Kids Pick Blueberries at Bow Hill Blueberry Farm, Learn About Agriculture

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - News & Events

Left Handers Day, August 13th - Official Site #lefthandersday

Left Handers Day, August 13th - Official Site #lefthandersday: Happy Left-Handers Day!

Competition among home buyers "still fierce;" rising interest rates adding to fury

NWMLS, Kirkland, WA, June 5, 2013 – Well-priced homes continue to draw multiple offers and sell at a brisk pace around Western Washington as buyers react to increases in interest rates and asking prices. 

Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported double-digit gains in several key indicators it tracks for the 21 counties in its service area. Compared to a year ago, the number of new listings climbed 16 percent, pending sales increased about 10 percent, closed sales jumped nearly 22 percent, and prices rose more than 13 percent. Despite gains in listing activity, inventory remains tight.

Commenting on the latest report, brokers said the fast pace is frustrating some buyers -- and surprising sellers with unrealistic expectations. One broker cautioned against an overheated market. "We do not want a market that escalates too fast and topples again," commented Frank Wilson, Kitsap district manager at John L. Scott Real Estate and branch managing broker for its Poulsbo/Kingston office.

"Overly aggressive sellers find themselves disappointed when no or low offers are presented," remarked Northwest MLS director Kathy Estey, the managing broker at John L. Scott in downtown Bellevue. 

With inventory apparently improving, some would-be buyers are staying on the sidelines. The increased inventory is "cooling some buyers," reported George Moorhead, managing broker at Bentley Properties in Mill Creek and a member of the MLS board of directors. "We also have buyers who are stepping back as they are frustrated with current inventory and multiple offers going well above asking price," he added.

Inventory showed signs of improving with the addition of 11,445 new listings during May, the highest number since April 2010. May's total outgained the year-ago figure of 9,861 new listings for a 16 percent gain.

"It has been refreshing to see more listings coming on the market, but with overall inventory remaining low the competition among buyers is still fierce for homes that are priced properly," commented Estey.

At month end, there were 21,943 total active listings in the Northwest MLS database, a drop of 4,248 from the same time a year ago for a decline of more than 16 percent. 

Buyers looking for condominiums will find slim pickings. Condos currently account for only about 10 percent of the available inventory. The area-wide selection, which numbers 2,253 listings, is down more than 26 percent from a year ago.  

Brokers reported nearly as many pending sales system-wide (10,045) as new listings (11,445). Nine counties reported year-over-year gains in pending sales that exceeded 30 percent (Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Kitsap, Lewis, and Okanogan).

Most metro area counties had more modest gains in pending sales: King (up 6 percent) Snohomish (down 5.8 percent) and Pierce (up 10.6 percent).

Closed sales continue to track well ahead of a year ago. During May, members tallied 7,349 completed transactions, outpacing the year ago total of 6,027 by nearly 22 percent. 

Prices jumped 13.4 percent from twelve months ago, rising from an area-wide median selling price of $242,500 to last month's price of $275,000. The median price for homes and condos that sold in both King County and San Juan County was $375,000 ($100,000 higher than the area-wide figure). In King County, that represented a gain of 15.4 percent, while for San Juan County prices edged up only about 1.8 percent compared to a year ago.

"We're seeing the trajectory of home prices beginning to soften and the number of days on the market decline," observed Mike Grady, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Bain, adding, "The trends suggest inventory levels are slightly more sustainable, but we're still clearly in a seller's market. For the foreseeable future, buyers will continue to pay more the longer they wait to purchase a home."

Frank Wilson, who is also a board member for Northwest MLS, said recent market activity is affecting home values. In Kitsap County, where his office is located, brokers added 575 new listings to inventory during May, improving on the year-ago total of 515. During the same period, MLS members reported 567 pending sales to soar past the year ago figure of 414 sales for an increase of nearly 40 percent. Median selling prices in Kitsap County rose 5.3 percent, from the year-ago figure of $228,000 to $240,000. 

