What Sequim residents talk about

Sequim is not any different from the rest of the states. Sequim residents don't only talk about upcoming spring 2009 - daffodils and tulips are growing fast enjoying the current Sequim sunshine - after a colder winter than average. They naturally talk about rising prices for groceries and reduced product offers.

We heard that a number of employees at our Sequim markets got laid off or have to work reduced hours. This can have tough consequences for those families when a mortgage or car loan needs to be paid. We noticed that the tightened job market situation has a positive side effect for customers: we receive the best customer service when shopping in Sequim.

Sequim real estate market has been and still is a hot topic among Sequim residents and of course, for those who want to become residents and eventually move to Sequim. Residents who want to or need to sell their home are not in the best position these days as seller of real estate or land in Sequim. Potential buyers seem to wait for getting even a better price when waiting a bit longer. Offers like 'Buy one lot, get one free' at the manufactured Homes subdivision off Hendrickson, left of road when going west, or lowering the lot prices in new subdivision 'Willow Creek' by almost 50%.

I remember when Willow Creek subdivision - really nicely landscaped - got on the market and lots got offered for sale at $100,000 over a year ago. Later, prices were lowered to $79,000 a lot. Now the asking price is $59,000 and yet, the selling is not happening despite of an excellent location: next to Carrie Blake Park bordering Sequim Wildlife Refuge and offering great mountain views from the lots. This is what Sequim residents talk about and more...

There have always been demands for bigger Sequim lots outside the Sequim city limits, meaning lot owners need to have their own well dug, which can become a luxury expense considering the new restrictions to well permits and well water use a day which the state Department of Ecology suggests called the in-stream flow rule.

This proposal is intended to keep enough water in the Dungeness River for fish, other wildlife and recreation. For a public meeting held at John Wayne Marina about 150 (!) Sequim residents showed up. The discussion proved that this new rule is not 'approved' yet. BTW, current well owners are nor affected. Read details and charges on the Ecology website.

With all that 'hoopla' about the new instream flow rule in Sequim area, I nearly forgot to mention the new Sequim projects between 2009 - 2014: tennis courts at Carrie Blake Park, soccer and softball fields, next phase of the Olympic Discovery Trail and a 45-acre Wildlife Refuge along Hwy 101. All this is on the parks and trails wish list. Sounds really good, doesn't it but who will or should pay for it?

Sequim City Council intends to impose a park impact fee on builders of houses, condominiums and apartments. Recent public hearings already showed what developers and builders think of these park impact fees. You probably guess right. You can read more on Sequim City Website.
p.s.
This is for our Sequim blog visitors who are looking for a lot to buy in Sequim and might want to check out the lots for sale at Willow Creek subdivision. I noticed on one of my recent walks there, that new signs had shown up indicating that Welcome Home has merged with JACE The Real Estate Company which obviously have now these lots under contract.

Tags: Sequim residents, Moving to Sequim, Olympic Peninsula