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Gig Harbor, WA Real Estate News

Two weeks ago we had our regular social media round table in Gig Harbor at the Borders uptown locaiton.  And all went well except for one little glitch.  Some of the attendees were unsure about the event since Borders doesn't open until 10AM and our event occurs at 9AM. Borders is kind enough to allow us to meet in their cafe upstairs - Thanks Borders!!! So to clear up any confusion, we decided to have some fun and shot a quick video to explain how to get your backstage pass for the 9AM event... (click the image below to view the brief youtube video) Thanks and hope to see you at the next one on Tuesday the 9th at 9AM!! Cheers, Matt Sweet Ticor Title    
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
As a Realtor, I like to keep tabs on the Gig Harbor real estate market, and part of that includes analyzing Gig Harbor's market share by real estate company.  Here's the funny thing, I can't claim to be #1.  My company, Keller Williams Real Estate, isn't #1 in Gig Harbor market share or closed sales.  We're actually #3 in both, but I still believe this is the greatest company to work for and work with.  But I digress.  Just for kicks, here's a look at the market share of Gig Harbor's top real estate companies. Click to enlarge  The chart above shows the top 10 real estate offices by number of properties listed in all of Gig Harbor.  This includes single family homes, condos, vacant land and multi-family homes in Gig Harbor, Fox Island, and the Key Peninsula.  Click to enlarge  This show...
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By Carole Holmaas
(Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor)
Gig Harbor home sales follow western trend Nationally home sales rose 21% and in the West 10% in October, compared to a year ago. Gig Harbor home sales were up slightly less--8% from 2008. These numbers are certainly an improvement but October 2008 was a sobering sales month after the financial crises of AIG, Lehman, and others. November 2008 was even worse but this year Gig Harbor home sales are on track to beat 2008 by at least 25%.  The median price is up in 98333 and 98335 from September, an improvement from the year-over-year figures. We are cautiously optimistic we have reached the bottom for prices for Gig Harbor home sales as we are seeing some higher price sales currently. Another month of similar figures and we might call it a trend. Here are current trends for the three zip c...
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By Carole Holmaas
(Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor)
Bank-owned Gig Harbor home sales business lower than nation Bank-owned and short sale homes are striking the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula markets with less impact than much the rest of the nation.  In Gig Harbor, less than 13% of all the homes listed and slightly more than 14% of sales fall into this category. In Key Peninsula, slightly more than 20% of the inventory fits this classification while sold homes are pushing 40% in the past 30 days.  The Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue area is running 17.8% of all sales but some places in the nation are running much higher-56% in Phoenix, 67% in Las Vegas and 43% in Southern California. 10.68% of the inventory but only 8% of the sales on the combined peninsulas are short sales. 4% of the inventory is bank-owned but 13% of the sales are from this gro...
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By Sue Rand, ...Helping You Make the Move that's Right for You!
(Windermere/Gig Harbor)
Windy in Gig Harbor! Gig Harbor didn't get a lot of rain this weekend, but it sure was windy.  I can't believe that there are ANY leaves left on the trees.  This photo was taken from the east side of Wollochet Bay, which is typically nice and calm - it's a great area for kayaking, water-skiing, fishing, crabbing, seal-watching, and beach-walking.  As you can see, there are whitecaps out there today!  I didn't notice any sailboats, but if there were any out there, I'll bet the ride was exciting - a little TOO exciting for me.  Can you imagine what the waves were like under the Narrows Bridge.? It'll be fun to take a walk and see what washed up on the shore tomorrow.  
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By Daryl Datus, Real estate broker
(John l scott)
The number of first-time home buyers rose to 47 percent of all home sales from 41 percent of transactions in last year's study, and was the highest on record dating back to 1981. The previous high was 44 percent in 1991. It's interesting to note the last cyclical peak of first-time home buyers was during the last noteworthy economic downturn, with first-time buyers starting the chain reaction that led the nation out of recession. The profile shows the median age of first-time buyers was 30 and the median income was $61,600. The typical first-time buyer purchased a home costing $156,000, down from $165,000 in the 2008 study, and plans to stay in that home for 10 years. Fifty-five percent of entry level buyers reported they financed their purchase with an FHA loan, while another 8 percent...
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By Sue Rand, ...Helping You Make the Move that's Right for You!
(Windermere/Gig Harbor)
Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol in Gig Harbor! Yesterday while taking advantage of the beautiful day to get some new photos, I started chatting with another "photographer" standing beside me.   We were down at the old ferry landing trying to get the perfect shot of a sailboat making its way across Gig Harbor Bay. As it turns out, Andrew, the other photographer was visiting from New York and was here on a very special mission.  He and his associate, John were members of the Prize Patrol from Publisher's Clearing House and had come to Gig Harbor to award a prize to a local resident.  How cool is that!? Now I'll admit, I've always been a tad skeptical about whether these prizes ever actually existed.  I'm pretty sure I'm not alone here....  But as I talked to Andrew and John, I lear...
