Archive for September, 2008
-->
Sep
29
Posted by Matt Thomson
Federal Bailout Bill rejected. WaMu fails. Stocks plummet. It’s not that I don’t care about all of the negative news that’s out there (I do care, it affects me too), it’s just that I choose not to print it. You’ve got plenty of other options on the web to find bad news; I want this site to make you happy.
So in light of all of the turmoil that is going on in the nation right now, how about you join me and admire this photo of a water skiier on the Puget Sound along Gig Harbor. Kind of a nice reminder that God is still in control, regardless of how badly man screws things up. If it’s not a reminder of that for you, perhaps it can be an indicator. Times are tough for lots of people. Enjoy the sunsets. Enjoy the beauty of Gig Harbor. Appreciate the incredible photographers and photos they provide of Gig Harbor. If you have a Bible around, read Philippians 4:8. I don’t want to be political or religious on this blog, but sometimes some good news (and pretty pictures) can be a nice pick-me-up for everyone!
This picture is courtesy of JimsPics and Flickr. It is posted here with written permission from the photographer. Please respect his work and don’t use his pictures without his consent. Thanks!
-->
Sep
28
Posted by Matt Thomson
Music lovers in Gig Harbor are in for a real treat this coming Saturday (Oct 4th). The African Gospel Acappella, formerly known as the African Gospel Choir, will be putting on a benefit concert at Lighthouse Christian School on Pt Fosdick Drive.
The Acappella group is currently made up of 4 men–all blind (1 was born blind, the other 3 from Measles)–from various tribes in Liberia. I encourage you to listen to the song that is playing on the African Gospel Acappella’s website. I’d love for you to share your reaction after listening to this song and reading the members’ amazing stories. The song changed my entire mood–it just makes me happy and hoppy (you’ll understand that when you listen to it). Reading their stories sure puts my own struggles into perspective. My struggles aren’t lessened or eased in any way, but certainly put into perspective.
The concert is Saturday, October 4th at 7pm (doors to open at 6:30pm). Tickets are $10, free for 12 and under. You can contact Lighthouse School for more info.
-->
Sep
28
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor hosted the 6th annual Harbor Hounds charity dog walk yesterday, and it couldn’t have turned out much better! The weather was perfect (maybe a bit warm for some of the bigger dogs), sunny and beautiful! I was amazed at how many dogs brought their people to the event. I had a unique perspective as I was holding an open house right on the walking route. Here are a few pictures from the day. I’d love to hear your take on the day if you participated!
-->
Sep
26
Posted by Matt Thomson
I’m looking forward to Canterwood Blvd re-opening. Traffic has become a mess with this road closed. I got word today of another road closure in Gig Harbor, but this one, while longer, shouldn’t impact traffic as much. The small stretch of road from Harborview Dr to Austin Drive (next to the new Gig Harbor History Museum and Donkey Creek Park) will be closed for about 20 months while the city works to improve the waste water management plant. Progress is good, right?
-->
Sep
26
Posted by Matt Thomson
Tomorrow (Saturday the 27th) Gig Harbor will be hosting the 2008 Harbor Hounds walk and all-around Doggie-Day! Microchipping, obedience, doggy massage, and much more will be available for Gig Harbor’s 4-legged residents. Basically, a day devoted to a huge dog walk and pampering your dog! Harbor Hounds activities will be on the downtown Gig Harbor waterfront from 10am-3pm.
Sebastian won’t be joining me, but I’ll be participating in the festivities by holding an open house along the walking route! Be sure to view my interactive map of open houses in the area. I’ll have some dog treats and water for the walkers, and an incredible, remodeled, heart of downtown house at a remarkable price for everybody! I’d love to have you visit!
-->
Sep
25
Posted by Matt Thomson
Borders Bookstore in the new Gig Harbor Uptown Center will be hosting a Kids’ Party this Saturday (Sept 27th) from 2-4pm! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Borders (or any of the other stores in the Uptown Center), Saturday would be a good oportunity for you to do so. I tend to be a proponent of the smaller local stores, and I still lean that way, but the reality is the big box stores like Borders are able to offer some fun things that the smaller stores just don’t have the ability to match. The Kids’ Party is one of those things. For more information on the event, you can visit the Borders’ website.
-->
Sep
24
Posted by Matt Thomson
Have you ever visited the Bremerton Naval Yard? Is it even open for visitors? I’ve driven by and marveled at the size of the ships many times, but I’ve never swung in to take a closer look. About 30 minutes north of Gig Harbor, the Bremerton Naval Yard is home to some simply mind boggling ships in an absolutely gorgeous setting. One of those things that is so close yet I know nothing about. I’d really appreciate any insight or feedback if you know more about the Naval Yard.
-->
Sep
22
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor is a dream place to take pictures. Some of the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever seen have been taken around the Gig Harbor area. Check out this photo of the full moon rising over Gig Harbor and the Tacoma Narrows in the Puget Sound.
Photo courtesy of 72feetabovesealeveland Flickr. Posted here with written permission from the photographer. Please respect his work and do not use his photos without permission!
-->
Sep
22
Posted by Matt Thomson
Gig Harbor’s record number of homes for sale is beginning to shrink…slowly. Our absorption rate (the number of months that it would take to sell all of our housing inventory) has dropped from about 20 months to about 18 months. That’s still heavily favoring a buyers’ market. The shrinking inventory seems to have more to do with fewer homes being listed for sale as opposed to more homes selling. The chart below shows the total number of single family homes for sale in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, and the Key Peninsula in a week by week format for ‘08.
If you’d like more information on home sales in your neighborhood, or any other real estate related topics, please give me a call.
-->
Sep
19
Posted by Matt Thomson
Here’s the weekly look at the open houses in Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula, and Olalla. There are 14 homes open this weekend, ranging from under $250k to over $1.4M. Quite the range! Remember, this info is taken from the NWMLS and is reliable but not guaranteed. Other homes may be held open, but if the listing agent doesn’t enter the open house into the MLS, I can’t post it on this site.
Click here for an interactive map showing the locations, statistics, and listing agent names for all of this weekend’s opens. If you have any questions on these homes or any other homes you see for sale in the Gig Harbor area, please contact me. If you’re considering selling your home in Gig Harbor but aren’t sure if now’s the right time or you just don’t know how to get started, give me a call…I’d love to help in any way I can.
How’d you like to live in this house? This was taken the other day after a little boating trip we took. This house is at the mouth of Wollochet Bay. Sadly, it’s not open or even for sale! But other waterfront properties are…let me know if you’d like a list or a tour!
