Archive for November, 2007
November 30, 2007 at 5:58 pm · Filed under Bites of Washington, Bites of Kitsap, Sparks from Sparky
Okay, so after a really enjoyable Listing Appointment the other morning (Thank you, Mike & Sheryl!), my oldest son, Ben, and his buddy, Josh, finally talked me into taking our boat out for some late season Crabbing. Normally, the crabbing season here in Washington State goes from around July 1st to the end of Labor Day weekend. But when the post-season catch tally is lower than the Department of Fish & Wildlife’s estimated allotment, they have been known to extend the season into the Winter months.
We only live about 10 minutes from the public boat launch at Miami Beach on Hood Canal WA, and one of the prime Crabbing spots in the Puget Sound WA area.
Call me a ‘Wimp’ or a ‘Wussie’ or whatever non-hacker term you wish, but I’m the first one to admit that I’m a ‘Fair Weather’ Crabber.
Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the playful pursuit of pulling up these ’snap-happy’ bottom-dwelling crustaceans. There are fewer things on the planet better tasting than freshly caught, cooked, and cracked Dungeness Crab!
But taking my boat out onto Hood Canal when its SNOWING, well, there’s just something wrong with THAT picture! I don’t care how much you like eating crab!!!
Granted, it’s not as life-threatening and perilous as pulling up Alaskan King Crabs in the Bering Sea on Discovery Channel’s ”Deadliest Catch.” But in both instances, I’d rather just observe from the cozy comforts of my recliner, nestled up to a blazing fire, remote in hand.
However, I certainly can’t pass up on a good ‘male-bonding’ event with my first-born son! And even though certain unmentionable parts of my body were severely frozen, our bountiful catch of 15 was well worth the trip!
Maybe I should run out to Sportsman’s Warehouse in Silverdale WA and pick up some electric socks?
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November 27, 2007 at 11:45 am · Filed under Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sellers, Sparks from Sparky, Gig Harbor Real Estate
Real Estate Market Report/Conditions in Kitsap County WA for 10/04/2007
The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for October 2007, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (Data for Bainbridge Island WA is included below)
- Properties currently active on the market: 2273
- Properties closed in the last 180 days: 1687
- Average Sales Price: $336,020
- Average List Price: $341,304
- Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 99.5%
- Average Days on Market: 87.5
- Sales Pending this Week: 41
Current Market Conditions: The highest ratio of List Price vs. Sale Price is still Area 141 (South Kitsap West of Hwy. 16) with 101%. The lowest ratios were 97% for Areas 167 (Suquamish) and 161 (Hansville). Shortest Days on Market (DOM) continues to be Area 150 (E. Central Kitsap) with 62 DOM. Area 146 (Chico) was also still 2nd at 64. Longest DOM goes to Area 164 (Lofall) with 161, followed by Area 162 (Kingston) with 104. Inventory rose again slightly, and sales decreased. But the sales prices improved by nearly 7%.
Bainbridge Island Stats: (Area 170)
- Properties currently Active on the market: 332
- Properties closed in last 180 days: 299
- Average Sales Price: $ 733,243
- Average List Price: $ 747,692
- Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 98%
- Average Days on Market: 136
- Sales Pending this Week: 4
For Buyers: Dont’ listen to the media or Jim Cramer on the “Today Show.” Now is still a great time to consider purchasing a home here in Kitsap County WA. The current rate this morning for a 30-year fixed rate loan is still just under 6%! With the number of available homes on the market, Buyers have more choices and greater negotiation power.
For Sellers: You’ve got to do your homework and ensure that you’re fully prepared for market. Your house will really need to ‘pop’ and be priced aggressively if you want to stand out from the masses. Working closely with your Listing Agent, you should pull out all the stops and do everything possible to position your home ‘Head & Shoulders’ above the competition.
For 1st Time Buyers, you might want to consider one of my listings, the Gorman Condominiums, near Kitsap Lake in Bremerton WA. For only $129,950 property ownership can be a reality for you!
