The Sequim real estate market, as well as Port Angeles', is uniquely localized, but that is true of much of the country. National markets, trends, and regional economic variables impact, but do not determine local prices and sales. There is one market that impacts Sequim and Port Angeles home sales more than most, and that is the California market. If California homeowners are not able to sell their homes, a significant percentage of buyers of homes and land in Sequim and Port Angeles go away. But there are signs of improvement. "Despite all the dire headlines about the drop in real estate prices, 56 percent of the 292 metropolitan areas surveyed nationwide showed net price appreciation for the past year. . . . Kerry Killinger, CEO of Washington Mutual, said his company is seeing 'a sl... 05/30/2008

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is like a second small house on your property, and under a strict set of rules, you can have an ADU on your Sequim or Port Angeles property. The following is from the Clallam County Code: In addition to the general requirements of CCC 33.50.030, accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the following requirements. (1) Size. (a) Size of Detached ADU. Detached ADUs shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling unit, nor exceed 1,250 square feet in gross floor area. (b) Size of Attached ADU. Attached ADUs shall not exceed thirty-five (35) percent of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling unit. (2) Density. (a) The property on which an ADU is to be located must comply with the minimum lot size of the underlying zone.... 05/21/2008

Sequim is proud of its Recreation Center known as SARC. It's a great place to get some cardio exercise, do a little weightlifting, play some basketball or racketball, swim in the pool, or relax in the jacuzzi or steam room. When my own children were young, we spent a lot of time in the pool, including the kittie pool. When my daughter was about 3 years old, she was walking toward me on the little shelf that you sit on, and with the water boiling, she did not know their was a drop off. She stepped off and disappeared. Of course, I immediately lifted her up, but it was like one of those funny home videos that just made us laugh. One minute she was there looking at me expectantly, and the next moment she was out of site. If I was surprised, she was really surprised. Too funny!After a hard... 05/21/2008

Sequim real estate news - you've found it! Looking for Sequim market news, legal solutions, interesting issues, photos, articles about local events or recreation, want to ask questions or comment? Here is a vignette of what you will find here: Accessory Dwelling Units (1) Adverse Possession (1) Alaska v. Sequim/P.A. (3) Asbestors (1) Asset Protection (2) Attitude in Selling (1) Bed and Breakfast (1) Bristol Marunde (1) Builders and Contractors (1) Building a Home (2) Buying Land (1) Buying Real Estate in Port Angeles and Sequim (2) California and Sequim/PA Real Estate (1) Clallam County Fair (1) Clallam County Property Taxes (1) Contractor (2) Covenants (1) Custom Homes (2) Dairy Farms (1) Divorce and Real Estate (4) Elwha River Dam (1) Elwha River Pics (2) Environmental Issues (1) Esc... 05/18/2008

Are homes selling in Sequim and Port Angeles? In the first four months of this year sales are down. We all know that. I was going to write, "That's not front page news," but it still is. The market has taken a beating around the country, especially because of the mortgage fiasco. When sales slow down in California, Arizona, Texas, and around Seattle, our buyers have to postpone their plans to purchase their retirement homes here. But exactly how much is Sequim and Port Angeles down in home sales? Here I compare the first quarter of each year since 2000. This chart shows that home sales for Sequim and Port Angeles combined for January through April of 2008 are at pre-2003 levels. But let's face it--the real estate market really took off in 2003 through 2005 with great residual through 20... 05/17/2008

Accessory Dwelling Units (1) Adverse Possession (1) Alaska v. Sequim/P.A. (3) Asbestors (1) Asset Protection (2) Bed and Breakfast (1) Bristol Marunde (1) Builders and Contractors (1) Building a Home (2) Buying Land (1) Buying Real Estate in Port Angeles and Sequim (2) California and Sequim/PA Real Estate (1) Clallam County Fair (1) Clallam County Property Taxes (1) Coaching (1) Contractor (2) Covenants (1) Custom Homes (2) Dairy Farms (1) Divorce and Real Estate (4) Elwha River Dam (1) Elwha River Pics (2) Environmental Issues (1) Escrow and RE Closings (1) Estate Planning (1) Excise Tax Fraud (1) Finding an Agent (3) Foreclosures (5) FSBO (4) Green Homes (1) Green Houses (1) Green Real Estate (1) Hiring Agents (1) Home Appraisal (1) Home Security (1) Homes and Land (1) Homes for Sale... 05/10/2008

