Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13th and it is going to be beautiful.  Wondering when “Mother’s Day” began?  Still thinking of plans to celebrate your special Mom?  We have some ideas to enjoy the forecasted sunshine and reflections on this popular holiday. 

History of Mother’s Day as found on 123.Holiday.net

Tributes to mothers date back to the annual spring festival the Greeks dedicated to Rhea, the mother of many deities, and to the offerings ancient Romans made to their Great Mother of Gods, Cybele. Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday in Lent in honor of Mary, mother of Christ. In England this holiday was expanded to include all mothers and was called Mothering Sunday.

In the United States, Mother’s Day started nearly 150 years ago, when Anna Jarvis, an Appalachian homemaker, organized a day to raise awareness of poor health conditions in her community, a cause she believed would be best advocated by mothers. She called it “Mother’s Work Day.”

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe, a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. 

In 1913 at the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother’s Day. And, in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother’s Day as a national holiday.

Happenings this weekend in Olympia

Wooden Boat Festival – Saturday and Sunday:  This annual event takes place in dowtown Olympia at Percival Landing.  Plenty of family friendly events including arts & crafts, international food alley, entertainment and wooden boats of all sizes to see!

Lott’s WET Science Center – Saturday, May 12th, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.:  Design and create beautiful cards for special mom’s in your life.

Parents Night Out at the Hands On Children’s Museum – Sat. May 12th, 6-9:30 p.m.: Enjoy some time to reflect on motherhood while your kids have a blast with the professionals at the Musuem.  Call 360-956-0818 to make a reservation.

Olympia Flute Choir – Sun. May 13th, 1:30 p.m.: Beautiful music in the State Capitol Rotunda!

Whether you are out and about or relaxing at home, have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Fun Weekend Ahead!

Spring has sprung and with the nice weather visiting us again this weekend there are some great activities to get out and enjoy with family and friends!

REALTORS Nationwide Open House

Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty is joining in the spirit and will host over 40 open houses this Saturday and Sunday.  Come on out and take a look!  Our professionals will be available to show you around and answer any questions!  To find the full listing and get driving directions please visit us at:  www.cbolympia.com or see our weekly Buyer’s Guide in Saturday’s Olympian.

Arts Walk

Local artists will be displaying their crafts, designs, paintings, drawings…all unique and amazing… this weekend in various places in downtown Olympia.  Fun to take a stroll and see what is available while appreciating all of our local talent.  There will be music as well and vendors staying open late for business!  Come support our local downtown.  For more information visit:

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2012/04/16/olympia-arts-walk-2012-popular-event-brings-together-artists-businesses-and-the-community/

Procession of the Species

The 18th annual Procession of the Species is Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Olympia.  This colorful event brings art, music and dancing together to celebrate our natural world.  For more information please visit:  http://www.procession.org/

Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty is honored to announce that, Karla Olive, Broker, recently received the “Achievement Medal for Civilian Service”.  Karla and her family moved to our area from North Carolina when her husband was stationed to Joint Base Lewis McChord.  With her husband deployed, Karla jumped into action giving her time and positive energy to local military families. 

“Over our 44 year history we have supported thousands of military families with their moves.  We deeply value our service men and women and their commitment to our country.  We are extremely proud of Karla Olive’s service as both a military spouse and realtor supporting our troops”, stated Ken Anderson, President, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty.  “We congratulate her on this well deserved award”.

Rhonda Harveston, 1st SFG(A), 3rd BN, FRG Advisor, summed up Karla’s extensive service best.  “Karla Olive volunteered for the 3^rd BN Family Readiness Group during their year- long deployment to Afghanistan and was selected to be the FRG’s Hospitality Chairperson. Our families are drawn to her bubbly personality, friendliness, and desire to help; which made her the perfect choice.   She went above and beyond to make sure every single military family posted to our Battalion received a welcome and personally helped answer any questions that they might have.  Karla volunteered for every FRG event (Easter Eggstravaganza, Bunco, Back to School Fair, FRG monthly meetings, etc) without hesitation.  She gave so much of her time, while pursuing her career in Real Estate and taking care of her own family”. 

