Sunny Agate Pass Retreat Featured as the "Home of the Day" on the PSBJ

I am excited to announce that my Sunny Agate Pass Retreat is featured as the Home of the Day on the Puget Sound Business Journal!

Enjoy a relaxed waterfront lifestyle in this resort-like setting with multiple decks, outdoor fireplace, patios, hot tub and sandy beach while you watch the passing pleasure boats sail through Agate Passage.

This home offers a Stunning great room with vaulted ceiling, stone fireplace, and 2 story high wall of view windows. Special features incluede granite counters, sub-zero fridge, Viking range, a large rec room that opens onto a covered patio with hot tub and extra sleeping rooms for guests. The master suite loft has incredible views all the way to Mt Baker and a bonus room for office/nursery/exercise. The grounds enjoy sunny SE exposure, exquisite easy care landscaping, with sprinklers, automatic outdoor lighting and an artistically and sturdy bulk-headed waterfront. This is a very quiet location just 15 min to Bainbridge Island and 20 to the Kingston ferries. Just an hour from Seattle, but worlds away!

View the full feature here.

Home of the Day is a feature presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal & Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. It is your invitation to view some of Puget Sound’s most-luxurious properties. Come inside and take a look around.

Vote for your favorite "Home of the Week" here!

Global Ultra Wealthy Population Hold Nearly US $3 Trillion in Owner-Occupied Residential Real Estate Assets; Seattle: “Emerging as a Global City” say Local Expert

Nearly US$3 trillion of the world’s private wealth is held in owner-occupied residential properties, a value greater than the GDP of India, a new report by Wealth-X and the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand released yesterday showed. Meanwhile, Seattle-based affiliate Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty says a wave of foreign-direct investment and immigration has arrived to the Pacific Northwest as an alternative to traditional West Coast gateway markets.

There are 211,275 ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals – defined as those with US$30 million and above in net assets – in the world and 79% of them own two or more residences. Some of the main hubs for luxury residential real estate are New York City, London and Hong Kong, but niche locations – such as Lugano, the Hamptons outside New York City, and rural areas around the world – are gaining in popularity.

“We know that some secondary markets have become a primary focus for many savvy overseas investors – they target and help to create the next global cities,” says Dean Jones, President and CEO of Seattle-based Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Seattle/Bellevue metro area has gained favor as a destination for UHNW, especially those from Mainland China. They prefer the close proximity to Asia, relative affordability compared with other top-tier cities and a high quality of life without a state income tax.” The Wealth-X and Sotheby’s International Realty Global Luxury Residential Real Estate Report forecasts that the ongoing shift in the wealth creation cycle from the West to the East, and the growing significance of inter-generational wealth transfers will have significant consequences on the luxury residential real estate market – with a noted emphasis on new developments and a change in investment grade cities.

Below are other key findings from the inaugural report:

• The value of UHNW-owned residential real estate assets increased by 8% globally in 2014.
• On average, UHNW individuals own 2.7 owner-occupied residences.
• As of 2014, over 7% of the world’s UHNW population made their wealth through real estate, up from 5% in 2013.
• Ultra affluent women value real estate assets more than their male counterparts, holding 16% of the net worth in such assets, on average, compared to less than 10% for men.
• Luxury residential real estate is an asset class typically favored by UHNW individuals with inherited wealth: these individuals hold 17% of their net worth in such assets, compared to just under 9% for self-made UHNW individuals.
• UHNW individuals with net worth between US$30 million and US$50 million typically keep their primary residences for over 15 years and their secondary residences for over 10 years.
• Billionaires change one of their four properties, on average, once every three years.
• Secondary residences are typically 45% more valuable than primary residences; twice the square footage and have 10 acres of land.
• At 83%, Monaco has the highest density of foreign-owned UHNW residences.
• Over 6% of the world’s UHNW population have relocated their primary residence to a different country from which they were born – these individuals often keep a secondary residence in their home countries, and India is the leading country in this respect.

The Wealth-X and Sotheby’s International Realty Global Luxury Residential Real Estate Report 2015, which looks at trends in the UHNW population’s appetite for luxury residential real estate across the world, identifies specific attitudes, behaviors and locations that matter to this industry and this wealth segment.