Are homes selling in Sequim and Port Angeles? In the first four months of this year sales are down. We all know that. I was going to write, "That's not front page news," but it still is. The market has taken a beating around the country, especially because of the mortgage fiasco. When sales slow down in California, Arizona, Texas, and around Seattle, our buyers have to postpone their plans to purchase their retirement homes here.But exactly how much is Sequim and Port Angeles down in home sales? Here I compare the first quarter of each year since 2000.This chart shows that home sales for Sequim and Port Angeles combined for January through April of 2008 are at pre-2003 levels. But let's face it--the real estate market really took off in 2003 through 2005 with great residual through 2007... 05/08/2008

Mother Nature threw a couple snowballs at us in Sunny Sequim with some extra snow for the year.  Spring took just a little longer to arrive.  But arrive it has.  Buyers are starting to step out into the sunshine and look to buy some real estate.  And as the average sales prices show, the buyers are calling the shots. Looking at April compared to March the average sold prices are down $50,000.                                               Homes                  LandSelling Price               $259,720          $131,644Original List Price       $280,437          $153,724List to Sale Ratio                93%                  86%Days on Market                 133                   161Total New Listings                86                    89Total Sold                            35          ... 05/07/2008

Sequim security gates, Port Angeles security gates for private roads and driveways--why have one?There are four (4) major reasons, but most people would probably not guess the first one. A security gate serves more than one purpose, and the most common benefit and the most important benefit are not necessarily the same. Here are the reasons for a security gate in order of how often the gate returns a benefit.1. A security gate stops garbage dumpers before they can dump wash machines, tires, and other garbage on your property, or on the drive to your home. People of low standards dump garbage every day on the most convenient rural roads, and they are almost never caught. Wash machines and dryers are very common, as well as tires, and lots of small junk, bags, paper, and rotting things. N... 05/03/2008

Sequim water view homes for sale and Port Angeles water view homes for sale: we have many for sale. Really that's no surprise, after all we do live on the Northern Olympic Peninsula, and we are surrounded by H2O. It's the mountains and the rolling hills that give our homes the elevation to have such incredible views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, John Wayne Marina and the Port of Port Angeles.During calendar year 2007, 926 homes sold in both Sequim and Port Angeles. How many of the homes sold have water views? Seventy homes sold in 2007 in Sequim and Port Angeles with a water view. In other words, 7.5% of homes sold have water views.How many of the homes sold have mountain views? According to our local MLS, 328 homes sold in 2007 in Sequim and Port Angeles have a mountain view. In other... 04/10/2008

How many homes have sold in Sequim in the past six months (and Port Angeles), and how does that compare with previous years? Here's a chart showing single family site built homes sold in each of the last five years, starting with the most recent past six months (September through February).Here are the numbers for each year, which are also represented at the top of each bar in the chart. Sequim 201 201 185 191 131 Port Angeles 195 193 192 174 140 Clearly, we have a significant drop in the most recent months. Sales of single family homes in Sequim are down to 131 from 191 over the same six month period last year (Sept through Feb). And Port Angeles also has seen a similar decrease in sales from 174 to 140.While it is easy to look at these statistics with a negative perspective, there is ... 03/24/2008

For your convenience, here are links to a number of articles on Sequim real estate issues, including sales prices, the real estate market, luxury homes, foreclosures and short sales, how to negotiate the best price, and much more.  Enjoy. Adverse Possession (1) Alaska v. Sequim/P.A. (3) Asset Protection (1) Building a Home (1) Buying Land (1) Buying Real Estate in Port Angeles and Sequim (2) California and Sequim/PA Real Estate (1) Clallam County Fair (1) Coaching (1) Contractor (2) Covenants (1) Custom Homes (1) Dairy Farms (1) Divorce and Real Estate (3) Elwha River Dam (1) Elwha River Pics (2) Environmental Issues (1) Excise Tax Fraud (1) Finding an Agent (2) Foreclosures (4) FSBO (3) Green Homes (1) Green Houses (1) Green Real Estate (1) Home Appraisal (1) Homes and Land (1) Homes f... 03/18/2008

Who is the best home builder in Sequim? Who is the best home builder in Port Angeles? Who builds the best new homes or the best custom homes?If you are planning to hire a home builder and have your dream home built, or maybe it's to be your retirement home, what are the most important considerations? Here's what the vast majority of people want.First, most people want the highest quality home, and second, they want it for the least cost per square foot. Clearly, these two goals are in direct conflict.Here's what most people don't know and may never know, and I share this as an insider who has practiced in real estate sales and law for almost 30 years, including as an adviser to builders and contractors:There is a vast difference in the quality of homes built from contractor to contracto... 03/17/2008

