Wishing you a very Merry Christmas with good health and all the best for a Happy New Year!

November 2011 Gig Harbor Home Sales

Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Combined Market   

This reflects the combined markets of Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.  Sales activities for these individual areas are reviewed below.

The Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula real estate market continues to show signs of increased stability and improvement.  November posted a decrease of nearly 27% in the total number of closed sales as compared with the prior month, which can be seen as typical seasonal fluctuation and should be expected.  However, November also posted a 36% increase over closed sales of November of 2011. This marks eight of the last nine months where sales have increased over the same month of the prior year.    November also showed an increase in the median and average prices and decreasing Days on Market.  These indicators support the continuing shift quickly heading towards a Sellers’ market.

Key Points in Gig Harbor and KP Market:

-        Inventory of Active listings down 13.52% to 518

-        Pending Sales up 3.45% to 210

-        12 month absorption rate at 5.6 months (heading towards a Sellers’ Market)

-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 10.43% to 103 days

-        Average DOM for current Active listings up 3% to 167 days

-        Sold Median Price increased 13.16% to $322,500 and 11.53% from 11/2011

-        Sold Average Price increased 6.67% to $390,465 and 11.53% from 11/2011

-        With 57% of sales, the most active price range fell between $200,000 and $450,000

Looking forward to December activity of the 210 total Pending sales 121 are Owner Occupied, 18 are Bank Owned and 71 as Short Sales.  Factoring the ‘Pending to Sold’ conversion rates, I anticipate Decembers total sales will increase to mid to upper 70’s.  I also expect the Median price to hold but anticipate a decrease in the average sales price.

Gig Harbor Market

Gig Harbor posted nearly a 23% decrease in closed sales which, as mentioned above, is expected for seasonal fluctuations.  Even with this seemingly drastic drop from the prior month, this marks a gain of over 54% from November 2011.  In line with the Combined Market reported above, Gig Harbor also posted steady increases eight of the last nine months in comparison to the prior year. 

Key Points in Gig Harbor Market:

-        Inventory of Active listings down 16.44% to 366

-        Pending Sales up 2.58% to 159

-        12 month absorption rate at 5.3 months (heading towards a Sellers’ Market)

-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 15.57% to 103 days

-        Average DOM for current Active listings up 4.22% to 173 days

-        Sold Median Price increased 7.09% to $347,500 from 10/12 and 0.72% from 11/2011

-        Sold Average Price increased 7.54% to $444,950 from 10/12 and 12.53% from 11/2011

-        With 61% of sales, the most active price range fell between $200,000 and $450,000

-        27% of homes sold were priced over $450,000

Looking forward to December activity of the 159 Pending sales 100 are Owner Occupied, 9 are Bank Owned and 50 as Short Sales.  Factoring the ‘Pending to Sold’ conversion rates, I anticipate Decembers total sales will increase approaching 60.  Similar to the combined market above, I expect the Median price to hold with a modest increase, but anticipate a decrease in the average sales price. 

Key Peninsula Market

November was not a kind month for Real Estate on the KP.  Closed sales and prices dropped in all categories from the prior month and year.  When comparing to the prior year the KP has seen a decline in sales for five of the last nine months.  However, the last three months this decline was by only one sale.  The KP market had shown positive growth earlier in the year but has stagnated the last few months.  Also, it should be noted that with sales totals only in the mid-teens a single sale can have great effect on the months stats, so this is not a bleak a picture.

Key Points in the KP Market:

-        Inventory of Active listings down 4-97% to 153

-        Pending Sales up 6.25% to 51

-        12 month absorption rate at 6.7 months (heading towards a Stable Market)

-        Average Days on Market (DOM) up 5.15% to 102 days

-        Average DOM for current Active listings held to 153 days

-        Sold Median Price decreased 19.12% to $167,000 from 10/12 and 26.67% from 11/2011

-        Sold Average Price decreased 18.34% to $180,307 from 10/12 and 26.22% from 11/2011

-        With 64% of sales, the most active price range fell between $140,000 and $300,000

Looking forward to next month’s sales of the 51 Pending sales 21 are owner occupied, 9 are Bank Owned and 21 Short Sale.  Factoring the ‘Pending to Sold’ conversion rates, I anticipate Decembers total sales will post a modest increase, up to 20.  With an increase in the quantity of closed sales, I anticipate an increase in both the Median and Average prices.

