Sandra White: June 2009

Last year Americans moved at the lowest rate in 40 years according to figures of the Census Bureau and corroborated by data from the American Moving and Storage Association.  The AMSA finds the trend has continued into 2009.

                                                                                  The Census Bureau has "Geographical Mobility" data and it showed that the moving rate in 2007 was 13.2% and declined to 11.9% in 2008.  This is the lowest rate since the bureau began keeping track of the data back in 1948.

Shipping of household goods was  down by 20% during the first quarter of this year.  Of course this is the result of the real estate market we are experiencing, but also perhaps more people are having to do it themselves. 

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The cultural events that go on in this area of the Northwest are truly amazing.  For a geographically large area with a very small population it is quite an accomplishment.  One that has been going on in an area between Port Townsend and Sequim is the Olympic Music Festival. 

This is held on a sunny and tranquil 55 acre farm in a beautiful area, dense with forest and snuggled under the Olympic Mountains.  The concerts are held in a barn and can also be heard from the grassy knoll.  Tickets range from $18 to $30.  People are invited to bring a picnic lunch and snacks for the outdoor area or you can purchase a box lunch for $13.00.  Atmoshpere and dress is casual on stage and off and music is classical from the most beloved classical composers.

This all began when in 1966 members of the Philadelphia String Quartet moved to Seattle to become the University of Washington Quartet in Residence.  During their 30 year tenure they made numerous tours and recorded the chamber music repertoire.

In 1984 Alan Iglitzin, a group member, founded the Olympic Music Festival.  Since it's opening season, the Festival has grown from three weekends to twelve.  Today more than 10,000 people attend "Concerts in the Barn".  A must for Port Townsend folks, some people come from California and Canada. 

This summer's schedule is starting June 27 with Chopin, Schubert and Brahms.  The last perforamance weekend is September 5th and 6th.   These performances can be heard on KING FM and are featured throughout the year on NPR's "Performance Today" 

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I love my office and all the agents and staff.  Really a great bunch.  Here is one that is making a difference in our community.  This woman is behind a new program to help people in need in Jefferson County with their winter heat. 

 Temperatures here can get just below freezing at night and stay that way for a good 3-4 months in the winter.  Jan Marquardt in our office applied to Realtor Magazine Good Neighbor Award for a grant to help out and is one of the finalists to receive $1000 to be used in conjunction with our local aid group, OlyCap which is helping with this program.

The idea is to organize donations of wood from property owners, tree cutters, haulers, stackers, and last but not least,  money.  Wood will be delivered for home heat to those that cannot afford elecric heat or propane. 

Jan is a successful realtor who still finds time to help others and a very nice person.  I am so happy to be associated with her.

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Just a short post to show you our joy last night.  Celebrations were held all day, but I was working!  I did make it downtown at 6 pm and took in a bit of the Gallery Walk and enjoyed champagne and fabulous chocolate at William's Gallery.  William was Bill Metzler back at Windermere RE and I knew him when.  Now he and his Jewelry creating wife Wendy have a wonderful gallery packed with treasures from around the world,  showcasing her art.

                                                                                          Chamber Music at Artisans on Taylor.                                                                                         

The main attraction was taking place at Union Wharf and you could not miss it because you could hear the music of The Freddy Pink  band where ever you went. 

They really rock and have a great repetois with oldies, but goodies.  There was dancing in the street. 

One of our more colorful citizens  (I think she is wearing her Kintectic Sculputure Race outfit) and her wheels.

We are all waiting in line for the great pizza at Waterfront Pizza...was worth the wait.

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Good news!               

The  Northwest Multiple Listing service which serves 19 counties in Western and Central Washington is reporting inventory is shrinking, sales are rising and prices stablizing in some NW MLS areas.  This is good news for us over here on the Olympic Penisnsula because this is where many of our buyers come from, but is also a good sign for all of us.

Pending sales are up by 17.7 percent over a year ago and up 3.5% from April to May.  Active listings are down about 30%  giving buyers less to choose from. 

In Bellevue, an upscale suburb of Seattle there are reports of multiple offers in their lower end inventory (around $400,000).  Rural areas are lagging behind the closer in markets, but activity is picking up there too. 

It seems Builder inventory is beginning to dwindle and incentives are still available, but not as radical.  Prices are down area wide about 10% from a year ago, but from January they are rising in 8 of the 19 counties and up 2.9 percent in the entire mls. 

Area wide, the condo market is still very slow with pending sales down 15% from a year ago.  The demand for high priced homes is also down.

The reason for this photo is that I do not have any good blogging softwear.   I cannot find any good photos and the ones I do have will not stay put.   Any suggestions? 

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 Finished 11 days ahead of schedule and just in time for our day long celebration on Saturday, June 6th.

The Hood Canal Bridge which links the Olympic Peninsula to the rest of the world  has been closed for repairs for the past month and people have had to drive around the canal, or take multiple ferries, or be bused to walk on ferries and more buses. 

Check out the celebrations!

·         11 am -  Official ribbon cutting ceremony at Salsbury Point Park in Kitsap County recognizing community leaders, the bridge contractor, elected officials and featuring the Chimacum High School band.

·         12 pm  - A small parade of vintage cars from 1959 to 1961 ( the time period the bridge opened) driving from Salisbury Park and winding its way through Port Ludlow, Port Hadlock and into Port Townsend.

·         12 pm -  The Bridge Opening Bash in Port Townsend .

·         11 am to 6 pm - A special exhibit of Hood Canal Bridge historical photos will be featured in the City Council Chambers in City Hall.  

·         1 pm - Dock of Bay concert will be at the Pope Marine Building

·         2 pm - Port Townsend's Mayor will have a welcoming ceremony at Union Wharf

·         3-5 pm - The Delta Rays will play a free concert at Union Wharf

·         4-8 pm - "Swoon Under the Full Moon in June" community block party will take place on      Washington  Street.

·         5:30-7:30 pm - Freddy Pink will perform a free concert at Union Wharf

·         5:30-7:30  Gallery Walk (Art galleries open and serving refreshments)

Thank goodness this is behind us and we can look forward to a wonderful summer and welcome all the many tourists who annually drive through this area to hike, camp, fish and just enjoy the incredible scenery.

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In the category of Port Townsend's most interesting real estate, the Eisenbeis Building also know as the Cracker Factory Building was built in 1889.  (Crackers were baked in building attached.)  Located in Port Townsend's original town-site on bustling Water Street the building was occupied by Delmonico's Hotel and Restaurant, and then later became the home of Olympic Hardware.  I believe the hardware store started in the 50's or 60's and I have been told that up on the 3rd floor you could find any part or gizmo you ever dreamed of. 

This wonderful old building was renovated by investors and about 2 years ago, just as the market hit it's peak.  That timing was incredibly unlucky for these investors, but at this point there is one condo sold, and some interest in the retail area.       

The building is being marketed today as retail space for lease or sale on ground and mezzanine floors, and condos on floors 3 and 4.  With high ceilings, good window space with water and city views, and beautiful wood flooring, these are very upscale and lovely condos.  Ranging in price from $299,000 to $489,000 which is a considerable reduction in price (50%) of the original prices.  The entire building is also for sale.  Marketed by John L Scott, Port Townsend, but not my listing.

                                                 Delmonico Hotel...late 1800's

       Building Exterior today                                                                       Living room in furnished model

       Water view from model                                                       Model bedroom

           Living room windows                                                Kitchen with granite and stainless steel

Hallway with beautiful original woodwork

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