Your Home Team's Blog

One-year countdown to Hood Canal Bridge closure starts … now

2008-05-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Contact: Joe Irwin, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 360-507-6521 or 253-507-6412 Theresa Gren, Hood Canal Bridge Communications, 253-305-6428
JEFFERSON/KITSAP COUNTIES – The one-year countdown to the May-June 2009 closure of the Hood Canal Bridge starts today.
Are you ready? Have you considered how the bridge closure will affect you, how you’ll get where you need to go, or how long it will take to get there? If not, there’s still time: You have 8,760 hours or 525,600 minutes or 31.5 million seconds.
The six-week closure will affect thousands of residents and visitors in the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas, and as a result, WSDOT’s Hood Canal Bridge Project Team will be using these precious moments ramping up efforts to get the public ready for the construction project.
Through October, the team will staff information booths at events throughout the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas to inform residents about the project’s construction progress and closure mitigation plan. The events will allow WSDOT to reach an even broader audience as it discusses everything from pontoon work to a water shuttle across Hood Canal, transit additions, medical bus services and ridesharing opportunities.
“This is a great opportunity to talk with the people this project serves,” said Theresa Gren, Hood Canal Bridge Project Communications Manager. “Attending these events will allow residents to chat one-on-one with project representatives. We’re very excited about that.”
Team members, who will attend 11 community events in Jefferson, Clallam, Mason and Kitsap counties, will kick off the closure outreach effort May 16-18 at Viking Fest in Poulsbo and finish Oct. 11-12 at the Dungeness Crab Festival in Port Angeles.
The Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project will improve the existing structure, making it wider, safer and more reliable. The bridge will close for six weeks during May-June 2009 to allow WSDOT and contractors from Kiewit-General to remove and replace its eastern half. For more information, visit www.HoodCanalBridge.com.

Featured Home - Week of April 28

2008-04-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

WANT A GREAT WATER VIEW ?
Come look at this fantastic little home in Monterra. Totally unblock able water view. Well maintained with new roof, skylights, flooring and heat pump. Vaulted ceiling and lots of windows to let in all the light. Custom window coverings. Large double lot , oversize 2 car garage with a nice workshop & skylights. Totally fenced backyard in a park-like setting. Lots of trees and ferns... don’t forget all the resident deer in this delightful community. Water view walking trails , lots of common areas and a serene setting. Low HOA fees, community water, and nice clubhouse with gatherings and community get togethers . $339,000 ML 230963

Featured Home - Week of 4-21-08

2008-04-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

CHARMING HOME IN TOWN (Port Angeles) Built in 1938 this home reflects the character of the past - but remodeled with new vinyl windows and flooring; updated wiring/ plumbing, paint, molding and lots more. The kitchen has been redone with upper end appliances and cabinets. Nice floor plan with the master bedroom/bathroom on the main floor. Second story has 3 nice sized bedrooms with partial waterviews. Lots of storage space in the attic cubbies for treasures. $235,000. For more information on this listing, please contact Cathy & Sheryl at 360-683-5056

Featured Home - Week of April 7th

2008-04-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Unbelievable Panoramic Water Views

Custom home with views of the Strait, lighthouse, farmland, beach houses. Newly remodeled with 2056 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms. Two master bedroom suites - both with views. Spacious great room with fireplace. Attached and detached garages. 2.47 acres with wildlife, flowers, fruit trees. $535,000 ML #230806. Could possible build a 2nd home on this property.

