Froggy Bottoms - 06/30/09 02:14 PM
Port Townsend's FROGGY BOTTOMS

A beautiful wetland area is in the heart of a small Port Townsend neighborhood between  San Juan Ave and the non-motorized trail.  It is much prettier in the winter when there is a pond, but yesterday as I passed on my morning walk it was full of beautiful singing birds. 
A small urban oasis, Froggy Bottoms  is a work in progress, done by volunteers with the co-operation and assistance of the Puget Sound Water Quality Team.  Animals, plants and environmental conditions all interact to create a diverse ecosystem.  Strategically placed snags, stumps, and rock piles provide homes for wildlife to … (1 comments)

Mid Town Farming in Port Townsend - 06/27/09 09:50 PM
There is a wonderful farm in the very center of town called Collingwood Farm, complete with fields of vegetables and flowers, portable greenhouses, old farmhouse and farm stand.  I find this absolutely amazing because in the hot market of 2007 this land of approximately 4-6 acres could have been sold off for any number of residences, or mixed use projects.  This is one block from my home and a wonderful walk for me and my dogs.  There is a large parcel on the corner for sale for $1,000,000 plus zoned for retail, mixed use of condos and stores.

  
 
 
 
 
 
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Open House Extravaganza in Port Townsend Area - 06/26/09 10:46 AM
This weekend the Washington Association of Realtors is sponsoring a statewide open house tour.  It will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm and again from 2 pm to 4 pm on both days.  This will give agents an opportunity to hold 4 listings open and the public will have a large inventory of of homes to preview.  Our local board is supplying us with special signs, balloons and print-outs of the tour and there is a full page ad in our local paper. 
                                                 
I think we are all pretty excited about this idea … (0 comments)

Using a blog to promote your website. - 06/24/09 01:36 PM
If any of you have read my blog comments and questions, you know I am not computer savvy.  One of my goals in joining AR was to move my website up on the search engines.  I have gone from #125 up to #7 on Yahoo and moved up considerably on Google and MSN with the help of my web-guy, Sheldon Broes.  This is how he explains it to me.  This info may be helpfull to you.
When your blog gets clicked on, it's called an impression and the search engines re-visit your blog more often when your blog is getting more impressions.
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The Secret Garden Tour in Port Townsend - 06/20/09 05:06 PM
                                                    
Happening today in Port Townsend!  We have sunshine, ocean breezes and a lot of people in town for this annual event.  There are nine private gardens on display, all located within walking distance in the Uptown area.  Featured gardens will demonstrate things such as drought tolerant and deer resistant plants, shade solutions, and a shared vegetable patch.  There will be composting techniques and lots of ideas on landscaping your own backyard. 
This event is sponsored by the Jefferson County Master Gardners, a group connected with Washington State University Extension.  A Master Gardner is trained under the auspices of WSU to … (2 comments)

Guard Dog on Duty - 06/16/09 10:53 PM

I drove past this cute little dog guarding his truck and just happened to have my camera with me.  He was barking like mad, and daring me to come any closer.  I hope you will enjoy this feisty little guy as much as I did.
I felt like doing a fun little post about nothing after a day full of blog turned political, challenging  transactions, volunteer meetings, and so many phone calls and e-mails. 
 
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The Purple Heart - 06/15/09 01:44 PM

During the Revolutionary War the heart shaped patch made of purple cloth was first awarded to three soldiers in 1782 by General Washington  for "unusual gallantry,extraordinary fidelity and essential service."
 It was not officially abolished, but was not awarded again until it's revival, and new design was recommended by Gen. Douglas MacArthur and approved by President Hoover in 1932.  At that time it was exclusively awarded to Army recipients.
In the years since, numerous changes have been made to both  expand and restrict eligibility for the Purple Heart, including eligibility for service members of all military branches, posthumous awards to … (24 comments)

Jefferson Land Trust in Port Townsend - 06/13/09 01:32 PM
                         
                     This This private non-profit organization is all about preserving our land, open spaces, and habitat.  So far this group is stewarding 7865 acres in this area.
 The office is located in Port Townsend, but projects are county wide and donations of land and money from citizens along with the plans and ideas of members make it happen.
My first recollection of this organization is from the time one of our local realtors started a drive to collect $75,000 to retain trees that line the entrance to our city, as they were in danger of being cut down.  This realtor came to … (5 comments)

