This last May I had to make a tough choice. Continue marketing homes and helping buyers though the purchase process or address the real reasons homes are not selling like they should. I went back and forth and had many sleepless nights. I thought about the implications of temporarily giving up a career I love. It finally came down to the real reason I became a Realtor. In 2004 I decided that I would choose a career that would help people. My husband and I had recently refinanced our home and had a mortgage broker that broke all of the rules and then some. I felt burned. I hated the thought of that happening to anyone else. So I thought that a career where I was there to guide people through the home purchasing process and protect them was a way to give back. The last few years have not ... 09/24/2011

  A person calls me and the first question is how much do I charge in commission?  This is a pretty basic question however it can be answered in so many different ways.  I know the general area in which they may be selling but I don't know if they are selling vacant land or residential property. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ My competition for listings in this area only puts for sale signs out and calls that marketing.  I do a comprehensive package with all my listings and feel that I give the most bang for the buck when it comes to marketing. As a response to this question I relate all that I do for my commission.  Several of my competitors only give the cost of a listing side of the commission.  Now if the caller only wants to know what you charge on your side of the transaction this... 09/22/2011

Two adjoining camping lots and yes it includes the two trailers (26 ft and 18 ft.) already set up. Lots are gated and have power with water from a nearby source. It is located on quiet culdesac with restroom/shower facilities.  Enjoy your weekend/vacation get away. Water skiing, or fishing on Timberlakes two lakes, or crabbing and fishing on Timberlakes private saltwater dock and boat launch that is located on Pickering Passage. Includes adjoining lot tax id 220175300013. No permanent structures allowed. Sheds and carports ok See more listings at www.jimshepherd.pnwre.net or www.sheltonhomesnow.com   Great Camping Spot Overview Maps Photos $18,500 Lots and Land Main Features Lot: 16,043 sqft Location 100 & 110 Annas CtShelton, WA 98584USA To get updates on open home dates and other prop... 09/16/2011

  OK, it’s my entire fault. Who would have thought that my wife and I, buying an air conditioner would result in the coolest summer in Western Washington in 10 Years. As of this date, August 16, the thermometer has only broke 80° twice. So as you can see, this $360 air conditioner, that we haven’t used, is directly responsible for this cool summer. (Global Washington State cooling?) While the rest the nation is recording record heat waves, we are receiving beautiful 70°days all the time. Most of the time in August you cannot find an air conditioner in any store but this year, we still have rows and rows of unsold inventory. My advice to Costco and Target are to start shipping those air conditioning units elsewhere. That’s the only way to guarantee an Indian Summer here in the Pacific No... 08/16/2011

We all know that our home values have gone down with the current economy. It is not that they are a bad investment, it is that at this moment they are not reflecting the value that we would have hoped that they would. One way to bring the values back up, is for the demand for housing to increase. The more people that have jobs and need to relocate to an area the more stable and profitable the housing market will become in that area. Protecting existing jobs and promoting a business friendly environment to create new ones is a top priority of Dan Griffey's. Dan Griffey believes in sensible solutions for the economy. We all know that a healthy economy in our state depends on a vibrant job market. Washington State has burdensome taxes and regulations that get in the way of job creation, an... 08/14/2011

Shelton Homes For Sale - Homes For Sale In Shelton  Shelton Homes for Sale are in high demand because of the beautiful area and remarkably low prices. Shelton is a quiet and serene city that has an amazing environment suitable for all ages. Shelton Homes For Sale are flying off the market, so be the first in line to find your new Shelton home.   Shelton Homes for Sale   Shelton Homes for Sale Have it All Shelton Homes for Sale  everything you are looking for in a house including multiple bedrooms, pools, horse properties and much more. Not only does Shelton have an incredible Real Estate selection, there are multiple fun and affordable activities for everyone including lakes, Mountains, and endless outdoor activities for the whole family. Shelton Homes for Sale Contact us today to view... 07/11/2011

Lake Limerick Real Estate Market Report Shelton, Mason County WA June 29, 2011 Residential Sales June 2011 - 1 sale ($207,500) June 2010 - 3 sales ($80,000, $142,000, $162,500) Total Active Listings - 36, price range $74,900 - $495,000 New Listings in June 2011 - 8 Vacant Land Sales June 2011 - 1 ($17,000) June 2010 - 0 Total Active Listings - 39, price range $5,000 - $219,950) New Listings in June 2011 - 2 Lake Limerick Country Club is a private community located in Shelton Washington, (Mason County) with over 1,100 homes and recreational lots. The community has many amenities: A 9-hole golf course and pro shop with a cafe is open to the public. An Inn with a members-only restaurant and bar.  Seven private parks, many with picnic facilities and some have boat access and play equipment.... 06/29/2011

 Timberlakes Real Estate Market Report Shelton, Mason County WA  June 29, 2011  Residential  Sales  June 2011 - 3 sales ($119,900, $44,500, $43,000)  June 2010 - 1 sale ($79,500)  Total Active Listings - 29, price range $55,000 - $324,500  New Listings in June 2011 - 3  Vacant Land Sales June 2011 - 1 ($65,500 waterfront) June 2010 - 1 ($11,000) Total Active Listings - 36, price range $6,900 - $99,950 New Listings in June 2011 - 3 Enjoy water skiing, crabbing, or fishing (lakes are stocked) on Timberlakes two lakes or on Timberlakes private saltwater dock. Timberlakes has 2 lakes, 8 parks including a saltwater dock on Pickering Passage. The parks feature a sports court for basketball, tennis, a picnic shelter, and disc golf course. The lakes are stock with trout annually. Looking for a ... 06/29/2011