Adjoining two acres also available - has the same great water view! $300,000 ML #230809

Featured Home - Week of 3-31-08

2008-03-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

Custom home built in 1992 - 2 bedrooms, den, 2.5 baths , large fenced back yard, lots of room to add an outbuilding. Nicely landscaped and easy to maintain. Close in community - cute little private lake stocked with fish, next to the Robin Hill Park and walking trails. $249,500 ML 230732

Featured Home - Week of 3-24-08

2008-03-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

CUSTOM HOME IN LORA LEE ESTATES - This 3 bedroom, 2 bath rambler has 1896 square feet and was just completed in 2007. Nothing to do here, just move right in! Granite tile counters, island with breakfast bar, upgraded cabinets, hardwood floors, formal living room with ceiling fan, eating nook, family room off kitchen, vaulted ceilings, and more. Spacious master bedroom with adjoining bathroom with soaking tub, separate shower, double sinks. Low heating bills with energy efficient heat pump. Double finished attached garage with 8 foot high doors. Easy care lot, surrounded by new homes. Save money – no city utilities – water is only $18 a month. Quiet neighborhood with mountain view. Midway between Sequim and Port Angeles. Priced to Sell at $324,950 ML 228199 / 27211663

Featured Home - Week of 3-17-08 -$50,000 Price Reduction

2008-03-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

$50,000 price reduction - seller has health problems and needs it SOLD. Was $325,000 - now $275,000

Need horse property! This is it! 10 acres of pasture that is fenced and cross fenced. Ready for all your animals or live stock. Wonderful mountain view and pastoral setting. Several outbuildings – many possibilities and uses. The home has 1432 sq ft on the main floor and 1432 sq ft in the unfinished basement. There are REAL hardwood floors throughout on most of the main floor. The wood burning stove is perfect to take the chill out of the air or sit and enjoy watching the flames. Most of the windows have been replaced with double pane and there are newer appliances in the kitchen. The property consists of 10 acres – the short plat has already been started – divide in half or keep the entire 10 acres as one piece. Beach access is only a mile down the road – walk the beach or surf in the waves. Also, there are numerous trails nearby for hiking or biking. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors on Freshwater Bay Road just West of Port Angeles.

Sequim's Blue Hole

2008-03-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sequim, Washington, lies in a rainshadow (Blue Hole) where the annual rainfall has averaged around 16 inches per year over the past few years. This is about the same amount of precipitation as San Diego or Los Angeles. It is so dry in Sequim that irrigation is necessary to raise crops and keep the area green. In fact, Sequim's major festival is the annual Irrigation Festival held in May to commemorate the opening of the first irrigation ditches over 100 years ago. Yet, less than 50 miles away, on a bend in the Wynoche River, the rainfall is the heaviest in the United States, averaging over 150 inches annually.

Why does this happen?
When warm marine air from the Pacific Ocean reaches the Olympics, it is forced upwards and cooled. The cold air can't hold as much moisture as warm air and it rains. But, it is the west side of the mountains that gets the drenching. That cold dry air then starts to flow down the eastern side of the range. As it descends, it warms itself by compression. This newly warmed air travels a considerable distance before it again becomes heavy with moisture, where it converges with other moisture laden air flowing inland from around the southern end of the Olympics. These bodies of precipitation usually converge off the lower end and eastern side of Puget Sound.
Sequim, because of its sheltered position close to the north end of the Olympics, is favored with dry air. The town gets a good flow of warmed mountain air, but before it has taken on much moisture. It is also under the influence of other air currents, which disperse clouds and prevent fog from forming. Only about three or four days of fog are expected annually. In addition, Sequim is almost completely protected from the onslaught of southwesterly storms that often blast the upper Puget Sound region.

Rain maps and rainfall records, kept since the early part of the nineteenth century, indicate that one can expect an increase in rainfall of about 1.6 inches per mile as you travel west from Sequim, and an increase of about 1 inch traveling in the opposite direction. The "Blue Hole" extends about six miles west and seven miles east from Sequim, and from the Olympic foothills to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

November through January are traditionally the wettest months in Sequim, averaging from about three inches in December to a little less than two inches in January. The area's driest period is from July to September.

Featured Homes - Week of 3-10-08 Parkwood - a 55+ Community

2008-03-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Parkwood is a great place to live! Here are three to chose from! Prices of these homes range from $95,000 to $119,000 - call us to find out what Parkwood is all about!