And in closing . . .

Our overall market continues to grow, shifting to a Sellers’ Market.   The trend for increased sales and declining inventory indicates that this shift will happen sooner than later.  The overall numbers may have been mixed in November, but the trend still shows great improvement. 

There are some amazing values in the market right now and interest rates remain unbelievably low.  If you know anyone who is considering how they can take advantage of this market please let me know or have them get in contact with me.  I appreciate your consideration and note that I have a wonderful national referral network for those out of state friends and clients.

Christmas Tree Lighting in Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula

This coming weekend bring these highly anticipated events.  The Gig Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting at Skansie Brothers Park will take place at 5:30 on Saturday Dec 1^st as Santa arrives in town and lights the 45ft tall tree.  This annual event also provides live music by Rokkerbox starting at 5:00pm and includes a visit from Rhubarb, the Tacoma Rainiers Mascot, and a live reindeer. Visit gigharborguide.com for additional details on this fun family event.

The Key Peninsula Christmas Tree lighting will take place on Sunday Dec 2^nd sponsored by the Key Peninsula Business Association and the KP Fire Department.  Come by to visit with neighbors and enjoy Dr. Roes’ Down Home Band and the Key Singers as they gather to perform your favorite Christmas songs.  Stop by for some treats, picture taking and some mulled cider offered by The Mustard Seed.  Click here for more information and other great KP Holiday activates.

And be sure to mark your calendars on December 6^th from 3 – 7pm for the 3^rd Annual Santa visit to Keller Williams.  Come by and have your digital picture taken with Santa for free and receive a disc to take home for printing or posting.  A canned food donation for Fish Food Bank is appreciated but is not required.  Click here to view a flyer and a little more info.

Home Ownership Window of Opportunity

Is (20)13 your lucky number?  It very well may be if you are in the market for a new home.  According to a Wall Street Journal article published this Sunday, prices have begun to climb and “there’s a Window of Opportunity before prices start a faster upward march”.  With interest rates the lowest we will most likely ever witness and home prices bottoming out (and starting to rise in some areas), home ownership may never be more affordable and this may be the best opportunity you may ever have to own your dream home.

Now keep in mind that lenders are being far more cautious now and it takes more than being able to fog a mirror to get a mortgage.   Standards have gotten more ridged, with requirements of higher credit scores and larger down payments.  Some lending programs, such as FHA and USDA, do require less down payment but these come with additional eligibility guidelines, fees and qualifications.  So, what does all this really mean?  It means that if you want to take advantage of the market, you need to have good credit, a down payment, steady income and supporting documentation.  All-in-all, these are pretty sound requirements. 

Please click here to read the full WSJ article, or feel free to contact me with questions.

2012 Gig Harbor Basket Bridage

I would like to thank everyone who generously donated food items to the Keller Williams food drive to support the 2012 Gig Harbor Basket Brigade.  For nearly two decades the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade has delivered meal baskets containing ingredients to prepare a full Thanksgiving dinner, to families in need in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula areas.  In 2011 the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade delivered 516 baskets which fed more than 2000 community residents, and this year will most likely surpass that. 

Your donations were picked up on Monday and delivered to the Tacoma Narrows Airport where this year’s baskets will be assembled.  The valiant Basket Brigade crew, made up of community volunteers like you, will be setting up for assembly this evening from 5:00 – 7:00.  The big fun starts tomorrow, Wednesday 11/21, at 11:00am, when the baskets will be assembled and, this is the rewarding part, DELIVERED!  This is a bee-hive of activity that is thrilling to partake and fascinating to witness.  If you would like to lend a helping hand visit the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade website for additional information, or drop by the Tacoma Narrows Airport and follow to the crowd of happy volunteers.