Harveston continued, “Karla Olive received the award because not only did she volunteer countless hours, but she went above and beyond to make sure every 3^rd BN Family felt welcome to their new duty station.  She was always available to give advice, pass along information to the families, help a family in crisis, or just be that friendly face that families need when arriving to a new place.  I know, without a doubt, our 3^rd BN Family Readiness Group could not have successfully supported the soldiers and their families without the dedication, enthusiasm, and perseverance of Mrs. Olive.   This award is not given lightly, but to those that exemplify the meaning of a volunteer”. 

“This is a huge honor to me and my family and we were surprised when the announcement came.  We truly appreciate our fellow military families and I was happy to share my time and positive energy with hundreds of families as they joined us at Joint Base Lewis McChord.  I enjoy being involved, meeting new people and helping families feel welcome.  My husband and I are humbled by the award and share a gratitude for everything our service men and women and their families do for all of us” shared Karla.

The sun is shining and slowly our gardens awake, bringing memories of warmer, longer days.  Buying a home is an investment – a big, important one.  There is another important reason we buy a home: lifestyle.  For many of us, the backyard was as important as the home itself.  It was the place where special childhood memories were made.

With spring around the corner we share this fun blog post by David Marine from Coldwell Banker.

“There are plenty of reasons why people buy a particular home. Could be the size. Could be the location. But one element that’s often not talked about on a property description can be a major part of the enjoyment that a home gives. I’m talking about the backyard.

Backyards are memory makers.  Don’t believe me? I asked my circle of friends on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to share their top memories of their backyards either as a kid or even today.  The response was overwhelming. From childhood moments to memorable occasions to just relaxing, the backyard initiated an onslaught of stories.

Steve Ostrom from Roseville, CA talked about how his backyard as a kid was the perfect setup for wiffle ball field with a built-in swimming pool acting as out of bounds and a 7th inning stretch cool down. Others mentioned forts, games of tag and even riding the lawn mower with their parents. One friend even had a zip line in his backyard.  I think I need one of those…

My friend, Lindsay, talked about a rock wall. Yes, a rock wall. It was something that her father and her built on the weekends around a tree in their yard. They carved their initials into it when they were done and now there’s a piece of her childhood forever
entrenched in the yard of that home for generations to come to enjoy.

Some memories involved food (one of my favorite subjects) where the backyard played host to BBQ’s, family get togethers and even where they made homemade ice cream. And backyards have no limitation as far as seasons are concerned. Whether it was fall, winter, spring or summer, there were moments to be shared from all respondents involving pools, snowmobiles, sledding, piles of leaves and planting gardens.

For me growing up the backyard was a place where I developed my love for the game of baseball. The kids in the neighborhood would come play wiffle ball. My friends across the street, Jeffrey Goodman and Matt Ferrari, would come over and we’d play home run derby until it was time for dinner. I dented our neighbors garage enough times to have him take away tennis balls and broke my fair share of windows playing “tennis baseball.” (it’s basically baseball but you use a racket instead of a bat)

But some of the best moments were Sunday afternoons when I’d play catch with my dad. I used to plead with him to throw “diving catches” where I would stand on one side of the yard and he would throw a fly ball to the other side of the yard that would force me to dive and make a Ken Griffey Jr-esque catch. Avoiding trees while chasing down balls was all part of the fun. I can still see him running down balls in the street when I would try and overthrow some fastballs to him. Eventually I was forced to chase down the errant throws.

Usually our catch games would end with my dad trying to help my pitching control by throwing a “simulated inning” which normally ended with me walking the bases loaded. I had control issues.

Without a backyard I might have still enjoyed the game of baseball, but I’m absolutely sure that the reason I love the game today is because of the moments and memories made on that green grass in Succasunna, NJ.

While my own boys may not plead with me for “diving catches,” my wife and I chose a home that had a yard where we could be sure they would have their own moments to look back on.”

You can see a video of Coldwell Banker’s TV ad called “Backyards” by visiting:  http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/heres-to-backyards/

Two big names in the investment world declare buying a home now a smart investment.  While the national real estate market is discussed daily it is important to look at our local market.  When averaged, national numbers can be skewed toward the bottom, including areas hardest hit with distressed properties.    

Locally, our market trends are looking up.  Brokers around the South Sound are seeing increased activity and report that buyers feel more confident, both in terms of our housing affordability and the all-important job market. 

Now could be the best time for you to start shopping for your first home or to make a lifestyle change.

For more information take a look at today’s article from CNBC.com.   

As Home Prices Fall Further, Is It Time to Buy?

