A bad year for real estate sales

According to multiple real estate listings, there was a slight uptick in buyer interest and activity on Bainbridge Island in November and December.

But overall, 2008 marked a large decrease in condo and home sales. House sales dipped from 188 this year compared to 332 in 2007. Condos dropped from 133 in 2007 to only 44 sales last year.

A record 373 sellers removed their homes from the market without selling during 2008, sources said. Still, the island’s median home price remains high at $590,000.

Cox to address chamber audience

Tom Cox, a financial educator for Seattle-based Merriman Berkman Next and co-host of the radio program Sound Investing, will be the keynote speaker at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Economic Forecast Luncheon. The luncheon, which will also include comments from local industry experts, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club.

Cox will discuss the major trends he sees affecting the Puget Sound regional economy in 2009 and provide some investing insight. Cost of the luncheon is $15 for members and visitors. For reservations, call (206) 842-3700.

Cox is a regular contributor to the web site FundAdvice.com and publisher of www.401khelp.com. He has been in broadcasting for 30 years and was formerly host of PBS’s Serious Money television series for five years.

AMB names new branch manager

Kelly Sumpter, who started as a teller with American Marine Bank almost 10 years ago, has been named branch manager for the bank’s High School Road branch.

Sumpter’s other jobs with AMB have included working in wire and foreign currency, customer service and most recently as operations supervisor. She replaces Kevin Mooney, who is now a customer service center manager with the bank.

Sumpter has been an active volunteer with the annual Bainbridge Island Rotary Auction for the last five years.

CFA partners with mortgage firm

CFA Northwest Mortgage Professionals has merged with Guild Mortgage, a San Diego firm that is one of the leading privately-held mortgage bankers in the western United States.

David Beck and Carolyn Frame, principals with CFA on Bainbridge Island, said the merger will give their company added financial stability and the ability to offer customers loans that they may not find available from other lenders.

Open house at Perennial Vintners

Celebrate St. Vincent’s Day. In honor of the patron saint of winemakers, Perennial Vintners will hold a series of open houses from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 17, 18 and 19 at the winery.

Samples will be on hand of Perennial’s dry white wines and luscious berry port-style wines.

They’re located at 8840 Lovgreen Rd. For more information, call 780-2146.

Kitchen showroom that really works

Professional kitchen and bath designer Molly McCabe, AKBD principal with A Kitchen That Works, recently announced the completion of A Kitchen That Works’ new live and sustainable kitchen and bath showroom on Bainbridge.

Live fixtures and appliances enable homeowners to actually test the latest in energy, water and time saving conveniences. The showroom also features an array of sustainable and recycled content finishes. McCabe calls it “the gorgeous side of green.”

A Kitchen That Works provides comprehensive design services for the remodels and new construction of kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, home offices, custom entertainment centers and mother-in-law dwellings. To tour the showroom or discuss a project, schedule an appointment with McCabe by calling 780-1906.

Get a taste of My Kids’ Cookies

My Kids’ Cookies is hosting a cookie tasting event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at its new shop .

Barbara Reninger and crew will have a variety of hand-baked cookie flavors to try , along with coffee and other beverages. Have a taste, and chime in about which one are your favorites.

My Kids’ Cookies also invites visitors to think outside the (candy) box for Valentine’s Day with Valentine’s cookie gift boxes. Pre-order, and they’ll be ready and waiting to pick up in time for the most romantic day of the year.

Find the My Kids’ Cookies Shop at 9723 Coppertop Loop #202, in the Sportsman’s Park complex across from Sakai Intermediate School. Regular hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 780-3091 or visit www.mykidscookies.com for more information.