New roof and freshly painted. Spacious floor plan that has it all: open kitchen with island counter. All new stainless steel appliances. Light and airy with vaulted ceilings, Dining Room and Family Room with Gas Fireplace. Master Bedroom w/walk-in closet and adjoining Master Bath. 2 Guest Bedrooms with full bath. Attached 2 car garage. Nice sized fully-fenced backyard with patio. Conveniently located with easy access to JBLM.
Address: 7028 46th Lane SE, Lacey WA 98503
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 1,640
Price: $255,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Well established and maintained commercial office building in downtown Rainier. Located on busy/main thoroughfare to Lacey and Olympia. Nice lighting. Custom cabinets. Presently set up as hair salon with 2 stations, 2 sinks for hair rinsing, secluded nook for nail spa, reception counter and waiting room. 2 additional private rooms for tenants, 1 with private access, vanity and sink. Marble floors in Kitchen and Restroom. Recently re-roofed and painted. Ample off-street parking.
Address: 208 Minnesota Street SE, Rainier WA 98576
Lot Size: .201 Acres
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Gated entry welcomes you to a Delightful 4 Bedroom home with 2 decks surrounded by majestic trees. Conveniently located close to the Harts Lake Community where you can enjoy quiet fishing. Spacious kitchen. Master Suite with walk-in closet and adjoining Bath on the lower level. 3 Bedrooms with Full Bath on the upper floor. Heat Pump with air. Attached garage. Expansive views of nature, fruit trees and pond with Duck Blind. Easy commute to JBLM East Gate.
Address: 35625 16th Ave Ct S, Roy WA 98580
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 2,248
Price: $379,000
Property Site
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Welcome home to the Johns Meadow subdivision! Great open kitchen with eating bar, walk-in pantry and breakfast nook. Vaulted ceilings, white trim package. Master Suite with private bath and walk-in closet. Spacious utility room with linen closet. Two car attached garage with built-in shelving and shop space - ready for you and your tools. Fully fenced back yard with HUGE fully covered deck spanning the width of the home. Close to schools and shopping plus an easy commute to JBLM East Gate.
Address: 10023 Cochrane Ave SE, Yelm WA 98597
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 1,210
Price: $230,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
Pleasant tri-level home located on corner lot in small community. Fabulous open and roomy floor plan is great for entertaining or enjoying your own space. Large Kitchen with island, eating bar and pantry. Light and Bright! Oversized windows and vaulted ceilings. Gas Fireplace in Family Room. Master Suite with walk-in closet and adjoining bath. Low maintenance vinyl siding. Fenced yard and Patio. Close to local schools, community park, downtown shopping and amenities. Easy commute to JBLM! Waiting for you!
Address: 15326 104th Way SE, Yelm WA 98597
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 2,231
Price: $249,900
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Country Charmer nestled on 5 acres offers covered front porch, durable Hardi-Plank siding, heat pump with air, owned propane tank and wired for generator. Updated with quality flooring, light fixtures, hemlock doors and boasts pleasing custom colors. Open Floor Plan with Master Suite on main level. Living Room has free-standing gas stove. Washer/Dryer stay! Large Kitchen with walk-in pantry, Stainless steel appliances and access to sizable patio ideal for outdoor entertaining.
Address: 14616 164th Lane SE, Rainier, WA 98576
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 2,776
Price: $425,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Gorgeous Zetterberg Home only blocks away from Chambers Bay Golf Course and Charles Wright Academy. Locale combined with an abundance of upgrades create the perfect abode! Chef's kitchen boasts viking appliances, beech cabinetry, granite counters and sizable island with 2nd under mount sink and wine fridge. Master suite features a see-through fireplace to the luxurious spa bath with heated tile floors, soaking tub and walk-in shower. Private fenced backyard with expansive patio. Welcome Home!
Address: 6516 86th Ave W, University Place, WA 98467
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.75
Square Feet: 2,285
Price: $569,500
For more information about this property, please contact Angela Lowe at (253) 720-7540
or angelalowe@remax.net
In the heart of Yelm. Easy walking to shopping, schools, theater, restaurants parks, community activities and commuting. Spacious, light and bright home ready to move in! Crisp and clean with new carpets. Freshly painted inside and out. Open floor plan. Nice sized kitchen. Vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace in Living Room plus additional Family Room. Double Car Garage with shop area. Large backyard with lovely landscaping and gorgeous garden. Storage and Wood Shed. A home you would be proud to own.
Address: 16229 Birkland Street SE, Yelm WA 98597
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.75
Square Feet: 2,218
Price: $279,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Harts Lake is your backyard! Enjoy the life style of water front living! Boating, fishing, gatherings or just the incredible nature views. Elegance with quality, open floor plan, dramatic chalet style window bank and 18' vaulted ceilings. Main floor master with fireplace and sliders to wrap-around deck. Lovely landscaping with outdoor features incl pergola with patio, fruit trees and firepit borders Harts Lake with private dock. Enjoy the outdoors year round. Easy commute to JBLM East Gate. Gotta love Lake Living!!
