Mike Conner, City Realty Inc. Olympia, WA

If you are thinking of entering the market for your first home and need some additional information about financing options (including down payment assistance and closing cost assistance!) then you'll enjoy this brief video from www.wahomeowners.com . It exposes some little known programs available to new homebuyers.

If you'd like to talk about the homebuying process, real estate market trends, budgeting, or the many benefits of home ownership please give me a call or email. I'd love to hear from you!

Enjoy!

The decision of buying versus renting is one that many people have confronted over the past few years. Huge gains in home values a few years ago pushed many new homebuyers into the market with grand hopes of finding wealth. While owning a home can be one path to long term wealth, it is important to consider all that goes along with it.

This video was created by WAHomeowners.com as a tool to help prospective first time home buyers decide if buying a home is the right step for them. Enjoy, and if you want to discuss the benefits of homeownership further I am only a phone call or email away!

The City of Olympia Arts Commission, Dept. of Parks, Arts & Recreation along with local business sponsors invite you out to the 16th Annual Arts Walk this Friday, October 2, 2009. Over 100 participating businesses in Downtown Olympia open their doors to help visual and performing artists showcase their talents.

The spring version of this event is a huge hit, with the famed Procession of the Species stealing much of the spotlight. This year's fall version of the event will feature live painting exhibits, poetry and short story readings, live music, dancing, children's activities, photography slide shows and much more. Calendar of Events

Not only is this a great social event, but it helps dozens of local artists show off their latest masterpieces in a very interactive and community centered way.

Events such as Arts Walk are what give Olympia its unique character and strong sense of community. Please come out and show your support! We'll see you there!

Check out my previous post: What Makes Olympia Great?

I recently had the privilege of sitting down with one special Olympia resident. Her name is Sandra Kozlowski and she is on a mission. Her passion and determination have helped her turn a lifelong dream into a reality. What's unique about Sandra's dream is that it is not about her....

Three generations back in Sandra's family, her Great-Grandmother, Conchetta, was a single parent struggling to provide for her family. She had great aspirations to go to nursing school, however, due to her selfless nature and her commitment to her children she was never able to realize that dream. Years later, Sandra finds herself in a similar position, trying to manage her own schooling dreams while still providing constant presence and attention for her children and grandchildren. In a testament to the power of the human spirit, she has overcome countless obstacles on the way to her ultimate goal.

While many in her position would be happy just to make ends meet and put food on the table, Sandra is determined to fulfill her higher purpose in life: providing opportunities for others in her position to pursue their education goals while having a safe, supportive place to live. Her dream and vision have evolved into Conchetta House, a non-profit organization dedicated to removing the roadblocks to education for single parents. Sandra's selfless spirit has passed on to her children as well, who are her biggest supporters and are constantly asking what they can do to help get Conchetta House off the ground.

Lately it seems her dream has been gathering momentum and gaining national recognition. Numerous foundations are considering supporting her cause and lots of local media outlets are picking up the story. One of the most exciting opportunities that has come up is Subway's Refresh Your Life Contest. Sandra was chosen as one of 10 finalists competing for the grand prize of $20,000 to pursue their dream. Check out her video for the contest and be sure to VOTE FOR SANDRA!!!

When I asked what she would do with the $20,000 if she wins her reply was unexpected yet not surprising considering her selfless nature.... "I would buy a van for the woman from New Orleans (one of the other finalists in the contest who runs a food bank), I can't believe nobody has stepped up yet and helped that woman out!" She went on to say that whatever money was left would go toward a down payment on a property for Conchetta House.

Her advice for others who want to start an organization to pursue their dream of helping others in need...."Have the courage to stay on your path even during discouraging times and welcome the support and expertise of those willing to help." She says the most rewarding part of her journey so far has been meeting so many people with the desire to help.

So, what can you do to help? Start by casting your vote in Subway's contest. Then go check out the website for Conchetta House to get more information. While you're at it, become a fan of Conchetta House on Facebook.

Your support could help a single parent realize their dream!

Olympia, WA Home Sales: What price range is selling?

Forget all the news you've heard lately about home prices for a moment. While analyzing median prices can provide useful insight, it may be far more important to consider the supply and demand in different price ranges when measuring the strength of a market. As a home seller, it is crucial to know if you are in a segment of the market that is in high demand or one that is over-supplied. Knowing this will help you strategically price your home and set you up for success.

In the Olympia, WA real estate market the segment of the market below $350,000 is where a huge majority ( 81% ) of the sales have taken place over the last 6 months. The specific segment that has far outperformed all the rest is between $200,000 and $250,000, where 31% of the closed and pending sales have occurred! Stretch that price range a little so it includes $200,000 - 299,999 and you account for 53% of closed and pending sales!

What does all of this mean? Well, in the price ranges where demand outweighs supply you can expect a shorter market time and more showings (assuming you've priced your home reasonably). In the higher price ranges it is not uncommon for homes to sit on the market slightly longer and showings are usually fewer and farther between.

The following chart examines the number of sold listings compared to active listings in different price ranges. All sales and listings used are stick-built, single family detached homes with Olympia, Lacey, or Tumwater addresses.

Where does your home fit?

Here is a table to illustrate changes in our market from July 2008 to July 2009. These are sales that closed in the month of July each year for stick-built, single family detached homes in Olympia, Lacey, or Tumwater. Very interesting to see the increase in sales in the price range under $200,000. Just a few years ago it was nearly impossible to find anything in that price range!

To view some of the latest homes for sale in Olympia, WA click here

Or view some of my featured listings:

Gorgeous Olympia, WA Waterfront Home

Immaculate Rambler near Olympia Schools

Multi-Family Zoned Lots near Downtown Olympia

Rare Westside Olympia Building Lot Blocks from Downtown