253 Magazine March 2024

"May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go. "

WINDERMERECHAMBERSBAY

The power of Windermere, the personalized service of Chambers Bay.

We want to say,

Thank you! to our clients for an amazing 2023. We are so Grateful

Sally’s Baking Recipes

Easter is almost upon us so the need to bake is here.

One of the best baking blogs I have found is,

Sally’s Baking Addiction

You’ll need to check it out.

If you’re looking for Easter dessert recipes to serve as the finale at an Easter meal, I have you covered. Light and fresh springtime flavors abound, like lush lemon, fluffy coconut, and juicy berries. And you may be surprised at how easy it is to make homemade Easter chocolates, like these peanut butter Easter eggs and chocolate buttercream Easter egg candies. And if carrot cake is on the menu (a certain somebunny’s favorite!), she has several variations.

With its outstanding spice flavor, super moist crumb, and velvety cream cheese frosting, this is truly the best carrot cake. Use brown sugar and toasted pecans for deeper flavor.

Sally’s Baking Recipes

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on marble and wood cake stand I don’t call it carrot cake. I call it “birthday cake.” It’s my one and only choice on my big day. I’ve adopted this tradition and make my own carrot birthday cake each year. And, of course, we never limit it to only once per year. This is always my top choice for Easter dessert recipes and I love making it for spring brunches, baby showers, and our community’s new bake sale.

In fact, this carrot cake recipe is so popular around here that I stopped asking what everyone wants for dessert! Because it’s always this!

Recipe:

Ingredients

2 cups (260g) chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish. Nuts are optional.)*

1 and 1/2 cups (300g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)*

4 large eggs

3/4 cup (133g) smooth unsweetened applesauce

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

2 cups (260g) grated carrots (about 4 large)

Cream Cheese Frosting

16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar

1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

pinch of salt, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the cake: Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the chopped pecans on the sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Instructions:

Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C). Grease two or three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. (If it’s helpful, see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video & post.)

Whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla together in a large bowl until combined and no brown sugar lumps remain. In another large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold the ingredients together until just combined. Fold in the carrots and 1 cup of the toasted pecans. (The rest of the pecans are for garnish.)

Pour/spoon the batter evenly into the cake pans. If using three cake pans, bake for 2024 minutes. If using two cake pans, bake for 30-35 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done. If not, continue to bake until cooked through. Do not over-bake. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.

Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes until completely combined and creamy. Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, a little milk if frosting is too thick, or an extra pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Frosting should be soft, but not runny.

Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife or cake leveler, layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Place 1 cake layer on your cake turntable, cake stand, or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer, more frosting, and then top with the 3rd layer. Spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Decorate the sides and top of the cake with the remaining toasted pecans. Refrigerate cake for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.

Cover leftover frosted cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The Enterprise - Racketeering

and Syndicated

Crime comes to Tacoma in the late 1970's

In December 1946, a new boat docked in Ruston Way—but this one was never meant to set sail. The Top of the Ocean was a restaurant shaped like a luxury liner and “docked” in the harbor with space for 700 guests and 20 private yachts. “The Top” quickly became the hottest ticket in Tacoma. Louie Grenier’s Orchestra would play, the drinks would flow, and at the upper deck’s private club, Tacoma’s biggest deals would get done. By 1948, the Tacoma Athletic Club bought the building, and used it as a showcase for high society antics, both legal and otherwise. The club was raided in 1951 by the vice squad, but its notoriety would only grow over time.

Thirty Years of Dining and Dancing

The Top of the Ocean, 2211 Ruston Way in Tacoma, was a popular restaurant and nightclub resembling a luxury ocean liner, built on pilings along the shore of Commencement Bay.

It was designed by architect Charles Alonzo Kenworthy (1876-1952) and constructed by the Tacoma Boat Mart at a cost of $262,000. “The Top,” as it was known locally, opened for business on December 15, 1946, and quickly became a popular choice for club meetings, formal parties, and other celebrations and gatherings. The three-deck facility could accommodate some 700 patrons and had a floating dock that could accommodate 20 visiting yachts. On Sundays, seaplane taxi service was available.

