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Charming 3 Bedroom North Tacoma Craftsman Home!
1216 N Steele St, Tacoma
The Essentials:
1,276 Sq. Ft.
3,750 Sq. Ft. Lot
3 Bedrooms /1.5 Bathrooms
Detached 1 Car Garage
Offered for $295,000
Click here to view the listing
This charming North Tacoma craftsman home was built in 1908 and is conveniently located between the University of Puget Sound and Stadium District.
Upon entering the foyer you are greeted by newly refinished hardwood floors. They are found throughout most of the home. Craftsman details are stil intact such as the coved doorways, leaded glass front window, and period light fixtures.
There is a large bay window in the dining room providing ample natural light. The layout is comfortable and ideal for entertaining guests.
The spacious kitchen has been updated with handsome new cabinets with 'soft close' doors and drawers. The countertops are solid surface Quartz, and the new stainless steel appliances stay with the home.
If you're taking the night off as chef you are within minutes of a plethora of dining choices! Take Steele St South to 6th Avenue. Grab sandwiches to go from the infamous MSM Deli or enjoy the creative bunch menu at Dirty Oscar's Annex. For finer dining try Asado Restaurant, an Argentine steakhouse. Pick up your groceries at Dave's Meats & Produce on the corner of N Steele St and N I St, it's less than a 10 minute walk there! Play a game of pool and enjoy one of the beers on tap at Magoo's Annex, it is also a 10 minute walk away! Take your 4-legged friend with you and you can continue to Garfield Park, which is tucked between to Annie Wright School and the Tacoma Lawn and Tennis Club. From Garfield Park you can take the trails down and explore the gulch and waterfront via the connecting trails.
The full bathroom has been updated with tile floors and tub surround.
There are 3 bedrooms, this bedroom has an attached 1/2 bathroom and gleaming hardwood floors.
Upstairs you'll find the finished attic with plenty of room for storage, a home office, artistic retreat, or…?
Downstairs the unfinished basement offers more storage and houses the electric water heater as well as the electric forced air furnace.
The partially fenced yard has a small patio, perfect for the BBQ and a detached 1 car garage.
Click here to schedule a showing
North Tacoma 3 Bedroom Classic Craftsman Bungalow!
3606 N 8th St, Tacoma
The Essentials:
3 Bedrooms / 1.75 Bathrooms
2,410 Total Sq. Ft.
1,850 Finished Sq. Ft.
6,000 Sq. Ft. Lot
2 Car Detached Garage
Offered for $389,900
Click here to view the listing
"We raised our family here, being part of a school community that helped create a successful launch to college. " – Current Seller
Sitting proudly on a 6,000 sq. ft. lot in North Tacoma nestled between the 6th Avenue Business District, Proctor District, and the Univeristy of Puget Sound, this charming craftsman bungalow could not have a better location. Grab your favorite espresso drink from Valhalla Coffee and relax on the front porch.
As you pass through the foyer and into the living room you are greeted by crisp white millwork and gleaming fir floors. Unique period details are intact throughout the home, such as the built in bookcases.
Continue into the generous dining room where you will find a large window seat, perfect for relaxing, and the beautiful built in hutch with leaded glass. Continue into the kitchen with crisp white cabinets and plenty of storage space.
The breakfast nook overlooks the sunny backyard and deck. If you're taking the night off as chef there is a plethora of options within walking distance!
Continue upstairs and you'll find a huge bedroom and 3/4 bathroom. This would make an excellent master suite, artistic retreat, home office, or…?
Step out onto the sun drenched deck and enjoy the privacy provided by the mature landscaping. The current owners have used this as a 3-season space to host guests, or unwind by the fire pit.
There is also green space beyond the deck perfect for playing! Garden space along the detached garage as well. If you're looking for more room to roam you're practically steps away from the University of Puget Sound which has manicured grounds to stroll, a track to run when it's not in use, and lively sporting events to attend, and is open to the general public. Jefferson Park is also just up the street and is the perfect place to walk your 4-legged companion or let your little ones cool off at the Sprayground.