Clubhouse with amenities - meeting room, library, card room, exercise equipment, billiards, table tennis, kitchen, hot tub, BBQ facilities.

Friendly staff. Linda is the manager at the clubhouse. She makes sure Parkwood is run smoothly, efficiently, and in a friendly manner. Monty is the maintenance engineer and takes pride in making sure everything is kept running properly and the grounds are looking their best.

Current rental rates: doublewide $405 per month. RV storage: $25 per month (fenced, gated, locked). Rent includes space rent, maintanance of the water system, septic system, roads, greenbelts, clubhouse.

Featured Home - Week of March 3

2008-03-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

How does your garden and orchard grow? Great soil for vegetables and fruit - herbs, apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, blueberries, figs, kiwi, grapes, currents, raspberries, and more. Underground irrigation. Like new, this 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2081 square foot home with a mountain view was custom built in 2004. This ADA friendly home (no steps from garage to house) has an open floor plan, wonderful master suite, formal dining room and kitchen eating area. Great room includes a vaulted ceiling, wood stove, and ceiling fan with lights. Separate family room has a cozy propane stove with another kitchen area and an adjoining second master suite. This would be a perfect setup for an extended family or guests. The large 3 car attached garage and a 1 car detached garage with a 10 foot door - provides plenty of space for inside parking and storage. No restrictions on RV or boat parking. This 1+ acre property provides plenty of room for your animals. Relax and enjoy this peaceful setting.

Check out all our virtual tours ....

2008-02-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

Check out all our virtual tours .... we have lots, acreage, horse property, homes on lots, home on acreage, waterfront property --- we have it all - check it out! www.wellcomemat.com/yourhometeam

Featured Home - Week of 2-25-08

2008-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

You CAN have it all - water view & huge shop.
Enjoy the panoramic views - Strait of Juan De Fuca, Victoria, Mt.Baker, ships, sunsets, etc. - from this wonderful, single story home. The open floor plan makes it easy to entertain or have a quiet evening at home in front of the propane stove. The kitchen is a cook’s delight - lots of counter space with tile and Corian , pull-out drawers, large pantry, island with Jenn-air cooktop, and skylights. Both bedrooms have large walk-in closets. The den / office has a view of the pond. Energy efficient heat pump. Even a doggie wash area off the garage. Fenced yard for kids or pets. Attached 2 car garage PLUS a 1760 square foot detached garage/ shop. There is room for ALL your vehicle or projects. Located on an acre close to town. Reduced to $449,999

Featured Home - Week of 02-18-08

2008-02-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

Wonderful open floor plan. Bank of south facing windows which showcase the breathtaking view of the Olympic Mountains. Custom mfg home that shows
better then new. Enjoy the see thru propane fireplace that opens into the rec room and the living room. Kitchen is a cook’s delight – eating nook, island with
breakfast bar, tile work, desk area, etc. The master suite has a separate office area with built-ins, huge walk-in closet; bathroom has a soaking tub, separate shower, 2 vanities. Attached carport and 3 car garage (3rd garage bay has carpet and is used as a game room). Palm Harbor Homes Named EPA's 2007 ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. Here is the link to the article: http://www.palmharbor.com/our-company/company-overview/commitment-to-quality/press-energy-star -partner-of-the-year-2007/ For a virtual tour: http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/9C09CCDA77

In Memory of Bonnie Garay

2008-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

This week we are saying good bye to Bonnie Garay- she passed away last Sunday from a short illness. She was with the Windermere East office. Not just a good agent but one of the very good people in the world -- she will be missed by all of us.

