Is your city on the Opportunity Zone Map? I attached the link below to the Map. What is an Opportunity Zone? Do we need a Airport in Olympia, not Sure? “Opportunity Zones are economically distressed communities, defined by individual census tract, nominated by America’s governors, and certified by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury via his delegation of that authority to the Internal Revenue Service. Under certain conditions, new investments in Opportunity Zones may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. There are 8,764 Opportunity Zones in the United States, many of which have experienced a lack of investment for decades. The Opportunity Zones initiative is not a top-down government program from Washington but an incentive to spur private and public investment in America’s underserved communities”. https://opportunityzones.hud.gov/reso… Ron Rougeaux is based in Olympia but serves all of Washington State! Call /Text me 360-338-8355 Email CaptainRonJr@gmail.com
Right now the sun is shining bright and the weather is hot (smoking hot) and summer is here full force. This is why we live here in the PNW, best summers. You have the mountains on the cascades and olympics glittering bright with the snow reflecting the sun, just enticing you to come hike. With the waves in the Puget sound and rivers and lakes throwing the sun right back at you, saying come in and swim and fish in our waters. Yep nothing better in the summer than in the PNW and with no abundance of mosquitoes at least where we live at the lake. You can just setup your chair and really enjoy one of the last slices of nature before you head to Canada and Alaska. Of course in the high woods and mountains, yes we do have bears and Mountain Lions, coyotes and wolfs.
With real estate I believe everyone has learned or is finally learning – Location is everything. And yes sometimes you can’t get the perfect location. But when you can, nothing is better than that amazing location. In my opinion these are my 3 top locations for a Primary or Investment home.
Waterfront pure and simple. Nothing is better than having water at your back or front door and being about to jump in for a swim or paddle/boat off into the sunset. It is the best spot to be in the hot summer days and everyone will want to becoming over for that bbq and swim/boat time. Now with that said, yes some waterfront is not good. (If you are in a flood zone or a very swampy location). Remember even with waterfront there are prime locations, good spots, and then just okay spots. With regards to the PNW in Washington state we have Salt water and Fresh Water locations. We then can go further with location here in Washington state as we have a lot of choices to pick from. Would you prefer lake or river/stream or would you like salt water bay/sound or oceanfront? This is totally up to you and to be honest, all waterfront in my mind is a solid purchase. Of course there are levels of prime locations on the water front as well. For example on the lake a clean spot for swimming and dock with boating in front of your house is perfect. But as the same lake if it is marshy and you can’t really swim and too shallow for a boat, while again you are waterfront but less desirable location. Budget will also have a huge determining factor on what you can pick/afford. And at the end of the day, I believe water front is 100 times better than a cookie cutter home with pavement and homes all around you.
2. Land and great large raw land with maybe a creek/river or pond or if you are lucky to have large land with salt water. Land is becoming harder and harder to find. There are many factors to why there is less land, the obvious is more people and more people wanting land instead of living downtown or in the cities. The big chunks of raw land that are clean, by clean I mean no wetlands or gophers to stop you from being able to build. Also flat with some hills is good, but steep and extremely hard to build on lots is also not the best. So you will always have different levels of land that is Best to not the best. I will say when the land is private and doesn’t have eye sores around it, being that of either man built/living presence or views such as mud flats or swamps. The really nice pieces of land usually get sold off market to investors/developers or if you are hunting for land, a really good real estate broker will call around for you to see if any owner is looking to sell. Another great way to buy big chunks of raw land is to look for timber land from logging companies. Sometimes these lots are further out in the country. But if you can afford to buy and hold on to the property until it is built up around you or development has come close to the big chunks of land you can make a good penny developing the land or selling to a developer/investor.
3. Downtown Residential/CommericalDowntown Residential/Commerical is amazing and can always be fun and exciting living or living/working close to all the action of a downtown city. Depending where the city is, you can have key locations downtown, if there is water then of course closer to the water or even better on the water is of course the best of the best you can get. If you have a residential of condo on a nice corner spot with restaurants and bars with cute stores, this again is very attractive and definitely helps the value. I really like if you can find a building to buy that has residential on top and a commercial unit on the bottom that you can either rent or use yourself for a business. These always are great buys, but harder to find sometimes. If you are just looking for commercial buildings, I usually recommend making sure the buildings are in key locations, unless they there in gentrification going on through the downtown key areas. These area are called opportunity zones and have awesome tax advantages and if you hold them for a key time period are a great investment, as long as it is just not sitting there vacant.