Upcoming 3.8% Home Sales Tax

The other day I was fortunate to be included in a dialog with some fellow brokers and financing professionals concerning the upcoming 3.8% tax on real estate and investment income scheduled to take affect January 1, 2012.  This was quite an interesting topic but it's very convoluted and can be confusing.  The big take-away from this discussion was that this new tax will not affect you unless your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is over $200,00 for single filing taxpayer, or $250,000 for married couples filing joint returns.  This relieves many of us, but now you ask ‘What happens when I sell my home for a substantial gain?  Will I be subject to this new tax?’  This new 3.8% tax does not interfere with the current tax-free exclusion on the first $500,000 (joint filers) or $250,000 (single filers) of gain you make on the sale of your principal home.  However, gains of over this or the sale of investment properties may be subject to this new tax depending on your AGI and your profit from the sale.  This is where it can get confusing.  For more clarification and details, take a look at the attached article, ‘Few to feel hit from home-sales tax tied to health law’ published July 13, 2012 by the Seattle Times, or give me a call and I would be happy to discuss this with you in greater detail. 

Santa Claus is Coming to Keller Williams

On December 6th from 3:00 to 7:00pm Santa, and a few of his merry elfs, will make a special appearance at our Keller Williams office in Gig Harbor.  He's anxious to visit with all the good boys and girls, moms and dads, and pets and pals in our wonderful community.  He’ll be providing a FREE disc with digital photos of your visit, perfect to print or post online.  Usher in the Holiday's by stopping by to share in this wonderful experience, visit with friends and neighbors, and enjoy some Cookies and Hot Cocoa.  Contact me for additional information.

Phillips Lake Waterfront Getaway

Enjoy life on Phillips Lake in this classic log home surrounded by colorful generous half acre landscaped, fenced yard. As perm residence or summer retreat you’ll love this spacious lakefront home with huge deck and your own private dock on 97 ft of lakefront. Enjoy the comfort of this updated 1632 Sq Ft, single level log home with open living to dining room w/propane stove, easy care Purgo and tile flooring, two nicely sized guest bedrooms and spacious Master with walk-in closet and built-ins.

Click here to view listing details and view additional photos, or contact me for additional information and set up a showing of this remarkable lakefront retreat.

5th Annual Winter Warm-up Craft Fair & Chili Cook-Off

What a great event to usher in the Holiday Season.  Be sure to stop by the Key Peninsula Civic Center and check out all the handmade treasures, turn the kids loose at the Kid’s Craft Corner sponsored by Two Waters Arts Alliance and maybe even enter the Chili Cook off with your favorite recipe.  You don't want to miss this event so plan to stop by and share in this great time.  Hope to see you there!

Home Sales Healthy in Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula

The following is my Gig Harbor/Key Pen Sales stats report and highlights for September 2012.  Following an amazing August, September had many high points, so I may be a bit wordy.  But bear with me, it’s mostly good news – and that’s worth my rambling.  Please feel free to share with anyone who may also find this informative or interesting. Any questions on any of this, please feel free to contact me. 

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Closed Home Sales Report for September 2012 

Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Combined Market J

This reflects the combined markets of Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.  Sales activities for these individual areas are reviewed below.

September was another great month for real estate sales in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula area.  Although the total number of closed sales fell from a banner August, September was still a solid month in regards to strong sales and stable pricing.  In the last twelve months, posting 88 closed sales, September was second only to the closed sales posted in August, and an 11% increase over September 2011. 

With 50% of the sale, the most active price range in September fell between $200K and $450K, that’s $100K over August’s most active price range. And not just slightly; 14 closed sales (or 16% of the total sold homes) fell within this S100K higher price category.  Higher end home sales (valued over $500K) were also impressive with posting 18 closed home sales, or 20% of total sales.  Let me reiterate that last part; 20% of closed sales were valued at over $500,000 . . . twenty percent!  As reported I reported similar increases last month, this may point to a trend that more home owners are taking advantage of stabilized prices and are moving up while the affordability is at its best.

I was excited to show in my August report that that the Average Days on Market (DOM) had fallen to 91 days, a decline of over twenty percent from the previous month.  I didn’t expect September would pretty much shatter this by posting a 30% reduction, down to just over 60 days DOM.  This trend shows that homes in good condition and priced right sell and sell quickly - Just two months from listing to closed sale.  When looking at the reduction in this DOM, consider also that the Average DOM for Active listings in the combined market stands at 160 days.  This is a sound indicator that homes that are price too high when listing remain on the market far longer and take the risk not selling. 

