Carole's Blog

Gig Harbor waterfront prices increase 18% but high-tier not catching up. 2016’s sales neared 2013-14’s record for volume. But the real news is the 18.65% bump in median price for Gig Harbor waterfront homes–the point where half of all sales were more and half less than $700,000.

Sale prices of all Gig Harbor homes have recovered to best the peak years but the very high-tier waterfront prices have not caught up. Today prices are 22% off the 2007 $900,000 peak. 2017 could however minimize that difference for Gig Harbor waterfront.

In 2006-08, 35% of Gig Harbor waterfront sales were over $1M. In 2016, only 21% were over $1M. In 2006, 23 homes sold over $1M. In 2016, 26 homes sold–nearly the same, but twice the overall volume.

The selling price for the 10 homes that sold for $1.5M or more averaged 163% of their assessed value last year, something buyers need to be cognizant of in offering…and 133% in the $800-1M price range. Looking ahead at the 2017 assessed values, I believe prices for Gig Harbor waterfront will continue to outpace county assessments West to Southeast exposure was the norm for the $1.5M price range, and they averaged 154 feet of frontage. One third had docks and nearly all were low to medium-low bank…normal for the high-tier.

Some final thoughts–

• I believe there is a “backlog” of a minimum of 150 Gig Harbor waterfront owners who are ready to move–if market conditions (read prices) permit. This year should bring more of these properties to market.
• New flood plain maps will be implemented March 7, affecting Gig Harbor waterfront low bank. Sellers and buyers should review FEMA’s website for maps to see the impact for flood insurance rates in high-velocity wind and reach situations.
• Additionally, the long-waited Shoreline Master Plan revision is scheduled for adoption this year, expanding shoreline setbacks and restrictions. I was on the committee when it began in 2008…now eight years later. So…lots going on.

Higher prices for Gig Harbor waterfront as 2012 emerges

A little good news for Gig Harbor waterfront sellers at the beginning of 2012—median prices are up 10% over 2011’s dismal showing.  Plus sales are definitely up—the first year since 2003 we have closed 13 homes in the first two months.

2011’s 4^th quarter strong activity was due to a “perfect storm” of buying conditions…historically low interest rates, a perception the market was bottoming, and “pent-up demand” by sellers to sell.

Homeowners ask me how market conditions have affected the value of their Gig Harbor waterfront home. During the downturn I have tried to provide perspective to this each year. Here are 2011’s statistics, with my comments.

While 2007 was the year the median sales price for Gig Harbor waterfront reached its peak, it was also the year the market started to decline. Prices have dropped 43% overall from 2007 to 2011 and now reside where they were in 2004. Factoring in the first two months of 2012 sales, the Gig Harbor waterfront median price is now down 36% from the pinnacle. The Gig Harbor peninsula actually experienced a slight uptick in prices in 2011 while Key Peninsula dropped.

Distressed homes

13% of the sales last year were bank-owned homes and 9% short-sales. This was higher than 2010 with only 17% in these two categories. In most cases short sale homes sold just below the county assessed value. But bank-owned waterfront homes sold for 25-45% less than assessed value.

Current inventory is low…low

17% fewer Gig Harbor waterfront homes are on the market compared to a year ago. This slim inventory—coupled with fewer foreclosed waterfront homes, still low interest rates and gradually loosing financing should bring a strong spring selling season and improving prices for sellers in 2012. And March is historically the month more contracts are written than any other.

If you would like more information about Gig Harbor waterfront or have just a question, I would be happy to talk with you. You may email me at Carole@Gig Harbor-Waterfront.com or call me at 253.549.6611.

Carole is a Broker at Windermere/Gig Harbor, specializing in Gig Harbor waterfront and view properties. She may be reached at 253.549.6611 or Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com

Gig Harbor WA Salt Waterfront Home for Sale at Horsehead Bay.  It’s a special place. that first walk down the driveway…the water stretches across the view with Mt Rainier rising in the distance beyond the Fox Island bridge, the purple Black Hills and the Cascade mountain range. Across Hales Passage Fox Island bristles with Doug fir trees. The pastoral beauty of McNeil Island and the sun glinting off the waters of Carr Inlet and Shaw’s Cove are a welcome surprise at this salt waterfront home for sale.

