April :: SoundBiteBlog.com 2007 :: SoundBiteBlog.com

As with most large metropolitan areas, home prices have been increasing significantly in the Greater Seattle area, making it difficult to find affordable new construction. Many homebuyers have been discovering a valuable, cost-effective alternative across the Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula.

As licensed professional real estate agents here on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State, we are fortunate to have a number of skilled home builders who offer excellent new construction properties for our clients.

The Home Builders Association of Kitsap County provides a list of current Builders who are members in good standing. Whether you are looking for a spec home or desire a more custom approach, there are a number of very reputable Builders to choose from.

Here are just a few examples of those builders and some of their current projects on the Kitsap Peninsula:

Chaffey Homes:       Chaffey Homes has over 40 years of home building experience in the Northwest, having successfully housed over 10,000 families since its inception in 1963. Current projects include: Oyster Bay Estates in Bremerton; City Sights II and Hawkstone II/McCormick Woods in Port Orchard; Newberry Woods, Town’s Summit, and High Pointe II in Silverdale; Avondale Glen and Clear Creek Estates in Poulsbo.

Quadrant Homes:   Building homes in the Seattle and Puget Sound area since 1969, Quadrant Homes was awarded “Builder of the Year” in 1004 by the Master Builders Association. Current projects include: Stendahl Ridge in Poulsbo, and The Ridge at McCormick Woods in Port Orchard.

Akamai Homes:       Based in Edmonds, Akamai Homes offers both spec and custom homes. They are currently building homes in the new White Horse Golf Community in Kingston.

Bushnell Homes:    A family-owned and operated business for over 20 years. Current projects: near Kitsap Lake in Bremerton, and in Bridgeview in Kingston.

Central Highland Builders:         Central Highlands, Inc. designs, builds, and develops residential communities as well as individual custom homes. They are currently building Poulsbo Place II in Poulsbo.

Ferguson & Cole:   Successful builders in Washington State for over 20 years, with numerous projects throughout Kitsap County.

Your local real estate professional will be able to recommend many additional quality builders for you to choose from.

Discover a great quality of life and your next home on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State!

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Posted in Buyers, Real Estate Bites, Sellers | 2 Comments »

In the early 80′s, after the Kitsap Mall was completed, Silverdale quickly became a fast-growing and badly needed retail mecca for residents within the large surrounding area of the West Sound. Since then, it has continued to attract many of the national chains and big box stores.

One of my favorites is the COSTCO Wholesale store here in Silverdale.

Founded by current CEO James Sinegal, and headquarterd here in Issaquah, WA, COSTCO has over 500 locations worldwide, with nearly 125,000 employees, and ended their fiscal year this past September with almost $59 billion in sales (about half of that was just to my family!)

Now granted, when you shop at COSTCO, you normally end up with about a 3 month supply. However, with a family like mine, having 3 teenage boys, a 3 month supply lasts about 3 days!

I realize with a “warehouse-style” store you lose some of the intimacy normally associated with smaller shopping venues. But that isn’t the case with our local Costco store here in Silverdale. The staff goes out ot their way to make you feel welcomed and important. The check-out is always quick and pleasant. Several of the employees know me by name, and I’m not the one wearing a badge!

Let’s face it, while COSTCO does offer a wide variety of products, and at some very attractive prices, who are we kidding?

It’s ALL about the “FREE SAMPLES!” So what if they’ve got the lowest priced Milk in town. Just give me that free smoked weenie!

Seriously though, one of the things that really makes it easy and enjoyable to shop at COSTCO is their extremely liberal return policy. As long as you haven’t drop-kicked it across Montana or dragged it behind your car on the interstate, they’ll take it back, receipt or no receipt, and they refund you in CASH!

Then, you can take your money and run over to get one of those really inexpensive Jumbo Polish Dogs and fountain drink for only $1.50! Boy, it doesn’t get any better than that!

So, if you’re new to the area and looking for a place to stock up, make your way to the COSTCO Wholesale store in Silverdale, WA. And don’t forget the smoked weenie!

COSTCO Warehouse

10000 Mickelberry Road NW

Silverdale, WA 98383

(360) 692-1140

Regular Hours:

M-F  11:00am – 8:30pm

Sat.   9:30am – 6:00pm

Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm

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Each year the three offices of Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc., located in Silverdale, Bremerton, and Poulsbo, Washington participates in the Windermere Community Service Day.

Every year since 1984, Windermere real estate offices have skipped work for a day to complete neighborhood improvement projects, giving back to the communities where we live, work, and play. We clean, landscape and repair parks, playgrounds, schools, shelters and community buildings. Each office selects a project that best serves its community needs

This past year I was a member of our Service Day Committee. Representatives from all three offices met well in advance of the event to identify our project site; determine the various tasks to be completed; and the materials that would be needed – typically donated by area businesses.

Our project for 2006 was Ross Field in Silverdale. This multi-use recreational field sees a lot of action throughout the year, hosting local Little League & Babe Ruth Baseball, Pee Wee Football, Soccer, and other local youth sporting events. As a father of 4, my family and I have spent a lot of time at Ross Field and we recognize the value of having good sports facilities.

Our primary tasks were: Primer and paint 8 baseball dugouts; replace the roof on a storage building; repair & paint 8 sets of bleachers; install 150 ft. of galvanized fencing; extensive weeding and laying down beauty bark.

Several of our local title & escrow companies helped out by offering food and refreshments.

With over 75 volunteers, including agents, managing brokers, office staff, family members and friends, we started our work at 9AM, taking a short break for lunch, and ending at around 3PM. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a friendly game of softball.

