Kitsap County Real Estate Information Seekers :: My NO SPAM Policy

Bremerton : Silverdale : Kitsap County Real Estate Information Seekers :: My NO SPAM Policy

Approximately 84% of home buyers start their search to purchase a home on the Internet. I don’t know what the percentage is for home sellers, I would hope they would be using the real estate professional they used to purchase the soon to be on the market home, but in all reality that doesn’t happen very often. (A blog for another day).

As real estate professionals we know this because we track everything. We track you via StatCounter, Clicky, Google Analytics, and a million other types of tracking programs. Some are attached to our blogs; some are attached to our websites. This is why we have company websites, personal websites, real estate blogs, area specific blogs, and relocation blogs. This is why you will find us on any real estate networking site on the net, like ActiveRain. You will find us on Squidoo, on Facebook, on LinkedIn, and the list goes on and on! A huge part of our business plan includes internet marketing. We need to capture a large portion of that 84% to meet our business goals.

Now you as the buyer and seller have seen these sites. You have seen sites that let you browse, sites that want you first to register and sites that ask for every thing except your driver’s license photo and your Costco membership number!

I am going to explain my policy today – my NO SPAM policy.

Here is a list of my online presence and how you can receive my information on your terms.

ActiveRain Blog :: On the side bar you will see the link “Email Me” and you can do just that. Farther down you can enter your email address to subscribe to new blog posts via email. The program I use is not automatic but completed by me when I make a new post. You must opt in and you must verify via email that you want to receive this contact. Remember you can opt out at any time. Next you will see Subscribe in a reader. When you click this link you can choose which reader you would like to receive new blog posts. You are in control again.

WestSoundLive Blog :: On the left side bar you can again Subscribe in a reader. After any blog post you may leave a comment which I will be notified of so I can come back and respond to or you can hit the Contact tab at the top of the blog and send me a contact via email. No Costco membership number needed :)

NavalBaseKitsapRelocation Blog :: All of the features are the same as the BloggingBremerton Blog.

PugetSoundRealEstateToday.com Website :: This is my personal website where you can search several pages of real estate information, request more information and sign up via email registration for more personal search and newsletter services. There are several areas on my website that you can request more information. Please feel free to do so. Here is just one example:

Free Kitsap Buyer Reports

Buying a home may be one of the most important transactions of your life! It is important that you obtain quality information to make an informed decision. It’s my job as a real estate professional to help you. The following FREE reports are available to you with no obligation. They will help you save time and make more money! Simply check the reports that you are interested in and I will send them to you via email. This is an automated service so even if I am not online my custom website will send them out to you.

I PROMISE NOT TO SPAM YOU WITH EMAILS. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ON MY EMAIL LIST YOU WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE THE EMAIL REGISTRATION FORM IN THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER AND GIVE ME PERMISSION. THANKS!!

The navigation bar on the top of the site has an Email Registration button you must click and complete to give me permission to include you in a more personal way.

I do not want to “track” you, I don’t want to send you unwanted emails, and I don’t want to spam you. I do however want to become the source you go to with questions on our local Kitsap County real estate area. I will enter your email address to receive my once per month real estate newsletter.  If you have uestions on Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo and the area the military calls Naval Base Kitsap you can email or text me. I want to become part of your team – the key word is “YOUR”.

You can also sign up to receive via email new listings that fit your criteria all in privacy. If you click on any button to search homes you will be directed to my Skyline Properties, Inc. webpage where you have the opportunity to fill out a request for your search. You can do this without any type of interference from me. I will be notified that you have signed up; I will be sent an email when ever a new home comes on the market in your search criteria and that it has been forwarded to you, however I will not contact you until you give me the permission to do so via email or over the phone. I want you to know I value your time and your real estate information search.

When you have come to know me, when you have decided that I am the real estate professional you want on your team you will call me and we can start working towards your goal. I want to help you buy a house; I don’t want to sell you a house. As a seller I want you to know that together we can devise a plan of action that will price your home and get it sold so you can realize your goals.

This is really easy stuff – I only want to work with those that want to work with me. This is my way of letting you “behind the scenes” of my business!

Bremerton :: Walk This Way

When was the last time you walked in Downtown Bremerton? Do you know all of the new and exciting attractions located in the Bremerton downtown area? Have you ever been to a Friday Night Art Walk?

Have you walked the areas around 4th and Pacific Avenue to discover the museums, art galleries, shops and eateries?

