Free and unrestricted access to all homes listed in the Northwest MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Detailed property descriptions, the latest pricing information, multiple photos, and more are downloaded daily straight from the Northwest MLS system. You no longer have to go from site to site looking for information – it’s all right here!

I am not going to require you to registration to use my Kitsap County real estate search, but by creating an account you’ll be able to: Save your favorite properties and search criteria to your cart for quick, one-click access. Receive regular email updates on new properties in your favorite areas as well as any status or price changes for listings you are watching.

Your question might be, “Can you be a move-up buyer in a buyer’s market?” If you have a home to sell to move up to another home in Kitsap County, this may be the very best time. Your current home may have lost some value, but the “move up” home you have your eye on, which is larger and in a higher price range has lost some value too, probably more in comparison.

Did you know that with my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan can save you as much as 2% of the sales price of your current Kitsap home? This could save you thousands of dollars in the selling process.

Starting TODAY and running through the end of the year, I am offering a discounted commission program to qualified Move-Up Buyers of Kitsap County.

Remember all real estate commissions are negotiable and there isn’t any set standard real estate commission, but in our area the traditional real estate commission can typically run anywhere from 5% to 6%.

Understanding that many sellers might be confused about whether or not to jump into the Kitsap Real Estate Market with all the talking heads on TV giving us the doom and gloom spiel each and everyday I wanted to implement a plan that would educate sellers in the process of selling a home in a buyer’s market and wanting to move up to another home in the same market area. I researched the internet for programs and ideas to help Move-up Buyers in my market area of Kitsap County, especially in this slow and sluggish market to realize their dreams. I came up with my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan which will give the Move-Up Buyer an incentive to make that leap to their next home and save them thousands of dollars along the way. Remember that when you are purchasing your Move-Up Home you will be a buyer and it is a Buyer’s Market in Kitsap County. Let’s work this to your advantage as a Move-Up Buyer.

Here is how my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan works: If you allow me to act as your Buyer’s Agent on the purchase of your next home, I will then list and sell your current home for a total commission of only 4%.

Based on a hypothetical commission of 6%, my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan offers you a savings of over 33% in real estate commission!

Let’s look at the savings when selling a home listed at $300,000. At the traditional 6% commission rate the amount paid in commission would be $18,000, with my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan the commission would be $12,000, a huge $6,000 savings! That is $6,000 that you keep! That is $6,000 that you can use to help purchase the next dream home!

If you have thought about selling your Kitsap area home but have been a little hesitant in today’s economic climate my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan will give you the peace of mind and save you money in the process. Don’t you owe it to yourself and your family to contact me today?

Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan Highlights

• Same professional service
• Coordinated settlements for the sale and purchase transactions
• An exclusive agent that handles all the details
• Substantial savings without service sacrifice

I am a dedicated, Full Service Real Estate Professional
with 14 years of exceptional real estate experience. I only offer top of the line representation to all of my buyers and sellers. Whenever, I offer a special promotion, a discount event or a plan such as this I DO NOT discount my service.

You will find in my Bio this line, “Lots of people sell real estate, but not everyone is good at it.” It is a line that I totally believe. I want you to know that I AM good at it. Any agent can list your home in the NWMLS, but many simply won’t – or they don’t know how – to market your home properly. I do so much more than just enter your home in the NWMLS, I have a full-spectrum marketing strategy that is designed to drive traffic to your home and get you the highest offer price possible.

Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan Qualifications

• DO NOT currently have their home listed with another Real Estate Company
• DO NOT currently have a Buyer Agency Agreement with another Real Estate Agent
• Must be pre-approved for the next home purchase
• Purchase of new home must be in or around the Kitsap County area
• If wanting to purchase New Construction I MUST accompany them on their first trip to the Model Home.

You might have some questions. If you do and are ready or researching a Move-Up home purchase then please contact me via email or phone so that I can explain the process in more detail.

So how you may ask does this commission business work?

Typically in the West Sound area when a home is sold a 5% to 6% commission is paid by the seller. Half of this commission goes the Buyer’s agent and half goes to the Listing agent.

With the Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan you list your home with me and as your Listing agent I will offer you a reduced total commission of just 4% on the sale of your home.

