Tag Archives: Pacific Northwest

Finding Your Place in Gig Harbor: A Guide to Our Neighborhoods

By Doug Lawrence, Managing Broker | Better Properties Gig Harbor

When someone tells me they want to move to Gig Harbor, one of my first questions is usually: What kind of Gig Harbor are you looking for? Because there isn’t just one.

People who are new to the area sometimes think of Gig Harbor as the picturesque waterfront downtown they’ve seen in photographs. And that is certainly part of it. But the greater Gig Harbor area encompasses an unusually diverse collection of neighborhoods and communities—from newer developments and golf-course living to wooded acreage, waterfront enclaves, island homes, and rural properties.

I’ve worked in real estate in this area since 2010, and one thing I’ve learned is that finding the right home here often starts with finding the right part of the peninsula. Here are some of the areas I encourage buyers to explore.

Gig Harbor North: Newer Neighborhoods and Everyday Convenience

Gig Harbor North has seen some of the area’s most significant residential and commercial development. It offers a very different lifestyle from the historic waterfront, with newer homes and planned neighborhoods combined with convenient access to shopping, services, and recreation. This is where you’ll find amenities such as Costco, Target, and the Tom Taylor Family YMCA, along with numerous newer residential communities. It’s also home to Canterwood, one of Gig Harbor’s best-known planned communities. Built around the golf course and clubhouse, Canterwood offers an established residential setting characterized by larger homes, landscaped properties, and community amenities.

For buyers who want convenient access to services and Highway 16 and prefer a planned-neighborhood environment, Gig Harbor North is well worth exploring.

Downtown Gig Harbor: Close to the Heart of the Harbor

For some buyers, Gig Harbor really does mean the harbor. Living near downtown puts you close to the waterfront, marinas, restaurants, shops, and the historic maritime character that gives this community so much of its identity. Homes in and around the downtown area vary considerably. That’s part of the appeal. Rather than a single master-planned community, you’ll find an assortment of older homes, remodeled properties, view homes, and smaller neighborhood pockets. For buyers who tell me, “I want to be close to the waterfront and able to enjoy town easily,” this is one of the first areas we’ll explore.

Point Fosdick, Wollochet, and Artondale

Head toward the southern end of Gig Harbor and you’ll find established residential areas including Point Fosdick, Wollochet, and Artondale. My most recent listing sold in the Wollochet/Artondal area was one we nicknamed “Cottage in the Woods”:

One of the advantages here is accessibility. Highway 16 is close by, yet within a relatively small geographic area, you’ll find everything from wooded residential neighborhoods to waterfront properties and more secluded planned communities. This part of Gig Harbor can be particularly attractive to people who commute toward Tacoma or simply want convenient access across the Narrows Bridge while retaining the quieter atmosphere of peninsula living.

Rosedale: Country Feeling, Close-In Location

Rosedale is one of those places that illustrates why understanding Gig Harbor at the neighborhood level matters. Drive into Rosedale and it can feel surprisingly rural. Mature evergreens, winding roads, larger properties, hobby farms, and wildlife give parts of the area an almost country-like quality, even though downtown Gig Harbor is nearby. The community also retains some of its own neighborhood identity, including Rosedale Market and Rosedale Park and Hall, with its historic community center and recreational facilities. Gig Harbor High School is located in Rosedale.

For buyers, Rosedale can offer a particularly appealing compromise: more privacy and room to breathe without giving up convenient access to Gig Harbor. I recently listed and rather quickly sold a beautiful home in Rosedale:

Fox Island: Cross the Bridge and Change the Pace

Cross the Fox Island Bridge and the character changes again. Fox Island is known for wooded properties, quiet roads, shorelines and beaches, and beautiful western sunsets. Housing ranges from modest older homes tucked among the trees to substantial waterfront and view properties. There is relatively little commercial development compared with Gig Harbor, which is precisely what many residents appreciate about it. The historic Fox Island Schoolhouse, known as the Nichols Community Center, is on the national historic register and is home to FICRA, a local organization dedicated to providing social, educational, recreational, safety, and other valuable resources to Island residents.

