This photo was taken on a clear winter moring in Vaughn on the Key Peninsula looking over Case Inlet to the snow covered Olympic Mountains. A very nice view to start any day. Please read on for area Real Estate information mixed with news and happinings in and around the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula. Fred S. Angus, Keller Williams Realty 253-225-5667.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Gig Harbor Basket Brigade - Your Help is Needed



There is now an urgent need for the 2013 Gig Harbor Basket Brigade. The local grocery chain that had been providing turkeys for this cause has declined to do so this year.  I thank them for their past support, but we are now missing a key ingredient in providing a Thanksgiving meal to the over 700 families in need this year.  Please contact me at 253-225-5667 or fredangus@kw.com on how you can help fill this huge gap and bring some joy and comfort to our neighbors in need this Thanksgiving.  After all, Isn’t this really what Thanksgiving is all about?


Monday, November 4, 2013

2013 Gig Harbor Basket Brigade



Here’s a way to start the Holidays off right! This year the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade will be providing all the makings for a full Thanksgiving Dinner to over 700 families in need living in Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula areas.  This marks the 20th year of this amazing event, but it’s no easy task.  It greatly depends on donations of non-perishable food from you, our caring community. and many items are still needed.  The Brokers and Staff of your Gig Harbor Keller Williams Realty are getting involved again this year with our Office Food Drive Challenge.  We have split the office into two teams and challenge each other to see who can bring in the most food items.  It’s fun and we all like a little challenge once in a while.  Please contact me to support the Basket Brigade (and my team) with your non-perishable food donation.  I’ll be happy to stop by and pick it up.  Or, click here for ways that you can get personally involved in the basket preparation or delivery. By past experiences, I can guarantee getting involved in this will be a great beginning to a wonderful Holiday Season.

Friday, October 25, 2013

YES On Proposition One - I Support Our Future

I believe that a strong public education system is paramount to a livable community, so I am voting YES on Proposition one. Peninsula School District is the highest rated school district in Pierce County, we pay the lowest taxes for education and the District has already been challenged with recent budget cuts including salary reductions. Please watch the following Parent-Made Video and see what little it will truthfully cost us and how our community will benefit from passing this important proposition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwDKSrGeFj0

Monday, October 21, 2013

September 2013 Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Home Sale Stats

The following is a recap of the September highs and lows reached in the Real Estate Market for Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.  I will try to keep this brief, but if you have any questions give me a call and I’d be happy to discuss it with you.

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 100 Closed sales for the month, Septmeber2013 marks the sixth consecutive month with closed sales in the three digit category.  The Total Closed Sales have been falling since posted in June, and with the strongest months typically in the summer months, this should be no the year’s high of 143 surprise and is fairly normal fluctuation.
 
Overall prices continue in an upward trend with Average and Median prices both posting increases over the prior month and year.  For four of last five months the Average Days on Market (DOM) has been under 90 days.  Partly fed by our low inventory levels, Septembers 80 DOM shows that, when priced right, homes are still selling quickly.  Qualified and prepared buyers are very aware of this and are often making offers on homes within the first week of listing.  

Key Points in Gig Harbor and KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 100, falling 26.47% from August, but increased 13.64% over Sept 2012
-        Active listings fell 4.68% from August to 570
-        Pending Sales decreased to 235 from 269 in August
-        12 month absorption rate at 5.2 months (up from 0.1 from last month)
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) fell to 80 days, 8.5% lower from August
-        Average DOM for current Active listings increased 1.92% to 106 days
-        Sold Median Price increased 16.66% to $349,950 from August, and 15.69% from Sept 2012
-        Sold Average Price increased 10.52% to 391,300 from August, and 8.37% from Sept 2012
-        With nearly 50% of sales, the most active price range fell between $200,000 and $400,000 

October is starting with 235 total Pending sales with 149 Owner Occupied, 27 Bank Owned and 59 Short Sales.  This is down from 269 homes pending at the beginning of Sept, so with this I anticipate that we will see the total closed home count for October to hover around the 90 mark, coupled with a slight decrease in prices.  

Gig Harbor Market J
Gig Harbor posted 73 closed sales for September, with both Median and Average prices posting double digit increases from last month and year.  Although Sept. closed sales represent over a 25% decrease from August, as mentioned above, this is no real surprise as we head into the slower sales months and Holidays, and this is still an increase of over 10% from 2012.   

