Archive | November, 2011

Nordic Yule Fest in Ballard Sat and Sun 11/19-11/20

Today was the first day of the Yule Fest at the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard.  Happy crowds thronged the grounds under a bright blue November sky.  Inside the impressive brick museum musicians performed, bakers served traditional Norwedgian cookies and drinks, and crafts were offered in a number of the little rooms where normally all that is on view is sets showing the old time life in the Ballard area of Seattle.

What a day, full of interest and a good way to get a jump on Christmas shopping.  Several of those on my list are going to be pleasantly surprised by glass butter dishes, silver antique teaspoons, boiled wool jackets, hand made bright red candlesticks, little wooden flying horses, and other Nordic special tolkens of the season.  Not to mention the yummy Christmas cookies, ceramics, earrings, and traditional wheat sheaves.

Tomorrow is the 2nd day of the event, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Santa in attendance!  For more information, please see the Yulefest website.

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What’s New with you, Bellingham WA?

Some things I liked about this past week.
Putting on a heavy warm sweater for the cooler weather. Blustery storms. Seeing the surprised yet refreshing smile of a passerby as I said good morning to him.  Handing the keys to a happy new homeowner for their waterfront home.
Receiving a gift from the owner of our company, a Kindle Fire!

                                                                                 This mornings dew on a tree.   

With Thanksgiving just a week away,  I am thankful for all of life’s little surprises.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Roberta Soares, 360-303-3898
Bellingham Homes for Sale

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Buy homes in Glendale Arizona with 1% down with the Lending Tree

homes in glendale Homes for sale in Glendale

If your looking to purchase homes in Glendale Arizona. Better yet any home here in the valley of the sun. The Lending Tree has a loan which gives you 2.5% to help with your purchase if you qualify.

This is on an FHA  loan, so that means you’ll just need to come up with 1%. The FHA limit on single family homes in metropolitan  Phoenix area is $271,050. This means that all you’d need is $2710.50 for your down payment. Let me tell you there are a lot of beautiful you can find out here at this price and lower.

With FHA some lenders go as low as 580 credit score. With VA you can buy with zero down . There are some homes for sale in Glendale, but they move fast.You can find foreclosed homes and get some great deals.

If you want a list of these homes just let us know and we’ll gladly supply for you. Most people(not you) believe that the home prices will get lower. This could be true, but being a licensed realtor that is in the field daily I don’t think so.

Looking for houses

There is a shortage of homes listed in the market for sale. This means that it’s a sellers market again. You missed the boat to purchase  homes in Glendale Arizona and some cities in the valley for 20% below the asking price. If you are looking for  houses like this. Where you can offer this far less then the asking price you need to look at half a  million dollar and up homes.

Even tho it’s a sellers market with the interest rates still at all time lows. The 1% down loan the lending is offering buying a home now is still cheaper than paying rent. You can still have the american dream and become a homeowner. If you need a  house for rent in Glendale AZ. The Brooks Team of AZ can help you with this.

But we would really like to help you become a homeowner. We are in the people helping business and will always do whats best for you the renters, buyers and sellers. We will go the extra mile to make which ever transaction smooth and we’ll keep you informed and updated with the process flow.

Glendale Realtors

homes in glendale

If you like horse properties or Luxury listings or just a nice home in a nice area. Looking at  homes in Glendale Arizona should be on your list. With the shopping  on Bell Road and at Arrowhead mall you’ll fall in love with the area.

Most homes in Arrowhead will qualify for the 1% down payment program offered by the Lending Tree. Glendale Arizona real estate has a lot of options to choose from. Darlene(my wife) and I know the area well after being residents for 6 years.

We love the area and are sure you would also.  We would love to here from other Glendale Arizona residents and are always available to sell your home when needed. And also if you’re looking to buy homes in Glendale Arizona give us a call we’ll take good care of you.

Stephen W. Brooks

Realtor

eXp Realty

623-202-3833

steve.brooks@phoenixpowersearch.com

PS: If you want to know more about the 1% loan give us a call

 

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Great Cabin, Stunning Water View, and Gorgeous Beach for $400,000 an Hour and a Half Drive from Seattle (No Ferries!)