Please Call ME instead of just getting sent a random Real Estate Market Report. Yes the reports are fun to look at and if you know what you are reading, awesome. But wouldn’t you rather talk about the market while seeing the numbers in person or on a zoom meeting.
Any realtor can pull reports and send them to you. There is a huge difference if the realtor can sit down and explain the reports, actually show you what is going on in the local market. Even better is if the realtor has rentals and investment homes, and can show you their success in the real estate market.
And yes it is cool to know the US Market statistics at the Macro level, but ultimately the micro level of the area you are wanting to buy and sell is huge. We can take this on multiple levels depending on what you are wanting to accomplish in the real estate market. Are you wanting to invest, sell a home, buy and flip or buy in another part of the country? All of this requires you to look at different graphs and compare what your ultimate end goal is. So yes getting a report is great, if you are bored and want a Sunday read. If you want a specialized report for your specific needs, call me and we can talk. And then I can make you a detailed specific report and show you what the market is actually doing for what you are looking for.
The capital of Washington State is 60 miles south of Seattle on the southern end of Puget Sound. Budd Inlet goes right into the center of the city. Olympia is a perfect place for those who love the outdoors as well as love the city. The ocean is a little way to the west, and the mountains are a little way to the north and east. Tacoma and Seattle are a short drive.
Olympia has a decent cost of living – definitely more affordable than Seattle and Tacoma. They are very proud of their public transportation system with the Sounder Train and an extensive bus system. Amtrak also has routes to Tacoma and Seattle by train. Many people work for the government, but great jobs are available in technology, distribution, healthcare, and hospitality.
If you love the outdoors (and the rain), you’ll enjoy the many parks, forests, and waterways. Rock climbing, backpacking, and kayaking destinations are right outside your door. Mt. St. Helens, ocean beaches, and Hood Canal are a short drive. Heritage Park is next to the State Capitol, Capitol Lake, and downtown Olympia. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a national natural landmark with 275 migratory bird species, marshes, and an abundance of salmon.
Those who like the performing and visual arts will not be disappointed in the selection of theaters, concerts, and art museums. The Squaxin Island Museum teaches visitors about native tribes in the area. The Wet Science Center is all about water.
Living in Olympia, WA
Children attend the Olympia School District. There are 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and three high schools. There are several private schools, as well as good support for homeschooling families. South Puget Sound Community College and Evergreen State College provide associate, bachelor, and master’s degree programs for higher education.
With 33 neighborhoods on all sides of the inlet, moving to Olympia is all about finding your perfect home. Some have gorgeous views of the water, some have great proximity to downtown, some are great for families, and some are on the outskirts where it’s quiet. Here are a few highlights to get you started.
Cain Road
Cain Road has 835 newer upscale homes supported by an active homeowner’s association. Home prices vary from $350,000 to $930,000. The majority of the homes were built in the 1950s through the 1990s. Most homes have 3-4 bedrooms. The average commute time is 10-19 minutes. The median household income is nearly twice that of the rest of Olympia. There are two local parks in the area – Watershed Park and McGrath Woods Park. Children who attend the Washington Middle School do not have to go far.
Castlewood
Castlewood is a larger community with a population of 1266 and a median home price of $325,000. This is a family community with residential homes and amenities. There are several parks in the area, including LBA Park, Margaret McKenny Park, and Chambers Lake Trailhead Park. Johnson Berry Farm is close by for berry picking. Children attend Margaret McKenny Elementary School and Washington Middle School.
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East Bay Drive
A narrow neighborhood right on the coastline, East Bay Drive has condominiums, waterfront properties, and gorgeous homes. There are beaches in your backyard, and nearby at Priest Point Park. Take a hike on the rocky beachfront alongside Ellis Cove. East Bay Drive has a population of 193 and a median home price of $850,000, with homes selling as high as $1.2 million.
Eastside
Eastside is a mix of residential and businesses and is close to downtown for easy commutes. One of the older neighborhoods in the area, its history dates back to the mid-1800s. Homes are modest in size, with a median price of $394,000. The active neighborhood association sponsors community events such as the Annual Summer Picnic.
Indian Creek
A quieter neighborhood with an older population, Indian Creek has 539 residents. This is a great place for retirees and those looking for a safe and secure area. The median home price is $327,490. There are several parks for walking, including Woodland Trail / Frederick Street Crossing and McGrath Woods Park. There are also several churches in the neighborhood, including Westminster Presbyterian Church and the Church of Living Water.
