Monday, November 1, 2010

Finding A New Home, Can Be Fun!



This is my Dad and we have been looking for a new home for him. He currently lives on his own in an over 55 mobile home park in Marysville. It's been 4 years since he moved up here from the Mount Rainier area. Have you ever heard of Randle? Morton? Packwood? Glenoma? All very small towns on Highway 12. My Dad has lived in small towns most of his life and moving to the "big city" of Marysville was a big change for him. He actually began that transition on his own. This time I have encouraged his next move. Maybe you've faced the challenge of watching your parent or someone you love gradually need more help with their every day life tasks...it's not easy but with a lot of love you can make the transition fun.

Since I'm a Realtor- it's been interesting and I'd say at first I was lost- where do you look, where are the best places and what do they cost? Fortunately I had someone who referred me to a wonderful, helpful person, to guide me through this process. As I went through this process I couldn't help but think about my clients and how important the "search" is for them and how unfamiliar it can be and sometimes overwhelming. I truly strive to be a gentle, helpful friend as my clients make one of the most important decisions they make in their lifetime, buying their first home or selling or buying their second or third home. Each one has its challenges and rewards!

Ok, back to my Dad....as I looked with him at the different complexes- we tried to have a meal - we thought "we must try out the food"! So after looking at seven complexes with my Dad (eight including the one I went to by myself) and having 4 meals at different places, the process ended as most home buying experiences do. You walk in and it just feels like "home"! My Dad will be 84 years old this month and he has a lot of living left to do but I want him to be able to enjoy himself and not worry about cooking, cleaning or grocery shopping. He'll be just 10 minutes from my home in Everett and I'm excited to be able to take him places on the weekends when I'm not working. He likes to go to the thrift stores...

We currently have his mobile home on the market- it's a 2 bedroom, 1 bath single wide for $9,500. Space rent is $475 which includes water, sewer and garbage. It's been a great community for him, all his neighbors are sad to see him go. He's a great person- I love my Dad!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Waterfront Property On Lake Ki



This waterfront setting is amazing! Located just 7 miles from I-5, you feel like you are way out but you're not! It's a place to relax, refuel, and retreat! The custom built home has all the bells and whistles: including 2 Master Suites, 2 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, 1600 asf of awesome decks, and so much more- I really can't describe the beauty of this serene setting. If you are looking for a 4 bedroom home with over 4000asf on one of the cleanest lakes in Washington State, this home is a must see! Meticulously maintained, the pride of ownership shows. The Lake and Mountain VIEWS are breathtaking! 2 Swimming docks will provide fun all summer long- with outdoor surround sound, pine soffet covered deck & level backyard- this home is an entertainer's dream home! The gourmet main kitchen has stainless steel appliances including gas Wolfe cooktop island, beautiful cherry cabinets & radiant heated tile floors! WOW, don't wait- summer is coming! For More photos, please go to homesellinginwashington.com

Friday, December 11, 2009

Real Estate In Napa Valley











In talking with some of the locals here, the real estate market did bottom out just like every where across the nation. I wanted to share some of the amazing real estate that we have seen while being here in the Napa Valley. From the newly constructed Castello di Amorosa, which took 15 years to construct and was completed in 2007; to the newly restored Rhine House mansion, the area is filled with fantastic architecture and history. Here is just a sample of what can be seen in the Napa Valley.

Monday, December 7, 2009

SHORT SALES!!!



It's a process that's for sure! Closing a short sale in Snohomish County could be considered a miracle these days. I'm working on one in Arlington, Washington and it's really a challenge to say the least. Shall I tell my tale of a short sale??? Well I'm in Napa on my vacation - when I should be outside enjoying this wonderful area, I'm on the phone with the 2 lenders involved with this short sale. My dedication to my clients is what drives me even when I'm on vacation. They depend on me to get the job done and that's what I do!

At 8:15am a message came on to my cell phone, I listened to the message and all I could hear was static and one word "approval" so I thought ok great one of the lenders is calling me about the short sale.

Now throw in the fact that my Treo phone is not working correctly so I can't see the phone numbers that call me- after a call to Verizon, I found out that there is no way to find out who called me. I call both lenders, the first one said no they didn't call me. I am still waiting to hear back from the 2nd one.

I plan to get the new Verizon phone (Droid) on the 10th. Will not miss the Treo at all- I've had it for 8 years and I'm so happy Verizon has better phones now.

Stay tuned for the ongoing saga of my current Short Sale. It WILL close!!

Our Adventure To Napa Valley






On November 30th my husband and I celebrated 36 years of marriage. We have been blessed with a friendship that has grown over the years. One of the ways we keep the fires burning is to travel together. Currently we are in Napa enjoying a week of retreat and fun! I'll show you what we see, if you are interested...follow our adventure.

We were happy to see our very romantic condo! Complete with fireplace and jetted tub...It's a Tuscany theme, we love it! The full kitchen makes us wish we had all of our spices and ingredients for cooking up some awesome gourmet meals- alas we'll have to eat out most of the time, darn huh? It really is inspiring though, I'll include a photo of the kitchen next time. So we are off to the exercise room for a short workout before breakfast.

If you ever come to Napa- I highly recommend Vino Bella Resort!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Wondering What The Current Market Price Is For YOUR HOME?

The market is a challenge right now but homes that are priced right for the conditions are selling. With the interest rates as low as they've been in years, the time to buy is RIGHT NOW! Do you have a home you can rent out???? I am able to list your home on the MLS as a rental and I've had great success getting the homes rented! So now is the time to MOVE UP! You can take advantage of these great prices - right now is the time to buy! Builders are trying to sell their inventory and they are slashing their prices. Bank owned properties are also a great buy! I have sold several short sale homes and also bank owned properties. Call me with all your Real Estate questions!

If you would like to know what your Current Market Price is for your home, contact me!