On that first stroll past tall grasses and lavender, to this salt waterfront home for sale where the porch chairs await someone who is in search of beauty, it is easy to say: It takes your breath away. Yes it does…but then another deep breath and you feel the serenity of this special place.

This salt waterfront home for sale is a place to watch the sun rise pink and orange and set reflecting pink and purple. The moon rises…full orange…lighting a silver path across the water. Starry nights are for sitting on the porch and listening to the water lap against the shore or the kayak paddles dipping.

Long summer days are for dinners with friends on one of the terraces of this salt waterfront home for sale.  July 4th is a cacophony of fireworks and pageants ringing the shoreline. This is the time to pick berries…strawberries, blueberries, raspberries…all on the property.

The beach is for discovery and play…wakeboarding, fishing, paddling, wading.

With autumn comes morning fog, setting the house adrift until the sun breaks through. Walks on the sandy beach, wine shared with friends and parties in the great room of this salt waterfront home for sale .

Holidays fill this salt waterfront home for sale  with family and food. Tables expand easily, grandparents and college kids sleep in the detached studio bedroom while little ones play in the house.

Soon spring bulbs appear, rhodies bloom and lavender will fill the south lawn. Deer and fox find their way, eagles patrol the beach, seals follow the kayaks.

Friends arrive by boat, by car, on bike or on foot…to celebrate the seasons and share what this special place offers. Life is as full as you want it to be.

Call me at 253.549.6611 or email me Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com for more information about this or another salt waterfront home for sale. Or click on www.PrimeGigHarborWaterfront.com for more photos of this salt waterfront home for sale.

The first European-American settlement began in Arletta in the late 1870s and the post office was established in 1893. The first postmistress coined the name Arletta by combining her daughter’s name Arla with her friend’s name Lucetta. Most early settlers farmed. Other activities in the area included logging, fishing, and trapping. When a permanent dock was constructed, a business district developed around the waterfront and included a store, fish fertilizer factory and warehouse. By 1910 the first roads had been constructed between Arletta, Horsehead Bay and Warren.

The first Euro-American settlement in Warren began in the late 1870s.  A permanent dock was constructed in the early 1910s and farming formed the economic base for the community at the beginning. In the late 1920s, local residents constructed a road connecting Warren to Arletta and Horsehead Bay.

Area residents have consistently demonstrated their strong commitment to provide a high quality public education to nearly 10,000 students. The district enjoys a statewide reputation for meeting the educational needs of today’s students who become tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, Gig Harbor has nearly a dozen private schools.

The Harbor History Museum is located on Gig Harbor Bay and allows visitors a place to experience the history of Gig Harbor. In 2010 the Museum opened its new multi-million dollar facility, highlighted by the Shenandoah, a purse seiner built in a Gig Harbor shipyard and the Midway schoolhouse. The Midway Schoolhouse Experience may be the only all-day pioneer classroom experience on the West Coast. It has been designed with actual curriculum and is the buzz of all 4^th graders who are given the option of attending. It is hosted by numerous volunteers and comes complete with “school marm”. The permanent gallery is spectacular and the temporary exhibits are diverse.

While Gig Harbor was once most known for its fishing and logging, it is now also known for its numerous art galleries, art walks and art shows. A theatre company in Gig Harbor provides entertainment including dinner theatre and summer outdoor theatre.

The Gig Harbor area is ideal for enjoying water-related recreation. Whether you prefer water skiing, power or sail boating, kayaking, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba driving, windsurfing, clamming, beachcombing or swimming, the secluded harbors provide excellent moorage and docking facilities.

There are four state parks. Boat ramps are located near the major bays. Gig Harbor operates a waterfront park, a park on Crescent Creek, a boat-building facility and a pioneer farm. Eight golf courses offer year-round golf close to Gig Harbor.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year, largely centered on the Gig Harbor waterfront, including farmers markets, outdoor cinema, Tuesday night music at the park, and lighted holiday boat parade.

Youth and adult baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, and soccer programs are provided through community organizations. Two local pools provide swimming opportunities for the community and swim clubs.