CNBC.com | February 28, 2012 | 12:05 PM EST

Nobody wants to catch a falling knife. It is as simple as that. If potential buyers see continued home price erosion, they will stay parked on the sidelines. But as with everything else in this unique and historic housing market, perhaps the usual logic doesn’t apply.

“Housing is one of the great investments right now. I tell people all the time when they come up to me, they say, “What should I do, Mr. Trump?” I say go buy a house,” said Donald Trump earlier today on CNBC.

“It wouldn’t be an obvious mistake to buy a house now,” hedged Robert Shiller, barely a few hours later.

Perhaps they were just jumping off Warren Buffett’s declaration yesterday that if he had a way to manage them, he would buy a couple of hundred thousand single family homes and rent them out.

Housing appears to be rated a “buy” these days, especially among investors, who see a ripe and rising rental market and big potential for income. But is it the right time yet for what I call “organic” buyers to get in? By this I mean people buying a home to actually live in it, raise a family in it, let the dog run around in the back yard. If prices are still falling, couldn’t an even better deal be waiting down the road a bit?

No. House prices will continue to fall on a national basis at least through 2012, but you have to look past national headlines to your local market, which is likely already recovering nicely. The trouble with the national numbers is that they are heavily weighted toward the lower end of the market and to the distressed end of the market.

Around 73 percent of homes that sold in January were priced below $250,000, according to the National Association of Realtors. Forty-seven percent of homes sold that same month were considered “distressed,” which is either a foreclosure or a short sale (where the lender allows the borrower to sell for less than the value of the mortgage). With all the activity in these areas, no surprise that prices skew lower.

The $250,000 to $500,000 price range may now be the sweet spot for the market. Sales in January were up in this price range, and if you have good credit, you are within GSE and FHA loan limits in most markets. While FHA just raised its insurance premiums, which may hurt much-needed first-time homebuyer demand, it is still one of the best loan products out there today, especially for those with lower down payments.

You cannot time housing any more than you can time the stock market. True, housing moves far more slowly, but that works to its benefit, as prices don’t rise and fall on daily news or even on major events. Sales have clearly bottomed in housing, and prices always lag sales. They will lag longer this time around, no question, but they will come back. Supply and demand will eventually win out, even after an historic crash. If you can’t get a good mortgage now, then perhaps it’s not your time, but if you can, waiting may not buy you much.

Questions?  Comments? RealtyCheck@cnbc.com And follow me onTwitter @Diana_Olick

As we look back at 2011, we see trends that give rise to a more optimistic future. This is not to say that we expect the market to come raging back, but the composition of buyers, and why they were buying, have signaled a subtle, positive turn in the market.

Over the last four years, first-time home buyers have been the largest player in the housing market. This was a welcomed sign because recoveries always start at the lowest price ranges. However, while these buyers were active, other market segments became idle. First-time buyers grew from 36% of all buyers in 2006, to 50% in 2010 (See Chart 1).

The primary reason for the growth was the absence of the trade-up buyer. For a long time the average length of ownership has been 6 years. In 2011, that number swelled to 9 years. Understandably, decreasing home values caused potential trade-up buyers to stay put. 

In 2011, the trends turned. First-time buyers, while still very active, now account for just 37% of all buyers. Trade-up and trade-down buyers are entering back into the market. Affordability conditions have brought many back, but the primary reasons for buying are cited as a desire for: (1) a larger home by 17% of buyers; (2) a home closer to friends and family by 15%; (3) a better neighborhood by 9%; and (4) a smaller home by 8%.

The other reason for the rise in first-time buyers was the recent homebuyer tax credits, which were offered through April 30, 2010. When last year began, the market was facing a big challenge. It was the first year in three that those sizeable federal tax credits were not available to homebuyers. Bolstered by those tax dollars, the first four months of 2010 saw sizeable gains in home sales.

We did not know the full impact of the tax credit until 2011, but we certainly expected sales to drop then compared to that hyped-up period. Sure enough, by April of last year homes sales in Thurston County were down 18% compared to the prior year. 

We knew the real test of where our market stood would not come until we compared the post-tax credit periods beginning in May of last year.

During the last eight months of the year, housing sales in Thurston County started to rise.  Although Thurston County was up just 1% during that period, it is a vast improvement when compared to the first four months of the year. 