Stunning Puget Sound View

Stunning Puget Sound View

Great Beach Cabin Near Seattle

This beach cabin would make a great second home for a Seattle resident.  It is located in Olympia on the South Puget Sound.  Just an hour and a half drive from Seattle – a straight shot down I-5.  No waiting in ferry lines to reach your own vacation beach retreat.

I’ve looked all over Puget Sound and it is difficult to find this combination of a well-maintained and updated cabin, jaw-dropping view, and great sandy beach at this price ($400,000 at this time of writing).  The interior has 3 bedrooms, new carpet, a remodeled kitchen, living and dining rooms facing the view, a deck off the master bedroom, and a big laundry and mudroom by the front entry – great for cleaning up after the beach.  The house sits back from the road on a quiet spot.  You’ll hear noise from boats – none from cars.

A solid stair takes you down to the beach with its driftwood, fine sand, and shallow water.

Learn more about the Olympia Beach Cabin and see 115 photos

Olympia Beach Cabin

Olympia Beach Cabin

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TD Bank Announces 1,400 New Jobs In Greenville South Carolina

Another Exciting Announcement Today
TD Bank Will Create 1,400 New Jobs In Greenville

Fourteen Hundred new reasons to call Greenville South Carolina home.   Another announcement today about new jobs coming to Greenville.

Once again Governor Nikki Haley is in Greenville to celebrate more jobs created as TD Bank brings to light their plans to expand their corporate headquarters on I-85 to create 1,400 new jobs in the Greenville area.  This is after another great job announcement Monday of Bosch Rexroth’s expansion creating 160 jobs in Fountain Inn.

TD Bank to Create More Than 1,600 Jobs in South Carolina

America’s Most Convenient Bank Commits to Regional Hub

GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, today announced that it will expand its corporate operations at the bank’s campus on Interstate 85 in Greenville, SC, creating more than 1,400 new jobs in the next three to five years. TD Bank will also add more than 200 new positions in Lexington, SC.

“This is a major investment in the future of TD Bank. We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the Interstate 85 campus and creation of more than 1,600 jobs throughout South Carolina to support our growth,” said Bharat Masrani, President and CEO, TD Bank. “Our Greenville regional hub will provide TD Bank with a strong foundation and capacity to accommodate the expansion of America’s Most Convenient Bank from Maine to Florida.”

The $17.1 million renovation of the three buildings, which total 300,000 square-feet of corporate space, will begin in early 2012. The project will provide a significant boost to the local construction industry. Employees will move into different parts of the campus as they are completed with the remaining positions projected to be filled through 2017. These positions will be a breadth of different corporate and operational jobs. Currently there are approximately 160 employees at the campus.

“It’s another great day in South Carolina, and we celebrate TD Bank’s decision to increase its operations throughout our state and create 1,600 new jobs. These new jobs will have a big impact on the Upstate, the Midlands and beyond,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“South Carolina is a great place to do business,” said Rob Hoak, Regional President, South Carolina, TD Bank. “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with the local community, and this decision affirms our commitment to the region and to providing our customers with legendary service and unparalleled convenience.”

The Greenville campus also furthers TD’s green commitment; the buildings are designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) Gold certification. The facility will have state-of-the-art lighting and climate controls, use water-efficient fixtures and recycled and low-emitting materials, and offer employees bicycle storage and preferred parking for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Establishing Greenville as a regional headquarters for the bank is the latest step in TD’s growth in the region. In 2011 alone, TD expanded its mortgage operations, bank operations, and Small Business Lending (SBA) teams in the state. Richard Bradshaw, Head of U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Programs, is based in Greenville and directs SBA growth footprint wide for the bank. TD Bank currently has approximately 1,300 employees and 82 stores in South Carolina.

“Since joining the South Carolina business community with its acquisition of The South Financial Group, TD Bank has demonstrated its strong commitment to Greenville and South Carolina by expanding its services and operations,” said Butch Kirven, director of the Greenville Area Development Corporation and chairman of Greenville County Council. “A chief goal ofGreenville County is to ensure a favorable business climate which enables quality companies, such as TD Bank, to profitably employ local citizens and contribute to the community. The announcement of TD Bank’s regional hub is testament thatGreenville County’s economic development strategies continue to pay solid dividends.”

