Happy Easter!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Easter holiday!

The Scoop on the Gig Harbor Safeway Transformation

The Gig Harbor Safeway location at 4831 Point Fosdick Drive will closed at 6pm March 8, 2015 and reopened March 10 at 4pm as a Haagen Northwest Fresh.

The gas station in the parking lot remains open, but will eventually be run by a third party.

The Northwest-based chain plans to convert 146 Albertsons and Safeway locations in 5 states. It will grow from 18 to 164 stores, 2,000 to 10,000 employees and will have locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona.

Each new store opening will host a community meeting. The date for the Gig Harbor-area community meeting has not yet been set. 



The Latest Building Project on the Foss Waterway

                 

In 2008, Thea’s Landing was completed along the Foss Waterway in downtown Tacoma. The structure offers 188 apartments, 47 condo homes and 431 parking spaces. Thea’s Landing has close to 19,000 in commercial space and 343,600 square feet in total. 98% of the apartments are leased and 90% of the commercial space is occupied.

Thea is about to have company, as the Henry Apartments are set to be completed this fall. This $32 million mixed-use, 7-story complex will be at the south end of the waterway and offer apartments, retail and commercial space. The Henry will offer 161 apartments, varying from studios around 530 square feet to 1,200 square foot two-bedroom apartments. Approximately 10,000 square feet of the 52,000 square foot building will be dedicated to retail and office space – including a rooftop restaurant. The Henry is also expected to boast amenities like a private dog park, state-of-the-art sound-proofing, fountains and of course, Rainier and water views.

February 2015 Market Update

February Puget Sound Market Update: February saw steady market activity – there were 43% more homes under contract than in February last year.

Conversely, there are 5% fewer homes on the market than this time last year, and 14% dip in months of inventory (homes on the market).
This time last year there were approximately 7 months of inventory – it would take 7 months from today to sell through all of the homes currently on the market. Right now, we see just about 6 months of inventory. We are also seeing a jump in price-per-square foot of home sold, which is music to many homeowner’s ears.

In short, demand is high and inventory is down. 

Potential Sellers – Now is a great time to consider listing your home. You will see less competition, more serious buyers, and great interest rates if you will be purchasing another home yourself after you sell. 

For example: This sweet rambler in North Tacoma’s Westgate was on the market about 12 hours and had 7 showings before receiving it’s first offer. By the time this home had been on the market 24 hours, it had received 6 offers and ultimately went under contract for 104% of list price! 



Potential Buyers – Be prepared to compete and be sure to act quickly once you find that perfect fit. This means working with your buyer’s agent to be sure you are pre-approved  with a great lender and ready to go with an inspector selected.

Have questions about preparing to buy a home? Curious about stats for your particular city or neighborhood?
That’s why I’m here!

Reach me: (253) 549-8555   nicole.burnett@kw.com
Have a great weekend!

Time to Monkey Around in Tacoma!

Today’s post was going to be about the new off-leash dog park in Gig Harbor (don’t worry pup-parents, I’ll get that going tomorrow), BUT a pretty rad 12-year tradition impressed me as an important event to cover today. Usually entertained by the goings-on in Gig Harbor, today my attention shifts across the Narrows to Tacoma. Why? Because this is a RAD tradition.

Maybe, you have heard of Monkeyshines.

          

“Monkeyshines began in 2003 when a group of anonymous artists in Tacoma banded together to produce glass balls and medallions emblazoned with the Year of the Monkey logo. That year, 200 pieces of artwork were hidden throughout the city. The artists have been creating glass gifts for 11 years, and this year, the Year of the Ram, marks the final cycle of the 12 year Chinese New Year calendar.” (Read more about Monkeyshines and Tacoma Arts here).

Every year, at a date unannounced, the moneys come out and place special pieces of glass art through different public outdoor spaces in Tacoma.
One particular anonymous artist is at the heart of this marvelous tradition, aptly called, “Ms. Monkey.”
She originally called out the monkeys in an effort to bring a little whimsy, a little imagination, and a little excitement to the Tacoma community.
Today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Sheep. This is the last year in a twelve year cycle, and those in-the-know say this could be the last year for this magical Tacoma scavenger hunt.