We will enter into a listing agreement at a rate of 4% commission. This commission which is usually split between listing and selling agents isn’t very attractive to the Buyer’s agent and so with my Move-Up Buyer’s Advantage Plan I do the division a little different to be competitive in this Buyer’s Market. I will be paid 1% and the real estate agent working with the buyers of your current home will be paid 3% to stay competitive. Just remember that even though I am reducing my commission I am NOT reducing my service!

When you purchase your next home, the Sellers of that home will also pay a commission to me as your Buyer’s Agent. Because I will earn a commission on both the sale and the purchase of your nest home, I am able to save you money when you sell.

Now, isn’t that simple? You will receive my old fashioned personal service that includes the technology of today at a huge savings!

If you would like more information, or if you would like to get started just send me an EMAIL
or call me at 360-990-1433.

Let’s get you MOVED!

Jo

History

Blueberry Meadows in East Bremerton is located off of Pine Road just down from Pine Crest Elementary. Kitsap County shows final plat approval in 1998 with the first homes being completed in 2000. Blueberry Meadows was built by several reputable builders including Capstone Homes, Premier Homes and Camp Corp. Built in several phases over a few years, the community is comprised of approximately 176 home sites.

With an active Homeowners Association and a community that takes pride in their neighborhood, home values are solid. The Blueberry Meadows community offers several private amenities, such as a neighborhood park, monument entrances and RV/Boat storage area. The neighborhood park has a basketball court, tot play area and a covered picnic spot, all backing to a wood gorgeous greenbelt type area.

Homes Styles

The floor plans are many and include 1, 1.5 and 2 story ranging in size from just shy of 15 to just over 2300 square feet. (Per county records). Many plans feature open main floor plans with vaulted ceilings while others are of a more northwest traditional 2 story plan. You will find 3 and 4 bedroom plans, some with huge bonus rooms, family rooms, some with lofts, most with gas fireplaces and of course master suites with baths, and walk-in closets. Variety is the key at Blueberry Meadows.

Home Site Lot Sizes

The lot size in Blueberry Meadows range in size from approximately 3000 to just over 6000 square feet.

Schools*: Central Kitsap District #401

Elementary: Pine Crest Elementary

Junior High: Fairview Junior High School

High School: Olympic Senior High School

Blueberry Meadows Current Market Report – Updated October 25, 2008

• Currently there are 3 Active Listings on the Market with an Average List Price of $253,317. These homes have average days on market of 105.
  
• Within the last 10 months, 11 homes have SOLD and closed with an Average Sales Price of $265,795. These homes had an average day on market time of 145.
  
• During the last 10 months 9 homes have not sold and were removed from the market. They had an average list price of $275,311 and were on the market an average of 75 days.

Find Out What Your Blueberry Meadows Home is Worth Without Obligation!

*Always check with the School District for the most recent boundary. You can find this information out the quickest by calling the District Transportation office.

Blueberry Meadows

Directions

Driving directions to NE Beaumont Lane

4.3 mi – about 12 mins

		Bremerton, WA
1.	Head north on Warren Ave				1.1 mi
2.	Continue on WA-303				1.8 mi
3.	Turn left at NE Riddell Rd				0.5 mi
4.	Turn right at Pine Rd NE				0.8 mi
5.	Turn right at NE Beaumont Lane				272 ft

NE Beaumont Lane

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I have seen it on a map, I know where it is, but I have no idea why it is called a “city”. This must be part of that Navy history we learn when we move to Bremerton. So what is Navy Yard City? Is it really a city? Navy Yard City is approximately 225 acres of unincorporated land that is surrounded by the City of Bremerton. Doing some research on the City of Bremerton’s web site I have learned that in 2007 there was an effort to annex this area into the City of Bremerton. This little blurb that I did find was interesting and gave me some facts to ponder. Because Navy Yard City isn’t fully surrounded by Bremerton it is not considered an island – who would have thought (wink wink). Being more than 60% surrounded by the City of Bremerton the area is eligible for what the city describes as, “abbreviated annexation process initiated by City Council if an interlocal agreement with Kitsap County is completed. This annexation method (created by the 2003 State Legislature) is referred to as the ‘island interlocal’ method.” Ok… and this article was written in 2007. The City of Bremerton was to initiate with Kitsap County regarding annexation in February of 2007. After reading Andrew Binion’s post on his Bremerton Beat Blog, I realized that this area must still be unincorporated. I wonder why? I have searched the Kitsap County web site for information – did the Google thing and haven’t really found any information that explains why this area hasn’t been annexed. Maybe the business and residences objected. I was really surprised to see the boundary for this area, I knew it was located between State Route 3, State Route 304 and into the local Bremerton area, but I had no idea how far “into” Bremerton it is. There is a huge mixed use area, filled with residential housing, commercial and industrial areas. Check out the map by clicking this link to Bremerton’s document. Potential Annexation Navy Yard City