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By Sue Rand, ...Helping You Make the Move that's Right for You!
(Windermere/Gig Harbor)
Tax Credit Extended! Last President Obama signed a bill which extended and expanded the tax credit, into law. Here are the details: The bill that was to originally expire on November 30, 2009 has been extended through April 30, 2010.  In addition, there will be a tax credit of $6500 for qualified buyers who are NOT first time-home buyers and purchase a home with a sales price of up to $800,000.  The buyer's income limits have been increased to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples for both of these tax credits. Homes purchased must be used as a primary residence. There are other additional provisions, so as always, I recommend that you check with your tax attorney to see if this tax credit will work for you.  But if you've been thinking about "moving up" and using your curre...
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
My 2010 Gig Harbor photo calendars are only $7 this year!  Don't worry, if you were one of the ones who ordered them when they were $15, you'll get the $7 price as well!  Thanks to DPI of Gig Harbor, I can offer this year's calendar at 1/2 of what I was able to do in previous years!  This calendar features photos from 7 Gig Harbor photographers that will truly amaze you.  It's an 11″x17″, full size, full color 12-month calendar.  If you've ever visited Gig Harbor, lived in Gig Harbor at one time, are a current Gig Harbor resident, whatever, if you know like I know just how picturesque Gig Harbor is, this calendar will be perfect for you.  Like every item around this time of year, it "Makes a great gift" too! I started making these calendars 5 years ago as gifts for my clients.  The past...
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By Sandy Wagner, Short Sale Specialist Tacoma, WA, and Gig Harbor,
(RE/MAX Professionals 253.225.8322)
Sandy Wagner | RE/MAX Professionals | 253.225.8322 13225 Emerald Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA Beautiful view home in Gig Harbor, WA with sweeping view of Henderson Bay and Mt. Rainier. 3BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $539,000 Year Built 1976 Sq Footage 3,837 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.350 acres HOA/Maint $8 per month DESCRIPTION Take in sweeping, wide open view of Henderson Bay and Mt. Rainier from 2-story window wall. Gorgeous landscape invites you to enter through double clear window entry doors to large view dining room and entertaining-sized living room with large brick fireplace for cozy nights. Updated kitchen with dramatic slate counter, designer tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Convenient main floor master. Upp...
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
Beware of foreclosure predators.  Those who are trying to take advantage of the fear that's still prevalent surrounding foreclosures.  People who prey on others' fears and perhaps lack of information regarding their house payments. I received a letter in the mail today that begins, "Records indicate that you are currently in default on your mortgage.  Your lender may be in the process of foreclosure proceedings."  It's a very official looking letter.  They have my address, they refer to the government stimulus act, they make it look similar to an IRS form.  They provide sample payments that their plan can get me and give me a 1-800 number to call or a website to visit.  It's easy for me to see how an elderly person or widow or anyone who may not be completely up to date with their fina...
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By Carole Holmaas
(Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor)
Gig Harbor home sales up 5 of last 6 months At least four major statistics show a turn-around in Gig Harbor home sales, including sales prices.   October is the fifth month in the past six showing home sales better than 2008, equaling September and a 15% increase over last October.    Year-to-date prices have slipped only 6% for Gig Harbor home sales but 11% for Key Peninsula. This is slowing the double digit downward spiral that has occurred over the last four quarters and is a positive sign of market stabilization.   Absorption rate, or the number of months supply of homes, has changed dramatically in some price ranges. A neutral market-or one in equilibrium--is five to six months of listings, based on the number of sales the past month. Anything fewer and the market is considered a s...
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
The Gig Harbor High School Tides and Peninsula High School Seahawk cross country teams had incredible showings yesterday at the District Championships!  Both the Gig Harbor boys and girls won the championships, as did the Seahawk boys.  The PHS girls were 3rd of 16 teams to qualify for the state meet!  Check out the results from yesterdays District Cross Country Championships.
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By Sue Rand, ...Helping You Make the Move that's Right for You!
(Windermere/Gig Harbor)
Should we buy now? Or just keep renting for awhile? Those are important questions for a lot of folks now. This short video illustrates the pros and cons of homeownership. So if the question "Should we buy now or just keep renting for awhile?" is haunting you, taking a couple minutes to watch this video may be helpful to you. Don't have money for a downpayment? Did you know that there are several downpayment assistance programs available in our area? One of them may be just right for you!