For buyers who want to feel removed from town—but don’t necessarily want to live an hour away from it—Fox Island can offer an interesting alternative. I recently sold a lovely Fox Island home on a wooded, near-acre lot close to the bridge:

Arletta, Warren, Cromwell, and the Waterfront Communities

The shoreline surrounding greater Gig Harbor contains numerous smaller communities that people moving here may never have heard of. Among them are Arletta, Warren, Cromwell, and Bayview, some of the area’s historic communities dating back to the late 19th century. These are the kinds of places where local knowledge becomes particularly useful. Here you’ll also find beautiful Horsehead Bay, and the charming and convenient Arletta Store, right across the street from PenMet’s newly renovated Arletta Park with its ball field and historic clubhouse.

Purdy and Key Peninsula: A Gateway to More Space

Continue west toward Purdy and the landscape begins changing again. Henderson Bay forms something of a geographic transition between Gig Harbor and the more rural Key Peninsula. Cross the Purdy Bridge and you are heading toward communities where larger lots, acreage, open spaces and a slower pace of life become increasingly common. Peninsula High School is located in Purdy, close to the bridge.

For someone who wants access to Gig Harbor but doesn’t necessarily need to be in Gig Harbor proper, this broader area can open up some interesting possibilities. Two homes may both have a “Gig Harbor” address while offering very different commutes, water access, lot characteristics, and neighborhood environments. That’s why I encourage buyers not to search by ZIP code alone.

This is an area worth considering for buyers dreaming about acreage, gardening, a workshop, a small homestead, or simply more distance between themselves and their neighbors. Just this week I sold one of my listings in this area:

Outdoor recreation is part of the appeal of the Key Peninsula as well. Penrose Point and Joemma Beach state parks provide opportunities for boating, camping, beachcombing and other outdoor activities. The tradeoff, of course, is distance. Depending on where you live on the Key Peninsula, getting to Highway 16, major shopping, and other services can take longer. For some buyers that’s an inconvenience. For others, it’s exactly the point.

The Right Gig Harbor Depends on the Life You Want to Live

All that to say … I don’t think a Gig Harbor home search should begin with bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage alone. It should begin with lifestyle. Do you want to walk near the waterfront? Do you need easy freeway access? Would you trade a shorter drive for a larger piece of land? Do you want neighbors nearby, or would you rather see trees outside your windows? Do you need a shop? Are you looking for waterfront—or simply want to live close enough to enjoy it? Those answers can lead us to very different parts of the peninsula.

And that’s one of the things I enjoy most about selling real estate here. Within a relatively small area, Gig Harbor offers a remarkable number of ways to live.

If you’re considering a move within Gig Harbor—or moving here for the first time—I’d be happy to help you figure out which neighborhood fits the life you’re looking for.

Doug Lawrence, Managing Broker
Better Properties Gig Harbor
253.341.5287
douglaslawrence15@gmail.com
douglawrencerealestate.com

More Space. More Freedom. More Ways to Live Well.

For a long time, one version of the American dream was the planned neighborhood: attractive homes, tidy streets, community amenities, and an HOA making sure everything stayed that way.

For plenty of homeowners, that still works very well. But I’m hearing something different from some buyers lately, especially people who have already done the subdivision or gated-community lifestyle—they’re ready for a little breathing room.

They want a yard where the kids can play without worrying that they’re bothering the neighbors. They’d like to have friends over around the pool without feeling as though everyone on the street can hear them. Maybe they want a boat, an RV, a garden, a workshop, a dog that likes to run, or simply enough distance between houses that they don’t feel like they’re living on top of one another. (Or chickens, anyone?)

And some are simply tired of paying an HOA to tell them what they can and can’t do with their own property.

