Naval Base Kitsap | Military Relocation | In Bound or Out Bound | ActiveRain Makes it Easy
February 29, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog
“HOME IS WHERE THE NAVY SENDS YOU”
Military Relocations can be complicated but that doesn’t’ mean they should be scary or filled with uncertainty. A successful PCS move is not a matter of chance. It is the result of planning, hard work and a network of personnel both at your current location and your new location.
The members of ActiveRain want to help you make your next Military Relocation PCS a successfulone so we have come together linked by the ActiveRain Network with the new Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory.
The Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, designed and compiled by Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR with RE/MAX VISION brings together that connection link in the “out-bound/in-bound” process.
We can use this directory to connect to the expert at the base you are being assigned to and you can have that “team approach” to your PCS. The ActiveRain Network team approach!
How exciting to have at your fingertips - the expert Real Estate Professionals located at your new Duty Station.
Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Army PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Air Force PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Marine Corps PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory (to be published soon)
If you are moving to the Naval Base Kitsap area and are looking to purchase a home rather than live in base housing I am the person you can contact for valuable relocation information. Sign up here to receive your FREE Military PCS Relocation Packet. 
It is never too early to start the planning process. I am a Military PCS Relocation Specialists so make me one of your first contacts. You will want this Free Military PCS Relocation packet early for a smooth move.
Being the proud spouse of a US Navy Sailor (HM1 (FMF/SW/AW) you can believe that I know the demands of a Military Permanent Change of Duty Station(PCS). I am familiar with what needs to be done to schedule a cross country move or one that is only a few blocks down the street. I have moved cross country several times in the last few years, so I know the importance of the internet for those that need to relocate on a tight schedule.
I am proud to serve the Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Hospital Bremerton area. Please click the links for a list of all my blog articles about military relocation to the area we call Naval Base Kitsap.
Naval Base Kitsap | Military PCS Relocation
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today 
where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE, which includes the Washington State Visitor’s Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor’s Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!
Naval Base Kitsap | Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS
February 29, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog
Every year it is estimated that one third of Active Duty Military members have to plan and execute a permanent change of duty station or PCS in military speak. The most important part of a PCS is to take charge, it’s your PCS!! There is a ton of help out there but you are going to have to find and ask for it. The military will also help with the expense but you are going to have to know your allowances and your entitlements and you are going to have to request them and follow all the rules.
When it comes to a PCS you will find lots of people that are going to want to tell you how to do it, they will tell you what the rules are, they will tell you what they could or couldn’t do. As with anything else even though there are strict rules overseeing the military PCS process each command at each installation are full of individuals who will interpret the “rules” a million different ways so you need to know where to find the truth.
I have been a Navy Spouse for 4 years and during that time I have moved 3 times. All 3 of the moves were cross the country - West Coast to East Coast to West Coast to Alaska. I am now “home” and will be able to stay here for several years. I just give you this information so that you can feel comfortable with the information I am going to give and to help us start building that relationship of trust. I know people do business with those they trust and I want to be the one person you can trust when it comes to any of your real estate needs.
Over the next 4 weeks I will be writing a series on relocation to Naval Base Kitsap.
Week One - Take Charge | Know Your PCS
Week one will feature four articles that will deal with the nuts and bolts of a PCS. You need to know what to do prior to your move. I will touch on the subjects of allowances, entitlements, planning a moving calendar to incorporate “to do lists”, and research of your new area with an installation overview. We will also explore the local housing market and discuss the aspects of homeownership in Kitsap County.
Week Two - Close-up | Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard
Week two will feature four articles about the place you are going to call home. We will look at the areas to reside, the local shopping scene, school district information and those special base amenities.
Week Three - Let’s Have Some Fun | Out & About Area Attractions
Week three will be spent reading about the new area you will be calling home, the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula on West Puget Sound. This week I will be writing about local attractions, the local art scene, the parks and what there is to do around town and local.
Week Four - Make it a Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips and Mini Vacations.
I know that after I am settled in and have explored the local area I always like to find out what is on the out skirts. This week I will post some articles about what there is to do in the “Greater Puget Sound” area. Become a tourist in your own backyard and enjoy the so many Puget Sound attractions.