Do you need to know a zip code or a state abbreviation

2008-02-12T18:02:00.000-08:00

Check out this web site

http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

Featured Home - Week of 2-11-08

2008-02-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

ELEGANTLY APPOINTED FOR ENTERTAINING. Room to entertain in this custom 4 bedroom, 4 bath home with den / office and 3401 square feet of living space. Wonderful built-in entertainment center with propane fireplace adds to the warmth of the living room. Large, cheerful kitchen has granite countertops, lots of cabinets, and a separate eating nook. The high ceilings and hardwood floors extend into the formal dining area. Spacious master bedroom suite has a door onto the deck and large custom walk-in closet. Relax in the elegant master bath with a jetted soaking tub and separate shower. Large windows throughout take in the views of the mountains and valley. The daylight basement has a recreation room with 2 of the bedrooms and a full bath. Lots of storage including a hobby closet with floor to ceiling shelves! Call Sheryl or Cathy to see this wonderful home located on Bell Hill.

Featured Property - Week of 2-4-08

2008-02-04T15:08:00.000-08:00

Waterfront
Acreage
With
Tidelands

Enjoy fabulous views from this rare and gorgeous low-bank waterfront property on beautiful West Sequim Bay. Just south of the John Wayne Marina, you will enjoy the beauty and splendor of this natural northwest setting. An incredible 3.28 acres plus tidelands is waiting for you to build your dream home.

The sellers have done all the work for you. Selective clearing, building pad, retaining walls, septic and well installed, electric and cable, not to mention a 42' x 36' steel pole building complete with bathroom. This lot is ready to build. All you need to do is bring your plans.ML #225322 / 27023222 $598,000

Protection Island - it is "for the birds"

2008-01-31T15:52:00.000-08:00

PROTECTION ISLAND Protection Island is that island most residents of greater Diamond Point have seen. The island is off limits to practically everyone. It is itself protected. The island got its name from the fact that it protected the beautiful bay beyond it. Early Spanish and English visited the island and it was long used by the British navy as a source for replacements for damaged masts and spars on their sailing ships. The local natives decided that the lack of drinking water was a drawback but they would visit the island to hunt and gather berries and then leave. The white man tried to develop the island from 1861 until 1868 but could not solve the water problem. Man used and abused the island for years. Farming, a research laboratory, a part of coastal defense, a hunting preserve are just a few of the activities tried to make economic use of the island. In 1982 The island was declared a National Wildlife Refuge. More than 70% of the entire seabird population of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound are born here. The island is constantly bombarded by wind and there is a constant din created by the gulls. Protection Island is "for the birds", seals, and other wildlife.Boats cannot come closer to the island than 200 yards and aircraft no closer than 2,000 feet. There is no public access. U.S Fish and Wildlife has the responsibility to maintain this National Wildlife Refuge.

Traffic delays scheduled for Hood Canal Bridge Feb. 4

2008-01-31T10:31:00.000-08:00

Traffic delays scheduled for Hood Canal Bridge
SHINE – Drivers can expect delays up to 10 minutes on the Hood Canal Bridge between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday, February 4 as surveyors from Kiewit-General (K-G) install brass monuments at each end of the bridge.
The monuments, 3-inch hubs bearing a Washington State Department of Transportation stamp, number and a center point for surveying reference, will be used by K-G and WSDOT to align the new transitions spans, roadway, girders and pontoons when they are installed in May-June 2009.
The survey work is being done in conjunction with the ongoing Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project which will improve the existing structure, making it safer and more reliable. The bridge will close for six weeks during May-June 2009 to allow WSDOT and K-G to remove and replace its eastern half. For more information, visit www.HoodCanalBridge.com.
Drivers can call 5-1-1 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ for road and traffic updates and www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/olympic/construction to learn more about weekly construction and maintenance activities.
Contact: Joe Irwin, Hood Canal Bridge Communications 253-305-6412 Theresa Gren, Hood Canal Bridge Communications 253-305-6428

