Matt's Gig Harbor Real Estate Blog

Foreclosure Predators--Watch out!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:48:16 -0600

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 finances could be fooled by this letter and sent into a panic. This kind of thing drives me nuts. Far too often in my business now I'm encountering folks who are fearful about the housing market, and folks like this choose to prey on that fear rather than do something worthwhile with their lives.

Please, if you get a notice like this, call a local Realtor or mortgage professional first. Don't become a victim of these jerks. Fear isn't a good decision maker.

How about them Gig Harbor and Peninsula Harriers?!

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:35:50 -0600

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.

2010 Gig Harbor calendars ready for order!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:07:50 -0500

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 be able to take cash or check, and maybe be set up with Pay Pal!

To order your 2010 Gig Harbor calendars, email GigHarborInfo@gmail.com

Pictures from 2009 calendar

Welcome back, self

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:27:19 -0500

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 focus on the positive and keeping myself surrounded by those whom I felt were contributing, I let myself get sucked in by the negative. I've corrected myself, stopped pointing the finger outward, and taken responsibility back for my own actions. Thus, I'll just focus on the blogs that I want to focus on here on AR and not worry myself about the others!

So for those who care (crickets chirping) I'm back. I look forward to re-connecting with some of my old AR friends!

I do hope that you'll also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, and my primary blog. You'll get to know me better in those places!

Home for sale in Gig Harbor gated community

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:01:52 -0500

Do you know of someone looking for a great home for sale in a gated community in Gig Harbor? This may be the best home available! 3bd, 3ba, spotless home on a nearly 1/2 acre corner lot in the gated community of Saratoga. This home is perfect for someone needing to work in Tacoma or Seattle, but wanting to live in Gig Harbor.

For full details on this great new listing, take a look at the property description.

Half empty, half way, half a**ed, half hearted...

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:53:53 -0500

None of those are what we strive for. Nobody that I know of is really hoping that they can do a job 50% of the way. So why do real estate agents so often only get half of the game? Systems without tools don't do you much good. Tools without systems often do more damage than good. You don't want 1/2.

The NWMLS has recently posted Gary Keller's new best selling book "SHIFT" on the log in page of their website. I think it's great that the NWMLS is trying to sell the book, and I think it's wonderful that so many real estate agents across the nation are reading the book, but it makes me wonder if they're getting the full package.

I can buy the newest "Improve your swing" video by Tiger Woods or go to Ken Griffey's baseball camp and learn all of the best systems for how to hit a golf ball or a baseball, but without the athletic tools that those guys have, their systems aren't going to do me much good. Sure, I'll improve some, but overall I'll still have a ceiling of achievement. Likewise, I can go to Home Depot and buy all of the newest and greatest tools, but without the systems for how to build something, the tools won't do me much good.

I'm wondering if "SHIFT" without the tools and systems offered by Keller Williams Realty is similar to those situations. For example, if an agent reads the book and takes to heart tactic 6, Catch People In Your Web, but doesn't have the right tools in place (ie. Keller Williams' free agent web sites, KW's free agent blogs, Twitter and Facebook training, etc), is that system going to be effective? Or if "Get To The Table-Lead Conversion" is a system that strikes a chord, but the agent has never seen KW's online class "Your Business is Your Database" or they don't have the KW version of Top Producer or Wise Agent, will they have the tools necessary to truly do the follow up necessary? What if you get the concept of lead generation, but your company doesn't have Power Hour, an intentional company-wide effort to lead generate? I know that there are ways for agents from any company to buy lead follow up programs, and I know there is training available for agents from any company, but those things cost money, and they're not tailored to Gary Keller's SHIFT philosophy.

I think it's great that a local company here is hosting "SHIFT" book clubs. Being an agent with a different company and really studying "SHIFT" is far more valuable than being a KW agent who doesn't take advantage of all of the free systems and tools that we offer. But what if you could have both? What if you could have the desire to study Keller's tactics AND you had the tools and systems that he offers his agents for free? I know the excuses. I've heard many of them. "I'm happy where I am." "I don't need coaching." "I know more than any coach." Those are all valid, but inadequate. We're not looking for agents who are unhappy with their situation, we're looking for agents who know there is more. Everybody can use coaching; all of the greatest musicians, singers, and athletes are continually in coaching. You may indeed know more than anyone else. That's not the point of coaching. Tiger Woods certainly knows more about golfing than his coach. Michael Jordan was a better player than Phil Jackson ever was. Their coaches are folks who guide, direct, and keep them on pace. Coaching isn't necessarily about being given new knowledge, it's about taking the knowledge you already have and putting it into best practice. Kinda like "SHIFT."

