Most folks work hard for their money. Why sit by while it slips through the cracks? There are simple and inexpensive steps that you can take to make your home more energy efficient and these solutions often bring big returns. As a bonus, they benefit the environment as well as the family piggy bank. In this article we look at some simple and inexpensive ways to reduce energy consumption in the home. Lowe's is happy to provide this information as a service to you.Making Your Home More Energy EfficientInsulating Your Water HeaterIf you always have plenty of hot water, you may be able to get by with lowering your water heater's thermostat setting. Just don't lower it below 120° F. Electric heaters benefit most from this approach to saving energy. Timers are also available which allow you t... 12/27/2010

Trails End Community   Market update for   October 2010   　 Currently there are 5 active homes for sale   Home listing prices range from $90,000-$249,000   The Average Listing price is $164,770 The average Price per square foot is $124.12 　 　 Currently the are 2 pending sales   The Average pending price is $202,450 There were 2 sold properties for the month of October   The Average Sales price was $186,900   In conclusion the market area has a moderately high inventory level. 10% of the inventory is bank owned foreclosure properties and another 10% are short sale properties.   To find out more or to receive a free market analysis on your property located in or around Trails End Community call me today!   Michelle Roethle 360-649-1195   www.MichellesRealEstate.com         11/17/2010

Twanoh Falls community   Market update for   October 2010   　 　 Currently there are 8 active homes for sale   Home listing prices range from $149,500-$199,000   The Average Listing price is $178,419 The average Price per square foot is $147.00 　 　 Currently the is 1 pending sales   　 There were 2 sold properties for the month of October The average Sold price was $161,500     　 In conclusion the market area has a moderately high inventory level. 10% of the inventory is bank owned foreclosure properties and another 10% are short sale properties.   To find out more or to receive a free market analysis on your property located in or around Twanoh Falls Community call me today!   Michelle Roethle 360-649-1195   www.MichellesRealEstate.com     11/17/2010

Lynch and Beards Cove   Market update for   October 2010   　 　 Currently there are 16 active homes for sale   Home listing prices range from $100,900-$249,000   The Average Listing price is $167,866 The average Price per square foot is $130.54 　 　 Currently the are 4 pending sales   The Average pending price is $144,950 There was 1 sold property in the month of October and the sales price was $155,000   In conclusion the market area has a very high inventory level. 25% of the inventory is bank owned foreclosure properties and another 15% are short sale properties.   To find out more or to receive a free market analysis on your property located in or around Beards Cove / Lynch Cove call me today!   Michelle Roethle 360-649-1195   www.MichellesRealEstate.com       11/17/2010

South Shore and North Shore Hood Canal Waterfront Home and Vacant land Values~How much is your waterfront property worth?   The past few weeks has seen a substantial increase in Hood Canal Waterfront property owners asking for an evaluation of their property in today's current real estate market.  I think that part of this was brought on because most of these were just recently re-assessed for their taxable value for next years taxes and there was a substantial INCREASE in their new tax assessed value.  So what are some of the factors that contribute to establishing a current Fair Market Value for your home in todays real estate market?  There are many, but let's talk about a few... And this by no means is all of the process but it will give you an idea of some of the many variables inv... 11/10/2010

  The Double Edge Sword .......   The Tax Assessor and your "Fair Market Value"......     Now don't get me wrong when you read this because it almost sounds as though I am for higher property taxes, and I am not;   I am just trying to share with you a different perspective that seemed kind of ironic of how to look at this as well as make sure that your "assessment" is correct .  Maybe it is too high, maybe it isn't.... Maybe it's just a double edge sword.... The past two weeks have been relatively crazy with phone calls with customers looking for comparable sales for their properties because the TAX MAN has been out and about physically re-assessing properties in parts of our area. Mason County is broken down into differents areas for tax re-evaluation and every four years on a rotating... 11/06/2010

Belfair WA Real Estate~Real Estate Homes for Sale and Sold Market Report~August 2010~ Summers end has come and it's time to move forward into spring. Looking back on the month of August, I thought it was time to post the statistics for the Belfair WA area of what has been happening in the real estate market.  This is specific to Belfair, Dewatto and Tahuya (98588), North Shore Hood Canal,  as well as parts of South Shore with a zipcode of 98528. 90 Active homes for sale : These are homes that are for sale that are represented by Brokers through the Multiple Listing Service.  Actives are a sellers competition especially with the wide array of choices available. With that said remember that it COULD be a "sellers" market within the overall market depending on your price range. Check out m... 09/21/2010