The improvement only got better as the year went on (Chart 2).  The fourth quarter of 2011 was just shy of 4% better than the same period in 2010. December saw nearly the same number of sales as August – 221 and 232, respectively. That almost never happens. August sales are typically 40% higher. 

The market, without the tax credit influence, was starting to heal itself.  Affordability conditions brought buyers back. In many markets around the Sound, particularly King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, sales really jumped after the tax credits. Brokers there report that buyers are feeling more confident, both in terms of housing affordability and the all-important job market.

2012 will be a year where sellers will need to be focused on buyer trends and the competition.  competitively priced homes are attracting buyers. For their part, buyers will continue to look for value. They are steering clear of the homes priced above the competition, but they are acting quickly when they see the right price. 

If the recent interest we’ve seen sustains through the spring, at the end of the year we will look back and say 2012 was when the market came back into balance.

In the past we have commented about a number of energy saving programs available in the marketplace. One of those great programs is the Small Business Lighting Program offered through a partnership of Puget Sound Energy and Thurston Energy (a program of the Thurston County Economic Development Council). This lighting program helps small businesses convert to more efficient lighting fixtures. This process results in significant energy cost savings and better light.

We have been so impressed with results we’ve seen around town that we are currently undertaking the project at our building. For us, the program started with a walk-through of our building by representatives from PSE and Thurston Energy. Their analysis estimated that we could save one-third of lighting costs by replacing our existing fixtures.

Of course, this is one of those programs where you have to spend to save. That is not always a winning financial proposition. While the cost to replace the fixtures is not a small amount, this program is great for small business because PSE may pick up a sizeable share of that upfront cost. In our case, PSE is covering about 60% of the expense. The remaining 40% will come from our pocket and be covered within 18 months through energy cost savings. After that, we will enjoy true savings to the bottom line. And the kicker is that the new energy efficient fixtures will provide better quality light.

If you are interested in this program for your own business (or as a retention program for your building tenants who pay for utility services), visit Thurston Energy at www.ThurstonEnergy.org or the Savings & Energy Center at www.PSE.com.

As reported by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the January housing market shows positive signs. Overall the numbers look very good. For the entire NWMLS area, single family pending sales are up 12.2% over January 2011. Closed sales were up 5.4%.

“While locally, the numbers are flat – with 236 pending sales this year versus 235 last year, this year we produced better results with 25% less time to do it – factoring a week of lost activity due to the snow and ice. Under those circumstances, the numbers are phenomenal,” expressed Ken Anderson, President, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty. “As a good sign for the coming months, we are hearing increased reports of much higher interest from trade—up and trade-down buyers,” he continued. Adding, “the time for buyers to jump into the market is soon, as we are seeing stiffer competition on the best homes in each price range. Active inventory is down 13.3% from a year ago. There are now just 1,264 homes on the market. Inventory hasn’t been this low for six years.” 

Improving numbers show the artificial stimulus of the tax credits was not the key to the recovering market, suggested Anderson. “Instead, today’s affordability has buyers in all price segments returning – and feeling more confident about the future.” While pending sales may not appear to be much higher than 2011 (up 13.7 percent in January), the numbers are astoundingly good, considering such factors as harsh weather and the tax credits that boosted sales at this time a year ago, said Anderson. 

This is the first January in four that we can make a reasonable year-over-year comparison,” said Anderson, noting numbers are no longer skewed by the artificial stimulus of various tax credits and incentives that date to 2009. “The improvement in the numbers show that the market is healing itself and standing on its own.” Anderson commented.

Home value is top of mind for many homebuyers, particularly as our housing market begins to show early signs of recovery.  Renovations and remodeling can play a critical role in both increasing the value of a home and ensuring that it stands out to potential buyers. 

Before breaking out the tool belt, Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty advises homeowners to speak with one of our  brokers to learn which home improvements most appeal to buyers.

The following inexpensive updates to your home may increase its’ overall value and help it stand out from the competition: 

Reface Kitchen Cabinets. Kitchen updates are among the smartest remodeling projects when it comes to “upping” the resale value of a home. But homeowners do not need to spring for an entire new cabinet set to improve the room’s appeal. Refacing existing cabinets, applying a fresh coat of paint or replacing tarnished pulls and knobs with new hardware might be just the quick fix a kitchen needs to make it look and feel like new.