If you think that there may be more out there for you, or you're simply curious as to the extent of free tools, systems, and training offered by Keller Williams, drop me a line. I'd love to chat about it!

Fox Island View Home--Party's at your house!

Sun, 19 Jul 2009 09:54:08 -0500

When I was a 6th grade teacher, several of my students' parents mentioned that they wanted their house to be the "hang out" house. It made them feel good to know that their kids were safe and close by, but also able to be hanging out with friends. I think I just listed for sale the best "hang out" house in Gig Harbor. Technically, it's not Gig Harbor but actually on Fox Island. If you are looking for a great house for entertaining, take a look at this one!

918 Lummi Drive sits at about the mid-way point on Fox Island, not too remote but still plenty peaceful and private. The house has 1.15 completely usable acres; the type of yard that just begs soccer games, football, t-ball, you name it. The nearly 4000sf home is wrapped with a huge deck that extends around 3/4 of the home's exterior. Think BBQ's, and sitting in the hot tub watching the sun set over the Puget Sound. There's even an outdoor firepit with a view of the water. Are you getting the picture? You and all your friends hanging out on Fox Island having a great time (some may even be playing basketball on your sport court). Like I said, this is the ultimate hang out house.

Inside there is a fully finished basement that is the very definition of "play room." Keep that area as messy and full of toys as you'd like, it's out of the way so you don't have to worry about impressing the company with its cleanliness. Upstairs you have another loft style bonus room...I'm thinking video game heaven! There's a formal sitting room, huge living room, dining room that has french doors leading out to a breakfast deck, beautiful kitchen with an island counter and eating nook with easy access out to the view deck. The house has 2 master suites, one on the main level and one upstairs. Both have Puget Sound views, walk in closets, and attached full baths. Finally, there are 2 more upstairs bedrooms, one with a view and a loft, both very generous sized.

One of the best features of this home? It was built green before building green was a fad. Despite the 4000sf, you'll be amazed at how energy efficient this home is. A wood burning stove, strategically placed ceiling fans, and a heat pump all help keep the utility bills in check. Real cedar siding, double paned windows, and a new roof complete the "green" features of the home.

All of this with the charm of Island living, and the highly sought after schools of Voyager Elementary, Kopachuck Middle, and Gig Harbor High. Get your mind wrapped around all that's here. Over an acre, nearly 4000sf, 2 masters, 2 bonus rooms, sport court, hot tub, Olympic Mountain and Puget Sound views, great schools, energy efficient. Homes with features like this one in Gig Harbor are asking upwards of $800k. This home? $595,000! Yep, all of this for $595k!

If you're in the market for a home in Gig Harbor, or have been wondering what it'd be like to live on Fox Island, you should really take a look at this home. The current owners built the home themselves in 1989, so it offers a unique floorplan that's a huge relief from the cookie cutter homes that are so prevalent today. Give me a call to schedule a private showing of this Fox Island, WA, gem!

Click photo to view slideshow

How to (not) sell your home

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:33:58 -0500

Selling a house can be difficult, but not selling your home is easy. Let me share my experience from yesterday. (It's a tad long, but worth the read!) The median home price in Gig Harbor is about $365k, so when I saw a 2750sf newer home in a great neighborhood come on the market for $280k, I called some of my buyers right away. Sure enough, one of my clients wanted to see the home immediately. Here's where the story begins...

I looked at the showing information and saw "Appt. only, no MLS keybox." Fair enough, I called the phone number that was listed and got a basic, "Hello?"

"Good morning, this is Matt Thomson from Keller Williams Realty, is this Mr. Popenko?" (fake name)

"Who?"

"Mr. Popenko?"

"No one here by that name."

So I applogized for dialing the wrong number, hung up and tried the phone to show number again, taking great care to dial it correctly. It was the same guy, "Hello?"

