Old Washington fishing ports such as Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Lakewood and Bremerton in Washington state offer small town appeal and rising investment opportunities, says a local Realtor.

Gig Harbor

"Gig Harbor is a small harbor town," says Realtor Sandra Wade, "an old fishing village with quaint shops and nearby extensive shopping and support services. It's 45 minutes to the SeaTac airport."

She explains, "Gig Harbor has enjoyed a minimum 10 percent appreciation of properties, and sellers are enjoying 96 percent to 100 percent of the asking price, if not many offers that are creating a bidding war. Land is also at a premium, as we are running out of it, and controls are set for growth. Some waterfront and view properties are still available in adjacent communities at reasonable prices. Fox Island is considered Gig Harbor by most of the community, yet the island is approximately two to five percent higher in appreciation for homes and land. Purdy is close to the harbor (10min) with larger parcels."

Port Orchard

"Port Orchard is approximately 15 minutes drive from Gig Harbor and one hour from SeaTac Airport," says Wade. "Offering a small town feel with inner city craftsman-style homes and outlying country areas, Port Orchard is close to Southworth Ferry to Vashon Island and West Seattle with easy access to Hwy 16. Sleepy Port Orchard offers a little country and only small town city life. Homes, although not appreciating as rapidly as Gig Harbor, have investment potential for both residential and commercial properties. Port Orchard is South of Tacoma and further South of Gig Harbor and gives the buyer an opportunity for bargain hunting."

Lakewood

"Well established, most homes/business in Lakewood are on smaller lots, giving the resident a feeling of a true neighborhood," suggests Wade. "Homes have appreciated slightly in some neighborhoods and greater in areas with view properties. The buyer still on even ground in this market as supply and demand lends to many selections. Sellers however have no difficulty holding their value. This is a convenient neighborhood for commuting on three highways north, south, and east. The median Days On Market is 62, and the median Home Price is $240,000.00, with many homes available in the $130,000- $240,000.00 range. Lakewood is always a good place to invest."

Bremerton

"Bremerton is an old WWll navy shipyard town and still hosts the Bremerton Navy Base," says Wade. "On the Sound and the Downtown areas are going through an extensive revitalization. The Ferry in downtown Bremerton will take you direct to Seattle.

"Homes are older craftsman-style homes and new construction growth," advises Wade. "Bremerton is an area that is coming into its day. There is huge investment potential for residential and commercial properties. It's still affordable."

Click here to view current Market Conditions in your location.

Published: May 20, 2004

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.