Richard R Bell Broker-Manager Allyn~ Belfair Washington State Realtor

Our last General Membership meeting of the Mason County Association of Realtors, held at the Alderbrook Resort and Spa on Hood Canal), had all the glitter and glam of the Oscars.

Alderbrook (a cool website by the way) Resortwas a fitting venue. Realtor Divas and tuxedo Gents came forward in Oscar style to share with the membership all of the awards our association was presented with at the recently held annual Washington Realtors Hill Day.

Mason County may not be the largest association in the State or the first one you think of when it comes to receiving State and National awards. But do not let our size fool you.

The Association has been recognized for our RPAC investments, local membership participation and State participation. Several of our members serve on the State board and our Quality of Life committee has had National recognition as well.

I would like to take a moment and thank the membership and leadership for all that they do in promoting our industry, serving in their communities, protecting property rights and keeping our Senate and Legislature informed on current market conditions and the needs and concerns of homeowners in Washington State. A Big Kudos to this dedicated group of Realtors!

They are hard working individualsand they do this for each of us without monetary compensation. In fact they believe in the cause so much that they dig deep into their own pockets for travel expenses, classes, RPAC investments and not to mention their valuable time.

When we all work together, for one another, we can make an impact. So whether you are the one attending a meeting, a conference call or supporting with your hard earned dollars- we are all in this together.

After the fun and laughter of the Realtor Oscar presentations, the membership present raised enough money at the Luncheon to send one of our member's son, who has cancer, on a special trip to Hawaii.

He desired to attend his best friends wedding. As soon as the request was heard the basket was passed out and we raised enough to see to it that he would be there on that special day. It is times like these that it makes you proud to be a Realtor. We are a family and together we all make a difference....one Realtor at a time.

Last weekend I had the dubiuos honor to be the MC for the Mason County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner held in Shelton, Washington.

Our Key Note speaker was Rob McKenna, the Washington State Attorney General. He was excellent and delivered a speech that was Positive, insightful and upbeat.

I have to say that with all of the news media harping about all of troubles we are facing as a nation it was refreshing to hear that it may not be as bad as they are saying. It is all in how you look at it.

Washington State currently has a deficit. BUT... this is factoring in increasing spending and adding new programs. The facts are that the revenue for Washington State is marginally increasing by about 2% over last year. It is all about what you do with what you have, not what you wish you could do with what you don't have.

It was refreshing to hear straight talk coming from a politician. McKenna's message was clear, if we are prudent, not only can we endure within our means, we will not have to find ways to make up the difference. (Like raising Taxes!)

Our state economy is doing well compared to other regions of the country and if we act responsible with what we have, there is no reason we will not be able to continue to grow and prosper.

It is all in how you look at it.

P.S. Rob Mckenna would be an Awesome Governor! Check him out.

While in Seattle attending Re Bar camp, I and few other fellow bloggers came upon a very special little establishment at the Pike Place Market. This gem was a real discovery. I have to give credit where it is due because without our Enthusiastic Traveler (check this site out) Doumina Whyman, an associate at our Windermere (Hey, check this site too) office in Allyn, I would not have know about the La Buona Traola.

When stepping through the timeless (Seattle pike place funk) entrance you encounter a world that has existed for ages.(alright, a little dramatic).

The owners encourage sampling and I have to say that the truffles, soups and chocolates are exquisite. After tasting this and that and sampling the wines, I had to bring it all home. In doing so, I was able to create an unforgettable Valentine's Day Dinner for my bride of 40 years.

Our hostess the "Truffle Queen" was wonderful at recommending recipes and had everything on hand that you can imagine to make a meal to remember. From pasta to sauces, and of course the truffles and oils it is hard to keep from getting carried away.

I am including a link to La Buona Tavola so you can stop by and discover what we are all talking about. A real Seattle treat.

Flying high overhead with no boundaries- searching for prey as it becomes night along the waters of Hood Canal, the North American Bald Eagle rises and falls in the cooling night air.

"Today will become tomorrow and night will fade as the light from another day searches through the dark to find it's way."

The Hood Canal recreation area offers us an inclusive open air lifestyle, just like our friend in the photo.

From hiking the high trails to exploring the depths of the Hood Canal waterways, there are places to be discovered where you are the only one there. Quiet, Peaceful and Serenity are only minutes away.

Let the cell phone ring and go unanswered, let the Instant messages fill your in-box, meetings can be rescheduled and the traffic can wait. Toss out the Hustle and Bustle mentality and find your individual freedom of a Hood Canal Lifestyle.

The Mason County Real Estate Sales for January 1 through January 15, 2009 appear to be a little dismal after a stormy and snowy December.

The total number of Real Estate sold for the entire County was 19 in the amount of $3,090,200. Of the 19 sold only 5 were single family resales on less than 5 acres. Of the 5 homes sold, 4 sold in the Shelton area and 1 in the Hartstene Island, Agate area. There were no home sales in the North end of the County or in the Hoodsport, Union area.

There was but, 1 single family resale on more than 5 acres sold and that was in the Shelton area. There were no new homes, Condominiums or unplatted properties sold during this period.

Land sold with a Mobile posted 3 sales. There were also 4 platted parcels sold and 4 short plats sold. In addition, the County recorded 1 Multi family sale and 1 Commercial Sale.

Area A (Shelton, Arcadia, Kamilche) totaled 7 real estate sales in the amount of $1,469,200. Area B (Hartstene,Agate) total sold was 4 in the amount of $300,000. Area C (Ayers Point, Belfair, East Shore) had 5 sales in the amount of $1,136,000 and Area D ( Triton Head, Hoodsport, Union) recorded 3 sales totaling $185,000.

Prices for the 5 single family resales that sold ranged from a high of $366,000 to a low of $105,000. During this period the County's average price for a single family home on less than 5 acres was $207,100 and the median of $150,000. Lot sold average $26,000.

The total loan counts for the County during this time period was 114 loans in the amount of $19,584,003. The average conventional 30 year real estate loan was 5%.

This weeks report is a little dismal but, if you have been watching the market for some time as we Realtors do, you might come to the conclusion that this is a great time to buy! Interest rates are at an all time low, there is a huge amount of inventory available and if you're a renter or a first time homebuyer there are programs that allow for flexibility on issues such as down payment assistance.

Don't let the Doom and Gloom in the national media estrange you, there are Realtors around the County that are ready to match clients to communities and priorities to properties

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