"Uh, sorry to bother you again, this is Matt Thomson with Keller Williams Realty. I'm trying to set an appointment to show the Popenko's home on 71st and this is the number I was given to call."

"Yeah, this is Randy, I'm the listing agent." (Uh, information that would have been helpful the first time I called).

I tried to set an appointment for the following day at 2pm, and was told that "The sellers agreed not to go anywhere from 1pm-9pm, so just show up any time in that slot." Really? No appointment, just show up? Yep. Oh boy.

So the next day (yesterday) I show up at the house just before 2pm. My clients were going to meet me at the house after mom picked up the kids (aged 7 and 4) and dad was leaving work early. About 2:04 my client calls just to make sure we're still on. Sure enough, I tell him, I'm already at the house.

"We're at the house, where are you?" Oh boy. Turns out my buyers were just around the corner, sitting in front of a very similar looking home...the one that actually had a "For Sale" sign in front. They should have checked the address more carefully, I should have informed them the house we wanted to see wouldn't have a "For Sale" sign up. No harm done.

Then it got really ineresting. I went up and rang the doorbell, and an elderly lady answered while speaking on the phone in a language I didn't recognize. She waved us in and retreated to the kitchen. As we entered, we were impressed with how clean and well kept the home was. Whatever was cooking in the kitchen made the whole house smell great, too. Then things went downhill quickly. We walked around the corner into the kitchen/great room. Old lady #1 was still on the phone, old lady #2 was at the stove cooking something that smelled great but looked awful, and it was splattering grease everywhere, old lady #3 was at the table eating a plate of what old lady #2 was cooking, and old lady #4 was on the couch watching what appeared to be '70's porn on a big screen TV.

Fortunately the 4 year old boy was too taken by the different language he was hearing, so he never took his eyes off of the lady on the phone. Not so fortunately the 7 year old girl's attention was grabbed by the strange noises she heard on the TV and she was the first to see what was on. Dad quickly snatched her up and dashed out of the room, while mom cleverly covered the 4-year old's eyes and was right on dad's heels. Sister had seen enough to be curious, and asked all sorts of questions that made the 4-year old wonder what he had missed. We decided to continue upstairs, 'cause this house was a screaming deal after all. Just my luck, every single door upstairs was closed. As the professional, it fell on me to check each room for kid safety prior to entering. Luckily, there was nothing too exciting.

We wanted to see the back yard, so it again fell on me to walk back through the room of elderly ladies (still watching porn), into the back yard, and around to open the gate for my clients who snuck out the front and walked around. I got to walk back through again to close up, and none of the ladies had moved much, and the porn on TV was still going.

Back out front, although a little shaken, my buyers thought they may still be interested in pursuing this house. After all, it was more than $120k less than the other 2 for sale in the neighborhood. So I called Randy and asked him when I could present an offer to him. "I don't want any offers, fax it to the number in the agent only remarks."

"I saw that number, but I prefer to present my offers in person. Is there a time I can meet you?"

"I don't want to see any offers. That fax # is for the attorney who's handling this. Fax it to him."

"Oh, okay. Do you know if any other offers are coming in?"

"I don't know anything." (I was coming to that conclusion all on my own). "All I know is the lawyer is collecting the offers til he has enough and then he'll present them to the bank."

That didn't sound right to me, so I said, "I thought you were legally obligated to present all offers directly to the seller in a timely manner. Why would this attorney gather offers then present them directly to the bank if it's not bank owned?"

"I don't know. I'm just doing what the lawyer told me to do."

Splendid. So I passed this info on to my buyers, but during the course of my conversation with Randy they had decided they didn't like the whole vibe of this house. They'd rather look at the one around the corner where they originally parked, despite it being $120k more expensive. So look we did, and assuming we can get the price down a little bit, we should have them in a new home in just over a month!

So you see, selling a home can be tough (remember, we never even planned to look at the home on which we made the offer, it was out of their target price range), but not selling your home is easy. Simply don't put up a "For Sale" sign, don't allow for appointments, hire an agent who "doesn't know anything," make sure any offers aren't presented, and if you're really not wanting to sell, just toss some porn on the big screen for when the kiddos come by. It's just not that tough!

