Vote Yes Twice - Prop 1 and 2

Few would disagree that we have it pretty good in Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula.  Aside from the amazing waterfront, spectacular views and our caring communities we can also boast of a coveted public education system which rates one of the highest in Pierce County with the lowest tax rates; tax rates well under neighboring Tacoma and University Place Public Schools.  But this is now on the verge of collapse due to overcrowding and deteriorating structures.  Our continued growth puts an even greater strain on our schools (some of which are already over capacity), staff and teachers (already well under appreciated, but that’s a whole other topic).  This growth now requires the bussing of students to other schools that will now also feel the same growing pains.  If we cannot come together as a community to help our ageing public school system, the system we have held in honor will begin to fail with lower ratings and students trouble soon to follow.

A strong public education system is also vital for the safety and economy of our community.  As a Gig Harbor Realtor for over ten years I have found that one of the first questions out of area buyers ask is ‘How are the schools?’.  Great schools draw people, while they run from suffering and unsupported education system.  I have often heard ‘but I have no kids in school so why should I want pay more in taxes?’.  This leads to basic economy.  If people avoid buying homes in the area due to poor public education, what do you think will happen to your home value?  That answer is easy, if fewer people want to live in your neighborhood your home prices will drop . . . significantly.

Economics should not be the only driving reason to support the upcoming election.  As a community it is our responsibility to support our future scholars, ours or our neighbors.  That is what maintains a strong, safe and livable community and one we can be proud to call home.  I will vote ‘Yes’ twice on August 5^th and encourage you to do the same.

Keller Williams Wet Red Day May 8th 2014

Ok, so this year we should call it WET RED Day (Weather Endurance Test as we Renew, Energize and Donate)!  Thanks to all the brave Keller Williams brokers who didn't let a little rain slow them down, and helped make a Huge contribution to the Fish Food Bank gardens.  Your efforts and hard work are greatly appreciated.  And after all, you can only get so wet - and we did get wet!

Keller Williams Red Day 2014

I'm getting excited about Keller Williams Red Day 2014 tomorrow.  A day where our office, and other KW offices throughout the country, pretty much shut down to spend the day giving back to our wonderful communities.  Rain or shine, it’s an amazing event, it makes me feel good and is another reason I'm happy to be a Realtor with Keller Williams.  Click here to learn more about KW Red Day.

Private and Spacious in Gig Harbor

 
Set in a well-maintained, secluded neighborhood, but yet convenient to Gig Harbor shopping and highway access, this wonderful home features open and spacious living areas, large living and formal dining rooms with family room off huge kitchen with abundant counter space and cabinetry, walk-in pantry, Stainless Steel appliances, double oven, large  center island and plenty of windows to let the natural light shine in. Spacious Master bedroom features five piece bath with jetted tub, ceiling fans and office.  Two hot water tanks, ceiling fans throughout, built with 2x6 construction with 5/8 drywall plus many other upgrades make this home very energy efficient, comfortable and unlike any others.  Click here for additional information and images of this remarkable find as well as other area information, or contact me today at 253-225-5667 to schedule a visit.  You won't be disappointed.

Red Barn Youth Center Set to Open this Spring

As a resident of the Key Peninsula I’ve witness this hand painted thermometer ever so slowly inch its way up and am happy to see the progress made on the Red Barn Youth Center, bringing a safe place for kids to meet, play and learn.  I'd like to share with you a recent article published by the Peninsula Gateway on the focus and progress of this great community feature.  I'm happy to see it nearing completion.  Click here to read more about the Red Barn as published in the Peninsula Gateway. 

Communities in Schools also runs reading and math mentoring projects throughout the Peninsula School district and as a volunteer math mentor at Purdy elementary I have a deep respect for the work they do all around our community.  I can't say enough for the care they deliver and encouragement they provide to our communities young scholars.  You may not be anywhere near Gig Harbor or the Key Peninsula, but I encourage you to click here to find out more about Communities in Schools and how you can help or contribute to a chapter in your neck of the woods.

Just Another Day in a Dogs Life

Another great thing about being a Realtor is that I can work from my home office when loved ones and loved pets are ill or in recovery.  Yesterday one of our beloved Mexican Pitt-Bulls (Chihuahuas) had to have ACL surgery.   Pebbles is seen here keeping a caring and watchful eye over her brother Bam-Bam while he recovers from his surgery. Bam-Bam may not be happy about his fancy fur-cut or that annoying breeze, but he’s quite the little trooper and is doing fine and Pebbles is a great caregiver, but its a slow recovery time and I think I’ll be working from home for a few days.

Keller Wiliams Gig Harbor RED DAY 2014 - Give Where You Live

Keller Williams Red Day 2014 is quickly approaching.  On May 8^th Keller Williams Realty offices throughout the country will set work aside for the day so the agents, brokers, staff and owners can work together on a project to give back to their communities.  Click here for more info on this annual event. 