"Slow and steady is the key here," Wilson cautioned, while also raising concern about low appraisals, which he described as the "inchworm effect" of the market. "As prices begin to appreciate we will continue to see challenges with low appraisals," he predicted.   

Moorhead said increased activity is very noticeable, with mixed outcomes. "We are seeing multiple offers at 5-to-12 percent over list price in highly sought-after areas," he reported, but also noted "there are other homes on the market that are not selling with no real reason why."

Some brokers also commented on rising interest rates.

Wilson said the biggest effect of the upswing in the real estate market has been the erosion of a buyer's buying power. In May alone, interest rates jumped almost 0.75 percent, he noted, which reduces a buyer's ability to purchase a $350,000 home by almost $31,000. Coupled with an increase in price, he said it "creates a compounding affect, which will frustrate buyers in today's market."  

Estey said interest rate increases are "adding fury to the already frenzied buyers who must finance their purchase."  A one-half percentage point increase in interest rates reduces buying power by 5 percent, she explained, adding, "so as prices increase about a percentage a month, the feeling of urgency mounts too." 

Commenting on the challenges buyers are encountering, Estey said, "The joy of buying a home in today's market is in the long-term result of settling in, but the competitive process is sometimes not so joyful! Hiring the right broker who can add some fun elements and insights while wisely guiding buyers through the decision process can make a huge difference," she suggests.

Federal officials are downplaying rising interest rates. In a recent interview, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist, commented on the latest rise that marked three consecutive weeks of increases. "While this may slow some of the refinance momentum, rates are nonetheless low and home-buyer affordability high, which should further aid home sales and construction in coming weeks," he remarked, adding, "The rates are also lower today than they were a year ago at this time."

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 21,000 real estate brokers. The organization, based in Kirkland, Wash., currently serves 21 counties in Washington state.

###

Copyright © 2013 Northwest Multiple Listing Service
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This material may not be copied, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior permission.

Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency in Puget Sound

Thank you Eagle Leather for this great information.  I love riding motorcycles around the Puget Sound Region while I'm touring and previewing properties for my clients.  some of these bikes listed are big enough to have sidecars so they could be very efficient commuter vehicles.

Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency
The Royal Enfield tops this list

As we referenced in our April 16th newsletter, the EPA is currently lobbying to have 75% of all motorcycles run on clean diesel fuel by 2017, with 100 mpg coming “quicker than you think.” Most manufacturers are less than pleased with the EPA push, but some are already putting out motorcycles that already earn anywhere from 60-90 mpg.

     

Gas prices are high at the pump, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. A vast majority of prospective motorcycle buyers, especially first-timers, cite fuel efficiency as the #1 reason for trading in their car or truck for a bike. Even the worst gas guzzling motorcycles still get better mpg than the most fuel efficient cars and trucks.

     

With advances in engine technology, fuel-injection technology, and tire technology, some bikes are becoming really efficient… we’re talking about 60+ mpg. Let’s take a look at ten of the best fuel efficient motorcycles:
       
        1. Honda NC700X – delivers up to 64 mpg and some owners are reporting even higher.

        2. Honda CRF250L – giving riders a reported 73 mpg according to American Honda.

        3. BMW F650GS – a larger street bike with little-bike mileage, a reported 63 mpg.

        4. Yamaha V Star 1300 – this touring bike has a big footprint, but a small appetite for fuel - 78 mpg.

        5. Suzuki TU250X – earning nearly 80 mpg according to some reports.

        6. Kawasaki Ninja 250R – a smaller version of the popular Ninja racer with a reported 77 mpg.

        7. Kawasaki KLX250S – this dual-sport bike performs at 70 mpg.

        8. Honda CMX250C – popular with younger and female riders, this puppy gets 84 mpg.

        9. Royal Enfield – the 250cc single-cylinder bike gets a reported 85 mpg, the highest on this list.

      10. Suzuki DR200SE – good both on-road and off-road, this bike gets an estimated 68 mpg.

     

If fuel efficiency is at the top of your list of motorcycle “must haves,” you might want to give one from the list above a try!