“We’re pleased that TD Bank has chosen to locate this key regional hub operation here in Greenville, and appreciate their confidence in and commitment to our community,” said Knox White, Mayor of the City of Greenville. “This decision is an important affirmation of Greenville’s focus on attracting and growing high impact businesses of all types, and we welcome TD Bank’s expanded presence in our community.”

TD is a growth company. It is one of only two banks in North America to have a triple-A rating from Moody’s.

To learn more about TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, stop by a store, visit us at www.tdbank.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter at www.facebook.com/TDMoneyLoungeUS and www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 7.4 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,275 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized wealth management services through TD Wealth, and insurance products and services through TD Insurance, Inc. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine. To learn more, follow TD Bank on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US or visit www.tdbank.com.

TD Bank is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America and one of the few banks in the world rated Aaa by Moody’s. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD.” To learn more, visit www.td.com.

SOURCE TD Bank

 

About Jim Girard

Full size imageI have been actively assisting people with their real estate needs in the Greenville South Carolina area since 1998.  During that time I have assisted BuyersSellers and Investors in hundreds of transactions around Greenville.  My personal experiences in purchasing, selling and investing in properties has placed me in the center of my clients needs, whereas I can relate to most of their challenges and keep the transaction smooth.  Providing full property management services has given my investment clients piece of mind knowing their investment in fully serviced.  So, if you are interested in buying, selling, or renting a home in the Greenville area, or perhaps want me to help you manage one you already own, OR you would like to get into the business of doing any of that, give me a call at 864.862.1400 or email me at jim@jimgirard.com.

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Holiday Staging Tips

Check out these great tips from HGTV for keeping your home merry and bright during the holiday season.
Don’t let the thought of selling your home during the winter months dampen your holiday spirit. Look on the bright side: Decked out in lights and garland, homes often look — and show — their best during the winter.  Read More >
Related Posts:Holiday Safety TipsModern Straw HomesHow to Fix Sticky DoorsWhat is the best day of the week to list a home for sale?What $500,000 Buys You in… Austin

http://virginiapowersearch.com

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Portland Real Estate – October 2011 Market Update

The average sale price of Portland real estate for Ocotber 2011 fell 3.5% from the prior month of September 2011.   The $9500 decrease in average sale price ($268,200 to $257,800) is typical for this time of year.  Portland real estate sales will start to slow in October and remain slow until at least February. When comparing September 2011 to the same month the prior year (October 2010), the average sales price were down 6.5%.

Portland real estate October 2011 12-month sale percent changePortland real estate activity decreased the number of closings and new listings from the prior month.  Closed sales decreased from 1,586 to 1,474 (-7.1%).  New listings fell from 2,501 to 2,433 (-2.7%). Pending sales were up a bit (0.9%) from 1,861 to 1,878.

Inventory levels of Portland Real Estate October 2011When comparing Ocotber of 2011 to October from last year, closed & pending sales were up.  A percentage shift of 14.1%  for closings and 15.1% for pendings.  Meanwhile, new Portland real estate listings dropped by 22%.

At October’s rate of sales, the 10,012 active residential listings would last about 6.8 month up a tenth of a percentage point from last month.

When comparing January through October of 2011 to the same time period last year we see an uptick of closed and pending sales.  Closed sales  were up by 2.1% and pending sales increased by 4.5%. New listings fell 26.3% nearly 11,000 in that same time frame.

To see how last months data compares, click here.

To view Portland real estate listings, click on the map

Rich Peralta is a real estate professional in the Portland Metro Area, including Lake Oswego, Tualatin and  West Linn Real Estate.

He can be reached at 503.961.2181 or by e-mail at rich.peralta@exprealty.com

Contact him  for more information on Portland,  Lake Oswego or West Linn Real Estate!

Originally posted on West Linn Real Estate.

Read the full post on PortlandPowerSearch.com

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Seattle’s Loyal Heights Elementary School is one of the Best Elementary Schools in Seattle

One of the best elementary schools in Seattle is the Loyal Heights Elementary School located in the Ballard neighborhood.  Serving grades K-5, it is among the few public elementary schools that are recognized for high student academic achievement.

