WestSound Live! » Naval Base Kitsap PCS

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

Jo Soss — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:09:33 +0000

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 | 2009 BAH Rates – Only 10 more Days

Jo Soss — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:51:56 +0000

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!

Photo Credit:

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

Military PCS to Naval Base Kitsap – Pet Friendly

Jo Soss — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:58:36 +0000

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

View Larger Map

Welcome to Naval Base Kitsap

Jo Soss — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:40:25 +0000

Welcome to NAVAL BASE KITSAP on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsula between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State. NAVAL BASE KITSAP belongs to Navy Region Northwest and consists of Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport. Naval Hospital Bremerton of Navy Region Northwest is also located in the region as is PSNS (IMF).

If this is the first time you have been stationed in the Puget Sound area, you are in for a treat. 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.

Below you will find the specific NAVAL BASE KITSAP amenities information and resources. It is always fun to be that “tourist” at your new duty station. Take the time to really educate yourself on all of the perks NAVAL BASE KITSAP has to offer. This will be one of the duty stations you will remember for the rest of your life. It may also be where you decide to retire because you fell in love with it. This is the reason you really need to read this article about KITSAP COUNTY HOMEOWNERSHIP

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Martin S. Fuentes. (RELEASED)

ENTERTAINMENT NAVAL BASE KITSAP STYLE

NBK offers a variety of programs and facilities to entertain almost anyone. You can enjoy bowling, movies, lounges, game spaces and several special events.

Bremerton Recreation Center Movie Lounge

Movies every Friday & Saturday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Movies at the Bremerton Recreation Center Movie Lounge are FREE – can’t beat a free movie. If you are AD, Reservists, DoD Civilian, Base Contractor, Retiree, family member or a guest you are authorized to attend.

Bangor Cinema Theater

Doors open 30 minutes prior to movie start time. Seating is limited and the theater is very popular so make sure to plan ahead.

Wednesday is $Dollar Days – yep just a $1

Thursday and Fridays are Double Feature Day – see two movies for just $3.00. The second feature is free if you have purchased a ticket for the first feature

Saturdays you have two choices – a Matinee that is free or the Double Feature Deal later in the evening at $3.00.Sundays are Double Feature Day $3.00

Olympic Lanes Bowling & Entertainment Center Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor (Bldg 2701, Ohio St)
Bowling, video games – Taco Bell and Pizza Hut location. Saturday nights check out EXTREME Fireball Bowling.

RECREATION | PAC-NOR-WEST STYLE | VACATION ON THE NAVY!

When it comes to recreation in the Pacific Northwest you will find you have endless opportunities to explore and relax. The area is one huge fun vacation spot. From hiking/climbing to several types of boating/sailing to camping and ocean combing you won’t believe the beauty and the amount of time you will spend outdoors. Naval Base Kitsap’s programs are unbelievable when it comes to your “R&R”. You can plan a mini vacation to Pacific Beach Resort & Conference Center , or contact Pacific Edge Outfitters to plan, rent or help you design the perfect Northwest adventure. Located NBK – Bangor at Bldg 2951 you are able to rent powerboats, canoes, kayaks, mountain bikes, camping and backpacking gear. There is also RV storage available.

With the Navy’s Outdoor Programs you are in for an active lifestyle here at Naval Base Kitsap! The region has vast wilderness recreation opportunities that you will treasure and brag about to others for years to come. Don’t forget to bring your scuba gear, or be prepared to whitewater raft on one of the local rivers. If you like to climb there are endless opportunities in the high Cascades. I love the beach! You are in “clam digging country” and if you would like to learn how to “catch crab”, yes you can during the “crabbing season”. Military members who are fortunate enough to snag a tour to the Puget Sound area have the opportunity to see and experience the wilderness right out their back-door. I always say “an hour to the mountain or an hour to the beach”. So make sure to check out the Outdoor Program for their day trip tours or inquire about one of their many extended expeditions. Here is just a short list of planned activities.

Rafting
Scuba
Skiing & Snowboarding
Snowshoeing
Cross-country Skiing
Rock Climbing
Fishing

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | FITNESS & SPORTS

Navy Sports & Fitness facilities offer a wide variety of programs and equipment. The gym facilities offer some of the top names in equipment, such as Universal, Nautilus, Cybex and others.

You will have a selection of three fitness facilities. NBK – Bangor, NBK – Bremerton and NBK – Keyport. Each offer personal training, conditioning, classes such as aerobics, workshops and other gym related activities. Check out each section for a more in-depth view so you can decide where you want to stay fit.

Bremerton Concourse West Center (pool & gym) located in bldg 502 touts itself as the Family Friendly Fitness Center. The center was designed so that parents could work out while being close enough to supervise their children. There is an infant play area and a toddler play area. You can get your cardio in while your kiddos make new friends.

Whatever your fitness level there is an activity at NBK. You can take a swim, spend some time on a treadmill or work on your legs using an elliptical. The variety of activity is endless.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP TAKES CARE OF FAMILIES | FLEET & FAMILY SUPPORT

During the last few years it has never been more important for our families to be “mission ready”. Personal and family readiness is a high priority for today’s Navy. Naval Base Kitsap Fleet & Family Support Programs are located on NBK – Bangor. Make sure to bookmark the FFSP page here so that you have the information at your fingertips.

