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Affordable housing advocates win one
in Kittitas County GMA case |
| Affordable housing advocates scored a major victory recently in the Eastern Washington Growth Management Hearings Boards’ decision to uphold a Kittitas County ordinance allowing “cluster” development in rural portions of the County. A group of anti-growth environmentalists and local activists challenged the ordinance, alleging it violated the Growth Management Act.... (Full Article) |
Survey says “Green” homeowners
are more satisfied |
| A recent “new home buyer” survey found there is a high rate of customer satisfaction among those who have purchased “green” homes — and that 63 percent of buyers are motivated by the lower operating and maintenance costs that come with energy- and resource-efficient homes.... (Full Article) |
TRC awarded contract
for new clinic on Bainbridge |
| Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. of Poulsbo was awarded the contract for the tenant improvement for Bainbridge Pediatrics. The new office will provide over 2,900 square feet of office space.... (Full Article) |
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SSA enters into agreement with BHA |
| Senior Services of America, LLC (SSA) recently announced that the Bremerton Housing Authority has entered into a professional management service agreement for Bay Vista Commons a 72 unit assisted living community. In conjunction with Marathon Development Inc., this strategic partnership is currently developing Bay Vista Commons.... (Full Article) |
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Realtor, mortgage loan rep, launch blog site |
| Mark Flanders, a loan officer with Olympic Northwest Mortgage, and Rich Jacobson, a Realtor with Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc., have recently launched a cooperative blog site, www.SoundBiteBlog.com.
Intended primarily as a real estate-related blog, the site also offers information about local area businesses, including restaurant reviews, local attractions, points of interest, and hobbies.
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DeMars passes broker’s exam |
| Jon DeMars, a sales consultant with Coldwell Banker Park Shore Real Estate in Port Orchard, recently received his Washington State Associate Broker’s real estate license. DeMars successfully completed 120 hours of approved real estate education including Real Estate Law, Broker Management and Business Management and passed the state’s broker examination.Reach him at (360) 616-7935. |
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Two join RE/MAX Unlimited |
| RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island recently announced that Ursula Birkholz and John Clark have joined its team. Both bring experience from other real estate offices. |
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Bonomi newest agent at Karin Kay Properties |
| Karin Kay Properties in Bremerton recently welcomed Kelly Bonomi to its sales staff. She brings over 18 years of experience in excavating and land development to the firm.
Bonomi can be reached at (360) 621-7414 or Kelly@karinaboutyou.com.
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CFA welcomes Shirley Casteel |
| CFA Northwest Mortgage Professionals recently announced the addition of Shirley Casteel as loan officer in its Bainbridge Island branch. Casteel brings 16 years experience in mortgage banking, before becoming a mortgage banker she worked in the insurance industry.
“I have built my reputation as a professional with the highest ethical standards and integrity,” says Casteel. “I am proud to be part of a company that takes pride in customer service and has the same value system as I do.”
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Two local Realtors earn ASP designation |
| Sue Dixon and Sara Maddux, with Reid Real Estate in Silverdale, have recently been awarded the designation of Accredited Staging Professional (ASP). Both have successfully completed a detailed course and passed a thorough examination on preparing homes for sale.
Dixon and Maddux can be reached at (360) 692-4175, www.stagedhomes.com, or www.reidrealestate.com.
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Beam attends national association convention |
| Janice Beam, owner/broker of Realty Station in Manette recently attended the annual Northwest Region Conference of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) held in Seattle. General sessions emphasized professionalism and workshops offered current information to help residential property managers keep abreast of the latest developments in the field.
“The NARPM regional conference is a great way to keep up with current trends and changes in our industry and products helpful for efficient property management and professional development” said Beam.