For additional information and resources concerning real estate in Kitsap County WA, access my website, www.KitsapLife.com
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November 20, 2007 at 11:29 am · Filed under Sparks from Sparky
This past weekend, I left the comforting confines of the Kitsap Peninsula WA, and flew out to the backroad bayous of Louisiana, visiting my precious daughter, Emily, living in Monroe, home of the ULM Warhawks. During my stay, and being the adventuresome Father/Daughter duo that we are, we decided to take a road trip over to Natchez, Missisippi.
Now, I have to confess, I had somewhat selfish reasons for wanting to visit Natchez. I am an avid fan of the highly accomplished best-selling fiction writer, Greg Iles. Greg grew up in Natchez and now resides there with his family. The surrounding areas along the Missisippi River often time provide the setting for many of his novels.
Heading south on US-65, we passed through the bustling metropolis of Waterproof. I was tempted to stop off at Bubba’s and grab some boudin sausage and a Peach Nehi, but we were a little pressed for time.
As we drove through Vidalia, we noticed that well-known Actor & Martial Arts stud, Chuck Norris, has a new business venture. Who else has more experience with ‘personal injury?’
Arriving in Natchez, I can see why Greg likes to call it home. What a wonderfully quaint and friendly town, chock full of rich history, traditions, and stunning southern architecture. Nowhere on the planet will you encounter a people who possess better manners. Every sentence of conversation ended with either ’Sir’ or ‘Maam.’ All women, regardless of age, are referred to as Miss _______ . Our society as a whole has horribly missed the boat on the importance of passing on the legacy of mutual respect and good manners. It was wonderfully refreshing to encounter.
We stopped at the local corner bookstore, “Cover to Cover Books & More,” where I purchased a signed copy of Greg’s latest hardback, “Third Degree.”
We drove over to the Natchez City Cemetary, one of the primary locations mentioned in Greg’s popular book, “Turning Angel.”
Towards the end of the day, our stomachs led us to “Cock of the Walk,” a very popular restaurant, for tourists and locals, on the bluff overlooking the river. We were treated to many staple Southern specialties - cornbread, mustard greens, fried pickles, hushpuppies, fried catfish, and more. The meal capped off a truly enjoyable and memorable roadtrip experience!
So pick up one of Greg’s books (”Mortal Fear” is one of my faves) and next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop off in Natchez MS for a perfect slice of Southern hospitality.
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November 7, 2007 at 6:36 am · Filed under Bites of Washington, Bites of Kitsap, Sparks from Sparky
(picture overlooking Hood Canal & Olympic Mountain Range, courtesy of Dr. Dale Ireland)
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November 5, 2007 at 11:23 pm · Filed under Bites of Kitsap, Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sparks from Sparky, Gig Harbor Real Estate
We had lots of things to celebrate this past week here in Kitsap County. My son’s football team won their last game, tying for first place in their Junior High league. Our local high school, the Central Kitsap Cougars, won their first divisional playoff game against Puyallup by a thrilling score of 31-16. Hey, what can I say, it’s football season!
But by far the most exciting thing that happened this past week was that my clients, TR and Arwen, closed on their very first home purchase!
It’s been almost a year since I began communicating with Arwen. She found me through the Internet and we started a regular string of e-mails back and forth. TR (proudly serving in the US Navy) was expecting new orders, and one of the potential duty stations was Bangor Subase, just outside of Silverdale WA.
Finally, the orders to Bangor were cut, and TR & Arwen arrived in Kitsap County! Shortly after arriving, TR made Chief Petty Officer. I can say, with complete confidence, that our Naval forces stand prepared and at the ready with people like TR at the helm!
The 3 of us jumped feet first into the home hunting fray, and had a blast! I truly enjoy working with 1st Time Buyers, especially ones like TR & Arwen. They had some excellent questions and trusted my counsel. We were fortunate to find a really great home in Port Orchard WA and negotiate a really great contract.
The entire process went along without difficulty, and we were able to close ahead of schedule.
Congratulations, TR & Arwen! You guys were AWESOME! Good Job!
This is what I truly love about my career in real state - “Helping people achieve their Next Adventure in Life!”
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November 1, 2007 at 11:26 am · Filed under
Have you ever wondered if you are paying too much for rent here in the Pacific Northwest? (or anywhere else for that matter) Maybe you think you’re getting a great deal on your place, OR maybe you think your landlord is ripping you off!