Currently there are four homes for sale in the area with list prices between $129,950 and $179,000. If you would like more information on these properties just email me and I will be happy to email you the NWMLS listing data. No strings.

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American Ranch, Western Ranch, or California Rambler are housing styles found all over the country. I guess it all depends where you live in choosing the term for a single story house plan. Working with relocation buyers to the Bremerton area I find it very interesting what areas of the country use what which term. I grew up calling them ramblers but have changed to using the term ranch once I entered the real estate profession. I believe the term Ranch is used by more real estate consumers than rambler.

What are the features of a ranch style home?

• Single story
• Low pitched roof
• Rambling (maybe that is why I used the term rambler) layout – Long and narrow
• Large windows: some double-hung, some sliding, and large living room picture windows
• Sliding glass doors leading out to patio (Updated to French doors, these days)
• Attached garage
• Very Simple floor plans
• Emphasis on openness (few interior walls) and efficient use of space

World War II always seems to play a roll in what we have today. When soldiers were returning from war amass the simple, economical Ranch house was built in huge quantities very quickly to meet their housing needs. I think this is where the whole “cookie-cutter” idea was born for the housing market.

Sure there are ranch style homes that show no style but there are also ranch style home designs that offer plenty of curb appeal. As the baby boomer generation ages these ranch style homes will be in huge demand all over the Bremerton area. With the cost of land we have went years without really including this style of home in the typical housing development. Large ranch homes will see their day and their prices will reflect their demand.

Check this out from Bremerton’s Mayor Bozeman’s October Newsletter….

Bremerton Housing Authority Receives 20 Million Dollar Grant
Congratulations to Executive Director Kurt Wiest and the Board of the Bremerton Housing Authority for being awarded a Hope 6 grant of 20 million dollars to be used in the redevelopment of the Westpark Housing Community. Only five grants were given out by HUD throughout the country. These funds will allow the Housing Authority to move ahead with the redevelopment of the 60-year-old low-income housing community. New housing and support services will be built in the next five years. This has been a goal of mine since I was elected seven years ago.

If you are not aware of the WestPark Sub-Area Plan, you can read all about “Re-Envisioning Westpark” at the City’s website. (Westpark Sub-Area Plan) This project is so exciting and fascinating to me. Located just off Highway 3 on Kitsap Way, you know the exit where Denny’s and DQ are. Right across from the newer Fire Station #2 located at 5005 Kitsap Way.

Westpark was originally constructed in 1941 as temporary housing for shipyard workers during the time that was World War II and Bremerton played an important roll in keeping the Navy prepared. Westpark today is owned and operated by the Bremerton Housing Authority. The “re-design” of Westpark was envisioned in 2006 with the Westpark Sub-Area Plan and was adopted per Ordinance 4998 in February 2006. The Sub-Area Plan is the development standards for the transformation. Click on the below links to read about all the exciting projects!

• I. Introduction
• II. Public Process & Comp. Plan Consistency
• III. Westpark Sub-Area Plan
• IV. Zoning & Development Regulations
• V. Design Guidelines

Westpark – from what some would call “slums” to high quality design!

From the City of Bremerton’s Website:

Westpark is envisioned as an urban mixed-use, mixed-income, pedestrian oriented community. In the new Westpark, a variety of types and styles of housing will meet the needs of a range of income groups, and retail and commercial opportunities will satisfy everyday shopping needs.