Featured Home - Week of 1-28-08

2008-01-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of that perfect neighborhood? How about this wonderful custom home on a beautiful tree-lined street with friendly neighbors and easy-care yard? 2249 sq ft. rambler with 2 BR, den, 2 BA. Kitchen is a cook's delight – new solid surface countertops, new kitchen cabinets, big work island, and a skylight to make it light & bright. Open floor plan into the family room with a pellet stove - easy to entertain and also to sit and relax. Living room and dining room are more formal. ADA with 44" hallways and wide doorways. 9 foot ceilings make the home feel spacious. 7 x 7 finished room off garage for pantry or storage. Doggy door off the den with a ramp into the fenced dog run - only the best for your pets! REDUCED TO $399,950

Featured Home - Week of 1-21-08

2008-01-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

HEADS UP PILOTS! Fly From The Blue Hole of Diamond Point Airport.

HOUSE AND HANGAR: Pilot's dream - Get in on the opportunity to own your very own hangar on the Diamond Point taxiway. Cute cabin, 672 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1bath, updated and neat as a pin. Detached 40 x 36 hangar for planes or hobbies! (lot 7 in Sunshine Acres) ML #227938 / 27193087 $298,000.

ALSO ...... TWO ADJOINING LOTS: One with direct access to the taxiway. Community water and electric. Bring plans for that dream hangar and home. Great level land with mature trees and an outbuilding. (lots 9 & 10 in Sunshine Acres) $249,000 ML 227940 /27193090.

Or buy both properties and make it a compound. All have community beach access. Check out our web site for a virtual tour.

2008 Annual Native Plant Sale 1/7/08 thru 2/15/08

2008-01-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

http://clallam.scc.wa.gov/plantsale.htm

2008 Annual Native Plant Sale
Every year Clallam Conservation District holds a native plant sale. Plants are conservation grade bare-root seedlings, typically sold in bundles of 10. All plants are pre-ordered and orders are accepted beginning January 7, 2008 through February 15, 2008. Orders must be a minimum of 30 plants. Plants are available for pick-up on March 1, 2008 at a location east of Port Angeles. To place an order please carefully read over the ordering instructions attached to the order form and return your order form, complete with payment, back to us by mail or in person at our office.
For detailed descriptions of the plants available through this years plant sale be sure to view our Plant Sale List, OR if you have a high-speed internet connection (or patience to wait) look at our Native Plant Pictures and Descriptions which contains colored pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the plants offered for sale.
Why native plants?
The plants native to our region have grown alongside the native insects, fungi, plant diseases, wildlife, and other native plants for thousands of years. During this time they have developed the ability to attract native animals that benefit them (such as pollinating and seed-dispersing insects and birds), and repel or survive native organisms that harm them (such as plant viruses and munching insects).
As a result, native plants often attract a wider variety of native animals than do introduced plants. In addition, the plants native to our area are adapted to growing in our region's soils and climate, and so generally require less maintenance (such as watering) than do non-natives.
Native plants can be used in many ways; from helping along mother nature by quickly adding variety to a planting area, to being used in restoration projects such as after home-site clearing or for erosion control. Native plants work well in these situations because of their ability to tolerate the existing conditions and get established quickly.
In general, nothing needs to be added to the soil when planting seedlings. Just water. Since the plants are small, their roots are close to the surface where the soil dries out quickly. Regular watering and perhaps a layer of mulch to help retain moisture is all they need to get started.
2008 Annual Native Plant Sale
Every year Clallam Conservation District holds a native plant sale. Plants are conservation grade bare-root seedlings, typically sold in bundles of 10. All plants are pre-ordered and orders are accepted beginning January 7, 2008 through February 15, 2008. Orders must be a minimum of 30 plants. Plants are available for pick-up on March 1, 2008 at a location east of Port Angeles. To place an order please carefully read over the ordering instructions attached to the order form and return your order form, complete with payment, back to us by mail or in person at our office.
For detailed descriptions of the plants available through this years plant sale be sure to view our Plant Sale List, OR if you have a high-speed internet connection (or patience to wait) look at our Native Plant Pictures and Descriptions which contains colored pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the plants offered for sale.
Why native plants?
The plants native to our region have grown alongside the native insects, fungi, plant diseases, wildlife, and other native plants for thousands of years. During this time they have developed the ability to attract native animals that benefit them (such as pollinating and seed-dispersing insects and birds), and repel or survive native organisms that harm them (such as plant viruses and munching insects).
As a result, native plants often attract a wider variety of native animals than do introduced plants. In addition, the plants native to our area are adapted to growing in our region's soils and climate, and so generally require less maintenance (such as watering) than do non-natives.
Native plants can be used in many ways; from helping along mother nature by quickly adding variety to a planting area, to being used in restoration projects such as after home-site clearing or for erosion control. Native plants work well in these situations because of their ability to tolerate the existing conditions and get established quickly.
In general, nothing needs to be added to the soil when planting seedlings. Just water. Since the plants are small, their roots are close to the surface where the soil dries out quickly. Regular watering and perhaps a layer of mulch to help retain moisture is all they need to get started.

