Pierce County Housing ReportsTacoma March 24, 2015

Custom North Tacoma New Construction 4 Bedroom Home

 

 

2215 N Orchard St, Tacoma 

The Essentials:

2,951 Sq. Ft. 

6,645 Sq. Ft. Lot 

New Construction

4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms + Den 

3 Car Attached Garage 

Offered for $449,500

Click here to view the listing

 

Brand new custom craftsman style home in North Tacoma. Enter into the light and bright foyer with gleaming high quality hardwood floors. The den / office is immediately to the left through the French doors and would also make an excellent playroom, or guest bedroom. 

The spacious den / office also has a closet and could be used as an additional bedroom. 

Continue into the heart of the home, the open concept kitchen, dining, great room. This gorgeous kitchen will please even the most discerning eye with high quality custom hardwood cabinets, slab granite counters, tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances that stay with the home. If you feel like taking a night off as chef there are countless dining options in the Proctor District and Joseppi's Italian Restaurant is less than a mile away! 

Casual Northwest great room layout is unpretentious and perfect for entertaining. The gas fireplace sets the mood with the flip of a switch. Soft ambient natural light from the large wood wrapped windows. Gleaming hardwood floors continue throughout the main floor. 

The dining room is spacious and open to the kitchen and great room. Keep on eye on the main floor activities while preparing meals. Easy access to the deck makes BBQs and outdoor entertaining a breeze. The walk in pantry is ready to be filled with goodies from the Proctor Farmer's Market and there is extra storage under the staircase. 

Upstairs through the French doors you will find a handsome and spacious master suite with an attached five piece bathroom and a walk in closet. 

Spa like master bathroom boasts dual vanities, a walk in travertine tile shower with a frameless glass surround, a large soaking tub, and a separate commode. 

Large walk in closet with built ins off the master bathroom. 

The laundry room is also located on the second floor and has ample storage and a utility sink with a granite counter for easy clean up! All four bedrooms are on the second floor. 

 

Rear view of the home and deck. Landscaping is completed and there is plenty of room to play on the lush grass in the fully fenced backyard! The location is prime with the recently renovated Kandle Park and Kandle Pool within walking distance! Nestled in the center of North Tacoma the options are endless. Drive North on Pearl Street and you're only a few minutes from Point Defiance Park where you can dine on delicious seafood at Anthony's, run, walk, or bike the 5 mile Drive, rent a kayak on Owen Beach and explore commencement bay, or hope a ferry to Vashon Island. You're also minutes from the University of Puget Sound where you can stroll the landscaped campus, visit the Kittredge Art Gallery, or take in a football game

 

Click here to schedule a showing

Gig HarborListing BlogsPierce County Housing Reports March 24, 2015

Custom Built Henderson Bay Waterfront Home

 

8407 104th St NW, Gig Harbor

The Essentials: 

5,690 Sq. Ft. Main House

572 Sq. Ft. Guest House 

28,000 Sq. Ft. Lot 

4 Bedrooms, 3.75 Bathrooms 

2 Car Attached Garage 

3 Car Detached Garage with Guest House Above 

100' Low Bank Waterfront 

Sweeping Henderson Bay Views 

Offered for $1,975,000

Click here to view the listing

 

"Coming home to beautiful, mesmerizing views on Henderson Bay magically detaches us from stresses of the day." 

Quiet elegance greets you at this stunning custom built waterfront home. Built in 2008 by Joe Mayer Built Homes with 100' of low bank waterfront with West and Northwest exposure on Henderson Bay. 

Pass through the foyer into the expansive great room and marvel at the sweeping views. Feel the warmth of the radiant heated travertine floors and curl up in front of one of the five propane fireplaces within the main house to watch boat traffic on Henderson Bay. Watch winter storms on the bay while never leaving the comfort of your living room.  

Open the beautiful Nana doors and extend the living space onto the ceramic tile deck with a well appointed outdoor room. 

Fabulous and unique entertaining space and outdoor room. Watch the sun slip into the Puget Sound while staying warm under the electric heaters and enjoy the ambiance and ease of the propane fireplace. Fire up the built in BBQ and grab a cold one out of the refrigerator while never leaving this resort like deck. 

What a perfect gathering place for friends and family.

Meander down the expansive deck and you'll find another set of beautiful Nana doors that lead to the impressive owner's suite. The deck as been engineered for a hot tub, imagine the possibilities … 

Sweeping Henderson Bay views are also enjoyed from the owner's suite. Another propane fireplace for ambiance. 

