Every month Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge Island will be doing a "Spotlight"on a particular topic.  I thought I'd share the information as well because it really provides great insight into our current market versus where we've been.  This month our topic Spotlight is on "Island Condominiums".  As you can see 2011 sales were, for the most part, better than 2010 in the lower price ranges, $400k or less. I find it interesting that the price per square foot is about the same as it was in 2010. If your like me, an optimist, I choose to believe the predictions this year...we've hit the bottom and we're headed back up!  To quote Mathew Gardner  "I remain a "glass half full" analyst and believe that we will continue to see improvement in all indices in 2012."



In the last 2 weeks I’ve been wonderfully reminded of why I love what I do.  I have the wonderful blessing of working with 2 different clients that both have the same goal.  Their number one priority is “family”.  Touring them around beautiful Bainbridge Island and showing them homes has been so enjoyable because they are both searching for homes for their mothers.  Now, even though their circumstances are very different, the common theme is making sure their mom is in a beautiful home where she feels safe and comfortable living the next chapter of her life.  Both are coming from off island and both have taken the time to put their mom first, taking time off work, gently guiding their moms as we tour, etc. It’s very admirable and I feel so honored to be their trusted adviser on this next big step.

Putting family first is something that people often say they are doing, but I’ve seen these daughters not only “talking the talk”, but “walking the walk”, as they say.  Being a part of helping them to their next nest is what I love! Buying or selling a home can be very emotional and have some fear around it.  It’s my job to make it enjoyable, smooth, fun, stress free and always positive. My gratitude to these women that have shown me, yet another reason, why I love what I do!

Mark your calendars for the first annual
Jingle ~ Mingle ~ Winslow Open House
December 17 from 12-9pm

This will be a day full of in-store specials where you can finish up that holiday shopping or just spend time strolling and mingling. You can turn it into a date night by taking advantage of KiDiMu’s “Kids’ Night At The Museam” from 5:30-9pm. Visit kidimu.org for more information and reservations.

Christmas cheer was in the air last night as we Christmas Angels busily wrapped presents a plenty at our annual event!  This year we sponsored 16 kids ages 5 months to 15 years and their parents.  It always warms my heart to see the generosity of friends. It truly defines the real meaning of Christmas.

We all know it’s been a tough year on the economy, but you wouldn’t have known it with the amount of gifts people pulled together to help those in need this holiday season.  Christmas music was playing, wrapping paper was flying, laughter and some tears were abounding and in general a jovial spirit was everywhere!

Thank you to everyone who generously donated gifts for these children.  It will be a very Merry Christmas for them all!

By the way, for those of you that would still like to help.  Our local Helpline House is always thrilled to receive donations of food, toiletries, gently used clothing and of course money!  What are you waiting for, become your own Christmas Angel and give, it feels so good!

There is no better place than Christmas on Bainbridge Island!  Our little town looks just like the town in the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”, without the snow.  I have been so tempted to run down the streets at night, tapping the window’s of our wonderfully lit up boutiques yelling “Merry Christmas you big beautiful Blackbird Bakery”! Those that know me, know that there’s a good possibility that I’ll do just that.

Everyone is in such good spirits this season.  Even though the economy has been challenging for many, it hasn’t dampened the Christmas spirit here.  Generosity is everywhere!  My office adopted 9 children this year in need.  It was so fun to work together for others.  We shopped, we wrapped, we laughed and it felt really good to give to others.  I am continually proud of the company I’ve chosen to work for and those I work with.

Just walking in Winslow day or night, I find my neighbors smiling more and saying hello with a jovial hug. We really are a “Small Town with a Big Heart”.  If you haven’t bundled up and strolled through Winslow at night yet, I encourage you to do so.  The merchants have lit up their stores and window shopping is at it’s finest right now.  Of course, I’d encourage you to shop the boutiques throughout Winslow as well.  Pretty much everything you’ll need on your shopping list, can be found right here locally.  And it feels so good to shop knowing that you are supporting the families in our community!

Santa’s mailbox has arrived at Lollipops!  Lollipops is located at 278 Winslow Way and just outside of the store you’ll find this whimsical mailbox waiting to be stuffed with your child’s Christmas wishes.  As far as I know, from my own experience, each child receives a hand written letter from the Big Man himself! The count down has begun, so get those creative juices flowing!

Winslow will be bustling this holiday season! Kick the season off with the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 26, from 10-7. Retailers will be offering a variety of specials. Download the Holiday Open House flyer for details on what your favorite businesses may have planned.

The fun will continue at the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30pm that evening on Madrone Lane. Enjoy music by the BHS Band and Ovation! Glee Club. Our special guest, Santa Claus, will be on hand to help light the 2011 Community Tree. Special thanks to Grandma’s Tree Farm for this year’s spectacular tree!

Mark your calendars for the first annual
Jingle ~ Mingle ~ Winslow
December 17 from 12-9pm

This will be a day full of in-store specials where you can finish up that holiday shopping or just spend time strolling and mingling. You can turn it into a date night by taking advantage of KiDiMu’s “Kids’ Night At The Museam” from 5:30-9pm. Visit kidimu.org for more information and reservations.

The Holiday Passport will be back this holiday season. Pick up a complimentary Passport from a participating retailer. Collect a stamp when you spend $10. Collect stamps from 17 businesses in the Passport and enter to win one of four Downtown Shopping Sprees, each values at $850.

Let’s keep our holiday dollars LOCAL and don’t forget to use your coupons from your ShanPak! Bundle up and I’ll see you downtown!

5k and 1 mile runs to benefit Helpline House

Runners and walkers of all ages - start your Thanksgiving Day right with a fun, active community event that supports local families in need. The 1st annual run in 2010 was a rousing success, raising $7400 for Helpline House and drawing participants from miles around on a chilly morning that was filled with smiles and good cheer despite the icy roads.  2011 is sure to be another exciting event!  Don’t miss great prizes and the perfect excuse for just one more slice of pie!  Don’t forget to dress up, there are prizes for creativity!

You can register in person at Island Fitness 190 Madison Avenue Bainbridge Is. Or register on site at 7:30 am at Battle Point Park.  Races begin at 8:30 am for the 1 mile and 9 am for the 5k.

This is a great way to support our community and earn your dinner.  Nothing like getting your workout in before the Tryptophan hits your blood stream! Have a gobblety good time!

Did you know:

A $400,000 house today would have cost $642,650 in September of 2006* a difference of $242,650!

A 30 year mortgage today is 4.13%** and in September of 2006 it was 6.41%**

The monthly payment today would be $1,939.76 and in September of 2006 it would have been $4,024.02 a difference of $2,084.26 per month.

Over the term of the loan the total savings for the house purchased today would be $750,333!

If today’s buyer took out a 30 year loan at current rates but made the same payments as the buyer in 2006 ($4,024.02) the loan would be paid off in 10 years 2 months…the buyer in 2006 would still have almost 15 more years of payments.

This is some pretty interesting perspective on what kind of opportunity exists for buyers right now and what a difference 5 years makes!

Welcome to Beautiful Bainbridge Island!

This video really captures the essence of living here, the attractions and the quality of the life we live.  As a broker, I continually share with people the feeling a commuter gets when leaving the city, Seattle, and heading home.  It really is an escape.  What a treat to sit back and let someone else drive, no traffic, while you chat with friends, check email, knit, enjoy a cup of chowder or glass of wine, take a power nap or just enjoy the view, while heading home.

Living on an island is such a wonderful way of life, but living on Bainbridge Island is a lifestyle that you will treasure!