Welcome to SoundBiteBlog.com. This website focuses mainly on providing Real Estate, Mortgage, and Local Area information for consumers and residents in Western Puget Sound, we also share our passions, expertise, and practical insights on Internet marketing and technology, including social media/networking, SEO, website design, and custom web applications. SoundBiteBlog is an award-winning joint venture between Mark Flanders of Pastik Design and Rich Jacobson of Keller William West Sound.

Within the pages of SoundBite is an eclectic collection of articles covering a wide variety of topics we hope you'll find interesting, engaging, and helpful. Rich is committed to relentlessly representing his client's best interests and empowering them to make informed decisions. Mark finally decided what he wanted to do when he grew up and gets excited when the code he's written solves a customer's problem with blinding efficiency!

Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for December 2008

December 4th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions in Kitsap County WA for 12/01/2008 The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for December 2008, provided by Rich Jacobson of Realty Executives Brio, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)

  • Properties currently active on the market: 2391
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days: 1312
  • Average Sales Price: $308,770
  • Average List Price: $329,896
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
  • Average Days on Market: 103
  • Sales Pending this Week: 8

Current Market Conditions: As is typical for our market, homes sales for Kitsap County WA have slowed as we head into the Christmas Holidays. Even though we’re not as susceptible to seasonal influences as most markets, we still experience a noticible decline in activity until just after the 1st of the New Year. With only 8 pending sales for the entire county this week, there really isn’t a candidate for ‘Hot Spot.’ However, Area 150 (East Central Kitsap) continues to lead the pack here in Kitsap County WA with 151 properties sold in the past 6 months. Compared to Area 163 (Gamblewood) which has only posted sales for 7 properties in the same period. Area 166 (Poulsbo) maintains the highest Listing Price-to-Sales Price ratio (99%), and the lowest DOM (Days on Market) with 79. Bainbridge Island Stats separately: (Area 170)

  • Properties currently Active on the market: 329
  • Properties closed in last 180 days: 127
  • Average Sales Price: $657,890
  • Average List Price: $703,298
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
  • Average Days on Market: 109
  • Sales Pending this week: 2

Advice for Sellers: Given our current economic conditions, my recommendation for Sellers would be to hold off on marketing your home right now, if possible, and wait until late February or early March. If circumstances demand that you list your home now, make sure that your Listing Agent provides you with a very thorough marketing plan that includes maximum, strategic Internet exposure. Work closely with your Agent to determine what tasks need to be performed in order for your home to show well, and stand out from among other comparable properties. Don’t be tempted to test the market, but price your home aggressively. Advice for Buyers: If you’re fully pre-approved by a reputable local lender, then you are in good position to take advantage of the current market dynamics. Take your time. In most areas you will have many homes to choose from. Be patient to find the deal that makes the most sense. For Active-Duty military buyers, a home purchase may not be the best strategy if your orders are for less than 3 years. Consult with your Agent and Lender to determine what decisions are most wise and prudent for your future plans and budget. For more additional information and resources concerning real estate in Kitsap County WA and the Western Puget Sound, access my website, Kitsap Life .

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In Search of the Perfect Christmas Tree on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

December 3rd, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

One of the challenges of relocating to a new area is finding the best places for Christmas Trees. While some have elected to join the “Save the Trees!” bandwagon, and go the seemingly more convenient fake ‘Tree-in-a-Box’ route, I continue to refuse to buckle under such pressure. Living in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by towering Cedars and Pines, my home will be graced by a ‘real’ tree, thank you very much!

For the past several years, we’ve heartily (and financially) supported Hubert’s Christmas Tree Farm on Seabeck Hwy. in rural Bremerton.

While somewhat pricey compared to other area tree farms, the quality & selection of trees is unsurpassed. Their kind, friendly staff make our yearly tradition a fun and enjoyable family experience.

For approx. $40 – $50, you can find the perfectly formed 6ft. to 8ft. tree to help adorn your abode with the festive Holiday spirit. After you’ve cut-down (they can provide a draw saw) your prized evergreen, you’ll want to stop by the ‘Noble House’ where you can use the ‘Tree Shaker’ or curl up to the warm stove, enjoy a cup of hot apple cider, and the panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains to the West.

