One of Emerald Heights' "preferred realtors" recently checked in with us to share some encouraging news. We thought we would pass on these observations from realtor Bill Badgley of Badgley & Badgley:

The current real estate market has finally started to warm up and, after two years of slowing to a near halt, it feels great to see it start to come back.

We believe that the returning strength is a result of several factors: 

• pent-up demand on the part of buyers who believe that we have turned the corner in the economic crisis;
• money being made available by the lenders (and at great rates);
• the seasonal up-turn that we normally experience in real estate in spring; and
• impact from the federal stimulus money.

But it's coming back in layers. Below $500,000, the market has really warmed up throughout the greater Eastside, but above that price point, the market is still much softer -- although it seems to be gaining strength slowly.  The market strength appears to weaken as the price point continues to climb, but we believe that if strength in the lower end of the market continues to improve -- or at least remain at its current strength -- that the strength of the higher levels will improve also.

To sell homes today, the homes have to be priced absolutely right, prepared perfectly, and presented professionally.  When all of this has been done, real estate works. 

In today's market, the buyers are very patient, very picky, cover a wide geographical range in their search for the perfect home, and bold enough to bring low offers to the table for consideration. But we sell homes every month, we sell every home we list, and we have many very happy sellers!

At last week's "You'd Make a Great Neighbor" luncheon, a capacity crowd enjoyed Peg Witham's presentation on  "Navigating the Archipelago of Senior Housing Options."

She described the sometimes overwhelming options now available -- from home-based services and adult family homes, to independent living, assisted living and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) -- and encouraged the audience to find a resource that fit them and their "retirement personality."

She also provided a list of questions to ask when touring a community or interviewing a service provider, and she reminded the audience that the earlier one embarks on this journey, the more routes (options) will be available.

People often ask me how I am enjoying life at Emerald Heights, but I think my dog Nessie might be enjoying herself even more than I. She's surrounded by admirers, and recently she discovered a magic string that makes people come running. I wasn't there... so, well, I'll let her tell the story! Click here.

Nessie also shares the story of her trip to Botanical Beach on Vancouver Island earlier this month. We spotted lots of interesting sea life and even brought home a slide show to share. Click here.

Visit my blog anytime. And if you have a question or comment, please send me an e-mail. I'd love to hear from you!

When Emerald Heights recently upgraded its skilled nursing beds in The Corwin Center, it was able to donate 37 surplus beds and mattresses -- valued at $45,600 -- to Clear Path International.

The charitable organization, based on Bainbridge Island, has assisted more than 15,000 landmine accident survivors and persons with disabilities in Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

"Needless to say, our work would not be possible without the kind of generosity and compassion from donors like Emerald Heights," said Imbert Matthee, Clear Path's executive director. "On behalf of the people we serve in Cambodia, we are humbled by your gift."

Proper hospital beds like those donated are not only important for recovery from invasive surgery, they are also critical for healing from orthopedic procedures after limb injuries because sections of the bed frame can be raised or lowered underneath the patient.


Loading Day

On the same day Emerald Heights received shipment of its new skilled-nursing beds, a giant green 40-foot ocean container from the Port of Tacoma pulled onto campus. The trucker opened its doors and volunteers from Clear Path International and Emerald Heights staff began loading the surplus equipment: 32 electrical bed frames, five low bed frames, 37 mattresses, one standing therapy table, 21 night stands, 10 overbed tables and four wheelchairs.

Additional donations from Group Health in Seattle, Martha & Mary's in Poulsbo and Manor Care in Gig Harbor were brought to Emerald Heights and loaded the same day. These included casting plaster, surgical supplies, diagnostic equipment, infant exam tables, exam stools, orthopedic supplies, rehabilitation equipment, two additional beds, 15 mattresses and a gurney.

The medical shipment will be received and distributed throughout Cambodia by the Volunteer Association of Medical Professional in Phnom Penh headed by Dr. Muoy Sroy. 

Since 2001, Clear Path has sent 74 containers of medical equipment and supplies to countries with landmine problems in Asia, Africa and Latin America. To learn more, visit www.cpi.org.