Nottingham
With a taste of England in the neighborhood and street names, Nottingham is a delightful area. With a population of 203, this small community is one of the most affluent and safest. It’s very close to shopping and restaurants. Schools in the area are Pioneer Elementary, Sunrise Beach School, and Olympia High School.
South Capitol
Located south of downtown and the state capitol building, this neighborhood is excellent for those who work in the downtown area. The median home price is $577,000, and the homes are older with established trees in their yards. The city’s oldest school – Lincoln Options Elementary (built in 1922), is in this neighborhood. Tennis courts, picnic areas, and turf ball fields are found at Stevens Field. Young professionals and families make South Capitol their home within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, arts events, and a produce market.
South Westside
Many of the more desirable neighborhoods are on the east side of the inlet, but South Westside is an exception. This is one of the largest neighborhoods in terms of population. Homes here average in price from $420,000 to $530,000. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and fitness facilities. The Capital Philharmonic is located in South Westside. It’s dog-friendly and walkable. There are several public and private schools that children can attend. There are plenty of green spaces and access to the inlet at Marathon Park.
Moving to Olympia, WA
For an area with great schools, friendly tree-lined neighborhoods, plenty of outdoor activities, special events, and fresh produce and seafood, you can’t beat Olympia, WA. With views of Mt. Ranier and Puget Sound, there’s city life in the middle of an outdoor mecca. Find the local hangouts and enjoy the best of the pacific northwest.
Parents want the best education for their children. Public schools provide the basics and some stand way above the rest, but to ensure that your children are learning certain values in a smaller, individualized setting, many parents choose to send their children to a private school. These can be religious-based or non-sectarian.
The Seattle area has 96 private elementary schools serving over 20,000 students. Nearly half of these have religious affiliations, but many do not. Some are just for younger students, and some cover up to 12th grade. Some also incorporate after-care programs to accommodate your work schedule. Tuition costs vary, but the average yearly rate is $18,945. The number of students ranges from just a few dozen to several hundred. Here are some of the best private schools in the Seattle area:
One of the oldest and largest private schools is The Bush School. Founded by Helen Taylor Bush in 1924, this non-sectarian school has 660 students in grades Preschool-12th. The average class size is around 15 students, and they are from all different backgrounds. The school stresses independent and creative thinking, intercultural fluency, and citizenship with excellent academics, arts, and sports. There is also an off-site campus where students can participate in wilderness activities. The Bush School is selective about the students it selects, and tuition ranges from $27,500 for lower grades to $35,255 for high school.
Epiphany School is an independent, non-parochial school for pre-kindergarten to 5th-grade students. Offering a well-rounded education that includes excellent academics, value, and character-based learning in a caring, inclusive environment. This school encourages parental participation. There are 236 students and tuition runs $26,705 per year. Founded in 1958, this is an established school with a great reputation. The average teacher-to-student ratio is 7:1, which is about half the national average, so all students will get the attention they need. There are several extracurricular activities including LEGO engineering, gymnastics, and yoga.
If your student is struggling with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, the Hamlin Robinson School will provide your student with individualized instruction in a multi-sensory approach. The teachers build positive self-esteem and encouragement for students who are discouraged about their challenges. There are 324 students in grades 1-8 and the average class size is 15. Tuition ranges from $25,854 to $28,280 depending on the grade. There are plenty of sports and extra-curricular activities to round out your student’s learning experience. With a nurturing, diverse environment, teachers are well-versed in the latest techniques to encourage your student to thrive.
The Waldorf education originated in Germany in 1919. Since then, Waldorf schools and their philosophy have spread across the world. The Bright Water Waldorf School opened in 1998 to bring this prestigious educational experience to Seattle. Serving 184 students through grade 8, students are exposed to a rich curriculum, innovative teaching methods, individual attention, and a caring community. There is a rich academic experience as well as sports opportunities. Your student will build confidence and receive an outstanding education for $7,900 to $18,375 tuition for the school year. Around 60% of students who apply for admission are accepted.
Around 40% of private schools in Seattle are run by the Catholic Church. Holy Rosary School ranks in the top 20% of private schools in the entire state of Washington. Serving pre-kindergarten to 8th grade, the 482 students enjoy a faith-based education centered on Bible teachings. Faith and prayer are integrated into the curriculum and lifestyle. In addition, Holy Rosary School integrates elements of STEM to give students a technology education that will prepare them for the future. Band, chess club, LEGO Robotics, and Youth Choir round out the student’s experience.
