Three Bedroom Rambler in South Tacoma
6440 S Gove St, Tacoma
The Essentials:
1,168 Sq. Ft.
6,900 Sq. Ft. Lot
3 Bedrooms
1.75 Bathrooms
1 Car Detached Garage
Offered for $199,950
Click here to view the listing
Nestled in the Manitou neighborhood of South Tacoma this charming 3 bedroom rambler has been recently refreshed and is move in ready! This commuter friendly location is only 20 minutes to Joint Fort Lewis McCord or Downtown Tacoma!
The light and bright kitchen boasts new contemporary cabinets, slab granite counter tops, and stainless steel appliances that stay with the home. There is ample storage space. You're only a 10 minute walk from Metro Parks Star Center where you can visit the Treetops Playgrounds, purchase a membership to their fitness center, take a cooking and nutrition class, or on Sundays June 5th – August 28th, visit the South Tacoma Farmers Market and bring home local fruits, vegetables, meats, bakery products or handcrafted items while enjoying live entertainment! When the farmer's market isn't running you can head West on S 74th and you'll find yourself at H&L Produce, a small local grocer that has been a staple in Tacoma since 1985.
The dining room is spacious and overlooks the side yard. It is bathed in soft natural light. The living room is to the left through the doorway. If you're taking the night off as chef Montezuma's Mexican Restaurant is only a mile away! Continue on S 56th St and you'll find Starbucks, Stonegate Pizza and Rum Bar or Dawnson's Grill and Bar.
The full bathroom has been updated as well with a contemporary tile tub surround with an glass tile inlay as well as a new vanity. This bathroom is located near the kitchen and is ideal for guests.
There is also an updated 3/4 bathroom shared by the front two bedrooms for convenience!
If you are looking for more room to roam than the 6,900 sq. ft. lot then you can cross over I-5 and find yourself at an oasis in the city, Wapato Park. Enjoy strolling around the picturesque lake, or take your four legged friend to the off-leash dog portion of the park! Meadow Park Golf Course is also an excellent option with both Golf and FootGolf courses available as well as professional golf lessons for all ages!
Click here to schedule a showing
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?
Move in Ready 2 Bedroom Rambler in North Tacoma!
1320 N Cheyenne St, Tacoma
The Essentials:
1,052 Sq. Ft.
6,000 Sq. Ft. Lot
2 Bedrooms / 1.75 Bathroms
Attached 2 Car Garage
Offered for $309,950
Sitting proudly on a manicured 6,000 sq. ft. lot in North Tacoma this 2 bedroom rambler is completely move in ready! Recent upgrades include a new roof, 95.5% high efficiency natural gas furnace, new heat pump, all new flooring, and a gas fireplace with custom ledgestone mantle! Nestled between Orchard St and Stevens St you are within walking distance of both Wilson High School and Jefferson Elementary School.
Step into the living room past the entry and you are greeted by brand new flooring and the handsome gas fireplace that will keep you cozy all year round. The large front window bathes the room in soft natural light.
Continue into the dining area of the kitchen, with easy access to the covered patio, one of the current owner's favorite things about the home!
Step out to the to the covered patio where you can grill all year long and dine alfresco! The glass sliding door allows ample natural light into the kitchen.
The kitchen has ample cabinet and counter space and overlooks the covered patio.
Durable tile floors are found throughout the dining, kitchen, and laundry area making cleaning up a breeze! The natural gas range is sure to please the at home chef. If you're dining out there are a plethora of options within walking and driving distance to suit your taste! El Toro boats delicious margaritas and authentic Mexican fare and is a quick 4 minute drive, or walk there in 25 minutes. Head to Proctor District where you can stroll the quaint shops or catch a movie at Blue Mouse Theater. Don't miss the Proctor Farmer's Market Saturday's from 9 am – 2 pm where you can purchase fresh local produce, meat, seafood, and crafts!.
Conveniently located just past the kitchen is the laundry room with extra storage above. There is also a 3/4 bathroom.
There are two spacious bedrooms, the master bedroom has dual closets.
The spare room is bathed in natural light from the two windows.
There is also a tastefully updated full bathroom next to the bedrooms.
Step outside and you're greeted by a private, landscaped backyard with lush grass for playing, garden space for planting flowers or an at home kitchen garden. You're only a mile from McLendon Hardware where you can fulfill all your gardening desires! If you're looking for more room to roam you're a mile from Kandle Park where you can enjoy walking trails, a basketball court, wave pool, lap pool lanes, and a separate sprayground! You're also less than a mile from Jefferson Park, a quick 15 minute walk, where there are baseball, softball, and soccer/football fields and a sprayground! Stop by Valhalla Coffee on 6th Ave and enjoy some of the best coffee in Tacoma! You're also only a mile from the University of Puget Sound where you can enjoy collegiate sporting events, strolling the manicured grounds, or visit the Kittredge Art Gallery.
The garden shed was built on slab and has electrical conduit piped to it for easy customization and upgrading! Keep your cars in the garage and store all of your yard equipment in here, or let your imagination run wild, this could be your artistic retreat, yoga studio, deluxe playhouse, or man cave. The paver patio is perfect for outdoor dining!
There is plenty of room for vehicles or a workshop in the attached two car garage. You'll find the newer high efficiency furnace here.
Another view of the landscaped corner lot and front entry of the home.
Fox Island View Lot for Sale!