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By Carole Holmaas
(Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor)
Gig Harbor waterfront sales will beat 2008 Waterfront buyers sat on the sidelines from November through March. But April, May and June produced an abundance of sales of Gig Harbor waterfront homes, closing in May through July to end summer on a far better note that it started.  And sales through the end of October have actually tied with year-end of 2008. If all 15 homes that are pending close, the year will end down only 15% from 2006 and 2007. Inventory has plummeted since April. Following the subprime lending news in September and October last year, inventory of Gig Harbor waterfront skyrocketed and sales were non-existent. November through April ran a steady 9-10 year supply of waterfront properties with a nominal single property closing each of those months. May through July saw th...
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
My 4th annual Gig Harbor calendar is just about ready to be shipped, which means it's ready for order!  This calendar has 12 of the most gorgeous photographs taken in Gig Harbor over the past year from a variety of photographers, and is a full size 11"x17" calendar for only $15.  If you live in the Gig Harbor area, you can either pick it up at my Keller Williams Realty office or I'd be happy to deliver it to you.  If you live out of the Gig Harbor area, I'll be happy to mail it to you for the cost of shipping.  This isn't a money maker for me, just a way to share my love of Gig Harbor and my love of photography!  If you would like to order a calendar (or several), just email me with how many you'd like, and if you'll need them shipped, delivered, or if you'd like to pick them up.  I'll ...
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By Matt Thomson, Helping you find success through real estate
(Fathom Realty Colorado)
It's been a couple of months since I last visited Active Rain, and several more months since I've been "Active" on AR.  A few things played into my absense, all good.  1) Business picked back up.  I got to be #1 in my community during 2008, when I spent the majority of the year hiding behind my computer and not really selling homes.  2009 saw a new focus on my actual business and my time on AR lagged. 2) My other blog is where my business comes from. AR doesn't carry the same weight with Google nor is it as enjoyable for me as my "Undressed" blog.  However, AR is a better venue for agent to agent blogs, so my plan is to come back with a new focus on a different audience. 3) I became a bit frustrated with the content on AR.  As the network grew, so did the belly aching.  Rather than focu...
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By Rene Fabre, Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts
(ARFCO Media)
  Residential Transaction Study 10/26/2009 Gig Harbor, WA 98329 (non-waterfront) homes...   monthly market Most recent transaction: 10/16/2009 Market (homes): 2473 month year sales mrkt% $/sqft avg price median Oct 2009 5 0.2% $140 $285,780 $280,000 Sep 2009 11 0.4% $119 $236,341 $242,000 Aug 2009 13 0.5% $128 $222,100 $207,900 Jul 2009 9 0.4% $148 $243,652 $237,000 Jun 2009 8 0.3% $143 $258,276 $205,500 May 2009 8 0.3% $137 $184,970 $202,050   property characteristics 1 story 1793 w/ bsmt 347 platted 1,138 1.5 story 115 avg bsmt sqft 1,192 avg lot sqft1 21,100 2 story 561 w/ garage unplatted 1,335 3+ story 0 avg garage sqft avg lot sqft2 122,577 avg % imprvd 56% avg year built 1986 avg bldg sqft 1,863 avg # beds 3 avg # baths 2       1avg lot sqft of all platted properties 2avg lot sq...
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By Carole Holmaas
(Windermere Real Estate Gig Harbor)
Gig Harbor home sales start to equalize in Key Peninsula A snapshot of Gig Harbor home sales shows a nearly balanced market for Key Peninsula mailing addresses. Zip codes 98329 and 98394(Wauna, Vaughn and Key Center) have just slightly more than a seven month supply of homes in inventory. A balanced-or neutral market-is generally considered six to seven month home inventory, based on number of sales in that month. When the number drops below six months it generally becomes a seller's market. 6.3 months of inventory was normal in this area during the strong sales years of 2002-2007 so the current seven months supply is a very strong number. A high of 40 months was reached last January. Median prices are still dropping-over 10% in third quarter compared to the same period last year, with ...
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By Sue Rand, ...Helping You Make the Move that's Right for You!
(Windermere/Gig Harbor)
Halloween in Gig Harbor One of the cool things about living Gig Harbor is the abundance of local activities. With Halloween only a few days away, I'd like to suggest a few fun things you might want to participate in. Start off your Halloween in Gig Harbor with the Monster Dash, an 8K run with proceeds going to the Jamie Moyer Foundation. Check out all the Kid's movies at Galaxy Theater, visit Peninsula Gardens and Patterson's Pumpkin Patches, taste some wines at Harbor Greens and The Keeping Room, and be very afraid at Paradise Theatre's  "Theatre of Lost Souls" haunted house. For trick-or-treaters, the Halloween in Gig Harbor  fun continues at both Uptown and Harborview Dr. beginning at 3:00.   For those of us too old to trick or treat, how about getting involved in the Murder Mystery ...
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