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DCD implementing customer service changes
Permitting time, plan review backlog,
slated to see significant improvement |
| Citing the need to reduce permit application times and reduce the existing plan review backlog by 75 percent, Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is implementing some new business processes. “Our department has been criticized for having inefficient business practices,” said Larry Keeton, DCD Director. “This is one of several steps we’re taking in response to the issues raised in that criticism.... (Full Article) |
County seeking Planning
Commission applicants |
| Kitsap County is accepting applications from Commissioner District #3 citizens interested in being considered for appointment to the Kitsap County Planning Commission.... (Full Article) |
Insurance industry warns of
“dire consequences” if SB5550 passes |
| A hearing on SB5550, sponsored by trial lawyer Senator Brian Weinstein (D-Mercer Island), drew sharp responses from the building industry, Realtors, business groups, architects and the insurance industry. All testified the bill would be a catastrophe for Washington homebuyers and the homebuilding industry.... (Full Article) |
Lawrence L Craig Architects designing
new building for boat school |
| Lawrence L Craig Architects is designing a new building for the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding in Port Hadlock, which, as its name implies, teaches the art and craft of building wooden boats. The approximately 10,000 square foot building encompasses two stories, includes a mezzanine, and will be of sustainable design including.... (Full Article) |
Kitchen & Bath Business Magazine
reports remodeling projects on the rise |
| Kitchen and Bath Business magazine (K+BB) has released its 2007 K+BB Market Forecaster, providing information and statistics about kitchen and bath remodeling in the U.S. Based on a survey of 25,000 U.S. households in a demographically matched panel, the 2007 K+BB Market Forecaster offers national outlooks, economic trends and regional data as well as predictions for 2008 and beyond.... (Full Article) |
Key Peninsula’s Windermere office
to move, expand
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Windermere Key Realty will move from its longtime location in Key Center on the Key Peninsula to Wauna. Steve Skibbs, co-owner of the real estate agency, purchased the Brookside Restaurant, off State Route 302, and is converting it to an office that will include an open space concept, views of a creek that flows through the back of the property, and an outdoor picnic area.... (Full Article) |
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P. O. Realtor partners with Etta Projects |
| Lars Kvinsland, sales associate at Peninsula Brokers, has issued a commitment to share 10 percent of his commissions with Etta Projects, a local non-profit humanitarian organization that improves lives and builds futures for impoverished families in Montero, Santa Cruz, Bolivia.... (Full Article) |
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Rice Fergus Miller adds four staffers |
| The downtown Bremerton firm of Rice Fergus Miller has recently added Shao-Lin Cheng, Seth Murray, Gena Lewis and Mike Anson to its staff.... (Full Article) |
Olympic Radiant creating a hot name for itself
By Rodika Tollefson |
| Gig Harbor-based Olympic Radiant Heating Inc. continuously sees increased interest in its products and services, despite being in a niche market and selling heating systems that are usually more expensive than the more commonly used ones. Just as the name suggests, the company installs radiant heating systems, which are more energy efficient and often preferred by homeowner who are looking for “green” home features.... (Full Article) |
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Theresa Smith joins Parametrix in Bremerton |
| Parametrix has hired Theresa Smith, PE, as an engineer in the firm’s Bremerton office. Her current responsibilities include the design and review of the roadway infrastructure for the redevelopment of the Tacoma Housing Authority’s Salishan community. Smith is responsible for review of the horizontal and vertical alignment, roadway section, intersection details, channelization, and traffic signing to ensure compliance with the City of Tacoma Public Works Department Design Standards.... (Full Article) |
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Adams honored by RE/MAX |
| Colleen Adams, with RE/MAX Unlimited on Bainbridge Island, has been presented with the RE/MAX Hall Of Fame Award for 2006. Only 2,186 individuals among 119,000 affiliates worldwide were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006. This is one of the highest honors that RE/MAX offers their associates. Adams also received the Platinum award for 2006 of which only 5,951 of 119,000 affiliates achieved.
She has been in the real estate business for 28 years with service to the Northwest for 23 of those years.
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Barbara Flynn joins National City Mortgage |
| Barb Flynn recently joined National City Mortgage as a mortgage loan officer in the Port Orchard Office. She brings nine years of experience to the position with six years at Beneficial as a loan officer and manager and the last three years in the wholesale side with Centex and accredited home lenders. Reach Flynn at (360) 895-5804. |
TRC wins contract for new
Sound Publishing office |
| Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. of Poulsbo was awarded the contract for the tenant improvement for Sound Publishing Inc. located at 19351 8th Avenue in Poulsbo.
The new project will provide over 6,000 square feet of office space for their new headquarters. TRC can be reached at (360) 779-7667.
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Prowse earns international
real estate designation |
| Brenda Prowse, broker and owner of Prowse and Company in Poulsbo, has earned the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation and joins a worldwide referral network of global real estate practitioners with expertise in working with international clients as well as immigrants. The CIPS Designation is awarded by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Prowse will be formally recognized at the NAR’s midyear Legislative Conference & Trade Expo in May. For more information, visit www.bprowse.com.
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Gig Harbor’s Rush Companies honored |
| The Rush Companies of Gig Harbor were honored with the Integrity Award in the Pierce County’s Business Examiner’s annual “Top Places to Work” awards.