What my lawn taught me about real estate

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:47:11 -0500

Welcome to installment 2 in my "What I've learned" series. I was mowing my lawn a few days ago, and I learned an interesting lesson about my real estate business. Gig Harbor, like most of Western Washington, is a pretty rainy place to live. We get a steady amount of rainfall from October through May most years. We average about 39″ of rainfall per year, which seems to me to be plenty of water for a lawn to thrive. As spring descended, my lawn looked great. Thick and green and healthy.

Then we had 2 weeks of sunny, dry weather, and the lawn died. I mean dead, brown, dry, crackly grass. It made me wonder how a lawn that gets so much water all year could completely die after only 2 weeks of dry weather. Couldn't it store some water? Couldn't it fade a bit, but still maintain some green? Then I got to thinking about my real estate business.

Generally, when real estate agents first get a "lead," we take great care of that person. We shower them with new listings, follow up calls, check in emails, etc. But after a few months of constant contact, many agents give up on that lead. "I'll let them call me when they're ready." "These guys will never find a home they like." Or, the agent simply doesn't have a good follow up plan and they let their potential client simply fall through the cracks. Whatever the case, after months of "watering" that lead, keeping the potential business well fed and healthy, many agents then allow the client to dry up after only a few weeks of ignoring them.

There's few feelings in real estate worse than seeing a home come up on the MLS with a different agent when you thought you'd get the listing, only to find out that despite your months of efforts the other agent happened to call just as the sellers were ready. Or when you see a new house come on the market, and you think "This would be perfect for the Smiths. I haven't talked to them in a month. I'll give them a call!" Only to find out that they just bought a place 3 weeks ago at an open house they visited.

Many agents will place the blame on the customer, expressing disbelief that the client would have a real estate transaction without them. That'd be like me blaming my lawn for dying, exasperated that it had the nerve to die without water after I'd let mother nature water it for 8 months straight. In my business, I make it a point to have frequent follow up. When you first contact me about a real estate need or question, you may be months, or even a year or more, away from being ready to make a decision. That's okay! I don't expect all of my "leads" to be ready to buy or sell a home immediately. If you are curious about the Gig Harbor real estate market, wonder what your home is worth, are curious what a home in the neighborhood is selling for, feel free to give me a call. I don't mind answering those questions, and I'll keep in contact from time to time to keep you up to date about how the market is moving.

Photo courtesy of andrewds14 and Flickr.

Join me as I support healthy lives

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:42:38 -0500

Many of you know that my baby girl was born 6 weeks early, at just over 4lbs. Within days, she had dropped to 3lbs, 11oz. After 15 LONG days in the Tacoma General Hospital NICU, we got to take our little girl home. Today, at 18 months old, she's as healthy as can be! Yet there's still some healing that my wife and I have to go through. I don't think I can explain the feeling of walking out of the hospital to head home for the night while your child lays alone in a small bubble, tubes and feeds and lines sticking and poking all over. That joy of holding your newborn on your chest? My wife didn't get to experience that, as our daughter was rushed from the delivery room to the NICU.

Friends still ask me when I'm going to get a baby sitter and leave my baby for a while. Although I know they're right, the reality is I had a baby sitter and left my baby for over 150 hours those first 2 weeks of her life. At a time when I feel the child is longing for her parents' touch the most, all I could do was stare at her through the lid of her isolette, wanting to hold her but knowing I couldn't. Like I said, I don't think I can explain the emotions, the sense of helplessness, the feeling of being a failure as a dad, the worry and fear that a phone call will come in saying "She's gotten worse." I can't, and don't need to, explain those feelings, because they are in the past and my little girl is fine.

Many parents aren't as fortunate. Premature births are a real problem, and ensuring that all babies are born healthy has become a cause that matters deeply to me now. Therefore I'm a strong supporter of March of Dimes. I'd love for you to join me in my efforts to give all babies a great start at life. On April 25, at 8:30AM, we'll be participating in the 6 mile "March for Babies" beginning at Wilson High School in Tacoma. My family and I would love to have you join us.

