How far would you go to get the house sold? I have had an interesting week. So far I have picked up a dead bird (handful of feathers) weeding on Windermere Service day last Friday. Then I moved onto dead opossum removal from a listing that was to be shown the next morning, (can't have buyers finding that) It turned that the buyers ended up skipping that house anyway. To this last Sunday I was to find a headless squirrel on the porch of the home I was holding open. This one was the worst of the three. I emboldened myself took a deep breath and tossed the carcass off to the side below the deck. Finished. Or was I? You know I wasn't because I am still typing. My cell rang and I stepped outside for better reception. Then I heard a crunch... crunch. The cat was back. We fought over the dead ... 06/30/2009

There was a Mason County Public Hospital district public meeting last night, June 30, at the Lakeland Village Community Club. The meeting was hosted by the Allyn Community Association. The turnout was nearly standing room only. Officials from Hospital Districts 1 & 2 spoke about their districts and answered questions from the audience.   The main reason for this public meeting was about a proposed redrawing of the District Boundaries. There is a petition going around asking voters within the Allyn, Lakeland and Victor precincts of District 1 to let those living within these boundaries to be withdrawn from District 1 and become apart of District 2.   There was a specified discussion about how this withdrawal would play out.   For example:   First, the petition going around must have 25% ... 06/30/2009

This week in the Puget Sound region we are witnessing record Low Tides. If your asking yourself at this moment "what is a Tide"? Answer is - it is the pull of gravity from the Moon and the Sun that is the primary cause for tides. The effect is the greatest when the Moon and Sun are in a straight line with the Earth--called "syzygy" (sih' zuh gee)--which occurs during a Full Moon, New Moon, and during a Lunar and a Solar Eclypse. Is that not a cool answer? Anyway, the reason for this post is to narrate a tale about my low tide experience yesterday afternoon. I was sitting at my desk looking out over the Northbay of South Puget in Allyn, Washington and admiring the -4.4 low tide. Meanwhile, a good friend of mine stopped by and said "let go out there and get some Goeduck". If your asking y... 06/23/2009

Resting above the tides and below the earth a rock hold the secrets of centuries. Visited in the 1930's and explored by scientists the depth of this rock is undetermined. Many locals know of it's existence. although those new to the area may not have heard of it. The Indian carvings are said to go down as far as the rock itself. Many have thought that it was deposited here from ice age glaciers, although no one really knows. My kids love to visit the rock along the pebbled shore and imagine what children centuries ago did... where did it come form and what does it say. 06/16/2009

Everyone said that having teenagers was challenging. I listened and I knew that it would be different for me... Well I can see the wisdom in my mothers words now. Children have to have the freedom to fail. We all do. Life is full of choices. Some of them bring us great joy and some are regrettable. In learning what life is all about, it is the failing I think that teaches us the most. It is like cheating on a test, if you copy all of the right answers and get a perfect grade did you really learn anything? Or just waste your time? It is in making choices that could have been better, that we find out who we really are, what we really want and the tenacity we posses to achieve it. Value is never really placed on large quantities but rather on quality. The quality in life is learning to foc... 06/15/2009

This Christmas was awesome. We all had it a little tight but we appreciated each other just that much more. We talked about the market, the economy and the potential that some of us in the room did not know if we would have a job this time next year. Some of that has changed. Not only does my sister in law still have her job in Bremerton, she has a new Mustang convertible to go with it. It is good to see that the economy is stabalizing to the point that people are buying. They are loosing the fear and going for it. I look forward to the recovery. There have been lessons learned and I think we are ready to to turn the page. 06/15/2009

Through out the centuries man has gazed up at the moon in wonder. Just 40 years ago we landed on it and now we are talking about living there. It amazes me how fast technology is moving. I am including a link to the NASA site where they are discussing the details involved with building and settling the rocky, dusty surface. There is hope that we will discover ice in the shadowed areas. They say that for over 4 billion years not much has changed, except for a few humans bouncing around from time to time. I wonder if we will get the chance to sell real estate on the moon in our lifetime? If so what do you think the appraisers will use as comps? 06/15/2009

May has shown an increase in pending sales and a reduction in the inventory of homes for sale in LakeLand Village!   Buyers - get your foot in the door before it becomes a sellers' market in LakeLand Village. Let's check out the facts of what's going on..... There are currently 29 homes for sale in LakeLand Village (this is a much better picture than what last year painted for us). This is a "positive" movement for sellers and buyers beware, as this could be a turning point as far as prices go in LakeLand Village and LakeLand's homes for sale inventory!  Looking at the pending sales, there has been quite a bit of activity during the month of May with buyers making offers. They realize this market is a GREAT time to take the plunge into home ownership in LakeLand Village or "move up" in... 06/13/2009

Watermelons have always signaled that summer was finally here for me! I can not think of as family gathering on a hot July day that the kids were not running through the yard with red juicy drops dripping everywhere. The sprinkler swaying back and forth- and forth and back. A dog jumps into the lake to fetch a ball. The clouds tease us with shade and Grandma is busy in the kitchen.  The ladies are all sunning themselves with their favorite magaine while all of the guys encourage the kids to start a game of ball. Isn't summer the sweetest! 06/10/2009

Allyn, Washington - - Our company, Windermere Peninsula Properties, will host a another FREE educational event, this time for 1st Time Home Buyers and anyone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years. "Straight Answers" about the $8,000 Tax Credit.   The Community Workshop will take place in the LakeLand Village Club House, Allyn Washington on Thursday June 18, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   The Workshop speakers providing the "Straight Answers" will include Catherine Wolf, CPA and Pattie Bigford, Washington Financial Group. I will be the Moderator.   Topics to include: What is the $8,000 credit for new homebuyers? Who is eligible? What do I need to know BEFORE trying to buy? Amend your taxes and get your credit this year! Buying vs. renting...$$$ and house payments, tax credits ... 06/10/2009