The Top Places to Work honors those companies that believe the workforce is the “core strength of their operation” and create an environment that is communicative, efficient, and values their employees and respects their priorities toward family.
Rush team members “operate with the highest ethical standards at all times. The company’s philosophy includes treating employees as people first and foremost” as quoted by the Business Examiner. “This has developed into a company culture derived not from policy, but from attitude. The culture encourages and promotes good work, forward thinking, recognition and camaraderie.”
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Northwest carpenters urge lawmakers
to support affordable housing
Members participate in 2007 Housing and Homeless Advocacy Day |
| Members of the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters (PNWRCC) came together to urge legislators to invest in preserving and creating new affordable housing during Housing and Homeless Advocacy Day on Feb. 1. PNWRCC was the only labor union to participate in the annual lobbying event sponsored by the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.... (Full Article) |
New downtown Gig Harbor
development planned |
| A downtown Gig Harbor property that has been called an eyesore by some residents in the past will be developed into a retail and office complex, following a two-year dispute between the city and the developer, Tangodoe Investment Properties.... (Full Article) |
Price and marketing are critical
to selling your home
By J. Lennox Scott, President and CEO, John L. Scott Real Estate |
| When selling a home, there are five “rights” that every seller needs to know about to ensure a successful sale: house right, yard right, price right, marketing right, and the right Realtor. This issue I will discuss the importance of pricing and marketing your home right.... (Full Article) |
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Manchester planning efforts get underway |
| On Feb. 27, Kitsap County Department of Community Development staff met with residents of Manchester to begin discussions on updating the 2002 Manchester Community Plan. Together, the County and Manchester residents will explore strategies for improving upon the existing 2002 plan as well as addressing needs and issues that have been identified since the original plan was adopted.... (Full Article) |
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Hansville planning effort begins |
| The Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) staff has begun work with representatives of the Greater Hansville Area Advisory Council (GHAAC) to prepare an area-wide planning initiative that builds upon the efforts of the Planning Committee of the Greater Hansville Futures Project.... (Full Article) |
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Reincke honored as Realtor of the Year |
| The Kitsap County Association of Realtors (KCAR) recently held its annual awards banquet at the Silverdale Hotel and presented its “Realtor of the Year” award to Dorothy Reincke, relocation manager of Prudential Northwest Real Estate in Poulsbo.... (Full Article) |
Keyport community begins planning study
County staff and Citizens to evaluate community needs |
| Beginning last month, Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) staff, in conjunction with local citizens began work on a planning study for Keyport, with the goal of preparing a community plan.... (Full Article) |
Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings
adds two new staff |
| Nationwide Floor & Window Coverings on Chico Way in Bremerton recently added two new employees to its growing team.
Bonnie Hoff will be a full-time operations and sales manager. She brings previous experience at in-home sales presentations, showroom sales and leading a team of installers to the firm. Owner Bob Simonoff said, “We are excited to have her expertise.”
The second addition to the team is Simonoff’s son, Sean. He will be working on the inside sales team and take part in measuring new jobs. Sean is also a student at Olympic College.
Nationwide can be reached at (360) 692-6212. The showroom is open Mon. through Fri. by appointment and Saturday 10-3 p.m.
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TRC completes Harbor Square Wine Shop |
| Tim Ryan Construction Inc. (TRC) of Poulsbo has completed the tenant improvement for the Harbor Square Wine Shop located at 756 Winslow Way E. on Bainbridge Island. The new store provides approximately 1,000 square feet of retail space. Contact TRC at (360) 779-7667. |
Courson certified to teach course
on green building |
| It was recently announced that Rick Courson, president and owner of Cedar Bay Homes, Inc., has completed training through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and is certified to teach the course “Green Building for Building Professionals.” Earning the certificate is evidence of a continued commitment to excellence and professionalism in the building industry.
Courson, a former president of the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County, is a pioneer in the green building industry and is a nationally recognized speaker on the subject.
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TRC completes Blue Sky Printing in Poulsbo
and Supercuts in Sequim jobs |
| Tim Ryan Construction Inc (TRC) of Poulsbo has completed the Blue Sky Printing office located at 19036 Front Street and tenant improvements for Wray Enterprises. The new facility for Blue Sky Printing provides over 3,000 square feet for the lower level printing office and 2,300 square feet on the upper level leased offices.
The new Supercuts located at 1245 W. Washington Street in Sequim will provide over 1,200 square feet of retail office space.
TRC can be reached at (360) 779-7667.
