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!

Affordable Lake Symington WA Area Home for 1st-Time and VA Buyers

July 29th, 2011 by Rich Jacobson

Even though there’s an abundance of attractively-priced short sale/foreclosure properties in Kitsap County WA, unfortunately, many of these properties are not available for FHA or VA financing. Add to that the challenges and typically excessive delays in waiting for bank approval, short sales and foreclosure properties are not always the best fit for 1st Time Home Buyers or VA Buyers.

Here in Kitsap County WA, we are a proud home to a very large military community comprised of Naval Base Kitsap, which includes Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bangor Subase, and the Undersea Warfare Systems Center in Keyport WA.

One residential area in Kitsap County WA that is very popular for our valued Active-Duty service members and their families is Lake Symington, out towards Seabeck WA.

Situated near Green Mountain (a popular destination for hikers and bikers), the peaceful Lake Symington WA area offers lake beach access, a community center, playground, basketball court, baseball diamond, and a salmon ladder.

The Lake Symington Community Club (LSCC) is the home owner’s association on the east side of Lake Symington. It is made up of Divisions 1 through 4 (Longhorn, Boundary, Holly, Redwing, Big Beef, Deerhorn, Elkhorn, Kellum, Canyon, Steelhead, This a Way and Overland) and Division 6. The association is responsible for upkeep on the dam, the fish ladder, the park on the east side, and the corral property. The association dues are only $40 per year, and are due June 1 each year. LSCC is an all-volunteer organization.

Lake Symington is only minutes from the scenic beauty and recreational benefits of The Hood Canal, including well-known Scenic Beach State Park and the Miami Beach public boat launch. Nearby Seabeck Marina is undergoing a complete rennovation and is slated for completion by November of 2012.

Here is this month’s FEATURED PROPERTY for the Lake Symington area:

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For additional information on 3425 That A Way Road NW in Bremerton WA, go HERE

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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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East Bremerton WA Transformation – Homes in Kitsap County WA

July 1st, 2011 by Rich Jacobson

The transformation that my Sellers brought about to this home through their own sweat, blood, and tears is truly amazing. This ‘Before & After’ slide show helps to convey all the hard work they invested and the resulting value this property has to offer!

2895 Delphi Lp NE, Bremerton 98311  //   MLS# 242775


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Homes-for-sale-in-Kitsap-County-WA

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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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5781 Gateway Lane Bremerton WA in Desirable Blueberry Meadows

June 9th, 2011 by Rich Jacobson

Immaculately Maintained Home & Yard in Highly Desirable Blueberry Meadows MLS#234537

If Home is Where the Heart is, Then Your Heart Will Love this Home! Yours for only $259,950

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Home Inspections in Kitsap County WA – Advice for 1st Time Home Buyers

March 11th, 2011 by Rich Jacobson

Top Tips for 1st-Time Home Buyers in Kitsap County WA – Tip No. 2

HAVE YOUR HOME INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR

One of the most satisfying aspects of being a licensed professional real estate broker here in Kitsap County WA is helping 1st-Time Buyers to achieve their dreams of homeownership.

In the beginning, I typically spend a good deal of time educating my First-Time Buyers on the entire home-buying process, from start-to-finish, just so they can fully understand what’s involved and eliminate any surprises.

A few years back, I wrote a fun, informative series of articles entitled “Adventures in 1st-time Home Buying.

I always counsel my Buyer clients to have a Home Inspection prior to closing. Here in WA State, most contracts include a Home Inspection Contingency (NWMLS Form 35) which makes the purchase subject to conducting a thorough home inspection.

Home-Inspections-in-Kitsap-County-WA

Here’s the Home Inspection process in a nutshell:

Normally, the Buyer has  up to ten (10) days after mutual contract acceptance, to have the home inspected and to then petition the Sellers to remedy/repair any items/conditions they feel need to be corrected/resolved as a result. The Sellers usually have up to three (3) days to respond to the Buyers request. If the Home Inspector feels that additional inspections are warranted, the Buyer can request an extension to conduct further investigation, but at their own expense.

The Sellers have several options in responding to the Buyers requests: 1) They can agree to fix all of the items requested by the Buyer; 2) They can select which items they want to repair/resolve; 3) They can refuse to fix anything. The Buyers, in turn, have up to three (3) days to respond back. They can agree to the Sellers terms, counter with amended terms, or simply back out of the contract.