For those students who want individualized attention, Dartmoor school provides one-on-one instruction. Whether your student struggles with a learning challenge or is ahead of the curve, Dartmoor can help. Founded in 1990, Dartmoor has helped thousands of students excel. They serve grades 1-12 and tuition varies. This type of school environment is perfect for athletes and performers as the schedule is flexible and unique to each student.
Founded in 1946, Seattle Christian School is designed for those students and families desiring a strong faith-based educational experience. With 512 students in grades Kindergarten through 12, this school is small enough for individualized attention yet large enough to offer advanced academics and all major sports. Tuition is $11,500 per year with discounts available for those in financial need. Students are well-prepared educationally and spiritually for life.
For another small school option, Academy Schools offers classes of between one and ten students. Teachers play the role of facilitators or coaches to nurture the students out of their comfort zone into their full potential. They believe that every child is gifted and prove this with 100% of their students going on to college. Founded in 1995, this non-sectarian organization is home to 48 students. Yearly tuition ranges from $9,750 to $21,250 depending on grade. Extracurricular activities include Cooking, Robotics, Arts, and Music.
246 students in Preschool through 5th grade attend the Bertschi School. Founded in 1975, their philosophy is to educate children to become compassionate, confident, and creative learners. Tuition is $30,789 per year. The student-to-teacher ratio is 9:1. There is a collaboration between teachers, parents, and students to establish a conducive and tolerant learning environment. Their campus is committed to sustainability and living with nature. In addition to stellar academics, students can study art, technology, dance, and music.
Seattle is a mecca for school choice, and these are a few of the best private elementary schools in the area. From Amish to Christian to non-sectarian, you will be able to find the one that fits with your family values. Whether your child is gifted or needs special attention, there are alternatives. While cost may be a factor for some, many schools have financial aid programs. Visit the school and talk to the administration to explore what the school has to offer. The possibilities are abundant, and you are sure to find the perfect fit for you and your child.
Ron Rougeaux, located in Olympia, Washington is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate agent. PNW Homes Group are committed to their key core values of trustworthiness, integrity, and loyalty providing quality service is his highest priority. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, PNW Homes has the answers.
A local Seattle real estate agent is ready to help you find your dream home!
The heat is suppose to reach 108 degrees today here in Olympia, Washington the Capital of Washington State. Just plain crazy and it should be a record breaker! Please Stay safe and if you need a cooling station, I will post locations on the bottom of this blog.
Yesterday and today I have an open house, and I am glad the home is definitely cool and the tenants have the air conditioning blasting. Even in the heat yesterday I had die hard buyers coming though and viewing the home, along with investors as the home is a great rental property. And of course you have myself making sure not matter what real estate continues on selling. This market in real estate compared with the heat right now is just plain crazy!
We still have more buyers moving up to the PNW and looking for all kinds of homes from investments, their primary home, and especially waterfront. (Waterfront in the PNW is like gold here). If you are looking to buy in this insane market you need an experienced real estate broker that can lead you in the right direction. I see a lot of agents just plain selling any home to anyone, and to me it doesn’t make sense.
Look at my website and profile http://www.pnwhomesgroup.com and if you are considering multiple agents, do your research online. I keep hearing from clients that they feel so lucky to have had me handle their real estate deals and find them the right home. That doesn’t happen by fluke, I have spent years perfecting my trade and multiple years of research in real estate in Washington state. If you have questions in anything regarding real estate in Washington State, in any city from Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Centralia, Elma, Shelton, Tacoma, up to Seattle, Bellingham, Bainbridge Island, Port Townsend, to Grays Harbor, and on the Eastern side of Washington all the way to Spokane. I have sold and bought in the cities and so many more for clients. Especially in Primary Homes, Investments, Commerical Properties, and Vacant/Timber Land.
Please make sure you use the best to help you in Real Estate and I can confidently say I will help you the best way possible amazing customer service to take care of every detail and to actually close the deal.
Call me (360) 338-8355 today to help you list or buy a property in Washington.
Now please stay safe and cool, and if you can go jump in a lake/river/of the ocean for a refreshing dip to cool off. I will be right there with you in the water today. And please find the cooling stations below.
The Olympia Emergency Cooling Center will be open from 12-6 p.m. starting Sat. to Mon., June 26-28. It’s located at the northwest corner of State Ave. and Capitol at 201 Capitol Way N.
In Lacey, the Virgil S. Clarkson Senior Center at 6757 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey WA 98503 will be open Saturday, June 26 – Monday, June 28 from Noon – 6 p.m.
These cooling centers will be available for individuals needing shelter during the hottest parts of these days.
Ron Rougeaux 