• ADMIRAL THEATRE • 515 Pacific Ave. • 373-6810
• SIMPLY RENEWED ANTIQUES • 408 Pacific Ave. • 479-4101
• PYREX MUSEUM • 402 Pacific Ave. • 373-3187
• AMY BURNETT GALLERY • 296 4th St. 373-3187 • Tue-Sat 10-5 & Sun 11-4
• BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM • 251 1st St. 479-7447 • Mon-Sat 10-4 & Sun 1-4
• BREMERTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE 286 4th St. • 479-3579
• ISELLA DAY SPA 509 4th St. • 377-1113
• COLLECTIVE VISIONS GALLERY 331 Pacific Ave. • 377-8327 • Tue-Sat 10-5
• ENVIE • 511 4th St.
• EVERGREEN CHILDREN’S THEATER & AURORA VALENTINETTI PUPPET MUSUEM 257 4th St. • 373-2992
• FLOWERS D’AMOUR • 606 4th St. • 377-8888
• KITSAP COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 280 4th St. • 479-6226 • Tue-Sat 10-5
• COW PUNCHERS WESTERN STORE • 247 4th St.
• NIK NAK PADDYWACK • 602 4th St.
• ROXY THEATER & CALVARY CHAPEL 270 4th St. • 479-0655 • Concerts
• THE GIFT GARDEN & OFFICE SMART 327 Pacific Ave. •
• USS TURNER JOY, HARBOR TOURS & GEDUNK ESPRESSO Bremerton Boardwalk • 792-2457
• DOCKSIDE TREASURES • 109 Washington A
• ISH VINTAGE CLOTHING • 249 4th St.
• TWO SISTERS JEWELRY & GALLERY • 520 Pacific Ave.
• ART GRAPHIC DESIGNS • 609 4th St.
• MARTIN LUTHER KING LIBRARY • 612 5th St. • 377-3955
• Did you realize all of the fun places to enjoy some great food! These are not your typical “franchise” spots, these are unique and trendy. You just might find “your hangout” spot!
• CORA’S RESTAURANT • 602 4th St. • 475-0475
• BADDA BOOM BADDA BING • 315 Pacific Ave. • 782-2464
• FRAICHE CUP ESPRESSO & GALLERY • 105 Washington Ave.
• GOODIES CANDIES & CAFÉ • 409 Pacific Ave. • 373-6272
• FROSTY’S RESTAURANT • 701 Pacific Ave. • 479-6494
• BOSTON DELI • 206 Burwell St. • 377-3595
• SMILEY’S SUB SHOP • 326 Pacific Ave • 377-1540
• PARK AVENUE DINER • 417 Park Ave. • 377-2457
• HUMBLE PIE CAFE • 853 6th St. • 377-0115
• SOUTH PACIFIC SPORTS BAR • 218 1st St. • 479-1657
• TACO LOCO • 200 1st St. • 479-9083
• UPTOWN MIKE’S • Bremerton Boardwalk • 377-0515
• CORNERSTONE COFFEE • 435 Pacific Ave. • 479-3334
• UNDERGROUND METRO CAFE • Main Floor Norm Dicks Government Center 345 6th St. • 479-0092
• EL CORAL • 536 4th St. • 479-2239
• NEW DELHI • 221 Washington Ave. • 782-2

Have you walked to the USS Turner Joy and taken the tour? Have you walked on over to the Harborside Fountain Park? If you walk through you will end up at the amazing Naval Museum.

If you walk north from the waterfront you can enjoy Evergreen Park which offers walking paths, picnic areas and a boat launch.

Don’t forget it is just a short and very scenic stroll across the Manette Bridge from Downtown Bremerton to the area called Manette which offers its own style.

• MANETTE ANTIQUES • 2106 E. 11th St. • 405-1700
• TWENTY ONE TEN GIFTS • 2110 E. 11th St. • 373-8086
• BOAT SHED RESTAURANT • 101 Shore Dr. • 377-2600
• KATE’S JERSEY SUBS • 2100 E 11th St. • 377-5118
• LA FERMATA • 2204 E. 11th St. • 373-5927
• LARRY & KRISTI’S BAKERY • 1100 Wheaton Way • 377-3296
• MANETTE SALOON • 2113 E. 11th St. • 792-0801
• MANETTE SIDEBAR • 2111 E. 11th St. • 792-3364
• SUBWAY • 1100 E. 11th St. #D • 479-1100
• MANETTE WINE SHOP • 2201 E. 11th St. • 405-0264

I have walked these areas and yet I still always feel I am missing something. No longer will I have to walk around downtown Bremerton not knowing where I want to go or what there is to see. I printed out the 2008 Downtown Bremerton Walking Map off of the City of Bremerton website. I will be sending these in the relocation packages I send to new residents just moving to the area. This is awesome!

