Naval Base Kitsap | 2010 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates

December 30, 2009 by Jo Soss  
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap, 7) Blog

Of course once I wrote my post about when the BAH rates would be out I knew that Military.com would have it posted the day before. Here is my first post and then the link to Military.com with the PDF for all the states.

UPDATED: Click this link and it will take you to the Military.com site for BAH – be sure you remember to look at with or without dependents. Also, remember that the rate is most likely for your base and not the city where you might live. Look at your last LES for the correct Zip Code. This new rate will be reflected in your paycheck you receive on January 15th, which covers the pay period Jan 1st through January 15.

2010 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates

Naval Base Kitsap | 2010 BAH Rates – Only 2 more Days

Well, it’s almost that time of year! How many times over the last few weeks have you seen the question posted on military boards across the net?

If you look in the right places you will always find the right answer. I don’t hold much stock in military boards when it comes to important information. I always make sure that I find the source is a .mil site. That way you know the information is correct.

Here is the link that gives the date -

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)

The Department of Defense, Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee page is one worth making a bookmark!

I will be writing about and posting the Naval Base Kitsap new rates as soon as they come out so be sure to check back!

Similar Posts

Photo Credit:

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin L. Burleson (RELEASED)

Naval Base Kitsap | As a Military Member do you Purchase a Home in this Market Climate?

Times have changed for all home buyers. The days of being able to receive very substantial market equity in a three year time span has all but disappeared in most areas. In the Kitsap County area we have been lucky that our market although slow and undergoing a huge price correction we haven’t been as hard hit as areas like Florida or California. However, we hear daily the horror stories of the housing market which has most active duty military wondering if now is the right time to buy.

Over the last 5 years we saw the active duty member feel comfortable purchasing even with a PCS due in a short three years because of the escalation of value in several markets. With that now gone what does an active duty member do? The decision to purchase is tougher today than it was.

But, with education, pro/con honest conversation and the help of several real estate experts you should be able to make the right decision.

So as a military member do you purchase a home?

It is a very complicated process which needs some investigation and education before making that decision. You should ask yourself some questions like these at the minimum.

These might be considered some of the “con” type questions.

  • Do I have upfront money to buy a home?
  • Can I get financing?
  • Is my tour of duty going to be longer than 3 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 resources?
  • 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?

These might be considered some of the “pro” type statements.

  • Being VA eligible military members can still receive a ZERO down home loan.
  • First time home buyers can receive a $8,000 credit from the Federal Government
  • Under most circumstances the interest on a home loan is tax deductible (contact a CPA)
  • Pride of home ownership is amazing.
  • Building equity prior to retirement.

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

2009 NAVAL BASE KITSAP | BREMERTON | BANGOR | PSNS | NAVAL HOSPITAL BREMERTON

Posts of Interest

First Time Homebuyer

Naval Base Kitsap

Individual Area Real Estate Market Stats

Kitsap Area Real Estate Market Stats

Kitsap Real Estate FYI

SEARCH SOME LOCAL KITSAP COUNTY HOMES

Naval Base Kitsap | Tax Breaks with Tax Free Money – How is that Legal – BAH!!!

Toby Keith in Iraq 2006

If you are in the United States Military and receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) it is. This is a huge financial opportunity that not many Military members take advantage of for fear of the real estate market and the lack of education concerning real estate ownership.

The average homeowner receives tax breaks associated with home ownership. The yearly property taxes and yearly interest payments are tax deductible on their yearly tax return.

The average Military homeowner receives tax breaks associated with home ownership. The yearly property taxes and yearly interest payments are tax deductible on their yearly tax return, also. However, the Military member receives all of these tax breaks with tax free money since the basic housing allowance (BAH) is tax free. Wow! What an incentive to purchase a home while serving in the Military.

With tax season here and Military W-2′ being released (See MyPay release Schedule here) you should really  Military Tax Benefitstake a hard look at your future financial picture. Are you taking advantage of all your Military benefits? Are you paying more taxes at the end of the year because you have no “tax shelter”, no way of filing the “long form”? Are you just coasting by blinded because you think it is too risky to purchase property while serving in the Military? If you need tax advice please seek a professional tax advisor.

If you can answer yes to several of these questions you really need to look deeper into the process of Military homeownership.

  • Have you been saving for a home?
  • Is your credit profile in good shape?
  • Is the tour of duty longer than 2 years?
  • Can you anticipate coming back to the area?
  • Could you be a landlord if you needed?
  • Can you budget two housing payments in the future?