Beyond the backyard is the two car garage with alley access! There is also RV parking!
Perfect North Slope 4 Bedroom Craftsman
520 N Sheridan Ave, Tacoma
The Essentials:
3,270 Total Sq. Ft.
2,968 Finished Sq. Ft.
6,500 Sq. Ft. Lot
4 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms
Detached 2 Car Garage
Offered for $469,900
Click here to view the listing
Looking for a turn key 4 bedroom craftsman with original unpainted woodwork intact? You've found it here in this charming home sitting proudly on a landscaped 6,500 sq. ft. lot. Nestled in the North Slope neighborhood minutes from Stadium District, Downtown Tacoma, and bustling 6th Avenue the location could not be better. Enter the light and bright foyer and one of the main floor bedrooms is directly in front. Gleaming hardwood floors are underfoot.
Continue into the living room and marvel at the impressive woodwork. Wood burning fireplace will keep you cozy.
Generous dining room beyond the living room. Perfect for entertaining your guests.
Impressive chef's kitchen with plenty of character! High end stainless steel appliances and beautiful marble countertops. Casual dining area in the kitchen is perfect for enjoying a steaming cup of coffee in the morning.
Step out onto the large deck and enjoy the fully landscaped backyard. BBQ on the deck, relax in the hot tub, add some raised beds and grow your own fruit and veggies! There is plenty of room to roam back here. Detached 2 car garage with alley access is in the rear of the yard. Countless amenities are just minutes away. Stroll to Wright Park where you can visit the 27 acre arboretum with a rich collection of over 600 trees, or let the little ones play in the Sprayground may through September. Grab a burger and craft beer at a local favorite, The Parkway Tavern, also within walking distance! Pick up fixings for dinner at Stadium Thriftway and relax in the sunny backyard.
5 Bedroom Park Ridge Home with Puget Sound View!
8941 51st St W, University Place
The Essentials:
4,202 Sq. Ft.
9,619 Sq. Ft. Lot
5 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms
2 Car Attached Garage
Puget Sound and Territorial View
Offered for $650,000
Click here to view the listing
Sitting proudly on nearly a quarter acre lot in the Park Ridge neighborhood in University Place, you will enjoy Puget Sound and territorial views from the main floor living spaces of this fully updated home.
The foyer has timeless slate floors underfoot and overlooks the dining and living rooms. These spaces can accomodate your large parties and are ideal for entertaining.
You and your guests will enjoy stunning views while dining or relaxing by the gas fireplace.
Step out onto the deck and dine alfresco while soaking in the view.
The chef's kitchen is sure to please with slab granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and a great view from the large window! If you're taking the night off as chef you're only 1.5 miles from the Chambers Bay Grill at Chambers Bay Golf Course, the location of the 2015 U.S. Open where you can enjoy panoramic views and stunning sunsets. You're also only 2.5 miles from amenities such as Trader Joes, Starbucks, and Whole Foods.
The family room is just off the kitchen with ample space for casual dining, and built in cabinets for storing your books or media equipment. Easy access to the covered deck is ideal for all weather grilling!
Expansive deck space to enjoy with friends and family. This will surely become one of your favorite gathering places in the home.
The spacious master suite has ample closet space, an attached bathroom with a huge steam shower with multiple shower heads, heated floors, and a lighted vanity! There is a junior master suite on the main floor in addition to this.
Downstairs you'll find 3 more spacious bedrooms, a second laundry room, and a large rec room with impressive built in bookcases, gas fireplace, and a wet bar! This is an entertainers' dream.
Walkout daylight basement allows access to the covered patio and backyard.
If you're looking for more room to roam you're just a quick walk or drive from Chamber's Bay Regional Park which encompasses 930 acres and includes over 2 miles of saltwater shoreline, and walking / biking trails.
Ariel view of the home and decks with lush green space surrounding.
4 Bedroom Home in Gated Pointe Woodworth!
1710 Pointe Woodworth Drive NE, Tacoma
The Essentials:
2,744 Sq. Ft.
