Sandra White: October 2009

PORT TOWNSEND'S HAUNTED BUILDINGS 

 Port Townsend is a favorite place for some amateur ghost hunters, and their findings include 3 well known historical buildings.  Using film, digital cameras, audio and video recording systems, and computerized surveilance gear they feel they can determine extra paranormal activity.  They feel Port Townsend is one of the most haunted communities in the state of Washington.   

 The "Commander's House" at Fort Worden showed some "orbs" (not visible to the naked eye) in photograpy taken by a  team of "ghost hunters" that visited Port Townsend  in 2006.   Built in the late 1800's and open to the public as a museum, this wonderful home overlooks the Parade Grounds at the fort. 

Another rich field was the Manressa Castle (built in 1891)  with many local ghost stories, surely embellished over the years,  The group found a lot of unexplained activity in the attic  and orbs have been photographed there as well.   Some hotel guests have reported individual incidences ( a broken grandfather clock in the foyer that chimes, ghostly shapes and cold breezes.)    Film crews come regularly to the former Jesuit seminary to photograph in hopes of finding some evidence.   

The Palace Hotel (1889) is the favorite place of ghosts in the downtown area of Port Townsend.  Average tourists have reported many stories of unusual activity ( a strange presesence)  and employees have also seen or felt strange things at the hotel.  

 Atop the staircase is a large portrait of the Lady in Blue, a mournful, mysterious woman from decades ago whose legend paints her as having ties to a former brothel that operated at the hotel from 1925 to 1933. The spirit of the Lady in Blue is believed to leave the portrait to walk the Palace halls in search of a lost lover.

Happy Halloween!

 Port Townsend Waterfront Homes Part Three

Kala Point Waterfront Homes

A 5 or 6 minute drive just outside downtown Port Townsend, Kala Point is a wonderful gated community with acres of green belt, tall oaks and pines, miles of trails and beautiful custom built northwest style homes on large 1/3 acre + lots.  Subdivided in the late 70's, this beautiful little community has wide tree lined streets, low density, a gorgeous beach and lagoon with small pier, boat launch and area for your kayaks; large clubhouse with pool, library, and social/card-room;  tennis courts and well maintained walking paths throughout.  Most amazing are the low $65 per month HOA fees.   

Waterfront homes are not often available, and one just sold last month  in the mid $700's with less than 30 days on the market. 

Still available:

Lovely Custom waterfront bluff home(½ acre lot) on quiet cul de sac that is shared with only 2 other homes.  Incredible views of shipping lanes, Port Townsend city views, Mt. Baker and Indian Island.  Gloriously peaceful and quiet. with eagles soaring overhead.    This well appointed home is just over 2000 sq. feet with views from every room from huge wood trimmed windows, large deck and over-sized garage.  Great value in the high $600's.

For more information regarding this or other homes in the Port Townsend, Port Ludlow area please call me at 360-301-5151

 Port Townsend Waterfront Homes     

Looking for an escape from congestion, crime,  smog and traffic?  Check out our beautiful Pacific Northwest and you will be surprised! Compare your city to Port Townsend area:

 ·     Fresh air without smog

·     Minimal  crime rate

·     Low  density of homes and people

·     Rainfall below 19 inches per year

·     No state income tax

·     Small town living with easy access to major cities

·     Scenic beauty in every direction

·     Recreational attractions abound

Welcome to Port Townsend, WA 

If you have been dreaming of a waterfront home, take a look at some very good values....

                                                                                Beckett Point/ Port Townsend

Waterfront community with views of shipping lanes and long sandy beaches.  Cottage style homes are available from $275,000 to mid $400's, with 1 to 2 bedrooms.  Walk out of your front door and greet the sea for a brisk walk, some easy fishing, or a gorgeous sunset.  Within a 10 minute drive to Port Townsend downtown, 1 hour commute to Seattle Ferry or major shopping areas. 

For more information on waterfront property in Port Townsed in all sizes and price ranges, please call me at 360-301-5151.