So hang on - we are in for a ride and when we are done we will be neighbors -
Let me be the first to WELCOME YOU to Naval Base Kitsap,
on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula of West Puget Sound!
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today 
where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Naval Base Kitsap | BAH Rates E6 | HomeOwnership | Yes you can!
February 28, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog
Look at your new BAH rate for 2008 with Dependants the rate is $1207.00 per month tax fee! Is that enough to purchase a home in the Naval Base Kitsap area in Kitsap County? I say yes it is. Right now rates are low! If you can use your VA eligibility you can still qualify for a Zero Down home loan. Today the VA rates were at 5.5%. Please follow this link for questions on the VA Loan Program.
Today, in Bremerton there are 41 homes in the price range of $180,000 to $200,000 and that includes two brand-new, never been lived in homes!!
Homeownership has some great advantages
-
Build Equity
- Income Tax Incentives
- Stability and Security
- Ability to “do what you want”
CHECK OUT SOME OF MY OTHER ARTICLES ON MILITARY HOMEOWNERSHIP
Turn your BAH into Home Ownership - Stop Renting.
Saving for a Down Payment - hmm - Deployment Pay!!
New 2008 BAH Rates Released | Bremerton WA Real Estate
Is this Legal? Receiving Tax Breaks with Tax Free Money?
Naval Base Kitsap | BAH - Tax Breaks - HomeOwnership
Currently in Bremerton there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. See for yourself here. Search Bremerton Now .
Check here for my Military Buyer Rebate Information. Yes, I do offer a “Military Discount” all you have to do is ask.
Other links for your interest:
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Out & About | Bremerton Reviews | Anthony’s Homeport
February 25, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 7) Blog, Business Reviews
Woo Hoo!! In less than 10 days my husband will be home on leave!!! I am counting counting, counting!!! I haven’t seen him since Thanksgiving weekend. Oh, yeah right this is a review on a great restaurant chain here in Washington State.
Anthony’s Restaurants are a special place for my husband and me. The first birthday dinner I surprised him with was at an Anthony’s. We drove down to Anthony’s Homeport in Olympia for an amazing evening. So when he is home we have planned dinner out a couple of nights and they will be at Anthony’s! All Anthony’s Restaurants are on the water and there are several, in fact there are 24 waterfront restaurants in 19 locations through out the Pacific Northwest. (18 in WA and 1 on OR)
When we moved back to Bremerton in 2006 Anthony’s was to be one of our first nights out. We were so excited. I went to Anthony’s Restaurants website to make sure we knew where we were going and found a NEW LOCATION!! BREMERTON!! On the water!!!! The new Anthony’s at Bremerton is about 5 minutes from our house!!
You will never be disappointed when you dine at any of these fine restaurants because the quality and service are very consistent. The reason the seafood is so good is because they own their own seafood company!! Their seafood company exists just for their restaurants!! How cool is that!?
We have eaten at 4 of the dinner houses and at one of the casual dining bars. Guess we should start a “collection” and do a dining tour. Use a menu and have employees at each restaurant sign it. How fun would that be!! The Anthony’s Washington Tour 2008!!
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE, which includes the Washington State Visitor’s Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor’s Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!
Naval Hospital Bremerton
February 23, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap
NAVAL HOSPITAL BREMERTON
1 Boone Rd, Bremerton WA 98312
Naval Hospital Bremerton has an amazing website where you can access any contact information you desire. Along with links to articles about the hospital and the personnel that server there. Naval Hospital has a very to point Mission Statement and an even more so Vision statement. I love the vision statement!!!
Our Mission | Naval Hospital Bremerton will improve the health of the people we serve through patient-centered care, provide Graduate Medical Education for Family Physicians, and execute our Readiness Mission.
Our Vision | Your Preferred Choice
My husband was stationed at Naval Hospital Bremerton in the Staff Education and Training Department form March 2001 until March of 2003. Not being a spouse I never utilized the services at the hospital until we moved back to the area in 2006. I have always been given timely appointments and have on the whole received very good care. I have used the Emergency services once and it was less stressful than a civilian ER.