Old Tacoma totem pole 'should be laid to rest' | Local News | The Seattle Times

Old Tacoma totem pole 'should be laid to rest' | Local News | The Seattle Times: Old Tacoma totem pole 'should be laid to rest'
A group of people helping decide what to do with a failing totem pole in Tacoma says the century-old landmark should be taken down and left to decay in a public place as part of the city's living history.

The Associated Press

TACOMA, Wash. —
A group of people helping decide what to do with a failing totem pole in Tacoma says the century-old landmark should be taken down and left to decay in a public place as part of the city's living history.

Puyallup group will help homeless | Northwest News | The Bellingham Herald

Puyallup group will help homeless | Northwest News | The Bellingham Herald: The city of Puyallup is accepting applications from citizens interested in serving on a homelessness task force.

The group will research issues related to homelessness and work to find solutions to problems surrounding it.

The task force will include representatives from Puyallup’s business community, a mental health service provider and Puyallup police. Freezing Nights, a group that provides nightly shelter for the city’s homeless from November to March, will be represented as well.

Washington named most bike friendly state for sixth year in a row | The Adventure Guys - The News Tribune

Washington named most bike friendly state for sixth year in a row | The Adventure Guys - The News Tribune: For the sixth year in a row Washington tops the list of the nation’s most bike friendly states, the League of American Bicyclists announced this morning, the first day of National Bike Month.

“I’m proud that Washington state has again claimed the mantle of the most bicycle-friendly state in America,” Governor Jay Inslee, an avid cyclist, said in statement released by the league. “Here in Washington, we recognize a 21st-century transportation system not only�includes roads, rail, airports, transit, and ferries, but also bike lanes, sidewalks and trails. Bicycles create jobs, connect communities, and give Washingtonians healthier choices to get around.

In the same statement, Washington State Department of Transportation secretary Lynn Peterson said, “We’re pleased to again be number one; bicycles play an important role in managing our transportation system. As we continue to find efficiencies in our system, we look forward to partnering with organizations like the Bicycle Alliance of Washington to improve safety and grow bicycling statewide.”

Ideas for Kids Projects | Outdoor Home Improvement | HouseLogic

Ideas for Kids Projects | Outdoor Home Improvement | HouseLogic: 6 Outdoor Projects You Can Do With Your Kids
Published: July 13, 2012 By: John Riha

Get your kids outside and spark their creativity with fun, simple home improvement projects. Plus, you’ll boost your curb appeal.

Easy Landscaping | Easy Maintenance Landscaping | HouseLogic Yard Tips

Easy Landscaping | Easy Maintenance Landscaping | HouseLogic Yard Tips: 5 Awesomely Easy Landscaping Projects
Published: February 26, 2013 By: Dave Toht

Ramp up your curb appeal with cool landscaping projects you can easily pull off in a weekend.

Front Door Entry Ideas for Under $100 | Front Design for Home

Front Door Entry Ideas for Under $100 | Front Design for Home: 11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100
Published: November 05, 2012 By: Cara Greenberg
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Home Improvement Curb Appeal
Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door.

Soccer-specific stadium could be part of Tacoma USL-Pro franchise, Rainiers owner says - Sounder At Heart

Soccer-specific stadium could be part of Tacoma USL-Pro franchise, Rainiers owner says - Sounder At Heart: Putting a USL-Pro franchise in Tacoma makes sense from so many levels for the Seattle Sounders. The biggest hangup, it seems, is having an appropriate place to play. Although Sunday's Reserve League match against Orlando City will be played at the Tacoma Rainiers' Cheney Stadium, there are obvious concerns about how that might work in the long term.

