STATE OF REAL ESTATE

Signs, signs, signs...everywhere you look you see houses with For Sale signs. After last year's downturn in the economy, what is the state of real estate in Orting?

According to Zillow's Home Value Index, Orting values have fallen 13.9% in the last year, but the slump appears to be leveling off. The current median list and sale price for Orting homes is $210,000, down from a record high in 2007 of $260,000. In 2005 the median was $188,700.

There are currently 273 active MLS online listings for sale in Orting. On the low end, there is a $34,900 bargain property located on top of a small mountain by Lake Kapowsin just outside Orting on .69 level & dry acres, power, water, with a small 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 1931 cabin on it.

On the high end of the scale you'll find a beautiful 6015 square foot home in a gated 5+ secluded acres with an in-ground pool for only $1,200,000. The realtor says it is; "A cathedral of glass that reveals unsurpassed views of Mt Rainier, Cascades & Orting Valley. Polished elegance & comfort in 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, den/office, media center, entertainment room + 3 game rooms & gym. 20' ceilings, arches, marble, hardwoods, custom millwork & furniture-grade cabinetry. Finest materials & construction. 3 patios, 7 finished garages with space for helipad.

The MLS online reflects 6 commercial properties for sale in Orting from $275,000 to $625,000. These include the Curves business and real estate at 211 Van Scoyoc Ave. S., The real estate at 109 Van Scoyoc Ave. S. that the Park Bench Cafe is located in, Around the Corner Cafe business and real estate at 301 Harman Way S., Wishing Well Antique real estate at 210 Washington Ave N, the funeral home real estate at 224 S Washington, and the real estate at 708 Washington Ave N. including a commercially zoned home and property across from the middle school.

On the high end of commercial land listed you'll find 17 acres for $3.5 million to 10 parcels for sale totaling 17.36 acres at 710 Washington Ave N. The property fronts on Orting Hwy with 1123 feet. The preliminary plat has been approved with 10 lots. The binding plat engineering is nearly complete. All or part of this commercial property is for sale. It currently has plans for 15,000 sq. ft. building for commercial use. 9 lots are zoned commercial and 1 is commercial/multifamily which is approved for 163 unit apartment or condos. Full mountain view from everywhere. Soon to be the new city center for Orting, according to the realtor's comments.

Orting has 3 full service realty offices to assist people: John L. Scott, Northstone, and Nunnally.