Real Estate Lacey Washingtion

When most people think about employers in Thurston and Mason counties (Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Shelton) state government typically comes to mind. But in recent years, local tribal business has exploded – propelled by high-profile casino operations and other business interests.

Planning on moving to the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Tacoma area sometime soon? Making a move means not only uprooting your life but also the lives of your children. The Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Tacoma school districts all have multiple schools within, so before you buy a home, it's important to consider which of the many schools will be appropriate for your children. Once that decision is made, it will be easier to narrow your home search to within that school boundary.

Census workers counted 252,264 people in the county during last year’s Census, a 21.66 percent increase from the previous count in 2000.

Curious about the current job market in the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater (Thurston County) areas? A recent report shows unemployment rates in the South Sound ranged from less than 9 percent to more than 14 percent during February, according to the state Employment Security Department.

The lowest rate, not seasonally adjusted, was reported in Thurston County, which came in at 8.9 percent. Lewis County had the highest jobless rate at 14.6 percent. The unemployment rate in Pierce County was 10.6 percent, while Mason County posted 12.4 percent.

Home values are again beginning to fall. What has caused this renewed downward pressure on prices? It can be directly tied to the number of distressed properties in the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater areas. Foreclosures and short sales impact prices in two major ways:

Olympia’s Evergreen State College is among the nation's Top Public Affairs Graduate Schools, according to the latest edition of the Best Graduate Schools published by U.S. News Media Group.

Next to listing a property on the local MLS and internet, making your property look attractive to buyers is the most important thing an agent must do. The way your listing looks is an important factor, if not the most important, in generating buyer interest. It's no secret that better-presented homes get more traffic and more buyer interest, therefore selling faster. More than ever, your listings must stand out from the crowd.

Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater may not be considered small towns when looking at population numbers and growth. But each community manages to maintain a wonderful small town feel by hosting annual community events for families. If you plan to purchase a home in any of these cities, here are some festivities you’ll want to check out:

Are you animal lover looking to move to the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater or Tacoma area? Well you’re in luck! These communities boast an abundance of dog and cat friendly retail stores, off-leash parks and other pet-focused facilities that will keep your four-legged best friend well cared for. Here are some of my favorites for you to check out:

As underwriting guidelines for lenders become more stringent, it becomes clearer what a good mortgage application looks like. As prospective home buyers begin their search, there are a few things they can do to help get their loans approved (and with the best possible terms), and, at the same time, lessen some of the stress that goes along with the mortgage process.