Wealth-X President David Friedman commented: “Wealth-X is pleased to partner with the Sotheby’s International Realty brand for this inaugural report, which underscores Wealth-X’s commitment to conducting groundbreaking research on the world’s ultra-high net worth (UHNW) population. Expert commentary from the Sotheby’s International Realty team complements Wealth-X’s global intelligence on the world’s UHNW population, producing a report that demonstrates a true collaboration between the world’s leading UHNW intelligence provider and the global leader in luxury residential real estate. Luxury residential property is a core component to the anatomy of the ultra-affluent at the intersection of their lifestyle and investment.”

“We are proud to partner with Wealth-X to provide valuable insights into today’s luxury real estate market and the buying behaviors of the ultra-high net worth consumer,” says Philip White, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “We believe that a solid investment in real estate is one of the single best factors for building long-term wealth, and that many of today’s ultra-high net worth consumers would agree.”

Download the above-referenced report here.

Open publication - Free publishing

A previous Luxury Lifestyle Report published by Sotheby’s International Realty with reference by Dean Jones on the portrait of an affluent Chinese consumer can be found here.

About Wealth-X: Wealth-X is the world’s leading ultra-high net worth (UHNW) intelligence and prospecting firm with the largest collection of curated research on UHNW individuals, defined as those with net assets of US$30 million and above. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 offices on five continents.

SPOTTED: Alaska Airlines Flies “12th Man” Non-Stop to Super Bowl XLIX Victory

There’s only one thing that moves faster than Marshawn Lynch, flies further than a Russell Wilson pass or roars louder than Century Link Field. That’s Alaska Airlines‘ ultimate 12th Man tribute – a Boeing 737. She’s all dressed up and ready to go to the Super Bowl with scores of Seahawks fans, no doubt.

And how’s this for fate at 38,000 feet?

AS Flight 12 (as in the “12th Man”) is actually the regularly scheduled non-stop route from Seattle to Boston. That’s right, home of the New England Patriots. It seems making touchdowns in Boston territory won’t be anything new for Seattleites – we’ve been doing it for years. And don’t worry fans – we can deal with sudden drops of air pressure – you can’t deflate our Wilson. So buckle up Boston and return your seats back and tray tables to their upright and locked position. There’s going to be some turbulence on your journey through Arizona. The forecast? A strong front is coming down from the Pacific Northwest with a 100-percent Chancellor of victory. Over and out.

FHA to Cut Mortgage Insurance Premiums, Caliber Home Loans Predict Boom of Homebuyers in 2015

In an effort to expand homeownership among lower-income buyers, President Barack Obama cut mortgage-insurance premiums charged by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in an announcement according to Bloomberg News.

“Lowering the annual mortgage insurance fee from 1.35% down to .85% will be a significant boom for both first-time homebuyers and current homeowners that want to refinance their FHA loans,” says Keith Lashley, Mortgage Banker with Caliber Home Loans and Preferred Lender for Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty.  “Prospective homebuyers are urged to take advantage of the lowest interest rates in over a year.  Factoring in the rising median home prices and positive economic trends, I’d say this is about the most confident time to buy in recent memory.”

Lashley breaks down the changes like this.  Mortgage insurance on a $400,000 loan currently costs a homeowner $450 per month but will drop down to $283 per month under the reduced premium providing a $166 per month savings to homeowners financed through FHA.

Under the new premium structure FHA estimates that 250,000 additional first-time homebuyers will be able to enter the market due to the reduce premium and over 2 million  borrowers will save an average of $900 annually over the next three years if they purchase or refinance homes.

2015 is quickly shaping up to be a blockbuster year in real estate according to Lashley.  He says homebuyers can take advantage of incredibly low interest rates, less restrictive FHA underwriting guidelines and now lower mortgage insurance to leverage their purchasing power all at the same time. He also warns that an increase of more homebuyers could make the marketplace even more competitive for buyers.

These favorable factors coupled with fast rising rents are not lost on first time homebuyers as Millennials and other modest income buyers are projected to move into the home buying market in record numbers this year.  Other macro factors such as increased employment, low inflation and low relative home prices are further enticements for new home buyers to act in the first quarter of the New Year.

Help for selling your house faster

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New to Market! Serene, Elegant & Eclectic Waterfront Home

Do you enjoy entertaining, but also long for the beautiful, peaceful atmosphere that comes with nature? This dramatic waterfront Bainbridge Island home offers both. Come see this one-of-a-kind home firsthand this Sunday, September 1st  from 1 to 4pm.

If you love large living spaces, dramatic views, and zen-like privacy, this home is for you!