Total Active listings fell 6.63% to 634 with slight increases in both Average and Median list price.  With this reduction in inventory we also had a decline in Pending Sales of over 6%.  The combination of these declines maintained the absorption rate between four to seven months of inventory.  A balanced market holds an inventory level of five months inventory.  We are there in some areas and are nearly there overall. This trend will facilitate a shift to a Sellers’ market and increasing prices.  Basic economics of Supply and Demand; when demand is up and supply is down prices will rise.

Looking forward to next month there are 231 total Pending sales.  Of these 139 are Owner Occupied, a mere 22 are Bank Owned and 70 as Short Sales.  From this I would expect October to post slightly fewer closed sales then September, but a continued increase in overall pricing.

Gig Harbor Market J

Closed home sales fell off from an outstanding August, which was the best month in years.  As sales fell by 23% to 66 total closed sales, this at first may be alarming but don’t be;  At 66 closed sale this is a nearly an 18% increase over the same period last year.  While Average price had minimal gains to $407K, Median price increased nearly 10% to $357K. DOM fell to just over 60 days and with 83% of the sale, and Owner Occupied sales continue to dominate the Gig Harbor market.  All these factors show that the market continues to improve.

Looking at the Sold homes, the most active price range widened with 59% between $200 and $450K.  This widening indicates a more diverse buying population and it’s interesting that homes that sold for $250 and under made up 27% of the market while homes sold for over $500K commanded an equal 27% share.

With the number of Pending Sales dropping to 117, October sales could follow suit with fewer closed sales.  This is fairly typical as we head into the Holiday Season.  Of the 117 Pending, Owner Occupied sale continue the dominance with 117.  Pending Short Sales total 45 and Bank Owned coming in a distant third at only 9 pending sale.   Unfortunately, Short Sales may linger in Pending for many months and many will not close.  So while these are high in number, they are weak in success.

Key Peninsula Market J

Although the 22 total closed sales dipped a little from a very active August, which posted a healthy 25, September was still a good month in this recovering area; Of the 22 homes sold in September, 17 were owner occupied.  That is over 77% of the closed sales and is higher than last month’s posting of 76%, which was the strongest percentage since I have been tracking.  Owner occupied sales have been in the majority five of the last six months, and with the earlier dominance distress sales had on the KP market this is a very welcome trend.  When compared to 2011, monthly total sales have been stronger in four of the last six months, and DOM is holding steady at just over sixty days.  All good indications of an improving market on the KP.

Coming off a strong August, prices took a little corrective action in September with the Median price loosing over 15% to $195K, but on a more positive side, the Average price was far more steady, falling by less than a quarter percent to $223K.  Even with posting these declines, September of 2012 increased in pricing over 2011 posting gains of 5.6% and 11.24% respectively. Pricing will fluctuate monthly so the lower prices of September are nothing to be concern with and are holding fairly steady.

Pricing of closed sales were divided fairly equal in September between the price ranges of 100K to $450K.   Of particular note is, considering the 22 closed sales for September, 6 of these were priced above $300K.  That may not seem like much until you consider that that is equal to 27% of the sales – that’s huge when you consider that this price range on average includes only 14% of sales. 

Looking forward to next month’s sales, there are 60 homes in all Pending categories; 20 are Pending waiting on closing, 20 are Pending Inspection and 14 Pending short Sale.  These Pending sales indicate that we could have equally strong sales in October. 

And in closing . . .

Our market has made a shift for the better and Buyers are out there in record numbers.  And,although September was not as strong as the previous month, it did post many positive numbers.   Prices remain steady, further reductions in DOM and Absorption rates, and distress home inventory continues to decline.  Homes are selling, but pricing and condition remain the strongest factors for a successful sale our current market today. 

There are some amazing values in the market right now and interest rates remain unbelievably low.  If you know anyone who is considering how they can take advantage of this market please let me know or have them get in contact with me.  I appreciate your consideration and note that I have a wonderful national referral network for those out of state friends and clients.