Key Points in Gig Harbor Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 73, a decrease of 25.51% over the prior month but 10.61% increase over Sept. 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings held steady at 424
-        Pending Sales decreased 16.06% to 162
-        12 month absorption rate increased from 4.9 months to 5.3
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) decreased 2.35% to 87 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings dropped by 1.87% to 105 days
-        Sold Median Price increased 15.06% to $402,000 and 12.62% over Sept. 2012
-        Sold Average Price increased 10.82% to $456,207 and 12.11% from Sept. 2012
-        With over 52% of sales, the most active price range fell between $300,000 to $500,000 

October begins with 162 Pending sales; 117 Owner Occupied, 12 Bank Owned and 33 Short Sales.  This is 16% decrease in Pending Sales from Sept, so I estimate closed sales for October will hover in the mid 60‘s with lower Median and Average prices. 

Key Peninsula Market J
As with the Gig Harbor market, the KP also showed decreasing sales for Sept. posting a decrease of nearly 29% to 27 closed sales, again following seasonal trends.  Total closed sales may have slipped, but total sales Median and Average prices posted increases over last month and last year in most categories.   DOM for sold homes took a plunge of over 35% to a mere 60 days.  Anytime this is around the 90 Day mark is good, but 60 days – that’s amazing, and is an indication of the strength of the market and that buyers are ready to buy now! 

Key Points in the KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 27, a decrease of 28.95% over the prior month 22.73% increase over Sept 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings fell 15.61% to 146
-        Pending Sales decreased 5.19% to 73
-        12 month absorption rate decreased slightly from 5.9 months to 5.3
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 35.48% to 60 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings decreased 15.61% to 146 days
-        Sold Median Price increased 11.28% to $214,995 and 10.08% from Sept. 2012
-        Sold Average Price increased 5.00% to $215,811 but fell 3.44% over Sept 2012
-        With nearly 52% of sales, the most active price range was between $180,000 and $300,000 

October begins with 73 Pending sales; 32 are owner occupied, 15 are Bank Owned and 26 Short Sale.  This is 5.19% decrease in Pending Sales from Sept, so I estimate closed sales for October will hover in the mid 20‘s with slightly lower Median and Average prices. 

And in closing . . .
The area market is holding well; sales totals are showing typical seasonal fluctuation and prices continue to show stability and appreciation.  Active listing inventory remains low with homes selling at an often outstanding pace.  However, Interest rates have inched higher and many loan programs have increased fees.  These additional costs can have a negative effect on affordability for some buyers, pricing them out of the market. 

Now is a great time to buy or sell, before the affordability rate shrinks and while home prices are at their lowest.  There are still great opportunities out there for a primary residence, second home or investment properties.  I’d appreciate it if you keep me in mind when someone you know is considering buying or selling a home.  With an extensive network of professional Realtors, I can help clients all over the country including Alaska and Hawaii, and parts of Canada.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Home Sold in Three Days of Listing

Congratulations to John and Karen on the closing of their Fox Island home and move to their beautiful view home. A goal that has taken a few years to realize, but well worth it and it couldn't have worked out better. If you have considered making a move there is still time to take advantage of the record low affordability rate we are experiencing. Don't hesitate too long; prices and interest rates are on their way up. Give me a call to see if making a move makes sense for you.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Closed Home Sales Report for May 2013

I’m way behind in getting this out this month so how about I just get to the stats and leave the commentary for another month. If these highlights just aren’t enough and leave you wanting more or you’d just like greater detail and history, contact me and I would be happy to send you my complete excel spreadsheets.  And as always, if you have any questions on any of this just give me a call and I’d be happy to discuss it with you. 

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.

Quite a busy month.  With 123 Closed sales for the month, May 2013 marks the fourth consecutive month with an increase in closed sales over the previous month.  This is the strongest month in sales since I have been keeping these records and easily surpasses the earlier record of 111 posted in August of 2012.  Overall Average and Median prices made a slight fall but posted large increases over the previous year.  On another positive note; the Average Days on Market (DOM) for closed sales fell to 88 days, or 24% from the prior month and 23% from the previous year.  Homes are simply selling more quickly.

Key Points in Gig Harbor and KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 123, with an increase of 20.59% over the April and 59.74% over May 2012
-        Active listings actually posted a slight gain of 4.87% to 538
-        Pending Sales increased 319 from 314 in May
-        12 month absorption rate at 4.9 months (up from 0.10 from last month)
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) fell to 88 days, 24.14% from April and 23.48% from May  2012
-        Average DOM for current Active listings declined 1.16% to 119 days
-        Sold Median Price fell 4.99% to $338,000 but increased 35.23% from May 2012
-        Sold Average Price fell 2.56% to $370,901 but increased 24.04% from May 2012
-        With over 57% of sales, the most active price range fell between $200,000 and $500,000

June started with 319 total Pending sales; 208 Owner Occupied, 28 Bank Owned and 98 Short Sales.  With little change in the quantity of Pending sales, I anticipate that we will see a similar number of closed sales in June, with Median and Average prices reaming relatively the same.