Having your home fully inspected by a licensed professional Home Inspector is one of the wisest investments you will make in the home-buying process. Here in Kitsap County WA, most home inspections cost an average of $300 to $500, depending on the size of the home. This usually includes a full pest inspection as well.

A thorough home inspection normally includes a visual inspection of all exterior/interior structural components,  and functional inspection of all appliances, and mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems/components.

Make sure that when you have your home inspected that you contract with a professional State licensed Home Inspector. Even thought your Uncle Jimmy Joe Bob may have worked construction back in the day, or your sister’s cousin’s son Vinnie used to work at Home Depot, you owe to yourself to have someone who is knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified. This is one of the biggest purchase/investments you are likely to make. The relatively small amount of money you will spend on a home inspection is worth every cent.

Here in Kitsap County WA, I strongly recommend two local home inspectors:

Chuck Fair of Fair Home Inspections

Scott DeSchryver of Lighthouse Home Inspection LLC

Both Chuck and Scott focus on serving their clients and representing their best interests throughout the entire inspection process. Both are very thorough and provide a highly detailed inspection report when completed.

In the greater Seattle area, I highly recommend:

Charles Buell of Buell Home Inspections

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate broker 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, HomesByHarbors, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Kitsap County WA Featured Home for February 2011

February 22nd, 2011 by Rich Jacobson

Homes-for-sale-in-central-kitsap-wa

5578 NW Millglade Lane, Bremerton WA 98312

In my 10+ years as a licensed professional real estate broker here in Kitsap County WA, I’ve toured thousands of homes and represented many Sellers and Buyers.

As a Listing Agent, I tend to be rather selective with the Seller clients I choose to work with. It’s a very challenging market in Kitsap County WA right now and it’s imperative that Sellers have a realistic understanding of what it takes to successfully market and sell their home.

I have the good fortune of working with some wonderful folks as the Listing Broker for their home in Central Kitsap WA. It’s a 2003 quality-built home, situated on a private 1.33 acre lot, that’s been immaculately maintained by the owners.

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If you’re not familiar with the area, Millglade Lane is centrally located with convenient access to Hwy. 3, local schools, shopping (Kitsap Mall & Silverdale), and area bases (Bangor, PSNS, and Naval Base Kitsap). Yet it’s rural setting affords quiet, serene privacy. A majority of the lot consists of a nicely manicured lawn that grows well in the full-to-partial sun. A border of tall mature Pines and Cedars surrounds the home, creating your own restful retreat.

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As you pull up to the Millglade Lane home, attention to detail becomes an obvious hallmark. From the Hardi-plank exterior (a durable, premium concrete siding), to the tasteful brushed silver light fixtures, concern for quality materials and workmanship abound in this Central Kitsap home.chico-wa-real-estate

Enter through the front door, stepping onto the large tiled entry, and you discover open, vaulted ceilings and stunning architectural lines.

A half-bath off the entry way is nicely appointed with granite counter, glass bowl sink, and high-end fixtures.

A slate surround gas fireplace serves as the centerpiece for the warm and inviting Family/Living Room. Enjoy meals with family and friends in the formal dining room.

The expansive main floor Master Suite takes up the western side of the home, and includes His & Hers walk-in closets with built-in organizers, and an indulging Master Bathroom with jetted tub, shower, and a wood cabinet surround double vanity.

The large working island kitchen would make Julia Child envious, boasting Corian counters and generous cabinetry. The pantry has easy access slide-out shelves. French doors lead out onto the Timbertech deck and park-like backyard.

Two over-sized Bedrooms are upstairs with a full shared bath. A 4th bedroom, half-bath, and Bonus Room were added over the insulated 3-Car garage.

The Millglade Masterpiece is a home that truly compliments the quality of life here in the Pacific Northwest. The scenic Kitsap Peninsula is just a ferry boat ride across the Puget Sound from downtown Seattle, and minutes to the west is the picturesque Hood Canal and the stunning Olympic Mountain range.

For more information on this incredible home, access the following links:

Virtual Slide Show of 5578 NW Millglade Lane Bremerton WA 98312

Extensive Home Information and Photo Gallery at Windermere.com

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate broker 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, HomesByHarbors, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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