The railroad is a deep part of Washington's history and has played a pivot role in the transportation of goods from the mountains down into the Puget Sound. Railroads connected Monte Cristo, Snohomish and Lake Stevens to Everett and then the greater Seattle area but not all of these trains have faded into the background.

Instead of carrying precious cargo and goods, these historic work horses now carry passengers on scenic tours that is an experience straight of the past. The Spirit of Washington - Dinner Train is the most popular train ride in Washington and departs from Tacoma's Historic Freighthouse Square onward towards Mount Rainier while passing through Frederickson, Graham and arriving at Lake Kapowsin. The ride totals 3 1/2 hours and gives the resident as well as the visitor and unique and special perspective on the State.

http://www.barnettassociates.net/historic-train-rides-around-washington/

Yesterday I received the 2nd Quarter 2008 lots sales figures and to my surprise there was a 46% increase. That is not saying much though since lot sales increased to a meager 69 for all of Snohomish County from 47 in the first quarter.

The price in which a lot sells for is the most important factor when forecasting what a new construction home will sell for on that lot. If a developer gets into a piece of dirt for X amount of dollars and forecasts a selling price of Y but the current market will only bear Z it leaves little to no margin for the developer as well as the future builders.

http://www.barnettassociates.net/snohomish-county-lot-sales-2nd-quarter-2008/

This weekend i took some sweet pictures of my buddy's display. Uploaded a few the real estate website, http://www.barnettassociates.net/happy-independence-day-july-4-2008/.>

Good afternoon everyone in the buzz World. Today I am posting regarding a friend within the community. The Las Vegas Guy, http://www.cre8buzz.com/profiles/871, has come down with a serious illness and needs opur support. There is a charity fundraiser started by the IBS Team at http://www.ibsteam.net/blog/blogging/charles-richey-fundraise and there is a banner on my profile page. Please check it out!!

When most people hear the about the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) it is usually associated with standard of beef and not a rural and community development program. The Rural and Community Development “provides homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair.” Programs like this are getting some new interest since the days of creative lending are over. A similar program, House Key State Bond, is only open to first time homebuyers but that is not the case with the Rural and Community Development programs.

http://www.barnettassociates.net/what-you-did-not-know-about-the-usda/