Hubert’s Noble Ridge Christmas Tree Farm 4635 Seabeck Hwy NW Bremerton, WA 98312 Contact: 360-373-7044 Daily hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open November 28, 2008 thru December 21, 2008

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Central Kitsap Cougars to face Issaquah in State Semi-Finals!

November 27th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

The 2008 Central Kitsap High School Cougars Varsity Football team (7-3) handed the Rogers Puyallup Rams only their 2nd loss of the season last Saturday night at Silverdale Stadium amidst an ecstatic 4000+ capacity crowd. The 21 to 6 win sends Central Kitsap onto the State Semi-finals in the Tacoma Dome against the (8-2) Issaquah Eagles. The Eagles narrowly escaped with a victory against Bothell (31-28), the same team that knocked Central Kitsap off in the State playoffs last year.

Our son, Elliot, a Senior at Central Kitsap High knows many of the players, including one of his best friends #88 Allen Hewey, pictured above.

The Cougars began the 2008 season with high expectations, having a large number of returning players from last year’s winning squad. However, with a rather lackluster 2-3 start, their confidence could have been shaken. But with tremendous determination and 7 consecutive wins under their belts, the Cougars seem poised make a bid on the 4A State championship!

Game time is 4pm, Saturday November 29th, at the Tacoma Dome. Let’s all head out to the game and show our support for Central Kitsap High School.

Go Cougs!

(photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun)

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for November 2008

November 26th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions in Kitsap County WA for 11/17/2008

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for November 2008, provided by Rich Jacobson of Realty Executives Brio, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)

  • Properties currently active on the market:  2455
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1357
  • Average Sales Price:  $318,608
  • Average List Price:  $329,358
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price:  97%
  • Average Days on Market:  102
  • Sales Pending this Week: 24

Current Market Conditions: Area 150 (East Central Kitsap) continues to be the selling ‘Hot Spot’ here in Kitsap County WA with 6 properties pending this week, and DOM (Days on Market) at 89. Port Orchard (Area 143) had the longest DOM at 152.  The lowest Listing Price to Sales Price ratio  was 92% for Area 161 (Hansville).

Bainbridge Island Stats separately: (Area 170)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  338
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  123
  • Average Sales Price:  $671,303
  • Average List Price:  $716,862
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price:  94%
  • Average Days on Market:  101
  • Sales Pending this week: 2

In a recent Kitsap Sun news article submitted by Rachel Pritchett, home values in Kitsap County WA have been estimated to have fallen 12 percent since the Spring of 2007, and are now back down at 2005 levels, according to Seattle-based company Zillow.com, which calculates its home values based on median price, tax assessments, physical characteristics of the house, and comparable sales.

For more additional information and resources concerning real estate in Kitsap County WA and the Western Puget Sound, access my website, Kitsap Life.

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Town & Country Auto Repair – “Local Businesses You Can Trust!” -

November 19th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

One of the challenges when moving to a new area is finding local businesses that you can trust. This is especially true when dealing with repairs to your car or truck. Given all the complexities of today’s automobiles, even the most basic maintenance requirements can be rather daunting and mysterious. Fortunately, here in Kitsap County, the choice of reliable auto repair shops is an obvious one – Town & Country Auto Repair on Chico Way in Bremerton WA. You’re biggest challenge is going to be getting scheduled for an appointment, so give yourself some time. But trust me, it’s well worth the wait! The highly qualified Technicians at Town & Country Auto Repair will skillfully diagnose whatever problems your car or truck is experiencing, and will give you an honest & fair estimate of what is needed to fix it. What I appreciate about Town & Country Auto Repair is that they never compromise on vehicle safety. If it’s a matter of your personal safety, they won’t cut corners. But they also give you options – do you want to try a used part? A certified re-built? A new component? The Guys at Town & Country Auto Repair understand the difficulties of making ends meet in today’s troubling economy. They’ve built a solid reputation for quality workmanship at affordable rates. For all of your auto repairs needs, call Town & Country Auto Repair (360) 692-2262 Town & Country Auto Repair 3420 Chico Way Bremerton, WA 98312 360-692-2262 Google Map

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