If you receive orders to Naval Hospital Bremerton you can find your “check in” information here - Welcome Aboard
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE, which includes the Washington State Visitor’s Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor’s Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!
Naval Base Kitsap | Military Relocation | In Bound or Out Bound | ActiveRain Makes it Easy
February 23, 2008 by Jo Soss
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap
“HOME IS WHERE THE NAVY SENDS YOU”
Military Relocations can be complicated but that doesn’t’ mean they should be scary or filled with uncertainty. A successful PCS move is not a matter of chance. It is the result of planning, hard work and a network of personnel both at your current location and your new location.
The members of ActiveRain want to help you make your next Military Relocation PCS a successfulone so we have come together linked by the ActiveRain Network with the new Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory.
The Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, designed and compiled by Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR with RE/MAX VISION brings together that connection link in the “out-bound/in-bound” process.
We can use this directory to connect to the expert at the base you are being assigned to and you can have that “team approach” to your PCS. The ActiveRain Network team approach!
How exciting to have at your fingertips - the expert Real Estate Professionals located at your new Duty Station.
Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Army PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Air Force PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory
Marine Corps PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory (to be published soon)
If you are moving to the Naval Base Kitsap area and are looking to purchase a home rather than live in base housing I am the person you can contact for valuable relocation information. Sign up here to receive your FREE Military PCS Relocation Packet. It is never too early to start the planning process. I am a Military PCS Relocation Specialists so make me one of your first contacts. You will want this Free Military PCS Relocation packet early for a smooth move.
Being the proud spouse of a US Navy Sailor (HM1 (FMF/SW/AW) you can believe that I know the demands of a Military Permanent Change of Duty Station(PCS). I am familiar with what needs to be done to schedule a cross country move or one that is only a few blocks down the street. I have moved cross country several times in the last few years, so I know the importance of the internet for those that need to relocate on a tight schedule.
I am proud to serve the Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Hospital Bremerton area. Please click the links for a list of all my blog articles about military relocation to the area we call Naval Base Kitsap.
Naval Base Kitsap | Military PCS Relocation
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Bremerton WA Real Estate | Neighborhood Connect - OysterBayAddition
February 21, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 5) Bremerton, 7) Blog
i-neighbors is a free service to communities across the country.
I just set up a community for OysterBayAddition of Bremerton. Here you can log on and introduce yourself and learn about your neighbors and neighborhood. You can post photos and read reviews on local businesses and post your own reviews.
Click on the i-neighbors link. Once the new pages has opened enter the zip code 98312. This screen will pop up and you will be able to follow the Signup for i-Neighbors and Join OysterBayAddition link to the registration page. You can also access the registration process by clicking on the signup link.
Let’s get connected in ‘08
Naval Base Kistap | BAH - Tax Breaks - HomeOwnership
February 18, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
I am sure as a military member you have heard this phrase about a million times in the last several years. Interest rates have been so low for so long that home ownership has been easier than ever before for anyone and this especially includes the military population, who until recently didn’t feel like they could or should purchase properties. Never before has the military population owned a higher percentage of homes.
The days of base living has changed drastically. With most installations switching over to PPV the climate has changed. The thought of waiting until retirement to purchase a home has become a scary thought with the way housing prices in most areas have skyrocketed.
Now could be the perfect time in the Naval Base Kitsap area to purchase a home since the market has really changed to a buyer’s market you can capitalize on the lower interest rates along with some lower prices and motivated sellers.
Just think buying a home with your BAH money is a real tax advantage. Read more about how you can receive tax breaks with this tax free money.
Is this Legal? Receiving Tax Breaks with Tax Free Money?
So as a military member do you purchase a home?
It is a very complicated process which needs some investigation and education before making a decision. You should ask yourself some questions like these at the minimum.
•· Do I have upfront money to buy a home?
•· Can I get financing? (Don’t forget you are most likely eligible for a VA loan)
•· Is my tour of duty going to be longer than 2 years before the next PCS?
•· Will I have the opportunity to do another tour here or will I have an opportunity to come back?
•· If I had to be a long distant landlord would I have the time or recourses?