According to the Seattle Times article, its students passed state standardized tests in reading, math and writing by 83 to 93 percent; that is a significantly higher than the state average of 53 to 69 percent!  Testimony to school, teachers, and student’s success, Loyal Heights Elementary School was recently named a national Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education.

More on Loyal Heights Elementary School

ABOUT CHRISTY KIM

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Seattle’s Loyal Heights Elementary School is one of the Best Elementary Schools in Seattle

Seattle’s Loyal Heights Elementary School is one of the Best Elementary Schools in Seattle

One of the best elementary schools in Seattle is the Loyal Heights Elementary School located in the Ballard neighborhood.  Serving grades K-5, it is among the few public elementary schools that are recognized for high student academic achievement.  According to the Seattle Times article, its students passed state standardized tests in reading, math and writing by 83 to 93 percent; that is a significantly higher than the state average of 53 to 69 percent!  Testimony to school, teachers, and student’s success, Loyal Heights Elementary School was recently named a national Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education.

More on Loyal Heights Elementary School

 

ABOUT CHRISTY KIM

 

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New Jobs In Southern Greenville County

Fountain Inn Welcomes More New Jobs To Greenville County

News spreads quickly when the talk is about jobs.  Bosch Rexroth Corporation announced today that they will proceed with an $80 million expansion that will create 160 new jobs in Fountain Inn South Carolina.   This news of new jobs is in addition to the hiring spree Bosch Rexroth experienced in September.

Gov. Nikki Haley was on hand in Fountain Inn on Tuesday as Bosch Rexroth announced an expansion that will make the Greenville County plant the company’s largest in the Americas.

“We celebrate a great South Carolina partner Bosch Rexroth expanding and creating 160 new jobs in our state. We look forward to a continued successful relationship with this great company,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.

“We are very pleased to announce this expansion in our Fountain Inn operations,” said Berend Bracht, regional president – Americas Bosch Rexroth Corporation. “With this investment, our expanded manufacturing campus here will become Bosch Rexroth’s primary facility for mobile hydraulics and the business’s largest manufacturing facility in the Americas. We will be able to strengthen our business, invest in our facility and associates, and meet the growing demands of our customers due in large part to partnership with our colleagues in the state of South Carolina and Greenville County.”

“It says a lot about a community when a respected international company such as Bosch Rexroth decides to make yet another major investment here,” commented Butch Kirven, Greenville Area Development Corporation Board director and chairman of Greenville County Council. “Greenville County provides the skilled workforce, business-friendly environment and all other necessary attributes to support Bosch’s advanced manufacturing initiatives. We’re proud to be home to Bosch Rexroth and its approximately 600 associates who work here.”

A stabilized job market is continued evidence that Greenville and it’s surrounding cities are preparing to run out of the recession.  I have mentioned many times that when jobs are created the economy is staged for recovery.  That is one of the blessings about Greenville South Carolina.  The area has always survived the ups and downs of the economy.  In the 70′s Greenville was known as the “textile capital of the world”.  When that industry totally collapsed it would have devastated most communities.  But Greenville focused on diversification and has been nothing but successful since.

An improved job market leads to an improved housing market.  Now, more than ever, it’s time to buy your home.   Housing prices are stable, interest rates are the lowest they have ever been and the job market just keeps getting better.

Is it time to buy your Greenville South Carolina Home – you bet it is!

Give me a call – I Can Help

Jim Girard   864.862.1400

About Jim Girard

Full size imageI have been actively assisting people with their real estate needs in the Greenville South Carolina area since 1998.  During that time I have assisted BuyersSellers and Investors in hundreds of transactions around Greenville.  My personal experiences in purchasing, selling and investing in properties has placed me in the center of my clients needs, whereas I can relate to most of their challenges and keep the transaction smooth.  Providing full property management services has given my investment clients piece of mind knowing their investment in fully serviced.  So, if you are interested in buying, selling, or renting a home in the Greenville area, or perhaps want me to help you manage one you already own, OR you would like to get into the business of doing any of that, give me a call at 864.862.1400 or email me at jim@jimgirard.com.

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