Now comes word directly from Rainiers ownership that, if all goes well, they'd at least be willing to explore the possibility of building a soccer-specific stadium with the idea of housing a Sounders-affiliated team.

Day trip: Tacoma museums | Travel | The Seattle Times

Day trip: Tacoma museums | Travel | The Seattle Times: Day trip: Tacoma museums
Over the past 17 years, Tacoma’s Museum Row, along Pacific Avenue, has developed into a place to spend a pleasantly informative, dawdling day.

Tacoma's Foss waterfront museum ready to shine | Business - The News Tribune

Tacoma's Foss waterfront museum ready to shine | Business - The News Tribune: Tacoma's Foss waterfront museum ready to shine
Hundred-pound sacks of wheat stacked taller than a man once filled warehouses that ran for a mile between the rails of the Northern Pacific and the ships moored along City Waterway.

After 26 years, football returns to Tacoma middle schools | KPLU News for Seattle and the Northwest

After 26 years, football returns to Tacoma middle schools | KPLU News for Seattle and the Northwest: Middle school football teams hit the gridiron this week in Tacoma for the first time since the Reagan administration. It’s been 26 years since the school district transitioned from a junior high system, and canceled almost all middle school athletics.

Now some creative fundraising has allowed both boys and girls to don pads and helmets, and go knock the stuffing out of each other.

Seattle looking at possible 2024 Olympic bid - - MyNorthwest.com

Seattle looking at possible 2024 Olympic bid - - MyNorthwest.com: A lot of people believe Seattle had a good shot at getting the 2012 Olympic Games that ended up in London. But despite some deep-pocketed backing, the City Council killed the effort before it got off the ground. Now, there's talk the city could again be making a move to host the 2024 Summer games.

According to SportspressNW.com, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn's office has asked the Seattle Sports Commission to enter into "informal" talks with the United States Olympic Committee about a possible bid. The move follows a generic inquiry sent by USOC to 35 major cities that had either previously expressed an interest in bidding or were among the 25 biggest U.S. markets.

200 Longshore Jobs Open Up in Tacoma

There are more than 200 new jobs up for grabs in Tacoma this week and even without flashy advertising, interest in union longshore work is high in the South Puget Sound and hundreds have thrown their hats in the ring.

The 226 “unidentified causal” longshore jobs are offered by Tacoma’s Longshore Union, in conjunction with waterfront employers represented by the Pacific Maritime Association.

Workers will be selected through a job lottery; the openings have only been advertised in The Tacoma News Tribune and careerbuilder.com.

Interested applicants must submit their basic information and signature on a postcard to Joint Port Labor Relations Committee; it must be postmarked no later than midnight on Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

While these general labor positions are entry-level, regular longshore workers can make over $100,000 per year said the TNT; CareerBuilder estimates that the average salary for “longshore work” in Tacoma is $45,000 per year.

Our biggest sign of spring: Gray whales are back | Field Notes | Seattle Times

It's time to start visiting the State Parks on Whidbey & Camano Islands, the whales are back!

Our biggest sign of spring: Gray whales are back | Field Notes | Seattle Times: What’s bigger than a swallow — and brings just as good news? Gray whales, Washington’s biggest sign of spring.

The resident gray whales are back in� Whidbey and Camano Island waters once again.

The Orca Network’s Whale Sighting Network received its first report of a North Puget Sound Gray Whale on Feb. 4, and in the past few weeks have received reports identifying several North Puget Sound grays returning to feed in Saratoga Passage, from Polnell Pt. to Port Susan and Possession Sound.

Anacortes Salmon Derby March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get on waiting list | Reel Time Fishing Northwest | Seattle Times

Anacortes Salmon Derby March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get on waiting list | Reel Time Fishing Northwest | Seattle Times: The Anacortes Salmon Derby on March 30-31 is sold out, but anglers can still get a place on the waiting list.

The event is hosted by volunteer members of the Fidalgo-San Juan Islands Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers. The derby raises funds for scholarships that benefit students pursuing careers in fishery management and related science. More than $163,000 in scholarships and grants have been awarded to date.