•· Could I afford a property manager?
•· What if I had to pay the mortgage for 2-3 months while the home is waiting for new renters?
So after you have considered all the possibilities, searched the internet for information and asked around your shop. Are you ready to buy?
Take a look at: New 2008 BAH Rates Released | Bremerton WA Real Estate and see the possibilities.
Currently in Bremerton there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. Today in Bremerton there are 80 homes between the price ranges of $150,000 - $200,000. See for yourself here. Search Bremerton Now . Or send me an email and I will email you that very list. Or just fill out my Contact Form.
Check here for my Military Buyer Rebate Information. Yes, I do offer a “Military Discount” all you have to do is ask.
Other links for your interest:
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today
where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
The Donut that’s been to Iraq and back
February 18, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog
When you are a military spouse you count things, lots of things.You count how many days until he leaves, you count how many days until he comes home, you count how many days until the next PCS, you count how many days until he leaves again. You have to count most of these days in private. You have to be careful about Operational Security or OPSEC.
I think it was in 2003 when some soldier or Marine who was stationed in Iraq decided to compose what was and is to this day called “The Donut of Misery”.This donut has been emailed and passed along to military families all over the world. My first donut was given to me in 2004 when my husband was in Iraq for the first time. I was so excited to tell him about it. When he finally called it was the first thing I said and you know what? He had one too.
There are donuts all over the computer of Iraq and Afghanistan. It isn’t just a “spouse” thing. The one I am posting isn’t a OPSEC violation - it is the length of my husbands tour at his current duty station in Anchorage, Alaska. The colors of these donuts are diverse, this is my version of bold and bright, I am sure when I first received it there was no hot pink or electric lime green. You make your donut yours and someone else makes it theirs.
So if you know someone that needs a donut just email me with their email address or yours and I will send it off. You need to have Microsoft Excel to set it up. This is just one of the “quirky” things those of us do to pass the time our loved ones are away.
The Donut comes with some crazy sayings when you hit mile stones. Some people have changed them to fit their personality but mine still has the originals.
Still a long way to go…
So…how many steps does it take to get to the latrines?
Are we there yet?
Congratulations you’re over the hump!
You are single digit veritcaly challenged
Hello Mayor!
Leaving on a Jet Plane!
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today
where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.
Did your home end up in the DUMP?
February 18, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
- Expired Dump?
I was doing some market research today and decided to really look and look hard at expired listings in my market area. I know the blah; blah; blah…if it isn’t priced right it won’t sell. I started to look at homes and really thought the price was right or in a range that with a little negotiation there would or should have been a buyer. So why didn’t some of these homes sale. I will tell you - BECAUSE THEIR AGENTS WERE LAZY!!! Now, that might sound strong and maybe not sound professional but it is the truth!!
In my market area the NWMLS allows us to upload 15 photos. You can also write a short description that for each photo. I did research on 42 homes in the West Bremerton area and there were only 5 listings with a total of 15 photos. Of those listings with 15 photos only 3 had descriptions entered. THAT JUST AIN’T RIGHT! The average for the 42 homes was 7 pictures.
Isn’t the NWMLS your FIRST IMPRESSION! Unless a person sees the home while driving by, then yes it is. The listing in the multiple usually is the first time most agents and most buyers see what your home looks like when you put it on the market. Wouldn’t it be best to have as many pictures as allowed with descriptions?
So Mr. / Ms Seller, did you see what your home looked like online? Did you like what you saw? If you didn’t did you have a conversation with your agent? What did they say?
The real estate market in the Bremerton area is off to a great 2008, so if you want to SELL your house this year and not just LIST it - Call me! I use all 15 pictures and they will be good pictures because I will not allow you to have your home on the market in sub par condition. I will make your home’s FIRST IMPRESSION one the real estate community and the buyers in the area will remember.
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton Washington, contact Jo Soss with Skyline Properties, Inc. at (360) 990-1433 or visit her personal website Puget Sound Real Estate Today
where you will be able to search for homes and find more Bremerton Real Estate information.Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE, which includes the Washington State Visitor’s Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor’s Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!