Built in 1951 by very eccentric owners, this unique residence has experienced a remarkable and elegant transformation under the skilled direction of the distinguished Reijnen Company. 

This property makes a large impression in every regard-- from the wooded approach, to the quiet privacy of the setting, to the expansive views.  Newly updated spacious living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a huge outdoor “treetop” deck for year round enjoyment of the spectacular views and the gourmet kitchen easily accommodates meals for two to twenty-five.

The .92 ac landscaping is rich with vibrant plant life that provides a lush feel without requiring too much upkeep.  Also impressive is the abundance of natural light from the large windows and skylights.  Meticulous construction details including quality finishes and fixtures, multiple fireplaces, copper roofing, and a ultra-efficient heating and cooling system will delight you at every turn.

One unexpected feature is that this home is ideal for multi-generational living with a very large lower-level living area. And, if you are a gardener or have dreams of adding a second living space – there is a substantial sized greenhouse with impressive view.  All this - just a short commute by ferry to Seattle, offering an elegant place of serenity close to the city.

Come see in person this Sunday, September 1st from 1 to 4pm and mention that you saw this announcement on my blog or Facebook page and I’ll gift you a Mora Ice Cream gift card!

For more details on this beautiful home, please visit: http://8986ferncliff.leahapplewhite.com/

Keywords: Bainbridge Island, home for sale, home, waterfront, winslow, seattle, view, ferry

"Let's Meet at The Waypoint!"

Amongst the colorful umbrellas & rain drops, community members gathered for the dedication and grand opening of The Waypoint park located at the corner of Highway 305 and Winslow Way.  This prominent corner is located at the first major traffic light after getting off the ferry and for years was an eyesore. It was an abandoned 76 station, then a vacant lot surrounded by chain link fence, and now has been transformed into a delightful public park that serves as an artistic gateway to Winslow Way.  Designed by John Paul Jones, the same architect that designed the National Museum of the Native American in Washington DC, it is a public space worthy of praise and civic pride.

The Hometown Brass Band & Bethany Lutheran Brass Band provided jovial entertainment, attracting curious passerby to the event.

This truly was an impressive community project, with over 700 volunteer workers and donors.  

There were many thanks expressed by Debbi Lester (former BI mayor), Bruce Weiland (head of the steering committee), Jim Chapel (volunteer coordinator extraordinaire), and BI's current mayor Steve Bonkowski.  And BI Park District Commissioner Tom Swolgaard, promised to maintain the park and committed that "It will look as good 20 years from now as it does today."

This park could not have been completed without generous time and contributions.  

BI Rotary Club donated $80,000
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
Bainbridge Island Historical Museum
PHC volunteered time and supplies in completing the project
Over 500 "little checks" from community members
Bloedel Reserve donated over 500 volunteer hours in planting

The ceremony ended with the traditional cutting of the ribbon by Jim Chapel, Steve Bonkowski, and Tom Swolgaard.  Not bad for a former 76 gas station!

While the park currently has wonderful features like downtown maps and Historical Markers representing the "flow of time" of the island, there is still more to come... the donor board, customized glass tiles, local artwork, and a large "Welcome to Bainbridge Island" sign.

As Jim Chapel said, next time you need to meet someone downtown, you can say "Let's meet at The Waypoint!"

Bainbridge Island Schools: Here, You Have Choices

Living in Seattle and most communities, you often have to move or commute long distances to give your children an alternative education. One of the special things about living on Bainbridge Island is that there are many public choices for alternatives to traditional education right here in the community.

When choosing a school district for our children, we don't always know what they are going to need as they grow. It's great to be able to stay in the same community of friends while giving the kids that need it, alternative teaching methods. 

The Bainbridge Island School District offers an array of programs, including:

Wilkes Multiage Program.LOGO

Wilkes Multiage Program (Grades 1-4)

Spanish Immersion Partnership.LOGO

Spanish Immersion Pilot Project (Grades K-4)

Odyssey Multiage Program.LOGO

Odyssey Multiage Program (Grades 1-8)

Mosaic Home Education.LOGO

Mosaic Home Education Partnership (Grades K-8)

Eagle Harbor High School.LOGO

Eagle Harbor High School (Grades 9-12)

Madrona Waldorf School, Hyla and the Island School are also great private alternatives.

The New Wilkes School

On Saturday, February 2, Wilkes Elementary invited the public to share in their new space.  The self-guided tour allowed guests to freely explore the 62,800-square-foot facility that boasted bright colors and natural light.  There was a "Wow!" at every corner.