Improve the Lighting. Updating lights and lighting fixtures is another simple enhancement that does not require a major investment. Replacing old bulbs with stronger, more energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs will brighten up the house and make it more inviting.  In addition, you will cut down on energy costs over the long term. Replacing recessed lights in a dining or living room with an affordable chandelier or installing accent lighting to draw attention to artwork or other room features can create an entirely fresh ambiance.

Freshen up a Fan. An updated ceiling fan can result in a more contemporary feel, but purchasing a new one isn’t always a necessity.  Improving an existing fan is simpler than homeowners might think and does not have to come at a high price. First, try unscrewing the fan blades and turning them over. Typically, blades have alternate colors or patterns on the reverse side. If not, simply add a coat of paint and reattach. One can even install new pull chains so the fan accents any new lighting fixtures or cabinet hardware.

Hang More Mirrors. It sounds simple, but the addition of a mirror on any wall adds depth and light to a room, making even the smallest space seem larger. Mirrors also add elegance and charm to a home’s décor, and often at a reasonable price.

Break Out the Paint Brushes. Applying a couple coats of paint can make a remarkable difference and is always a low-cost, high-return project. Warm, neutral wall color can make a room seem more spacious, create a modern feel and appeal to a wider variety of buyers.

Install Laminate Flooring. Even if the cost of hardwood or tile floors is out of the question, for under $5 per square foot, homeowners can easily install laminate flooring in their kitchens, hallways and bathrooms – provided that floors are level with those in adjacent rooms. Laminate flooring can hide chipped tiles or old linoleum and give the room a more modern feel.

Refinish Your Appliances. Purchasing brand new, matching appliances can cost thousands of dollars. However, for a few hundred dollars, an appliance refinisher can re-enamel the surfaces of appliances covering up any out-dated colors that may be ruining the look of your kitchen.

Spruce up Your Home’s Exterior. When planning to put money into a house, homeowners should not overlook simple exterior renovations that can add substantial worth and attract more buyers. A freshly-mowed lawn, a clean, even walkway and a few well-placed bushes can make a huge difference. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider hiring a landscaper on a one-time basis to plant some shrubs or give the front yard a good cleanup.

If you are planning to sell, we suggest that you speak with one of our brokers before investing in renovations.  They will compare your property to the competition and provide expertise about the potential rewards before you begin the work.  Of course, homeowners who are not comfortable doing home improvement projects themselves should hire a qualified professional.  We would be happy to review your property and provide feedback, including local, trusted contractors.

Today’s housing market presents considerable opportunities for home owners looking to be “move up” buyers and enhance their lifestyles. Prices are stabilizing in our area, interest rates are near historic lows and the high inventory provides many choices.

Even amid such incentives, many move-up home buyers remain on the fence about making the lifestyle change they desire due to concerns over selling their current property. Many sellers want to wait to sell until prices rise rather than making a price reduction to market value on their current home.  If these sellers are trade up buyers that decision will cost them money.

While the value of your current home may have seen some decline, the “move up” home has also seen a price reduction. Consider the example of the seller who wants $300,000 for a home with a market value of $270,000.  That seller wants to trade up to a home that was also 10% overpriced at $450,000, but is now reduced to market value of $405,000.  By reducing to market value now, the seller fo the $270,000 home would be ahead $25,000 compared to waiting for the market to rise back up another 10%.  Further, when the market improves and price appreciation returns, the more expensive home will see a higher dollar increase.

So, is now the time for you to be a “move up” buyer?  Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty offers the following thoughts to consider.

Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Home equity can be defined as the value of a home, minus the amount of outstanding debt. Although equity does not generally develop in the first few years of home ownership, five or more years of home payments may create significant unrealized gains.

Has your income or financial situation improved? Homeowners should consider their overall financial situation including current and future expenses in order to make an educated decision on the price range for a new home. For example, an increase in salary may allow for an increased mortgage.

Has your lifestyle changed? Lifestyle changes are the most common reasons people choose to move. Starting or adding to a family may require an extra bedroom or additional square footage, as well as a desire to live closer to work, family or a particular school district can all be inspiration for a move to a larger home or new location.

Is your current residence one that could potentially be rented out? For homeowners who are ready to make a move but are concerned about purchasing a new home before the current property is sold, renting out the current residence may be a viable option.

Are interest rates attractive? A low interest rate means lower mortgage payments on homes of the same price. Recent rates have been very competitive. Your real estate broker can recommend a local lender to discuss current rates and qualifying for a mortgage.