March :: SoundBiteBlog.com 2009 :: SoundBiteBlog.com

Okay, so I’ll be first one to admit that I’m a bit biased towards Kansas University and the beloved Jayhawk Basketball program. Prior to moving to Silverdale WA, we lived in Lawrence KS for 10 years. Our kids grew up as Jayhawk fans. During our time there, we learned to have a tremendous appreciation for collegiate sports, and basketball in particular.

As such, whenever March rolls around, things get pretty crazy around the Jacobson Home. The brackets are printed out, filled in, and proudly scotch-taped to the refrigerator.

The Dance (NCAA Basketball Tournament) illicits a plethora of ruminating prognosticators who boast and brag about their picks, and claim to have some kind of psychic insider information to base their selections upon.

The same could be said of real estate. It seems that lately, we’ve had as many people attempting to forecast the future of real estate as we do those who are attempting to predict the match-ups going into the Final Four.

The last couple of years, our daughter, Emily, has won our family bracket challenge. This really annoys her 3 brothers who follow college hoops a lot more closely than she does.

In real estate, trying to forecast future trends, even for just the next 6 months, is many times simply a best guess. No one knows for certain what’s going to happen and when. Certainly there are indicators and previous cycle patterns to analyze and compare. But the reality remains, no one knows for certain.

But in real estate, there is one thing we can say with confidence :

“No Two Markets are the Same!”

Just because some Wall Street ‘suit’ in New York claims that the 2nd Great Depression has arrived and that the housing market has imploded, doesn’t mean it’s true across the board. Those guys earn a living on sound bytes and speculation. And if one more blonde TV News Starlet, scratching her way to higher ratings, refers to the current housing market as a ‘Holocaust,’ I promise I’m gonna hurl!

Are there areas in the US housing market where things are tough? You betcha! In some places, prices are dropping, valuations are decreasing, and foreclosures are rising at an alarming pace.

But there are just as many housing markets, if not more, that are experiencing somewhat stable or ‘normal‘ conditions. By ‘normal,’ I mean, the usual cycles historically associated with the real estate market. Every 8 to 10 years or so, we go through a market adjustment. After enjoying several years of very fast or brisk activity, the market begins to slow.

It is during these downturns, that the pessimistic media naysayers of ‘doom & gloom‘ act as though these kind of cycles have never happened to us before. The constant bombardment of their incessant negativity begins to affect us, and their created perception starts to become our reality.

Certainly, if one lone trader can adversely affect the cost of crude oil, then the constant negative bombardment of media hypesters can easily influence our perceptions over the current real estate market.

The real truth is that in some areas, real estate is in seriously bad shape. In other places it’s mediocre at best. And still yet in some markets, real estate is holding its own.

Please, don’t allow the Media’s broad brush strokes to paint an incorrect picture of YOUR market. If you’re looking to buy or sell, consult with your local real estate professional. No one is better equipped or knows your market more intimately than someone who is actively involved in providing expert representation in your specific area.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com and Crabbing in the Hood.

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Tags: Kitsap County Bites, market dynamics, poulsbo real estate, real estate

One of the biggest challenges of relocating to a new area is finding a good, reputable auto repair shop. Murphy’s Law almost always guarantees that whenever you move to a new area, your car will start to act up. There are few things worse in life than having your car breakdown in a new town and not have the slightest clue where to take it.

If you have recently relocated to the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, then you are most fortunate. Not only is Kitsap County WA a great place to live, but we also have one of the best auto repair shops right in our own backyard!

Town & Country Auto Repair, located in Bremerton WA right off of Hwy. 3 on Chico Way, has  been a welcomed Godsend to our family. When we moved to Silverdale WA, our kids were much younger and we only had one car – the consumate Soccer Mom vehicle – the Dodge Caravan. Now, as our kids have grown older, we have added 4 other cars to our collection! Several of them are very basic junkers - ”Point-A to Point-B,” high miles used cars (Two of which were thankfully donated by friends or family). Of course, the more cars you own, the greater your chances of needing repairs, especially for the ones held together by rust.

Without reservation, I highly recommend the expert mechanics at Town & Country Auto Repair, and for the following important reasons:

These guys are like the “Boy Scouts of Auto Repair!”

They’re Trustworthy – they always do what they say they’re going to do and “when” they say they’ll do it!

