Are You Ready For Snow?

Certain parts of the country probably have already had snow but for those of us in the Pacific Northwest we are still enjoying fall. In our area we rarely see snow early if at all. Last winter was my first winter back in Bremerton after spending 3 years in the dry warm desert of California and I wasn’t prepared.So this weekend I am heading out to get a snow shovel and some kitty litter. Nope, I don’t have a cat but I want to make sure what I use a de-icer that isn’t hazardous to any of my neighbors pets or to any of the trees and shrubs in the area.

“Green” Winter Tip #1

Clay Kitty Litter can be used instead of commercial de-icer.

Uptown Mike’s

NY Hot Dogs with Attitude!

On my travels on the Boardwalk I came across what I could see as the only “on the Boardwalk” eatery. There are those that overlook the Boardwalk but only one that is “on” the Boardwalk. Uptown Mike’s, NY Hot Dogs with Attitude! First I thought to myself, “Is there a Mike?” and “Is Mike from New York?” So the nosey person that I am I walked into the small little building. (Later I learned it was the old harbormaster’s office on the boardwalk). There was a young man at the counter so I asked. “Is there really a Mike?” - Answer, “Sure is”, I asked, “Is he really from New York?” - Answer, “Yes he is” and he proceeded to tell me a little about Mike. Then the phone rang. I stood pleasantly by and then I could hear the young man telling someone that I was there with some questions. Yep, it was Mike. The young man handed me the phone and I was able to ask my questions to the real Mike!

Mike Lipson is the owner of Uptown Mike’s and yes he is from New York - via California. He now calls the Kitsap Peninsula home. His little stand opened this past summer. So when down on the Boardwalk, stop on by for a dog and you probably will also get to talk with Mike! Welcome to Bremerton Mike!

Santa Claus is coming to “Park”

Be sure to mark your calendar for these special events. Santa Claus is in Bremerton and is coming to your favorite park!

On Wednesday, December 19^th the best known citizen of the North Pole will be visiting Evergreen Park between the hours of 10am - Noon.

Bring your kiddos, your furry kiddos or just come to see all the fun. Be sure to bring your camera or video camera to capture some Christmas memories.

If you can’t make it to Evergreen Park in the morning you can meet up with the jolly old elf at Manette Playfield at 1pm until 3pm on the same day.

Thursday, December 20^th you can catch the show at Lions Park in the morning and Harborside Plaza in the afternoon.

Just Like Vegas Baby! - Reenlistment Bonus!

With the lure of high salaries in the private sector the Pentagon had to do some “wheeling and dealing”. The Pentagon has paid out more that $100 Million - yes I said MILLION in bonuses to veteran Green Bret and Navy SEALS alone. On every military chat board you see the post about bonuses. So what to do with all that money?We have never had to answer that question in our household, we just say “CHOOSE YOUR RATE, CHOOSE YOUR FATE” and laugh a little. In my husbands 12 years he has never received one.

But for those that do what better an investment than

REAL ESTATE!!!

• How much did you get for your bonus?
• What was the tax rate withheld?
• Is this your first bonus?
• Did you receive an enlistment bonus too

This is like JACKPOT CITY - BABY!! Remember the bonus train will not continue to leave the station. You want to make sure that you have something of importance for all of your hard work and service. Contact a real estate expert NOW!! Find out what an investment in real estate can mean for your future.

Do you own your home? Are you afraid of having to sell in 3, 4 or 5 years? If you are smart and do the right things then homeownership for a military member should not be scary!!!!

Check out my website - Puget Sound Real Estate Today and make sure to look at the Military section. I offer a huge military discount for both buyers and sellers. It is my way of giving back.

web www.PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com

blog www.ActiveRain.com/jososs

Bremerton Naval Museum

The oldest building located on the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard site was relocated by the US Navy to Harborside Fountain Park to become the new home of the Naval Memorial Museum of the Pacific. The new location along with the opening of the museum was dedicated this past August.

This majestic 100 year old building is the perfect place to showcase moments of the Navy and the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Attached to the museum is the Harborside Fountain Room which overlooks the fountain park with a full glass wall. This room can also be scheduled for weddings, parties and special events.