For more information visit the Anacortes Salmon Derby website.

Celebrate State Parks' 100th birthday with free events | HeraldNet.com - Life

Celebrate State Parks' 100th birthday with free events | HeraldNet.com - Life: Washington State Parks will soon celebrate its 100th birthday. The state parks system is one of the oldest in the nation, established on March 19, 1913.

In honor of the birthday, all state parks will have free entry March 30.

You'll love one of Pierce County's largest cities, Tacoma!

Union Station Historic District/University of WashingtonLocated along Pacific Avenue, from 21st to 17th, this neighborhood contains some of the best examples of Tacoma’s historic architecture. It also offers great shopping, dining, and nightlife. Union Station displays a grand chandelier designed by Dale Chihuly, and a beautiful restoration of the building, which is now occupied by our federal court house.

Museum RowFrom the Museum of Glass on the waterfront, to the Washington History Museum next to historic Union Station, to the Tacoma Art Museum on Pacific Avenue, Tacoma offers some of the finest museum experiences in the nation. Walk across the Bridge of Glass and you will experience beautiful Chihuly glass along with spectacular views of Tacoma’s unique architecture. The Downtown area is also home to the Working Waterfront Museum, and the LeMay – America’s Car Museum.

Downtown’s Theater District has many unique Mini-Neighborhoods:
	Theater Square Long known for its contribution to the performing arts, this district spans Broadway, from 9th to 11th, and South 9th, from Market to Commerce. With theaters like the Pantages, and the Rialto, there is always a show to see. The neighborhood also boasts fine dining, fine jewelry and art, and is the seat of Downtown’s Christmas Tree and New Years Eve Celebration, First Night.
	Antique Row Historic Antique Row on Broadway and St. Helens, between 9th and 7th, is famous for its vast variety of vintage and antique goods.
	Opera Alley One of Downtown’s oldest and newest districts, this little slice of Tacoma is a collection of beautifully restored buildings. It is anchored by a café, a yarn shop and an interior décor shop, and offers many other retail shops. Stroll along St. Helen’s, north of 9th, and veer off to the right, just past the guitar shop. It’s a step back in time to a more genteel era.
	The Triangle District A business district in the Center of the Universe of Tacoma – covering the area from 6th & Tacoma Ave to 9th & Broadway – and parts in between.
	Historic Pacific Located on a dramatic bluff over-looking Commencement Bay, Tacoma’s Historic Pacific District reflects the city’s political, economic, and cultural past in significant architectural buildings and places such as Old City Hall, the Northern Pacific Building, and Fireman’s Park. The area bustles with activity from a wide variety of trendy restaurants, cozy pubs, eclectic gift shops, and restorative boutique salons and spas to infuse panache and vitality into your body and soul.

The Rhododendron Cafe in the Skagit Valley is one of our favorite places to stop and eat after a great sidecar ride down the Scenic Chuckanut Drive from Historic Fairhaven!

Open  Lunch and Dinner : Wednesday—Sunday (11:30 am —  9 pm)
 Open at 9 am Saturday and Sunday for Breakfast
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays 

 Ethnic Odyssey 2013 ~ our 30th Year!

Explore the World with us as we feature a different cuisine each month !
February:  Cooking around the Mediterranean
   Featuring Greece, North Africa, and more!
March:  American Regional Cooking
   A tour of some of our own Cooking styles !
April:  Spain and Portugal
   Regional Cooking throughout the Iberian Peninsula
May:  Lands of Spice
   From South of the Border to India & Asia,
June:  French and European Cooking
   Culinary tour of Western & Northern Europe
July:  Island Cooking
   Caribbean, South Pacific, Hawaii, and More
August:  Skagit Harvest  &  Northwest Cooking
   Featuring the Bounty of Skagit & the Northwest
September:  Middle East and Africa
   Exotic flavors from Persia to South Africa
October:  Foods of Fall & Best of the Rhody

