Sandra White: Washington

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:

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Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets

Ever think about what happens to a soldiers pet if he or she is called to active duty in a foreign country? 

I just read in a small local publication called the Port Ludlow Voice, about a program to foster pets of soldiers who are being deployed, or have an emergency situation.  This is done through the Military Pet Assistance Program to arrange foster care for the pet, with the plan to reunite them upon the soldier's return home.

It is called the " Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets."  Applicants are carefully screened to make sure they will provide a safe and loving home and a secure environment.  For more information you can go to

guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org, or call for information: 501-325-1591

Yesterday I was saddened to learn of the closing of a small local publication that seemed to me just started a short time ago. 

I remember when the owners started up the paper, a business journal, that covered the Olympic Peninsula, specifically Jefferson and Clallum Counties.    I applauded these two young women  for a great idea, and the courage to embark on such an arduous and somewhat risky venture.  That was in 2006 and I have read almost every issue since, and learned from them about new businesses in our area, trends and news, and lots of tips on running a small business, which is what a Realtor does!

The publishers stated it was with a great deal of thought and soul searching they were folding, while still in the black.  It seems they have felt the trend of less print advertising, and of course the economic uncertainties we are all facing. 

With a gracious thank you to all their customers who have advertised and contributed in the past, they said goodbye. 

The 10^th anniversary of the Port Townsend Film Festival is starting today, September 24 and will run through Sunday.  The person most responsible for the success of our festival, director Peter Simpson  passed away this year, and he will be sorely missed by the community, festival staff, and volunteers. 

 Described on the program as "a film lover's block party", Port Townsend is just the perfect venue for this celebration of great films and filmmakers.  The main stage is in our beloved Rose Theater, with movies also shown at the Uptown Theater,  The Pope Marine Center, and the Upstage.

 The films are chosen by 12 Port Townsend Film Festival reviewers who screened 255 films this year to pick the 60  plus films that will be shown this weekend, some documentary, features and short films.

This year our celebrity guest will be Cloris Leachman, the Oscar and Emmy winning actress known for character roles and a long run on the Mary Tyler Show.  There will be an evening with Cloris and she will be available for an exchange with the audience.

 There is something for everyone, including free outdoor movies on the street in front of the Rose.  On Friday night they will be showing one of my favorites as a kid, An American in Paris with Gene Kelly.  There is a beer garden with drinks and light meals, and of course the best popcorn ever is served at the Rose.

The weather is perfect and I promise this will be a great experience you won't foget, so hop on a ferry and come on over!

Cielo Mare

Lots of excitement and a sense of community pride was evident last Saturday at the Port Townsend Boat Haven. 

The occasion was the launching of the beautiful custom built 127 foot yacht, the Cielo Mare.  It was wheeled out of the huge 50 ft. tall Townsend Bay Marine's shop as interested townspeople looked on, and a private party inside the shop enjoyed a catered lunch and adult beverage.  The party was hosted by the happy owners, a CA couple who love fishing in Alaska and Mexico.  Everyone was anxious to see this incredible craft and celebrate the completion of the project, which involved the 80+ full time employees of Townsend Bay Marine and at least 45 local businesses from glass etchers ( for numerous bathrooms shower doors and some wall decor)  to providers of lumber, paint, and electrical.   This was a total Jefferson County effort. 

Over 3 years in the building, and a multi-million dollar project, there has been only one larger craft built in Port Townsend which was the 162 foot Avivva, built in 1993.  The custom boat building business has waned in recent years.

 The Cielo Mare has a crew of 4, and will have a trial run this week, then back into the shop for some  finishing touches.

http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/

This area has very interesting shipping lanes and waterways.  This photo was taken going from Port Townsend area to Kitsap Peninsula across the Hood Canal Bridge.  Sub is most likely on it's way to the Keyport Naval Base.  Traffic is held up with each passing for about 30 to 40 min. but does not happen that often and makes a good photo op!

http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/

My listing at 1234 Franklin Street in Port Townsend, Washington was built by one of Port Townsend's most interesting characters named Captain Henry Tibbals.

Capatain Tibbals was instrumental in the building of the Union Wharf, The Pioneer Hotel, built in 1858, and the Palace Hotel which is still an active hotel in operation today on Water Street.  (On tour this weekend in the Victorian Home Tour). 

Tibbals was also a county Representative and also  held many other public offices. He was also a sheriff, a deputy U.S. Marshall, and built a race track and 18 other buildings in Port Townsend. Captain Tibbals had a colorful and turbulent career ending in alcoholism and poverty and died in 1920 in the county poor house.

Captain Tibbals erected this modest Victorian house in 1890 and it is believed to have been for one of his daughters, along with 2 other houses next door, with his own larger 2 story home on the corner.

This historical listing is priced at $499,000 and is  Open this Saturday from 2 - 4 pm, the forecast is for sunshine. Come by and say hi.