Port Orchard WA Real Estate information from SoundBiteBlog.

“Last Call for Clams!”

April 29, 2008 at 11:45 pm · Filed under Bites of Washington, Port Orchard Real Estate, Sparks from Sparky

This coming weeknd is the final opportunity for you to run out to the coast and dig up the last remaining, ever illusive Razor Clams before the season ends.

The following news release appeared on the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife website:

OLYMPIA — Clam diggers received the go-ahead to proceed with the last razor clam dig of the spring season starting May 3, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

Long Beach and Twin Harbors Beach will open for morning digs May 3-7, while Copalis and Mocrocks are scheduled to open May 4-5 only.

No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach. Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to harvest.

All diggers must have an applicable 2008-09 fishing license to dig razor clams on any beach. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Licenses can be purchased at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov, by telephone (1-866-246-9453), or in person at more than 600 license vendors throughout the state. A list of vendors is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lic/vendors/vendors.htm.

Under WDFW rules, harvesters may take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 taken, regardless of size or condition. Each digger’s limit must be kept in a separate container.

Dates and low tides are:

• Saturday, May 3, 5:27 a.m., -0.3 ft: Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Sunday, May 4, 6:16 a.m., -1.2 ft: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks
• Monday, May 5, 7:04 a.m., -1.9 ft: Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks
• Tuesday, May 6, 7:51 a.m., -2.3 ft: Long Beach and Twin Harbors only
• Wednesday, May 7, 8:39 a.m., -2.4 ft: Long Beach and Twin Harbors only

Locations of Washington’s razor-clam digging beaches included in this opener are:

• Long Beach, which extends from the Columbia River to Leadbetter Point.
• Twin Harbors, which extends from the mouth of Willapa Bay north to the south jetty at the mouth of Grays Harbor.
• Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River and includes the Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.
• Mocrocks Beach, which extends from the Copalis River to the southern boundary of the Quinault Reservation near the Moclips River, including Iron Springs, Roosevelt Beach, Pacific beach and Moclips.

If you’ve never tried your hand at digging Razor Clams, you’re in for quite a treat. It takes a good portion of your day and will wear you out. But the rewards of feasting on these guys is well worth your time and energy!

Here’s a link to a great tutorial on how to dig, clean, and cook your clams. We’ll be out on the beach at Copalis on Monday morning! Hope to see you there!

copalis, port orchard wa real estate razor clams

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10201 Horizon Lane SE in Port Orchard WA

April 12, 2008 at 10:57 am · Filed under Port Orchard Real Estate, Buyers, Sparks from Sparky, Featured Homes/Properties

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“Real Estate and the 2nd Coming”

January 9, 2008 at 12:46 am · Filed under Bites of Kitsap, Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sellers, Sparks from Sparky

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven,

 nor the Son, but the Father only.”  ~   Matthew 24:36 

Okay, let me start off by saying that I mean no disrespect here. I am just as anxious for the 2nd Coming to happen as the next card-carrying evangelical fundamentalist (Come quickly, Lord Jesus!). But it seems that lately, we’ve had just as many people attempting to forecast the future of real estate as we do those who’ve attempted to predict the date and time for the return of the Son of Man.

In both instances, it’s 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 ‘wannabe’ claims that the 2nd Great Depression is looming right around the corner, doesn’t make him right. Those guys earn a living on speculation! And if one more 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 ‘normal‘ conditions. By ‘normal,’ I mean, experiencing 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 real estate is bad in some places, but not so bad in some, and still fairly good in others. 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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Kitsap County WA Market Report for December 2007

December 7, 2007 at 11:35 am · 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, Sellers, Mortgage Bites, Sparks from Sparky, Gig Harbor Real Estate, Kitsap Market Reports

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions in Kitsap County WA for 12/06/2007

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for December 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: 1989
• Properties closed in the last 180 days: 1561
• Average Sales Price: $335,174
• Average List Price: $342,303
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 98%
• Average Days on Market: 88
• Sales Pending this Week: 35

Current Market Conditions: Area 141 (South Kitsap West of Hwy. 16) still has the highest ratio of List Price vs. Sale Price with 102%.  The lowest ratio was 95% for Area 161 (Hansville). Shortest Days on Market (DOM) was Area 166 (Poulsbo) at 63, and Area 150 (E. Central Kitsap) coming in 2nd with 69. Longest DOM goes to Area 163 (Port Gamble) with 133, followed by Area 161 (Hansville) at 106. Inventory levels dropped by nearly 10%, with many Sellers electing to remove their homes from market over the Christmas Holidays. Overall, prices continue to hold fairly steady, as do the days on market.

Bainbridge Island Stats: (Area 170)

• Properties currently Active on the market: 288
• Properties closed in last 180 days: 235
• Average Sales Price: $ 732,699
• Average List Price: $ 754,554
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
• Average Days on Market: 125
• Sales Pending this week: 6

For Buyers:  There is no better time than ‘NOW’ to consider purchasing a home here in Kitsap County WA. Be sure to work very closely with your Mortgage Loan Officer throughout all stages of the transaction. Loan programs are changing constantly, and underwriters are imposing more and more conditions. A good Loan Officer will stay on top of these issues, and help to keep your loan process moving along smoothly.

For Sellers: Many Sellers are waiting until the market picks up again in the early Spring to put their home up for sale. You may want to consider an earlier launch date (early January) to give yourself a ‘jump’ on the competition.

For 1st Time Buyers:  You might want to consider one of my listings, the Gorman Condominiums, near beautiful Kitsap Lake in Bremerton WA. For only $ 129,950 your dream of home ownership can come true!

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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“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!” - Bites of Kitsap County WA

December 3, 2007 at 10:14 am · Filed under Bites of Washington, Bites of Kitsap, Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Sparks from Sparky, Business Bites, Gig Harbor Real Estate

One of our family’s annual Holiday traditions is venturing out the weekend after Thanksgiving, and cutting down our Yuletide Christmas Tree.

In addition to the usual multitude of ‘pre-cut’ tree lots, there are a number of excellent ‘live’ tree farms located throughout Kitsap County WA.

Our first year here, we purchased a ‘pre-cut’ tree from Olmstead’s Christmas Trees here in Silverdale WA. They were close and convenient, just down the street from Clear Creek Elementary on Sunde Road.

For the proceeding couple of years, we went out to Kuney’s Christmas Trees, on Pioneer Road out in Seabeck WA. For a flat fee, you can select any tree on their property, regardless of size. Definitely a good bargain!

The last 3 years, we’ve cut out trees out at Hubert’s Noble Ridge Christmas Tree Farm, off Seabeck Hwy. in Bremerton WA. Although somewhat pricey, compared to other area lots, they have a wide selection of numerous evergreen varieties, including Douglas Fir, Grand Fir, Noble Fir, Shasta Fir, Western White Pine, and Southwest Alpine. They also offer the ”Noble House,” a place to snuggle up to a cozy fire and enjoy a cup of hot cider.

Our local newspaper, the Kitsap Sun, published a fairly comprehensive list of Christmas Tree farms throughout the West Sound area. Go HERE to access the list.

Another great National resource directory for finding Christmas Tree Farms throughout the US is www.PickYourOwnChristmasTree.org

To all of our SoundBiteBlog readers, have a very Merry Christmas Holidays, and a most prosperous New Year!

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Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for October 2007

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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“Another Dream Realized!” - 1st Time Home Buyers on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

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