Address: 39710 24th Ave Ct S, Roy WA 98580
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.25
Square Feet: 2,150
Price: $474,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Opportunity knocks! Spacious abode awaiting your finishing touches. Located in Scenic Shores with access to Lake Lawrence. Don't miss the perfect chance to customize to the home of your dreams - the bones are here, you choose the color scheme! Great layout accommodates all your needs: living, dining, family, kitchen with walk-in pantry, office and bonus room. Easy flow floor plan with all bedrooms upstairs. Create a hobby farm on 5 acres. Bring your tool belt!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq Ft: 3,215
Price: $375,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
Stylish Home in the Country on 1+acre! Spacious floor plan has it all: Great Room boasts open Kitchen with island, granite counters, pendulum and recessed lighting, and Stainless Steel appliances (all of which stay!), plus Living room featuring vaulted ceilings and wood stove for winter warmth and ambiance. Master Suite offers walk-in closet and private bath with dual sinks. Entertain outdoors on oversized deck leading to huge fully fenced backyard. Fabulous location: close to all amenities with JBLM only 4.3 miles away.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq. Ft: 1,668
Price: $285,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Charming & Stylish 2-story in Bella Housa Village. Immaculate interior shows pride of ownership! Chef's kitchen boasts granite countertops and island eating bar, stainless steel appliances and tile backsplash. Living room with gas fireplace and mantle. Engineered hardwood floors and 10ft ceilings throughout. Light and Bright! Grand floor plan with all bedrooms upstairs. Covered porch and patio with landscaping and fully fenced backyard. Easy commute to JBLM and conveniently close to downtown shopping & amenities.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq Ft: 2,350
Price: $289,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Move-in ready! Split bedroom floor plan with cathedral ceilings and new carpet throughout. Cozy kitchen boasts matching appliances, walk-in pantry and an abundance of cabinetry and counter space. Master Suite with walk-in closet and remodeled bath with tile counter and flooring. Spacious utility room with shelving. Professionally landscaped, sizable yard offering outbuilding and pond. Located at end of dead-end street back up to green belt! Enjoy the community amenities including private access to Nisqually River park.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft: 1,456
Price: $135,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
Office space with great visibility located on the West side of Yelm on Yelm Avenue. Move-in ready and well maintained by original owner. Commercial Office Space is available and presently set up as two units. A total of 2024 SF with a shared hallway and dual bathrooms. One unit offers 700 Square Feet and the other unit is approximately 1,300 Square Feet. 2 heat pumps and 16 parking spaces. You could easily move a few walls and make one large office space, or any configuration you desire.
Half Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft: 2,024
Price: $275,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
This is the one you have been waiting for! Grand floor plan offers soaring ceilings, archways, and hardwood flrs. Granite slab counters, island, and SS appliances accent the large Chef's Kitchen. Main level Master Suite boasts a spa bath with dual vanities and jetted tub. Home Entertainment Room. 3 car attached garage. HUGE 2,400 sq ft, fully insulated heated shop on 10" concrete foundation with 12'x16' door and room to park over 12 cars. No active HOA or dues! Nestled in the trees - Relish in your Private Haven
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq Ft: 2,051
Price: $489,000
For more information about this property, please contact Angela Lowe at (253) 720-7540
or angelalowe@remax.net
Perfect opportunity to enjoy a fully move in ready Hobby Farm. Southern exposure, dry and level pasture with metal barn is waiting! Additional 2 car detached garage for storage of toys or shop. Circular driveway allows easy utility access. Location is outstanding for travel to Olympia, Lacey, or east side of Yelm. Crisp and clean renovated home. A NEW Kitchen that anyone would be excited to own. Two fireplaces. New roof, gutters, paint, flooring, doors, appliances, windows, cabinets, granite, lighting
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2.5
Sq Ft: 1,869
Price: $389,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Welcome to Country Living! Fenced and cross-fenced with chicken coup, dog run, and lean to, this property is critter ready! Spacious home with easy-flow floor plan. It has it all: Living, Dining, Family, open Kitchen with island counter and walk-in pantry, not to mention the Office/Den! Vaulted ceilings, wainscoting, ceiling fans, French doors. Move-in ready with new carpet and freshly painted interior. Sizable Master Suite boasts 5-piece bath and two walk-in closets. Great commuting location with easy access to SR702.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Price: $280,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
Perfectly located on west side of Yelm for easy access to JBLM, Lacey and Olympia without Yelm traffic. Impeccably maintained Rambler. Privacy and a slice of heaven awaits your presence. 4 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, light and bright with plenty of windows and skylights. Large Chef's Kitchen opens to a Great Room. Enjoy the Aggregate Patio approx. 3,000 SF for BBQ's, stargazing or just the peaceful view. RV Parking includes Power, Water and Septic. Nicely landscaped and potential for animals.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft: 1,211
Price: $379,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
ATTENTION CASH BUYERS! Opportunity knocks on over an acre of land. Perfect summer project for the handyman. Bring your tool belt and restore this former beauty into its full glory, or, tear down the existing house and build the home of your dreams! Partial views of Mt Rainier. With outbuildings already on site, consider the potential to cross fence the property and bring in your animals. Easy access to SR702 makes this a prime commuting location! Property is being sold WHERE IS, AS IS. Come, quick!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft: 1,392
Price: $89,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
A Fisher's Delight! Gorgeous lot with approximately 80 feet of water frontage on Deschutes River. Paved driveway leads to 2 car garage with cement floor next to large concrete slab foundation, ready and waiting to fulfill your building desires! Septic installed plus water and power on site. Bonus feature: per geodata, property is not in gopher area, and, per the owner, no flood insurance is required! Perfect spot for Summer camping - bring your tent or RV. Or bring the plans to your dream home!