Soak away the day's worries from the spa like 5 piece bathroom. 

Also on the main floor is the impressive chef's kitchen with a 7 piece high end appliance package, slab granite counters, and a large island layout with skylights above. Henderson Bay views to be enjoyed by all while preparing meals. 

There is also a fully appointed Butler's pantry; ideal for the caterers' use during a fund raising gathering, or while entertaining clients. 

More spectacular Henderson Bay views from the walkout daylight basement. The rec room has plenty of space for a pool table and the covered patio spans the length of the house. Handsome built ins and a propane fireplace. 

The theater room is the perfect spot to watch a Seahawk's game. The second kitchen on this floor makes prepping game day snacks a breeze! 

There is also a wine cellar ready to be stocked. Morso Wine Bar and The Wine Studio are a quick 10 minute drive away. This home is an entertainer's dream.

 

Spill out onto the lawn and down the bulkhead steps to the beach. The impressive resort style landscaping brings paradise home.

Feel the sand between your toes and relish the quintessential Northwest lifestyle. Explore the beach at low tide and dig for geoducks for tonight's dinner. Gather around the fire pit to watch the July 4th fireworks over Henderson Bay. Grab your paddle boards or kayaks to float out over the mirror like water. 

 

As you drive down the tree lined road to the gated entry the forest like ambiance leads you to the private yet convenient property. Located just minutes from Sehmel Homestead Park and McCormick Forest Park there are recreational activities 5 minutes away! Cross over Hwy 16 and there is a plethora of dining and shopping options  Ready to make this slice of paradise yours? 

 

Click here to schedule a showing 

Listing BlogsPierce County Housing Reportsuniversity place March 13, 2015

Turnkey 3 Bedroom Rambler in University Place School District!

7617 33rd St W, University Place

The Essentials: 

1,388 Sq. Ft. 

7,015 Sq. Ft. Lot

3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom

Fully Fenced Private Yard 

Offered for $220,000

click here to view the listing

 

"We take a lot of pride in this home and we made so many wonderful memories. We hope the next owners fall in love with it the way we did." Andy P., current homeowner 

Warm mid tone hardwood floors greet you upon entering the open concept University Place home within the University Place School District. The large front window bathes the dining room in soft natural light. 

The dining room flows effortlessly into the living room. The certified woodstove has a beautiful slate tile surround and will keep you cozy all year round. Head South on Bridgeport to the University Place Library to pick up the latest from the New York Times Best Seller list to curl up with in front of the fireplace. You could even walk there; it's less than a 1/2 mile away. 

Through the French doors you will find a spacious bonus room. This flex space could be the perfect media room, playroom, study, or…? The possibilities are endless. 

Crisp white cabinets keep the kitchen light and bright. Gorgeous granite tile counters add elegance. Peer out the kitchen window while cleaning up to see what's happening in the private backyard, or keep an eye on the living and dining room activities through the pass through while preparing meals. One of the things the current homeowner will miss most about this updated home is, "The open layout of the home allowed for growing a family and hosting gatherings."

With it's ultra convenient location grocery shopping is a breeze. Trader Joes, Safeway, and Albertsons are all less than a mile away. If you're looking for a specialty grocer Harbor Greens Market is a few blocks away and the highly anticipated construction of Whole Foods is underway! Or, take a night off as chef and enjoy a margarita and street tacos at El Toro, a local favorite. Head towards the water on South 19th St and sit on the deck of Boathouse 19 overlooking the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and watch the sunset into the Puget Sound. 

The large laundry room provides ample additional storage and a utility sink that is great for cleaning up after working in the garden!  

The level, fully fenced, and private, backyard with mature landscaping provides a lovely retreat while never leaving your backyard. BBQ under the covered patio no matter the weather! Spill out into the yard and enjoy a game of bocce ball or yard bowling. 

The landscaped backyard awaits your green thumb! Storage shed for your garden tools and raised beds to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Willow Tree Garden and Interiors has endless options for adding new plants to the landscaping or finding that perfect gift you have been searching for. 

 

This Turnkey University Place home won't last long with it's open layout, landscaped fully fenced yard, and convenient location. 

 

Click here to schedule a showing

 

Learn more about University Place by watching the video below 

 

 

Pierce County Housing Reports February 17, 2015

Belmont 3 Bedroom Rambler in Gated Community!