Last year the Gig Harbor Keller Williams office spent the day at Purdy Elementary clearing overgrown gardens and erecting a greenhouse where students can witness beginning horticulture by growing their own plants and vegies.  It was a great day bustling with activity and community spirit.  Click here to see what a difference a little teamwork can accomplish.

This years Red Day activity has yet to be confirmed and I need your help in finding a project.  We are looking to do more than clean a stretch of road or beach and would like to concentrate on a project where many in the community will benefit, but are not opposed to helping a community member in need.  If you have any suggestions on where we could do the most good I would love to hear from you.  In conjunction with RED Day 2014, we will also be running our annual canned food drive to benefit the area FISH food banks.  Please contact me if you would like to get involved or have questions.

Thanks for your help and keep posted for news on this amazing day and experience.

Victoria BC's Sun Plant Hanging Baskets

Back in February of 2012 I wrote a brief post of the beauty of the Hanging Baskets that line the streets throughout downtown Victoria British Columbia.  With close family on my mother’s side living in Victoria, and fed by an addiction to gardening, I was fortunate to have ventured north many times in my life and have always been amazed with these beautiful and color filled wonders.  Unfortunately, with the years and the passing my Canadian family, I find trips north are fewer and fewer.  However, these amazing baskets provide me with many fond memories of younger years and the wonderful family I now miss.  Again this year I will make my lame attempt to mimic these beauties, but I have never been able to master their magnificence.  If you are up to the challenge click here for some history of the baskets and scroll to the bottom for a list of supplies and instructions.  Or, if you’re not up to the test your gardening prowess but are still captivated by these baskets, I suggest you make the short trip to Victoria to see them for yourself.  Click here for visit the City of Victoria’s home page for visitor information.  Victoria is a wonderful city with many great sites to see and activities to experience.   Get your hands dirty and give it a try, but let me know how they turn out.

And be sure to watch March edition of 'This Month in Real Estate' by clicking here or the link on my home page.

It's a Great Day for and Open House

Welcome to Day One of Daylight Saving Time 2014.  I am looking forward to the longer, warmer days, seeing the sun shine soon and getting outside to feeding my addiction to gardening.  I can hardly wait.

On this first day of DST I will be holding an Open House from 1-4 at this amazing home just past the Uptown shopping Center off of Point Fosdick in Gig Harbor.  This immaculate home is move in ready, it's in a wonderfully, well kept, cull-de-sac neighborhood and owners want it SOLD.  Please come by for a visit during your resurrection from Standard Time hibernation.

4403 36th Ave NW, Gig Harbor 98335
This impeccably maintained home is both inviting and versatile. Enjoy everyday living and entertaining in kitchen w/dinette area, living room with vaulted ceilings, and dining room with access to the amazing newer deck just perfect for your fair weather gatherings. Check out the homes versatility as sellers use lower level family room as spacious master, Master Suite as an office and bedrooms as hobby and music rooms. Convenient to Gig Harbor shopping and dining, Uptown and Hwy 16 access.

Real Estate Markets Show Recovery from Recession

Nationally, many markets have returned to or surpassed housing levels from prior to our recent recession.  Click here to read the article published by RIS Media outlining the LMI report.   In the Gig Harbor area unit sales and prices have been trending up but still have a way to go to equal pre-recession numbers.  2014 is forecast to be a strong year, and as prices slowly recover with interest rates hovering in the low 4's for a 30 year fixed mortgage, real estate may never be this affordable again.  Please contact me if you have questions, are having trouble with the above link or are wondering if this market is right for you to explore your real estate dreams.

Peninsula School District Levy and Bond Resolutions

One of the many benefits of living in the Gig Harbor area is the top rated Peninsula School District.  I may not have any children but I realize how important a quality school district plays in making a community strong, safe and desirable.  The Peninsula School district rates among the highest in Pierce County and maintains the lowest tax rate.  These are a couple of the many reasons I volunteer as a math mentor, help at school fund raising activities and attend PTA meetings when our schedules don’t conflict.   However, the influx of residents in the past few years have created an over-capacity of students in many schools including Purdy Elementary.  Where Purdy Elementary received a recent remodel, other ageing buildings within the district and the quantity of planned new construction homes off of Borgan Blvd will create even greater stress on our education system.  I’m happy to see that the School Board has arrived at a workable solution to these overcrowding and structure issues with little effect on our taxes.  Please click here to read the recent article published by the Peninsula Gateway for more information on this important community issue.

Keller Williams Named No 2 Training Orginization in the World

When I began my career as a Realtor, I joined Keller Williams Realty because of the educational opportunities and the culture of the company so effortlessly displayed at the Gig Harbor Keller Williams office.  A culture of providing exceptional service to clients, helping fellow agents reach their success and a commitment to our neighbors and this amazing community.  These are not just words but are ideals that many of us live by on a daily basis.  So, it does not surprise me that KW has now been named the number two training organization in the world across all industries by Training Magazine.  I could go on and on about the massive libraries and training opportunities offered all agents, but click on the following link to read this news release and the article: http://blog.kw.com/2014/02/05/keller-williams-realty-named-no-2-training-organization-in-the-world/
If you are considering a career in Real Estate give me a call.  I'd be happy to talk with you regarding how Keller Williams may be the right fit for you. 