2008 Downtown Bremerton Walking Map please download the Adobe PDF file here!

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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.  

 

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How to become a First Time Home Buyer

CALL ME!!

Sounds too easy to be true, but it is! You have to start somewhere and so why not? I could write a blog about what all the steps are in bullet format. I could make sure you know everything there is to know if you read it all, but why not just start an old fashioned conversation, you and I talking about real estate in Kitsap County.

I can tell you that I can talk up a storm about that subject. You want my thoughts, my views, and my local market inside scoop? I will give it to you! Give it to you for free! All I ask is that we form a team, a team to conquer the first time buyer market game.

We can discuss your housing wants and needs, we can discuss the local Kitsap County housing market and then I can hook you up with a lender who will work with us to achieve your buying goal.

I honestly believe that in the Kitsap County area of Puget Sound it is an awesome time to be a first time home buyer! There are some great loans out there still, the interest rates are still low, there are several homes under the $200,000 price and spring is almost in the air!

Buying a home is still a perfect investment! Your loan interest can be deducted from your federal income tax, you can also deduct your property taxes and yes property values in our area will still increase. Not like the increases we saw a couple of years ago with this correction market taking place, but they will increase just at a slower pace. Owning property is still a great investment. As a first time home buyer it is an investment in your future, plan on staying in the home for 5 years and you will be fine! Plan on putting a small down-payment towards your loan and you will have some built in security.

Gentlemen (Buyers) Start Your Engines

Buyer’s you are in the driver seat With the local real estate market in a slow-down, with high inventory and an increase of days on market for Bremerton and Silverdale homes you can safely say we are in a buyer’s market.

I define markets by absorption rates. An absorption rate is the mathematical relationship of supply and demand. The absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire inventory of homes in the Bremerton Silverdale area of Kitsap County if the pace were to stay constant.

My definition breaks down like this…

Normal Market – Between 5 and 6 months of inventory.

Seller’s Market – Between 1 and 4 months of inventory.

Buyer’s Market – 7 months and higher.

Last month, the month of March the absorption rate was around 12 months in our area.

So, is it a good time to buy real estate in the Bremerton, Silverdale area of Kitsap County? The question isn’t as easy to answer as you may think. Do you wait for the “bottom out”? How will you know when we hit bottom? Do you chance waiting and then find yourself buying on the “upswing”? These are all very important questions and questions that many real estate experts are trying to answer for their buyers.

Just like real estate is local and “one size doesn’t fit all” the same holds true for buyers. This may be the perfect time for you to buy and it may not. What we need to do is find out what is best for you. That is why you need a real estate agent that will help you buy a home and not just sell you a home. There is a difference. Call me and we can discuss that in more detail.

Does a buyer’s market mean you can “low ball” or ask for a ton of concessions? The answer is – not really. Within a “buyer’s market” we sometimes find a “seller’s market” in certain areas or price ranges. So we need to still do our research which will include a comparative analysis of homes when we find the home you want to write a purchase and sell agreement on.

Being a buyer’s market you now have the opportunity to take some time, do some research and relax a little. We are not going to see as many multiple offers, we are going to be able to ask for some concessions like closing costs, home warranty plan, appliances – there is some room for flexibility because the seller knows the buyer pool is a little on the low side. As a buyer you still must realize that the seller has goals too and some might even be offended if you offer a lower price. But don’t worry through the research process we will know how to overcome this objection with evidence we have gathered with our comparative analysis.

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

1st Time Home Seller (thought I would say buyer, huh?) Kitsap County

Yes, that’s right SELLERS. Usually when the phrase “1st Time….” is used in real estate most assume the phrase would end with “Home Buyers”. Not this time! After you have been a 1st Time Home Buyer you will someday become a 1st Time Home Seller.

There are 5 FACTORS to the home selling process that you must consider prior to “putting your house on the market”. These 5 FACTORS are.

LOCATION
CONDITION
PRICE
TERMS
THE MARKET

Let’s discuss all 5 with very short explanations.

LOCATION
I am sure when you were in the home search process you heard this phrase, “location, location, location” a million times. For your circumstances and needs you probably chose the best location possible. Remember, we can’t move a home – oops yes we can, but guess what for this scenario we aren’t going to. In all reality you know that there are better locations then where your house is at. There always are. That is ok. You bought in the best location for your abilities at the time. So now you might think that because you aren’t in the “primo” area you won’t be able to sell. WRONG. We have to look at location as it reflects the pricing of your home. You must price your home based on your “location, location, location”. Make sense?

CONDITION
The condition of your property will play a huge roll in the pricing process. We need to make sure that your home is in tip-top condition because there is a ton of competition out there and that is what this is a “competition”. We want your house to win so we must make sure that we have “trained” properly to make it to the finish line in the least amount of time. We need to have curb appeal, we need to be clean, and we need everything in its place or packed up and in a storage facility. This is when we can bring in a professional home stager for an edge over most sellers.

PRICE
Price is the most important factor of them all. Most important for you and most important for a potential buyer. You know that your home is only worth what another person is willing to pay for it, right? The price you decided to sell your home at must be in a direct correlation of the other factors. Your price must reflect your location, the condition, the terms and what the market is dictating.

TERMS
The more terms you can offer the more qualified purchasers you will attract. In the past couple of years a lot of seller’s didn’t want to offer VA as an option because the seller is required by the VA regulations to pay some of the borrower’s costs. With the market as hot as it was a seller could still sell for top dollar with out having to take that type of term. Times have changed and for a lot of buyers who are VA eligible the VA program is the best. Sellers are going to have to open up to this option especially in a military populated area.

THE MARKET
There’s that phrase. “The Market” What is “The Market?” There are a lot of variables that make up and influence “The Market”. The local market includes all of these variables, interest rates, local housing inventory, local competition and the economy. Remember that real estate is local and that “The Market” here may not be what “The Market” is in California or Florida. So let’s not talk about it in general terms, let’s localize it! The pricing of your home MUST reflect the current and up to date status of “The Market” in our area of Puget Sound.

So, there you have it, the start of the guide for the 1st Time Home Buyer in Kitsap County. When we take all of these factors into consideration for the pricing of your home we will have a sale! If one factor is out of line or not included then it will take longer to sell your home and you might not get the price you deserve. Remember, the object of the process is to sell your home for the highest price, with the best possible terms in the least amount of time. There is no other way.

Military Relocation to Naval Base Kitsap

Your Military Relocation Guide to Naval Base Kitsap | You Are Gonna Love West Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula!

This is the moving van that hauled our Household Goods (HHG’s) on our military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap from the desert of Southern California.

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’s lots of help available but you are going to have to find it and ask for it. The military will also help with the moving expenses 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 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. Please remember that when a person was in the military 14 years ago the rules were not the same! We still have retired members telling current members that BAH is based on how many dependents instead of with or without! Now that is scary!

I have been a Navy Spouse for 4 years and during that time I have moved three times. All three of the moves were cross the country – West Coast to East Coast, then East Coast to West Coast, then from the Mojave desert of California to the subzero terrain of Alaska. I am now “home” and will be able to stay here for several years.

I want you to know that I know what you are going through, I know what its like to move with short notice, and I know how much work it takes to have a successful PCS. I give you this information about me so you can begin to get to know me. Begin to have the confidence in me that a trusting relationship can begin to form. 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 last 4 weeks I wrote a series of articles on relocation to Naval Base Kitsap. The start of the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package began with this post Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which outlined the NBK Online Relocation Package. Below is the final version, but be sure to read the post that started the series. Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS

Week One – Take Charge | Know Your PCS

Week one featured four articles that dealt with the nuts and bolts of a PCS. Items you need to know prior to your move. I touched 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 also explored the local housing market and discussed the aspects of homeownership in Kitsap County.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Take Charge | Know Your PCS

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Installation Overview

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Schedule of Events

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week One | Kitsap County Homeownership

Week Two – Close-up | Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard

Week two featured four articles about the place you are going to call home. We looked at the areas to reside, the local shopping scene, school district information and those special base amenities.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Shop Till Ya Drop

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | ABC…Easy as 123

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Fun, Fitness & Food on DECK!

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Two | Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Week Three – Let’s Have Some Fun | Out & About Area Attractions

Week three we spent reading about the new area you will be calling home, the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula on West Puget Sound. This week I wrote about local attractions, the local art scene, the parks and what there is to do around town and local.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Three | Out and About |HARBORSIDE

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Three | Out and About | The Arts

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 wrote some articles about what there is to do in the “Greater Puget Sound” area. How to become a tourist in your own backyard and enjoy the so many Puget Sound attractions.

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips

Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Mini Vacations

Let me be the first to WELCOME YOU to Naval Base Kitsap,

on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula of West Puget Sound!

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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.

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Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Mini Vacations

Now that we have some day trips under our belt, let’s talk about some “mini-vacations” you can take on a long weekend or plan to enjoy for several days in the Great State of Washington. It’s God’s Country, you know! I had that affirmed to me while filling up at a gas station in Southern California. This woman kept staring at me and finally came up to me and pointed to my license plate. She asked if I was from Washington, I said yes I was and no sooner did I say those words did she blurt out, “That’s God’s Country”. Her plates were California plates – I can tell you she put a smile on my face and a tear to my eye! So explore, after all you’re here on the Navy’s dime!!

Tri-Cities | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland

The Heart of Washington Wine Country where you can sip, sample and enjoy the beauty of natures gift. You can choose to explore 150 wineries, or spend the day golfing in the sun, riding bikes on the trails, hiking in the hills or take your kayak on the Columbia.

You might want to explore nature by bird watching at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge or explore the Hanford Reach. Spend a sunny summer weekend on the river banks watching the hydro races. The weather is usually dry and hot during the summer so make sure to bring your SPF. If you play softball you will end up in the Tri-Cities for some type of tournament.

Leavenworth | Bavarian Village

Leavenworth is a Bavarian style town with authentic German architecture, located in a dramatic alpine like setting with awesome old time hospitality. You will find a variety of resort activities here during any of the four seasons. I enjoy Leavenworth the most during the Christmas Holidays.

You can find that “White Christmas” feeling here when you visit for the tree lighting or decide to come for the sledding. You can ride in a horse drawn sleigh through the snow sipping hot chocolate or you can rent a snowmobile and ride the groomed trails.

Accommodations are plenty and run from the rustic type cabin to the cozy bed and breakfasts or you can stay at one of the many hotels. I love walking around down at dusk with the lights on looking in all of the quaint little shops. There are several authentic German type restaurants if you enjoy that type of food.

Grant County | Moses Lake, Ephrata, Grand Coulee, Soap Lake and George

This area of Washington State will be the closest you get to a desert type area. With 10 wineries, 14 golf courses, 144 lakes, the Grand Coulee Dam (8^th Wonder of the World / largest concrete structure in North America) and the beautiful outdoor Gorge Amphitheatre, there is always something to do in Grant County!

I spent 11 years in Moses Lake and really enjoyed being able to water ski right out my backdoor! I learned to knee-board, water ski and cliff dive. My boys were born in Moses Lake so I have a special place for the small town that is now a huge tourist area.

During the summer you might be able to catch a Dave Matthew’s Band concert at the Gorge which is an outdoor amphitheater. In Grant County you can find amazing fishing – whether it be winter or summer. You can plan a camping trip to the sand dunes as long as it isn’t Memorial Day weekend – that place is too crazy for me on that holiday!! You can ATV, fish and enjoy the hot summer sun. Be sure to bring your SPF when you visit Central Washington!!

Ocean Shores | The Ocean is Calling

I love this beach! I have spent time in Rhode Island (the beach state) and Southern California where you can swim and surf in the water, but for some reason I love the beach at Ocean Shores the best. There are six miles of public sand beach with five beach approach access roads so it is easy to get to even when there are tons of people. The sound of the pounding waves is really something to experience here. There is that “roar”.

This is not the surf you come to swim or board in; this surf is just too cold and dangerous with the riptides. But you can jump some waves as they come in to catch your feet, you can do some fun wading while you search for that special sand dollar or starfish.

I love to spend time flying my kite or digging razor clams at midnight with a lantern and flashlight. On one outing I was able to watch the most amazing meteor shower while lying on a blanket on the sand staring up in the sky. Ocean Shores is the typical tourist beach town with quaint shops and eateries. Be sure to buy some saltwater taffy! You can rent bikes, go bowling or have some fun at the go-kart track. Always a fun getaway for either the weekend or a full week.

Hope you have enjoyed the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Series, this will be the last article prior to my “wrap up” . If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

HAVE A FINE NAVY DAY!!

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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.

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Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | Week Four | Vacation on the Navy | Day Trips

Whenever you PCS you should take advantage of what the area has to offer and make sure you “Take a Vacation on the Navy”! Seeing different parts of the county is one of the many benefits of a military career.

I don’t think I would have ever had the privilege of seeing all of the nation’s monuments in Washington D.C, or seeing the spot where the real “Cheers” bar is located, or walked the Freedom Trail if not for the Navy and the PCS we did to Groton, CT back in 2003.

Nor would I have ever learned about the Mojave Desert first hand and climbed in Joshua Tree National Park if not for the Navy and a PCS to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-nine Palms, CA.

I know I would never have watched the mountain race in Seward, AK on the 4^th of July or watched a real sled dog race or learned to fly fish for salmon on the Russian River if not for a PCS to Anchorage, AK! So make sure you find the tourist in you when you PCS to a new area!!

Here are just a few of my favorite day trips in the Puget Sound area. I know there are several more but this will get you started!!

The Series | Bremerton| Day Trips | Safeco Field

Moose Country? Yep, that is what I said! Mariner Moose Country!!! The Mariner Moose is the official mascot for the Seattle Mariner’s pro baseball team. Living in the area all my life I have come to see the many changes ofthe Mariners and the Moose. I remember the days of sitting in the Kingdome watching baseball on a warm sunny Seattle day – INSIDE!!

“Refuse to Lose”- I also remember the days of the greats, Ken Griffey, Jr., Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Jay Buhner, Dave Valle, Alex Rodriguez and Edgar Martinez. Oops, did I say Edgar Martinez twice? I sure did! He is my all time Seattle Mariner favorite player. I personally feel he saved baseball in Seattle with “The Double” he hit during the 1995 game vs. the New York Yankees to win the game 6-5 and advance the Mariners for the first time to the American League Championship Series. I know that the tiles of the doomed Kingdome probably played a role, but it was that game on that day that grabbed all of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest and made us a “baseball town”!!!

The new stadium opened in 1999 and it was amazing. I probably attended 25 games that year!! I love to watch baseball.

When you relocate to the area Safeco Field “The House That Griffey Built” should be one of your “day trips”. You can tour Safeco Field individually or as a group.

Tour Schedule

April 1 – October 31| You may tour the stadium on days when there are now games at three different times. 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30. On days with 6 pm games there are only the first two tour times.

November 1 – March 31 | Tuesdays through Sundays at 12:30 and 2:30

Tours are approximately one hour long and cover a distance of one mile, so wear appropriate apparel.

Birthday Tours – How much fun would this be?!!

The Birthday Tour package includes the following.

• Personal guided tour for up to 20 people
• Time to play at the Children’s Hospital Playfield
• A suite overlooking the ballpark for presents and cake
• Party favors for each child
• A birthday message on the scoreboard
• Time on the field’s warning track and in the dugouts
• A present to the birthday child from the Mariners

See more tour ideas and all of the package information with costs and contact names and numbers here – SAFECO FIELD PACKAGE TOURS

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Point Defiance Park

Never have I ever come across a park like Point Defiance Parkjust over the Narrow’s Bridge in Tacoma. Growing up in the area I have enjoyed this park many times, from the family picnics to the elementary school field trips. Point Defiance Park is a day trip you will revisit often. There is so much to do and see that you will probably need to divide the attractions up and visit on at least 5 occasions just see the minimum. Point Defiance Park is situated on approximately 702 acres that encompass natural forests and salt water beaches. The park offers several recreation and educational opportunities. You can have fun here, learn here and hang out with nature here!!

Gardens and Old Growth Forest

Acres of gardens | Dahlia, Fuchsia, Herb, Iris, Japanese, Native, Rhododendron and Rose. You can spend hours and hours just walking along the paths of these gardens. Several times I have just taken a book and sat in a garden and enjoyed the smells and the beauty.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Even on a rainy Pacific Northwest day you can have a blast at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. There are covered viewing areas and indoor exhibits. I love aquariums and this one is one of my favorites. I guess the reason is because it was one of my firsts. I remember as a child going on field trips to this zoo.

Five Mile Drive

There have been times I have visited Point Defiance Park just to makethe “Five Mile Drive”. These five miles of asphalt wind thru some of the most gorgeous old growth forest in the area. Along the way there are viewpoint opportunities, areas to picnic and relax and several “Kodak moments”, including Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountains, the Narrows Bridge, Vashon Island and Gig Harbor.

Owen Beach

This is my favorite spot at Point Defiance Park. I love the beach! Any type of beach! From the Owen Beach you can see Vashon Island, watch the ferry boats and any other water traffic. Owen Beach is perfect for a family picnic with picnic shelters, grills, tables and a large restroom area. If you are adventurous you can rent kayaks here!

Fort Nisqually

I remember as a child going to Fort Nisqually with my entire family. Over the years it has grown and improved. Fort Nisqually was originally a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost built in 1833. This is where you can travel back in time and experience life in Washington during the fur trade era. Fort Nisqually was the first European settlement on Puget Sound.

Art in the Park

Around the park grounds you can find several different sculptures to include an authentic Native American totem pole.

So no matter how much time you have, an hour or several you can find something to do that is either free or a nominal fee at Point Defiance Park. Remember, even if the weather is cloudy and raining you can still enjoy several areas of the park.

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Seattle Space Needle

There is nothing like having lunch at the Seattle Space Needle. One year while living in eastern Washington I decided that it was time to take a vacation and we choose to explore Seattle. I love to vacation local. I am amazed at how many people who live in Seattle and the surrounding area have never been to the Space Needle! I decided on lunch because my kids were elementary school age and the price is lower than dinner. Many say they would never eat at the Space Needle because of the price. Well, treat it like what it is a “treat” and have lunch. Over the years the rules have changed and there is a minimum charge of $25 per person for lunch. Lunch Menu

You also will be able to continue up the observation deck. Maker sure your lunch last an hour so you will have completed a full rotation of viewing. The Observation Deck is located 520′ above Seattle and features 360º full view of the Puget Sound.

The Space Needle was the huge attraction of the 1962 Worlds Fair. Now it is the “trademark” of Seattle.

General Location:
Space Needle
400 Broad Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Located near the Monorail and Seattle Center House at 5th Avenue North & Broad Street.
(206) 905-2100

Insects, Butterflies and Dinosaurs, Oh My

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Pacific Science Center

When my kiddos were in elementary school we must have visited the Pacific Science Center at least 3 times a year. This is an amazing place unlike any other science center in the world. Of course the fun just isn’t for kids, all of the adults I saw each time seemed to be having just as much fun. Of course I did everything my kids did!! I even touched living saltwater tide pool creatures! Today there are even more exhibits to see, feel and play with. I always enjoyed the Body Works Exhibit and the Science Playground.

There are over 6 acres of hands on exhibits, two IMAX theaters, planetarium, motion simulator and laser light shows everyone of every age will find something of fascinating interest.

You will want to check the Pacific Science Center website for the schedule of special eventsand IMAX and laser light show times as well as to learn what is available to do prior to your trip. This way you will not miss a thing while there. I would never spend less than 4 hours on a visit. Doors open at 10am.

List of Exhibits

1. Dinosaurs: A Journey Through Time
2. Tropical Butterfly House
3. Insect Village
4. Puget Sound Model and Saltwater Tide Pool
5. Kids Works
6. Animal Exhibits
7. Body Works
8. Adventures in 3Dimensions
9. Science Playground
10. Technology Exhibits
11. Outdoor Exhibits

Another great place to have a youngster’s Birthday Party!!!

Pacific Science Center is located under the arches near the Space Needle. Daytime entrances are on Denny Way and the main entrance and Will Call are located facing Seattle Center to the north. This is also the only evening entrance.

All Aboard… Ferry Ride!!

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Ferry Rides

Take a day and ride the Ferry. Several years ago I took a day trip with my kids on the Ferry. We left Seattle and headed over to Bainbridge Island. There is nothing like being out on Puget Sound!! Once on Bainbridge Island we took a little drive and had lunch, then back to the ferry for the ride back. Riding a ferry is a very relaxing and fun experience for all ages.

From Bremerton you could ride the ferry into Seattle and depending on the weather you could leave your car on this side and then walk on over to Pike Place Market. It isn’t that long of a walk and well worth it.

Make sure to check out the Official Washington State Ferries website for more information on times and charges. Right now with all the winds and waves there has been some “ferry drama” and you might want to wait until spring.

Ferries are just not for commuting they can be used for fun too. Did you know that the Washington Ferry System is the largest ferry system in the United States? People use the ferries for Birthday parties, weddings and memorial services. Just be sure to contact the proper department to schedule your special event.

The Mountain

The Series | Bremerton | Day Trips | Mount Rainier National Park

That is what we call it. When you relocate to the Pacific Northwest you will here people talk about “the mountain”. You will hear the phrase “the mountain is out today” and”have you seen the mountain today”. The mountain they are talking about is Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier dominates the skyline from the urban areas of Puget Sound to the eastern wine country of Washington State.

I have only been to Mt Rainier in the summer time. I have hiked a couple of the trails with my boys. Even if you aren’t into hiking you will enjoy this day trip because just getting to Mt Rainier is a treat in itself. Mount Rainer is 14,4100 feet in elevation with 26 major glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, over 100 varieties of wildflowers and approximately 56 species of mammals including deer, elk, goats, black bears, cougars, red fox and others. The park encompasses 370 square miles and is the tallest of the Cascade Mountain Range volcanoes. Yes Mt. Rainier is a volcano.

The park also offers over 240 miles of trails. There are trails for all ages and abilities. You can “stroll” a trail of less than one mile or you can go on the 93- mile Wonderland Trail. I have “strolled” the easy trail with several older family members. It is amazing what you can see.

Sunrise Day Lodge & Visitor Center is on the northeast corner of the park. This is the highest peak you can reach by car and is 6400 feet. The center is open between June to mid-September. This side of the park is in Mt Rainier’s rain shadow and has a drier climate.

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is opened year round and is located at Paradise. Here you can view exhibits on geology, glaciers, flora and fauna.

There are also places where you can stay for a mini vacation. National Park Inn has 25 guest rooms and a restaurant. Paradise Inn will re-open this May after a renovation project.

This is a great day trip and can also be a very great several day vacation. Check out these websites for more information on lodging and rental equipment. http://www.mt-rainier.com/ and http://www.mount.rainier.national-park.com/

Things you can do on Mount Rainier

• Back packing
• Bicycling
• Bird watching
• Boating
• Camping
• Cross-country skiing
• Fusing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Hot tubing
• Hunting
• Mountain climbing
• Picnic
• Snowmobile
• Snow shoeing
• Wildlife viewing

Hope you are enjoying all the articles so far. If you have missed any articles you can check out the article that introduced the Naval Base Kitsap Online Relocation Package by clicking on this link Naval Base Kitsap |Online Relocation Package | IT’S YOUR PCS which is updated after every new article.

HAVE A FINE NAVY DAY!!

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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.

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Real Estate Blogs

Wow – If I were a consumer – a buyer – a seller, just someone out on the internet wanting to learn about the real estate industry I think I would be scared to death! I was doing a search of real estate blogs from the consumer’s viewpoint this evening and really found some scary places. I am not going to list any, but there were some real estate blogs that were a little “far out”.

I kept thinking to myself, are these bloggers writing to the public or are they writing to other real estate bloggers. Now I will be the first to admit that the real estate profession on a whole has its fair share of ego maniacs. How could it not, when each real estate professional is really their own business. I really try to understand the whole “brag, brag” type of attitude that so many agents possess. So I have come to the conclusion that there are way more blogs written by real estate professionals to other real estate professionals than there are blogs written to what I would consider the true “buying or selling” public.

Being a new blogger I can write all day long about my local area. I can show you that I am the local expert. I can tell you about events, organizations and the neighborhoods. But is this what you want to read? I think you do in a broad sense, but I also think you want to know how my business works – what is it like to be a buyer, how do you sell your first home? Those are questions that up until now I haven’t addressed because I have been trapped in the “real estate ego blog dimension”. I was afraid to write any type of “hard core” real estate blog because I was afraid of what my peers my say.

Well, guess what? Tonight I realized that I should careless what my peers would say and write to you, my intended audience. My audience is those of you that live in the Kitsap County area of Puget Sound. You that are or may someday want to buy or sell a home. So I am going to try and really break down the nuts and bolts of it.

If you would like me to write about something you might have a question about, please just email me the idea or leave it here on my blog. I don’t need to know your name or your email, just your idea.

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Earth Day is Every Day

Did you know that over a BILLION single use plastic bags are given out for free each and every day?

As with most things in life that we say are “free”, these bags have a huge cost to the consumer and to the environment. Today I purchased my first “reusable” shopping bags. I don’t know why I hadn’t done this before now. I used my new shopping bags today, too! I love them! Not only do they hold more, they hold the items in a “square type fashion” and so they rode in my vehicle better and were easier to carry and place on the counters in the kitchen!! Here are some real facts about all those “free” bags.

Production Costs

• Requires petroleum and sometimes natural gas
• Chemical ingredients to manufacture produce pollution during process

Consumption Costs

• It is estimated retailers spend $4 Billion to purchase
• You know this is passed on to the consumer

Disposal / Litter Costs

• Marine mammals die every year from eating these discarded bags
• Animals on land also suffer from ingesting these bags even domestic dogs and cats
• The collection and disposal of these plastic bags create additional impacts to our environment
• Sure we could recycle, but requires energy consumption and wouldn’t make the planet safer

I love my green shopping bags. I bought them at the Commissary for only 70 cents each. I will need to pick up a couple more for holiday shopping but for now two will do me. If you haven’t switched to reusable bags please do so this month – April is Earth Month!

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