There’s some evidence behind what I’m seeing. In the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 research, 17% of all buyers said the availability of larger lots or acreage influenced their choice of neighborhood. Among buyers ages 35–44, that jumped to 24%, and it was 21% among buyers ages 45–59.

A 2026 Pew Research Center survey found something even more striking: A majority of Americans prefer communities where homes are larger and farther apart rather than smaller and closer together. Among people already living in suburban communities, 55% preferred the more spread-out option; among rural residents, that rose to 70%.

At the same time, HOAs are becoming harder to avoid. Realtor.com reported that 43.6% of homes listed for sale in 2025 had an HOA fee, up from 34.3% in 2019. Even among single-family homes, about one-third of listings had an HOA.

That doesn’t make HOAs bad. They can provide valuable amenities, maintain common areas, and help protect neighborhood standards. But they aren’t for everybody.

The Sweet Spot: Country Living Without Being Too Far Out

The challenge around Gig Harbor is finding that sense of space and independence without giving up the convenience that makes Gig Harbor such a great place to live. That’s one reason I think the home I’m currently representing at $1,575,000 deserves another look.

It sits on a shy acre in a rural-feeling setting, yet it’s close in to Gig Harbor. There’s room to spread out, beautifully landscaped grounds, a private resort-style swimming pool and covered outdoor living area, and a home designed for both everyday living and entertaining.

There’s a public boat launch a block over from the end of the road, providing access to Wollochet Bay. If boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply being close to the water is part of the lifestyle you’re looking for, that adds to the appeal of this versatile property.

Inside, the home offers a vaulted great room, a large kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, and flexible spaces that can adapt as a family changes. The second bedroom features a full bath with hall access. There’s also finished living space over the garage with its own bath and kitchenette—ideal for guests, extended family, older kids, hobbies, or a getaway space. All hat flexibility is becoming increasingly relevant. NAR reports that 17% of homes purchased in its latest study were bought for multigenerational households, an all-time high.

To me, that’s really the appeal of this property; More space. More freedom. More ways to live well.

You can have the kids and grandkids over. You can entertain around the pool. You can keep the boat nearby and be on Wollochet Bay in minutes. You can enjoy some elbow room without moving miles away from town.

If you’ve been thinking that your next move might be out of the subdivision rather than into another one, this may be the kind of property worth seeing with fresh eyes.

MLS #2543131 | Offered at $1,575,000
Doug Lawrence, VAMRES, Managing Broker

Better Properties Gig Harbor
253-341-5287

Today’s Luxury Buyers Aren’t Looking for Bigger Homes. They’re Looking for Better Living.

If there’s one trend I’ve watched reshape the luxury housing market over the past several years, it’s this: buyers are placing less emphasis on square footage and more emphasis on lifestyle.

That might sound surprising in an era when larger homes once dominated wish lists, but today’s buyers are asking different questions.

Instead of, “How big is it?” they’re asking, “How will this home improve the way we live?” The answer often has very little to do with the number of bedrooms. Luxury today isn’t about excess—it’s about intentional living. More buyers are looking for homes that allow them to slow down, entertain family and friends, enjoy their surroundings, and spend less time maintaining a property and more time experiencing it.

Privacy, in particular, has become a premium. Outdoor living has become an extension of the home. Single-level living has become desirable not only for retirees, but also for busy professionals who appreciate convenience and are planning ahead. And more and more, people want spaces that are beautiful, functional, and built around everyday enjoyment—not just special occasions.

Buyers Are Investing in Lifestyle

I’ve noticed that many buyers are making decisions based on how they envision spending their weekends rather than simply comparing square footage or price per foot. They imagine:

  • morning coffee on a covered patio
  • summer afternoons by the pool with grandchildren
  • hosting holiday dinners where the kitchen naturally becomes the gathering place
  • parking the RV without worrying about storage fees
  • welcoming overnight guests without giving up their own privacy

These lifestyle features create lasting value because they improve daily life in ways that can’t be measured on a spreadsheet.