Available to you are programs for family and marriage counseling, resume assistance, financial counseling along with relocation assistance. You will also find information on deployment and mobilization support.
Command Support
Counseling
Deployment and Mobilization Support
Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP)
Life Skills Education
New Parent Support (NPS)
Personal Financial Management (PFM)
Relocation Assistance Program (RAP)
Transition Assistance Program (TAP

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Leah Stiles (RELEASED)

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | GOOD EATS

Restaurants & Lounges

Insideout Cafe & Lounge – Huge menu choice for the entire family. Located at Bangor Plaza.
Samuel Adams Brewhouse & Restaurant – Micro and handcrafted beers, a diverse menu from burgers to steaks to seafood. Open for lunch and dinner. Bldg 434 NBK-Bremerton
Cafe.com – Coffee, pastry or a sandwich for lunch. NBK – Bremerton Sinclair’s Liberty Center

Located on NBK – Bangor you will also find a Subway, McDonald’s and Starbucks.

Located on NBK – Bremerton you will find a Subway.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP | NAVY EXCHANGE AND COMMISSARY SCOOP

You know the mission of the Navy Exchange System (NEX) is to provide us with quality services and goods at a savings while supporting quality life programs. You know that seventy percent of the profits are given back to the commands in the form of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs.

I have been in NEXs, BXs and MCXs all over the country. Some you like and some you don’t. Here you can choose between two Exchanges. There is a small Exchange located on Bremerton and a larger Exchange located on Bangor. I usually browse the Bremerton NEX, but if I want to find more variety I drive out to Bangor. Bangor has cosmetic counters, larger apparel section and because it is larger more of most everything. Both stores are clean and friendly. I always enjoy paying NO SALES TAX!

I am a Commissary shopper! I can’t imagine not shopping at the Commissary. Sure there are some things I might get out in town like fresh fruit or vegetables if they are not available at the Commissary but most of the time the selection is fine.

DeCA reports that shoppers can save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to price of the local economies. This savings is worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four.

I shop at NBK – Bremerton for daily needs since that is the location that is closest for me. If I am doing “big” shopping I head out to NBK – Bangor. I usually do all of my “holiday shopping” at NBK – Bangor. The difference is in the size and sometimes in the selection. NBK – Bremerton sometimes has real trouble with inventory control and the shelves can be bare around paydays and stay that way for a few days. I try to never shop on paydays but you know how it is.

I have shopped at several different Commissaries all over the country. I loved the Commissary in Groton, CT, the Commissary at Camp Pendleton is very nice and I really miss the Commissary at MCAGCC Twenty-nine Palms, CA. There wasn’t much at that duty station but the brand new Commissary was fantastic! I really like the deli and fresh seafood section at the NBK – Bangor Commissary. Here is a “tid-bit” – You can shop 7-days a week here in the Naval Base Kitsap area because Bremerton is closed on Tuesdays and not Mondays. Bangor is closed on Mondays. So just like the other Naval Base areas we have access 7-days per week in a “round about” way. If you are use to the facilities in San Diego just remember you aren’t in California anymore :).

U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class William R. Goodwin. (RELEASED)

INSTALLATION OVERVIEW

Naval Base Kitsap is located in Kitsap County of West Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Naval Base Kitsap is composed of Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor and Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton. Naval Base Kitsap is part of the Navy Region Northwest. Bangor is the submarine community and Bremerton is the Ship community. Bremerton is also connected to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (IMF). Bremerton is located in the city of Bremerton and Bangor is located closely to the town of Silverdale.

Centrally located to both bases is Naval Hospital Bremerton which also falls under the Navy Region Northwest. NHB sailors and families use the facilities on Bremerton and Bangor. Naval Hospital Bremerton is a fully accredited acute care and obstetrical hospital. My husband was stationed at Naval Hospital Bremerton when I met him.

Kitsap Peninsula is located just across Puget Sound from Seattle. You can travel to Seattle via ferry or drive around by going over the newly designed Tacoma Narrow Bridge. Depending on the time of day and the traffic volume the trip to Seattle usually takes 1 ½ hours.

You are now in “God’s County”. The 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.

BANGOR

Active Duty Military 5,700
Civilian Employees 2,700
Contractors 1,000
Family Members 7,900
Retirees 3,200

BREMERTON

Active Duty Military 7,125
Family Members 10,800
Area Military Retirees 14,500
Civilian Employees 10,371

Naval Base Kitsap has a new website location so make sure you bookmarks this URL in your favorites for further information. This link will open in a new window for your convenience.

Naval Base Kitsap Part of CNR Northwest – Supporting Command to the Warfighter

Located on Bremerotn you will find fitness facilities, a commissary and a NEX. You will find the same facilities located on Bangor. The facilities on Bangor are larger as is the housing area. What I find nice is there is always a commissary open. The Bremerton Commissary is closed on Tuesdays, while the Bangor Commissary is closed on Mondays. Of course I really think that all commissaries should be open 7 days a week. What is this 1952!!

In week two of this on-line relocation package series I will write an article more in-depth about the base amenities.

Until next time….Have a Fine Navy Day!

Photo credit for front page banner :

050901-N-3729H 192
Bremerton, Wash. (Sept. 1, 2005) ? The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) prepares to moor at pier bravo on board Naval Base Kitsap, Wash. Stennis is returning to Naval Base Kitsap after a scheduled eight months of shipyard dry dock availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jon Hyde (RELEASED)