Public service announcement number two!   Pricing your house, cabin, or vacant land at Hartstene Pointe. A wise man once said “the house isn’t worth what you need, it’s worth what someone is willing to pay for it.”  I'm not saying that your house should be given away however you should be aware of local market conditions and take the market analysis that the listing agent has done to price your house correctly.  When doing your interviews for a listing agent make sure each agent has done a thorough market analysis and doesn't just ask how much you want for the house or property.  Shy away from agents who just want your listing and will beat you up on price at a later date. Case in pointe! When we first started looking for a cabin, we had already been owners of vacant land at Hartstene P... 06/29/2011

A public service announcement! To anyone considering selling their house, cabin, or vacant property at Hartstene Pointe. The biggest mistake people find when selling their property is using A real estate company that doesn't promote said property on the Internet. If we look of the statistics of homes and vacant property that has sold, you'll find the successful Sellers used a company that is Internet friendly.  Of the 15 properties that I've sold at Hartstene Pointe each of the buyers has commented that they found the listing on the Internet. When you decide to sell your property make sure you choose someone who's not afraid of technology but embraces it. It takes much more than a for sale sign or a flyer on a billboard to sell a property in a gated community.  To make a long story sho... 06/28/2011

  Do a little more than you're paid to.  Give a little more than you have to.  Try a little harder than you want to.  Aim a little higher than you think possible, and give a lot of thanks to god for health, family and friends… A quote of Art Linkletter   Isn't that what life is all about doing, giving, trying and setting goals. Last of all giving thanks for all that you can do, give and try. It sure makes my life easier, how about yours? This post was authored and picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 06/15/2011

Skill to do comes of doing... A quote Ralph Waldo Emerson  I have always been a hands on type of person. If all it took for us to fly a plane was to read a book, we would have no cars. I can read a dozen books on the subject but until I actually do it myself I just can't make it work right. Sure we all make mistakes however the more you do something the fewer the mistakes and the more gratification. Go out and do something new today, don't be afraid to make a mistake and learn the true meaning of D*I*Y... This post was authored and picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA.       06/13/2011

   This Bakery is the best, if you have never been you got to try it out, info below is on wine tasting dinner,     great for clients and or you best friend, or wanting to have a great meeting place for the Shelton area when signing that offer check this place out!      Trying to make points with your broker/ banker client/ new date its a must!!       Many times I have been here, weither its for coffee pastree, sandwich, its all so good!      Let me know what you think.         Summer Is Coming and We Are Ready !! Come Join Us for a Relaxing Evening With Good Friends Fine Wine and Fun Foods Date: June 11th,2011 Olympic Bakery Time: 6:30pm 591 E Pickering Rd $35 per person Menu Fresh Guacamole w/homemade tortilla chips ~ Charles & Charles Rose Jicama Salad ~ J Pinot Gris Mushroom Barley... 05/31/2011

Some men see things as they are and say "why?"  I dream of things that never were and say "why not?" A quote of George Bernard Shaw     This  picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 05/25/2011

Shorecrest Homes for Sale and Homes Sold in Mason County WA May 2011 Homes for Sale - There are currently 11 homes for sale on the island ranging from a fixer home with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath to a $378,000 home with 2707 sq ft, 4 bd, 3.25 ba with 146 ft of waterfront. Homes Sold - Three homes have sold in the last six months for $129,000, $154,000, and $220,000 for a waterfront home. Vacant land for sale - There are currently 38 parcels for sale. These range in price from $4,900 for a 70' X 130' lot to $79,000 for a .3 acre waterview lot.  The search screen below is a search of the homes and land for sale on Shorecrest located in Mason County WA. You can see all the homes and land for sale right now in Shorecrest. If you want to search other areas just change the search fields below. It ... 05/21/2011

Rustic Waterfront Cabin - Mason County WA  Your waterfront cabin and retreat sits on 75 feet of waterfront on Oakland Bay near Shelton WA. The .23 acre lot offers easy beach access and a rock bulkhead. Oakland Bay is a calm bay that is perfect for kayaking, seal watching, abundant clamming, and an occasional Orca whale sighting. The 240 square foot cabin is one room and the interior is finished in cedar and the exterior is Pan Abode. The cabin also has a gorgeious 1800's wood stove for cooking and heat. The cabin has no utilities but community water is on site and electricity is at the road. Priced at $79,500. The property is a part of Shorecrest Beach Community and has a fantastic outdoor swimming pool and clubhouse.  The boat launch and Community Park are just down the road. Waterfron... 05/20/2011

For those of us wanting more business we now have added an attraction for all of us to draw from!   The Economic Development Council of Mason County has announced the major progress of the Ridge Motorsports Group plan to build a 2.5 mile road course and drag strip. This complex will be about four miles outside of Shelton and be the home to non-professional race events. Car clubs and individuals will be the main user of this facility. The direct economic impact outside of the track will be $12 million to the local community. This project is projected to put "Heads in beds" and be a boon to restaurateurs. The developers of the facility have already received approvals to clear and grade the 170 acre site. Grading and preliminary development is underway.  its anticipated that enthusiasts wi... 05/18/2011

Words I'd love to live by…   The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play...   A quote of Arnold Toynbee     This  picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 05/16/2011

If you demand perfection of yourself, you'll seldom achieve it. Fear of making a mistake is the biggest single cause of making one. Instead of pushing for perfection, relax and pursue excellence... A quote of Bud Winter (Renowned track coach) This picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging)without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 04/28/2011

Be assured that you'll always have time for things you put first… A quote of Liane Steele Discover Hartstene Pointe! This picture was taken by Paul Henderson. ©2011, All Rights Reserved, This content may not be reproduced or reprinted (Except for ActiveRain Re-blogging) without express written permission of Paul Henderson, RE/MAX Professionals, Tacoma, WA. 04/26/2011