair and Rodeo at the Fairgrounds. NPRA Rodeo at 6 pm Saturday and 1 pm on Sunday. Fairgrounds museum will be open all weekend.
- July 25: Grapeview Water Festival and Art Show, Fair Harbor Marina.
- July 26: Shelton Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Kneeland Park.
- August 6: Music in the Park, 7 pm. Near Post Office in Shelton.
- August 7-9: Kapowsin Air Sports Leap for Lupus events at Sanderson Field.
- August 8: American Truck Historical Society’s annual truck show at the Mason County Fairgrounds. Includes Log Truck Driving competition.
- August 8: Taste of Hood Canal at Clifton Lane in Belfair. From 10 am to 6 pm.
- August 15: Summerfest, wellness fair, and open house at the Harmoney Wellness Center in Union.
- August 15-16: Hood Canal Salmon Derby in Hoodsport and West Shore.
- August 16: Tahuya Community Salmon Bake, 1 to 5 pm at the Fire Hall.
- August 22-23: RAPSody Ride. Bicyclists stop at Shelton on two-day ride around Puget Sound.
- August 28-30: Old-time Fiddlers concerts and camp-out at the Mason County Fairgrounds.
You can’t miss the visitor’s center in Shelton. It is located in the red caboose on Railroad Avenue between Second and Third Streets. There is more visitor information in the Chamber of Commerce building across the street, too. There are also visitor centers in Belfair, Hoodsport and Kamilche. All are easy to find.
There are lots of vacation lodgings in the county. You can bring your RV or tent, or stay in a luxury resort. There are several public camp grounds. Most of the campgrounds have tables and stoves. Or you can come and simply have a picnic!
Stay into the evening and take in a couple of movies at the Shelton Skyline Drive-in Theater. We love this drive-in theater, and you will, too. The movies start at dusk. The locals will get there in time to get the best places. The children who come with their parents love to play on the big field in front of the screen until the movie starts.
There are some good places to eat, too. From fancy restaurants serving fresh seafood, to the fast food places sprinkled here and there. While you are visiting you can take time to visit one of the casinos in the area, The Lucky Dog, or the Little Creek.
Most of the time our weather is rather moderate compared to other places. This year we are enjoying a very sunny summer. If you are staying for a while, you may want to make a visit to the local libraries. They are fantastic libraries.
Mason county has tracks for all sorts of vehicles, and trails for everyone from wheelchair users to advanced climbers. Many visitors come to our area to take advantage of the diverse terrain — from shoreline to mountain peaks. There are horseback riders, people on all terrain vehicles, bikes, or motorcycles, or runners, hikers, climbers, or — like me — walkers. You can do some “birding” while you are here, too. And of course, there is lots of fishing, and shellfish gathering. And some hunting, too. And don’t forget the watersports!
Anyway, come on over to Mason County and visit us. If you like this region, maybe you’ll want to stay. Contact me at Shelton Land & Homes, LLc, and I’ll find you just the right place!
keddak@sheltonlandandhomes.com
Tags: Mason County, resort, shelton, vacation, visitors
First thing on my mind today is that the Fourth of July is coming. That means lots of fireworks are getting purchased, and already we hear the occasional bang, pop, and sizzle. Not all of these fireworks are sane or safe, and in fact many are probably insane. The good thing is that most of these fireworks will be set off over our many lakes, or over the many inlets of Hood Canal.
We can watch some amazing Fourth of July fireworks displays without leaving our own home, because we live very close to one of the lakes. The Squaxim and Skokomish people will make a good profit on the sale of fireworks, as they do each year, and that’s good for our economy. The various police departments get a good work out tracking down and trying to discourage the illegal fireworks, but some of these things always get used. It is pretty much a pattern that repeats itself every year. There are good regulations in place, you can read them here.
See a rather irreverent report on an attack on Fourth of July fireworks display here.
We have a new puppy, so I plan to stay home, and keep him with me in the house for most of the Fourth of July weekend. Fireworks can be very distressing for animals. I usually wonder if our birds and water fowl will stick around, or leave us for a while. There will probably be the usual posting of flyers with the faces of missing pets after the weekend of noise. For more on keeping your pet safe see this short article here.
In other news, our office phones seem much too quiet for July. It makes for long days when it is my turn to babysit the phones, and wait for any walk-ins to decide to come in and see what we have in the way of listings. We are working harder than ever on our listings, by the way, marketing them. I just hate it when a listing lingers over long before getting sold.