A Perfect Example

One of my current Gig Harbor listings captures this shift beautifully. Set on nearly an acre just minutes from downtown Gig Harbor, this property offers the privacy and serenity of country living without sacrificing convenience.

The centerpiece is a resort-style swimming pool surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, creating an outdoor retreat that feels more like a private resort than a backyard. A spacious covered outdoor living area extends the enjoyment well beyond sunny summer afternoons, providing the perfect setting for entertaining throughout much of the year.

Inside, the home continues the same thoughtful approach. The vaulted great room is filled with natural light and flows effortlessly into a gourmet kitchen designed for gathering rather than simply cooking. The luxurious primary suite offers comfort and privacy, while the bonus suite above the garage provides ideal accommodations for guests, extended family, or a private home office.

Perhaps one of the most valuable features is something many buyers don’t fully appreciate until they’ve experienced it: true one-level living. Daily life becomes easier when the primary living spaces are all on one floor, while the bonus suite over the garage remains available when guests come to visit.

It’s a home designed to support the way people actually live—or want to live.

Close to beautiful Wollochet Bay

Looking Beyond the Numbers

Real estate has always been about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. The homes that create the greatest satisfaction over time are the ones that fit a family’s lifestyle.

As a managing broker, I believe one of my most important responsibilities is helping clients look beyond statistics and envision how a property will serve them for years to come:

  • Will it make everyday living more enjoyable?
  • Will it create opportunities to gather?
  • Will it provide peace and privacy?
  • Wll it enable us to live a lifestyle we envision and value?

Those are the questions that today’s thoughtful buyers are asking. They know they are not simply purchasing a home; they’re investing in the life they want to live. And, that’s exactly why exceptional lifestyle properties like this one continue to stand apart in any market.

If you’ve been looking for a home that offers luxury without pretense, privacy without isolation, and a true resort-style lifestyle just minutes from Gig Harbor, I’d be happy to show you this remarkable property.

Current Offering: $1,675,000
MLS #2543131

Doug Lawrence
Better Properties Gig Harbor
📞 253.341.5287

Adventure Begins at Home

After years of helping people buy and sell homes, I’ve noticed an interesting change in the conversations I’m having with buyers.

For many, the goal is no longer finding the biggest house or the most impressive address. Instead, they’re looking for a home that fits the way they actually live today. They want a property that’s comfortable, easy to care for, and leaves more time for family, travel, hobbies, and the activities they enjoy most.

That shift in priorities has been especially noticeable among empty nesters, retirees, and active couples. Many own an RV, spend weekends on the water, or enjoy exploring everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. They aren’t asking for more square footage—they’re asking for a home that supports their lifestyle instead of competing with it.

The features they ask about reflect those priorities:

  • One-level living
  • Updated kitchens and bathrooms
  • Less space to maintain
  • Parking for an RV or boat
  • Privacy without feeling isolated
  • Room for family and friends to visit
  • A peaceful setting that’s still close to shopping, dining, and everyday services

In today’s market, luxury often looks different than it did a generation ago. It’s less about owning more and more about enjoying your home without feeling tied to constant maintenance or unfinished projects. Buyers increasingly want a home that’s ready to enjoy the day they move in.

That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about my Fox Island, Washington listing:

Located on nearly an acre just minutes from the Fox Island Bridge, this thoughtfully updated 3-bdrm, 1.75-bath home offers the features many buyers are searching for today. The remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, bright open living spaces, and beautifully maintained grounds mean you can settle in and start enjoying the property right away instead of spending months on renovations.

If travel is part of your lifestyle, the generous RV parking with a 50-amp hookup is a standout feature. Whether you’re heading across Washington for the weekend, taking a longer trip across the country, or planning annual trips to warmer climates, you’ll have dedicated space for your RV, boat, or other recreational equipment when you return home.

The wraparound porch with spacious deck is a wonderful place to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, while the additional climate-controlled finished space provides flexibility for a home office, hobby room, workout area, or extra storage as your needs change over time.