While I was there someone was inquiring about a naval commissioning event to take place in the social room. I started into the museum, first to the gift shop and chatted briefly with the salesperson. The museum is free and staffed solely by volunteers so please if you can drop a donation in the jar in the hall. I decided I wanted to wait to view the museum with my husband when he comes home on leave so I left the museum and wondered around to the front of the building. Once the construction on the street is finished this will be an amazing attraction to drive by.

402 Pacific Avenue

web www.PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com

blog www.ActiveRain.com/jososs

Are You A Good Neighbor?

So your neighbor’s home is on the market - for sale - sign in the yard and everything!!

So how do you feel?
Are you glad they are moving?
Are you sad they are leaving?
Are you jealous and maybe want to “sabotage” the process a little?

I think it is only human nature to feel weird about houses in our neighborhoods that are for sale. You might think - - “Why isn’t my neighborhood good enough to live in?” All the while having that little green devil sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear the way you could cause the neighbor trouble. You might be thinking - - “I would love to move, and can’t, why should they get to?”

You might think they picked the wrong company - the wrong agent and of course you will have an opinion on the price!! I know you just can’t wait for the “Open House”!! What a “stealth” way to see how the “Joneses” live!!

Ok - enough about you, well maybe not. Are you going to be a good neighbor? Are you going to keep your property in tip top condition? Are you going to weed and mow and pick up all the stuff left out in the yard? Are you going to make sure your home looks “show ready” too? Because guess what - someday you might want to be a seller. If that is going to be anytime soon you are going to be compared with that neighbor. You want them to get the best price in the least amount of time as possible - for YOU!! So just remember no matter who your neighbors are, no matter why they are moving, no matter if you like them or not -

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR!

It could affect your sale someday!

web www.PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com

blog www.ActiveRain.com/jososs

Harborside Fountain Park

Bremerton’s newest park addition - and all I can say is WOW!!

I had read a little about the park which opened in May of this year but had yet to visit. What is called “Harborside” is at the other side of the Boardwalk. I was able to walk up the stairs to the ferry terminal and cross over. I stood up above and looked down at this amazing park. The vegetation, the stone sculptures and the copper fountains - AMAZING!!

There are these five copper fountains that “burst” water into the air at different times and different intervals. I had no idea. I was just watching the water fall down the sides when all of a sudden “burst” and with this loud swishing water sound out came this large stream of water. I was so caught off guard that I screamed!! I was the only one in the park so that made me laugh!!

I know this is a place that people can “play” in the fountains and I also had read that people are debating whether the copper fountains are designed after volcanoes or whale spouts. I guess either could be right since we are on a whale “run” and so close to a volcano. When the water isn’t “spurting” they remind me of submarine sails. Guess that is the Navy spouse in me. These fountains where designed by the same company that designed the fountains out front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas - so you can only imagine they are amazing!

I can hardly wait until spring when every plant comes alive!! I will be spending some time at this park - it is like I said - AMAZING!!

web www.PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com

blog www.ActiveRain.com/jososs

So You Want To Be A … 1st Time Home Buyer?

Good for you!! Are you ready? Do you know what you need to do? This is a big step in your future and you will be making some very serious decisions but there is no need to be intimidated by the process.

Here it is in 5 easy steps.

•1) Contact a Real Estate Professional

In most market areas this is a free service to home buyers so take advantage early in the process. Important qualities to look for in a real estate agent is their knowledge of the market area you are looking in, their willingness to help and make sure that you feel comfortable spending time with them. Choose an agent you trust.

•2) Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

This will help you and your real estate agent, and will also give any offer you submit a better chance of being accepted. Your real estate agent can recommend a mortgage loan officer or assist you in finding one. Friends and relatives may also have some very valuable input. It is important to note the difference between Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification. Pre-Approval is the actual mortgage loan approval based upon your verified credit and income. A Pre-Qualification is an educated estimate based on non-verified information. A Pre-Approval is the better way to go!

•3) Make your “Must Have” list

Don’t think that you will know when you first walk into a house that it is the “one”. You will find your search is easier and that you will be more ready to make a decision to purchase if you have used this approach. Oh, and yes you can have a “wants” list too, just remember “we don’t always get what we want”.