Acres: .204
Price: $87,000
For more information about this property, please contact Angela Lowe at (253) 720-7540
or angelalowe@remax.net
Move-in ready Rambler! Spacious floor plan that has it all: open kitchen with island counter, living room with vaulted ceilings, family room, and dining room. All appliances stay! Master Suite offers huge walk-in closet and private bath with double sinks and over-sized shower. Located in the gated community of Single Tree Estates which is nestled on the banks of Clear Lake, offering private lake access, club house and tennis courts. Bring your fishing rod and make the most of your new lifestyle!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.75
Sq Ft: 1,672
Price: $220,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Opportunity knocks in the City of Yelm! An ideal investment potential or starter home for a first time buyer willing to put in a little work for a great end result. Easy flow floor plan with family, living, dining and kitchen with breakfast nook. Vaulted ceilings, recessed lighting, oak cabinetry. Master Suite boasts private bath and walk-in closet. Large fully fenced backyard with deck - perfect for outdoor entertaining! Conveniently located with easy access to JBLM.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.50
Sq. Ft: 1,579
Price: $199,00
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Spectacular opportunity! Original owner, newly renovated! Gorgeous kitchen with new soft-close cabinets, quartz counters with tile backsplash, new appliances, island counter with eating bar. French doors lead from dining to patio. Vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting. Freshly painted interior. High grade laminate throughout with lifetime warranty. Master Bedroom with black-out blinds. Beautiful, fully fenced back yard with covered patio and 2 honey crisp apple trees. Invisible fencing front and back. Sprinkler system in front.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sq Ft. 1,252
Price: $211,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Magnificent country estate where casual elegance meets class and style in desirable Yelm locale. Quality amenities and stylish features abound! Gorgeous bay window with covered wrap-around porch. Distinctive crown molding, alcoves and lighting. Opulent kitchen with wine fridge, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and Island with sink, gas range, and 2nd oven. Security and sprinkler system. Expansive, 3 bay shop with power and drive through RV parking. Peaceful park like setting surrounds this beauty with stunning lake view.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq. Ft: 3,113
Acreage: 6.46
Price: $759,000
or cschmier@remax.net
ATTENTION CASH BUYERS! Investment opportunity in Nisqually Pines. Bring your tool belt and restore this home to its full glory, or tear down and build a new one! Present home is a single-wide mobile with stick built addition. 3 bedrooms plus a bonus room on a 2 bedroom septic. Large shy 1/4 acre lot with storage sheds, raised garden beds and fire pit. Mountain views from fully fenced back yard. No neighbors behind! Community amenities include swimming pool, playground, club house and private access to Nisqually River.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1.5
Sq. Ft: 1,568
Price: $60,000
For more information about this property, please contact Angela Lowe at (253) 720-7540
or angelalowe@remax.net
Attention Investors! Great rental opportunity in the heart of Orting with stunning views of Mt Rainier from the street. Duplex with two units, each with 1300 sq ft of living space including 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath. All appliances stay! New hot water tanks. Newer roof! Off street parking in front and rear. Convenient location close to all amenities: just a hop, skip and a jump away from schools, shopping and entertainment. Live in one side and rent out the other, or rent out both - you choose! Current tenants on month-to-month lease.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Sq Ft: 2,600
Price: $325,000
For more information about this property, please contact Polly Godfrey at (253) 569-8723
or pollygodfrey@remax.net
Looking to become self employed? This is your chance! Fantastic opportunity to own an 18 hole putt putt mini golf course in the growing City of Yelm. Or, bring your imagination and turn this commercial property into your dream business! Office space offers gas hot water heater, laundry tub with water (to clean the balls), and two handicap accessible bathrooms. Bonus storage building with electricity (approximately 8x12). Huge 20+ shared parking lot with The Cattleman restaurant. (Cattleman not included). The time is NOW!
