One of the first things that buyers look for in a new home are the amenities. So it comes to reason that the first thing that you want to mention when you are marketing are the "Features" and amenities of the home. What it really boils down to however, are the benefits. Benefits are the result of "Features." A walk score is a benefit, just as the schools graduation rates, and local fire department's response times. If we focus on marketing the benefits and sharing the details of what makes our community or homes great we are delivering a value that speaks far more to our buyers than mere features in a listing could ever do. Know your market. Know why people buy in your market and why they call your neighborhood home over other neighborhoods in a given area. When you know these secrets ... 01/12/2010

Everyone loves to see a tree with piles of presents underneath.Most of us can agree that it is better to give than receive...that is until it is time to clean up. All of those gift come with a lot of packaging and a lot of wrapping.This can lead to a lot of trash..literally TONS of it! So what can we do next year to reduce some of this and still enjoy mountains of gifts? We can be selective when we purchase wrapping paper. If it feels like paper you can recycle it if is resembles foil it is garbage. Bags are a great alternative and like bows and ribbons can even be reused. There are a lot of great ways to make a big difference and make clean up quick and easy. I have provided a link to your local area in Western Washington when you can find even more great info. City of Seattle City of ... 12/29/2009

Why use Social Networking?   Social networking is a new media for business that is catching on at a rapid pace. Most people in the beginning questioned the relevance. They ask, "What can it do for my business". Some wonder if a tool that is free, readily available, and easy to use has some sort of a catch. The truth is that it does...It catches business. Social networking is an easy way to promote yourself as the expert in your field and it can be used in any field. It is a way to get in touch with people you do not talk with that often and it is a way to open a door that you may not have accessed in a while. Facebook is a tool that I like to utilize. Not only have I found lost friends and family but I have been able to reconnect with clients from my past. In 2006, I was working with a ... 12/29/2009

  We have reached a time once again in our nation that we must stand up to what is going on all around us. Most of us can say that we would like things to be different, that times are tough and that once again we are going to be calling on our children to pay off a debt that they did not create. There are those among us who are not just speaking out, but are stepping up. They have decided to put their lives on hold for the greater good of us all. One of them is Daniel Glen Griffey. December 15th, 1970 Dan Griffey was born in Bremerton, Washington to Delmer and Barbara Griffey. The Griffey's had another son Dennis who excitedly welcomed Dan. Referred to by Dennis as Daniel Boone Dooner. The boys were 7 years and 5 days apart, but friends for life. Daniel's sister Jennifer was born just 1... 12/20/2009

Pipes may freeze even if they are not exposed to outside air. In extremely cold weather, even pipes that run along exterior walls or through crawl spaces may freeze. Residents of mobile or modular homes are particularly susceptible to this problem. There are steps you can take in advance to minimize the possibility of frozen pipes. Pipes may be insulated with foam rubber sleeves or fiberglass insulation. Pipes which run through unheated areas may also be wrapped with special heating strips before being insulated. Rather than providing passive protection, these strips use electricity to provide heat to potential problem areas. Do not fall into the trap of believing that your hot water lines can't freeze, they can. Insulate both cold and hot water pipes. If you are caught in a cold streak... 12/08/2009

It was 68 years ago. December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor. As for the survivors - Their Ranks are Thinning. I have a friend and fellow Veteran who lives in our community, Allyn, Washington, who is a Pearl Harbor survivor. His name is Don Green. He served on the USS Pyro with his twin brother. When the attack came he was lying in his rack. When he heard the explosions, his initial thought "why was the Army shooting off their ordinance"? His story can be seen and heard if you click on the link provided below. http://www.kitsapsun.com/videos/detail/pearl-harbor-survivor-don-green// Don is passionate about the history, the remembrance and telling of the story of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. He is the Washington State Chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivors. He speaks to groups through... 12/07/2009

There is magic to be found in the still of the night When the Sapphire sky  lends its breath and the stars above blink to life Bathed in mystic and charmed by the moon  a new world awakes.   Like crystals they shimmer reflecting the glory of the stars  beneath a shall of icy jewels the earth is renewed both near and far A secret society found yet always known only in evening's garden   What brilliant breath has blessed this world That forgives the dull in hopes of new A white flag of peace unfurled the hopes of dreams on gossamer wings Surrendering to new possibilities 12/06/2009

LakeLand Village Homes for Sale and Sold~After Thanksgiving Sale?~Market Report~ I know, I know it is so hard to believe that we are already past Thanksgiving and moving swiftly towards Christmas!!  ~~SIGH~~  Time seems to go so fast this time of year!  So what's been going on In LakeLand Village during the month of November? In anticipation of the First Time home buyers tax Credit Ending, it seemed that we started off to a slow start in November as far as buyers making offers on homes. It also seemed as though the buyers weren't out looking as much as they were in October. The really interesting part was that the pending sales and sales reflect that the buyers are all shopping in a price range of well under $300,000.  Hmmm.... And if you think that is interesting, check out Richard Be... 12/01/2009

Have you Heard the News?!!!!!  Yep -even if you are not a First Time home Buyer you too may be able to take advantage of the newly EXPANDED TAX credit!! TAKE A LOOK AND LISTEN......... Courtesy of WA REALTORS...   11/28/2009

Holiday Festivities in LakeLand Village~~Up and Coming Events~~ LakeLand Village is getting ready for the Holidays! From the homeowners dressing up their homes in holiday color and cheer to the LakeLand Village Community Club putting together the final touches on some Holiday Fun! Mark your calendars! Friday December 11th is the Lakeland Village Christmas Party at the Clubhouse. It is for all LakeLand Village Residents and paid for by the LakeLand Village Community Association.  The fun starts at 4:30 for the immediate LakeLand Families with children and grandchildren. At 4:45 Santa Arrives! For more details and pre-registration (required) give Joanne at the office a call at 360-275-3508.   And what would Christmas in LakeLand Village be without our annual Christmas "House Lighting" Con... 11/28/2009