They’re Helpful – each one of their technicians has been professionally trained and certified. Several of them are specialists for various systems or vehicle makes. They are able to troubleshoot even the most challenging problems quickly.

They’re Friendly - you feel like you’re one of the family. They actually make you feel like you’re the most important customer they have!

They’re Thrifty - here’s an amazing concept: they’ll only do the work that is needed or necessary! They’ll give you options, but they never sacrifice on safety related issues. They don’t gouge their customers, but provide excellent work at a very reasonable price!

Okay, so they’re not Clean, but what would you expect from guys who crawl under cars all day!

So if your car or truck needs work, from a major engine or transmission overhaul, to a simple oil change, check out the boys at:

Town & Country Auto Repair, 3420 Chico Way NW, Bremerton WA 98312

(Corner of Chico Way & Erlands Point) (360) 692-2262

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, and Crabbing in the Hood.

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Posted in Bremerton WA Real Estate, Business Bites, Kitsap County Bites | 3 Comments »

Tags: automotive repair, bremerton WA, Kitsap County WA, town and country auto repair

In the early 80′s, after the Kitsap Mall was completed, growth in and around the Silverdale WA area literally exploded, and a badly needed retail mecca for residents was created. To this day, it has continued to attract many of the national chains and big box stores.

By far one of my favorites is the COSTCO Wholesale store here in Silverdale.

Founded by current CEO James Sinegal, and headquartered here in Issaquah, WA, COSTCO has over 500 locations worldwide, with nearly 125,000 employees.

Now granted, when you shop at COSTCO, you normally end up with about a 3- months supply. However, with a family like mine, having 3 teenage boys, a 3-months 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 the value and benefits that COSTCO offers, clearly outweighs it.

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!”

Who cares if they’ve got the lowest priced milk in town. Just give me those free smoked weenies!

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 Warehouse 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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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation of clients throughout all of Kitsap County, and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him on KitsapLife.com and his fun hobby blog, Crabbing in the Hood.

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Tags: costco wholesale silverdale wa, kitsap county wa local business

One of the great things about being a real estate agent and living on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State is that you’re surrounded by water and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest

If you were familiar with the Puget Sound area you would know that it is one of the premier locations around the country for pleasure motor boating. From the Washington state capitol of Olympia, all the way up through the Strait of Georgia in British Columbia, boating enthusiasts are offered some of the finest waters and harbors in the world.

Here on the Kitsap Peninsula we have several excellent marinas:

Poulsbo – Poulsbo has three marinas: the first is Liberty Bay Marina, with no guest moorage; the second is Poulsbo Yacht Club with reciprocal privileges; and the third is the Port of Poulsbo Marina, right in downtown Poulsbo. You can moor at the Port Marina where there’s moorage for about 130 guest boats. A park and picnic area are right at the marina, which also has clean restrooms, hot showers and laundry, fuel float with gas and diesel, and a pump-out station.

Brownsville Marina – the Brownsville marina is about 3 miles farther south down from Poulsbo on the west side. There’s a great marina here with guest moorage for about 60 boats, restrooms, showers, laundry and a fuel float with gas, diesel and propane. There’s a deli with groceries, wines and marine supplies.

Port Orchard Marina – The Port Orchard Marina is one of Puget Sound’s most popular destinations. The Port Orchard Marina offers excellent facilities and services. Within walking distance are restaurants, antique malls, library, post office, banking services and marine supplies.

Bremerton - Located in downtown Bremerton, you are a short walk from the Puget Sound Navy Shipyard, the Naval Museum, and the historic Navy destroyer, U.S.S. Turner Joy. Bookstores, restaurants, marine supplies and gift shops are all within walking distance. Washington State Ferries offer service between Bremerton and Seattle.

Silverdale – Since 1920 the Port of Silverdale has been working hard to create a quality facility for Mariners. Our boaters will enjoy transient moorage complete with power, fresh water, vehicle/trailer parking, and deep water boat launch.

Kingston - The Port of Kingston currently has 262 permanent mooring stalls ranging between 24 and 60 feet in length. Water, phone service, electronic access and 30 amp power are available. Area shops, restaurants, and services are within walking distance. The Washington State Ferries also use this harbor for service across the Sound to Edmonds.