Lot size: .577 Acres
Office Sq Ft: 816
Price: $300,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
Amazing Mountain View! Relish in all this home has to offer! Cathedral ceilings; Pellet stove; Gorgeous 5 piece Master Suite with jetted tub and custom built shower. Beautiful kitchen with large island stovetop and double oven; Large living room with pellet stove, Closets Galore, Skylights, Recessed lighting. Energy efficient Heat pump, but wait, there's more! Wrap around deck with covered hot tub, Detached shop with power, Barn with storage and chicken coop, Fenced and cross-fenced. On a Private Road close to schools, shopping, and more!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sq. Ft: 3,200
Price: $410,000
For more information about this property, please contact Micki Easterly at (253) 831-2680
or mickieasterly@yahoo.com
CHECK IT OUT!! Beautiful, move-in ready home in desirable, gated Clearwood community. Prime location close to pool, Sunset Beach, and back gate. Large, level, fully fenced corner lot with lovingly landscaped yard and garden. Propane fireplace and Plumbed for generator. Ample kitchen with Kenmore convection/ceramic-top oven and high capacity fridge. HE large capacity washer/dryer. Vaulted ceilings with illuminated ledge and skylight. Pathway with steps to incredible walking trail behind home. This one won't last long!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 1,680
Price: $225,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
For some, navigating the murky waters of the loan approval process is scary and uncertain. This is mostly because there's another language involved, documentation required and this can intimidate a lot of people.
Here in Pierce and Thurston counties, the bulk of buyers will qualify (and opt) for a VA Loan. The VA Loan program is a great financing option to choose and here's why.
Take a look at this side by side comparison highlighting some of the benefits of the VA Loan Program:
VA Loans |
Conventional Loans |
0% Down(for qualified borrowers) VA Loans are among the last 0% down home loans available on
the market today. |
Up to 20% Down Conventional loans generally require down payments that can
reach up to 20% to secure a home loan, pushing them out of reach for many
homebuyers. |
No PMI Since VA Loans are government backed, banks do not require you
to buy Private Mortgage Insurance. |
PMI Required Private Mortgage Insurance is a requirement for borrowers who
finance more than 80% of their home's value, tacking on additional monthly
expenses. |
Competitive Interest Rates The VA guaranty gives lenders a greater degree of safety and
flexibility, which typically means a more competitive rate than non-VA loans. |
Increased Risk for Lenders Without government backing, banks are taking on more risk
which, in turn, can result in a less-competitive interest rate on your home
loan. |
Easier to Qualify Because the loan is backed by the government, banks assume
less risk and have less stringent qualification standards for VA Loans,
making them easier to obtain. |
Standard Qualification Procedures Conventional options hold stricter qualification procedures
that can put homeownership out of reach for some homebuyers |
DO:
1. Gather your personal documents including taxes, bank statements and pay stubs
2. Make sure balances on current debts have been paid on time and are not at the credit limit
3. Have an idea of what you would like to spend each month on a mortgage payment
4. Prepare for the transaction to take 40-50 days from the time you have a contract on a home
5. Link up with a lender who can complete a thorough pre-approval before you go looking at houses
DON'T!
1. Change jobs before or during the transaction
2. Charge up credit cards or current debt
3. Apply for or open any new debts
4. Deposit cash or any funds which cannot be paper trailed to your bank accounts
5. Get pre-qualified by any lender who does not require all of your documents prior to a pre-approval
If you have any questions regarding this process or anything else, we would love to help!- Give us a call at (360) 400-3475 to get answers from knowledgeable experienced professionals who understand.
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Email: Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
Acres: .256
Price: $45, 000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Bathrooms: 2.25
Square Feet: 1,558
Price: $239,950
For more information about this property, please contact Polly Godfrey at (253) 569-8723
or pollygodfrey@remax.net
Completely charming, 1939 farmhouse on 5 acres with updates galore! Used for years as 4 bedroom home. NEW roof and Hardiplank siding. Freshly painted interior plus new carpet. Kitchen boasts Corian counter-tops plus new fridge and microwave! Vinyl windows and water filtration system. Move-in ready! Main floor Master with slider to deck. Large finished lower level with full bath and Jacuzzi tub. 2-car detached garage with shop and 3 bay utility parking. Partially fenced with fruit trees and garden space. Conveniently close to town!
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 3
Square Feet: 2,535
Price: $279,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Moving is always difficult: the stress levels are right up there with sitting through the SAT's or going to the dentist. This is an undisputed fact, and all you military families out there know it well. PCS-ing means all kinds of things: Sort the stuff, hold a garage sale, decide what you need to have with you and what's going in the moving van. Start investigating the new place online, canvas all your friends and family to see if anyone has been stationed, lived or just visited there. But the silver lining is that now, more than ever, there are all kinds of tools to make this migraine of a move as easy as possible.
But first, let's talk about the place you're moving to: The Pacific Northwest, WA State, JBLM. Now here are some nice things about this area: Fort Lewis is huge and has been around since 1917. We have large amounts of veterans who've decided to stick around after getting out as well as a regular (for the military) rotation of personnel through JBLM (Joint Base Lewis McChord) The benefits of being in this military-heavy area are: Military Discounts, Military support groups (both active duty and separated) AND pretty much every lender in town understands the inner workings of the VA Loan programs out there. This is all extremely advantageous to military individuals and families looking to purchase property in the area.