We are understandably upset at the disappearance of a 10 year old girl in the McCleary area. She went missing just a short distance from her home in a small town where children have been able to walk to each others’ homes with no worries. Now fear has hit this small town, and we are all praying this child will be found safe, and returned to her home.
I am watching our representatives in Washington DC, the other Washington, struggle with Health Care. As a real estate professional who serves in a lower income area, I really want a public option for Health Care. It is nearly impossible to afford Health Care Insurance these days, and anything that helps to bring those costs down is the right thing for me! I just hate the way the so-called “blue dog” democrats are in the pockets of special interests money, just like their republican counterparts. It is very frustrating to think that after all of this struggle, we’ll be stuck with the status quo. In other words, with insurance companies saying, “trust us,” and then we can watch our insurance premiums keep going up and up.
Several of us in our office are seeking to update our knowledge on Washington State’ plan for helping people buy their first homes. There is a down payment assistance program that we need to understand better. You can read about it at the Washington State web site for the Housing Finance Commission. Right now many of our buyers are taking advantage of USDA loans to purchase their homes, but it would be good to let some of our lower income buyers know more about what is available for them from our state.
Our weather has been outstanding for the month of June. We had nearly of month of beautiful sunny days. It has truly been remarkable. Now on this first day of July, we are having another gorgeous sunny day. Not too hot, but just right. Amazing! I have to look at the map and see if I’m still in Western Washington, the evergreen land of rain!
Tags: fireworks, fourth of july, health care, regulations
This home is one of our new listings. It is perfect for life in Mason County. It is located in what we call the Agate area, and is in an area that is still forested. The manufactured home is custom installed to protect and extend its life. It is placed on a full slab (not runners) with poured concrete stem walls to keep out vermin and weather. Additional concrete walkways, parking pad in front of garage, and large covered patio are also provided. You can see more about his home at the Internet Flyer on our companion web site for this blog.
The property is part of the Bayview Homeowners’ Association. This Association encompasses the one mile road of E. Bayview Drive and the half-mile of E. Oakland Bay drive. The property includes ownership of the portion of the road in front, and requires payment for road maintenance fees (~$75/year). The benefit of belonging to this Association is that the majority of homes are occupied by original owner/builders, and this is a very settled neighborhood. All the properties within the Association are at least one acre in size, and the area is zoned 5-acre residential. Power and phone are underground.
Close to both major highways (highway 101 and state route 3) the home is only a short drive away from the larger cities of Olympia and Bremerton. It is minutes to the town of Shelton for shopping, restaurants, library, etc. Or head the other way and go to Belfair. There are many good fishing lakes and salt water coves almost “next door.” The Shelton Yacht Club is not far, and has a comfortable clubhouse and haul-out facility.
There are lots of activities in Mason County, and many active Clubs: Amateur Radio Club, Book Clubs, Friends of the Library, several Car Clubs, Mason County Concert Association, Geneological Society, Historical Society, Peninsula Art Association, Square Dance, Sweet Adaline’s, two Theatre Clubs, two Horsemen’s Clubs, Good Sams RV Club, Nimrod Club, Shelton Rock and Mineral Society, Antique Tractor Club, Shelton Rifle and Pistol Club, and others.
There are several golf courses in the county, and Bayshore Golf Club is within 5 miles. There is also a private airport in Shelton and a full service hospital with emergency room (within 15 minutes of the property). There are good schools, and an active Senior Center. Regular bus service is available throughout Mason County, with a Dial-a-Ride service. Bus rides within Mason County are FREE!
Today the weather has cooled down, and there is a fresh breeze, well I guess I better call it a wind, blowing. We are supposed to stay in the low 70’s today. As someone who was born and raised right here in Western Washington, I don’t like it if it gets too hot around here. When we get to the high 70’s and beyond, I’m not a happy camper, and tend to want to just hide from the heat. I have no idea how people can live in places that get really hot. We have a rather temperate climate, and that’s the way I like it!
Tags: clubs, forested, home, Mason County
Yesterday HUD announced:
Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration’s new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. … Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate.
At first glance I got real excited, thinking that my clients would be able to use the $8000 tax credit from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 up front for their down payments. Then I had to really read what was being said, and realized that this is not the case. While the HUD arrangement allows people to use the $8000 up front when getting an FHA loan, it cannot be used toward the 3.5% required down payment.