Driftwood Keys (Hansville) – This secured marina provides 20, 30 and 40 foot slips which may be leased as well as open moorage available for 2 to 3 days at a time. With a locked gate and ample tow parking, the paved boat ramp and auxiliary docks are available to launch your boat into the protected bay waters.

Two future marinas worth mentioning are Olympic View Marina in Seabeck WA, located on the eastern shore of Hood Canal, and Port Gamble Marina, just north of the Hood Canal Bridge. Olympic View Marina is a complete reconstruction project of the prior Seabeck Marina.

In addition, there are many state and county boat ramps and docks located throughout the peninsula. Check the following websites for more information:

Kitsap Peninsula Visitor & Convention Bureau

Kitsap County Recreation and Parks Department

Washington State Parks

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing empowerment and relentless representation of clients throughout all of Kitsap County, and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him on KitsapLife.com and his fun hobby blog, Crabbing in the Hood.

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Tags: boat launch, docks, hood canal, Kitsap County WA, marinas, mooring, olympic view marina

One of the best things about living here on the Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State is that we have the good fortune of being part of a very large and thriving military community. Our area is home to thousands upon thousands  of active-duty Armed Forces members faithfully serving our Country, along with their dependents, and many retired veterans as well.

Under the collective command of Naval Base Kitsap, there is the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton; the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport;  and the expansive Bangor Submarine Base. As a licensed real estate professional serving clients throughout Kitsap County WA, I have had the good fortune and pleasure of working with many of these hard-working, dedicated patriots and their families.

A good many of my active military or veteran clients elect to use VA loans for their home financing. As a veteran myself, my first two homes were purchased using VA loans. It can be an excellent choice of financing products to use, requiring very little out-of-pocket expense, and with fairly competitive rates.

However, one of the potential drawbacks or difficulties associated with VA financing can be the appraisal process. Simply being aware of this possible pitfall helps to prepare my clients ahead of time.  It’s something that I always take time to educate my Buyers about fully.

Here is the process in a nutshell:

As a Buyer, your agent diligently assists you in finding a home that meets your needs. Once you find the right home, you submit an offer, and hopefully, your offer is accepted. At that point, you hire a licensed inspector to conduct a full home & pest inspection, and identify any items that need to be addressed/repaired. After the inspection results are negotiated to the satisfaction of both Buyer and Seller, you will enter the “pending” stage of the transaction. At this point, your Mortgage lender will contact VA, and they, in turn, will order an appraisal to determine if the property can be valued at the price that you have agreed to pay for it.

Here in Kitsap County WA, our mortgage partners rarely know who the appraiser will be in a given transaction. It’s a Russian roulette. If you’re an approved VA appraiser in Washington State, your name is simply added to the list, and whoever is next on the list gets the call. It may be someone local who knows and understands the nuances of our market. Or it can be someone from another county altogether.

In most of my experiences, the VA appraisers have been fair and reasonable. But there are times when they can be extremely picky or subjective. Usually, they try to stay focused mainly on major structural components and primary systems. They evaluate the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating/cooling, etc.. Unfortunately, on occasion, they can become overly critical of other aspects of the home that are not necessarily critical to safety or proper function/operation. These aspects then become ‘conditions for funding’ and require resolution before the transaction can close.

Many Buyers assume that since the home inspection was performed, and the Sellers may have agreed to repair the things they requested, that everything is pretty much a “done deal” until closing. Unfortunately, there may be some additional items that the VA appraiser will call out that need to be remedied or repaired prior to closing. In some instances, these items can be small and easy to resolve, or they can present significant challenges and even cause the transaction to fall apart.

Additionally, in a slower, declining market, appraisers tend to be much more critical in their analysis of comparative property sales. Valuations can come back ‘under’ value and may require a re-negotiation of the contract sales price between Buyer and Seller.

An experienced real estate agent will wisely counsel their Buyers not to assume anything and to wait until the full appraisal results come back. Hopefully, the appraiser will not find any problems or issues that were not identified during the home inspection, and the appraisal will come in at value. If that’s the case, then the rest of your home buying experience should move along fairly smooth to closing, and you will successfully achieve the Next Adventure in Life!

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Posted in Bremerton WA Real Estate, Buyers, Mortgage Bites | 4 Comments »

Tags: va appraisals, va appraisers, va loans