Sandra White

The Northwest Multiple Listing Service is a member owned full service MLS serving 19 counties in the Pacific Northwest, covering the Seattle area, Puget Sound, and most of the North West. Some highlights of their recent report on September, 2009.

• Pending Sales up for September 26.7% over over last year . ­
• Inventory down 7.6% over last year. ­
• Prices down 7.5% across the 19 counties ¯

Most agents reported brisk activity, busy open houses, and highest demand in 2 years.

Port Townsend 27th Annual Kinetic Skulpture Race

This event 10 years ago was one of my first clues about this kinky, funky little town, unlike any other! . No one had prepared me for the antics I was about to encounter, from the racers themselves, the event organizers, the Kinetic Kops and most of the towns people dressed in the strangest and most original costumes I had ever seen.

The race entrants must design and build a contraption, called Kinetic Sculptures, that will run on pavement, water and through mud bogs. They range from sophisticated and large to a bicycle enclosed in a banana shaped cover on pontoons or innertubes, and are run by teams in costumes that range from clever to twisted. Even more amazing are the spectators, dressed in whatever strikes them, the crazier the better. There will be 15 entries this year.

Events are non stop beginning Saturday with the Wannabe Parade down Water Street, where all people in costume are welcome to march down the street to the sounds of the Port Townsend Peoples Band. Next, comes the downhill ride to test brakes, then the water trials through the bay to test for sea worthiness. This takes place in any kind of weather with the exception of white caps on the bay.

Saturday evening there is the Koronation Kostume Ball (The Rose Hips Ball) held at the American Legion (the main fundraiser for the event) There will be dancing to music by the Turner Brothers, and admission is $15.00 Kandidates for Kween go on stage at 9:30 dressed in their zaniest costume with the theme this year: Unbirthday Teaparty. Kandidates must tell a joke, perform a talent, and offer a recipe. The Kween and her court will reign over the main event on Sunday and carry that prestegious title till next year. No cameras allowed, as "what happens at the Rose Hips ball stays at The Rose Hips Ball!"

Sunday is the big race day, beginning at 10:30 am.when the Skulptures line up; presentations at 11 am. and race begins at low noon. 1:30 Kwicksand at Fort Worden, 2:30 Dismal Bog at the fairgrounds, 5:30 post race ceremony at Legion Hall.

Rules are:

1. Mediocrity rules
2. Bribes are expected
3. Cheating helps

You know you have been here too long when all this seems very normal. Gotta run to get my costume ready!

Market Trends / October 1, 2009

Finally, it seems we have some real evidence of an uptick in real estate values in the second quarter of this year. This comes from the Case-Shiller Index, NAR reports for August, and improved affordability from the HOI. 72% of families nationwide can afford a median priced home. This is up from 55% in this same period in 2008.

Most of this is thought to be due to the First Time Homebuyers Credit, record low interest rates, and lower prices across the board.

Historically the movement in the affordable housing market has signaled a trend toward an upturn for all price ranges, as the seller's of low end homes become move up buyers.

The Pacific Northwest:

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Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets

Ever think about what happens to a soldiers pet if he or she is called to active duty in a foreign country?

I just read in a small local publication called the Port Ludlow Voice, about a program to foster pets of soldiers who are being deployed, or have an emergency situation. This is done through the Military Pet Assistance Program to arrange foster care for the pet, with the plan to reunite them upon the soldier's return home.

It is called the " Guardian Angels for Soldiers Pets." Applicants are carefully screened to make sure they will provide a safe and loving home and a secure environment. For more information you can go to

guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org, or call for information: 501-325-1591

Yesterday I was saddened to learn of the closing of a small local publication that seemed to me just started a short time ago.

I remember when the owners started up the paper, a business journal, that covered the Olympic Peninsula, specifically Jefferson and Clallum Counties. I applauded these two young women for a great idea, and the courage to embark on such an arduous and somewhat risky venture. That was in 2006 and I have read almost every issue since, and learned from them about new businesses in our area, trends and news, and lots of tips on running a small business, which is what a Realtor does!

The publishers stated it was with a great deal of thought and soul searching they were folding, while still in the black. It seems they have felt the trend of less print advertising, and of course the economic uncertainties we are all facing.

With a gracious thank you to all their customers who have advertised and contributed in the past, they said goodbye.