You’ll probably recognize the Seattle-based architects, Mahlum Architects, from the Bainbridge High School 200 Building project in which they received the 2009 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Citation Award.  Well, Mahlum Architects outdid themselves again by including large, expansive windows, colorful walls, and ensuring a smooth cohesive flow of the building.  Pair that with a dynamic support team and teaching staff, and you have a winning combination for a great school.  Both a parent and a child's dream!

 

Some impressive features include:

• 17 classrooms
• Shared learning spaces, allowing for large group, small group, or one-on-one interactions
• Student gardens
• Computer lab
• Highly efficient and sustainable systems (heating, plumbing, lights)
• Smartboards in every room (Combines a simple whiteboard with the power of a computer)

 Instead of the students hauling their lunches to their classroom, they can now share in the ritual that is the school cafeteria.

Talk about community commitment!  The gym (pictured above) was built in partnership with the Bainbridge Island Park District, allowing the Parks District to offer after-school activities and classes.

 

Who wouldn't want to snuggle in this comfy space and get lost in the magical world of Harry Potter?  Or research U.S. History at the computer lab?

To view Wilkes' Washington State Report Card, click here.

Captain Charles Wilkes Elementary School

Grades K-4

Address:  12781 Madison Ave. NE

Main Office Phone: (206) 842-4411

Website: www.bisd303.org/wes

Wilkes PTO:  wilkespto.org

Beautiful Craftsman Home in Rolling Bay

 

 

 

10031 NE Summerberry Ct, Bainbridge Island, WA

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY APRIL 22ND 3-5

A private country lane leads to this traditional home with a welcoming covered front porch.  Built in 2001, it is approximately 1831 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths plus an upstairs bonus room.  Special features include a bright open great room with cozy fireplace & bay window, beautiful natural wood trim and maple cabinetry, hardwood floors, upstairs laundry, and attached 2 car garage.  Enjoy looking out at the surrounding greenery – 3 acres of open space and trails are shared with only 4 other homes.  You’ll love your private level backyard with cedar deck, fire pit and adorable garden shed/play house.  This home is located in a very desirable area close to Bay Hay and Feed store & coffee shop, walking trails, parks & Wilkes school.  Getting to Seattle/Winslow ferry or Agate Pass Bridge is a breeze.  Call for an appointment to view today!  Click to view Virtual Tour.

Property Details:

Offered at: $419,000
Address: 10031 NE Summerberry Court, Bainbridge Island 98110
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Year Built: 2001
Sq. Footage: Approximately 1831
Garage: Attached 2 car
Exterior: Hardiplank/composition roof

Utilities: PUD #1, 3 bedroom septic

MLS #: 328764

Click Here for Neighborhood Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Bainbridge Island Christmas Lighted Boat Parade

Last Monday December 12th, Bainbridge Island Yacht Club had a Christmas Lighted Boat Parade coinciding with Argosy Cruise's annual "Christmas Ship" visiting Bainbridge Island. We were in attendance and had a great time! It was a beautiful night and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something fun to do before the holidays next year.

Bainbridge Island's Holiday Fire Truck is in the Neighborhood

Don’t miss out on a this Bainbridge Island Tradition.   Beginning  December 12th and continuing through December 24ththe Bainbridge Island Fire Department- Holiday Music Truck will be making the rounds of the Island.

Each night the truck will operate from 5pm until 9pm. Since the 1950′s, the fire Department has decorated one of their trucks and made the rounds of all the island’s neighborhoods blasting holiday music.

To find out when they will be in your neighborhood, see the schedule below.

Source: CBMckenzie

1st Annual Bainbridge Island Wooden Boat Festival

Over the past few months I have been helping to put together Bainbridge Island’s first ever wooden boat festival. We have a great group of Bainbridge Island boats that will be open to the public and even better, the weather forecast on Saturday is for sun!

When: June 4th 10-5pm & June 5th 10-2pm

Where: Harbor Pub Marina on the dock just below The Pub.  The Pub will also be hosting a cash bar on the pier after 6pm, if you'd like to join us for a drink in the evening. 

What: The Bainbridge Island Wooden Boat Festival “BIWBF “ is a weekend celebration of the island’s distinguished history of wooden boat building, design and preservation.  The BIWBF will host a 30 – 40 boat fleet of sail, power, workboats and tenders. Tour the boats, hear the sea stories, the music and a lively session of maritime lore. It is an opportunity to meet the owner’s builders, designers and assorted characters from our island’s treasured wooden boat community. Saturday afternoon discussion group will be held, as well as live music, and food.