The Bremerton Housing Authority’s website has posted the following information about community meetings that are now in progress.

Community meetings are scheduled to discuss the changes. They will be on Thursdays, September 25, 2008 running through October 30, 2008 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the WP Community Center at 76 Russell Rd, Bremerton.

The 82-acre Westpark site is located in West
Bremerton, bounded by Kitsap Way on the north,
Oyster Bay Way on the east, and State Route 3 on
the west.

Are you sitting on the fence? Have you read the many horror stories across the nation? Well, remember real estate is local and here in the Kitsap County area we are in an amazing buyer’s market. It just might be the perfect time for you to purchase a home if you are a First-Time Home Buyer. Here is a nudge to get you into the housing market. On July 30^th President Bush signed into law House Bill 3221 (H.R. 3221: Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008) which included a special tax incentive for First-Time Home Buyers (Sec.3001). This bill provides a tax credit up to $7,500 for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, which the First-Time Home Buyer will repay over 15 years following the purchase. This is not a down-payment assistance program, but rather a ZERO INTEREST LOAN that has some amazing features.

• The tax credit is available for first-time home buyers only. Purchaser (and spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in the previous 3 years.
  
• The maximum credit amount is ten percent of the cost of the home and can not exceed $7,500.
  
• Property eligible is any single-family residence that will be a principal residence.
  
• The credit is available for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before
  July 1, 2009.
  
• There are income limits. Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
  
• The tax credit works like an interest-free loan and must be repaid over a 15-year period. Each year 6.67% of the credit to be repaid – if you received the full credit that is only $500.25!. If sold before 15 years than remainder of credit is paid at time of sale.

If this sounds interesting to you why not give me a call so we can discuss it in more detail and I can get you in touch with one of my local lenders. I do not want you to think I am an expert in this area but I do have a network of mortgage lenders that are. You might also want to discuss this with your CPA. I am not allowed to practice law or give tax advice.

Today if you are an eligible veteran you have an opportunity as a home buyer that many non-veterans don’t have when it comes to cash out of pocket to purchase a home. Most of the zero down home loan programs are not available any longer. However if you are a veteran you have the option to use your VA benefit to purchase a home in the Bremerton, Silverdale, Naval Kitsap area of Kitsap County!

Here are some facts and links to the official government web
pages. If you would like to speak with a lender that can handle a VA Home Loan in the Naval Base Kitsap area give me a call – I know just the person to connect you with!

• VA Home Loan Guarantee program provides mortgage insurance with 100% financing.
  
• No monthly mortgage insurance required
  
• Up to 41% Debt to Income Ration
  
• Credit guidelines may be more flexible than other types of loans. No credit – there are ways!
  
• No minimum credit score requirements
  

If you want to do more research prior to making the call please click on the links below.

Department of Veterans Affairs – Home Loan Guaranty Services

Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Information Portal

Department of Veterans Affairs – Am I Eligible

The City of Bremerton’s Comprehensive Plan includes the adoption of several detailed Sub Area Plans for several areas inside the City of Bremerton’s boundaries. These sub plans contain very detailed land use and development standards for areas that have been identified as areas where future growth will occur.

If you live in, work in or enjoy the Manette neighborhood of Bremerton you really should become involved with the current vision of the area. You have an opportunity to be included in the planning of this very unique area of Bremerton.

Manette Sub Area Plan

If you missed the first public meeting don’t worry you can click on the link above to get our self up to speed on the process and see what was accomplished. Then on Wed., August 27^th, 6:00PM at the Bremerton Senior Center (1140 Nipsic Ave) plan on attending the next public meeting. Bring your thoughts and ideas!

The quote listed below is one I have used in my marketing materials for several years, so today when I ran across this news article on MSN from US News and World Report I just had to share.

It is true. Not all real estate professionals are equal. Just like in other professions there are those that have some qualities that make them stand out. With the slower market of today you want to make sure that the real estate professional you choose is the best fit for you. Read the article and let me know what you think.

I began my real estate career in 1994. I soon found out that I loved selling real estate and that I was really good at it! Lots of people sell real estate, but not everyone is good at it. I bring to my clients the commitment to work hard and have fun.

6 signs of a crummy real-estate agent