Sandra White: Washington: Port Townsend

Incredible site of private  2/3 acres with unobstructed view of Admiralty Bay,  shipping lanes, mountains and city lights stretching out beyond the perfect garden setting.  Located on a corner lot in the popular community of Kala Point, just 10 minutes south of Port Townsend.  This home is of finest quality and priced far below cost to replace.   Wall of windows to enjoy the views, wood flooring and trim, open sunny kitchen with granite counter tops  and stainless steel high end appliances. 

Great lay out with spacious rooms, high ceilings, separate guest quarters, view  deck, garage, shop and green house.   So many features, including drought resistant landscaping, quiet cul de sac, patio, gated community with clubhouse, pool, beach, tennis and walking trails.  Asking price is $795,000

Still very much a Buyer's Market here in our little corner of the Pacific Northwest.  Residential sales for 2011 were down by just about 2% over 2010, and prices overall declined by about 9%. (Average statewide as well. ) REO properties accounted for about 20% of all residential sales.  Most popular price range was $150,000 to $350,000.

Of the 4 major companies in the area,  John L Scott Port Townsend was the top selling agent with the highest number of residential sales with about 25% more sales than the closest competitor. 

Private setting created with garden oasis on an oversized cul de sac  lot. Well built  2002 home with 3 bedrooms, open spaces, skylights, and laminate flooring.  Two car garage.  $252,000.

Close to town, transportation, retail and schools. 

17 entries this year, and the krazies are all out in their finest outfits.  The prize for  this race goes to  the most mediocre, and that means coming in 9th this year.  The entries have to have at least one wheel, traverse on land, sea and in the mud bogs. There can be a one man entry or a team of up to a dozen people.  

Always fun and full of imgaination and crazy antics and fun to experience.  This is the perfect place for this event. 

So far, this year is looking a lot like 2010 in our area. 

 YTD                # of sales             Ave. DOM             Median Price        # of REO

2010             210                     168                    264,000                      7

2011             205                     150                    244,000                      9

John L Scott in Port Townsend is still number one in our area for number of sales and listings, but our number of units sold is down by 11% and our dollar volume is down by 3%. 

A bit of good news for our area is that Seattle home sales have increased in number of sales, and that activity will trickle over to our area eventually. 

Lets hope 2012 will be a bit brighter for all. 

Open today...1-4 pm.  Incredible vista of Admiralty Bay, Cascade Mountain range, shipping lanes and ferry dock.  This Uptown  Victorian home was carefully updated with new wiring, plumbing, and insulation, but has the original fir floors, vintage hardware and windows.  Spacious rooms, bay windows, 3 propane fireplaces, lovely kitchen with deck overlooking view.  Beautiful gardens with privacy.  $500,000

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12th Annual!  The town is packed and enjoying wonderful summer weather at last.  The center of the action is the Rose Theater, our beloved and beautiful 1930's theater.  Located on a side street in the historic downtown area, it is a  joy to visit anytime, with two small theaters, and the world's best popcorn. 

Last night was the free open air showing of 1944's National Velvet, with a very young Elizabeth Taylor.  What fun to sit on haybales, under the stars and enjoy a vintage movie.  Tonight's free movie will be Back to the Future, and on Sunday evening the free movie will be one of my favorites, Moonstruck starring Cher. 

You can buy a pass or individual tickets for around $10. 

There will be 6 dozen short, feature and documentary films to choose from, in six different venues.  There are many film makers available at screenings for discussion afterward, a free shuttle bus to take you to the theater of your choice, and a wonderful outdoor beergarden with light sandwich and pizza fare. 

Fully Furnished----short term available

Available Mid September, 2011 / $900 per month plus electricity.

Desirable Port Townsend location, on the edge of uptown and near Fort Worden, beaches and golfing.
Sleeps 2 / 4 Queen Bed in loft / Queen Sleeper sofa in living room.
Custom built in 2006 with many upgraded features.This studio loft cottage is comfortable, clean, well equipped and affordable.
Bedroom Loft with Directv / 37 inch LCD TV, ample closet space, Deluxe Queen Bed with new linen and designer touches.
Separate private parking & driveway, Quiet and private surroundings, Vaulted Ceilings and built in ceiling fan.
Bamboo wood floors downstairs, carpeting upstairs.
DVD player / Directv Music Channels, High Definition Directv in Living Room with 37 inch Vizio LCD.
Double mirrored closets, Unique skylight, Wood Deck surrounds cottage with old laurels for privacy from the street. DSL wireless internet (7 Mbps) and all other utilities included for a short term rentals.

More information and photos

The Port Townsend Rhody Festival features a fun event held on Thursday of the festival which brings out a lot of spectators and pet lovers.  People register their pet in the appropriate group, and then march about 4 blocks with pets in buggy, arms, or on a leash.  We had a beautiful sunny day this year with a nice cool breeze.  Prizes went to best costumes.  All looked adorable.

Isn't it? Headline from our local newspaper today with figures that send chills thorugh homeowners and Realtors alike.   

Jefferson County, WA stats comparing first quarter of this year over last: 

 Prices have fallen 4.6%

Sales down 5%

Building permits down 33%

The overall conclusion is that this would seem like a good time to buy, with historic low interest rate, prices flat and falling, and some real bargains out there.  Makes you wonder where and when it will turn around!

We have been lucky in this area so far with the number of foreclosures, but they are increasing steadily.  Our local market started it's decline a lot later than most, so will take us a while longer to pull out, most likely. 

I think the answer to that question is the same as it has always been.  If you need to move for any reason, it is a good time to buy!