I've been doing business in this county for over 26 years and the bulk of my clientele has always been active duty, retired or separated service members. I have tremendous respect for these folks: I love working with them, I hire them, but most importantly, I want to help them. I understand the difficulty of the PCS move, having a small window of time to do everything and trying to avoid the problem spots without knowing where they are. I know where those problem spots are and I want to help you safely around them in a time frame that works for you. And that is our bottom line: We are here to connect with you.
Now whether you're PCSing into the area or out, typically the first question you need to answer is: Should I rent or should I buy? Do I sell here or do I rent it out when I leave? OR Coming into a new area, do I rent a house or buy one? This will depend upon your overall circumstances, but I have helped service members over this hurdle many times. Together we will look at the pros and cons and come up with a plan that's best for you. And whichever option you choose, RE/MAX Country is a one-stop shop: Our Property Management Dept can help find you a rental or take charge of renting your house for you. If you are looking to buy, we have experienced agents who are here for you.
So call a professional that knows your situation and cares: (360) 400-3475
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com
Check out this beauty! Stunning home on corner lot has it all! Grand entrance welcomes you in. Flowing floor plan with soaring ceilings and arched doorways. Warm oak hardwood floors. Exemplary kitchen offering granite counters and island, custom cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room with alcove ceiling. Family room with gas fireplace. French doors lead to magnificent Master Suite. Over-sized bonus room on upper level. Fully fenced backyard with patio. Fabulous location - close to all amenities!
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 3,094
Price: $307,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Most Americans know all about how we've come to celebrate Thanksgiving; our kids are in school plays about it, there are themed movies (cartoon and real-life), musicals and more.
So this information should come as no surprise:
In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, Governor William Bradford organized a celebratory feast and invited a group of the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”—although the Pilgrims themselves probably didn't use the term at the time—the festival lasted for three days. We know all this because the pilgrims were writers. There are two primary sources for the events of autumn 1621 in Plymouth: Edward Winslow writing in Mourt's Relation and Gov. William Bradford writing in Of Plymouth Plantation. Only slightly more impressive than the fact that these documents survived and are preserved from 395 years ago, is our present-day celebration of it.
Thanksgiving didn't become a federal holiday until 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of giving thanks to be celebrated on the last Thursday in November, making the festivity 153 (official) years old this year. But we still acknowledge that first feast and incorporate many of the elements of the original Thanksgiving.
Now, like many traditions, the actual feast food itself has been transformed over time, but we keep the turkey as a centrally recognized theme and symbol of the holiday and that comes directly from the 1621 feast.
Hand-in-hand with the food comes the concept of "giving thanks". Many families go around the table, each one saying what they are thankful for. I know this is also a concept we are all familiar with: being conscious of the benefits we've received, and expressing our thanks. But how often do we do this? In our day to day activities, how mindful are we of the things others do for us? Do we pause for a beat and sincerely say "Thank you" to those people? And guess what? Doing this benefits yourself as well as others! Grateful people “feel more alert, alive, interested, enthusiastic. They also feel more connected to others,” says Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California/Davis, who has written two books on the science of gratitude and often studies the effects of those gratitude diaries. According to the Harvard Health publication, "Healthbeat", "In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships" Studies have also shown that focusing on what you're grateful for, even on a weekly basis (as compared to those who focused on daily irritations and what displeased them) leads to feelings of optimism, less trips to the Doctor and an inclination to exercise more.
So perhaps, this year (in the midst of a very unusual year for our country) put some purposeful effort into this and reflect upon what you're thankful for. You will enrich the lives of others and maybe even inspire someone else to do the same.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com
Well maybe you don't feel that way exactly about the amount of rain that we get here in the Pacific Northwest, but the rain will come whether you like it or not. This week's blog is going to address some of the things you can do to prepare your home for that famous (or infamous) precipitation we will be getting right about this time of year. There are more in-depth steps you'll want to take depending on your property size, if you are likely to get seasonal flooding, etc, but here are the most common culprits of rainy season damage that you'll want to be on the lookout for.
I think it goes without saying that we have copious amount of trees in beautiful Washington State and while they are gorgeous in spring and summer, when the weather gets stormy, they can also pose a potential problem. You want to make sure that dead branches are cut away from your house as well as keeping the live ones trimmed back. This reduces the risk of them falling during high winds and damaging your home, or your neighbors.
You want to make sure these are draining well (without any backups) , no leaves, brambles, debris etc. You should also pay attention to any granules that might be collecting there as they can be a sign that your roof's coating needs to be resealed.
It's always a good idea to take a look at your roof before the rain comes in full bore. (Professionals recommend you check it at least twice a year as this can catch problems before they clean out your wallet) You want to look for any cracks along the roof ridge and where the shingles fold over to form the cap. Are there any loose, missing, or curled shingles that will need replacing? Is there moss already growing where it should not?
