A Benefit for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital & Health Care Center

Friday,December 5th, 2008 Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center

Over 60 Tree's went on display this year at the Tacoma Convention & Trade Center. Tree's are on display for public viewing for a few dollar entry donation. All proceeds from the 2008 Festival will benefit Tree House-A Place for Families.When a child is in the hospital facing a medical crisis this will allow the family to be nearby. Currently MultiCare only has 12 apartments nearby, but with the 100's of thousands of dollars donated this year Frances hall Apartments currently under renovation will provide a place for 44 families.

Auctioneers Jeff Stokes & Jeff Randall kick the auction into full gear on center stage about 7:30PM. Tree's not sold during the silent auction go on the bidding block and recieve bids anywhere from $500.00 to $38,000(one tree included a 2005 convertable lexus).

Other evening entertainment included a 14K earring raffle valued at $4,125. Buy one of 250 keys for $25.00 and if it fits the first box your in the finals. Only 25 keys fit the first box so I have to say when I was one of those with a key I was pretty excited for my wife. We didn't win the earrings but how can you feel bad about donating $25.00 to a great cause. Other entertainment included Enjoy Productions. This Combination of Contortionist, Trapeze Artist, and actors was unique and fun to watch.

Special Thanks to my Aunt and Uncle, Ed and Madonna Arnold this years Festival Sponsor. You can get more information by clicking this link http://www.multicare.org/home/festival-trees

How much are you saving? Take a look at these weekly rates. (Compliments of William Doom,CMP)

Do you know how much you can really afford? What Priced homes should you be looking for?

Example: 300,000 Home 5.5% Fixed 30 Years = $1,703.37 P&I only

Example: 300,000 Home 6.5% Fixed 30 Years = $1,896.20 P$I only

While this may not be exact, $69,418.80 on the life of a 30 year loan or approx $192.83mo Savings.
Pretty good reason to start the new year in a New Home.

Go to www.JeffClancy.com for Calculator or you can Search all Washington MLS Properties listed by all real estate Companies.

If your in the market to Buy a home in the Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, or Surrounding area's call Jeff Clancy, ABR (Accredited Buyers Agent) for Professional Service. (Located off HWY 16)

JEFF CLANCY,Realtor, ABR, CSR, SRS, E-PRO
GIG HARBOR BUYER AGENT
Keller Williams Realty
11515 Burnham Dr NW #A 253-720-7588
Gig Harbor Wa 98332
WWW.GigHarborBuyersAgent.Com

"Your Real estate agent matters"

Are you thinking about selling your home in Kitsap County? Do you have an onsite sewage system?

If you are a Seller or Real Estate Agent this will affect you! Not just buyer's Agent's, but Listing Agent's as well. If your system is newer and you have all the recorded documentation this may not be anything more than just an added cost to selling your home and maintaining your OSS, but if you have an older system that doesn't comply with today's standards you could have some expenses to consider as part of the sale. Sellers or Agents should gather any available documentation and include as part of the listing agreement.

Just to list a few changes.

•· All developed property that utilizes an onsite sewage system will be evaluated through the Kitsap County Health District prior to conveying the property to a new owner. Seller Cost $202.00

•· If as-built not available you may be required to provide a scaled site plan for the property's onsite sewage system, Utilities, Driveways, Garage, Property Lines, and Water Source. A contractor is not required to complete this but considering the guidelines, you may want consider it.

•· The inspection and evaluation report will be valid for three years provided the property is under the same ownership and the system has no obvious defects during that period.

•· The new rules will require a standard gravity system to be inspected every three years and most others once a year.

Don't Panic! The Kitsap County Health Dept Website provides clear instruction regarding all the new requirements. I'm not sure I agree with the cost or the guidelines of this new rule but I agree something has to be done in order to get some of these non-compliant systems in order. One thing is for sure. It's not going to go away! Check out this link for more information on requirements and how to complete the "Evaluation of Onsite Sewage System for Property Ownership Conveyance Application".

http://www.kitsapcountyhealth.com/environmenta_health/onsite/onsite_index.htm

This is something no agent wants to think about since all Signs, Cards, Phone Numbers, and most Marketing Materials are connected to the office you work for. This can add up to thousands of dollars for some agents. Starting over in this market can be a career ending move if you make the wrong choice. The Reality is, when business was booming new offices were popping up everywhere to support the surge in real estate agents. In today's market sales have decreased over 50% in some areas which now will lead to office closures and less agents. Do you know the financial shape of your office?

How does this affect your clients?

Can you imagine the stress and lack of confidence this may cause your clients? Will they consider you a victim or part of the problem? Let's face it, when we choose a company to hang our license with, we are part of that company and we share the reputation of that company. If that office closes who will contact the clients? Something to think about since all the office listings belong to your Broker. Or should I say Ex-Broker?

Consider a career with Keller Williams Realty in Gig Harbor

If you're a Realtor in Gig Harbor, Washington and you are considering a move because of an office closure or maybe you just want to personally brand and grow your business, you should contact me. Keller Williams Realty will provide unparalleled support, teamwork, coaching, and a unique culture. Did I mention that Keller Williams Realty has offices in 50 states? Did I mention the online university, marketing materials, Agent Leadership Council, or profit sharing?

Jeff Clancy, Realtor, ASR, ABR, SRS, E-Pro http://JeffClancy.com

Just because it's REO that doesn't make it a good deal!

When it comes to buying a REO (Bank Owned Property) experience has shown in most cases the asset manager has never seen the property and has very little information about the home. Usually the only information they have is from a Realtor's BPO (Broker Price opinion) which includes some pictures and a vague condition report. Remember the asset manager is not in the business of helping people buy homes. They are in the business of liquidating inventory at the highest possible price. Some buyers have the perception that REO Properties are always a good deal. In some cases this is correct, but in others it has turned into a buyer's nightmare.
Here are a few free tips for the REO Buyer

Work with an accredited buyer's agent that has experience with Bank Repossessions. The Realtor you choose can determine the outcome of your purchase. The listing agent works for the seller and is under no obligation to represent you in this transaction. Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As part of their services, a Realtor can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements. Be prepared to buy! Don't submit an incomplete offer. Have all documentation needed to support your offer such as Lender Approval, Seller Disclosures, Legal description, and even a repair estimate if property has visible issues. REO Properties usually have one thing in common. Repairs are needed! It makes sense that people don't spend money on a house that is close to foreclosure, but it's also common for people in this market to have never considered the cost of maintaining a home from the beginning. Get an inspection from a licensed inspector that can also detect pest and termite infestation. Don't expect a disclosure from the Seller regarding any defects especially since most banks only do patch work repairs in order to get the home sold.

What do you need and want in a home?

Sounds simple, yet, clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping, leaves you in a better position. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small just because the price is right. Perhaps they didn't consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead. Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view. Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It's also time consuming and comes with a myriad of details. Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend to overlook some items. Their home purchase turns into an expensive process. If you have a systematic plan before you shop, you'll be sure to avoid these costly errors when you purchase a REO.

Where do I Start?

If your looking to Buy or Sell Real Estate in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard or the surrounding area's call me to get started. Jeff Clancy is a Washington State Licensed Realtor specializing in Residential, Waterfront, Land, and Manufactured Homes. I have been in the housing industry over 12 years and have worked with bank reposessions over 10 years. My experience is your advantage! http://JeffClancy.com

Jeff Clancy, 253-720-7588
Realtor, ASR, ABR, SRS, E-Pro
Keller Williams Realty
11515 Burnham DR NW #A
Gig Harbor, Wa 98332