12,576 Sq. Ft. Lot
4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Bathrooms
3 Car Garage
Click here to view the listing
Proudly sitting in North East Tacoma this handsome 2,744 sq. ft. 4 bedroom traditional home was built by Norris Homes in 2003. In the foyer you are greeted by gleaming hardwood floors. The den is to the left and could be a great home office, library, or artistic retreat.
Generous formal dining room with architectural features is ideal for entertaining and opens to the great room.
The gas fireplace will keep you cozy all year round. Surround sound is built in making it easy to enjoy your favorite movies!
Chef's kitchen with granite tile counters, coordinated natural stone backsplash, and stainless steel appliances including a gas range/oven. If you're taking the night off as chef there are a plethora of dining options. Enjoy breathtaking views of Tacoma and Mt. Rainier while overlooking Commencement Bay from The Cliff House. Enjoy a casual meal at Browns Point Diner then meander down to Browns Point Lighthouse Park for more stunning views and to watch the ship traffic headed to the Port of Tacoma. The eating nook is perfect for keep on eye on outdoor activities in the fully landscaped backyard.
Spill out onto the covered patio, there is 5,000 sq. ft. of stamped concrete outside perfect for all your outdoor activities! The sprinkler system makes maintaining the manicured lawn a breeze.
Backing to green space the private backyard is perfect unwinding at the end of the day. If you're looking for more room to roam it's a quick 15 minute drive to Dash Point State Park where you can hike, bike, stroll the beach for treasures, or fish off the public pier.
Upstairs there is a generous master suite with a spa like master bathroom and walk in closet.
There are three more bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a generous bonus room are also upstairs. The bonus room is your ideal flex space above the garage.
Another view of the stamped concrete patio. Mature landscaping provides privacy. Minutes from all major conveniences nestled between Downtown Tacoma and Federal Way commuting is a breeze. It's a 5 minute drive to QFC where you can pick up all your groceries.
Four Bedroom Craftsman Day Island Home with Dock & Moorage!
2231 E Day Island Blvd W, University Place
The Essentials
4,208 Sq. Ft.
14,560 Sq. Ft. Lot
Built in 2005
4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms
Two Decks
Dock with Moorage
Offered for $1,050,000
click here to view the listing
Looking for the quintessential Northwest lifestyle? You will find it here in this stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom craftsman home that was built in 2005. Enjoy all that the unique community of Day Island has to offer. You may feel like you're vacationing every day when you step out onto the deck above the dock and overlook the moorage opportunity before you. The dock has served a 32 foot boat year round!
When you're not having fun in the sun you can relax in the elegant yet comfortable home. Being newer construction you can rest assured the modern systems will keep you cool in the summer and warm all winter.
The foyer and formal dining room open up to the great room which effortlessly flows into the kitchen. Brazilian cherry floors are throughout most of the main floor.
Curl up in front of the propane fireplace, or step out onto the waterfront deck to watch the boat traffic go by!
High end stainless steel appliances, cherry cabinets, and granite counters are sure to please even the most discerning eye. Enjoy water views while preparing meals! If you need to pick up a missing ingredient you're only a few minutes away from the conveniences in University Place including their award winning schools. Take 27th St W up the hill and soon you'll arrive at Harbor Greens, a specialty grocer that also has fresh deli choices! Grab some lunch to go and enjoy it on your boat when you get home! If you continue South on Bridgeport you'll find a plethora of choices such as Jersey Mike's Subs, Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Starbucks.
The master suite is also located on the main floor and has access to the waterfront deck. Stunning views can be enjoyed from the master suite. Keep an eye out for eagles soaring overhead!
The well appointed master bathroom has custom shower with dual shower heads, jetted tub, and a matching vanity.
Upstairs is the loft which makes a great media room, it also has an attached full bathroom. There are two bedrooms upstairs as well.
Make your way down to the lower level and you'll find a huge bonus room with access to the lower level deck!