I understand that giving financially can be a challenge in today's economy, and I understand that this may not be the #1 cause that's in your heart. For those who are able to and desire to help financially, we'd be extremely grateful. Please visit our fundraising site to learn how. If you can't give at this time, but would like to show your support for this cause, please consider walking with us on April 25th. You can register on our site as well.

If you've got stories of premature birth you'd like to share, please feel free to comment on this post.

Who do you hire...agent or company?

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:50:14 -0600

Often times when you're on the inside of something, you can miss what the outside perspective is. The old can't see the forest through the trees analogy. A colleague of mine mentioned that the perception of Keller Williams Real Estate here in Gig Harbor is that we're a new company, a little start-up, kind of a mom and pop. I want to share the following information not to toot our horn, but simply to introduce many Gig Harbor home buyers and sellers to our great company, maybe for the first time.

Keller Williams was formed in the early 1980's in Austin, TX, by Gary Keller and Joe Williams. They wanted to form a new kind of real estate company that was run by the agents in a manner that they (the local real estate experts) felt would best serve the needs of their clients. Keller Williams has been the fastest growing residential real estate company in North America for the past 6 years, and is currently the 3rd largest real estate company in the United States (source: RealTrends).

Keller Williams passed Re/Max for the #3 spot in the nation. While we lost about 7% of our total agent count in the downturn of ‘08, Re/Max saw their numbers drop nearly 20%, moving us into the 3rd spot in agent count. Although we've dropped in agent count, Keller Williams Gig Harbor has seen an increase in the number of agents working in the office as we continue to find ways to assist our agents during the tough times.

Real Trends also discovered that Keller Williams was the only franchise in America that experienced growth in the total number of transactions, total number of offices, and number of agents per office in 2008 (through May ‘08). All other national franchises went backwards.

Keep in mind that these numbers don't include local companies such as Windermere and John L Scott, they are only national franchises. One great advantage to you when it comes to national companies is that we have a great referral network for folks moving in to Gig Harbor from out of state. In terms of local listing inventory, Keller Williams currently sits 4th behind Windermere, John L Scott, and Coldwell Banker. For ‘09, in terms of listing volume, Keller Williams is 2nd behind Windermere.

When considering things from a national perspective, however, it's interesting to note that KW.com receives more than 100,000 more visitors monthly than either Windermere or John L Scott, and we're the only one that has seen an increase in web traffic over the past year. That probably has something to do with the fact that KW.com is the only major real estate website that gives you a comparative home valuation tool that allows you to compare your home's value on Zillow and Cyber Homes, and we have a free foreclosure list right on our homepage.

So what's the bottom line? I believe that all of the local real estate companies in Gig Harbor have some fantastic agents that call them home. There are folks in each office that I'd love to work with. Each company has their own unique value to their agents and their clients. Personally, I believe that Keller Williams has proven that through their agent-centric model that we are the office that gives more value to their agents than any other, thus giving us more tools to benefit our clients. Really, though, real estate is a people business, and it's the person whom you're hiring, not the company. Our huge national presence and top-rated online presence can give you an edge in terms of finding buyers for your home, but the person you hire needs to be someone whom you trust, get along with, and respect. I believe you can find that person at any office in Gig Harbor. I'd encourage you to give me a call and see if I may be that person!

Open houses in Gig Harbor

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:01:11 -0600

I tried to think of something witty about loving houses, or buy a house instead of a box of chocolates, but I came up empty. So with no fanfare, nothing witty or creative, here is the map of open houses in Gig Harbor this weekend. If you see anything you like, or if you have any questions about buying a home in our area or the Gig Harbor real estate market in general, give me a call.

Open houses in Gig Harbor

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:01:24 -0600

As we push into February and the weather begins to warm up, open house season is warming up as well. There are several open houses this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking for a new home in Gig Harbor or on Fox Island, there's a little something for everyone. From a $155k trailer in a highly sought after retirement community (over 55 living) to a $1.295M waterfront home, there's plenty to check out this weekend. With the new economic stimulus package looking like it will pass, it is becoming more and more attractive to buy a home now. Gig Harbor is offering more affordable housing than ever, and the luxury homes in Gig Harbor have dropped into a whole new price range that more buyers find themselves in.