You see it every day, but we recommend you take the time to examine the ceilings for any possibly leakage. (Especially after a night of downpour) Water rings should make your mental alarm bell ring as well. Pay attention to windows and doors: you want to make sure these all seal securely as they tend to lead to the big bads: Mold, mildew, and discoloration. (you'll want to take steps to ensure none of those reoccur)
As they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure", so take the time here. It will save you so much in the long run. And afterwards, you can come inside and warm up, feeling accomplished in the knowledge that you've done your due diligence for you, your family and your home! 😃
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com
Bright, Pristine and Move-In Ready Rambler; what more can you ask for? New roof? Got it! This charming rambler, with a split bedroom plan, offers a freshly painted interior, bay window, vaulted ceilings, skylights, ceiling fans and a cozy gas fireplace plus plenty of storage! Kitchen boasts large pantry and all appliances stay. The master suite has bath and walk-in closet. Spacious yard with welcoming front covered porch and back deck for entertaining. Centrally located to everything: Schools, shopping, and more!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.75
Square Feet: 1,272
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Today's Blog comes to us from Time Magazine
This weekend, when American clocks turn back an hour at Nov. 6 at 2:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the move will bring an end to the period of Daylight Saving Time that marked precisely a century since the first such policy went into effect.
That Daylight Saving Time began in Germany on May 1, 1916, in the hopes that it would save energy during World War I, according to Michael Downing, author of Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time. But, though Germans were first to mess with their clocks, they likely got the idea from Britain—and from someone whose ideas about Daylight Saving had little to do with conserving fuel.
William Willett had in 1907 published The Waste of Daylight. Willett was inspired by an early-morning epiphany that “the sun shines upon the land for several hours each day while we are asleep” and yet there “remains only a brief spell of declining daylight in which to spend the short period of leisure at our disposal.” Though he did mention that it would save money to reduce the use of artificial lighting, his main purpose was the increase enjoyment of sunlight. He lobbied Parliament for such legislation until his death in 1915—not living to see the law passed in England shortly after it was in Germany. (Frankfurt’s daily newspaper Zeitung published this dig: “It is characteristic of England that she could not rouse herself to a decision.”)
Across the pond, the first U.S. law on Daylight Saving Time went into effect on March 19, 1918 for the same fuel saving reasons, about a year after the country entered the war. But again, though the official reason was fuel saving, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was the major backer for the policy, Downing argues, because Americans getting off work while it was still light out meant they would be more likely to go out shopping in the evening.
Sports and recreation industries saw the light, too. “Golf ball sales skyrocketed during Daylight Saving Time,” according to Downing. “Baseball is a huge early supporter, too, because there’s no artificial illumination of parks, so to get school kids and workers to ball games with the extended daylight, they have a later start time.” Some even considered Daylight Saving Time a good health policy, given the extra time people had to be outdoors.
There wouldn’t be another national Daylight Saving Time policy until 1942, for the duration of World War II, but New York City, however, continued to observe a metropolitan Daylight Saving Time all along. Because of the city’s position as a financial capital, other places followed. The result, Downing says, was “cities observing Daylight Saving Time surrounded by rural areas that are not, and no one can tell what time it is anywhere.” In fact, TIME’s letters department received a poem from an Ohio man about just that topic: “To miss a train or business deal, / Because our clocks are without keel / Can cause a nation loss of gold / E’en worse than all the misers hold.”
By 1966, the confusion was bad enough to prompt the Uniform Time Act. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the first peacetime Daylight Saving Time law said that the United States policy would be to observe six months of Daylight Saving Time and six months of Standard Time. It required states to either adopt Daylight Saving Time entirely or opt out, avoiding the patchwork of cities and counties that had been so problematic, according to Downing. For example, Arizona opted out because an extra hour of daylight in the summer doesn’t make sense when it’s over 100 degrees already, as a March 1969 Arizona Republic editorial explained.
In 1973, shortly after the oil embargo went into effect, President Richard Nixon called for year-round Daylight Saving Time. A brief trial ended—partly because of fears that children would get hit by cars in the dark—but Daylight Saving Time has nevertheless grown. In 1986, the U.S. started observing seven months of it—an extra month that the golf industry and manufacturers of barbecue equipment claimed was worth between $200 million and $400 million. And since 2005, the U.S. has been observing eight months of Daylight Saving Time.
And now you know the ins and out of DST - Happy Monday everyone!
