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 Windermere Real Estate / West Sound, Inc.

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 Market Report for February 2010

February 24th, 2010 by Rich Jacobson

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for February 2010, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)

kitsap-county-wa-real-estate

  • Properties currently active on the market:  1730
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1358
  • Average Sales Price:  $284,294
  • Average List Price:  $295,084
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
  • Average Days on Market: 94
  • Sales Pending this Week: 93

Central Kitsap WA statistics separately: (Area 150)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  144
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  160
  • Average Sales Price:  $236,201
  • Average List Price:  $238,972
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 99%
  • Average Days on Market: 80
  • Sales Pending this week: 7

For additional area specific market statistics, go to www.KitsapLife.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE MARKET NOW?

If I could pick one word to describe the current housing market, it would be ‘uncertainty.’

Most of us would love to believe that things will pick up as we enter the Spring season. Typically, we see a notable overall improvement in both buying and selling of residential properties. But with all the unknowns and instability of our nation’s economy, it’s difficult to accurately predict the direction the market will go in the next month or two.

Short Sales and Foreclosures will obviously continue to impact the market, but to what extent, no one is  sure.

Home prices here in Kitsap County WA, continued to slide in January, adding to the nearly 9% drop we experienced in 2009 over 2008, according to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

As a comparison, the median sales price of closed homes in January 2010, $224,000, was 4.4 percent less than in January 2008.

Regardless, there continues to be a few exceptions to the rule. There were three north-end communities – Poulsbo, Lofall and Hansville, and two communities in South KitsapRetsil and Manchester – that all enjoyed positive increases in sales prices when compared with the previous month. Close proximity of these communities to ample waterfront was no doubt an influence.

Poulsbo’s median closing price in January was $364,250; Lofall’s $450,000; Hansville’s $429,900; and Retsil and Manchester were at $287,450.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEW BLOG ‘EVERYDAY CK’

‘Everyday CK’ – My New Blog on the Kitsap Sun

Just wanted to mention that I was recently afforded the opportunity of joining the team of bloggers on the Kitsap Sun website.

My blog is entitled ‘Everyday CK’ and is geared towards sharing information and encouraging conversations about the Central Kitsap area.

Please take a moment to hop over and subscribe!   ‘Everyday CK

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable 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, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for January 2010

January 13th, 2010 by Rich Jacobson

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for January 2010, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)kitsap-county-wa-real-estate

  • Properties currently active on the market:  1583
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1514
  • Average Sales Price:  $284,379
  • Average List Price:  $294,758
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
  • Average Days on Market: 94
  • Sales Pending this Week: 50

Bainbridge Island WA statistics separately: (Area 170)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  235
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  153
  • Average Sales Price:  $534,999
  • Average List Price:  $571,505
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
  • Average Days on Market: 94
  • Sales Pending this week: 3

For additional area specific market statistics, go to www.KitsapLife.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

According to a recent SmartMoney.com article entitled “5 Markets Expected to Fare Best in 2010” both Seattle WA and Tacoma WA were listed. While the writer forecasts a 2.44% increase for the Tacoma market, she predicts that Seattle will continue to slide by half a percent. But that’s obviously a prettier picture than in many other housing markets across the US.

The numbers here in Kitsap County WA continue to slow and flatten out, which is fairly typical for this time of year. What remains to be seen is if the market will show any signs of rebounding in the Spring.

With the extension of the 1st Time Home Buyer Credit and the new Repeat-Buyer Credit, we should begin to see some improvement and increased activity through March and April.

For more information, go to First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit – The Full Scoop.

Everyday-CK-blog-on-the-kitsap-sun

‘Everyday CK’ – My New Blog on the Kitsap Sun

Just wanted to mention that I was recently afforded the opportunity of joining the team of bloggers on the Kitsap Sun website.

My blog is entitled ‘Everyday CK’ and is geared towards sharing information and encouraging conversations about the Central Kitsap area.

Please take a moment to hop over and subscribe!   Everyday CK

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable 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, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for December 2009

December 4th, 2009 by Rich Jacobson

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for December 2009, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)kitsap-county-wa-real-estate

  • Properties currently active on the market:  1771
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1527
  • Average Sales Price:  $287,829
  • Average List Price:  $298,147
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
  • Average Days on Market: 92
  • Sales Pending this Week: 40

West Bremerton WA statistics separately: (Area 148)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  215
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  174
  • Average Sales Price:  $194,294
  • Average List Price:  $202,626
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 96%
  • Average Days on Market: 79
  • Sales Pending this week: 7

For additional area specific market statistics, go to www.KitsapLife.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

1st-TIme-Home-Buyer-Tax-Credit

According to a recent Kitsap Sun articlewritten by Business Reporter, Rachel Pritchett, our local real-estate market has slowly slipped into its usual seasonal slowdown, beginning in November.

However, compared to last years figures, we’re certainly in much better condition overall.

Pending sales in November were 36 percent higher than in November 2008. The 267 sales that closed in November, while steady in the short term, was far higher than the 166 that closed in November 2008.