Vote NO on I-1240

I'm not against Charter Schools but I am totally against this poorly drafted version that would do nothing but diminish the already stretched education funding and resources in our state. Drastic cuts have already been needed and made, programs lost or cut, teach

ers and administrators salaries have been cut. Charter schools funded by public education funds can only create greater shortages and further cuts. Passage of this poorly written initiative would also create yet another level of bureaucratic oversight in our State government supported by; you guessed it, public education funds!  Our overburdened education system cannot afford this poorly conceived and written initiative.  This doesn't even touch the unfair can of worms of who would qualify and who would not - not pretty.  As posted on the Progressive Voters Websit, I-1240 is also opposed by many groups including; The Leagus of Women Voters, Washington State PTA, American Federation of Teachers - WA, Washington Education Association, Association of Washington School Principals and many other civic organizations.  Please join us and Vote NO on I-1240.

Has the Cycle of Foreclosure been Broken?

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Is the cycle of foreclosures broken?  This simple but very powerful little chart, published by KCMblog.com, carries a powerful and insightful message.  In the Gig Harbor area we are experiencing lower inventory levels, solid pricing and increased sales volume.   Gig Harbor was fortunate that bank owned homes never reached a majority level, but not so in the Key Peninsula.  Prices were hit hard on the KP as distressed home sales were equal to or even greater than Owner Occupied.  But in recent months a sharp increase in total sales with fewer being Bank Owned, sale prices have now steadied or increased in most areas.  The Active listings for Bank Owned homes now number just slightly into the double digits for Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula areas combined and make up only 2.6% of the Active market.  The choke-hold Bank Owned homes had on the market and pricing has finally loosened.  The market has shifted again and we are now heading to a balanced market with indications that it may return to a sellers’ market soon.

Communities in Schools

The school year is well on its way and I’m gearing up for another year of Math Mentoring at Purdy Elementary.  This will be my third year of volunteering with the Communities in Schools Mentoring Program.  I have had a blast and am looking forward to another successful year.  The kids are great to work with, eager to learn and thankful for the help and attention.  I strongly encourage you to make the time to share in this experience.  A great community is built around great schools and adult involvement.  The mentoring fun starts soon at many of the area schools, so get involved by contacting Communities in Schools and share in rewarding experience.

Shelton Oyster Festival

After an exciting day exploring the Key Peninsula Farm Tour, be sure to visit the 31^st Annual Shelton Oyster Festival.  Open this weekend from 10:00 to 6:00 today and 10:00 to 5:00 Sunday, for many this is a highly anticipated event.  Featuring live music, microbrews, wine tasting, exhibits, plenty of tasty foods and everything oyster, this is a yearly don’t miss event.  The entertaining oyster shucking contests is a must see; how can they pry those little critters open so fast?  And don’t miss the Oysterlympics; who could miss the Crab Races, Jelly fish Juggle, Sea Kelp Hop or any of the other amusing games and contests.  There is plenty to see and do and with the clear weather we are having this year makes even more enjoyable.  If you have never experienced this event, make the trip this weekend and see what you have been missing.  If you have visited before, I’m sure this is on your must attend list this weekend.  Click on the links above for more info and directions. Hope to see you there!

2012 Key Peninsula Farm Tour - Great Fun for All!

The Key Peninsula Farm tour is this Saturday, October 6^th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  The forecast is for clear skies so this will be a great way to explore the beauty and hospitality of the Key Peninsula.  Spend the day visiting working farms and vineyards, demonstrations and the arts show, and enjoy live music and some old-fashioned farm fun.  Click here to visit the Key Peninsula Farm Fair website for additional information on this day of family fun, or click here to read the article published by the Key Peninsula News including a brief write-up on this year’s participants.  This will certainly be Great Fun for All!

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Home Sales on the Rise

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Closed Home Sales Report for August 2012 

Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Combined Market J

This reflects the combined markets of Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.  Sales activities for these individual areas are reviewed below.

With posting 111 closed sales, the volume of sales in August 2012 was the strongest I’ve recorded since I started compiling these stats in 2009.  Granted, that is only three years, but it has been three years of real estate purgatory and it is great to see the market moving in great positive steps.  With nearly half of the closed sales, the most active price range remains between $200 to $350K, but we did post 21 sales over $500K. This indicates that more buyers are taking advantage of the improved selling market, prices and interest rates and are ‘moving up’. 