This will surely be one of your favorite spaces in the house, especially when it is not ideal boating weather.
Looking back at the house from the dock. There is power and water at the dock, perfect for cleaning up after a day of crabbing or fishing! Watch the boat traffic go by from the Day Island Yacht Club
Grab your crew and climb aboard, if you're taking the night off as chef you can motor over to Boathouse 19 at the Tacoma Narrow's Marina. For a longer adventure take a cruise under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and head towards Gig Harbor. You can dine at Anthony's or enjoy seasonal dockside service at Tide's Tavern!
Pierce County Housing Report Supply vs. Demand
Last week I talked about the shortage of houses for sale in Pierce County being notably below the demand and how this condition makes the home buying and selling experience a little testy for many. Buyers have to make decisions quicker than they might otherwise like to, sellers face tricky waters getting their price right, and the negotiation process can have some tension that both may prefer to be without.
In the process of preparing that report I began to wonder; “Is demand really high or supply just super low?” I referenced some historical Pierce County housing data for perspective. The chart below represents 14 years of Pierce County housing activity. The bright green bars represent supply of homes; the dark green bars represent closings while the red line tracks Pending sales.
As soon as I prepared this graph the Pending line caught my attention, I call it the “Demand” line, and it is shown in red on this graph. When stepping back 14 years we can see there is certainly some fluctuation in the “Demand” line, but it looks relatively flat compared to the “Supply” line! Getting a little geeky I set out to measure the two, here’s what I learned after sifting through 14 years of data.
Next I wondered how often the demand or supply fluctuated higher or lower than 25% of the median. I wanted to know what, if anything is out of whack with our market “today”.
As you can see, in the last 14 years 63% of the time demand is within 25% of the median, and surprisingly has only been more than 25% above the median 22 out of 168 months (13%). Currently, demand for Pierce County housing as measured by 1st Quarter 2016 is in the high side of the “Normal” range. At 1,380 Pending sales it is 22% above our 14 year median. Not the same story for supply.
Our 1st Quarter supply average is 1,941 which is 61% below the median. Insert shocked face – here! – Pierce County is low on inventory! What is extraordinary about right now is the inventory has actually been in this “more than 25% below median” status for 29 of the last 36 months. Additionally, while I earlier stated that the 1st Quarter average demand is within the “norm”, if we only look at March demand it is 54% above the median making it one of the highest demand months in 14 years.
So what are we saying here?
Even though the market feels like there’s an extraordinary amount of pressure it’s been like this 80% of the last 3 years. March has us feeling market tensions in an exaggerated way due to a spike in demand along with the chronic low supply of homes we have been living with. It is also important to remember that the conditions described here are going to vary (sometimes a lot!) depending on where and what price range in Pierce County you are looking. This is one more reason why it is so important to have a Realtor at your side that can show you the #’s for your area. There are opportunities to sell into a High Demand/Low Supply sector and buy into a Normal Demand/Normal Supply sector. More on that next time!
First Quarter 2016 Pierce County Housing Report
You don't need me to tell you the market is great! The market is really back! Media is buzzing with positive housing news complete with rising prices, inventory shortages & bidding wars coupled with low interest rates and a strong economy! What's not to like? It is great, but like so many things there's two sides to the coin and the answer is, "it depends!" First, a look at the numbers for Pierce County as measured on March 31st.
Inventory – DOWN – 35%
Closings – UP – 16%
Median Price – UP – 9%
New Pending Contracts – UP – 28%
These year over year numbers are astounding. We have over 1/3 fewer homes offered for sale while at the same time we have an increase in the number of closings by nearly 1/3 creating a classic demand exceeding supply scenario. Pierce County houses are selling in an average of 59 days, the shortest length of time measured since July 2006.
In the past I've referred to sales ratios as being one of the most accurate way of describing the strength of the market. (To read a past description of Sales Ratios click here.) We know a balanced market has a sales ratio of 55%, currently the numbers give Pierce County a 95% sales ratio. We have nearly as many houses Pending as we do Active. Yikes! Another key measurement of a housing market is Months of Inventory. The target here for a normal "breathe through your nose" market is 3-5 months….Survey Says!! 1.4 !!