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UBuildIt to offer free
building & remodel seminar |
| UBuildIt — Poulsbo is offering a free seminar for those interested in building a home, remodeling or adding onto their existing home. The Seminar will yake place Thurs., March 8 at 7 p.m.
UBuildIt helps home owners save money on home-building and remodeling projects — and still get the kind of home they want while showing homeowners how to save 15 to 20 percent or more of total project costs by serving as their own general contractors. UBuildIt — Poulsbo provides the experience and expertise.
Space is limited, and reservations are required. Call (360) 779-8303 to reserve a spot or for more information.
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Coldwell Banker McKenzie opens
new branch office in Poulsbo |
| Bainbridge Island-based Coldwell Banker McKenzie and Associates recently announced the opening of its new branch office on Jensen Way in Downtown Poulsbo. The full service real estate office and preview center is led by Branch Manager Amy Allen. |
Bode joins national group; Carmassi
joins Action Now |
| Kate Bode, a real estate agent with Action Now Property Management Co. on Bainbridge Island, was recently accepted as a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers.
Also, the firm recently announced the addition of Darci Carmassi as its new administrative assistant.
Both can be reached at (206) 842-5851 or visit www.actionnowpm.com.
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Nelson earns Coldwell Banker PIPS designation |
| Mike Nelson, a marketing specialist with Coldwell Banker Swanson Realty in Kingston, has earned the Coldwell Banker Previews International Property Specialist (PIPS) designation, according to Neil Swanson, owner/broker of the firm. To date, only 4.6 percent or more than 117,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates have been awarded this designation. |
Washington Supreme Court refuses
to hear Eminent Domain abuse appeal |
| The Washington Supreme Court has refused to review a case considered to be one of the most abusive and arbitrary uses of eminent domain in the nation.... (Full Article) |
Single female homebuyers
are steadily on the rise
By J. Lennox Scott, Chairman & CEO
John L. Scott Real Estate |
| According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there are 5.3 million more women in the United States than men. By 2050, it is estimated that there will be approximately 6.9 million more women than men. And more and more of these women are single — and buying homes.... (Full Article) |
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Rice Fergus Miller promotes six |
| Rice Fergus Miller (RFM) Architecture and Planning, LLP, recently promoted six staff members.... (Full Article) |
Land use laws create unintended consequences
By Professor Mathew Manweller
Adjunct Scholar, Washington Policy Center
Assistant Professor, Central Washington University |
| In the recent election, Initiative 933 — a proposal to compensate property owners for value lost to government regulations — failed, but the consequences created by burgeoning land-use regulations remain.... (Full Article) |
Design of Gig Harbor’s
St. Anthony’s Hospital unveiled |
| Construction of the new Gig Harbor hospital is planned to start as soon as June 2007, according to the Franciscan Health System. The St. Anthony Hospital has a planned opening of early 2009.... (Full Article) |
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More building planned at Sedgwick Landing |
| A second building was recently finished at the corner of Sedgwick and Sydney Roads in Port Orchard, with five or six more commercial buildings being planned.... (Full Article) |
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North Bay Mortgage plans expansion |
| Belfair-based North Bay Mortgage plans to open four more branch offices in early 2007, bringing the company’s total number of licensed offices to 13. Two offices are planned for the Grays Harbor County area, another is planned for Mason County, and a fourth location is yet to be determined.... (Full Article) |
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Early Learning Center for tribe breaks ground |
| Tim Ryan Construction Inc. (TRC) of Poulsbo recently broke ground for the new Early Learning Center for the Suquamish Tribe. The project is located at 5303 NE Totten Road. The architect for the project is ARC Architects of Seattle. The new facility will provide over 12,000 square feet for the Early Learning and Childcare Center, playground, sidewalks and site work. For more information contact TRC at (360) 779-7667. |
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Tribal administration facility completed |
| D.H. Briant & Associates Architects and the Suquamish Tribe have recently completed work on a new Tribal Administration Facility. The 18,000 square foot building now houses the Tribe’s executive offices, council chambers, finance, legal, community development, grants and human resources departments. Additionally, the Tribe has a new Council room capable of seating an audience of 50 community members. Tim Ryan Construction was the general Contractor on the project. |
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Beyond Mortgage and Beyond Realty NW move |
| Beyond Mortgage and Beyond Realty NW recently announced that it has moved from its Town Center on Silverdale Way location. The new location is 9330 Silverdale Way, Suite 202 next to Key Bank. For more information contact the Beyond Team at (360) 692-4121 or visit www.thebeyondteam.com. |
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