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Olympia, WA Real Estate News

By Ben Kinney, We do real estate:Tech, Training, Sales, Brokerage
(Ben Kinney Team)
Over 1.7 acres across the street from Summit Lake close to the public lake access. Road onto the property with some marketable timber and great views of the lake with just minor tree and brush removal. This would make a spectacular building lot or just use for your own private RV spot. Summit Lake provides boating, fishing & kayaking and a myriad of other water sports, yet less than 20 minutes from Olympia. Great spot to build that dream home or a 2nd home for recreation.Gail Smith(360)561-0852KW Tacoma | The Ben Kinney Team
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
The University of Washington Center for Real Estate Research in Seattle, WA publishes reports about the economy and the real estate sector in Washington State. One of their reports is the housing affordability index.  The Index tracks affordability in all Washington counties. We are tracking King (where Seattle is located), Pierce (Tacoma) and Thurston (Olympia) counties and how Thurston County compares to its northern neighbors. The Index looks at median income and median-priced homes if the buyer was buying a home with a 20% down payment on a 30-year fixed-rate loan. An index higher than 100 means the market is affordable; below 100 is less affordable. As you can see, Thurston County has an index rating of 125. This means our median income buyer could afford to buy a home 25% more exp...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
The family I helped purchase a home sent me this terrific mug in the mail - I love it! The message of "Keep calm, I'm your Realtor" hits home with these buyers of mine because they had a not-so-stellar experience with their lender, and the experience caused so much stress on them, the wife ended up quite ill.  But I'll get to the ending first. It all worked out beautifully in the end....with another lender. Real estate professionals may all respectively do the same job but the outcome for the consumer varies greatly.  In this case, my buyers used a national lender to obtain a VA loan. There was a foreclosure in the past that had happened for the buyer. For lenders, there are guidelines on how to handle past foreclosures and there are timelines set. FHA-backed loans have different timeli...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the real estate market in Olympia, WA that is causing all kinds of problems for both buyers and sellers.  Buyers and sellers are asking, is this a good time to buy/sell?  It’s no wonder there is so much confusion.  Even today, the real estate headline in our local paper touts how great this “balanced market” is for buyers.  Huh?  A balanced market?  This is just not correct.  The Olympia, WA market is squarely in a seller’s market.  If buyers were solely guided by what they read in today’s paper, they would be missing out on homes because they wouldn’t understand the true landscape of the real estate market.  They would be writing below-market offers, asking for concessions and would be stunned when the seller rejects their offer.  They w...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
 This past Thursday, I and my REALTOR® colleagues from around Washington State (about 500 of us!) were adorned in our “Unlock the Door” blue scarves as we visited with our local senators and representatives on the Capitol campus.      This photo is just a handful of us on the steps of the Legislative Building.  (I’m the one in the blue scarf near the right!  This photo is from warealtor.org.)      I and my Thurston County REALTORS® met with Senator Sam Hunt of the 22nd District.  He and his intern (and I apologize, I did not catch his name) spent quite a bit of time with us, which we appreciated.  We discussed with him three bills in the Unlock the Door campaign for affordable homeownership:    Reform the condominium liability law Align the short plat definition with the ecology SEPA ru...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
My Vision Board is my Thank-You Board I am all in on the power of vision boards where you have a visual representation through pictures and words of your goals.  But I’m shy with my vision board as I don’t want anyone else to see it!  If I have the vision board buried under my computer keyboard or stuck in a drawer, that defeats the purpose of how a vision board works.     My solution to having a vision board that I can display has morphed into what I now call my Thank-You Board. I am fortunate to have an office with four walls and a door at my Coldwell Banker office in Olympia, WA.   The only downside is having four blank walls to decorate!  Out of a lack of art, I found this greeting card display piece online.   Since I like to take photos of the area, I had photos of the area display...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Today was our annual celebration of 2018 for our Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty staff and REALTORS held in Olympia, WA.  It takes looking back to see where you are going forward, and today’s rally gave perspective on the market, our sellers and buyers, and our business.  Our broker gave a great presentation on what really happened in the market compared to what the media outlets wrote just to sell a paper.  The headlines certainly do not match the numbers of the market.  (More to come on this in a later post.) We also had a lot of fun (as we always do when we come together as a group) as our broker tested our knowledge of the market in a competitive quiz!  We have 49 residential REALTORS in our office – small enough to make it feel like family but large enough to get in some g...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