Most would say, "This is a great time to be a seller and a challenging time to be a buyer". There is some truth to that, but in reality, it can be a challenging time to be on either side of the table. Sellers naturally want to price their home accordingly to take advantage of the favorable market conditions and not leave any money on the table but proper pricing strategies right now can be elusive. Meantime, no buyer wants to "get in a bidding war" and the result is a tension from both sides that can get interesting. Consider this scenario that recently played out;
Our new listing just hit market – Within days we have two offers! No, wait three! Buyers are notified, "we have multiple offers!" First one raises offer – second stays put – third one goes dark! Aghh! Then, just before time to review and sign off, first one lowers to original amount…..oooookkkkayy! So second one goes away to chase another house. Wait!, first one has gone dark now too! What the..?! day goes by….first one is out! Good grief! Word is #2 didn't get the other house they were chasing….so go get #2, right?! Ohhhhh we can't! #2 has now decided house is too close to a relative she doesn't want to be so close to!
Day 15 – still on the market.
With the added tension of this fast paced market sometimes decisions have to be made quicker than we would like and the resulting flip flopping can be hard on everyone!
Despite the obvious inventory shortages and low market times it is not hard to find homes that have been on the market for 100 days or more. That shows us the market is not all forgiving and throwing any high price on a property will fail. For sellers it is a delicate balance between pushing the envelope and being realistic. For buyers, the last house is not the last house. Find good counsel in a trusted Realtor, have a pre-approved loan in your pocket, and the right house will come to you at the right time.
Markets seek balance and the current shortage of good homes will not last forever, it never does. Yes, prices are going up, and that erodes buying power. In the process new neighborhoods evolve as qualified buyers gentrify more affordable areas. The dream of having the right home to call your own is still obtainable.
Three Bedroom Rambler Blocks from Lake Steilacoom!
8204 South Way SW, Lakewood
The Essentials:
1,364 Sq. Ft.
7,227 Sq. Ft. Lot
3 Bedrooms / 1.75 Bathrooms
Fully Fenced and Landscaped Yard
Outbuilding with Skylight, Power, and Heat
Offered for $219,000
Click here to view the listing
Nestled in Lakewood this turn key 3 bedroom / 1.75 bathroom rambler sits on a fully landscaped, private lot. Just blocks from Steilacoom Lake and about a mile from Fort Steilacoom Park there is a plethora of outdoor options to enjoy within your neighborhood! Drop a fishing line off the Interlaaken Dr bridge and perhaps you'll enjoy a fresh catch of stoked Rainbow Trout to bring home for dinner! Or drop your boat at the Edgewater Park boat launch and take a cruise around the lake.
Enter into the foyer with easy to clean tile floors. Continue into the light and bright living room with a cozy wood burning fireplace that will keep you warm all year. The high efficiency gas furnace, vinyl windows, and complete weatherization package that the current owner invested in will provide efficient low cost utlity bills!
Around the corner is the dining room with a second wood burning fireplace. Enjoy tranquil views of the landscaped backyard while dining or step outside through the glass slider and dine alfresco.
Continue into the fully renovated kitchen. Crisp white shaker cabinets and an efficient layout greet you.
If you're taking the night off as chef there is a plethora of options available for dining out! Head over the Interlaaken Dr bridge across Steilacoom Lake and you'll find all that Lakewood Town Center has to offer! Catch a movie at AMC Lowes Theater or grab a burger and brew at the always popular Ram Resturant and Brewery. Visit the Lakewood Farmers Market Tuesdays beginning June 7th through September 13th from 10 am to 3 pm for fresh food, organic produce, crafts, and live entertainment.
Just beyond the kitchen you'll find the laundry room and an updated 3/4 bathroom. Perfect for cleaning up after working in the yard as the garage is straight ahead. No need to track dirt inside from your garden shoes.