You can view my interactive open house map that gives you the specifics and locations of all of the open houses in Gig Harbor this weekend. If you see anything you like, or if there are homes that aren't open but you're interested in, please let me know. I love showing buyers real estate in Gig Harbor. It's what I do! If you want the best online home search tool I've ever seen, click on the Home Buyer's Scouting Report on the right scroll bar and get started. It's free, it's secure, it's private, and it's easy to use!

2906 180th St KPN--Gig Harbor area home for sale

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 19:01:08 -0600

Great newer home on acreage, but in a fantastic neighborhood as well. Hidden away near Jackson Lake, this home comes with lake rights too! Affordable, spacious, great opportunity in the Gig Harbor area.

Acreage and Neighborhood!

Location: Lakebay, WA

Great opportunity to own a nearly new home on acreage! Rolling Hills Estates is tucked in the Jackson Lake area with lake rights. Imagine moving into a new, large, 4bd home on over 1.3 acres! Plenty of space inside and out, new appliances, great neighborhood, wonderful location. Close enough to amenities and yet removed enough for privacy. Open great room concept in a spacious one-level home. No worries about stairs or repairs in your new rambler! Possbile lease purchase!

Information

Contact Information

Matt Thomson

253-226-7595

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Pricing

Price: $299,999

Property Location

2906 180th St KPN
Lakebay, WA 98349
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Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Parking Spaces: 3

Year Built: 2006

Subdivision: Rolling Hills Estates

Lot Size: 1.34 acres

Garage Size: 2

School District: Peninsula

Square Footage: 2112

Agent Name: Matt Thomson

Broker: Keller Williams

MLS #: 29017496

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Microwave

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (5 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 2228864

6607 173rd Ave KPS--home for sale in Gig Harbor Schools

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:57:47 -0600

If you're looking for a great affordable home in the Peninsula School District, here it is! Only 3 years old, shy 2 acres, great friendly neighborhood, for only $225,000! This would be perfect for a first time home buyer or an investment property. Just minutes from Evergreen Elementary School!

First time buyer or invetment opportunity!

Location: Longbranch, WA

Nearly new, great neighborhood, lots of land for this price?! Perfect chance for first time buyer or rental property. Enjoy 1-level living on shy 2 acres in great location. Built in '05, this home sparkles like new. Super functional space inside, room to play outside! If you're looking for an income property or a great starter property, this fits the bill! Energy efficient, low cost, easy maintenance! Take advantage of today's market with this great buy!

Information

Contact Information

Matt Thomson

253-226-7595

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Forward to a Friend

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Pricing

Price: $225,000

Property Location

6607 173rd Ave KPS
Longbranch, WA 98351
View Map

Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Parking Spaces: 5

Year Built: 2005

Lot Size: 1.84 acres

Garage Size: 2

School District: Peninsula

Square Footage: 1216

Agent Name: Matt Thomson

Broker: Keller Williams

MLS #: 29017514

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 2228861

Open houses in Gig Harbor this weekend

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:28:10 -0600

Since it's Super Bowl weekend, the open house slate in Gig Harbor is pretty slim this weekend. There are a few open however. I'll be hosting Chaffey Homes' new gated community The Highlands at Rosedale Saturday from 2-4 and Sunday from 1-3pm. If you want a great new construction luxury home in a beautiful gated community in Gig Harbor (just minutes from Discovery Elem and Gig Harbor High School) come and visit me!

View a complete map with details of all of Gig Harbor and Fox Island's open houses here.

Open Houses in Gig Harbor

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:20:53 -0600

There's a nice mix of open houses in the Gig Harbor area this weekend. From a view home on the Key Peninsula, to a brand new construction view home in Manchester with views of Seattle. From a restored classic home right in Downtown Gig Harbor to the Northwest craftsmans in gated communities. From a $227,000 condo to a $1.395M condo. It's all covered! You can view my interactive open house map here for details and times.

I'll be hosting an open house at my new construction view listing in Manchester. If you know of anybody who wants to be close to Seattle, maybe they work in Seattle, but they don't want the crazy prices of King County, encourage them to come and visit me on Sunday from 1-4pm. This brand new home has stunning finish work, views of the Puget Sound and Seattle Skyline, and is priced at only $495,000. It sits just minutes from the Southworth Ferry, an easy ride to Seattle.