One of my favorite aspects of this property is its location. Being a Fox Island resident myself, I may be biased, but most Fox Islanders will tell you that coming home is like going on vacation every day! Here, you can enjoy the quiet beauty and relaxed pace of the island while remaining just minutes from the everyday conveniences of Gig Harbor. That’s a combination many buyers hope to find but don’t always expect. (And from this particular home, you can walk to the Fox Island Store, Cutters Point Coffee, and Zogs Tap Room, an extra bonus!)

 

Interested? MLS Listing #2539287 is offered at $685,000 by Doug Lawrence and Better Properties Gig Harbor

The right home isn’t necessarily the largest one. More often, it’s the home that supports the life you want to live. When your house requires less of your time and attention, you have more freedom to spend that time with the people and pursuits you value most.

If you’ve been thinking about simplifying, downsizing, or finding a home that better reflects this season of your life, I’d be happy to help you explore your options. Whether it’s this Fox Island property or another home that’s a better fit for your goals, my job is to help you find a place that truly works for the way you live.

Adventure really does begin at home.

Doug Lawrence
Broker | Better Properties Gig Harbor
253.341.5287
douglaslawrence15@gmail.com
douglawrencerealestate.com

 

What You Need to Know About Relocating

Moving, whether across town or across the country, can evoke a blend of excitement and dread. New job? New digs? New scenery?  Hooray! Good-bye to friends and family? Loss of familiar routes and routines? The hassle of packing, moving, and setting up in a new location? Perhaps not so exciting.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that “what you focus on expands.” Sure, you need to address the downsides. But by focusing on the upsides, your positive perspective will make all the difference in the world. Just think: you’ll get to explore a whole new place and all that that new place has to offer! There’ll be new activities, new restaurants, new friends, new parks, and more.

With that in mind, here are some suggestions about the kinds of things you’ll want to research before or during your move process:

1. What amenities are available in the new location and how important are they to your lifestyle?

The area or neighborhood you live in makes your home what it is. Check out Google Maps before your big move. Maybe even make a list of the advantages and disadvantages to each area you research—it can help make the decision easier. If your kids are in school, you’ll likely want a school facility close by. Do you want them to attend a private or public school? Is there one close by? What about grocery shopping? Is it easy to get to? Do you like to have a gym you can walk to? Are there parks? Ask yourself these questions ahead of time. Determine their importance to you and your family.

2. What is there to do in the new location (e.g., recreation and events)

Find out what big events and attractions there are. If your family is into skiing or mountain biking (or any other sport/activity), look to see if there is a place close by where you can participate. What events are there coming? (Finding activities and fun events to look forward to can lessen the impact of a move, such as moving far away from friends and family.)

3. How much does it cost to live in the new location? (Be prepared.)

Cities come with different price tags, as far as cost of living goes. Make sure you know what you’ll be spending before you commit. Gas and grocery price can be different in different regions. Calculate what you can expect to spend in your new city—how does that work for your budget? Shrewd financial planning in advance can make all the difference in avoiding future panic or crises.

4. Plan how you’ll connect once you get there. What are ways you can meet people in your new location? A sense of community and belonging is the first and best way to feel settled and “at home.” Some of this may come from a job or school, but not all of it.  Where can you find likeminded new friends to share life and experiences with? Is there a faith community you can connect with? Civic clubs? Non-profits and community service organizations you can join or volunteer with? Sports teams/fitness clubs you can join? Jumping in to environments like these can make the integration process go much more quickly.

My motto is “love where you live,” and there are so many ways you can help make this happen for yourself and your family when a relocation is involved. I hope these have been helpful; they are only a start.

If you are anticipating a move and have real estate needs as a part of the package, I hope you’ll give me a shout or send an email. Even if you’re moving across country or in another town, I can help with referral and connection to a trusted real estate professional in my network. I’ll do my best to help you and your family “love where you live,” wherever that may be!