As I had shared in a previous post, the popular $8000 1st-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit was officially extended by members of Congress, along with some similar tax credits for Repeat Home Buyers.

For more information, go to First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit – The Full Scoop.

Local Business Review: “The Aloha Kitchen”

All I can say is it’s about time!’  Finally, a decent ‘Da Kine’ plate lunch comes to Kitsap County WA with the opening of  The Aloha Kitchen! the-aloha-kitchen-silverdale-wa

I’m a HUGE fan of good Teriyaki, but I’ve missed the traditional plate lunch you can only seem to find on the Islands. My favorite used to be The Kim Chee II over in Kaimuki on Oahu. Now, I don’t have to drive so far!

With most traditional plate lunches, you get 2 scoops of rice, macaroni salad, and whatever main dish/entree your Hawaiian heart desires!

On my first visit, I got the Kalbi Ribs. The food was great, the service Island-friendly! The only thing missing was shaved ice!

Make sure for your next business lunch or dinner date, to head over to The Aloha Kitchen and experience true Ohana!

The Aloha Kitchen – 10516 Silverdale Way, Silverdale WA 98383

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report – November 2009

November 5th, 2009 by Rich Jacobson

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for November 2009, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)kitsap-county-wa-real-estate

  • Properties currently active on the market:  1793
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1482
  • Average Sales Price:  $291,137
  • Average List Price:  $302,224
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 96%
  • Average Days on Market: 93
  • Sales Pending this Week: 69

Port Orchard WA statistics separately: (Area 143)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  94
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  117
  • Average Sales Price:  $204,241
  • Average List Price:  $207,086
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 99%
  • Average Days on Market: 60
  • Sales Pending this week: 9

For additional area specific market statistics, go to www.KitsapLife.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

1st-TIme-Home-Buyer-Tax-CreditThe biggest changes compared to last month were that the number of Active properties (homes currently available for sale) has decreased by about 7.5% or 150 homes, but the sales of pending homes over a 180 day period has increased. Most attribute the continuing positive sales growth to several factors, including lower interest rates, attractive and competitive pricing incentives offered by Sellers/Builders, and the pending expiration of the $8000 Federal Tax Credit for 1st Home Buyers.

Speaking of the $8000 1st-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, it appears that this program is headed for an extension in the very near future. A measure for the Feds to continue offering the tax credit until April of 2010 has passed through the Senate and should be approved by sometime next week.

For more information, go to First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit nears Extension.

FINDING YOUR SUSHI ‘FIX’ ON THE KITSAP PENINSULA

Whenever I travel or visit a new area, I’m always scoping out new places to indulge one of my favorite pastimes – eating sushi!

Here on the Kitsap Peninsula WA, there are a number of enjoyable local restaurants where you can feast to your heart’s content. However, there are times when you just want to relax at home, watch the game on TV, and pork out in private. For such occasions, I prefer ‘Sushi Ko‘ at Central Market in Poulsbo. You can choose from a wide assortment of freshly made sushi, or have them custom prepare it while you shop.

For more information, go to Good Sushi Hunting on the Kitsap Peninsula.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report – October 2009

October 24th, 2009 by Rich Jacobson

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for October 2009, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)kitsap-county-wa-real-estate

  • Properties currently active on the market:  1939
  • Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1438
  • Average Sales Price:  $291,990
  • Average List Price:  $303,744
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 96%
  • Average Days on Market: 96
  • Sales Pending this Week: 102

Seabeck/Holly WA statistics separately: (Area 145)

  • Properties currently Active on the market:  80
  • Properties closed in last 180 days:  62
  • Average Sales Price:  $274,584
  • Average List Price:  $290,865
  • Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
  • Average Days on Market: 113
  • Sales Pending this week: 2

For additional area specific market statistics, go to www.KitsapLife.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

While much of new home construction projects here in Kitsap County WA have been hard hit of late due to the economic downturn and lenders tightening their purse strings, one area builder appears to be thriving in this challenging market, Quadrant Homes. Phase 3 of ‘The Ridge at McCormick Woods’ in Port Orchard in particular is beginning to attract a lot of attention and potential Buyers.  To find out more, GO HERE.

Need a place you can go where life slows down, and great coffee and meaningful conversations flow?

Check out The Global Bean! Located in Silverdale WA on the 1st floor of the new Cavalon II Building at 2021 NW Myhre Road, between Bucklin Hill and Ridgetop.

The Global Bean isn’t your normal everyday java joint. If you’re looking for a quick ‘In-N-Out’ coffee to go with your quick ‘In-N-Out’ lifestyle, this isn’t the place for you.

The Global Bean Coffee Traders offers their customers a relaxing and elegant loft-type atmosphere featuring gas lights, a brick fireplace, cozy nooks and hand crafted beverages from around the world.

It’s also an entertainment venue with live music several nights throughout the week.

….act locally, drink globally!

The Global Bean Coffee Traders

2021 nw Myhre, ste 101 • Silverdale • 360.692.9582

Hours:  M-Th 7am-10pm • Fri 7am-Midnight

Sat 8am-Midnight • Sun 9am-7pm

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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