Gig Harbor Washington...It's the lifestyle!

A happy little gewurztraminer, a seat by "The Harbor" and thou! Life doesn't get any better than that. Whether on the water, at one of the waysides at water's edge or dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants Gig Harbor is the place to be. If you need expert relocation assistance to this Historic Maritime Community please contact me through my blog.

More of John Hogan's "economic green shoots"!

At the July Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Gig Harbor native and developer of the Uptown Shopping Center, John Hogan spoke optomistically about signs of the approaching end of the recession. Calling them "economic green shoots" he pointed out numerous early indicators that the mood and confidence in the nation was beginning to change.

Yesterday the AP revealed another "economic green shoot". For the first time in a long time there has been a quarterly increase in the index of home values nationwide. Though still nearly 30% below the values in 2006, any sign that the free fall in home prices is slowing is excellent news.

Another very positive sign is the recent increase in inquiries by developers about vacant land in the Gig Harbor area. There is great interest in creating new lifestyle neighborhoods to match the unique Maritime and historic ambience of "The Harbor". One of the very attractive amenities that developers have in their sights is the Cushman Trail. When complete the trail will provide a scenic connection all the way from the Narrows Bridge to the Uptown Shopping Center.

Bordering on the trail, I currently have three different listings with amazing residential development potential totaling over 52 acres. Each is located in the city limits and very nearby all of the most desireable features of Gig Harbor. For more information please contact me through my blog or at Karin Kay Properties.

Oops! Is America's bottom showing?

It may still be too early to tell for sure but there are signs that the real estate value free-fall is bottoming out. The AP reports today that for the first time in a long time that nation wide home values had a quarterly increase. Though overall the values are still some 30% lower than 2006 we may be beginning the long slow process of revaluation.

As I have mentioned in previous blogs the Bremerton/Silverdale area was not hit as hard over the last three years as most of the nation. In fact Kitsap County Wa is predicted to be the #1 real estate market in the nation over the next ten years.

In answer to the increasing demand in this area for new housing, new neighborhoods and excellent relocation assistance Karin Kay Properties has long been recognized as #1.\

Whether you are planning a move to this area, or are a developer wanting to locate your next project in the most vibrant, growing and scenic area of America please call Rob at Karin Kay Properties.

Bremerton Silverdale Real Estate Market is Number One!

US News and World Report sure got it right this time. In a recent article this prominent publication confirmed what was already obvious to all who live in or plan to invest in real estate in the Kitsap county area. We are #1!

According to their projections the Bremerton Silverdale area will maintain it's #1 status for the next 10 years. This is particularly good news to those who are planning a long term investment in real estate or who are interested in developing new neighborhoods in a growing and vibrant area.

If this includes you, or if you are a builder looking for land to develop, or a an investor looking for rental properties with a long term up side, or you are moving to this area to find your next home, contact the #1 agency in the #1 area of the nation, Karin Kay Properties!

Blackjack Creek in Port Orchard, Washington

From its headwaters west of Puget Sound quiet Blackjack Creek flows, almost unnoticed, through fertile farmland and past a bustling new commercial district. Ultimately cascading through a pristine natural wooded ravine, it has spent thousands of years carving in its quest to join the waters of South Puget Sound. The outflow is at the historic waterfront town of Port Orchard, Washington.

Like so many of the environmentally sensitve communities in SW Washington, Port Orchard has an extensive plan for revitalizing its quaint turn-of-the-century downtown district. ( See Kitsap Sun articles, Paint The Town and Port Orchard seeks grant for Blackjack Creek) One of the amenities planned for that development is a walking trail that would meander along Blackjack Creek from the downtown area to the new upper Port Orchard commercial district which is developing rapidly near the intersection of SR 16 and Segwick Rd.

One of the great beneficiaries of this new trail system will be the residents of the Blackjack Creek neighborhood. This is a new planned community of affordably priced homes at the foot of Goldenrod Street and bordering on the forest reserve surrounding the creek. The feel of this community within a community is that you are miles from the hustle and bustle yet only minutes from everything. The sounds enjoyed most by the new neighbors here will be the breeze in the trees and the music of the endless variety of song birds found here.

If you are looking for your new hideaway check out the Maritime Community of Port Orchard Washington and it's newest lifestyle neighborhood Blackjack Creek offerred by Karin Kay Properties (an SDC Homes community)

First words from Rob Rieder

Today I feel a lot like our two youngest grandchildren Ella and Ryan. They too are just speaking their first words.

As a Vietnam infantry veteran, graduate of University Of Puget Sound (71) blessed husband of 40 years, father of 5, grandfather of 12 (so far) and real estate professional, someone suggested that I might like to have a blog as a place to exchange thoughts on our life and times.

It is my plan to share information and stories from family, friends, neighborhood and my work which is why I chose the name "Notes from the Narrows" for my blog. I live and work on both sides of the Narrows Bridge which connects Tacoma and Gig Harbor Washington. (Some days I think I can see smoke coming from the Good to Go commuter pass on my windshield.)

I must close for now but in the words of my wonderful bride no matter what the day might bring, "All shall be most well"