As real estate professionals, our business is rooted in our communities. And an investment in our neighborhoods gives us all a better place to call home.

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Posted in Bremerton WA Real Estate, Buyers, Kitsap County Bites, Port Orchard Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Sellers, Silverdale WA Real Estate | 3 Comments »

It always amazes me how so many real estate agents will try all the latest and greatest marketing gimmicks to attract new clients, but completely ignore or neglect the easiest and most basic principles of our business.

Case in point: I am representing some Sellers on a really cool restored Turn-of-the-Century farmhouse on acreage. We went under contract with some Buyers just a week after going on market, but the deal fell through due to some very unfortunate appraisal issues.

A couple weeks ago, I got a phone call out of the blue.

BUYER:  “Hi! Are you the agent who is selling this really sweet farm house out in the country?”

ME:  “The one with the white picket fence? Yes, I am. How can I help you?”

BUYER:  “Well, we’re out here right now. Is there any chance you could come out and let us in to walk through?”

Now this is the part in the story where many of my esteemed colleagues seem to find a ‘convenient’ excuse to keep from being ‘inconvenienced.’

ME:  “Absolutely! I would love to let you in. If you think the outside is sweet, just wait until you see the inside! Can you give me just a little time to tie up a few loose ends first? I can be out there in about 10 minutes. Will that work for you?”

BUYER:  “That would be awesome. See you in 10. Thanks!”

Now, you need to understand, my day is usually pretty packed. It’s never an easy thing just to drop what I’m doing and run out to show properties to perfect strangers. But there are two basic principles that guide my actions:

1.   I represent the Sellers. They have entrusted the sale of their home to me. It’s not a matter of what is ‘convenient’ for me, but maximizing every opportunity I have to achieve a successful sale 

2.   Every customer I encounter deserves the utmost care and service that I can provide. It’s not always a matter of simply posing ’20 questions’ to determine whether or not they’re worth my time. They may be genuine, qualified Buyers, or just tire kickers. Regardless, they deserve my professional best. 

Back to our story: 10 minutes later, I’m out at the farm house, showing the property to the Buyers. It’s an absolute ‘perfect’ fit for their family!

During the tour, we become better acquainted. I’m always fascinated to hear people’s stories, what adventure in life they’re embarked upon. Mr. Buyer is a school administrator. One of my recent clients just happened to be a local school administrator. In addition, my wife is a teacher in our district. Common ground.

Here’s how the ‘Rest of the Story’ went: These Buyers were not currently working with an agent. As is usual, I had brought a complete Buyer’s Info Packet with me, which included a brochure on Real Estate Agency Law. After explaining all of their options, they asked me if I would help them write up an offer. Mr. Buyer is a sharp cookie. He suggests that perhaps the Sellers would consider taking a lower offer since the Buyer’s Agent commission wouldn’t be used. I confer with my Sellers and explain the process with them. Though I am still representing their interests, I can enter into a ‘Customer Agreement’ with these Buyers, and assist them in writing the offer. The Sellers were fine with this arrangement and thrilled that these folks were ‘in love’ with their home!

After everything was said and done, the Sellers effectively netted almost the same amount as they would have realized with a full price offer; the Buyers got a really good deal on an awesome home; and I was paid for the valued services that I provided.

I love transactions where everybody wins!

The Buyers later called me, just to say ‘Thanks!’ “You would be amazed at how many agents we called off of their ‘For Sale’ signs who either didn’t return our calls or refused to come show the property. Thanks for answering your phone and taking the time to meet with us.”

And The Moral of the Story? The real key to being a successful real estate professional isn’t about what’s in it for me, or what is or isn’t convenient at any given moment. It’s the relentless representation of my clients best interests and treating each and every customer I encounter with the utmost respect, courtesy, and care. It’s remembering to do the most basic and simple things.

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Posted in Buyers, Real Estate Bites, Sellers | 12 Comments »

I know it probably seems like I blog quite a lot about local restaurants. Okay, so I enjoy good food! However, with a family of 6, it’s important to know where you can take the whole tribe out for dinner without having to file for bankruptcy. And it’s especially helpful, when you’re new to an area, getting a little hand up on where the good eats are.

Well, you’ve definitely come to the right place then!

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant serves up some of the best tasting values on the entire Kitsap Peninsula! From the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave, your tummy AND your wallet will be happy!

As soon as you’re seated, the chips, salsa, and bean dip are in endless supply (and trust me, my 3 boys have virtually ENDLESS pits!) I especially enjoy their salsa. It has just the right amount of heat that you can’t stop eating! (Both chips and salsa are available for separate take-out purchase to help augment your favorite televised sporting events!)

Their menu is extensive and caters to nearly every conceivable taste. My recommendation would be any of the combination plates. They offer the largest portions at the greatest savings!

The food arrives quickly, but be careful, the plates are really HOT!

Surrounding your entire dining experience is some of the most genuinely friendly and prompt service rarely seen in most restaurants these days. With all the money you save, you’ll have plenty left over to leave a nice, well-deserved tip!

So, get up off your Siesta, and get on down to Fiesta!

Fiesta Mexican Restaurant, 9447 Silverdale Way, Silverdale, WA 98383

(360) 698-1557; http://www.shoplocalbiz.com/silverdale/fiesta.htm

(in the Silverdale Red Apple Market Plaza)

5 locations to better serve you: Silverdale, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Belfair, and Port Townsend

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Posted in Bites of Washington, Business Bites, Kitsap County Bites | No Comments »