124 Alki Dr, Fox Island
The Essentials:
1.92 Acre Lot
View of Fox Island Bridge and Mt. Rainier
Water and Electricity Service Available
Offered for $199,950
Click here to view the listing
Just a quick drive over the Fox Island Bridge from Gig Harbor and you'll find yourself on breathtaking Fox Island, an island oasis just minutes from all major conveniences.
Wind your way up Alki Drive to the end of the road and you'll find the large 1.92 acre lot proudly overlooking the water and Fox Island Bridge. On a clear day you are rewarded with a stunning view of Mt. Rainier. Multiple building sites gives you plenty of options to build your dream home! Fox Island Mutual Water Association share is included in the sale, so no need to dig a well! The property also perked with flying colors 8 years ago.
The road is paved to the property making access easy!
Fox Island is a unique community, you'll feel like you're living out in the county while you're only 15 minutes from Hwy 16! Take a 10 minute walk to the Fox Island Sand Spit to enjoy a picnic, beach walk, or go swimming in the summer! Watch the boat traffic from here! Stop by Zog's to enjoy beer, wine, and snacks, it's even family friendly! Grab takeout and a movie from the Fox Island Grocery & Deli if you're taking the night off as chef.
If you're passionate about boating look no further than the Fox Island Yacht Club which sits on 17 gorgeous acres fronting Cedrona Bay. A quick 9 minute drive to the southeast side of the island and you'll find the perfect spot for large gatherings as they offer a 4,400 sq. ft. clubhouse, 150 ft. of floating dock, sport court, an outdoor play area and dance floor!
The Historical Society is a great spot to visit to learn more about the history of Fox Island and has more than 3000 artifacts on display. It is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Acheson Cabin, pictured above, was built in 1908 as a summer cabin on Fox Island by the Acheson Family. Lila Acheson Wallace, the co-founder of Reader's Digest, provided a generous donation to move and restore her family's cabin. In May 2015 the cabin was accepted into the Washington State Historic Registry.
Fox Island's vibrant community that is rich with history is awaiting you! Let your dreams become reality at 124 Alki Drive, Fox Island by building your custom dream home with stunning views.
Recently Refreshed Four Bedroom Home in Tacoma!
1925 E 60th St, Tacoma
The Essentials:
1,374 Sq. Ft.
6,600 Sq. Ft. Lot
4 Bedrooms / 1.75 Bathrooms
1 Car Attached Garage
Offered for $194,950
Click here to view the listing
Pass through the foyer and upstairs you will find the light and bright living room in this recently refreshed four bedroom home nestled in East Tacoma. Tucked between Portland Ave E and Swan Creek this quiet established neighborhood is the perfect place to call home.
Spacious living room with energy efficient vinyl windows will help with your heating costs! The handsome wood burning fireplace will keep you cozy on dreary days.
The recently refreshed kitchen will please even the most discerning eye. Timeless dark wood cabinets accented with slab granite countertops and stainless steel appliances that stay with the home greet you. The window overlooks the fully fenced backyard, perfect for keeping an eye on activities. There is also a deck off the dining room perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco. Safeway is conveniently a mile south on 72nd St E. You can also visit the Eastside Farmers Market Wednesdays from 3-7 pm June 1st through August 31st for fresh and local produce, flowers, honey, and baked goods! If you're taking the night off as chef local favorites such as Stanley and Seafort's or Top of Tacoma are both less than 10 minutes away by car!
The master bedroom is on the upper level and the full bathroom is Jack & Jill style with access from the hall or the master bedroom! The second bedroom is across from the full bathroom.
Downstairs you'll find two more spacious bedrooms, a three quarter bathroom, and access to the 1 car garage! Forced air heat and a brand new composition roof as well.
Cloverdale Park is within walking distance and encompasses 2.24 acres with a basketball court, picnic shelter, and playground. Stop into Portland Avenue Nursery for landscaping advice and offers a huge variety of trees, annuals, perennials, and gifts! Swan Creek Park is a little further north but is worth the trip! There are 373 acres to explore and boasts mountain biking trails as well as hiking, bird watching, and picnicking.
Click here to schedule a showing
4 Bedroom Rambler on a .62 Acre Lot!
11410 40th St E, Tacoma
1,100 Sq. Ft.
4 Bedrooms / 1 Bathroom
.62 Acre Lot
1 Car Detached Garage
Offered for $189,900
Click here to view the listing
Nestled in Tacoma just minutes from all of the conveniences on Canyon Rd in Puyallup this 4 bedroom rambler is recently refreshed and sits on a huge .62 acre lot. The crisp white kitchen features new counter tops and stainless steel appliances that stay with the home. There is an utility room off the kitchen and access to the huge backyard, perfect for bringing in the day's harvest for home gardeners!
The living room has brand new neutral carpeting and the dining area has easy to clean vinyl flooring. The light and bright home has energy efficient vinyl windows!
One of the four bedrooms. There is plenty of room to grow in this home!
Full bathroom with a contemporary tile tub surround with glass tile inlay.
Sitting on a quiet dead end road yet minutes from Hwy 512 commuting is a breeze. It's a quick 15 minute drive to Joint Fort Lewis-McCord. Pick up tonight's dinner at Safeway on Canyon or grab dinner and drinks at El Toro. If you're looking for garden ideas head to McLendon or Linda's Gardening & Hydroponics. If you're headed to Mt. Rainier the location is ideal, you can hop on the 410 and visit the Sunrise area or head to Paradise to take in the wildflower meadows.
Click here to schedule a showing