Glass pieces have been found since February 13th – some of today’s treasures even rated a spot on the morning news. In the past, treasures have be largely glass art like those pictured below:

 

However, other treasures have been reported this year, including glass, pottery, fiber art, messages in bottles, so keep your eyes sharp as you stroll through the outdoor spaces of the City of Destiny.

Here is a photo of a beautiful piece of glass work posted on Exit133 by the NaughtyMonkey (rumored to be THE source of information on the activities of Ms. Monkey herself).

 

A big shout out to The Tacoma Arts Commission, who has been a proud supporter of the Monkeyshine Project through Arts Projects funding.

Happy Hunting!

What’s Goin’ Down Around the Sound

Happy 2015, my friends!

As my absence likely indicated to you, my New Year started off with a bang and I have had my hands full with a lot of wonderful new projects. More on that later. For now, I am happy to be back-in-action, bringing you the latest and greatest things to do in the South Sound area this week and weekend.

WASHINGTON SPORTSMEN’S SHOW
Starting tomorrow the Sportmen’s Show will be running at the Puyallup Fair Grounds through January 25th.
Hunting, fishing, camping and boating enthusiasts will be treated to an array of shows and activities including presentations and displays at the indoor “Steelhead River,” the “Northwest Tour of Big Game Animals” and “Head & Horns” competition, Camp Cooking, the Kid’s Free Trout Pond and the “Cowboy Fast Draw” supervised shooting range. This will be a great learning opportunity with over 150 free “how to” seminars presented by top experts in multiple theaters.

Show hours are 12:00 noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday (Jan. 21-23), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday (Jan. 24) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 25).

Fair Grounds and Event Center Address: 110 9th Avenue SW, Puyallup,WA 98371
For more information: 
http://www.thesportshows.com/wss/
(503) 246-8291

BUNCO AT MORSO
Not a fan of the outdoors? Never fear — Morso Wine Bar downtown has you covered this Wednesday, January 21st! (And every third Wednesday of the month).
Social hour starts at 6pm with dice rolling at 7pm. They will be offering a “Bunco Bites” menu and prizes for the winner and biggest loser!
Space is limited, so be sure to make your reservation.

Reservation and Contact Information: 
Steve Lynn — info@morsowinebar.com  — (253) 530-3463
Morso is also collecting non-perishable food for the Gig Harbor/Peninsula FISH Food Bank for be sure to grab a few cans from the cupboard on your way out the door!

More wine, you say? No problem — Half-Off Wine Night is every Thursday at JW Restaurant 4-10pm.
Address: 4107 Harborview Drive (in front of the Harbor History Museum).
http://www.jwgigharbor.com

KEY PENINSULA CIVIC CENTER CRAB FEED
This Saturday, January 24th, do something great for the community and treat your taste buds at the Key Peninsula Civic Center Annual Crab Feed.
Address: Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road KPN, Vaughn
Contact: Holly Hendrick — (253) 884-3456 — kpciviccenter@centurytel.net

Enjoy fresh Pacific Coast Coast Dungeness crab, spaghetti, Caesar salad, garlic bread and coffee and tea; soda, beer and wine for will be available for sale. Be sure to bring your own seafood crackers and picks for crab cracking!

Tickets: 30 for adults and $10 for children six to 12 years; children under six are free.
Tickets may be purchased Sunnycrest Nursery or Blend Wine Shop, in Key Center, or at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, in Vaughn.
Tickets will also be sold at the door, depending on availability.

All proceeds benefit the Key Peninsula Civic Center. The civic center is a non-profit organization promoting the welfare of the Key Peninsula, its citizens and the surrounding area. The organization strives to instill civic consciousness through active participation in constructive projects that will improve the community. Many non-profit and civic organizations call the Civic Center home, including Boy Scout Troop #220, Fresh Food Revolution Co-op, KP Historical Society, KP Senior Society, and Two Waters Arts Alliance.

For more information or to volunteer for this or future events, call 253-884-3456, or email:kpciviccenter@centurytel.net.

 

Enjoy!