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com
Carpet-free Home! Open kitchen featuring eating nook, breakfast bar, gas stove, and plenty of cabinets. Vaulted ceilings, skylights and recessed lighting. Family room with indirect lighting and arched grid windows. Spacious Master Suite boasts large bathroom with wall-tile shower with 3 heads! Freshly painted exterior. Fully fenced back yard offers sizable composite deck, brick patio, raised garden beds, and water feature! At end of cul-de-sac; close to town yet away from the hustle.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.75
Square Feet: 1,498
Price: $230,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Nolan construction - known for quality! Solar panels in place and power sold to PSE. Low utilities costs. After your busy day, relax in your sauna or hot tub. Gardens, orchard, outbuildings, chicken coop, fenced dog run, and greenhouse. Insulated shop w/ 220 power, generator. Chef's kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances. Beautiful cabinets, and great work area. Vaulted ceilings, tube lighting, wood stove, A/C, and built-in 220 bottle wine rack. Oh did I mention the sun room/guest bedroom? Enjoy the abundance of amenities.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Square Feet: 1,586
Price: $449,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Move-In Ready Home in Clearwood Community! Great floor plan w/ all bedrooms upstairs. Kitchen has butcher block eating bar and counters, stainless steel appliances, and garbage disposal. Propane fireplace in Living Room with slider to deck with backyard access. Master Suite has large walk-in closet. Ceiling fans in every bedroom! Bonus: HUGE Loft on top of upper level - media or hobby room? You decide. Fully fenced yard! Right beside hiking trail leading to basketball courts. Community amenities include: 3 lakes, 6 beaches, swimming and fishing, boat launch, pool, cabanas, picnic area, tennis courts, baseball fields and more!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.25
Square Feet: 1,800
Price: $225,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Wonderful, secluded corner lot calls your name! Clearwood home surrounded by vacant lots and a fully fenced backyard, offers a sense of seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city. Views of nature all around - feel like you are on vacation every time you come home. Featuring hardwood floors, a gas fireplace, updated cabinetry, and an energy saving heat-pump for warmth in the winter and cool in the summer. Definitely a must see! Taking into account the need for new carpet, this home is priced to sell!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 1,614
Price: $190,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Spacious and Pristine Property in Timber Estates! Flowing Open Concept Floor plan with numerous windows and 9 foot ceilings; natural brightness throughout. Alcove ceiling and trompe l'oeil mural in main floor den/office. Soothing custom color palette throughout. Large Master Suite has soaker tub in attached bath. 8 foot slider leads to backyard with privacy fence, concrete patio, garden shed and mature landscaping. 3 car garage has additional storage. Save on gas! Located within walking distance to downtown: groceries, movies, library and more!
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 2,434
Price: $289,000
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Well-maintained home in great location! Flowing floor plan features Formal Dining and Living room with gas fireplace. Chef's kitchen boasts granite counters, gas stove, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting, not to mention custom tile back splash and ample cabinetry. Office/Den! Over-sized landing gives potential for large Family or Rec room. French doors lead to Master suite with walk-in closet and private bath. 3 car garage! Corner lot with nicely landscaped backyard offering covered patio and stone fire pit. Within walking distance of Golf Course!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Square Feet: 2,573
Price: $298,500
For more information about this property, please contact Cynthia Schmier at (360) 400-3475
or cschmier@remax.net
Well, here it is: the end of October - everyone has settled into their Fall routines and schedules and summer is a thing of the past. The leaves are changing colors, the rain is back, and with it the school semester, hurrah for education. (I'm sure many parents have been smiling about school starting themselves) As part of my own continuing education, this month I earned a new designation, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (or CLHMS) from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. To those for whom this is a new term, here's a little background on it:
Laurie Moore, The Institute's founder, is a well known and respected speaker, consultant, and writer in the real estate industry. In her four decades in the industry, she has sold real estate, managed a large real estate office, and managed two divisions of one of the nation's largest brokerage firms. She also co-founded REAL Trends, a research and communications company serving the residential brokerage industry.
In response to the growing need for training and designation in the luxury home market, the Institute was founded in 2003 as a resource for real estate professionals and consumers involved with upper-tier residential properties. Tens of thousands of agents and brokers (of which I am now one) have since gone through its training on the topic of upper-tier marketing, helping them become more successful in working with buyers and sellers in the luxury home market.
The Institute exists to help real estate professionals provide high quality service to the buyers and sellers of luxury homes and in so doing, maximize their own success in the upper-tier residential market. It is the premier independent authority in training and designation for real estate agents working in the luxury residential market and is an independent organization not tied to any real estate brand.
What this means for you is that now more than ever, the adage "No property too big, no property too small" is accurate. The smaller properties can be tricky, but the larger high end ones can be intimidating to many agents: not so for me and my staff. We have always been known for our service and we consistently strive to provide it in the highest possible quality to all our clients, regardless of the property price or size. And now I have the tools to bring the luxury market customer service to all our RE/MAX Country clientele. Large or small, we're here for you!
We wish you all a safe and Happy Halloween - And don't forget to stop by our office and pick up a free pumpkin! (while supplies last!)
As Halloween nears, strange things start creeping up in neighborhoods across the country: Zombies hang from trees, inflatable pumpkins pop up on lawns, and front lawns become impromptu cemeteries.
It’s an unquestionably fun holiday to decorate for, but what if you’re trying to sell your house? Just how far can you go with Halloween decorations if you don’t want to truly scare off buyers?
Experts say you don’t have to forgo all festive decorations, but you do have to choose them wisely. In general, decorations should be benevolently neutral: think scarecrows, pumpkins, and hay bales.
Here are some decoration ideas to AVOID spooking buyers:
1. Blood and gore
Sorry, zombie fans, but gruesome scenes of death and the undead are things to steer away from. Buyers often have young kids with them and the last thing you want is for a child to cry and refuse to enter your home.