You can use the $8000 for closing costs, for down payments that are over the 3.5% required down payment, or to buy down points on your loan, to lower the interest rate. In other words, we are left with the situation where clients have to have that 3.5% down payment, and for many these days it is really difficult to come up with that much cash.
The way it works is that the lender does a “bridge loan” so the person can use that tax credit right away. In our area this might be helpful when someone wants to purchase a manufactured home, as we cannot use USDA loans (with their -0- down payment) on them. However, it would be just as easy for the purchaser to file a revised 2008 tax return, and get that $8000 in a couple of weeks. See my article on the $8000 tax credit for more info. (Talk to your tax preparer to find out more about this solution).
We have been enjoying some beautiful sunny weather the last few days. Today the sun is shining and the skies are blue. We have the office doors open, and it feels so fresh inside. The grass, bushes and trees are still wearing there freshest green colors. Of course, there is the noise from the busy street (highway 3) outside our doors. We expect to reach 76 degrees today. However, when the temperature starts to get close to 80 degrees, I start to get too warm! I can’t imagine living somewhere where the temperatures climb up over 100!
In our local news today I noticed that the Timberland Library system has voted to start charging overdue fines. Oh, oh… I’m going to have to pay attention now. Most of the time I get my borrowed books back before they are due, but every now and then I miss by a day or two. I’ve gotten rather casual about it, because there is no fine. At least I have until October to change my behavior, and make sure I get all my books back on time.
The Hood Canal bridge, closed for repairs, is expected to be opened sooner than expected. Evidently the good weather we have been enjoying has made a big difference in being able to get the project finished. This is good news for me because our family reunion is coming up soon, and we often take the bridge route to return home from Fort Flagler.
Lenders are having a harder time putting together loans for purchasing homes. The craziness of the credit card companies has damaged a lot of credit scores for people. You see, when the credit card company lowers the limits on what you can borrow, suddenly you have a higher “debt to what you can borrow” ratio and your credit score is going down. When the same credit card company raises your interest rates, so your payments are higher, you may find it harder to keep up on the payments, and even pay late — drop that credit score some more, and find your rates going higher.
Somehow over time we have become so dependent on credit scores (as well as credit cards). If you don’t have any credit cards — you probably won’t have a credit score either. So you have to get a credit card to establish credit. The bank issuing that card is going to be making some easy money. First they charge a fee to every store or company that sells stuff using their credit cards, then they charge the holder of the credit card interest for the “loan” because you used the card. Then there are often other fees, like annual fees, that get added on, too. When you think about it, banks rake in money hand over fist with these plastic cards. Now I understand that they have 9 months before the latest regulations kick in to do as much damage as they can — collect as much money as they can — before the regulations are enforced. They are even hinting at some punitive measures coming in the future because we dared to want to regulate them — higher fees, harder to get cards, etc.
I keep going back in my mind to the Christmas movie we see every year: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” If only we had managed to keep from giving in to the big “Mr. Potter” banks, and had been able to stay true to the small local community banks of “George Bailey” — a bank where the owners cared about the town, and the people in the town, and had a care for the country, too. As George said about his father:
But he did help a few people get out of your slums, Mr. Potter, and what’s wrong with that? Why - here, you’re all businessmen here. Doesn’t it make them better citizens? Doesn’t it make them better customers? You - you said - what’d you say a minute ago? They had to wait and save their money before they even ought to think of a decent home. Wait? Wait for what? Until their children grow up and leave them? Until they’re so old and broken down that they… Do you know how long it takes a working man to save five thousand dollars? Just remember this, Mr. Potter, that this rabble you’re talking about… they do most of the working and paying and living and dying in this community. Well, is it too much to have them work and pay and live and die in a couple of decent rooms and a bath? Anyway, my father didn’t think so. People were human beings to him. But to you, a warped, frustrated old man, they’re cattle. Well, in my book he died a much richer man than you’ll ever be.
The big banks of today do see people as “cattle” or at least as ID numbers in the books, and as useful only for profit. In the movie we get to witness the results of the two different banking styles, and I admit to preferring the Bailey style over the Potter style 100%. In the Bailey world the bankers know the people who come into their banks asking for a loan. The bankers know their character, know what they do for a living, know whether or not they are too risky to get a loan. In the Potter world the bankers don’t know the people at all, and don’t want to know them. It is all credit scores to them. It is all a matter of making a profit, and no concern for community, town, or country. What matters is the bottom line; putting more money into the pockets of investors.