Cost: Free Admission!

I hope you can come.  I’ll be hosting on the boat Araminta, so stop by and say hello!

Before and After: Late 60's Kitchen Brought into the 21st Century

You can see more pictures and full information for this home at: http://ericplace.bainbridgehouses.com

When the current owners purchased this home it had a very quaint kitchen with the original late 60's cabinetry painted white with black checker style vinyl tile flooring. While the layout is fully functional offering a large eating area/gathering spot and family room just off the open kitchen, as the heart of the home - the finishes just didn't cut it.

Not only did the current owner want to dress the kitchen up a bit, they also wanted to reinforce a connection to the eating/gathering area for a better sense of flow in the home. They wrapped the lower cabinets around the wall to create a narrow serving counter that provides additional storage for china, but also a welcoming focal point as one enters the room.

The striped wall paper against the checkered flooring just had to go!!

Before, the kitchen merely had shelving in the far right hand corner and laminate counter tops. The 4 square checkerboard pattern on the floor was much too large for the space, making it look smaller than it was.

The owners installed custom hickory finished ash cabinetry with crown molding to the ceiling, and full extension soft close drawers. They enclosed the refrigerator, installed solid black granite counter tops and gleaming Patagonian rosewood floor. What a difference! Not only did it dress up the kitchen but changed the feel of the entire house.

You can see more pictures and full information for this home at: http://ericplace.bainbridgehouses.com

Bainbridge Island Open House List March 26-27, 2011

Here is a complete list of all the Bainbridge Island Homes For Sale with open houses scheduled for the weekend as of March 26-27, 2011. Click on the home's image to get more detailed information. You can also search for homes with our map based home search.

If you are seriously looking your best bet is to contact Leah directly if you haven’t already because she will be able to give you detailed information about Bainbridge Island Homes and help you zero in on the perfect home for you.

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Bainbridge Island Waterfront Homes For Sale on March 25th, 2011

Here is a complete list of all the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Homes For Sale as of March 25th, 2011. Click on the homes image to get more detailed information. You can also search for homes with our map based home search and as always your best bet is to contact Leah directly if you haven't already because she will be able to give you detailed information about Bainbridge Island Homes and help you zero in on the perfect home for you. [listingsearch type="listingids" listingids="178794,172005,176794,121776,127152,114936,64598,158169,112431,29133700,182839,28067884,28070868,168410,186350,194816,73691,37857,176528,156298,140782,132992,131862,62086,104852,177311,166493,189900,186018,186409,179270,197566,178994,184103,99765,103642,65802,101121,144089,195193,193618,85292,120907,136987,98381,113471,62075,127935,163063,156424,104688,42226,8646,60014,192263,149942,141502,155091,145289,176089,149971"]

Leah's Thursday Broker's Tour Notes (03/24/2011)

There were thirteen homes on Tour this week on Bainbridge Island. You can click on the image of the property for more detailed information.

I am here to answer any questions that you have about each of these homes so give me a call or email. I can provide you with insight into a property that the MLS information can't provide.

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Bainbridge Island Open House List March 19-20, 2011

Here is a complete list of all the Bainbridge Island Homes For Sale with open houses scheduled for the weekend as of March 19-20, 2011. Click on the home's image to get more detailed information. You can also search for homes with our map based home search.

If you are seriously looking your best bet is to contact Leah directly if you haven’t already because she will be able to give you detailed information about Bainbridge Island Homes and help you zero in on the perfect home for you.

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Leah's Thursday Broker's Tour Notes (03/17/2011)

There were five homes on Tour this week on Bainbridge Island. You can click on the image of the property for more detailed information.

I am here to answer any questions that you have about each of these homes so give me a call or email. I can provide you with insight into a property that the MLS information can't provide.

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Bainbridge Island Open House List March 12-13, 2011

Here is a complete list of all the Bainbridge Island Homes For Sale with open houses scheduled for the weekend as of March 12-13, 2011. Click on the home's image to get more detailed information. You can also search for homes with our map based home search.

If you are seriously looking your best bet is to contact Leah directly if you haven’t already because she will be able to give you detailed information about Bainbridge Island Homes and help you zero in on the perfect home for you.

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