My Husband often wonders why I love Real Estate so much. I take calls at any time, up early to check my e-mails, up late to blog or post here and there. Dealing with anxious people and at times angry or scared ones. So why is it that I love what I do? It is because I can make a difference. I can be there to listen when they need an ear. Guide them to a particular professional when they have an issue. Be there to recommend fixes and walk them through the buying or selling process. Purchasing my first home was scary. I really did not know wat I was doing and I seemed to fumble through the whole process. Our Agent only called us after closing. Communication was limited. The less we heard the more we worried. I want to be an advocate for my clients. Most people only buy or sell a home a han... 06/06/2009

They say you can't take it when you go. Well, most of the time you can't. Sellers often times have valuable information that could really help the new home owner out. From local plumbers and dentists to auto repair shops and pizza places- they have lived in the home and generally have a preference as to who to use. My suggestion to sellers is to leave behind a little list of some of their favorites with phone numbers for the new owners. In our area the North Mason Chamber has made it very easy. Just get on line and go to Goodnews and Testimonials on the Chamber's site. Here you will find referrals from those in the community who have actually used the professionals you are researching. 06/06/2009

Whether you are venturing outside the box and selling your own home or are an experienced or novice real estate agent there are many tools that you must have to succeed. Here are my top 5. Enthusiasm- If you don't care why should anyone else. going the extra mile can make a bigger difference than you can imagine. Dedication- It can be challenging and you have to stick it through if you are going to make it. Flexibility- Everyday is new and presents new opportunities. Be flexible and go with the flow. Optimistic- Negativity spreads like wild fire as does a positive attitude. If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything!Pull up the solds it can be encouraging. Honesty- Disclose any issues, be honest about pricing, and be honest with your self. There are no short cuts here. Hones... 06/05/2009

When my neighbors decided to take down a few trees around the houses, it was a sight to see the loggers cutting the trees down in small sections after first limbing it on the trip up the tree.  Once the wood was down came the hard job of cutting it up and stacking it for nice winter fires during the cold, snowy December and January days.  Firewood heats you up 4 times!   05/29/2009

In times where we are always hearing about global warming and the environment we have good news. Green houses! I am not talking about the gases that we are hearing about in the news, I am referring to a self sustaining place to grow your veggies. Safe from the negative effects of weather, pestacides and powered with solar energy they are a great alternative to farming the old fashioned way.Rising out of verdant acres of strawberries and artichokes are two mammoth, high-tech greenhouses.Climate change is a serious threat to California's $36 billion agricultural economy. The farming company behind this $50 million complex sees it as insurance against perpetual drought, volatile fossil fuel prices and resilient pests.The facility generates its own renewable power. It hoards rainwater. It h... 05/28/2009

This time of year it is great to get outside and start enjoying our gardens. However we are not the only ones who love the plants. Some unwelcome guests love to devour all of are hard work.  Aphids are the first ones to come to mind.Many people indiscriminatly throw out a pesticide, Which can get rid of the bad bugs. But what about the good guys? It can kill them too! That is when you go to your local nursery and purchase the best Bugs. Lady bugs and the preying mantis. They love to munch on the bad bugs and will soon become your favorites to see prowling the leaves in your garden. There is a reason that lady bugs are known to bring good luck. 05/28/2009

On Monday May 25, 2009 at 1200 hours, Veterans, families and community members gathered together in the Allyn Waterfront Park for a Memorial Day Observance. This event has been a North Mason Tradition for the past 10 years. The event was presented by the Allyn Community Association, North Mason Chamber of Commerce and the Port of Allyn.   Our close nit community's Observance of Memorial day is very special. There is a part within the program where attending Veterans are given a moment to speak about their service, share a war tale or two and to remember and give thanks for those whose gave the ultimate sacrifice.   This year we paid special tribute to those "Greatest Generation" Veterans who served during World War II and Korea. We also recognized the spouses and families who kept the ... 05/28/2009

Every year the town of Allyn gathers at the waterfront park to remember. We remember those that have given their lives in order to protect the ways we live our own. We hear from veterans about the sacrifices that were made- and we laugh and cry with them.It is an unforgettable experience. It is a time to reflect on what has been given and a time to appreciate just what we have. This year marks the 10th annual Memorial Day in the park. There will be music from the Windjammers, Richard Bell will invite the Veterans to share with us, and a wreath will be laid to rest in the quiet waters of North Bay in honor of those that made the ultimate sacrifice. Please join us May 25th at 12:00. 05/22/2009

When all else fails burn it to the ground! Just kidding. In our County the fire department will come out and get rid of your unwanted houses and get a little training to boot! It makes it nice when you want to get your land cleared for new construction as is this case. And it gives the Firefighters a chance to learn in a "safe" staged environment. All they ask for is some food, a few good laughs at someones expense and $1 per sq ft. How could you go wrong? And oh yah... you GET to watch! Check with your local fire department today! 05/20/2009

Walking on the green green grass in LakeLand Village I start towards the private pond. I hear the golfer swing. The warm sunlight sprinkles down throught the trees and the grasses wave in the rippling waters. A fish tries to escape and is pulled back in. A butterfly finds her path and the robin bounces along the ground looking for the next big fat juicy one. Life here is simple. It is beautiful, It is home like no other....Welcome to LakeLand Village- Allyn, Washington 05/17/2009