Gig Harbor Market J
Gig Harbor posted nearly a 10% increase in closed sales from the prior month, and nearly 65% over May of 2012 (wow!). Sales are hot with a decline in DOM of over 25% from last month and nearly 17% from last year. Prices made some slight increases over May but made some impressive gains over May of 2012.  
 
Key Points in Gig Harbor Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 89, an increase of 9.88% over the prior month and 64.81% over May 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings posted an increase of 6.57% to 373
-        Pending Sales posted a modest increase of 0.87% to 232
-        12 month absorption rate increased 0.10% to 4.5 months
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) decreased 25.62% to 90 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings dropped by 0.80% to 124 days
-        Sold Median Price increased 1.85% to $386,000 but gained 34.2% over May 2012
-        Sold Average Price rose 3.32% to $427,129 and 21.16% from May 2012
-        With over 53% of sales, the most active price range fell between $200,000 and $450,000

Of the 232 Pending sales 164 are Owner Occupied, 10 Bank Owned and 58 Short Sales.  With little change in the quantity of Pending sales, it looks like we will see a similar number of closed sales in June, but I anticipate slight increases in Median and Average prices. 

Key Peninsula Market J  
Sales were very strong for the Key Peninsula in May.  For the third consecutive month closed sales outpaced the prior month’s totals, with May posting the greatest number since I’ve been tracking.  Both Median and Average prices fell from last month, which is a typical month to month fluctuation.  But, we have now had six months posting gains in both Median and Average prices when compared to the same period last year.  Days on Market fell to under three months to an unbelievable 81 days, the lowest since January of this year.  All-in-all, a pretty nice month for the KP

Key Points in the KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 34, nearly 62% greater than April and nearly 42% above May of 2013 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings held at 135 for a 0% change
-        Pending Sales posted a modest increase of 3.5% to 87
-        12 month absorption rate decreased from 6.3 months to 6.0
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 19.0% to 81 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings increased 2.68% to 109 days
-        Sold Median Price decreased nearly 15.8% to $182,500 but up 2.9% from May 2012
-        Sold Average Price fell by 11.98% to $223,718 but posted a 29.08increase over May 2012
-        With nearly 59% of sales, the most active price range was between $120,000 and $300,000

Looking forward to next month, of the 87 Pending sales 38 are owner occupied, 18 are Bank Owned and 31 Short Sale.  Form this I believe that the KP will reach similar sales quantities with an increase both Median and Average prices.

 And in closing . . .
If you were waiting for the market to bottom out before making a move, you’re a little late but still have time.  It has defiantly heated up and homes are selling rapidly.  Home prices are increasing and interest rates are now rising, which together will have a negative effect on the affordability index we have been enjoying recently. 

Now is the time to buy, before the affordability rate shrinks and while home prices are at their lowest.  There are still great opportunities out there for a primary residence, second home or investment properties.  I’d appreciate it if you keep me in mind when someone you know is considering buying or selling a home.  With an extensive network of professional Realtors, I can help clients all over the country including Alaska and Hawaii, and parts of Canada.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Gig Harbor Realy for Life 2013

Celebrate a Cancer Free Life
Tonight starts Gig Harbor's Relay for Life 2013. Cheer me and my Purdy Elementary teammates on by making a donation to this amazing event. We will be running, walking or crawling around the track at Goodman Middle School tonight starting at 6:00pm. Stop by in support and join in the fun! - or - Click here to make a donation in support of this cause and those striving to make a difference.


Monday, May 13, 2013

Keller Williams 2013 RED DAY project



The Keller Williams RED DAY 2013 project of a new Greenhouse at Purdy Elementary is now complete with the building and installation of shelves. Special thanks to George Flanigan for contributing his time and skills in the construction of these custom shelves and finishing this amazing project. It was a great pleasure to be a part of this entire project and witness the many volunteers who made this transformation a reality. Thanks to everyone who helped in so many ways.  Please read earlier posts for greater information on this project and RED DAY 2013.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Give Where You Live - Keller Williams RED DAY 2013

Before RED DAY

Yesterday was a wonderful day spent with many of my fellow Keller Williams Brokers and associates building a greenhouse and raised garden beds at Purdy Elementary for Keller Williams ‘Give Where You Live’ RED DAY 2013. Many attacked and transplanted overgrown shrubs to the school entry yard, while others tackled the construction puzzle of the greenhouse. Through the hard work of these volunteers, who dedicated the day to these projects, we were able to transform this courtyard into a working and educational environment.  A huge Thank-You to everyone who assisted and supported us throughout the day. It was an Amazing Day!