Homes sold more quickly with a 20% drop in days on market compared to July, and 4% less than August of 2011.  Average and Median prices stayed relatively unchanged from July and posted a slight drop since the same time last year.  This is not surprising as the market was still in turmoil last year and we didn’t really see the upturn until this spring, with five of the last six months posting increased sales prices.  August also posted an Average Days on Market (DOM) of 91 days.  This is a decrease of over 20% from last month and is the shortest DOM since I started tracking.   This equates to about three months to sell a home . . .  Three Months!  From what we have been through, this is amazing and is a great indicator of the strengthening market.

The number of Active listing crept upward a little but with the record volume of closed sales the absorption rate now hovers between four to seven months of inventory.  A balanced market maintains an inventory level of five months inventory, so we have nearly reached this magical level.  We’re already hearing complaints that listings are too few and that there is not enough inventory.  Basic economics of Supply and Demand; when demand is up and supply is down prices increase.

Looking forward to next month there are 246 total Pending sales.  Of these 158 are Owner Occupied, a mere 16 are Bank Owned and 71 as Short Sales.  The dominance of Owner Occupied home sales continues to add stability to our market.  Bank Owned listings and sales continue their slide in number, but are now trending to be offset by an increase in Short Sales. However, the 71 Short Sales is misleading because, let’s face it, Bank’s just don’t want to make a decision and often buyers for these homes get fed up with this inability and move on, so the sale doesn’t close. 

Gig Harbor Market J

Way to go Gig Harbor!  Closed home sales totaled 86 in August which is an amazing 54% increase over the prior month and 24% higher than last year.  With total Median and Average prices decreasing by 9.9 and 2.3 percent to $325 and $406K respectively, prices appear to have taken a minor slump, but considering monthly fluctuations they seem to be holding pretty soundly.  The 99 DOM for the Gig Harbor area is a decrease of over 11% from the prior month but is nearly 9% above last year for the same period.  Even with this slight increase over last year, this remains one of the shortest DOM I have reported and still equates to just over three months to sell a home. 

Looking at the Sold homes, Gig Harbor market had a slightly higher most active sold price range than the combined market with its most active price range between $250 and $350K, but also had a strong surge in sales of homes price between $450 and $500K.  These two price ranges made up nearly half of the 86 total sales in Gig Harbor.

September is poised to be another strong month with 181 sales Pending, with 127 of these Owner Occupied, 48 Short Sales and only 6 Bank Owned.  Of the 48 Short Sale homes in a Pending status, only 5 have made it through the lender negotiations and are proceeding to closing. 

Soundly and securely driven by Owner Occupied sales, the Gig Harbor market is looking good with indicators showing continued stability and growth.

Key Peninsula Market J

A Banner Month for the KP!  The Key Peninsula posted 25 closed homes sales In August.  Tied with April of 2011, this is the strongest sales month for the Key Peninsula since I started tracking.   Prices also made a substantial climb as compared with August of 2011 posting increases of 76 and 36% in Median and Average prices respectively.  Both Median and Average prices also increased over last month by 13 and 4% to $230 and $224K respectively.  Average Days on Market (DOM) posted an astounding decline of 45% to only 65 average days on market.  65 days . . . That’s barely over two months.  And of the 25 homes that sold, 19 were owner occupied, or 76%.  This also is the strongest percentage since I have been tracking.  Of these 25 homes sold, 15 were priced in the $200 to $300K price range which remains the strongest price point in the KP.

Looking forward to next months sales, there are 65 homes in all Pending categories; 29 are Pending waiting on closing, 20 are Pending Inspection and 14 Pending short Sale.  I don’t want to sound too overly optimistic, but these Pending sales indicate that we could have an even stronger September.

And in closing . . .

It’s easy to say that August was a good month for Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Real Estate.  Prices steady, reduced DOM and Absorptions rates and decreased distress sale inventory.  The time is right for many, but caution and reality are vital in any successful real estate transaction.  Pricing and condition remain the strongest factors in our market today.  When looking at the reduction in DOM reported here, consider also that the Average DOM for Active listings in the combined market stands at 151 days.  This is a sound indicator that homes that are price too high when listing remain on the market far longer and take the risk not selling.  Our market has made a shift for the better and Buyers are out there in record numbers, but only homes that are priced correctly for today’s market will sell. 

There are some amazing values in the market right now and interest rates remain unbelievably low.  If you know anyone who is considering how they can take advantage of this market please let me know or have them get in contact with me.  I appreciate your consideration and note that I have a wonderful national referral network for those out of state friends and clients.