Waterfront Homes, Port Townsend WA

Port Townsend is a magical little  community on the Puget Sound, West of Seattle, a  2 hour commute via ferry boat and Hood Canal Bridge.  The area is surrounded by The Straits of San Juan De Fuca, beautiful forrests and snow capped mountains.  For those of you with your heart set on Waterfront property there are many bargains to be had. 

Many residents of this area who have the abiltiy to live anywhere in the world have chosen Port Townsendfor their home, whether they be boating enthusiasts, nature lovers, conservationalists, or just enjoy peaceful small town living.

Here are two available properties for your consideration.  More in Part two. 

Discovery Bay Area

Views of Discovery Bay and sunsets, 3 landscaped lots, listed below assessed value.  High $200,000s.

North Beach Area

Blufftop home with exciting views of shipping lanes, San Juan Islands and abounding wildlife.  Private and quiet with parklike setting.  High $600's.

Please visit my website for other available listings.

I would love to hear from you regarding your Port Townsend Real Estate needs.

360-301-5151

  The Northwest Multiple Listing Service is a member owned full service MLS serving 19 counties in the Pacific Northwest, covering the Seattle area, Puget Sound, and most of the North West.  Some highlights of their recent report on September, 2009.

• Pending Sales up for September 26.7% over over last year .    ­
• Inventory down 7.6% over last year.                                        ­
• Prices down 7.5% across the 19 counties                                  ¯

 Most agents reported brisk activity, busy open houses, and highest demand in 2 years.   

Port Townsend 27th Annual Kinetic Skulpture Race  

 This event 10 years ago was one of my first clues about  this kinky, funky little town, unlike any other! .  No one had prepared me for the antics I was about to encounter, from the racers themselves, the event organizers, the Kinetic Kops and most of the towns people dressed in the strangest and most original costumes I had ever seen.   

 The race entrants must design and build a contraption, called Kinetic Sculptures, that will run on pavement, water and through mud bogs.  They range from sophisticated and large to a bicycle enclosed in a banana shaped cover on pontoons or innertubes,  and are run by teams in costumes that range from clever to twisted.  Even more  amazing are the spectators, dressed in whatever strikes them, the crazier the better.  There will be 15 entries this year.

 Events are non stop beginning Saturday with the Wannabe Parade down Water Street, where all people in costume are welcome to march down the street to the sounds of the Port Townsend Peoples Band.    Next, comes the downhill ride to test brakes, then the water trials through the bay to test for sea worthiness.  This takes place in any kind of weather with the exception of white caps on the bay. 

   Saturday evening there is the Koronation Kostume Ball (The Rose Hips Ball) held at the American Legion (the main fundraiser for the event)  There will be dancing to music by the Turner Brothers, and admission is $15.00  Kandidates for Kween go on stage at 9:30 dressed in their zaniest costume with the theme this year: Unbirthday Teaparty. Kandidates must tell a joke, perform a talent, and offer a recipe.  The Kween and her court will reign over the main event on Sunday and carry that prestegious title till next year.  No cameras allowed, as "what happens at the Rose Hips  ball stays at The Rose Hips Ball!"  

 Sunday is the big race day, beginning at 10:30 am.when the Skulptures line up; presentations at 11 am. and race begins at low noon.  1:30 Kwicksand at Fort Worden, 2:30 Dismal Bog at the fairgrounds, 5:30 post race ceremony at Legion Hall.  

 Rules are: 

1.   Mediocrity rules
2. Bribes are expected
3.  Cheating helps  

You know you have been here too long when all this seems very normal.  Gotta run to get my costume ready!        

Market Trends / October 1, 2009

 Finally, it seems we have some real evidence of an uptick in real estate values in the second quarter of this year.  This comes from the Case-Shiller Index,  NAR reports for August, and improved affordability from the HOI.  72%  of families nationwide can afford a median priced home.  This is up from 55% in this same period in 2008.

 Most of this is thought to be due to the First Time Homebuyers Credit, record low interest rates, and lower prices across the board. 

 Historically the movement in the affordable housing market has signaled a trend toward an upturn for all price ranges, as the seller's of low end homes become move up buyers. 

 The Pacific Northwest: