24 Hour Market Watch
May 31, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
I always find this very interesting when I log on to the NWMLS web site every morning. These figures will change throughout the day and be of benefit to someone. I just haven’t figured out how I can use this information.
| Listings | 802 |
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| Back on Market | 63 |
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| Price Increases | 68 |
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| Price Reductions | 742 |
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| Contingents | 23 |
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| Pendings | 297 |
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| Solds | 233 |
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| Expireds | 120 |
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| Inactives | 227 |
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Yes, those of us real estate professionals in the State of Washington have our finger on the pulse of the industry for sure! There are more ways to look at data than ever before. Numbers, numbers, numbers! Hey look - 68 homes haven’t sold so there have been price increases! Now there is a blog I am going to write!!
Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series | USS Turner Joy (DD-951) US Naval Destroyer Museum Ship
May 29, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 7) Blog, Business Reviews, Video Series
USS TURNER JOY (DD-951)
Whenever we transferred to a new location we turn into “tourists”. We call it our new “Navy” vacation. How many families get to live all over the country and “vacation” without leaving home?
The first year at a new duty station we spend most of our free time searching out the local area attractions. However, that isn’t the case with the USS Turner Joy; we visited the USS Turner Joy prior to leaving Bremerton the first time. In fact I think it was a “Saturday Date”.
I had never been around the Navy and so I was very excited to be going on a “ship”. I hope you have the time to head down to the Bremerton Boardwalk some day and visit this very unique historical Navy “museum”. Self tours are always the best in my opinion and that is how they have designed the tour of the USS Turner Joy.
May 1st to September 30th
Open Daily 10:00-17:00
October 1st to April 30th
Open Friday thru Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
Call for the current admission prices.
360-792-2457
Admission
Adults: $8.00
Seniors 62+: $7.00
Children 5-12: $6.00
Under 5: Free
Active Military w/ID Free
(Verified 05/20/2008)
The USS Turner Joy is closed on Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
USS Turner Joy ==>>Visit the website ::click::
Directions:
The USS Turner Joy is located on the Bremerton Boardwalk - Downtown next to the ferry terminal.
From Tacoma: Follow Hwy 16 to SR-3. Proceed toward Bremerton. Follow SR-304 to the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
From Silverdale: From SR-3 take the SR-310 exit and follow SR-310 to the intersection with SR-304 and proceed to the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
ABC…Easy as 123 || Kitsap School Information
May 26, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
Welcome to Kitsap County on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsula between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State.
The Kitsap Peninsula area offers some of the best views of mountains and water as well as some of the best boating and recreational opportunities in the Greater Puget Sound Area. Within a mile radius you have several attractions and facilities to visit and explore. I always say I can be to the beach or the mountains in under an hour!
Public Schools
Where you choose to live may very well depend on the school district you choose for your school age children. There are four school districts in the local area. The Bremerton School District , The South Kitsap School District , The North Kitsap School District and The Central Kitsap School District . The chart located below gives you a very broad look at the four districts side by side.
This is not an article about what people might think is the best district or the worst district. This article is to give you some information and some links so that you may start your search and find the district that best suits your family. There is more to a school district than its numbers, its test scores and its size. Factors such as location to employment for parents, local childcare and over all feel of community should be considered. After all the experience you and your family have in a certain school district is a direct reflection of your involvement.
You will want to make sure you do some research on the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction website along with the OSPI Washington State Report Card . The Washington State PTA website can also give you the information about the program at each district which you can use to contact the parent organization and request newsletter and program information. Deciding on a school district can be very important so make sure you take your time and talk to as many other parents as possible.
Private Schools
|
Location |
School |
Student Population Grade |
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Bremerton |
19 7-12 |
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Bremerton |
79 PK-8 |
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Bremerton |
378 K-8 |
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Bremerton |
40 K-9 |
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Bremerton |
12 PK - K |
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Bremerton |
197 K-8 |
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Bremerton |
287 NS-8 |
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Port Orchard |
77 PK-8 |
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Port Orchard |
100 PK-6 |
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Port Orchard |
28 K-8 |
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Poulsbo |
28 NS-K |
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Poulsbo |
153 K-9 |
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Poulsbo |
16 PK-K |
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Poulsbo |
19 1-8 |
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Poulsbo |
82 1-6 |
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Silverdale |
19 PK-K |
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Silverdale |
72 PK-K |
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Check here for the Private Schools Reportfor more information on Private schools in Kitsap County
Home School
There is a huge home schooling population in Kitsap County. Here are several links to help you find just the right fit.
HOMESCHOOL SUPPORT GROUPS IN
KITSAP COUNTY AND NORTH MASON
Kitsap
Eclectic Kitsap Homeschoolers’ Organization
E.K.H.O. is an inclusive group providing homeschool support and encouragement to a diverse, eclectic group of families seeking to educate their children at home.
hik4info
A list for homeschool related announcements only for Kitsap County.Homeschooling In Kitsap - Information Only
A list for homeschool related announcements only for Kitsap County. No chat allowed, no stories, jokes, political information or other non-homeschool related issues.Learning in Kitsap (LINK)
Homeschooling in Kitsap County? Interested in Field Trips, Play-dates, Park Days, Making Friends, Sharing Info and Ideas? Then LINK is the place for you! Contact us at linkhomeschoolgroup@yahoo.com.Open Minded Homeschoolers In Kitsap
This list is for encouragement, support, and friendly chatter. It is open to anyone who is homeschooling or considering homeschooling.Sovereign Spirit Homeschoolers
A real life homeschool group designed to network home schoolers living primarily in and around Kitsap County. We have no religious or political affiliation. There is no membership fee.
Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series | Bremerton Boardwalk
May 26, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 7) Blog, Video Series
The “HEART OF DOWNTOWN“. On quiet days you can sit on a bench and watch the ferries come and go, on others days you can participate in local activities such as the Blackberry Festival or the summer Concert series, either way it is a fun place to be. The Blackberry Festival is held over Labor Day weekend and the “Concerts on the Boardwalk” series are held on Fridays starting in July. My husband and I have spent the 4th of July there watching the fireworks.
Bremerton Boardwalk, Park and Sewer Project Information
Concerts on the Boardwalk
Beginning July 11th there will be four Friday nights of concerts down on the Boardwalk for this years Free Summer Concert Series on the Waterfront!! Sponsored by the Main Stream Association and funded by sponsorships of local area businesses this is the place to be on a summer Friday night.
If you are getting off the ferry after a long day at work you should plan to stay and enjoy the sounds of the summer night!
I am sure the Mayor of Bremerton has requested for the skies to be bright, blue and dry on all of these Friday nights!! I know I have!!
This year the performers are Jr. Cadillac, Trombanga (Salsa/Latin Jazz), Craicmore (celtic) and Tiller’s Folly (acoustic roots music).
Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series | Harborside Fountain Park
May 24, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 7) Blog, Video Series
This last fall I spent some time down on the Bremerton Boardwalk taking photos of the new attractions 
and learning about the revitalization projects that were complete. Harborside Fountain Park was one of my favorite.
Below is the article I wrote back in October or you can click here and see it with the fall pictures.
Click here for Harborside Article
This past Thursday, with the weather being in the mid 70’s and finally seeing some sun and blue sky I headed down to take more photos and some video.
Below are two videos I shot and some pictures of the park in the spring!
You can bet I will be doing some more blogging from 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 (2007)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 will be spending some time at this park - it is like I said - AMAZING!!
Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series | The New Bremerton Marina
May 20, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 7) Blog, Video Series
Today was gorgeous so I decided to update all of the Bremerton Out & About series with video. This is the first of several showing all of the area attractions I have blogged about in the past with video. I was amazed at how much fun the Bremerton Marina was. No, I don’t have a boat and yet I had a blast walking out and looking back at the Bremerton Boardwalk. This will be a great spot to have a picnic or just sit in the sun and read a book. I never thought I would enjoy the new Marina but you can bet I will enjoy this new attraction immensely. I am new to video so a little shaky….Enjoy! [video 9:26 in length]
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Saturday, May 31st, at 6:00pm located on the Bremerton Boardwalk
Ceremony will feature the Navy Band Northwest and keynote Speaker Congressman Norm Dicks.
See more information about the NEW Marina at the Port of Bremerton’s web page ==> Click
Back in October I was walking down on the Boardwalk checking out all of the completed revitalization projects the City of Bremerton had completed over 2007 and was mesmerized by the construction of the new Port of Bremerton Marina. I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of workers who informed me that the project should be complete by April 2008. Well looks like that date has really been moved up. The major part of construction will now be completed by February 2008! This is so much earlier than the Port of Bremerton expected that they have started to take reservations for slips at the end of November.
This 22.9 million dollar project has been controversial for the residence of Bremerton. There will now be 45 visitor slips and 229 permanent slips. There will no covered moorage at the Bremerton Marina. It will be interesting to see how fast these are all occupied. I agree with not having covered slips to protect the visual effect of the Bremerton Boardwalk however, this isn’t San Diego.
The city speculates that if the Bremerton Marina does fill and becomes a popular boating destination, it has the potential of adding approximately 2oo jobs and $2 million a year in revenues to the nearby restaurants and shops.
Buyer’s Agents :: Who are they?
May 18, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
When I first entered the real estate profession back in 1994 I was told that in order to survive in this business you must become a listing agent. You must go after the listing; a listing is like money in the bank. So that is what all of us newbie’s did, we went after the listing. Then one day I was asked to help out at a new construction development, which really meant “we need a warm body” to sit an open house.
Being the new agent that I was I felt honored that they wanted me to sit the open house. I had so much fun interacting with potential buyers that buyers became my new obsession.
I (gasp) became a buyer’s agent! Sure I still listed homes and was successful at it but buyers were my passion, my obsession, my addition. It was like being on a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt when working with buyers. We “hung out” on the weekends or on weekday evenings, hung out getting our fix of homes on the market.
You don’t spend that much time with sellers - buyers get to become part of your family. They know you and you know them. You know they like lemonade in their coke, you know they don’t want pickles on a sandwich, you chat about neighborhoods and schools.
Buyers are fun!
In the State of Washington real estate professionals are bound by “The Law of Real Estate Agency”. Please see section five ::
“Duties of a Buyer’s Agent.” Prescribes the additional duties of a licensee representing the buyer or tenant only.
DUTIES OF A BUYER’S AGENT.
(1) Unless additional duties are agreed to in writing
signed by a buyer’s agent, the duties of a buyer’s agent
are limited to those set forth in section 3 of this act
and the following, which may not be waived except
as expressly set forth in (e) of this subsection:
(a) To be loyal to the buyer by taking no action
that is adverse or detrimental to the buyer’s interest
in a transaction;
(b) To timely disclose to the buyer any conflicts of
interest;
(c) To advise the buyer to seek expert advice on
matters relating to the transaction that are beyond
the agent’s expertise;
(d) Not to disclose any confidential information
from or about the buyer, except under subpoena
or court order, even after termination of the agency
relationship; and
(e) Unless otherwise agreed to in writing after the
buyer’s agent has complied with section 3(1)(f) of
this act, to make a good faith and continuous effort
to find a property for the buyer; except that a
buyer’s agent is not obligated to:
(i) seek additional properties to purchase while
the buyer is a party to an existing contract to
purchase; or
(ii) show properties as to which there is no
written agreement to pay compensation to the
buyer’s agent.
(2) (a) The showing of property in which a buyer is
interested to other prospective buyers by a buyer’s
agent does not in and of itself breach the duty of
loyalty to the buyer or create a conflict of interest.
(b) The representation of more than one buyer by
different licensees affiliated with the same broker
in competing transactions involving the same
property does not in and of itself breach the duty of
loyalty to the buyers or create a conflict of interest.
In the current market buyers are gold! All those real estate agents that wouldn’t work with buyers before sure are working with them now. The reason is it’s a BUYER’S MARKET here in Kitsap County! You the buyer, the person in the driver’s seat want to make sure you are working with a Buyer’s Agent that is looking our for your best interest.
I want my buyers to be my best piece of marketing so I make sure that it is all about them - the buyer! What better marketing plan can you have then lots and lots of buyers running around town telling all their friends about “their Buyer’s Agent”!
My buyers are my friends, they are my neighbors, they are my neighbor’s friends and family and all receive total quality service from me.
Bremerton :: 60th Annual Armed Forces Festival and Parade
May 14, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 7) Blog
60th Annual Armed Forces Festival
Saturday & Sunday May 17th & 18th.
Armed Forces Day Parade :: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Downtown Bremerton
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Gary Roughhead will lead the parade. Roughhead, a four-star admiral, is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The Bremerton Chamber of Commerce which sponsors the Annual Armed Forces Festival has chosen this year’s theme to be “Saluting Those Who Serve”. The Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade is the nation’s largest and longest-running Armed Forces Day Parade.
See the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce web site for the Schedule of Events which starts on Friday, May 16th with the Pepsi Armed Forces Festival Golf Tournament.
070519-N-7656R-002 BREMERTON, Wash. (May 19, 2007) - The Fairview Jr. High School Falcons march under the Armed Forces Festival Banner during the 59th Annual Armed Forced Day Parade. The Armed Forces Day Parade is the nation’s largest and longest running parade recognizing the United States service members. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric J. Rowley (RELEASED)
Bremerton : Silverdale : Naval Base Kitsap : Yes, you still need a home inspection
May 13, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 5) Bremerton, 6) Silverdale, 7) Blog
Just because a seller states the home is sold “as-is” you will still need to have a home inspection done for YOU. I don’t care if the seller isn’t going to repair any problems and I am sure if they have had their real estate agent list the home “as-is” there are probably plenty. “AS-IS” really is a “legal term” that is over used in the remarks section of many real estate listings. “As-is” still must come with disclosures if the seller is aware.
Anyway, this isn’t about the seller, this is about you the buyer. If you find a home with “as-is” in the remarks section the seller is trying to tell you that they will not repair any item, so why would you pay to have an inspection done? Why would you shell out $300-$400 dollars on an inspection that only means something to you? THAT IS WHY! It will mean something to YOU!
I see the inspection like the “story of a home” and you need a place to start writing your chapter. Just imagine if the story is a murder mystery and really scary. Would you want to know the facts so you could solve the mystery or would you rather find them on your own? I myself would want some help because I am no NCIS agent. I don’t possess all the tools or the knowledge to be able to uncover all of the dark scary secrets of some homicides homes.
I have written offers for buyers on homes where the seller refuses to finish projects, refuses to fix items, and refuses to listen to requests from buyers. I wrote these offers still contingent on a home inspection. Just because you know a seller won’t repair any items you may not know all the items that need repair. You WILL have an inspection done so that you will have the facts. Once you have the facts you can decide to continue on to solve the mystery closing or you can pick out a different title with not as scary of a plot home that isn’t “as-is”.
If you have any questions about real estate in Bremerton, Silverdale or any area we call Naval Base Kitsap, 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 obtain valuable information under the Military Personnel Past & Present section about the home buying process. Jo Soss is a military spouse and offers a military rebate to those in the Naval Base Kitsap area. Sign up for updates or search for homes hassle free. See her No Spam Policy here. NO SPAM
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
May 9, 2008 by Jo Soss-Olson
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog
This is my “them, them” to all Military Spouses on Military Spouse Appreciation Day. President Reagan designated the Friday before Mother’s Day as the national Military Spouse Appreciation Day back in 1984. Military Spouse Appreciation Day is to recognize the service and the sacrifices of military spouses.
Today President Bush spoke about how military spouses’ contributions don’t always get the attention they deserve, and said
“But I can tell you that every one of your efforts matters. You do not do this only for your loved ones who are serving and sacrificing in distant lands, but for your entire community and for our county. Your dedication, compassion and selflessness play a vital role in uplifting spirits, and our nation is deeply in your debt. “
I am a military spouse, a fairly new military spouse and have only celebrated this day for four years. It is a day that I find myself thinking what it means to be a military spouse. I can tell you that from my experience being a military spouse is very stressful and yet very rewarding. The opportunities I have had and the people I have met have been priceless. I served as a Key Volunteer for a Marine Corps Battalion and wouldn’t trade those days of helping other wives through an Iraq deployment for anything.
Military Spouses have to be “mission ready” too! We have to make sure that at a moments notice we have all the POAs, Wills, bank accounts and finances in tip top shape in case we are on our own. We need to make sure that our house can run smooth as silk when the spouse is on the other side of the world. We need to be very independent and yet willing to ask for help.
I have met some very amazing women who are Military Spouses. Some are young and barely out of high school, some are attending college while working and some hold BA’s and are working on their masters. I also know Military Spouses who have their doctorate and military spouses who are stay at home Moms. Military Spouses come in all shapes and sizes, from all back grounds and yet we all have one item in common - we fell in love with a person in the military and will sacrifice our goals and dreams to serve our country the way a Military Spouse serves - through support, readiness and dedication to the military member we married. When a family is “squared away” and prepared the military member doesn’t have to worry and can perform their mission giving 110% not having to worry about back home.
These are pictures from my very first homecoming as a military spouse. Homecoming is one of the “perks” of being a military spouse - just like Christmas morning! It is an amazing event and a memory I will never forget!
We do however, have lots of memories of days that aren’t like Christmas morning. This is how I spent Valentine’s Day 2006. It was 0200 and we were all saying goodbye to our spouses for the second deployment to Iraq. We take these kinds of videos and pictures because we never know if they will be the last time we will see our spouse. That may sound morbid but it is realistic. We have to be prepared for the worse. These videos and pictures of our spouses leaving get us through those seven rough months. I have watched this video a million times, I can see my husband board the bus and I can see his last words were to the CO’s wife - she gave him a hug and on he went. It still brings me tears. I was very fortunate my husband came home - not everyone did.