CenturyLink Donates to Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor Food Banks

In an article released today by the Key Peninsula News, the Key Peninsula Senior Center and the Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank have been chosen to receive a share of $1 Million in a multi-state donation form CenturyLink.  Click here to read more on this outstanding contribution to our community.  Thank-you CenturyLink.  I’ll pay my bill with a bit more respect from now on!

2012 Key Peninsula Farm Tour

Established in 2006 by the Key Peninsula’s own Trillium Creek Winery, the Key Peninsula Farm Tour has become an anticipated yearly event.  This year’s Key Peninsula Farm Tour will on October 6^th, and from humble beginnings in 2006, participation of local farms now include over two dozen. Plan the day to tour the farm and enjoy the beauty of the Key Peninsula.  Click here for additional information, maps and participating farms.

Great Events at Blend Wine Shop

The Blend Wine Shop in Key Center will be featuring the wines of Portugal welcoming back Amy Morris with Winebow.  If you have not yet visited Blend Wine Shop and their ‘No Wine Snobs’ approach to enjoying and presenting wines, get out there tonight.  The tasting starts at 4PM so come by to visit with Amy Morris and her natural approach to wines.  If you can’t tonight make it this Saturday evening.  Sit back, sample some new wines and enjoy local talent at the monthly Acoustic Open Mic Night starting at 7PM. 

Click here to go to Blend Wine Shop Facebook page for more info and see what else they are up to.  (Be sure to 'Like' while you're there.)

Open House in Lake Minterwood this Sunday August 19th

Sundays have always been a great day to take some time to visit Open Houses in your area, or the area you would like to call home.  It’s also a great opportunity for Realtors to meet some new faces and, perhaps be visited by good friends.  I will be hosting a Public Open House this Sunday, August 29^th, from 1:00 and 4:00 at this Lake Minterwood Lakefront Community Home.  Try to stop by for a few minutes just to check out this great Lakefront Community home.  Click here to see a virtual tour or click here for a link to the MLS Detail.  I would love to see you there, so please take the time to stop in for a visit.

Billy Farmer Performs at Key Peninsula Farmer Market

There is always something fun to see and do at Farmers Markets and Swap Meets.  This Saturday the Key Peninsula Farmers Market and Swap Meet is hosting Billy Farmer starting at 5PM.  Make an afternoon of it by coming by and supporting local farms, neighbors handmade crafts or just enjoy the overall hospitality of the event.  Then sit back and enjoy some tunes performed by Billy Farmer.  Don’t be shy!  Make the trip and enjoy yourself.

The Key Peninsula Farms Market and Swap Meet is held at Jerry’s Drive Thru Feed (Follow me to Drive Thru Feed) located at the intersection of Wright-Bliss and Elgin Clifton (Hwy 302.) and will be open Saturdays 10:00 to 3:00, and Sundays 11:00 – 3:00 every weekend until Labor Day.

See more of the Perseid Meteor Shower on the Key Peninsula

One of the natural beauties of the Key Peninsula is that it is mostly far away from the light pollution of larger towns and cities.  This is why the KP will be a wonderful area to witness the Perseid Meteor shower this weekend.  Up to 60 meteors an hour are expected in the late Saturday through dawn on Sunday.  The light from the waning moon should be too bright to inhibit the sightings, so leave technology at home, pack up a blanket and some favorite supplies, find a quiet field or open area and just lay back to enjoy the show.  Click here for some additional information and informative video on this yearly event.

Gig Harbor Celebrates National Night Out

How about an evening of free entertainment and BBQ?  Located at 3510 Grandview, The Gig Harbor Civic Center is the place to be tonight as Gig Harbor hosts the 29^th Annual National Night Out.  There will be lots of informative and entertaining booths, demonstrations and displays, as well as a free BBQ with hot dogs, refreshments, popcorn and more.  Comedian Chris Larsen and be on hand to provide some entertainment and laughs, and local band Third in Line will take the stage at 8:15 (They put on a Great Show!).  This National event is sponsored by the City of Gig Harbor, the Gig Harbor Police Dept. and some local merchants to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.   What a great way to spend a sunny Tuesday evening.  Click here for additional info, parking tips related links.