If you've got any questions about any of these homes that are open, or any other real estate in Gig Harbor, please let me know. I'd love to see if I can help.

2009 photo calendar

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:49:54 -0600

My 2009 Gig Harbor photo calendar is done, I just need to wait to get it shipped back to me. Several folks have ordered one (and some more than one) for $15. If you'd like one (or more), please email me at mthomson@kw.com. I don't know of any other Gig Harbor calendars that are available. I heard that the Elks puts one out, but I've never seen it. This year, my calendar includes photos from 3 other great photographers in the Gig Harbor area. Below is a sneak peak at the photos that are used. Like everything this time of year, "It makes a great gift!"

Sunrise view home

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:10:13 -0600

If you're looking for a home in Seattle but don't want to pay King County prices, this may be your chance. If you love Gig Harbor, but want a view home that's affordable, you may be in luck. If you like new construction, but are tired of the same ol' same ol', this might be your chance. This new home in the Manchester area of Port Orchard may be the answer to what you've been looking for. Visit www.SunriseviewHomes.com for more information.

Sunrise View in Manchester

8055 E Aguilar Ct, Port Orchard, WA 98336 View Map

This is a WOW house! Total attention to detail from a first class craftsman builder. 12' ceilings grace the large formal entry. Whole house is trimmed in Rich cherry stained, vertical grain hemlock. Other features include solid core doors, crown moulding, Brazilian cherry hardwoods, plus Peruvian accents on the perimeter. Granite & Tumble stone grace the kitchen with top of the line G.E. appliances. Too many features to list.

Details

Asking Price:

$495,000

MLS:

28185215

Sq. Feet:

2809

Lot Size:

.51 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Sunrise View

Year Built:

2007

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Matt Thomson
Associate Broker

Dir 253-226-7595
Email | Website

The Undressed Network
Real Estate Undressed
1880 25th Ave NE #207
Issaquah, WA 98029
206.618.3724
Email

Montecito Fires

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:22:35 -0600

I am a very proud graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. It is more than a college, it is a place that is truly forming young people. I can't begin to explain in a blog what Westmont has meant to my life and my family. Most folks don't understand how a college can be so impactful...you really have to experience it or know somebody who has. Anyway, Westmont was engulfed in flames last night, with several buildings (including 14 faculty homes) being lost. As far as I know, nobody was injured. My coach, who is more so my mentor and friend (he, his wife, and his 2 children were all part of my wedding) lost his home. Gig Harbor High graduate and cross country and track and field standout Kate Stuart is a freshman at Westmont this year, running for that same coach I ran for over a decade ago. She's safe as far as I know, but one of the freshman dorms burned. I have no idea if it was hers or not.

I have to apologize. I used this photo without permission. I have no idea how to get permission. You can view this photographer's 27 photo series here. This shot is of the library on Westmont's campus.

Gig Harbor Open Houses

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 12:21:56 -0600

It seems as we move towards the winter, fewer and fewer open houses are being hosted. If you're looking to sell your home in the Gig Harbor area, I'd check with any real estate agents you're thinking of hiring and ask them what their policy on open houses is. In buyers' markets like the Gig Harbor real estate market is in right now, anything to get buyers into your home is a good thing! That being said, here's the interactive map of open houses in Gig Harbor and Fox Island for this weekend. There are some pretty nice ones. I'll be hosting an open house on a property I have listed for sale over in Tacoma. If you have a chance, swing by Saturday from 10am-1pm to say hi.

Remember, all of the information here is from the NWMLS and is reliable, but not guaranteed. If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Gig Harbor area, I'm more than happy to talk to you to see if I can help.

It's been a pretty fall here in Gig Harbor. Maybe you'd like to drive around and look at all of the pretty fall leaves at some of the open houses this weekend!

