Allyn, WA

I wrote a blog a few days ago about the mysterious painter in Allyn. A few people commented that it was strange to not have a name to go with the painter.

Well, he has one now. The mystery painter in Allyn is...

John Moore!

As John Moore traveled through our little town he noticed a lot of gray buildings, and decided to do something about it. I for one appreciate the colorful images he has painted here. He originally came from Maquoketa, Iowa, and he has painted all over the state of Wisconsin. John has lived a colorful life including entertaining crowds from Nashville to Hollywood. He has worked as a singer, musician, and professional entertainer.He is currently traveling over 50 miles a day just to put his mark on our happy little town. If you are out there somewhere John, and have a chance to read this THANK YOU!

By the way if any of you out there in the Active Rain or Localism community, and have ran across John Moore, and would like to share pictures of his art from where you are, please post them, or E-mail me at DinahGriffey@windermere.com I would love to share his work there with others here!

Josh Murphy is new to our office, but not that new to the real estate business. We are very glad to have him on board. One of the first things that Josh did when he got here was to sign up for Active Rain. He already has two posts,and they are great. Please take a moment to welcome him to the Active Rain family, and maybe even share your favorite sites with him!

Welcome Josh!

There truly is one thing that I have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy about this market. One hurdle with my personal business is my age. However, my maturity does tend to set me with a crowd slightly older.

I am slowly starting to pick up buyers, first time home buyers. Generally I speak with friends, distant and close, that are currently renting. Once I get the chance to fully explain this market to them, they do often agree that this is a good time to buy.

I spoke with another lady last night, that perfectly fits the scenario of the couple I worked with in my first deal. Young, married, currently renting, good job, decent credit.

A lot of people in their young 20's that I speak with are still in the mindset of our market a few years ago of a home being a purchase they cannot afford, they often say, "I can't afford my own home.......Can I?"

I have found it to be very rewarding to work with these first time home buyers. Generally they have a little money saved up, but the greatest thing, most are renting. That currently is the first problem with the people that want to buy, they have a home, that they cannot afford to sell.

They might not get approved for the mansion they dreamed of, but with lending the way it is generally you can be reassured that the home they are approved for is one that they can afford.

Kinda just some food for thought.

Josh Murphy First Time Home Buyer Specialist

Windermere Peninsula Properties

http://www.RealEstateWithResults.com

I just read about a great site. It is blackfriday.info. Another Active Rain blogger, Jeannette Neerpat, shared this site in her blog from Florida, and I wanted all of you here in Washington to be able to find it. I expect some really great deals this year- so go and check it out. Happy Shopping! Don't forget to pick me up something nice-Dinah Lee

Yes, it is raining again here in Western Washington. So today I have spent most of my time on Active Rain. I love all of the posts, and finding new people to read and share with. One of my favorite places to go is Localism.

I love my community, and sharing about it, but I also love reading about yours. Localism is a fantastic way to share from coast to coast. To go spend a little time in a town off the beaten path. To check out the neighborhood your friends and family just moved into, or to find out more about a place you would want to visit. There are plenty of pictures and locals who can give you an on line tour like no one else can.This brings me to some exciting news that I want to share with all of you in Mason County. Washington State, and beyond.

Our North Mason Chamber of Commerce has just linked to Localism and has it featured as a button on the front page. Frank Kenny has been instrumental in pushing this forward after a conversation we had about Localism in our Allyn Community Association meeting. He sees the value in promoting our community from the inside out and has been a driving force on the "Shop Local" campaign. We are fortunate to have so many of the members of this great organization on board. I look forward to sharing their pictures and viewing their comments. Localism is a great way for everyone to see what wonderful communities we live in, and get a little taste of all that we have to offer. Thank You Frank, for supporting us in this new endeavor. We appreciate all that you do to put us on the map!