  

Spring Forward 2014 - Spring It On ! ! !

Crocuses are already in bloom, and daffodils and tulips will soon be brightening many a garden. So that can only mean that .   .   .

 It’s Time to Spring Forward ! ! !

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead this Sunday, March 9th, at 2:00am

Remember when you used to be awake at 2:00 am on a Saturday night/Sunday morning and did this in real time?  Now I admit I'm getting older but, I’d rather set the clocks ahead Saturday night so I can get up and enjoy the early morning sunshine.

It's also a good time to replace smoke detector batteries as well as furnace and water filters.

Longer days and warming temperatures also means that it’s time to tune up that lawn mower and gather the garden tools because . . .

Spring Starts March 20^th

I can hardly wait!

 

Please Read My Selfish Plug:   I need and appreciate your help, as my business success depends on referrals from friends and past clients. If you or anyone you know are considering taking advantage of what many have said may be the best time in Real Estate of our lifetime, please contact me. My team of industry professionals and I will be happy to guide you through the process toward fulfilling your Real Estate dreams.

13409 82nd Ave NW, Gig Harbor WA 98329

This Beauty is not Your Typical  Home.

 

This truly unique warm, wood filled, custom crafted home on private one acre lot is based on a Dutch colonial barn design with three levels plus a wing kitchen designed/built by Rees Builders of Gig Harbor, who has been building authentic one-of-a-kind homes since 1976. His projects often incorporate custom wood doors including this home. Tile and wood flooring are featured throughout the home including the eat-in kitchen and top floor master loft level. A spacious second floor deck with power awning clings to the sunny south side while a brick patio is available on the shady north side. The focal points of the house face south for maximum sun and light while roomy parking/storage with twin driveways provide various options for many vehicles.

 

Click here to for additional information and photos of this unique beauty.

Happy Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day

 
Happy Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day.  Dr. Seuss would be 110 years old today.  I thank him for his clever and ever entertaining books and his inspirational quotes. He was, and still remains, a positive influence on kids of all ages.  I’ll be celebrating his Birthday by reading ‘I Wish That I Had Duck Feet’ today to my beautiful wife's classroom this afternoon. Are you doing anything that will be more fun than that?  At least pick up a book and read for an hour.  Better yet, pick up that book and read to someone special.  Share Dr. Seuss's spirit and love of knowledge with someone you love.

 

Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened 

                                                                                                                          -  Dr. Seuss

4403 36th Ave NW, Gig Harbor 98335

Sparkling Clean and Impeccably Maintained!

This impeccably maintained home is both inviting and versatile. Enjoy everyday living and entertaining with kitchen w/dinette area, living room with vaulted ceilings, and dining room with access to the amazing newer deck just perfect for your fair weather gatherings.  Check out the homes versatility as sellers use lower level family room as spacious master, the Master suite as an office and bedrooms as hobby and music rooms. Convenient to Gig Harbor shopping and dining, Uptown and Hwy 16 access.

Click here for area information and additional photos of this sparkling clean home.

3303 188th Ave KPN, Lakebay 98349

This home is Truly an Amazing Opportunity!

Over 3800 total Square Feet, including one bedroom Guest Home, on two tax parcels for 3.4 Acres of Privacy and Seclusion. 

 

This 4 bedroom home PLUS one bedroom guest house comes with two tax parcels; Main home of 2944 sq ft Plus the cozy Guest Home of 864 provide a total 3808 living space. Main home with oversized rooms features enormous Master Suite with Dressing area, Large Guest Bedrooms/3 baths, Spacious Living & Dining rooms, Office, Large Kitchen with Center Island, two cooktops & plenty of cabinets. Guest Home features Kitchen, Bedroom, Bath & living area w/warming wood stove.  The septic system is rated as a three bedroom design.  Relax and enjoy the tranquility on the back deck of the main home as you overlook the wooded yard with Garden Space and Fruit Trees.  The detached two car garage with Shop rests on second parcel.  Second parcel is buildable.

Priced at Only $310,000 - That's under $82  per Sq Ft  Plus a BUILDABLE second tax parcel!   Please share this with anyone you may know who is looking for an opportunity like this.

I've Been Absent for Far Too Long

Sorry to have been away for a while.  We converted to a Google email system at Keller Williams that did not agree with my Blogger account so I was unable to access my page.  As with all conversions there is some fall out and my blog was one for me.  As I can be a bit technology challenged at times it was not a quick fix for me.  I'm now back up and running and will be posting once again. 

 

While I was away I was able to secure some nice listings and these will be my first posts.  I really need to give these the exposure my clients deserve.  So if you know anyone who may be interested in any home I post in the next few days please contact me.  This would make my clients and I very happy, and I like it when my clients are happy.

 

These are happening times in real estate.  Please keep me in mind if you or someone you know is interested in taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime market.  I may be based out of Washington, but I have extensive resources throughout the country and can help with nearly any move.

 

Thanks, and please visit again soon!