After RED DAY
RED DAY continues with our food drive for area food banks and have a table set up in our office lobby for donations. Please feel free to drop by with any non-perishable food items while you are in the neighborhood.  

Want to know more about RED DAY or Keller Williams Realty?  Feel free to contact me for information.

 



Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Gig Harbor Keller Williams RED DAY

Keller Williams RED DAY is tomorrow - just a few hours away . . . and it is going to be great!  This year we will be constructing a Greenhouse and raised garden beds at Purdy Elementary to encourage earth sciences.  We are also gathering food for area food banks and have a table set up in our office lobby for donations.  Please feel free to drop by with any non-perishable food items while you are in the neighborhood.  Don't know about KW RED DAY? Contact me or any KW broker to learn more on this yearly national KW event.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Celebrate Earth Day 2013


Happy Earth Day,

Be sure to take some time today to take a deep breath, enjoy a scenic sunset or the chirping of some of your neighborhood feathered friends.  Then get out and plant a tree, a shrub or just get your hands a little dirty digging in your garden.  Just try to do something to give back to this wonderful island we call earth.  What exactly is Earth Day?  Click here to reada little history and information provided by The Old Farmer’s Almanac.   

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula Parks Appreciation Day

Grab your work gloves, some small hand tools and head out this morning to one of the participating parks in your community to help with some spring cleaning and maintenance.  No registration is necessary, just show up and lend a hand.  Bring pruners, loppers, rakes etc , but make sure to label them so you don’t lose or accidently donate them. 
 
Hurry and head out to one of the following Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula participating park locations:

Gig Harbor                            Key Peninsula
Crescent Creek Park                      Gateway Park & 360 Trails
3303 Vernhardson St.                   10215 SR 302/10905 144th St. NW

Grandview Forest Park                   KP Civic Center
3488 Grandview St.                       17010 South Vaughn Rd.

Kenneth Leo Marvin                       Volunteer Park
Veterans Memorial Park                 5514 KPN Peninsula Hwy              
3580 50th St. Ct.

Wilkinson Farm Park
4118 Rosedale St.



This community cleanup event is taking place throughout Pierce County.  For a complete list of participating parts and additional information click here or go to ParksAppreciationDay.net

Friday, April 19, 2013

Comedy Night at the KP Civic Center


How about an evening out with dinner, some laughs and a glass of wine or other favorite libation. This Saturday evening the KP Civic Center will be presenting a full evening with all this and more.  The evening begins with door opening at 6:30pm, with a no-host bar, dinner at 7:00 and Comedians starting at 8:00.  Tickets and dinner are $20-25, or show only at $15, available at Blend Wine Shop, Sunnycrest Nursery, Drive Thru Feed or at the KP Civic Center office.   This is an eighteen or over event, so come by for an entertaining evening and support our KP Civic Center.  Additional information is available at www.KPCivicCenter.org, Facebook.com/KPCCA or by calling 253-884-3456.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Gig Harbor & Key Peninsula Closed Home Sales Report for March 2013



The end of March closed the first quarter of 2013 with continued sales growth.  With eleven of the past twelve months posting greater units sold than the prior year, homes are selling in less time, many within the first week of listing.  This is partly due to the decline in Active listings (nearly 23% fewer homes currently listed than just six months ago), and from an amazing affordability level.  As a comparison; remember back in the early 2000’s when prices were rising and interest rates were in the 6% range?  The average cost of housing then consumed over 21% of the household’s monthly income.  Now fast forward to today’s home prices and once-in-a-lifetime interest rates, the cost of owning a home now takes a mere 12% of the household income.   This greater buyer demand and the reduction in Active inventory is quickly turning this into a sellers’ market.

Another driving force in the resurgence of buyers is the stability of the market and reports show that on a national level home prices are predicted to increase over 3% this year and continue to rise for the next few years.  Click here for detail and informationon National home prices presented by RISMedia.