Carole Holmaas is a Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate. She may be reached at 253.549.6611 or Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com

Gig Harbor WA Salt Waterfront Home for Sale. Gig Harbor Bay—75 feet of no-bank sunny Western exposure from this salt waterfront home for sale.

…For the boater—both private small power boat dock and boat launch.   

…For the entertainer—both spacious deck and level brick patio and lawn for games and leisurely dinners.

…For the gardener—all-day sun and spacious yard.

…For the hobbyist—double car garage and third car garage attached to shop.

…For those who just want to enjoy the activity and view of Gig Harbor Bay—2850 square feet salt waterfront  home for sale with three bedrooms— on a generous half acre of backlands plus tidelands rights. All just two blocks to city limits, parks, walking, restaurants and shopping.  

Call me at 253.549.6611 or email me Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com for more information about this or another salt waterfront home for sale. Or click on www.GigHarborBayHome.com for more photos of this salt waterfront home for sale.

Gig Harbor was named during the 1841 Wilkes expedition after a crewmember in a small boat, called the captain’s gig, sighted a harbor and led other boats exploring in the area to take refuge in the harbor during a storm. When the first European-American settlers came to the harbor in 1867 there was a Native American village, with longhouse, located at the head of the harbor near a small creek. In 1867, two Slovenians and a Portuguese rowed a skiff south from British Columbia to fish. They entered Gig Harbor by accident to seek shelter at night. Samuel Jerisich liked the area and decided to stay. He married a fifteen-year-old native woman from near Vancouver Island and settled in Gig Harbor, becoming the first European-American settler in Gig Harbor. Soon Yugoslavians, Germans and Scandinavians followed to settle in the harbor. A major boatyard, lumber mills, salmon fishing fleet and farming provided the early economic base for the town. In 1886, the Indian longhouse served as the first school. Later, the Indian village became the site of Austin mill.

Chicken farming prospered in the 1920s and 1930s. Early fishermen used rowboats to fish. Later, motorized boats allowed fishermen to fish in Alaska and the San Juan Islands starting around 1905.

The town incorporated as a fourth class city in 1946 because of the need to provide for water and sewer systems. Gig Harbor was home to a fishing fleet of more than 70 vessels in the 1970s that decreased to 30 vessels in the later 1980s.

The  Skansie Shipbuilding Company was founded in 1912, producing four-to-five boats per season with 25 to 30 employees. The company built a variety of boats including ferries and wooden fishing boats. One of four Skansie brothers operated the Washington Navigation Company, which operated ferries around the Puget Sound in the 1910s until the 1940s and for the State between the time the first Narrows Bridge collapsed and the second Narrows Bridge was constructed.

Lumber was one of the early industries in the area. The first mill in Gig Harbor started operating in 1887 on the west side of the harbor with two others in the early 1890s and in 1909. Many early settlers engaged in farming, including apples, pears, loganberries, holly and chickens.

Area residents have consistently demonstrated their strong commitment to provide a high quality public education to nearly 10,000 students. The district enjoys a statewide reputation for meeting the educational needs of today’s students who become tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, Gig Harbor has nearly a dozen private schools. 

The Harbor History Museum is located on Gig Harbor Bay and allows visitors a place to experience the history of Gig Harbor. In 2010 the Museum opened its new multi-million dollar facility, highlighted by the Shenandoah, a purse seiner built in a Gig Harbor shipyard and the Midway schoolhouse. The Midway Schoolhouse Experience may be the only all-day pioneer classroom experience on the West Coast. It has been designed with actual curriculum and is the buzz of all 4^th graders who are given the option of attending. It is hosted by numerous volunteers and comes complete with “school marm”. The permanent gallery is spectacular and the temporary exhibits are diverse.

While Gig Harbor was once most known for its fishing and logging, it is now also known for its numerous art galleries, art walks and art shows. A theatre company in Gig Harbor provides entertainment including dinner theatre and summer outdoor theatre.

The Gig Harbor area is ideal for enjoying water-related recreation. Whether you prefer water skiing, power or sail boating, kayaking, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba driving, windsurfing, clamming, beachcombing or swimming, the secluded harbors provide excellent moorage and docking facilities.