Featured Home - Week of 1/14/08

2008-01-14T16:06:00.000-08:00

$525,000 - Motivated Seller

Motivated seller!!! Newer home that is ready for you to finish and add your personal touches. 2161 square feet with 3 bedrooms, den, 2 ½ bathrooms, and great room with propane fireplace. Kitchen is a cook’s delight with a big island, LOTS of storage, breakfast bar, Corian countertops, and real hardwood floors. Wonderful home to entertainment or to sit and enjoy a quiet evening at home. The master bedroom also has a free-standing propane stove and a walk-in closet. The master bathroom has a jetted tub, separate shower, double sinks, and a TV so he can keep up with all the political news. Many added features including Kat 5 wiring, surround sound, and a vacuum system. Two car attached garage. Also, there is a detached garage has 1800 square feet which includes a 600 square foot bonus room and ¾ bath on the main floor and a 400 square foot loft area upstairs.

Fun Facts - Washington State

2008-01-09T13:02:00.000-08:00

Here are some fun facts that were published in the Homes Land Magazine.

* It is against the law to set fire to another person's property without prior permission in Seattle.

* Vancouver, Washington requires all motor vehicles to carry anchors as an emergency brake.

* A law in Washington states: "It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town."

* In 1979, the square dance was designated as the official Washington State dance.

* Eighty percent of the glacial ice in the U.S. is found in Washington state.

* In Seattle it is illegal to carry a fishbowl or aquarium onto a bus because the sound of the water sloshing may disturb other passengers.

* It is against the law to spit on a bus.

* Mount Rainier was first climbed in 1870 by P.B. Van Trump and General Hazard Stevens.

* During the day motor vehicles must be preceded by a man carrying a red flag. AT night, the man should carry a red lantern instead.

* Snoqualmie Falls plunges 100 feet further than Niagara Falls.

* Long Beach, Washington is home to the world's largest frying pan.

* The Mercer Island Floating Bridge (now I-90), built in 1950, was the first floating bridge in the world.

Featured Property - Week of 12/31/07

2007-12-31T11:41:00.000-08:00

$325,000 - Priced to Sell

Need horse property!? This is it! 10 acres of pasture that is fenced and cross fenced. Ready for all your animals or live stock. Wonderful mountain view and pastoral setting. Several outbuildings – many possibilities and uses. The home has 1432 sq ft on the main floor and 1432 sq ft in the unfinished basement. There are REAL hardwood floors throughout on most of the main floor. The wood burning stove is perfect to take the chill out of the air or sit and enjoy watching the flames. Most of the windows have been replaced with double pane and there are newer appliances in the kitchen. The property consists of 10 acres – the short plat has already been started – divide in half or keep the entire 10 acres as one piece. Beach access is only a mile down the road – walk the beach or surf in the waves. Also, there are numerous trails nearby for hiking or biking. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the outdoors on Freshwater Bay Road just West of Port Angeles.