Doug Lawrence is a licensed broker with Keller Williams West Sound. He is a certified Veterans and Military Relocation Specialist and a Global Property Specialist. No matte where your move may take you, he can help! You can reach him through this site, by email at dlawrence@kw.com, or by phone/text at 253.341.5287.  

Amazing Views of Hales Passage from Ready-to-Build Fox Island Lot!

Have you been thinking of view property on beautiful Puget Sound in Washington State? Look no further than this: the development has already been done . . . so bring your plans and get going on the water-view house you’ve been dreaming of!

From your vista on desirable Bella Bella Drive on Fox Island, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of Hales Passage and the Fox Island Bridge. The over 1/4-acre lot is level and has been fully cleared; a three-bedroom septic has been installed and water and electricity are already to the property.

$299,950

Offered by Doug Lawrence and Keller Williams West Sound
MLS#1358855
224 B Bella Bella Dr, Fox Island 98333.

Call for showing; listing agent must be present at initial viewing to highlight all the incredible amenities of this exclusive property. 253.341.5287
dlawrence@kw.com
www.douglawrencerealestate.com

Offers: Seller intends to review offers upon receipt.

Doug Lawrence is a Fox Island resident whose motto is “Love Where You Live!” He especially enjoys the opportunity to offer others a chance at the “island living” enjoyed by residents on Fox Island. You can find out more about Doug and Fox Island living at www.foxisland.net and www.visitgigharbor.com.

The Best Place in Washington to Retire

Welcome to the Best Place in Washington to Retire!

Gig Harbor is proud to enjoy the distinction of having been named first on a list of “Best Places to Retire in Washington,” according to a study released by financial technology company SmartAsset. Gig Harbor scored a whopping, state-high score of 87.60 on SmartAsset’s Best Place to Retire index, edging out Sequim (84.93) for the top spot. Not only that, SmartAsset’s recreation index also placed Gig Harbor at the top among Washington cities!I

What makes Gig Harbor such a great place to retire? The study cited, among other things, the benefits of Gig Harbor’s 12 percent tax rate, 11.5 doctor’s offices per 1,000 people, and 23.6 percent of the population at senior age.

But besides the facts and figures, the retirement lifestyle in The Maritime City offers all kinds of delightful opportunities.  Make new friends or meet up with old ones over coffee or a happy hour; both the Uptown area and the downtown waterfront offer multiple enjoyable options. Many Gig Harbor retirees also enjoy the all-ages, fitness-oriented environment at the Tom Taylor Family YMCA in Gig Harbor North, where they can take a walk indoors, make waves in a Silver Splash water aerobics class, or volunteer and become part of the fun and dynamic community. They can also join the Active Retirement & Senior Club of Gig Harbor, a membership-based organization offering a full slate of recreational and cultural activities.

Outdoor opportunities are plentiful, rain or shine, including “walking the harbor” (what locals call a stroll or jog on the waterfront) or the Cushman Trail, kayaking or paddleboarding, boating, fishing, and more. The arts are alive and well in Gig Harbor’s monthly Art Walk and the many local galleries and annual Art Festival.

Have a bit of the wanderlust? If you’re wanting to venture beyond Gig Harbor’s relative peace and quiet, opportunities for outings abound. The big city amenities of Seattle and Tacoma are not far away, nor is the unsurpassed beauty of coastal communities and mountainous national parks to the east and to the west. Whether your bent is concerts or camping, a delightful variety of entertainment and recreation options lie at your doorstep, and the time to enjoy them is . . . now!

Doug Lawrence is a licensed real estate broker with Keller Williams West  Sound in Gig Harbor. Give him a shout for all your buying, selling, and investment in real estate needs; he’s here to serve and make your transition to or within Gig Harbor (and the surrounding area) as smooth as possible! www.douglawrencerealestate.com

Walk/Run/Bike the Cushman Trail

#PierceCounty: are you looking for an all-ages, all-skills route for your next run, walk, or bike ride?  If you’ve not yet checked out Gig Harbor’s five-mile Cushman Trail, now’s the time!