I have a big thank you for the great work of John Brinton and Andrew Brinton of A-Pro Home Inspections in Olympia, WA.   I'm not sure how long I have known them or worked with them but it has to be over ten years.  They are my go-to home inspectors who go the extra mile for me and my clients. One of the best ways that they help me and my clients understand the inspection is they will do a video summary.  I work with so many buyers who cannot attend the inspection, usually because they are out of state and are in the process of relocating to Olympia, WA.  Having the inspector give a summary of the report and findings helps to really explain to the buyer what they found and the extent of the issue.  I can't show you a summary video but trust me, John and Andrew do a great job.   But I can...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
This year in real estate in the Thurston County, WA area, including the cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, are bound to be a very successful year both for sellers and buyers.  Here is the 2018 recap with the 2019 projections.  Record Number of SellersA record number of resale homes came to the market throughout 2018.  That gave buyers more choices and it moved the standing inventory of homes (those available at any moment in time) from record low levels.  The increase in both helped nudge our market out of a deep seller’s market and begin a trend back toward balance. 2019 Projection: Total Listings Flat to Slight DeclineWith so much home equity, sellers will look to move, however, not at the frenzied pace of 2018. But also consider that breaking records year after year is just not ...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Washington REALTORS® from around the state will be gathering in Olympia, WA at our state’s capital to join in Legislative Day 2019.  REALTORS® and the REALTORS® associations work with elected officials in promoting and protecting homeownership.  On January 24, 2019, REALTORS® will defend the industry by gathering to talk with elected officials on seven main points in the Unlock the Door campaign (www.unlockthedoorwa.com). In summary, this campaign is tackling the lack of housing opportunities in Washington State.  Washington REALTORS® are working with non- and for-profits to work with our elected officials on legislation regarding these seven main points:  Reform Condominium Liability Laws Increase Urban and Suburban Housing Supply in Urban Growth Areas Aligning the Short Subdivision Pr...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
The Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, WA Housing Market Update for December 2018 Olympia, WA is the capital city of Washington State and is located in Thurston County with the other major cities of Lacey and Tumwater, WA. The December 2018 Highlights: Overall the market in 2018 was very good for Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater WA home buyers and sellers.  Some sellers did see multiple offers on their homes while buyers were very savvy in their negotiations to successfully become homeowners.  Increased inventory means more choices for buyers. Year-to-Date sales are down however December 2018 was still the 3rd highest December ever for closed sales. Sellers are still seeing face-paced sales with the average days on market at 17 days for homes priced right. Sellers are still firmly seated in a sel...
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By Ben Kinney, We do real estate:Tech, Training, Sales, Brokerage
(Ben Kinney Team)
8322 54th Ave SE Olympia Olympia, WA 98513 Beautifully maintained 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, home in Courtney View Estates. Open kitchen boasts sparkling tile counter-top w/full height backsplash and shaker cabinets. Large center Island, SS appliances & walk-in pantry. Spacious master suite features a walk-in closet & an attached spa-like bath w/dual vanity & large soaking tub. 3 more spacious bedrooms plus a large bonus room upstairs & Den/office on main level. A/C Fully fenced back yard, and two car attached garage. Easy access to JBLM & I-5Gail Smith(360) 561-0852The Ben Kinney teamKeller Williams Tacoma
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Trying to stay awake until midnight on New Year’s Eve is always a struggle for me so if you are like me, here are some fun ideas to celebrate the new year on December 31st and January 1st.  Start New Year’s Eve off with a long walk at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.  This is one of my favorite places to visit year-round to get in a long walk.  There are boardwalk trails as well as level gravel trails.  The fresh air and the lookout for all kinds of birds get rid of cabin fever.  The refuge is located at I-5, exit 114.  Then grab a bite to eat at another one of my favorite spots in Lacey, WA – the Curry House located at 8765 Tallon Lane NE.  This is a family-run Indian food restaurant and it is delicious.  The chicken tikka masala is excellent! After a filling lun...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Yesterday, my firm, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty presented our annual donation to the Thurston County Food Bank in downtown Olympia WA and then we rolled up our sleeves and helped out.  