Take a look at:  New 2009 BAH Rates Released | Naval Base Kitsap | Bremerton | Bangor | PSNS | Naval Hospital Bremerton and see the possibilities.

Currently in the West Sound area there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. See for yourself here. Search Naval Base Kitsap Homes for sale 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:

Rent Vs Buy Calculator

Buyer’s Resources

Free Buyer Reports

Monthly Payment Calculator

Loan Programs

New 2009 BAH Rates Released | Naval Base Kitsap | Bremerton | Bangor | PSNS | Naval Hospital Bremerton

 2009 BAH Naval Base Kitsap

What are you doing with your BAH? Are you giving it to the PPV/Military Housing? Are you giving it to a landlord to pay THEIR mortgage? No matter what you are hearing in the media you have to remember that the market is different for everyone.  Here in the West Sound there are some amazing opportunities for home buyers.   You need to build for your future. Please call me today! As a military spouse I know what questions you have and can answer them for you from the perspective of a member of the military community – a true member.

2009 BAH Rates

Other links for your interest:

Rent Vs Buy Calculator

Buyer’s Resources

Free Buyer Reports

Monthly Payment Calculator

Loan Programs

SEARCH FOR WEST SOUND HOMES HERE



Navy Band Northwest’s Wind Ensemble | Holiday Concert

December 9, 2008 by Jo Soss  
Filed under 3) Local News & Events, 7) Blog

Navy Northwest BandI have attended several Holiday Concerts preformed by military bands over the last few years and can say that the experience always lifts my spirits and allows me to focus on the Holiday Season.

If you would like to experience some Holiday Cheer then plan on attending the Holiday Concert this Thursday preformed by the Navy Band Northwest’s Wind Ensemble at Bremerton High School.

As always admission is FREE

December 11, 2008 – Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Holiday Concert
Bremerton High School, Bremerton, WA
Navy Band Northwest’s Wind Ensemble

Photo Credit:

071210-N-9860Y-002 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Dec. 10, 2007) Navy Band Northwest (NBNW) Big Band, “Cascade,” plays “Holly and the Ivy/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen‚” at the “Holly, Jolly Holiday‚” concert held in Parker Hall of Oak Harbor High School. The free, all ages event was the fourth annual performance by NBNW in Oak Harbor for the holiday season and featured many classic songs as well as humorous skits by the members. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates (Released)

Military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap – Pet Friendly

October 12, 2008 by Jo Soss  
Filed under 4) Naval Base Kitsap

I have never completed a PCS with pets, but have had several friends, clients, co-workers who have. Depending on how you are arriving to Washington State will depend on what services you need and what information may come in handy for you. Here I have compiled some links to help you navigate the PCS with Pets Process or the PCSPP!

With any Military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap you want to make sure you are using the most current and approved information. I make sure I always use a .mil site and confirm that it is being maintained. The top moving site on my list is …

MilitaryHOMEFRONT is the central, trusted, up-to-date source for Service members and their families to find information about all DoD Quality of Life programs and services. Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you’ll find what you need at MilitaryHOMEFRONT.

When you use the search feature and type in “moving pets” you will be given several links to research. There is one that is written by military kids to military kids “MTOM” è Click for article. If you can’t find your answer I always suggest using Military One Source – this magnet should be on your fridge!

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is designed to help you deal with life’s issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Now that I have given you some broad information on the PCSPP I really want to get local and give you a list of Pet Friendly motels and hotels in the Naval Base Kitsap area of Kitsap County. If you know of any other hotels/motels in the area that are pet friendly please forward me the information so that I may update the list.

Here is a great resource for pet friendly options – PetsWelcome.com

Oyster Bay Inn – Bremerton

4412 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312
Phone 360-377-5510

Comfort Inn & Suites – Bremerton

5640 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA, US, 98312 | Phone: (360) 377-7666

Super 8 Motel – Bremerton

5068 Kitsap Way

St Hwy 3 Exit Kitsap Way

Bremerton, WA, 98312 US

Phone: 360-377-8881

Comfort Inn – Port Orchard

1121 Bay St., Port Orchard, WA, US, 98366 | Phone: (360) 895-2666

Days Inn – Port Orchard

220 Bravo Terrace

Hwy 16 Sedgwick Exit

Port Orchard, WA, 98366

Phone: 360-895-7818


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