The Cushman Trail is a paved community trail that will keep your interest and adrenaline pumping along its undulating hills and changing vistas. It’s as much of a workout as you’d like to be, depending on which parts of the trail (or all of it) you take advantage of. Like hills? A roundtrip between the trailheads on 14th Avenue Northwest and Borgen Boulevard climbs nearly twice as many vertical feet as a round trip on the similar Foothills Trail (from Puyallup to South Prairie), even though it’s less than half the distance. In some places, the Cushman Trail has a grade of 10 percent.

That being said, the trail is accessible to walkers of all ages and skills, and hand rails and benches are found at many spots along the trail (as well as restrooms, five to be exact). The trail has a difficulty rating of 3 (5 is most difficult; 1 is easiest). If you do the whole thing and back, you’ll travel 12.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 800 feet along the way. The trail is 16 feet wide with four-foot-wide gravel shoulders. Dogs are permitted on leash (and please clean up after them!).

For cyclists, the Cushman Trail can easily be linked with Tacoma’s Scott Pierson Trail, which adds a scenic trip over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. To access the Pierson Trail from the Cushman Trail’s 14th Street trailhead, head south to 24th Street and turn right. From there, locate the Pierson Trail on your left after crossing State Route 16. There is no toll for crossing the bridge by bike.

Summertime is a great time to get out and take advantage of the beautiful weather and views around Gig Harbor. Check out the Cushman Trail, get some exercise — and enjoy!

DIRECTIONS: To reach the 14th Avenue Northwest trailhead, take the 24th Street Northwest exit from State Route 16 and turn east. After one block, turn left on 14th Avenue and drive north for half a mile. The trailhead will be on the left.

(c) 2018 Doug Lawrence Real Estate. All Rights Reserved.

Doug Lawrence is a licensed broker with Keller Williams West Sound in Gig Harbor, Washington. He loves finding new things to do in his hometown and is always eager to pass it on! Find him at www.douglawrencerealestate.com #lovewhereyoulive #douglawrencerealestate 

Visit the Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard

Recently we had friends from out of town stay at the The Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard, giving us an opportunity to see up-close-and-personal what a cool place it is!

A long-time fixture in the Gig Harbor community, the Marina dates back to the early 1900s. These days, however, it provides much more than simply boat moorage and repair. Today’s GH Marina is just as well-known as an event venue, training facility, and hospitality suite, and is a hub of daily activity on the waterfront.

Customers will find well-maintained docks and moorage slips, haul out and repair services, technology and vehicles to maintain every caliber of boat, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a up-to-date and responsive website for convenient payment and service requests (we always find a good website to be a big plus!). The Marina is also a sought-after event location, offering a gorgeous, covered, open-air venue (hello weddings, concerts, receptions; you name it!) as well as a beautifully-renovated apartment with two private decks overlooking the waterfront, available for booking through VRBO.

There are also boats available for booking as hospitality suites, including The Eagle, originally built for musician Steve Miller. Our friends stayed a few nights on The Eagle and it was fun to play Steve’s keyboard (original to the boat) and listen to his record albums (yes, real old vinyl) on the stereo. It was blast from the past and had us humming, “Fly like an eagle … to the sea . . . let my spirit carry me . . .” for days afterward!

Perhaps one of the most fun aspects of the Marina is the little red trolley car nestled on the lawn out front. It’s technically not affiliated but it’s certainly a fixture on the premises, and serves up delicious food for guests and passersby alike. You should check it out: stop by for some fish and chips or fish tacos or any of its other tasty offerings, and enjoy a “taste” of this iconic Gig Harbor gem!

(c) 2018 Doug Lawrence Real Estate. All Rights Reserved.

Doug Lawrence is a foodie, travel junkie, and 80s music fan who supports his adventures by working as a real estate broker based in Gig Harbor, Washington. Give him a shout if he can help you with your real estate buying, selling, or investment needs, not only in Gig Harbor, but anywhere around the world. http://www.douglawrencerealestate.com

 

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Home Improvement: What Can You DIY?