And today we are seeing the results of giving in to the Mr. Potters of the world. Sadly, I don’t think that, like George Bailey, we get to wake up and find out it was all just a bad dream.
Tags: card, community, credit, george bailey, lenders, loans, mr. Potter, scores
Today is a somber day. I listened to both the president’s speech, and to the former vp’s speech on national security. As I listened to Obama I remembered what he said at Notre Dame when he spoke of the lighthouse and the crossroads. I believe that Obama was pointing out that as a nation we can serve as a lighthouse to other nations by clinging to our principles, even when it is hard. He pointed out that because we are a nation that is under the rule of law:
But I believe with every fiber of my being that in the long run we also cannot keep this country safe unless we enlist the power of our most fundamental values. The documents that we hold in this very hall - the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights -are not simply words written into aging parchment. They are the foundation of liberty and justice in this country, and a light that shines for all who seek freedom, fairness, equality and dignity in the world. … From Europe to the Pacific, we have been a nation that has shut down torture chambers and replaced tyranny with the rule of law. That is who we are. And where terrorists offer only the injustice of disorder and destruction, America must demonstrate that our values and institutions are more resilient than a hateful ideology….
With this speech I believe that this president has repudiated the actions of the administration that went before, and is now making a correction so that we as a nation can get back to being the “light that shines for all. ”
When I listened to our former vp, I was saddened. His speech consisted of numerous defenses and excuses for why the previous administration did what they did. I didn’t like the name calling, and needless personal attacks. I believed it was only fair to listen to this speech, but I had to force myself to keep listening. Cheney continued to defend the use of torture. From what he said I have to conclude that for him our rule of laws, and our constitution, can be shoved aside and ignored whenever a leader feels like it. If this is the case, then we cease to be the United States of America and become just like other nations around us, and no better. Maybe that is good enough for him, but it is not good enough for the rest of us. We are proud of our constitution, and proud of the checks and balances of government.
As I listened to these back-to-back speeches it hit me… we are at a crossroads as a nation when we are choosing the nation we will be in the years to come. Either we will restore our principles to their rightful place and continue as a nation of laws, or we will be degraded into a nation that follows the whims of the leaders who happen to be in power at the time. Either we will defend human rights and the dignity of persons, or we will become those who abuse human rights, and abuse those who are under our care. Either we torture, or we do not.
Over the next few years we as a nation will decide who we are, and how we are to act in this world. May we choose wisely!
Tags: cheney, crossroads, obama, speech
We get questions about the $8000 tax credit all the time. Here is a very brief summary on how it works:
- The law allows a tax credit up to $8000 for a qualified first time home buyer. You are a “first time” home buyer if you haven’t owned your own home in three years. You must be buying a home that you plan to live in as your primary residence.
- Any home that can be used as a primary residence will qualify for the tax credit. So you could buy a “stick built” house, a manufactured home, or a modular home. I’ve even heard that you could buy a “park model” home, if you plan to live in it, and get the tax credit. You would want to check that one out.
- The tax credit is refundable. This means you can claim the credit even if you have little or no federal income tax liability to offset. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes on taxes.
- Since this is a “credit” you don’t have to repay it. (Unlike the $7500 the interest-free loan of the previous bill).
- There are income limits. If you are single the limit is $75,000; married it is $150,000. If you make over these amounts the credit is reduced proportionally. You have to talk with a professional tax consultant for a fuller explanation of all parts of this tax credit. What I am giving you is a brief summary.
- You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return.
- “Nonresident aliens” (an IRS definition) can also claim the tax credit as long as you meet the income limits, etc.
- You can treat your 2009 home purchases as if you bought the home in December of 2008. In other words, you can claim the credit sooner by using your tax filing for 2008. Talk to your tax preparer to find out how this works.
Disclaimer: Although I believe the above is accurate information, it is your responsibility to verify your eligibility, and the terms and details of the Housing Tax Credit.
Other news: Right now, if you plan to rebuild, put on an addition, or remodel your home in the city of Shelton you are required to put in sidewalks, curbs and gutters along the street at the same time. The added costs of doing these required projects have generated a lot of complaints from people. The Shelton City Commission is considering what to do about the complaints, and there is a possibility that the language will change so that ordinary citizens who simply want to do a simple remodel will be able to do so without having to put in the sidewalks, etc. We are watching to see the outcome of the Commissions deliberations.