We’ve already said blood is a no-no, but just in case we weren’t clear, writing scary messages in gory-looking red paint—even something as chipper as “Happy Halloween”—is a bad idea. It’s fine and dandy if you’re just trying to give trick-or-treaters a fright, but to prospective home buyers, this graffiti-style treatment just looks messy, and screams “go away.”
If you’re going to use real flowers, pumpkins, and other perishable decorations, make sure to keep them looking fresh. No one wants to see (or smell) produce that’s well past its prime.
It might seem obvious, but politically themed decorations are a definite don’t. Politics is a topic you don't want a prospective buyer to have on their mind as they're viewing your home.
I think it's safe to say, given what's going on in the world today regarding terrifying clowns, I could go to go out on a limb and say it: No creepy clowns—even if your house isn’t on the market. Talk about the stuff of nightmares…
It’s easy to get carried away with decorations as you get caught up in the festivities, but don’t. You’re not trying to impress buyers with your decorating skills; you’re trying to impress them with your house, which can get buried if you’re not careful.
If your Halloween dreams have just been crushed, fear not, you can always put out the gory decor to your heart's content ON Halloween night. You’re really trying to put your best foot forward in marketing your home, and that means a foot that’s not covered in zombie entrails.
Happy Decorating!!
Early Spring in The Garden
Here are a few tips to help you get a head start on your spring gardening:
For more information on Gardening please go to http://gardening.about.com
Thank you CW title and Escrow for the Tips
Cynthia Schmier, Broker/Owner
CRS, CDPE, CNE, CIAS, MDI, 5-STAR, SRS
RE/MAX Country
Cynthia@Cynthia-Online.com
(360) 400-3475
www.cynthia-online.com
Tips and Trends for homeowners,Buyers and Sellers.
No
matter where you live, emergencies are bound
to happen when you least expect them: the furnace
breaks down, appliances stop working, the roof starts
leaking or a window gets smashed. The costs for repairs
can be tough to stomach, unless you have an
emergency fund.
Setting up an emergency fund is easier than you think.
These tips from Bankrate.com will help you handle
unexpected surprises with ease.
With these simple steps, you’ll have greater peace of mind, knowing you are prepared for any emergency.
When Cynthia Schmier first visited Yelm in 1985, the main things she remembers are “one stoplight and tumbleweeds.” Thirty years later, both she and the realty business she started, RE/MAX Country, have become fixtures downtown and symbols of the growing local economy. After 25 years in business, she continues to be inspired by the clients she works with, the team she’s created, and the Yelm community.
With clients, she says, it’s important to stay in the moment; therefore no matter how many houses you’ve sold, each day is different. “Every client has a unique criteria based on what’s going on in their life,” she says. “You’re strategizing to help them reach their objective. That’s what the art of real estate is. It’s facilitating their needs and keeping an emotional ride out of the picture as much as possible. It changes moment by moment.”
She also finds that working with clients can be a great vehicle for personal growth. “It’s a personal journey of unwinding,” she says. “Every person I engage with is a discovery of myself and how I interact with that person. It’s revealing and is always rewarding. I like the adventure - what unfolds when you go down the trail with a client. That is probably the biggest reason I love this business.” Cynthia’s motto: “Excellence - More than a Goal, It’s A Way of Life!”
Within her office, she’s worked to develop a culture that is honest, supportive, and constantly evolving. “The embodiment of the building is ‘What can we learn from this?’” she says. “It’s the people. We review everything, including the client’s feedback regarding their experience. We may agree or disagree, but it’s their feedback that gives us the opportunity to see what we’re projecting and how to improve on ourselves. This is the pot of gold.”
Her team includes specialists in different areas of real estate and, as she puts it, “Everyone works their buns to the max in this firm. We really have a great support here.” One thing that Cynthia is very clear on stating to all her clients is that without her staff she couldn’t do it. They make it happen.
Over time, Cynthia has seen many changes in the region. When she first became a real estate broker in 1990, Yelm was still very much a rural town, although a growing one. “I couldn’t find a house to buy that had sheetrock,” she says, laughing.
Having moved from a high-end lifestyle in the vacation mecca of Lake Tahoe, California, the transition was a bit of a shock. At the same time, she found the Pacific Northwest extremely inviting and spent five years on a one-hundred-acre property in Chehalis before moving to Yelm.
Today, she says, “I love this community. I love the diversity. We have founding families, we have international people, we have military, history, and just friendly folks. My inspirations come daily interacting with such fine traits.”
Although financing a first home can be challenging, buyers who are prepared and know what they can afford up front can help expedite the process and save themselves unnecessary headaches later. Before starting your home search, follow these financial tips from the National Association of Home Builders and Bankrate.com.
If you are just getting started, check out local home-buying seminars or sites like HUD.gov, which provides information about shopping for and financing a home. Ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals for lending professionals they’ve worked with previously, and talk with lenders and credit counselors to find financing options that will work best for you.