There are four state parks. Boat ramps are located near the major bays. Gig Harbor operates a waterfront park, a park on Crescent Creek, a boat-building facility and a pioneer farm. Eight golf courses offer year-round golf close to Gig Harbor.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year, largely centered on the Gig Harbor waterfront, including farmers markets, outdoor cinema, Tuesday night music at the park, and lighted holiday boat parade.

Youth and adult baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, and soccer programs are provided through community organizations. Two local pools provide swimming opportunities for the community and swim clubs.

Carole Holmaas is a Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate. She may be reached at 253.549.6611 or Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com

Gig Harbor WA Salt Waterfront Home for Sale at Horsehead Bay.  Escape to the quintessential beach house…this salt waterfront home for sale has it all—dock for canoe, kayak and run-about, rope swing into the Bay for the kids, big swing set and sandbox, horseshoes, hammock, waterside patio, partially covered huge deck, outside shower.

But did I mention the salt waterfront home for sale? This charming 1600 square foot contemporary “farmhouse” was built just six years ago with knotty pine floors, vaulted ceilings, 2 story river rock fireplace, stainless appliances, eating bar, corner breakfast nook, covered entry porch, wood windows.

Be ready for this summer’s fun on Horsehead Bay!

Call me at 253.549.6611 or email me Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com for more information about this or another salt waterfront home for sale. Or click on www.GigHarborSaltwaterHome.com for more photos of this salt waterfront home for sale.

The first European-American settlement began in Arletta in the late 1870s and the post office was established in 1893. The first postmistress coined the name Arletta by combining her daughter’s name Arla with her friend’s name Lucetta. Most early settlers farmed. Other activities in the area included logging, fishing, and trapping. When a permanent dock was constructed, a business district developed around the waterfront and included a store, fish fertilizer factory and warehouse. By 1910 the first roads had been constructed between Arletta, Horsehead Bay and Warren.

The first Euro-American settlement in Warren began in the late 1870s.  A permanent dock was constructed in the early 1910s and farming formed the economic base for the community at the beginning. In the late 1920s, local residents constructed a road connecting Warren to Arletta and Horsehead Bay.

Area residents have consistently demonstrated their strong commitment to provide a high quality public education to nearly 10,000 students. The district enjoys a statewide reputation for meeting the educational needs of today’s students who become tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, Gig Harbor has nearly a dozen private schools. 

The Harbor History Museum is located on Gig Harbor Bay and allows visitors a place to experience the history of Gig Harbor. In 2010 the Museum opened its new multi-million dollar facility, highlighted by the Shenandoah, a purse seiner built in a Gig Harbor shipyard and the Midway schoolhouse. The Midway Schoolhouse Experience may be the only all-day pioneer classroom experience on the West Coast. It has been designed with actual curriculum and is the buzz of all 4^th graders who are given the option of attending. It is hosted by numerous volunteers and comes complete with “school marm”. The permanent gallery is spectacular and the temporary exhibits are diverse.

While Gig Harbor was once most known for its fishing and logging, it is now also known for its numerous art galleries, art walks and art shows. A theatre company in Gig Harbor provides entertainment including dinner theatre and summer outdoor theatre.

The Gig Harbor area is ideal for enjoying water-related recreation. Whether you prefer water skiing, power or sail boating, kayaking, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba driving, windsurfing, clamming, beachcombing or swimming, the secluded harbors provide excellent moorage and docking facilities.

There are four state parks. Boat ramps are located near the major bays. Gig Harbor operates a waterfront park, a park on Crescent Creek, a boat-building facility and a pioneer farm. Eight golf courses offer year-round golf close to Gig Harbor.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year, largely centered on the Gig Harbor waterfront, including farmers markets, outdoor cinema, Tuesday night music at the park, and lighted holiday boat parade.

Youth and adult baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, and soccer programs are provided through community organizations. Two local pools provide swimming opportunities for the community and swim clubs.

