Kristian Schonberg

Living in Westen Washington is such a joy. In the winter months, our ski industry is running full tilt and I am up to Stevens Pass to teach skiing every weekend. On the way home, I caught some shots of Mt. Index. I know some friends who have actually climbed this peak!

Today was a great day to tour waterfront homes on Case Inlet near Allyn and Grapeview, then a coffee break and over to Hood Canal. The buyers from Seattle were very impressed at the peaceful, beautiful beaches and waterfront homes we found in their price range of under $300,000. Right now you can get more for your money than before. The weather cooperated with just one hail/snow shower, but sun and pretty warm with white caps on the Canal. Stretch Island is a perfect get-away! We left at 9:30 and returned at 3:00, going up to Brinnon and Lilliwaup.

This week, I have been helping the crew of the Gulf Maiden get ready for the annual trip to Alaska to catch halibut and black cod. The 2 fishholds have been getting a new coating of fiberglass and gel coat, the new satellite compass was installed and connected to the auto pilot, 2 computers, 2 radars, and all networked and programmed to appear on the navigation screen. The dome had to be bolted on top of the highest point of the crosstree above the mast, a most delicate job. Here are some pictures of the Ballard Shell dock, Gulf Maiden, some Bristol Bay gillnetters, and our painting progress;

Here is the Market report for LakeLand Village as of February 20, 2009: There are currently 32 homes active on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service in LakeLand Village, Allyn, Wa. Prices range from a bank owned home on Rainier Dr. for $179,900 to new large homes at $690,000. Since September, 12 homes have sold here. Price per square foot of sold homes remains at $165.00. An active golf course home listing I have on Soderberg is priced at $238,000, and is the 6th lowest priced home in LLV right now. If you need to sell now, I will be happy to provide a Free Comparable Market Report. Call or email me today.

Just a comment that our schools need our help! The buildings are in poor repair, the books are old and falling apart, and the schools in the Allyn and Belfair area are deteriorating. Let's all lend a hand and make our community better. This is certainly a quality of life in our area issue. Go see the video at www.yesnmschools.org and get involved!