 

Just Listed — “Waloma, Castle on American Lake”

Step into history with this timeless architectural gem. “Waloma: Castle on American Lake” is a 3 acre estate boasting 110′ private lakefront, beautifully landscaped grounds, and premier southwestern exposure just a stone’s throw from Tacoma Country Club. Over 7,200 square feet of opulent living space. Stately circular drive and fountain give way to a dramatic two-story central atrium with original terra cotta flooring and floor-to-ceiling views. Main floor features large formal living and dining rooms, library, solarium, family room, den, and bar. Commercial kitchen, butler’s pantry, and breakfast room are expansive. Too many architectural details to describe. Seven bedrooms —including enormous master suite—and seven fireplaces throughout. Stone terrace overlooks garden and fountain with lake views beyond. Private dock and one-of-a-kind shoreline patio make this the “it” place of the summer. Live and love in this beautiful piece of history.

Neighborhood: American Lake
Exposure: Southwestern
Moorage: Private
Water frontage: 110′
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 6.5
Built: 1922
Home Square Footage: 7,200+
Lot size: 4.2 acres
(Parcels 6435000148 & 6435000149 available as well totaling just over 4 acres).

Call or text Nicole for a private showing (253) 549-8555.
Lender preapproval or Proof of Funds required for all showings.

For additional property information please visit:
http://brivity.com/listings/12718-gravelly-lake-drive-se-lakewood-wa-98499

{South Sound Spooky Spots}

Pumpkins, Mazes and Cider – Oh My! In case you are a little behind the ball with the Halloween/fall decorating like yours truly, here are some great places to visit to get you stocked up on the necessary pumpkins, corn stalks and seasonal cheer.

{Pierce County}

Double R Farms – Pumpkin patch, hay ride, corn maze and school tours
(253) 227 -5385   double-r-farms.net
5820 44th Street E, Puyallup WA

Filbert Acres –– Pumpkins can be purchased in the field or at the farm stand
(253) 251-1361    filbertacresfarms.com
6625 Pioneer Way E, Puyallup WA

Jim’s U-Fish at Old McDebbie’s Farm — Pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, refreshment stand
(253) 875-0356
4924 268th Street E, Spanaway WA

Maris Farms — Pumpkins, haunted corn maze, free hayrides
(253) 862-2848 marisfarms.com
24713 Sumner-Buckley Hwy, Buckey WA

Picha Farms — Pumpkins, corn maze
(253) 841-4443    pichafarms.com
6502 52nd Street E, Puyallup WA

Scholz Farms and Gardens — Pumpkins, large corn maze, weekend concessions
(253) 848-7604     pumpkinpatchesandmore.org
12920 SR 162 E, Orting WA

Spooner Farms — Pumpkins, corn maze & pumpkin slingshot
(253) 840-2059
9710 SR 162 E, Puyallup

{Thurston County}

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm  — Pumpkin patch, hay and corn maze, horse-drawn carriage rides, & petting zoo
(360) 491-7328
9402 Rich Rd SE, Olympia

Rutledge Corn Maze — Bounce House, concessions, pumpkins, haunted corn maze, free hayrides
(360) 357-3700
302 93rd Ave SE, Tumwater WA

 

Happy Fall!

Delight in this Beautiful Gig Harbor Townhome

One word: spacious! This large, stylish, single-level condo offers excellent proximity to in-town amenities without the hustle and bustle.

     

Big living room with gas fireplace has a beautiful view. Don’t miss craftsman shutters and built-in shelves!

      

 

Wide open dining room and spacious kitchen have wood floors throughout.

      

      

Master bdrm with en suite bath fits a king-size bed — and plenty of room to spare. Additional bedroom and full bath offer space for guests.

      

Den off entry is great as a reading nook or bedroom.

      

     

Come see us for our open house on Thursday, November 13th 10am – 1pm!
For a private tour, call or text (253) 549-8555 or send an email to nicole.burnett@kw.com
See the virtual tour HERE.

Have a great week,

Build Your Dream Home on Wollochet Bay!

Property along the Wollochet Bay waterfront is hard to come by — let alone waterfront with 4.3 secluded, estate-like acres attached to it . In collaboration with NDK Construction, the Burnett Hutchins Real Estate Group is pleased to offer you the luxury of a brand-new custom home and 159′ of no-bank waterfront in one of Gig Harbor’s favorite neighborhoods.

            

 

     

 

Of course, these plans and renderings are just a sample of what can be done with this fantastic property. The builder is not locked in to this plan, and has the right to change the plan until design meetings with the buyer. The lucky buyer will have the opportunity to select all colors, finishes and materials, and may change or modify the plans as they choose.

Want more information? Call Nicole (253) 549-8555 or Spencer (253) 229-0341.