My wife has this thing she says about blaming behavior being a sign of mental illness. I don’t know if it’s true and I don’t have any clinical evidence to prove or disprove it. But, for the sake of argument, let’s just assume it’s a concrete undisputable fact.
With that being said, let’s begin with politics. The right blames the left and the left blames the right. And when they can’t agree or disagree, the right blames the left and the left blames the right. And as human beings, it’s probably natural for us to agree more strongly with whichever side we have a tendency to generally support. Then for us, it’s always the other side who’s to blame. It makes sense.
We also have a tendency to focus our disgust or admiration on a single person or entity as being the “Bad Guy” when in fact initiatives that person or entity support are ultimately voted on and approved or rejected by a majority vote of the public. Of course the public means you and me. But someone else is to blame. The public had nothing to do with the final outcome.
And then there’s the state’s budget, which is coincidently approved by both members of the left and right. Whoever they are? But someone has to be blamed. No one wants to receive less. We want more. It’s our right. Oh yes, it’s the banks and Wall Street. They are the culprits. But this all begs the question. Who really benefits if the unthinkable happens and there really isn’t any more money to pay the commitments our government has made?
And there’s also the situation where one political commentator or candidate will want us to believe that a questionable action which one political party got away with acts to support the same behavior by another political party. In that case, my mother had a great saying. She would kind of tilt her head to the side and with questioning eyes ask, “If so-and-so jumped off a bridge, would that make it right for you to also jump off that bridge?” Let’s blame them so we can use their misdeeds to support our misdeeds. In a crude way it probably makes sense. But would you jump off that bridge?
As a parent though, that sounds like a good argument. Except, living in the real world and being a parent seem to relate to completely different things. Remember, it’s the teachers fault if your child isn’t doing well in school. Or, if you’re on the school board or a superintendent, even a teacher, it’s the parents to blame because they don’t spend enough time teaching their children and enforcing good study habits. But then expecting your child to learn could put too much stress and pressure and could therefore be considered unreasonable. Some parents even blame others for their children’s problems. Too much peer pressure. One parent even scolded me for encouraging their child during a soccer game. It was simply too much pressure.
But, if blaming behavior is a sign of something bad, what’s the opposite? Good question. Many might suggest its personal accountability. Others might say the solution is committing oneself to becoming a problem solver and a solution maker. Probably lots of other things too. All I know is, mental health is huge. I was once seriously depressed and I never want to go back there again. Perhaps you agree. If so, quit blaming others for things in your life and quit allowing others to influence you with their own blaming behavior. It’s a very simply solution.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Canterwood Market in Gig Harbor, Washington
Since my last posting of Northwest Multiple Listing data, the activity in the Canterwood community of Gig Harbor includes:
The property at 13216 Bracken Fern Dr NW is new to the market. It is listed at $795,000. It has a 2010 assessed value of $648,100 and was last on the market in 2008 at $999,950. That listing was later reduced to $819,000. It seems it was last purchased in 2007 in a foreclosure action at $575,300.
4914 Foxglove is back on the market. It had had a pending sale originally reported February 19th. It is listed at $949,000. It had been reduced $30,000 on the 7th of February, 2011. Its 2010 assessed value is $641,400 and it was last sold as a vacant building site in 1994 for $161,010.
The listing at 12518 Tanager DR NW has been reduced $48,000 and is now at $1,200,000. It’s the second price reduction since coming on the market August 22, 2010. It had initially come on the market at $1,289,000. Its 2010 assessed value is $848,400 and it was last purchased in 2008 at $1,290,000.
Originally purchased in 2008 for $682,500, the property at 4712 Towhee was reported pending February 22nd. Currently it is listed at $459,000 and is indicated as a short sale. Originally it came on the market at $749,950 on August 18, 2008. The 2010 assessed value is $576,600.
4807 Old Stump also has a pending sale. Actually, it appears a contingent offer reported on December 20th, 2010 has now become a pending sale. That occurred on February 22nd, 2011. The 2010 assessed value of this home is $684,400 and it was last purchased in 1998 for $517,000. Originally it was listed August 31, 2010 at $607,000 but was later reduced to $560,000.