In today's economy of rising oil prices, (the per barrel price hit $109 yesterday), people are looking for ways to save money at the gas pump.Some folks are ecologically minded and have purchased hybrid cars.  Not only are they saving in gas purchases, they are not harming the enviroment through use of the electric engines.  Some people have dusted off their trusty old bicycles and ride them to and from work.  There is one man I know in Sequim who still rides his 1965 Schwinn around town.As for me, I've begun riding the bus.  I figured that by buying a $36 monthly pass, I'm saving about $100 per month in fuel costs.  That was before this latest hike in gas prices took affect.  Before you ask, "But Kathy, how do you show properties to your clients???"  I'm not an actively licensed agent.... 03/12/2008

News Release! New Real Estate Brokerage Hits Town!There's a new Sequim Real Estate Broker and Port Angeles Real Estate Broker in town. In both towns! It is an established name in Sequim and Port Angeles. The owner and broker is Chuck Marunde. Many know Chuck as a Real Estate Attorney, some know him as a Realtor, and others know him as the father of famous athletes.Blog Manager: Chuck, in this interview I want to take a more personal approach to an interview such as this. I'll ask about the new brokerage and your experience, because that will be important to people, but I think people also want to know who you are. Chuck, give us a brief vignette of who Chuck Marunde is, your business and real estate background generally, your connection here and your family.Chuck: I'd be glad to. I star... 03/01/2008

Every town in the US has a city park of some sort.  A place for all their citizens to gather together, celebrate, relax, or play.  Carrie Blake Park serves that purpose for Sequim.This wonderful city park sits on approximately 35 acres on the east side of town along Blake Ave.  It is a wonderful park that has may activities for the young, old, wildlife, and pets.  Carrie Blake Park has been and continues to be a favorite gathering spot for Sequim residents and visitors for years.      Carrie Blake Park is home to Sequim's convention center, The Guy Cole Convention Center.  Outside the center are picnic areas and a gazebo.  This is a popular place for wedding receptions in the summer.     There are swings and jungle gyms for the little tikes and a skate park for the older and more advent... 02/27/2008

Here's what's been happening in the Sequim and Port Angeles real estate market (the stats include all of Clallam County for the fourth quarter of 2007 and are provided by the Washington Center for Real Estate Research).New building permits are down 18.6% from one year ago. Homes sold are down in Clallam County by 20.4% for the fourth quarter (2007) compared to one year ago. The median price of a home is $225,000, which is down 6.2% from last year. Statewide, these states look like this: building permits are down 17.3%, homes sold are down 13.7%, and the median price of a home is $293,900, down 2.5%.While sellers would like home prices to keep going up, up, and up (prices have been doubling in Sequim every 7 to 10 years), buyers are given a reprieve from the slowing rate of increase (eve... 02/15/2008

How do 2006 home sales compare with 2007 home sales in Sequim and Port Angeles.  Here's a single chart with a lot of information packed into it with a graph that includes:- The total number of homes sold by comparison in both years- The average price of homes sold by comparison in both years (scaled to this chart: price x 1,000) The average price of a home sold in Sequim was higher in both 2006 and 2007.  In 2007 the Sequim average is skewed upward by the fact that there were seven (7) homes that sold for over $1 million.  In the same year in Port Angeles, there was one.  Recent indications (the large inventory in Sequim, and the increased interest in Port Angeles homes for sale) will, in my opinion, result in a change in the wind toward Port Angeles in 2008.  Time will tell.  Keep up w... 01/22/2008

Homes for sale do not always sell for the original listing price, but how much less do they actually sell for in this market? This graphic represents the original listing price (in total dollar volume) and the actual selling price (in total dollar volume) in Port Angeles and Sequim (site built and condos and townhouses only) .The average selling price in 2007 for a home in Port Angeles was $275,935, and the average selling price in 2007 for a home in Sequim was $351,493. Port Angeles saw homes sell in 2007 for 25% less than the original price, and in Sequim that figure was 8.57%. Very instructive.  Source:  Sequim-Port-Angeles-real-estate.blogspot.com  01/21/2008

What did 2007 home sales look like in Sequim? Here is a graphic summary of home sales in Sequim categorized by price range. [Click on graphic to enlarge.]The majority of sales in Sequim were in the price range of $200,000 to $350,000, and there were more single family homes sold in the higher price range than the lower price range. Over 50% of the houses sold are in three price ranges from $200,000 to $350,000--not a surprise. The more interesting statistic is that houses sold in 2007 in Sequim over the price of $400,000 accounted for only 27% of the market.Sellers with homes priced above $400,000 will only sell to 27% of the entire buyer population! That will have implications for how a home is priced and marketed from day one. This is another major reason that overpricing a home in th... 01/16/2008