Make a Good Life

Griffin Neighbors Annual Meeting a Success

The annual meeting of the Griffin/Steamboat community was a great success last night.  We couldn't stop talking amongst ourselves and therefore did not leave the fire station until well after 10pm!

The speakers were terrific, as were the board members of the Griffin Neighborhood Association (GNA).  It was great to hear updates from Thurston County Commissioner Karen Valenzuela, Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim,  Griffin Fire Department chief John Wood, St. Christopher's Pastor Andy Willis, and Greg Woods, the superintendant of Griffin School.

It was also nice to meet Jeff Davis, a current Port of Olympia commissioner who is running for a Representative position for the 35th District. 

Greg Woods of Griffin School spoke on the importance of our upcoming levy vote for Programs and Operations.  I encourage those of you living in our community to strongly consider passing this levy.  Cast a more expansive view of the future implications of failed school levies:  Property values and desirability of area.

Because I work in real estate I can attest to the continued desirability of the Steamboat Peninsula.  People moving here from all over the county have done their homework online and agree, Steamboat is a neat place to live.  That is, in large part, directly attributed to the continued success of the Griffin School.  Stop passing levies and we may see the services, employees and programs at Griffin diminish.  If Griffin is no longer able to draw newcomers with stellar scores, special ed. programs, nicely maintained facilites, after school programs, etc we may see fewer people willing to make the drive to our beautiful peninsula to live.

Many of us have watched over the past 15 years as other school districts have suffered the fate of continued failed levies...even in stronger economic times.  Schools increase class-sizes, programs go away, enrollment declines as the reputation spreads.  Fewer people move to the area as they hear the rumors....and thus property values are dimished.  I am not making this up....

So, even if you don't have a Griffin student and you don't think the levy issue affects you....think again and consider the decision carefully.

You can read more about what this levy would fund by clicking here.  For a couple of dollars on each dollar of tax assessed value of your property(ies) you CAN make a difference in your community by supporting the school that binds us together and continues to protect our biggest investments; our homes and property.

What happens when your house sells FAST

That depends on how plucky you are!

A fast sale in a neighborhood where other homes for sale are sitting dormant.  Sounds great right?  In today's market a fast sale is something all Sellers covet.  Unless that sale means that you have to move three weeks before your scheduled closing!

We have sellers in just that position.....either agree to an early closing or the buyer extends until March, which would mean that the sellers lose out on the opportunity to buy the house they want.  That was the decision they had to make, in a 24 hour period.  They decided to go for it, packed up their entire 2,400 square foot house and two children in ONE day and moved into a hotel.  What champs!

The process may have been a little painful, but the end goal was met.  They got their sale and were able to purchase the home that they love.  Without such flexible (and energetic!) Sellers we would not have closed the deal and this buyer would have slipped away.  In today's market the buyers are holding most of the cards.....so if you receive a good offer, make it close.

A Meeting Worth Mentioning

Karen Valenzuela, Thurston County Commissioner
Tim Braniff, Thurston County Under-Sheriff
Jon Tunheim, Thurston County Prosecutor
Greg Woods, Griffin School District Superintendent
John Wood, Griffin Fire Chief
Andy Willis, Pastor at St. Christopher's Community Church

Where can you meet and hear from all these local officials? At this
Thursday's Community Meeting!

Come join the Griffin Neighborhood Association for its annual Community
Meeting this Thursday evening, January 26, at the Griffin Fire Department
Headquarters.

Thursday, January 26
7 PM, but arrive at 6:30 for light refreshments and conversation
Griffin Fire Department Headquarters
3707 Steamboat Loop NW

In addition to hearing from our featured speakers, we'll also review the
activities of the Griffin Neighborhood Association over the last year. Plus,
there will be a report from the Steamboat Conservation Partnership.

Each year, up to half the positions on the Board are offered for election.
This is your opportunity to renew your membership in the Griffin
Neighborhood Association, since only current Association members can vote to
fill the Board.

Not already a member of the GNA or need to renew your membership? We'll be
able to sign you up, at the meeting. Or you can join/renew online at
http://www.griffinneighbors.org/joinus.htm

Learn more about the Griffin Neighborhood Association at
www.GriffinNeighbors.org

Learn more about the Steamboat Conservation Partnership at
http://www.griffinneighbors.org/scp.htm

Ahhhh...Loreto

Loreto seemed the perfect spot for Renee and I to get some sun and celebrate our first year together as partners in Brenner and Watts Real Estate. With direct flights into Loreto offered by Alaska Airlines, it was easy to get there.

The tiny airport is brand new, the downtown square is brand new, as are many of the hotels and restaurants.  But don't be fooled....Loreto is a small town.  There is no nightlife here other than Auggie's bar on the Malecon maybe.  And....that's just how we like it!  The Cabo of yesteryear.  Though I hate to say it out loud, I am really partly glad that the economy fell apart and prevented Loreto from ramping up to fill its new square and airport.  Clearly, with the installation of the fake-American/Canadian town of Nopolo, the town was bracing for a full-on gringo invasion.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon Coco Cananas via the Internet.  I ripped off the ad above, but I don't think the owners, Barret and Stephen will mind since I am going to give the place rave reviews.  Let's start by saying this is not a five star hotel.  So, if that is what you are after, scroll past this one in your searches.  But if you are looking for a great value, terrific location, sheltered pool, comfortable and clean accomodations, AND english-speaking hosts.....you should give Coco Cabanas a try.

Important to know about Loreto:  It can be windy, especially in December, January, February when we pale Washingtonians are seeking sun.  And because of the eastern exposure of Loreto's siting on the Sea of Cortez, if you have a big building to your west, you will lose all sun at your pool by noon or 1:00.  AND if you think that staying on the Malecon seems like the best idea (pool right by the sea sort of set up), I would remind you of the suggestions above, and add that there is a smelly sewer pipe that vents under the Malecon, causing stinkiness strong enough to have reportedly shut down the condo project partially completed there.

We were very happy with our hotel choice.  The food was absolutely terrific and CHEAP.  Don't miss Del Ray Tacos or the english bookstore in the historic district.  The owners are darling and like nothing more than to have you pull up a chair for a chat, a cup of coffee and a cupcake.

Fabulous trip, business and a little pleasure......but sadly we arrived back in Washington on the day that the snow started.  Then we were both stranded without power, like many of our friends and clients for a week.  So this is our f