Here we are at the food bank with Judy Jones, the Operations Manager, and my broker, Ken Anderson presenting her with our check.  The Thurston County Food Bank operates to make sure that 97% of donations go to the food bank and the recipients, with only 3% for administrative costs.  How many charities can boast that kind of number?! And it was astonishing to hear what the food bank can do with cash donations.  Judy Jones, the Operations Manager was telling us an example where they purchased in bulk breakfast cereal in ten-pound bags.  They will break that down into 1-pound bags and that will ...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Earlier this year, the REALTOR Own It Gratitude coins were unveiled at the NAR Leadership Summit and Committee Leadership Camp.  I was not a part of these camps but served in 2018 on my local REALTOR board.  Our outgoing President presented these coins to us in recognition for our commitment to our association.  Although this was a gift, it isn't meant to be kept.  (This is where re-gifting is not frowned upon but encouraged!)  We have been instructed to pass these coins along to other REALTORS who embody the ethics and spirit of being a REALTOR.  If you receive a coin, register the coin at www.nar.realtor/gratitude.  Each coin has a unique number that can be tracked to see how far the coin goes.  The hope is to keep these coins in circulation for years!  I look forward to passing along...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Thanks, Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD for your lovely card I received in the mail today!  How cute is this pop-up card?!  It certainly made my day, and what a great marketing piece.  I have this displayed on my desk, and my colleagues are loving this!  They are now thinking of sending something like this out to their clients. Thank you again Debb and Bernie for making my day.  What a difference a card makes. And if I know of anyone moving to the Camas, WA area, I know who to call! Happy Holidays!
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
This year in the Capitol rotunda in Olympia, WA, a 29-foot Noble Fir is decorated for Christmas 2018.   Weyerhauser donated this tree from the Vail Tree Farm just a few miles away in Rainier, WA.   During my visit to the Capitol, a graduation ceremony was taking place, but many visitors enjoyed seeing the state tree today.  Later today, the rotunda will be filled with music by Carols at the Capitol.  If you miss this performance, be sure to visit the rotunda tomorrow, Sunday, December 9th at 12 noon to hear Bells at the Capitol by Olympia Christian School.  Check out this quick video of the Washington State Christmas tree in Olympia, WA 2018.    
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
Yesterday was the general meeting for Thurston County REALTORS® in Olympia, WA.  This last meeting of the year is always a fun one.  Not only are the new directors inducted (I'm a new director this year for REALTORS®) and we have a new president, but we also celebrated the volunteering our group does individually and as a whole.  We were happy to present the Thurston County Food Bank with a check for $6,000.  These funds were raised from our fall golf course event.  We also had a wreath auction this year where the winning bids went to the charities of the winner's choice.  Even more money was raised for the food bank, along with many other worthy organizations serving children, women and our senior community. The REALTORS® who also volunteer their time with REALTORS® were recognized, in...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
John Henry recently blogged about the 2-Foot Rule.  As he writes, "the idea is simply you tackle 2 feet at a time" when you are faced with a mountain of work to do.  Start with a small, two-foot section to get it done.  It makes the task more manageable and helps crush procrastination! This probably should have been turned into an ActiveRain Contest.  Hint, hint.   Today, I thought I would put this 2-foot rule into practice. I have this pantry that makes me nuts, and every time I open the door to look for something, I get irritated.  I have a mess of cookbooks at the bottom and duplicate spices and bottles of other mysterious stuff hiding in the back.   I have put off trying to organize my pantry because there are three other sections like this.  For today, I tacked just one section.  I...
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By Francine Viola, REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs
(Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA)
The REAL real estate market report for Olympia, WA  I emphasize the word, “real” because I’m weary of these sensational headlines about the end of the real estate market. And then I have clients who quote these sources and believe them to be true.  The analysis of statistics can always be manipulated to get the intended point across, but I would like to offer a flip side to the media headlines that state the housing market is heading towards a crisis.  Here is a headline from The Seattle Times: “Prices haven’t fallen this fast since 2011 when the market was still bottoming out after the recession.” And goes on to say, “Seattle’s decline was more than triple the next highest metro area (San Diego, where prices declined 0.8 percent).”  Triple the decline?! As my broker states, the sky isn...
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