Gig Harbor Open Houses

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:31:44 -0500

There are only 11 open houses in Gig Harbor this weekend, but they're 11 good ones! Tomorrow (Saturday October 25th) I'll be hosting an open house at what I believe to be Gig Harbor's best view home value. Over 3100 square feet of beautifully remodeled home, large fenced yard, huge bonus room, large home office, and amazing views for only $599,000. I don't think that you can find view properties in Gig Harbor with views as wide open as these at this price, and in a cost per square foot comparison, I doubt you can find any Gig Harbor view homes this low. Value is created not only by low price, but more so by what you get for that price. This gorgeous view home on Point Fosdick Drive not only gives you a great house with a great floor plan, not only do you get amazing Puget Sound views and views of Mt Rainier and the Olympic Mountains and views of Fox Island, but you get this at a great price. I'd love to meet you at the house tomorrow from 1-4pm. Please come by to say hi. Click here for an interactive map of all of the open houses in Gig Harbor this weekend. Information is taken from the NWMLS and is reliable but not guaranteed.

All of these photos are from the house at 19 Point Fosdick Drive that will be open Saturday from 1-4pm!

Gig Harbor Open Houses

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:16:28 -0500

Sorry for being so late with this post. There's a nice assortment of open houses this weekend in Gig Harbor. Home prices range from the low $200's to just shy of $1.3M. There are all sorts of homes for sale in Gig Harbor, and this weekend's opens seem to have a nice sample of them. You can see the interactive map here. There are a few Saturday opens, so check the dates and times.

Fall leaves along Harborview Dr in Gig Harbor are not for sale, nor are they open, nor are they houses. But they're pretty.

September SOLD report for Gig Harbor

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:36:35 -0500

September had some ups and some downs in terms of the local Gig Harbor real estate market. I made the mistake of watching some news the other day, and after a story about the economy and how bad it is, I watched 2 stories about rape and 4 about murder, then one more about the housing market and its tumble, and reminded myself why I don't watch the news. The news isn't going to tell you anything positive. They just won't. If you'd like the truth about home sales last month in Gig Harbor, keep reading. If you want moaning and groaning, you'll have to go elsewhere.

There were 47 single-family homes that sold in Gig Harbor during September. That's the 2nd highest total we've had this year behind 61 sales in June. Key Peninsula only had 13 sales, which is the lowest total they've seen since 12 sold in January. The 47 sales in Gig Harbor look especially good compared to September of ‘07, when 51 homes sold. Nice to see us getting the volume back to where it was last year. In Sept of ‘07, however, the median sales price was $448,000, whereas last month it was down to $392,000.

More good news is that the home inventory dropped for the 6th consecutive week. There are currently 722 homes on the market in Gig Harbor, the lowest we've been since the week ending on June 22nd. Homes pending sale (accepted sales contracts on the home) have remained steady since that same week in June, another good sign. Year to date, our volume of sales (actual homes sold) is down a hefty 39%. Median price is down 5.8% from last year, while days on market are up 17 days (this last number is skewed by 6 new construction sales that were on the market for over 500 days, including one for 1018 days!). Good news for folks looking to sell a home on Fox Island as well. January through August saw a total of 16 properties sell on Fox Island (2 per month). In September, 6 properties sold on Fox Island, a nice little increase.

Hopefully what you gather from this information is that our housing market is down from last year, but not nearly as down as what the majority of reports would have you believe. There really are positive things happening in the real estate market right now. If you'd like more specific information (broken down by neighborhood, condo sales, etc), please give me a call, email me, or post a comment to this article. I'm happy to share with you the actual numbers, no spin attached. If you've ever driven by a house for sale, been surprised by the asking price, then curious about what price they actually got for the house, check out my month-by-month interactive maps of SOLD homes in Gig Harbor. If you can't find the information you're looking for, let me know.

Here is a chart showing the home sales by price range for September.

Fox Island hosts open houses

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:59:45 -0500

There are 16 open houses in the Gig Harbor area this weekend, and 11 of those are on Fox Island. If you've ever wondered what it was like living on Fox Island, this is your weekend to find out! Located just south of Gig Harbor, Fox Island is a unique community with homes ranging from the low $200's to well into the millions. As you may expect on an island, there are numerous waterview and waterfront homes available. Fox Island is part of the Peninsula School District, and has relatively few amenities (a gas station and small store is about it). Check out the interactive map of open houses this weekend! If you find something that you like, I'd love to discuss with you your buying options. Open house information is taken from the NWMLS and is reliable but not guaranteed.

Chapel on the Bay on Fox Island. It's pretty, but not for sale.