Carole Holmaas is a Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate. She may be reached at 253.549.6611 or Carole@GigHarbor-Waterfront.com

(Add link to GHWF)

Seattle area is “hands-down” the best place to live and boat!  And Gig Harbor is a part of this. Seattle was recently declared the “Best Place to Live and Boat” by Boating Magazine. Mike Tyler, the judge of this examined numerous boating communities. He looked at the mix of boating opportunities, regulations, water access, availability of waterfront homes, economics and lifestyle.

He declared the Seattle area to be The Best. He explained that boaters here have the option of miles of protected salt water from the South Sound to the San Juans, as well as fresh water Lake Washington and numerous smaller lakes. Surrounding all this water are two ranges of snowy mountains and the mix of Seattle and the many small towns with water access. Gig Harbor is a prime example of one of those cities boaters love to visit.

The author gave the Seattle area a 5 (1-5 scale) for Ease for Boaters and Strong Boat-related Businesses, a 4 for Waterfront Availability and 3 for Number of Good Boating Days (weather-related).

Others that made the cut in order were Benton County Arkansas, Tampa Bay, Knoxville Tennessee, Fort Lauderdale, Otter Tail County Minnesota, Finger Lakes New York, Austin, Oconee County So Carolina, and San Diego.

This is not news to any of us who live in Gig Harbor, is it?

Gig Harbor WA Salt Waterfront Home at Wollochet Bay for Sale.  88 feet lower-bank waterfront, with a hint of Mt Rainier view,  plus a 2-party shared nearly new dock is the setting for this 5-year old 3412 sf well-bred traditional salt waterfront home for sale. The open plan is surrounded by windows, elegant touches & spacious glass-enclosed entertainment deck.

Dramatic fireplace, a chef-sized kitchen with double ovens and beautiful granite and glass tile accents, study with handsome coffered ceiling and spacious entrance hall. The main floor master suite is highlighted with raised fireplace, a very spacious walk-in closet & “spa-like” bath with jetted bath. There is a 2nd bedroom and bath on the entry floor. The lower floor offers 2 additional bedrooms, bonus room with large wetbar with 2nd fireplace, bath, hobby room and second utility room.

Beautiful landscaping completes this salt waterfront home for saleplus a triple car garage that is 32 feet deep—plenty of room of workshop or to pull the boat and trailer inside. The waterfront is bulkheaded with stone. Besides the private dock, there is a community boat launch and dock available to home owners. The home is on a sewer.

Call me at 253.549.6611 for more information about this or another salt waterfront home for sale or visit me at Windermere Real Estate in Gig Harbor.

It is likely Wollochet Bay is connected to a Native American word, which means “squirting clams”.  Native Americans fished and sold the fish to the European-American settlers and traded woven baskets.

Area residents have consistently demonstrated their strong commitment to provide a high quality public education to nearly 10,000 students. The district enjoys a statewide reputation for meeting the educational needs of today’s students who become tomorrow’s leaders. In addition, Gig Harbor has nearly a dozen private schools. 

The Harbor History Museum is located on Gig Harbor Bay and allows visitors a place to experience the history of Gig Harbor. The Museum is in the process of relocating to a new multi-million dollar facility, highlighted by the Shenandoah, a purse seiner built in a Gig Harbor shipyard and the Midway schoolhouse.

While Gig Harbor was once most known for its fishing and logging, it is now also known for its numerous art galleries, art walks and art shows. Two theatre companies in Gig Harbor provide entertainment including dinner theatre and summer outdoor theatre.

The Gig Harbor area is ideal for enjoying water-related recreation. Whether you prefer water skiing, power or sail boating, kayaking, fresh or salt water fishing, scuba driving, windsurfing, clamming, beachcombing or swimming, the secluded harbors provide excellent moorage and docking facilities.

There are four state parks. Boat ramps are located near the major bays. Gig Harbor operates a waterfront park, a park on Crescent Creek, a boat-building facility and a pioneer farm. Eight golf courses offer year-round golf close to Gig Harbor.

Numerous events are scheduled throughout the year, largely centered on the Gig Harbor waterfront, including farmers markets, outdoor cinema, Tuesday night music at the park, and lighted holiday boat parade.

Youth and adult baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics, dance, and soccer programs are provided through community organizations. Two local pools provide swimming opportunities for the community and swim clubs.