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

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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If you have some free time and a beautiful weekend why not enjoy one of Mason County's beautiful parks. I am including a link so that you know exactly where to find them.

There are 16 parks and I have included a link for directions to each of them.

From fishing, to hiking and even digging for clams and oysters, you are certain to find something to do around here.

Our mountains were made for climbing -or just viewing.

The Sound,Canal, Bays and Lakes were made for boating. Mason County was made for enjoying weekends and whether you are from here or not you are certain to have a great time!

(Can you tell, I like posting about this part of the Country? thanks to the AR community.)

I ran across this great article on line about Money Free Weekends. There are a lot of ideas and I have provided a link so you can check it out on your own.

When you think about it- there is no need to spend a ton to have a little fun. There is plenty that you can do with out spending a lot of dough.

1. Go for a walk with your spouse.

2. Complete a puzzle.

3. Watch an old classic movie.

4. Get out photo albums and scan the pictures for relatives on-line.

5. Make a special dinner together.

6. Go out side and have an evening picnic amongst the stars.

7. Plan a vacation together and challenge each other to find the best deals.

8. Read a great book.

9. Listen to your favorite music and watch the sunset.

10. Play a board game.

This can be a great family weekend or one just for the two of you. If you really want to kick it up a notch try it without TV.

It is also a great way to teach your children the value of time together with commercializing it.

The best things in life are FREE!

Some days you just get up and the world is your oyster. This can be especially true in Mason County where we are known for oysters. (and whats with the Oysters...you might check out my other post on oysters)

Today was a remarkable day. After low clouds and chilly nights, we woke up this morning to bright sunshine and clear skies.

These kind of days make you believe anything is possible!

For me it was taking charge of the "Yes Dear" yard work list.

This post was inspired by Konnie McKee. Thanks for the idea. I hope this will be the helpful guide you were looking for.

Do you think that there is a junk mail a problem in the United States?

Here is the math...

• Mailed: 5.56 million tons
• Recycled: 1.23 million tons (22%)
• Garbage: 4.33 million tons

Nearly 32 pounds of paper and plastic go into the garbage for every woman, man and child in America. That's a pretty sizable "junk mail" problem!

If you are tired of getting junk mail, there is something that you can do about it. The following is an option. I also have a link to a site with more helpful suggestions.

Register your address with the Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The DMA has a Mail Preference Service. You can get off many of the mailing lists and substantially reduce your junk mail.

This is link to a site to help you do it yourself.

Others have found unique ways to scare junk mail away!