After 679 days on the market, the new construction at 12311 Osprey is also being reported as pending. It had originally came on the market in 2007 at $950,000, a price that was increased to $995,000 for a short time, but was last reduced to $650,000 on the 24th of February. The 2010 assessed value is $753,400. As of January 5, 2011 the property became bank owned.
Another bank owned property at 5216 Old Stump is also reported pending February 24, 2011. It is listed at $319,900. The home was last purchased at $276,500 in 2000 and the 2010 assessed value is $347,400.
The only Canterwood closed sale reported was a vacant lot on Osprey that sold for $149,950.
On the bright side, while not specific to the Canterwood area or Gig Harbor, I've personally had huge turnouts for my open houses the past two weekends. What was most interesting though, it seemed the majority had homes already on the market and were looking to move up or they had already made plans to get existing homes on the market. Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve seen that type of response. Nonetheless, it was very positive.
The property at 13216 Bracken Fern Dr NW is new to the market. It is listed at $795,000. It has a 2010 assessed value of $648,100 and was last on the market in 2008 at $999,950. That listing was later reduced to $819,000. It seems it was last purchased in 2007 in a foreclosure action at $575,300.
4914 Foxglove is back on the market. It had had a pending sale originally reported February 19th. It is listed at $949,000. It had been reduced $30,000 on the 7th of February, 2011. Its 2010 assessed value is $641,400 and it was last sold as a vacant building site in 1994 for $161,010.
The listing at 12518 Tanager DR NW has been reduced $48,000 and is now at $1,200,000. It’s the second price reduction since coming on the market August 22, 2010. It had initially come on the market at $1,289,000. Its 2010 assessed value is $848,400 and it was last purchased in 2008 at $1,290,000.
Originally purchased in 2008 for $682,500, the property at 4712 Towhee was reported pending February 22nd. Currently it is listed at $459,000 and is indicated as a short sale. Originally it came on the market at $749,950 on August 18, 2008. The 2010 assessed value is $576,600.
4807 Old Stump also has a pending sale. Actually, it appears a contingent offer reported on December 20th, 2010 has now become a pending sale. That occurred on February 22nd, 2011. The 2010 assessed value of this home is $684,400 and it was last purchased in 1998 for $517,000. Originally it was listed August 31, 2010 at $607,000 but was later reduced to $560,000.
After 679 days on the market, the new construction at 12311 Osprey is also being reported as pending. It had originally came on the market in 2007 at $950,000, a price that was increased to $995,000 for a short time, but was last reduced to $650,000 on the 24th of February. The 2010 assessed value is $753,400. As of January 5, 2011 the property became bank owned.
Another bank owned property at 5216 Old Stump is also reported pending February 24, 2011. It is listed at $319,900. The home was last purchased at $276,500 in 2000 and the 2010 assessed value is $347,400.
The only Canterwood closed sale reported was a vacant lot on Osprey that sold for $149,950.
On the bright side, while not specific to the Canterwood area or Gig Harbor, I've personally had huge turnouts for my open houses the past two weekends. What was most interesting though, it seemed the majority had homes already on the market and were looking to move up or they had already made plans to get existing homes on the market. Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve seen that type of response. Nonetheless, it was very positive.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Gig Harbor, Canterwood Community Update
Since my last posting, Canterwood real estate activity includes:
The home at 12918 50th has just been reduced from $519,000 to $495,000. It was last reduced $33,000 on the 17th of January. This property is indicated as a short sale. The 2010 assessed value is $635,000 and it was last purchased in 2005 at $790,000.
4417 Foxglove is new to the market and is a Rush presale. Prior sale information is not available and the 2010 assessed value of the vacant lot is $160,000.
After expiring and coming back on the market the same day, the listing at 4914 Foxglove, listed at $949,000, is reported as having an offer pending inspection. The 2010 assessed value is $641,400 and it was last purchased in 1994. The property was originally listed the end of last March at $979,000.