Santa is Coming! On Saturday, November 28th 2009 to the Allyn Waterfront Park Gazebo. Bring the Family and kick off the holiday season with Christmas music, hot beverages, Christmas goodies and fun activities and of course plan a visit with Santa Claus. All the fun begins at 3:00 pm. Rumour is that Santa will be arriving at 4:00 pm, escorted by the District 5 Fire Department. Santa will have treats for all the kids who sit on his lap and share their Christmas wishes. So come on down to the Allyn Waterfront Park at the Gazebo and enjoy an annual Allyn tradition. Oh, and bring your camera! By the Way, this event is sponsored by the Allyn Community Association, Allyn, Washington. 11/25/2009

The Commerce Department says sales rose 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 430,000 from an upwardly revised 405,000 in September. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a pace of 410,000. Home shoppers in October were acting before lawmakers decided to extend a tax credit for first-time buyers and expand it to existing homeowners. Nevertheless, sales were up 5.1 percent from a year ago, the first yearly increase since November 2005. This is great news, and will continue to help the coming 1st quarter! Stay positive the best is yet to come!   http://www.daryldatus.com 11/25/2009

The mortgage assistance program, off to a slow start, has now helped 650,000 homeowners with trial loan modifications, with average savings of $500 a month. The administration aims to help between 3 million and 4 million over three years, but that is $50 billion that won't get repaid directly to the Treasury. It will continue to help those in need and assist us in not competing with foreclosed properties!http://www.daryldatus.com 11/24/2009

Just a note to help us thru the week, QFC inBelfair id geting a new gas station,with that come new people to the area, and the need some place to live! Jobs can be found on QFC web site, for those that need housing once you get here , well I hope you think of me! Have a great winter! Daryl has lived in Belfair since 1973 and has a home on the Hood Canal   where he and his family relax and enjoy Boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming relaxing & good cup of coffee. Navigating the multifaceted decisions needed in today's real estate market requires an agent with dedication, experience, and professionalism. Daryl is devoted to service with an emphasis on accountability, reliability, and enthusiasm. Especially during shifting market cycles, Daryl provides his clients all the information they w... 11/21/2009

Home for the Holidays....They all start making their way home to LakeLand Village Allyn WA... The first part of the Holiday Season... Thanksgiving starts it off!- Tradition has most of the kids coming to my house for Thanksgiving and this year is no different. I am really excited this year about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some years I am not as excited but more worn out from it all happening so quickly and there being so much to do... This year seems a little more special and a little different. And there really is no distinct reason other than it has been a TOUGH year for everyone. That has made me really appreciate even more the close relationship that our family DOES have. And it's made me more aware of that and how special our times together during the Holidays are. Becky's making... 11/21/2009

  We may be getting ready for the next big Boom here in Allyn Washington. Working from home has many benefits, and small village communities like Allyn, Washington are a perfect fit. We have everything you need in this quiet community. We have parks and golf courses, lakes,  rivers, and saltwater to play in. All of the amenities you have come to expect in a urban setting are here too. Many people choose to walk to the local store, and it also qualifies as exercise.-LOL The point of this post is simple...Allyn, Washington has it all. Or so might a little town in your community. Telecommuting is the wave of our future, get on board!     Many sites showcase people making as much as $300 a day working online from home on their computer. Are online jobs the next big thing? For Maria Gonzále... 11/20/2009

This past month my daughter enrolled in an online program. I was not thrilled with the idea, but she made a very good case. I thought I would share her letter to her new school with you.  She opened my eyes to realities I never knew existed in education today. Below is a portion of what she wrote. I am gad that we have so many options available to us today. It used to be that people would research a school extensively before selecting the neighborhood they chose to live in. Now we can choose any home, anywhere we want, and know that our children have a lot of options for a great education. Megan is happy and excelling. Dear, teachers    My name is Megan, Griffey I am a 15 yr old living in Allyn Washington. I chose this program because I was severely bullied at my school,and didn't feel ... 11/18/2009

Many have said a Realtor with a good name thats what I want! Do we think of that as we deal with the public, as well as others we deal with ,agents, brokers,appraisers,etc..? I have noticed it takes a lot of work to build on a name for the good!And yet it takes 1 act of indiscreation to ruin it! As we go thru in our minds of this last years transactions think of what we have done to the good and well pat yourself on the back for the good, also think of the not so good things and reach down inside ourselves and make adjustments so that this next year will be fantastic! http://www.daryldatus.com 11/14/2009

The national median existing single-family price was $177,900, which is 11.2 percent below the third quarter of 2008; the median is where half sold for more and half sold for less. Distressed sales - foreclosures and short sales - accounted for 30 percent of transactions in the third quarter, which continued to weigh down median home prices because they sell at a discount relative to traditional homes. The decline in the national median price has moderated recently, and a shrinking supply of unsold inventory suggests we are getting closer to price stabilization in many areas, but we need a steady stream of financially qualified buyers to further reduce inventory and get us to a self-sustaining market . "Foreclosures will continue to come on the market, but rising sales from the expanded... 11/13/2009

Mesmerizing... I couldn't resist posting this picture. My husband just sent it to me via a text message as he sits by the campfire after a long hard day of hunting..... I can hear the crackle of the fire. Look at the amazing colors.   One of my husband's favorite times of year - hunting season. Sitting by the campfire with the guys. Telling stories. Enjoying good company. Relaxing and letting the little things go.   Getting back to simplicity-the simple things in life and the basics. We should all remember to do just that every once in a while....  Enjoy the simple things and get back to the basics.     11/11/2009