County Owned Historic Home in Port Townsend - 06/12/09 12:56 PM

Last week I showed this home to one of my Buyer's and thought it was interesting enough to share.  I personally have never come across a home owned by a county, so presenting an offer on  this will be a first for me. 
The previous owner was growing canibus in his yard and I suspect in an attic that is quite large with very big un-characteristic skylights.  It is my recollection that this resident was warned a few times before the home was confiscated.  What I don't know is why a neighboring county owns this home, and not our county … (4 comments)

Port Townsend Uptown Cottage - 06/10/09 12:22 PM

http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
 
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Port Townsend Bell Neighborhood Home - 06/10/09 11:59 AM
 

 
http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
 
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Americans Moved at Lowest Rate in 40 Years - 06/10/09 11:27 AM
Last year Americans moved at the lowest rate in 40 years according to figures of the Census Bureau and corroborated by data from the American Moving and Storage Association.  The AMSA finds the trend has continued into 2009.
                                                                                  The Census Bureau has "Geographical Mobility" data and it showed that the moving rate in 2007 was 13.2% and declined to 11.9% in 2008.  This is the lowest rate since the bureau began keeping track of the data back in 1948.
Shipping of household goods was  down by 20% during the first quarter of this year.  Of course this is the result of the real estate … (4 comments)

OLYMPIC MUSIC FESTIVAL - 06/09/09 12:10 PM
                                        
The cultural events that go on in this area of the Northwest are truly amazing.  For a geographically large area with a very small population it is quite an accomplishment.  One that has been going on in an area between Port Townsend and Sequim is the Olympic Music Festival. 
                           
This is held on a sunny and tranquil 55 acre farm in a beautiful area, dense with forest and snuggled under the Olympic Mountains.  The concerts are held in a barn and can also be heard from the grassy knoll.  Tickets range from $18 … (5 comments)

Heart to Hearth in Port Townsend - 06/08/09 06:37 PM
I love my office and all the agents and staff.  Really a great bunch.  Here is one that is making a difference in our community.  This woman is behind a new program to help people in need in Jefferson County with their winter heat. 
 Temperatures here can get just below freezing at night and stay that way for a good 3-4 months in the winter.  Jan Marquardt in our office applied to Realtor Magazine Good Neighbor Award for a grant to help out and is one of the finalists to receive $1000 to be used in conjunction with our local aid group, … (2 comments)

Port Townsend Bridge Celebrations - 06/07/09 02:27 PM
Just a short post to show you our joy last night.  Celebrations were held all day, but I was working!  I did make it downtown at 6 pm and took in a bit of the Gallery Walk and enjoyed champagne and fabulous chocolate at William's Gallery.  William was Bill Metzler back at Windermere RE and I knew him when.  Now he and his Jewelry creating wife Wendy have a wonderful gallery packed with treasures from around the world,  showcasing her art.
                                                                                          Chamber Music at Artisans on Taylor.                                                                                         
The main attraction was taking place at Union Wharf and you could not miss it because you could … (9 comments)

Inventory Shrinking/Seattle Area - 06/06/09 06:49 PM
Good news!               
The  Northwest Multiple Listing service which serves 19 counties in Western and Central Washington is reporting inventory is shrinking, sales are rising and prices stablizing in some NW MLS areas.  This is good news for us over here on the Olympic Penisnsula because this is where many of our buyers come from, but is also a good sign for all of us.
Pending sales are up by 17.7 percent over a year ago and up 3.5% from April to May.  Active listings are down about 30%  giving buyers less to choose from. 
In Bellevue, an upscale suburb of Seattle there … (4 comments)

BRIDGE IS OPEN!!! - 06/04/09 09:50 AM
 Finished 11 days ahead of schedule and just in time for our day long celebration on Saturday, June 6th.
The Hood Canal Bridge which links the Olympic Peninsula to the rest of the world  has been closed for repairs for the past month and people have had to drive around the canal, or take multiple ferries, or be bused to walk on ferries and more buses. 
                                                                            
Check out the celebrations!
 
·         11 am -  Official ribbon cutting ceremony at Salsbury Point Park in Kitsap County recognizing community leaders, the bridge contractor, elected officials and featuring the Chimacum High … (9 comments)

Port Townsend Historic Building - 06/01/09 01:45 PM
In the category of Port Townsend's most interesting real estate, the Eisenbeis Building also know as the Cracker Factory Building was built in 1889.  (Crackers were baked in building attached.)  Located in Port Townsend's original town-site on bustling Water Street the building was occupied by Delmonico's Hotel and Restaurant, and then later became the home of Olympic Hardware.  I believe the hardware store started in the 50's or 60's and I have been told that up on the 3rd floor you could find any part or gizmo you ever dreamed of. 
This wonderful old building was renovated by investors and about 2 years ago, just as … (3 comments)