Location
The Rhododendron Cafe is located on the famous Chuckanut
Drive as it drops into the beautiful Skagit Valley.
Specifically, we are at the intersection of Chuckanut Drive
and Bow Hill Road - across from the Bow, Washington Post
Office.
5521 Chuckanut Drive
Bow, Washington 98232

Directions
From Bellingham and Points North - For a drive on a National
Scenic Byway, travel south on Chuckanut Drive(Beware that
Chuckanut Drive was built to the narrower standards of the
1920's and twists and turns along the cliff as it follows
the shore - caution is urged.) For a quicker trip, take I-5
South to Bow Hill Road, turning right as you exit. We are on
your right when you reach the first stop sign.(1+ miles)

From Mount Vernon and Points South - Exit at Chuckanut Drive
(North end of Burlington), continue through the roundabout
until you are headed over the bridge over I-5.

Reservations Policy
We only accept reservations for parties of 5 or more. On
major holidays(Valentine's Day(anyone?),Mother's Day,
Father's Day, Easter, etc), we accept reservations for all
parties.
To make a reservation, call the cafe at (360) 766-6667
Call during business hours(shown above.) We are unable
to accept reservations via email or our web site.

Vegetarian/Vegan
We typically have at least one vegetarian entree on our
Blackboard Specials each week. However,  make your server
aware of your dietary restrictions and they will be happy to
recommend dishes that will fit your needs.

Urban shopping at REI includes unique cityscape views

I always enjoy spending time in the beautiful city of Seattle. Today we're at the flagship REI in Seattle and as I look around I see they blended this amazing building's design right into the beautiful urban cityscape.  It provides a great blend of nature, sports and urban curb appeal. Living in Seattle is a great experience you can drive in any directions and be in world class scenery, recreation and culture.

NWMLS Discover:Sales are Increasing-News/Events - NWREporter

NWMLS Discover: News/Events - NWREporter: Northwest MLS members reported 5,548 pending sales during January in the four-county region (King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap). That total surpassed the previous high for the month of January, which was logged in 2005 when members reported 5,426 pending sales.

Even though buyers are flocking to newly listed homes, sellers must be smart about pricing, emphasized George Moorhead, branch manager at Bentley Properties. “In my area, a home that comes on the market that is well priced for the area, style and condition is usually under contract within a few days,” Moorhead said, but he also noted homes that have been on the market for more than 20 days are subject to price reductions.

A Waterfront Lifestyle in Anacortes WA

Why not make this your front yard?  It's a great lifestyle choice to live on Anacortes WA.

Two 4 Plexes for Sale! Enumclaw, Why People like to live here!

It’s History: In 1879, Frank and Mary Stevenson homesteaded what is now the center of town. Early settlers called this area “Stevensonville,” but the name later changed to Enumclaw (which means "thundering noise") after Enumclaw Mountain near town. Enumclaw was platted on October 31, 1885, when the railroad decided to come through this area, and was incorporated on January 27, 1913.

Enumclaw is situated at an elevation of 750 feet above sea level in a pastoral setting between plateau farmlands and the Cascade Mountains. The City of Enumclaw encompasses an area of 5.1 square miles. Its beautiful homes with their well-kept yards contribute to the community being one of the most attractive in King County. The surrounding plateau, with a population of more than 40,000, is one of the largest thoroughbred horse breeding and boarding areas in the United States.

Enumclaw is the “Gateway” to both north entrances to Mt. Rainier National Park from Highway 410, and you can reach Paradise near Mt. Rainier through beautiful Stevens Canyon during the summer. Enumclaw has a current population of 11,490 with retail service, medical, cultural, educational and recreational facilities for convenience and enjoyment. The quality of life is the main reason given by local business owners and the community alike for maintaining their residence in Enumclaw.

