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I just wanted to update our readers about some very positive changes that have recently occurred at the Windermere Real Estate offices in Poulsbo, and Silverdale (known as Windermere West Sound, Inc.) here on the scenic Kitsap Peninsula.

Earlier this year, both offices were sold by retiring Windermere veterans, John Demco and Steve and April Kieburtz, to a couple of young Windermere entrepreneurs, Carter Dotson and Mike Pitts.

Dotson, owner of Windermere’s Kingston office, began his ten year real estate career at Windermere Services Company. A native of Bainbridge Island, Dotson has recently returned to Bainbridge with his family and is managing operations at the Poulsbo office which currently has 47 agents.

Co-owner partner, Pitts, also formerly of Windermere Services Company, brings his information technology skills to the management of the Silverdale office, which houses 42 agents. Mike and his family reside on Bainbridge Island as well.

At the Poulsbo office, longtime Managing Broker and popular trainer, Cindy White, has retired. Her void has been skillfully filled by respected veteran Casey McGrath.

In Silverdale, Managing Broker Frank Wilson has taken a position with Graphical Data, Inc., a real estate technology company that provides website design and IDX MLS feed solutions to real estate offices, brokerages and agents. Replacing Frank is Marie Flanders, a longtime successful agent in Kitsap County.

There is definitely a renewed sense of vision and excitement in our offices. Since assuming ownership, both Carter and Mike have garnered the trust, respect, and support of our agents, not an easy task, I assure you.

Under the leadership of the new owners, and the experienced guidance of the new managing brokers, Windermere West Sound, Inc. is poised to continue their dominant position as the leading real estate company in Kitsap County WA.

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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.

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Tags: Carter Dotson, Casey McGrath, Marie Flanders, Mike Pitts, poulsbo real estate, Silverdale WA Real Estate, west sound inc, windermere real estate

In the most recent issue of US News and World Report, Silverdale WA and Bremerton WA were both ranked in 1st place among the Top Ten US Housing Markets for the Next Ten Years.

Citing a recent study conducted by Moody’s Economy.com, Associate Editor Luke Mullins shared findings that the home prices of neighboring cities Silverdale WA and Bremerton WA should expect to increase by an average of 5.2 percent annually from the fourth quarter of 2008 through the same period of 2018.

Situated near the heart of the Kitsap Peninsula, Silverdale and Bremerton WA share more than 300 miles of scenic Puget Sound coastline with other area cities like Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Seabeck.

While the attractive Pacific Northwest location is certainly a huge draw that brings new residents to the area, the study points to the area’s stable economies as the primary determining factor for the projected future growth.  A large military presence/community— of the U.S. Navy in particular — helps to insulate the local economies somewhat from the widespread volatility being experienced in other markets around the county.

With the current low mortgage rates and the $8000 tax credit, this can be an excellent time for 1st Time Home Buyers to enter the market. And, with the number of bank-owned properties and short sales, there is also opportunities for investors to acquire some bargain-priced properties.

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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.

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Tags: Bremerton WA Real Estate, Kitsap County WA real estate, port orchard real estate, poulsbo real estate, seabeck wa real estate, Silverdale WA 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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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