Now, let’s take a look at our area sales for the month of March 2013:
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.
How can you not smile with the positive activity in our market area? Average and median prices continue their up one month, down the next activity but are holding steady overall, with some areas posting slight appreciation.  The Average Days on Market (DOM) for closed sales fell from the prior month and year to 88 days, or just under three months.  Compared to March of 2012 this decline reflects a reduction of 20% from the date listed to offer acceptance, or simply put; homes are selling faster!
Key Points in Gig Harbor and KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 63, or an increase of 5% over the prior month and 3.28% over March 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings down 2.94% to 490
-        Pending Sales up 30% to 280
-        12 month absorption rate at 4.8 months (down from 5.0 from last month)
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 16.19% to 88 days from Feb (down 20.72% from March 2012)
-        Average DOM for current Active listings down 10.20% to 132 days
-        Sold Median Price rose 7.60% to $297,795 and also increased 5.60% from March 2012
-        Sold Average Price decreased 12.90% to $321,628 and 1.85% from March 2012
-        With over 55% of sales, the most active price range rests between $200,000 and $350,000

Looking into April there are currently 280 total Pending sales with 166 Owner Occupied, 25 Bank Owned and 89 Short Sales.  Considering the increase in Pending sales, I anticipate that we see closed sales increase in April by nearly 20% and reach a total near 80, if not above, and an increase in both Median and Average closed sale prices.

Gig Harbor Market K
Gig Harbor posted a fair March with increased closed sales from the prior month and year, plus a decline in DOM of over 20% also from the same periods.  Seems good, but then prices stumbled a bit and posted decreases in most sales types in both month and year comparisons.

Key Points in Gig Harbor Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 48, or an increase of 4.35% over the prior month and 6.67% over March 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings had a slight increase of 2.40% to 341
-        Pending Sales posted a strong increase of over 37% to 201
-        12 month absorption rate decreased to 4.5 months
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 22.77% to 78 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings dropped by 10% to 135 days
-        Sold Median Price increased 4.89% to $344,566 but fell 1.51% from March 2012
-        Sold Average Price fell over 16% to $344,566 and 5.68% from March 2012
-        The most active price range fell between $200,000 and $350,000

Of the 201 Pending sales 133 are Owner Occupied, 9 Bank Owned and 59 Short Sales.  From this increase in activity, I anticipate April will post an increase in total sales nearing 60, with a slight increase in the Median price with little change in the Average price.
Key Peninsula Market J   
I have to smile with the sales activity on the Key Peninsula.  Why? Well, March closed one more sale than the prior month.  And considering the recent flat-line of sales in other preceding months, as a whole, the KP has still managed to outpace the prior year in closed sales.  While not strong, sales are steady.  Owner Occupied sales prices fell from the prior month, but overall prices posted a nice gain in March, mostly due to great increases in sales prices of Bank Owned and Short Sales.  Although slight, Owner Occupied sales continue to outpace distressed sales, which was a problem not all that long ago.  Days on Market decreasing, Prices trending upward and an increase in the number of Pending sale all indicate an improving KP market.

Key Points in the KP Market:
-        Closed sales totaled 15, one more than the prior month, and one fewer than March 2012
-        Inventory of Active listings increased by 3.5% to 148
-        Pending Sales increased sharply ny over 27% to 79
-        12 month absorption rate decreased to 5.8 months
-        Average Days on Market (DOM) down 3.31% to 117 days
-        Average DOM for current Active listings decreased 10% to 125 days
-        Sold Median Price increased nearly 30% to $250,000 and 51.52% from March 2012
-        Sold Average Price increased 8.67% to $248,227 and 11.86% from March 2012
-        With nearly 47% of sales, the most active price range was between $250,000 and $350,000
 
Looking forward to next month, of the 79 Pending sales 33 are owner occupied, 16 are Bank Owned and 230 Short Sale.  I anticipate that the KP will reach into twenty-plus closed sales in April, with a slight decline in both Median and Average prices.

And in closing . . .
As we head into spring and summer the Gig Harbor and KP market typically heats up.  This should be an interesting year as interest rates remain low, with low inventory levels and increasing buyer demand.  Buyers are actively shopping for their new home and prepared to make a quick buying decisions if the home is priced right and in good condition (hence the decline in the DOM).  Sellers are feeling this change in the market and are beginning to list with higher prices and are less giving in negotiations. 

This is a time of great opportunities in real estate for a primary residence, second home or investment properties.  I’d appreciate it if you keep me in mind when someone you know is considering buying or selling a home.  With an extensive network of professional Realtors, I can help clients all over the country including Alaska and Hawaii, and parts of Canada.