It is within one hour of any activity imaginable in the Greater Seattle Area, skiing, hiking, beaches, large city culture, and professional sports. There are numerous local facilities for golf, tennis and youth sports.

You can see lots of community nostalgia and fun information about Enumclaw on the Facebook page:  You know you’re from Enumclaw if you   https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-youre-from-Enumclaw-if-you/212764928773371

If you're looking for a great investment property in Enumclaw, there are two Multi-Family 4-Plexes currently for sale.



Call Joel Semanko at 360-941-1164 about the two Multi Family 4-Plexes  MLS# 444257 & 444295

Cottages, Waterfront, Views in Anacortes under Construction! Who’s Building It?

It's another quality home project by award winning, local builder Cottage Werks.

Every Cottage Werks home is unique.  Every design is original.  Every home is built with well thought out green building principles taking advantage of high quality, sustainable and non-toxic materials for better home durability, smart environmental considerations and personal health.

Here are some of the beautiful Cottage Werks homes in the Puget Sound Region.

 Unique lots and settings are the types of spaces Cottage Werks loves to build these beautiful homes!

 

Cottage Werks specializes in the responsible development of homes that have little impact on their natural surroundings.  Placement of the home on the home site, the materials used, concerns about air-quality and rainwater run-off, as well as selection of energy saving features are all taken into account.

There are currently 3 view properties in works and permit stages in Anacortes, Bay View and Lake McMurray in Skagit County.  If you’d like to see them or find out more about Cottage Werks plans,  feel free to give me a call I’d love to Brag about Chris Chase and the amazing homes Built by Cottage Werks, It’s not like your neighbor’s house.

If you'd like more information or a preview of a Cottage Werks Home under construction, please contact: Joel Semanko at 360-941-1164 or joelsemanko@gmail.com

Curious what is being built on Thompson Beach Road in Anacortes?

It's another quality home project by award winning, local builder Cottage Werks.

Say Goodbye to the Original 1954 House

Every Cottage Werks home is unique.  Every design is original.  Every home is built with well thought out green building principles taking advantage of high quality, sustainable and non-toxic materials for better home durability, smart environmental considerations and personal health.

This wonderful new home at 8432 Thompson Beach Rd, Anacortes, WA 98221will have beautiful views looking out at beautiful Similk Bay, Snee Oosh and southward capturing the beautiful skyline over Camano Island and Port Susan.  Magnificent summer sunsets can be seen over Whidbey Island too!

We’ll be taking a journey with Local Builder, (Mukilteo born & raised) Chris Chase through this current project starting with the Purchase of the property.

You’ll see the original home built in 1954 was torn down in October 2012.  By the way, that was fun to watch!  (See Photos)

Reach Over that Roof

Look at the Whole Roof Lifting Up

Say Good Bye to the Roof and Main House

Gone in Less than an Hour!

There are currently 3 view properties in works and permit stages in Anacortes, Bay View and Lake McMurray in Skagit County.  

Stay tuned to see the Progress of this beautiful Cottage Werks home.  See a glimpse of the quality and uniqueness of a Cottage Werks home by click the video link below.  This is a spectacular home we recently listed and sold for Cottage Werks in July 2012.

Check out one of Many Cottage Werks Homes, this one is a Waterview Home in Mukilteo Wa.

Mukilteo Blvd Home by Cottage Werks

If you’d like to see them or find out more about Cottage Werks plans,  feel free to give me a call  at 360-941-1164 or email me at joelsemanko@gmail.com I’d love to Brag about Chris Chase and the amazing homes Built by Cottage Werks, It’s not like your neighbor’s house.

Watch for my next posting to show you the new site and what's being built.

HAPPY NEW YEAR Resolution: If you’re going to buy real estate, do it now!

The Interest Rates have never been lower!  There's lots of great homes for sale now in the entire Puget Sound Region

We're wishing you all a happy and prosperous new year in 2013.

We look forward to helping you Sell your house or Buy a home!