Is is a new short sale dilemma?  It sure could be and has happened, making it twice as difficult in getting that short sale approval. I have started seeing an even more frustrating trend happening with my short sale homes that I currently have listed.  Is this going to be the norm? A seller has his home on the market and it is a short sale. (A short sale is when a seller is trying to sell a home he owns for less than what he owes on it.  A seller's lender is going to be "shorted" a certain dollar amount in a payoff of the loan). The name by no means, indicates that it is a "SHORT" process because in general it can be and has been quite lengthy.  Now I am finding another step in the process is bogging it down even more.... The short sale lender sells the loan off to another lender/servi... 09/12/2010

A Buyers Market or a Sellers Market?? UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET WITHIN THE MARKET.  "I am confused," the buyers said with a blank stare as though I were an alien. "You said it was a buyers market." Yes, yes I did with some exceptions. Which category does YOUR  criteria for a home fit into? It is not always black and white and could be the difference between your offer being accepted or not. Knowing the local real estate market is extremely important when looking at homes with buyers. More importantly, and a must - is knowing the market within the market and educating them as to the "pin-pointed" market of THEIR criteria.  Not following??  Well, let's see if I can explain it a little better. Overall, in general, it is a buyers market with an inventory of over 800 homes for sale in Mason C... 09/12/2010

Soooo you will need to go back to the previous blog to get the beginning of this story cuz I am trying to make it a short story (I tend to be long winded and this IS a long story....) and get to the utter frustration on my part and the sellers part..... Here's the link for the previous blog that starts it off. Now that you've caught up and we're at the point where I can't get into the house because the short sale lender in their infinite wisdom has literally locked myself and everyone out.  Great way to sell a house- NOT! The seller and I and lender have been in constant communication working diligently on getting his home sold and getting a short sale approval. I worked diligently everyday trying to find someone to get me a new key. We were trying to avoid the cost and hassle of again ... 09/03/2010

Know when to Hold them........and Know when to ........   What? Someone asked me the other day how my son, Sean, was doing in his new chiropractor business in Westport, WA. I was extremely happy and proud to tell them that not only has he been very successful with his business, but he is also in the process of buying his first home!! They were very happy to hear that he is doing so well and said to me - "so where did you find him a house?" I smiled and said "I didn't. I referred him to another realtor!"  They looked at me with wide eyes and amazement and the question "Aren't you a real estate agent? Why would you refer him to another agent?" they asked. "Yes, yes I am and a very successful, knowledgeable and professional Realtor -  and that is one of the reasons I referred him to anoth... 07/05/2010

Many of us love out door living, and when selling your home this should shine.   Is your deck ready to show, below as some tips to help you keep your investment looking good and will help you in getting ready to sell! Clean your deck (once a year)Dirt, grime, mildew, or mold can build up your deck over the course of the year. Not only can they diminish the look of your deck, they can also make it slippery and, in the case of mold and mildew, damage your deck. 1. Visually inspect your deck. Look for dirt, grime, mildew, and mold. Even if none are readily visible, you should still wash your deck. 2. Wash the deck. A power-sprayer is an easy way to remove the dirt and grime. However, for mold and mildew, or if you don't have a power-sprayer, use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Thoroug... 06/10/2010

  Real Estate Sales and Market report for Mason County, Washington for the period of May 1 though May 15, 2010 reports 43 Total Closed Sales in the amount of $6,645,081.   Area A, (Shelton, Arcadia, Kamilche) recorded sales counts of 20 closed sales totaling $2,468,131. Area B, (Hartstene/Agate area) placed 5 sales on the board in the amount of  $942,900. Area C, (Belfair, Allyn, Grapeview) reported 11 sales totaling $2,423,650 Area D, (Hoodsport/Union) posted 7 sales for the period in the amount of $810,400   Single Family Resale Homes, on less than 5 acres, accounted for 18 of the total sales. There was 1 New Single Family home sold. There were no Multi-family units sold. There were 4 Single Family Resale's on more than 5 acres sold.   Commercial properties sold - 0, Condominiums -0.... 06/07/2010

