Study some insightful data from the first quarter of 2024 from our newly released report: Market Trends From Around the Sound. You can find out how categories like average days on the market, levels of supply, and the median sales price compare through a year-to-year analysis within 16 of the region’s distinct communities.
Executives from Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) announced today the results of annual sales benchmarks comparing the top ten largest brands by sales volumes in 2023. RSIR continued to lead numerous categories in average sales values on both sides of the transactions, as well as greater production and more inventory on a per-agent basis while selling quicker than their peers.
The final quarter of 2023 presented a market that has weathered continual challenges throughout the past two years. In October, mortgage rates peaked, hitting their highest in over two decades. Although they proceeded to decline, finally dipping below 6 percent, sellers were hesitant to list their homes and lose their lower interest rates, particularly those who took advantage of the record lows seen in January 2021. Buyers were similarly discouraged by high rates and the lack of inventory. However, despite the obstacles, those who were determined to find their dream home were rewarded with less competition and more negotiation power.
Every year, the residents of Bainbridge Island vote on a myriad of local service providers, restaurants, shops, and more and more often than not, Realogics Sotheby’s takes first place in the real estate category. 2023 named us Best Real Estate Company so, we celebrated with a boat ride around our gorgeous island and enjoyed the sunset.
As we respond to this time of uncertainty, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important for us to consider not only our own health, but the health of our clients and the community at large. As trusted and experienced real estate advisors, we have quickly pivoted to guide our clients through a completely new home buying and selling experience.
The world is a very different place than it was just a few weeks ago. As we continue to adapt to defuse the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected so many people close to our homes, the importance of looking after our communities remains constant. To support our first responders, who risk their lives daily to protect us in these uncertain times, it's important to offer every resource we can. For those on Bainbridge Island with vacant ADUs or homes, there may be opportunities to rent your home (for free or for a fee) to first responders so that they may live separately from their own families in order to keep them safe.
As you may be aware, AirBnB, a resilient community of rental property hosts—has launched a program called “Frontline Stays” which allow hosts to open their homes to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their goal is to house 100,000 COVID-19 workers around the world as a way to help the vulnerable and those affected by this crisis. If you are interested in adding your home to this global AirBnB program, or if you are interested in donating, please click the button below to learn more about their work.
In anticipation of how AirBnB’s initiative will play out in our local area, Bainbridge Prepares, in partnership with Housing Resources Bainbridge, is gathering names of local property owners who are interested in possibly providing this type of temporary housing.
At this time, there is not a local program through Bainbridge Prepares or HRB to connect property owners with first responders, however this may change as conditions change. At this time, we are simply gathering information.
If you are the owner of a vacant home, rental property or ADU on Bainbridge Island and have interest in offering your property for this purpose, please complete this quick and easy survey:
Alternately you can visit Bainbridge Prepares by clicking HERE and click on “I Want to Give”, then “Donate Items”, and describe the lodging you would be interesting in offering.
If you are interested, in addition to letting us know, please also register your home, rental property or ADU on AirBnB for this purpose.
This is a challenging time, and we appreciate all of the ways in which you are doing your part to lift up others during this crisis. Even as we keep our physical distance from one another, this is a time for us to come together in solidarity.
The Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Bainbridge Island office opened its doors for an evening of art and community at the First Friday Art Walk last week, with a collective of featured visual artists and live music by the Speakeasy Jazz Cats.
Between Eagle Harbor and Port Blakely lies a few beautiful communities in one of the most tranquil settings on Bainbridge. This area is surrounded by water with beautiful views of Seattle and the sound. The neighborhoods and communities are a peaceful respite from the bustling activity of Winslow, while all the city amenities are just a 10 minute drive away.
The ‘Winslow Core’ neighborhood is a short stroll and a 35 minute ferry ride to downtown Seattle, so it is the most pedestrian friendly area on Bainbridge. It is also home to the largest concentration of Islanders. Living in Winslow means easy commuting during the week, leisurely walks to the bakery on the weekend, and quick trips to the library or market.
The Sunrise Drive area is the beautiful northeastern most part of Bainbridge Island, just north of Rolling Bay and east of Madison Ave. This gorgeous waterfront neighborhood is highly sought after because of the stunning sunrises (hence the name) and lively views of the Puget Sound shipping lanes, Cascade Mountains, downtown Seattle and Mt. Rainier. Close proximity to the Agate Pass bridge and easy access to the ferry are an added bonus.
As you arrive on Bainbridge Island, you will notice the beautiful shoreline that juts out to the east called Wing Point. It’s a lovely centrally located neighborhood with gorgeous views of Puget Sound and the skyline of Seattle. The original settlers on the point would watch the great numbers of bald-headed eagles that would nest in Eagle Harbor, inspiring the name Wing Point.
Good news for Bainbridge Island! The Urban Forestry Restoration Project will be working throughout this month to enhance forests on the island! According to the Bainbridge Island Review, "A Puget SoundCorps team will work with city staff to remove English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and Scotch broom from multiple city-owned locations across the island.
Over the weekend, the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal described plans for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty and Bruciato to become the main tenants at The Old Hardware Store in a feature entitled “Pizza night will spin off into full-time Bainbridge restaurant” by Tim Kelly of the Kitsap Sun.
I am SO EXCITED to announce the signing of a long term lease for approximately half of the Old Hardware Store building at 240 Winslow Way East on Bainbridge Island. After sitting vacant for the past four years, the nearly 70-year old building was acquired in January 2016 by The Old Hardware Store, LLC managed by local businessman Joseph Lacko.
As yet another acknowledgement that the Seattle metro area has joined the league of global cities attracting Asian investment, immigration and homeownership, Palace Magazine recently published a special report on American cities that included the Emerald City with significant contributions by Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty.
I recently visited a fabulous park on Bainbridge Island called Halls Hill Lookout. If you have not been here, I suggest adding it to your weekend plans immediately. It is the perfect place to meditate on the island, complete with a beautifully designed stone labyrinth. According to a recent article on Inside Bainbridge, it is estimated that the builders "collected some 25,000 pounds of rocks for the labyrinth from Bainbridge Island beaches, poring over shorelines for the rights shapes, sizes, and colors, mindful not to disturb beach creatures in the process."
The benefactors wish for it to remain a place of peace primarily for locals, not a tourist attraction. When you visit it, which I hope you will, you will see why.
To make this day a success for the 3,000 expected guests, Friends of the Farms invites you to volunteer and experience and celebrate the day first hand.
Volunteer roles include:
Friends of the Farms provides volunteers with an experience of a life-time, a free Harvest Fair shirt designed by Howard Block from Bay, Hay and Feed, and the opportunity to celebrate our farming heritage.
