About Shelton's Island Lake

Have you ever had a home that experienced flooding when a lot was cleared and another home was built nearby? Maybe you have moved into a new home and had no idea how to transform the pile of dirt it sits on into a yard? Or perhaps you made a mistake and now have environmental concerns on your property. The Mason Conservation District is here to help...not judge or fine.

The Mason Conservation District assists residents of Mason County by providing a link between landowners, industry, and government agencies. They also provide technical and financial assistance to residents willing to implement conservation Best Management Practices. The District is funded through a variety of program grants.

One of my favorite aspects of the Conservation District is their annual native plant sale. Not only are these plants beautiful they are hardy and grow naturally in our community. They reduce costs by not needing to be fertilized or watered as often and are low to no maintenance. The Mason Conservation District will even help you design a plan for your home that will work with your individual needs.

Most District services are available to Mason County residents at no cost, including technical assistance.If you would like additional information you can visit them by clicking the link above.

I want to Fly

To drift through the air. The wind choosing my direction as my heart finds my destiny.

Above me the glorious sun and far below me the thoughts of yesterday.

To look beyond my time into the whole of eternity.

Living for a moment my dream of freedom. Untethered to the course of mankind.

To Fall with grace until my feet find the hard earth once again.

Touching the clouds and watching the sun etch the rounded horizon from memory.

This is my day. This is my time and this is my unstolen moment.

Island Lake on a cold winter's day. The sun is out and everything just seems to sparkle. I think the colors have even more life in them.This area is a wetlands and it is wonderful to come by in the spring to listen to all of the frogs. In the evening just as the sun sets natures sounds pull you in. The trickling waters croaking frogs, & crickets singing can make it feel like a world all it's own-

While I was driving through Shelton Washington today, I found a very lucky home. The tree limb must have given way in the recent windstorm we had. I could not believe it did absolutely no damage at all to this house- not even a broken window! One of the small twigs broke up against the house, but the house it's self is perfect.I wish I had a better picture to show you just how significant this was, but I am certain the home owner knows!

Do you have any lucky houses where you live?

Congradualtions, you have an offer on your home. Now you will want to be prepared for the following:

Possible counter offer. A counter offer would be the next step if you are not satisfied with the amount that the buyer has offered for your home. Your Agent should do a net sheet. A net sheet will be a list of all of the expenses involved with selling your home, and will give you a good idea on the amount that you will receive at closing. Net sheets are approximate, and should not be considered exact figures and totals.Once both parties have agreed to all terms a home inspection is usually the next step.

Home inspection. A home inspection is an option that the buyer may elect. They normally have 10 days to hire an inspector to go through the home and give them an idea of the homes condition. The inspection period may be shorter or longer than 10 days depending on what was agreed to when the offer was accepted.The buyer may also elect to conduct the inspection themselves. Usually the home owners are not present during the home inspection. The Buyer, and their Agent normally attend.

Home inspection response. Now that the home inspection has been conducted your Agent will be presented with a form indicating whether the Buyer was satisfied with their inspection, or will need additional inspections, they may ask for repairs, or monetary adjustments to the contract in lieu of repairs.Your Agent will discuss this with you in detail, and negotiate on your behalf until both parties agree on how to proceed. There is a limited amount of time to come to an agreement, and your Agent will advise you concerning your contract. Once all has been agreed to you will move to closing.

Title and Escrow. The title company prepares all the needed documentation to transfer the title to the new owner. You will need to provide the title, and escrow company with information. Once all of the paper work is complete the escrow company creates a settlement statement. This will list all that is owed on the property, and which party, Buyer or Seller needs to pay for each item. These items are considered credits and debits.

Closing.Once you review the settlement statement, and have any questions addressed, you will be asked to sign paperwork. The Buyer will also sign paperwork, and possible loan documents. Once everything is signed by both parties, and the money has reached the appropriate people, the Escrow company will receive recording numbers.They will then proceed to the county to have the title recorded in the appropriate name. Once all of the information is recorded with the county, the transaction is considered closed. The Buyer is now permitted to move in, unless your Agent has negotiated other arrangements.

While some of the steps above may seem overwhelming, and every transaction is unique, having a qualified Agent there to walk you through the process, will set your mind at ease. Contracts should not be taken lightly, and your Agent will assist you with any questions that you may have,and be able to recommend specialists should a specific need arise. Selling your home can be an enjoyable process, if you know what to expect ,and hire qualified agents to represent you and your family.