6616 83rd St E, Puyallup 

The Essentials: 

1,969 Sq. Ft. 

7,020 Sq. Ft. Lot 

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms 

2 Car Attached Garage 

Zetterberg Built Rambler 

Located within the Gated Community of Belmont 

Offered for $349,900

Click Here to view the listing

 

 

Located in the sought after gated community of Belmont this nearly 2,000 sq. ft. rambler is turn key and ready for you to move in and enjoy! Built in 2000 by Zetterberg Custom Homes the one level open concept layout is one of the many things the current homeowner will miss. 

Gorgeous upgraded hardwood flooring is found nearly throughout the home. The kitchen island with breakfast bar is perfect for chatting with your guests while preparing a meal and the glass slider allows easy access to the oversized patio and fully fenced level backyard. 

The gas fireplace will keep you cozy at the flick of a switch! The natural light pours in through the wall of windows and the vaulted ceilings make the great room live large. 

Enjoy a meal alfresco on the oversized patio. Mature landscaping greets you in the South facing backyard.

Take a short stroll to the common areas within the Belmont community. 

Dedicated play area available for community use. 

There is also a sport court for all to enjoy. 

 

 The current homeowner describes living here in a  "tight knit community with friendly neighbors". The ideal Summit location off Canyon Road with easy access to shopping, medical facilities, and Puyallup schools. Don't hesitate; 

 

Click here to schedule a showing

 

 

 

Pierce County Housing Reports January 7, 2015

2014 Median Home Prices Up Almost 10% in Pierce County!

2014 Median home prices in Pierce County are up 9.76% from 2013. John Gillie with The News Tribune goes into detail here

Listing BlogsPierce County Housing Reports September 18, 2014

Post Summer 2014 Pierce County Housing Report

 

 

 

 

Evidence of Slowing Appreciation and Reversion to Normalcy.
Also, how King County's trending may soon affect our local market.

 

Markets Continually Seek Balance  The Pierce County Housing market as measured by August 2014 numbers gives us a clear indication it is efficiently balancing and allowing home buyers and sellers to participate with predictable results.

 

Inventory – UP +11%

Closings – Down -02%

Pending Sales – UP +21%

Months of Inventory – UP last year +3.2 this year + 3.6

Median Price – UP +5%

With inventory at 4,282 units it is the highest it has been all year. In fact it was December 2011 since we had that many homes for sale in Pierce County.  At that time we were steadily coming off the crazy high level of inventory that was the result of the housing crisis which peaked in August of 2007 at 9,022 units for sale. So how much inventory should we have?  To have a balanced market, we need 3-5 months worth of inventory.  In the last 14 years, which includes pre and post bubble markets, Pierce County has sold an average of 11,766 homes per year. Using that average we have 4.4 months inventory. Pendings are up 21% as we close out the summer so we may exceed 12,000 units with a strong finish in 2014. 

The peak of the Pierce County price index was 7 years ago!  It has taken a long time to work through the huge impact of the housing market spinning out of control.  Prices fell consistently for 5 years until reaching bottom in February 2012 and as of this month we are 39% up from that low! We've seen peak inventory levels as mentioned above when we had as much as 12 months worth on inventory and we've seen shortages like in March of 2013 with only 2,800 units for sale.  It is refreshing to be at or near a normal inventory level!

Our recovery experience is comparable to other parts of the country.  This CoreLogic map shows the State of Washington still 10.8% below it's peak market levels compared to other parts of the country that are either fully recovered or, like hard hit Nevada, still down over 37%. Ouch!  It's always a good idea to break the numbers down to more localized evaluation and in this case I can tell you Pierce County is still 18% below the peak.  What's interesting is Pierce County is at the same price level as June of 2005 while King County is at June 2006.  With King County that much closer to the all time high, doesn't it seem logical that more of those buyers will be exploring Pierce County?

The road ahead.  The Home Price Expectation Survey is a nationwide panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment or market strategists. I like this report because it is not the opinion of just one market expert, but a cumulative average of over 100 experts. Their 3rd quarter report is out and the graph is posted here.  If Pierce County continues to generally follow the pattern of the rest of the country we will see cumulative appreciation of over 18% by the end of year 2018.  This would put the Pierce County median price at about $280,000. 

If you're a buyer in this market you can make your purchase decision with confidence  that you're making a good long term investment.  If you're a seller it is nice to know there is a balanced market with predictable fundamentals  and a pool of buyers you can strike a deal with!