The home at 12918 50th has just been reduced from $519,000 to $495,000. It was last reduced $33,000 on the 17th of January. This property is indicated as a short sale. The 2010 assessed value is $635,000 and it was last purchased in 2005 at $790,000.
4417 Foxglove is new to the market and is a Rush presale. Prior sale information is not available and the 2010 assessed value of the vacant lot is $160,000.
After expiring and coming back on the market the same day, the listing at 4914 Foxglove, listed at $949,000, is reported as having an offer pending inspection. The 2010 assessed value is $641,400 and it was last purchased in 1994. The property was originally listed the end of last March at $979,000.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Canterwood Market Update
Last week, one Canterwood pending sale and no closed sales were reported through the MLS. The single pending sale involved a bank owned vacant lot at 12020 45th that was listed for $65,000. It had last been sold in 2007 for $287,500. The 2010 assessed value is $178,000.
Also reported were two new listings, of which one was a relist, three listings with price adjustments and three expired listings. Of the new listings, 4506 126th, a relist, is now bank owned and has been listed at $599,900. The 2010 assessed value is $691,000 and the lot was last purchase in 2001 for $150,000. Prior to be taken over by the bank, the property had been initially listed last February for $950,000. Gradually the price was reduced and eventually ended at $790,000. That listing expired last November.
The other new listing is at 13004 Muir and it came on the market at $675,000. It was last purchased in 2001 for $375,000 and has a 2010 assessed value of $548,500.
Of those properties with price reductions, 12311 Osprey is now listed at $650,000, reflecting a $49,950 price reduction. The home was built in 2007 by RC Barrett Development and initially came on the market in May of 2007 at $1,299,995. It has been on the market most of the time since. The 2010 assessed value is $753,400.
The listing at 4809 133rd was initially listed in June of 2009 at $890,000. Last week the price was reduced to $799,000, a single reduction of $91,000. This home was last purchased in 2001 for $515,000. The 2010 assessed value is $643,700.
12404 Osprey was last purchased in 2007 for $975,000. The 2010 assessed value is $844,600. Initially it was listed in January of 2009 at $1.7M but after numerous previous reductions, it was further reduced $250,000 last week and is now listed at $1.15M.
The reason I make reference to the 2010 assessed values of these properties is many buyers are using it as an informal gauge. In comparing recent closed sales to the 2010 assessed value, there are a high percentage of homes which are selling below the 2010 value. Unfortunately, 2011 assessed values will again be lower yet.
For market information specific to you, please call:
Ken Thiemann, Managing Broker
Director, Tacoma/Pierce County Association of Realtors
Real Property Specialist & Consultant
Providing Information and Results You can Trust!
Windermere Professional Partners
(253) 370-5626 FAX: (253) 565-1371
Monday, January 31, 2011
Realtors Represent Private Property Interests
February 20, 2011 was Hill Day in Olympia and Realtors from across Washington State descended on the Capitol to talk with every Legislator and Senator in every district. Obviously, our mission was to discuss relevant issues pertaining to the interests of our organization. But, just as importantly, private property rights impacting every home or commercial property owner throughout the state was a major concern. In our general meeting Dr. Raha, the state’s economist and chief forecaster, spoke about what he saw in terms of the overall state economy. Although Microsoft, Boeing and new car sales had improved significantly, home sales were still lagging and he expected that would be the case throughout much of 2011. He also said that he didn’t expect interest rates to remain as low as they currently are beyond the end of this year. However, they could realistically change at almost any time. Obviously I was honored to be included in the group that attended from my office.
Market Update
The information here is simply intended to provide a weekly activity report from the Canterwood community in Gig Harbor, Washington. Closed sales though offer the only true barometer of value.
While an overview of the entire market indicates an increase in activity, home prices have not stabilized and price remains the primary focus of most buyers. Interest rates are still low, yet jumbo loans remain difficult and tax the determination of most high end home buyers. Despite gas and commodity price increases, indicating a loss of the dollar’s value, the cost of gas and commodities are still excluded in the calculation of inflation. Consequently, inflation is still reported at low levels. On the street, it’s a mixed bag.