Did you know there are a ton of things you can do to improve the value, quality, and livability of your home–without having to call in (or pay for) a professional?  That’s the point of DIY – “Do It Yourself!”

For some, this is no problem. For others, who may feel like they are all thumbs when it comes to “hands on” or creativity, it might not feel that easy.

Well I’m here to tell you it is! (Or it can be, anyway.) Just pick your projects carefully. Don’t start with remodeling the bathroom if you’ve never DIY’d before. But I’d say that, from decorative crafts to furniture to gardening, nothing is out of reach for the committed Do-It-Yourselfer.

If you’re looking to save money on home improvements, DIY is definitely the way to go. But even if money if no option, DIYing can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction in self-sufficiency, creativity, and even therapy as you hone your skills.

For me, DIY is my creative outlet. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed building my woodshop, adding to my collection of tools and slowly but surely taking over the garage. (I can proudly say it’s the one place in the household that’s “all mine.”)

If DIY is something you’d like to try your hand at (or improve your skills with), here are some good websites that can provide encouragement and how-tos: *

1. April Wilkerson

This is my personal favorite–April is an engaging, creative individual who makes tackling any DIY or home construction project with a can-do attitude and a sense of fun. Check out her YouTube channel for inspiration and how-tos.

2. Instructables

Like many of the resources on this lister, Instructables is made by DIYers, for DIYers. That means nearly all the project plans and instructions are contributed by members of the community. Most Instructables feature clear instructions with plenty of pictures, along with detailed parts and materials lists. The active community offers suggestions and variations via lively comments beneath each project. If you can follow a recipe, you can follow an Instructable.

3. Make:

Make: is a quarterly print journal and a webzine. Each themed journal is stuffed with clever DIY projects for tinkerers of various skill levels. The website also includes a store, “The Maker Shed,” with books, journals and plenty of starter kits, perfect for beginning gizmo DIYers.

4. Apartment Therapy

“Saving the world, one room at a time” is Apartment Therapy’s official slogan, but it could also be “high design for small budgets.” The website features tips and advice for every room of an apartment or house, and lots of DIY projects for clever storage and sharp décor. The how-tos aren’t quite as thorough as those found on Instructables, but the projects are a little more polished.

5. Ana White

Ana White features a giant collection of furniture project plans from DIY doyenne Ana White and members of the community. Projects are sorted by type, skill level, style and room. Ana’s plans are typically detailed and well-illustrated. Contributor plans can be less refined in presentation, but still easy to follow. DIYers who make something following plans from the site are encouraged to share their results, too. They are often even more impressive than the originals.

6. The Family Handyman

The Family Handyman features simple projects and DIY home maintenance tips and advice. While the website offers plenty of how-tos and information, you’ll need a subscription (digital or print) to unlock all of the magazine’s instructions and resources.

7. Mother Earth News

From baking bread to solar rooftops, Mother Earth News has been covering the DIY scene in print and online for decades. The site and magazine feature lots of tips and advice about sustainable living, from growing and preserving food, to living off the grid. DIY projects range from sundials to solar food dehydrators.

What are some DIY projects you’ve tackled?  I’d love to hear! And if you feel inspired by any of these sites to tackle a project in your own home, please share. Good luck!

Doug Lawrence is a licensed real estate broker and avid DIYer. He’s proud to have inherited his love of tools and woodworking from his dad, Ken, along with a great collection Ken’s tools to add to his own woodshed. Current projects include a farmhouse table for the kitchen and a corn-hole game for family fun next summer! You can find Doug at www.douglawrencerealestate.com where he’d be happy to answer your questions about buying, selling, and investing in real estate in the Great Pacific Northwest … or about DIY!

* List of websites adapted from article by Lars Peterson, US News and World Report, April 2015

(c) 2018 Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.