A Restaurant Torched

At 6:55 a.m. on Sunday, April 3, 1977, the Tacoma Fire Department responded to a fire at Herringbone Tucker’s Top of the Ocean Restaurant. The structure was fully involved in flames when the first fire trucks arrived and a second alarm was almost immediately broadcast. Approximately 61 firefighters using 12 major pieces of equipment, including a fire boat, battled the blaze for more than two hours before bringing it under control.

During the action, five firefighters suffered injuries and were sent to Saint Joseph Hospital. One man required surgery for a severed tendon; the other injuries were relatively minor.

It was immediately obvious to arson investigators the fire had been set deliberately, using paint thinner as an accelerant. The arsonist carelessly left behind eight one-gallon containers bearing his fingerprints. Damage to the restaurant was initially estimated to be approximately $500,000. A thorough inspection of the structure, however, determined the structure was unsalvageable and would cost at least $1 million to replace.

Having Trouble Remembering ...

After hearing about the fire, taxicab driver Richard Black told arson investigators about a man he took to the Top of the Ocean parking lot early Sunday morning. The man had several gallon cans of paint thinner, which Black helped to load and unload. On Monday, April 4, 1977, investigators arrested David Willard Levage, age 27. Restaurant employees identified Levage in a police lineup as a customer who had repeatedly been ejected from the bar on Saturday night for being drunk and disorderly. Black picked him out of the lineup as his Sunday morning fare. Investigators also located the hardware store where the suspect had recently purchased eight gallons of paint thinner. Levage was charged in Pierce County Superior Court with first-degree arson. He was released from custody after posting $10,000 bail.

Find the rest of the article here

Buying to Selling in this Market

Months of Pending Inventory

1.7 Even compared to last month

New Listings in Pierce County

1125

Up 21.7% compared to last month

Sold values and days on market are holding steady while the number of closings show a spring time boost. It happens at this time every year.

Who you work with matters.

Number of Closed Sales this Month

737

Up 15.6% compared to last month

Median SOLD Price

520,000 Even Year over Year and month to month

Days on Market

18

Down 8 days compared to last month

How’s the Market?

Pierce County remains stable and resilient. Sellers are witnessing historically high prices, although the rate of increase has slowed down, prices are still on the rise, while limited inventory is keeping buyers highly attentive. Homes are spending more time on the market, receiving offers within 15 to 30 days. The era of 40 eager viewers for a home is a thing of the past. With homes being shown 6 to 20 times before receiving an offer, the market pace is now more favorable for both buyers and sellers.

Optimizing Home Sales in Today's Unprecedented Market

It's common knowledge that springtime is the best time to sell a home, but these are unusual times. With more buyers in the market than usual, it's the right time to sell with little competition. However, to get top dollar for your home, make sure it's move-in ready. It's worth noting that 10% of buyers walk away during the inspection process, so be prepared. Consider getting all major repairs done or adjust your price accordingly. A well-staged home, reminiscent of a HGTV show, is more likely to sell. In vacant homes, staging can play a big part in the process, while de-cluttering and light staging can be effective in occupied homes. It's recommended to seek guidance from a trusted real estate broker early on in the process. They can inform you of the current market trends and what's making a difference in the market today. Although buyers are taking their time, they are still interested in making purchases. Don't worry if days on the market are longer, as a more thoughtful buyer is a stronger buyer.

The

The Personalized

Buyer Services Agreement

January 1st 2024 Agency Law significantly changed, without clear guidelines as to what is or isn‘t a real estate service or when in the process the agreement needs to be signed. This has created distress for both buyers and brokers alike because it is a law. At Chambers Bay we have decided to err on the side of common sense and present our understanding as such. Our goal is to NOT hold you hostage. The broker buyer relationship is just that a relationship in which you have some say.

Are not:

Holding an open house and answering your questions specific to the home.

Having a website where you sign up for listing emails or sending you listings to view.

Any service requested, by you is:

Showing you a home as requested by you via a website or email as a buyers agent.

if you call the broker on the sign and they come to show you the home. “Limited Dual Agency” if allowed by both buyer and Seller

Providing you any advice on pricing, negotiation or asking any seller questions on your behalf.

Showing multiple homes or scheduling a tour as a buyers representative at your request on your behalf.

Key Information:

Buyer Services Agreements are required by law to work with any broker as of January 1st 2024.

Buyer Services agreements can be for a day, a specific home, an area or a period of time, exclusive or non exclusive.

Buyer Services agreements can be terminated

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