There is also an updated full bathroom that services the three spacious bedrooms.
Step outside and you'll find yourself in a gardener's paradise. Enter through the pergola and leave your worries behind.
Mature plants with colors for every season await. The large patio is ideal for reading a book and enjoying a steaming hot beverage or sharing conversation with friends.
In the corner of the yard is an outbuilding that has a skylight, power, and heat. This could be a splendid potting shed, office, studio, artistic retreat, or…? The possibilities are endless!
Head West on Steilacoom Blvd SW and you'll soon find yourself in the charming waterfront city of Steilacoom. Play in the Puget Sound at Sunnyside Beach Park then grab a bite to eat at Steilacoom Pub and Grill while you watch the ferries come and go from Anderson and Ketron Islands. Play a casual round at Fort Steilacoom Golf Course or play like the pros at Chambers Bay, the site of the 2015 U.S. Open. You can also soak up the Olympic Mountain and Puget Sound views from the walking trails.
Ready to make this turn key home yours?
Historic English Cottage on a Shy Acre with Hales Passage View!
2821 Moorelands Ave NW, Gig Harbor
The Essentials:
2,255 Finished Sq. Ft.
2,920 Total Sq. Ft.
English Cottage Built in 1930
.905 Acre Lot with Rare and Unique plantings
3 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom
2 Car Detached Garage
Views of Hales Passage
Community Beach
Offered for $478,000
Click here to view the listing
"We had looked and looked for a special place. As soon as we drove into the driveway, I knew this was it. I was home." – Current Owner
Tucked away in the quaint maritime city of Gig Harbor just off Horsehead Bay Dr NW sits this stunning shy acre property overlooking Hales Passage filled with rare rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas, and lilacs that were brought from the second owner's homestead North Dakota in the 1930s. Steeped in history the English cottage was built by McAllister Moore, who was the namesake for the Moorelands plot.
The Moores farmed strawberries and holly and shipped it nationally beginning in 1929. The current owners, the Nelsons, purchased the property in 1969 and continued the holly farm tradition, starting "The Holly Yard and Gardens" in the 1970s. Their sons, Eric and Brian, continued cutting holly for local businesses until 2012. Holly was cut and farmed on this property for nearly 88 years!
As you enter this historic home you are greeted by clear fir paneled walls from local mills, and handsome red oak flooring. The home was heated originally by a coal furnace, which has been since converted to forced air electric.
Continue into the kitchen which overlooks the sunroom and patio. The original cabinets are intact.
A unique feature in the kitchen are the pull-out breadboard steps Mrs. Moore had installed to assist her in reaching the cupboards as she was very slight in stature.
The sunroom is fondly remembered as a gathering place for the Nelsons. Many wonderful meals and conversations were shared while overlooking the English garden.
Continue onto the sunny patio and you'll find yourself in a bird watcher's paradise. Migrating Cedar Waxwings, Robins, Humming Birds, Finches, and other birds pass through the property with the seasons.
The Nelsons cleared the property for the garage, garden, and circular drive. This was formally where some of the holly trees were located.
Historical touches are found throughout the property. The workbench in the garage was salvaged by Borgan's Lumber and is made from ship decking.
Upstairs you'll find a nautical themed room that was added by the Nelsons. If the new owners added dormers, the view would be spectacular of Hales Passage, Fox Island, and a peek-a-boo view of Mt. Rainier.
Make your way down to the community beach which is the perfect spot for picnicking, boating, beach walks, and sunset beach bonfires.
If you are looking for some more room to roam you're only 3.5 miles or a quick 9 minute drive from Kopachuck State Park, a 109 acre marine park with 5,600 feet of saltwater shoreline. You can also visit the Horsehead Bay public boat launch if you have a larger vessel. Stop into Arletta Store for fuel, ice for your cooler, or an ice cream cone on a summer day. They always have a smile waiting for you! Across the street is Hales Pass Park the home of Arletta Playfield, 2 outdoor tennis courts, and a community center.
Ready to call this historical English cottage and gardens your own?