While the jobless rates in Washington State are not any worse than they were last month, they are not any better, either. I have a friend who has been applying for one job after another for over a year now, and is still looking, so this situation hits home with me. Also, any of us in the real estate profession know that if people are worrying about their jobs, they are not out buying houses! We are looking toward the day when people start going back to work again, instead of hearing of more people losing jobs.
Tags: first time buyers, news, tax credit
First, the Seattle Mariners are really struggling lately. They just lost another game today, 2 - 3 against the Rangers. Felix gave a great performance. We lost the game in the last innings, when Brandow Morrow couldn’t hold back the Rangers. After a brilliant start to the season that was filling fans with hope, the team is now losing games. Wakamatsu needs to find the formula for winning again. On a lighter note you can go to the official web site and watch commercials for the team and vote for your favorite.
We are staying free of the H1N1 flu in Mason County, but warned to “stay vigilant. ” Lots more hand washing going on in our office. When you have visitors coming and going, it is good to remember the simple basics of good hygiene.
The news last night on local TV was about finding treasure in Puget Sound. This news caught my attention because living in Mason County means living near miles and miles of salt waterfront, and up toward Hoodsport is Mike’s Diving School. When driving up in that area you will often see people coming or going in their wet suits. Puget Sound and Hood Canal are very popular with divers. I found an article on the “Treasure” on the KOMO web site.
Has anyone else noticed that people are beginning to express more confidence in the economy lately? I hope this trend continues. Those of us in real estate know that people need to feel confident if they are going to make one of the biggest decisions in their lives, and buy a home. No one is expecting a quick fix of the economy, but it is good to know that at least there is this growing sense that we are on the right track.
I listened to the president talk about getting some regulations in place on credit card companies. I bet he is going to get fierce resistance. Credit card companies have us over the barrel. You have to have a credit card if you are going to establish good credit, and if you want to stay in a hotel, reserve a flight, rent a car, buy anything over the Internet, or do any number of things. Somehow we’ve reached that place where we simply have to have at least one card to function in society. Then the companies can do whatever they want in regard to that card so they can start raking in the money — piles and piles of it– straight out of our pockets with fees and higher interest rates. The companies are also fouling up credit scores by lowering credit limits. This is very frustrating to those trying to get a loan. I have no confidence that these companies will give up this easy money easily.
Does anyone else think it is weird that we have to consider the profits of Insurance companies, and make sure they still get to keep making those profits, when we seek to reform health care? I don’t know about you but I pay hundreds of dollars a month just to have a catastrophic health care policy. You know, the kind where you have this huge deductible, large co-pays, and no prescription drug coverage. Almost makes me want to get seriously ill just so I can get some of the thousands and thousands of dollars I have given to the Insurance company back again. I don’t like the idea of this Investor Class that gets in between me and my doctor all the time either. I have to go to the doctors on their list, and also I have to get their permission if I need to see a specialist for anything. Once they get “their” money, they don’t like paying out for actual medical care. I can hardly wait until I’m old enough for Medicare. And then there’s that ad against health care reform that warns us that we don’t want to have government bureaucrats in between us and our doctors. What nonsense. Those on Medicare (a government program) have a better choice of doctors than I do, and my Insurance bureaucrats get in between me and my medical all the time. The other thing I never liked was getting my health care through my employer. That meant I was tied to my employer like the serfs of old were tied to their landlords. If you wanted to leave, you would lose your health care, and maybe not get it at the next place. Phooey on that!
From listening to Republicans and Democrats lately, I am getting this picture of what sides they are on:
- Republicans = the individual and his money (especially big corporate money)
- Democrats = the common good; we are in this together
In the real estate world there is not much news in our area. We still have too many foreclosures in the area, and a concern that banks are holding some back that are going to come flooding out at us at any moment. The ratio of active to pending listings was 10-1 for the month of April. Still not very good. Back in April of 2006 agents sold 103 homes in Mason County; this year agents sold only 48 homes. Sales are down 19% in Mason County. It is worse in some other areas. For example, I wouldn’t want to be a real estate agent in San Juan county lately. The decrease in sales there was 56%. You can see a complete Market Report on our Broker’s web site. He does a report every month, and it is very helpful.
Tags: credit card, economy, health care, mariners, Mason County