I’m even seeing sellers, some who have either had their homes on the market or would eventually like to move, switch gears and, instead of talking about what they want or think their property is worth, talk about what it actually costs to continue owning an asset which is certainly worth less today than it was 18 months or a year ago. Some of those holding costs include, mortgage payments, utilities, yard and home maintenance costs, homeowner dues and travel expenses. For some, the cost of unexpected maintenance projects is especially frightening.
On a positive note, in the past week, three pending Canterwood sales have been reported. These include:
5622 Old Stump is reported as pending. It is a bank owned property and has only been on the market since January 6th, 2011. A previous mortgage in the amount of $1M was recorded in 2007. The 2010 assessed value of the property is $689,100.
The home at 12207 49th is also reported as pending. It is currently listed at $639,000 and has been on the market 545 days. It is not reported as a short sale or being bank owned. It was last purchased in 2000 for $560,000 and has a 2010 assessed value of $638,500. It was initially put on the market in April, 2007, at $888,000. It is not a short sale or bank owned.
4611 Saddleback, listed at $1.125M, also has a pending sale. It has been on the market 451 days and was originally listed at $1.3M. The 2010 assessed value is $884,300. It was last purchased in 2007 for $1.325M. While it doesn’t appear to be bank owned, whether it’s a short sale is unknown.
Other activities reported include:
The home at 5307 Old Stump has been relisted with a different agent at $439,900. The new listing reflects a $10,000 reduction from the previous listing. Initially it was listed in February of 2010 at $599,000. It was last purchased in 2006 for $500,000 and is not a short sale or bank owned. The 2010 assessed value is reported at $365,100.
The listing at 13716 49th is now priced at $554,000, a reduction of $10,000. It was initially listed last August for $569,000. It currently is neither a short sale nor bank owned. It was last purchased in 2007 for $599,950 and has a 2010 assessed value $467,400.
While an overview of the entire market indicates an increase in activity, home prices have not stabilized and price remains the primary focus of most buyers. Interest rates are still low, yet jumbo loans remain difficult and tax the determination of most high end home buyers. Despite gas and commodity price increases, indicating a loss of the dollar’s value, the cost of gas and commodities are still excluded in the calculation of inflation. Consequently, inflation is still reported at low levels. On the street, it’s a mixed bag.
I’m even seeing sellers, some who have either had their homes on the market or would eventually like to move, switch gears and, instead of talking about what they want or think their property is worth, talk about what it actually costs to continue owning an asset which is certainly worth less today than it was 18 months or a year ago. Some of those holding costs include, mortgage payments, utilities, yard and home maintenance costs, homeowner dues and travel expenses. For some, the cost of unexpected maintenance projects is especially frightening.
On a positive note, in the past week, three pending Canterwood sales have been reported. These include:
5622 Old Stump is reported as pending. It is a bank owned property and has only been on the market since January 6th, 2011. A previous mortgage in the amount of $1M was recorded in 2007. The 2010 assessed value of the property is $689,100.
The home at 12207 49th is also reported as pending. It is currently listed at $639,000 and has been on the market 545 days. It is not reported as a short sale or being bank owned. It was last purchased in 2000 for $560,000 and has a 2010 assessed value of $638,500. It was initially put on the market in April, 2007, at $888,000. It is not a short sale or bank owned.
4611 Saddleback, listed at $1.125M, also has a pending sale. It has been on the market 451 days and was originally listed at $1.3M. The 2010 assessed value is $884,300. It was last purchased in 2007 for $1.325M. While it doesn’t appear to be bank owned, whether it’s a short sale is unknown.
Other activities reported include:
The home at 5307 Old Stump has been relisted with a different agent at $439,900. The new listing reflects a $10,000 reduction from the previous listing. Initially it was listed in February of 2010 at $599,000. It was last purchased in 2006 for $500,000 and is not a short sale or bank owned. The 2010 assessed value is reported at $365,100.
The listing at 13716 49th is now priced at $554,000, a reduction of $10,000. It was initially listed last August for $569,000. It currently is neither a short sale nor bank owned. It was last purchased in 2007 for $599,950 and has a 2010 assessed value $467,400.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)