•4) Select Your Favorite Neighborhoods.

You have heard this jingle before…”Location, Location, Location”. It is so very true. You can always make changes to your house, but you can never ever change the location. (Yes I know it is possible, but why?) Keep in mind things like school districts, work commute time (not so much distance these days as time). Drive thru your favorite picks at all different times of the day and night to narrow down your choice even more.
After you have decided on your favorite neighborhoods, and you know your “must haves” and “wants,” your real estate agent can print off a list from the MLS of EVERY home available that meets your criteria.

•5) Make a Decision - Write a Purchase and Sale Agreement!

If you have followed the previous 4 steps then you should be able to make a confident decision. This might be scary, but you have done your “home-work” and you know that it feels right….. so don’t let another buyer take YOUR home!!

web www.PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com

blog www.ActiveRain.com/jososs

Evergreen Park

EVERGREEN ROTARY PARK

One of the reasons I chose to live in Bremerton was because of the water. I love being around water and if I can’t be on an ocean beach I will take any beach. This is why Evergreen Park is my favorite park in Bremerton. This must be a lot of “Bremertonites” favorite too!! Evergreen Park is the city’s premier park with the highest use rates. The location is just amazing. I love just walking the trails and being able to just sit and watch people, birds and weather. If you need a place for a family picnic this is the place. There are 5 shelters and 39 picnic tables. The park encompasses 10 acres and had 1900 feet of shoreline. And can you believe - A boat launch! If you want to BBQ there are 4 located at Evergreen Park. If you want to have some games you could arrange to have a volleyball tourney with friends on the sand volleyball court. Or just shoot some hoops with your kiddos at the 2 ½ court basketball courts. For the younger kids there is a huge play area with lots of climbing and imagination equipment. Plenty of parking (75 spaces) and if you need you can reserve a shelter by calling the Bremerton Park and Recreation department at (360) 473-5305.

This is also where the Bremerton WWI Memorial is located. Stop and pay respect to those that served our country courageously.

Saving for a Down Payment - hmmm - Depolyment Pay!!!

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE……That’s the song that I sing when my husband heads out on a deployment. Yep, he is in the Navy but I have never had the pleasure of being involved with a Navy command. We have spent all of our years together hanging out with the Marine Corps.

Deployment can be a very difficult time in a military family’s life so; we have to find the positives. Saving all the deployment pay is one! The first tour to Iraq that my husband went on was my first deployment experience as a military spouse. I knew a little about the extra pays and was eager to learn more. I did pay attention at the Deployment Brief. I took all the pamphlets and brochures I could carry. I remember the LtCol standing at the front of the meeting room leaning on the overhead projector and emphasizing about our budgets. He had projected up on the screen the extra pays that our spouses were going to receive.

• Hostile Fire Pay (HFP)/Imminent Danger Pay (IDP). $225.00 a month (HFP/IDP)
• Family Separation Allowance $250.00 (FSH OR FSA)
• Hardship Duty Pay-Location $100.00(HDP-L). Indicated as Save Pay on the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Depending on the Command and the Branch of Service the service member usually gets to keep their BAS - Basic Allowance for Subsistence . $265.00

That is a TON of extra pay!! But the bottom line gets even better because all the pay while deployed out side the country in several tax free zones is just that TAX FREE!!!!!

Now that does add up. Depending on the length of deployment you could end up with a pretty nice chuck of change for the purchase of a house, condo or vacant land. Remember how important it is for Military members to own real estate!!

Upon return service members usually receive per diem pay too - that rounds around $3.50 per day and adds up too!!

So add this all together and you could be saving around $800,00 - $1000.00 per month. Multiply that buy the normal deployment of 7 months - oh except for the Army and IA’s which is between 12-15 months and that is a huge amount to invest in your future.

Do you own your home? Are you afraid of having to sell in 3, 4 or 5 years? If you are smart and do the right things then homeownership for a military member should not be scary!!!!

Check out my website - Puget Sound Real Estate Today and make sure to look at the Military section. I offer a huge military discount for both buyers and sellers. It is my way of giving back.

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