SMS mobile marketing enables you to reach a targeted audience in a matter of seconds knowing that most people are likely to respond to your text message within an hour of receipt.  Proven to be an effective medium for reaching consumers, the fact is now more than ever business professionals are relying on mobile phones to receive and respond to messages that are of value to them.  That's why it's time for B2B marketers to consider how to effectively integrate mobile marketing into the mix. Are you thinking its time for an upgrade me too, its time for more business as well!   www.daryldatus.com 05/24/2010

On the second weekend in August, the North Mason community gathers together to celebrate the Taste of Hood Canal. This event combines a host of mouth-watering food booths, wine-tasting, vendors, a chain-saw carving exhibition, live music, entertainers and vintage cars realtors booth. In addition, there are exhibits focusing on the nature of Hood Canal, with hands-on activities for young and old. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, August 9 from 10am to 4pm on Clifton Lane in the heart of downtown Belfair. Clifton Lane will be closed to normal traffic during those hours. Festival-goers will want to bring their appetites, as the "Taste" will feature fresh grilled oysters, steamed clams and mussels, Guatemalan chicken tamales, strawberry shortcake and much more. See ya there.... 05/21/2010

Construction is underway on the new wastewater treatment and water reclamation facilities in Belfair. This project will convert septic systems within key areas of the Belfair Urban Growth Area to an environmentally-friendly, county-operated sewer utility. These wastewater facilities are needed to provide a sustainable approach to water management that protects Hood Canal and treats wastewater to Class A standards for water reuse. Reuse of treated wastewater provides the highest and best use of local resources and protects Hood Canal. On a long-term basis the project will support the backbone for urban infrastructure in Belfair as mandated by the Growth Management Act, We have long awaited this to build up this little town. its a great time to invest in Real estate Now! www.daryldatus.co... 05/21/2010

Just what I needed, blue skies and clear view of the Hood Canal. Family friends and a good cup of coffee!! With the buyers credit over, and moving towards summer, its a beautiful day in the northwest. Staying positive and looking to the future helps with my out look, so many Realtors have the ho hum drum syndrome, that well its good to reflect and say " today is a good day!"  www.daryldatus.com 05/03/2010

Things as you go thru buying process to ask yourself- Does the home include the most important things on the list? What qualities made the house you chose stand out from the others you looked at? Did you find many houses that met your needs or was this one a rarity? If you can back out of the contract, is it realistic to think you will find a house that's "better?" What was special about the house just a few days ago and how has it changed--really changed? Analyzing the facts that lead you to the home will help you sort out your feelings about the contract. Was it truly a poor choice or would you be nervous moving forward on any house?   Happy shoping!!!!!!!! www.daryldatus.com 04/26/2010

Remember the first time you went fishing, well create some more memories ! Below are some dates for shrimp season this year!   The 2010 Hood Canal Recreational Shrimp Fishery is scheduled to occur from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday May 1st, WThe 2010 Hood Canal Recreational Shrimp Fishery is scheduled to occur from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturday May 1st, Wednesday May 5th, Saturday May 8th, and Wednesday May 12th. Additional dates and times for the 2010 fishery will be announced, if sufficient quota remains after those first four days. Hope to see you out there, Take some time away and have fun this summer! www.daryldatus.com 04/25/2010

For buyers and sellers who are new to the garage sale scene, here are some tips: What to know if you're selling-Price low. That should be the goal if you want to get rid of stuff. For pricing guidelines, visit thrift stores, not eBay.-Heed the signs. Keep signs on every other block and every corner where a turn is required in the city (a half-mile apart along longer stretches in the suburbs). Make sure the address and sale dates are large and easily readable. Add balloons to attract the eye.-Sell with others. Doing it alone is too much work.-Sell to early birds, but charge extra, say a $10 "tax" for a purchase. Keep it short. Make the sale one or two, but not three, days.-Promote yourself. Advertise as much as you can in the newspaper and on Craigslist, Facebook and bulletin boards.-Cut... 04/24/2010