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

Here is the Real Estate Market Activity for January – June 2008. Check back each month to see the monthly 2008 trend for Bremerton WA.

There are currently 691 homes for sale with 5 of those homes listed as a contingent sale and 43 of those listed as Pending Inspection (new NWMLS term STI was replaced) which means there is a contract that has been presented and excepted by the seller with the condition of the home inspection. Once the home inspection has taken place these 44 homes will either go back on the market or be listed as pending and will not show in the active section of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. (NWMLS)

During the Month of June 182 homes were new to the Bremerton area Real Estate Market with a average price of $291,686.

During the Month of June 61(29 more than May!) homes went under contract and were removed from the active Bremerton homes data base. The median price for Bremerton area homes was $235,000 with a market time of 73 days (median).

During the Month of June 55 homes sold – which means that ownership changed hands and there are new owners listed on the tax records recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse. These Bremerton area homes were on the market 68 days (median) and sold for a median price of $229,950.

The Absorption rate in the Bremerton area is 54.45 weeks or approximately 12.70 months of inventory if the current conditions remain unchanged. That figure sure looks bad. However, if you look at the pendings for June which will close in July – July’s figure should really improve the months of inventory.

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 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.

If you would like to find out the value of your home please feel free to contact me via phone or email. I would be more than happy to supply you with a FREE Market Analysis .

“Statistics not compiled or published by NWMLS.”
Equal Opportunity Housing
All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed

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)

Do you remember where you were on Saturday, June 14th? I do! I was at The 4th Street Market in downtown Bremerton. There are two Saturdays left this season so be sure to mark these dates on your calendar:

2008 Schedule: June 14th, July 12th, August 9th

This open-air market is featured as Bremerton’s first urban Art & Antique Market and is located on 4th Street in downtown Bremerton. The hours are 9am to 4pm and of course there is no admission – way cool when things are FREE!! This sounds like fun for the whole family. Here is the video I promised in my 1st article.

Located near the public boat launch at Bremerton’s Evergreen Park is the Bremerton WWI Memorial. The memorial is in memory of the local men who fought and died in WWI. There are 20 Names engraved on plates attached to the stone structure. This time of year the memorial is so gorgeous because of the flowers that are in full bloom. Stop when you are at the park and pay your respect to those that died for our freedom.

Bremerton WA :: Farmer’s Market from Jo Soss on Vimeo.

It’s Market Time!!
Bremerton Farmers Market’s is in full swing! The activity has been great even though the weather has not been the best. Every Thursday, through October 9^th, at 4pm across from Evergreen Park in the Seaside Church’s parking lot you can find farmers, unique food sellers and high quality arts.

While I was at the market there was a constant stream of shoppers having fun talking with the local vendors and ordering some BBQ from CJ’s Evergreen General Store’s stand.

Farmer’s Markets can be such a great way to meet others in your community while sharing a passion for organic gardening, beaded jewelry making, compost tweaking and several other homemade type products.

I found this too be true when I had a nice visit with “Made in Manette”, Lisa of Lisa’s Leafs and with CJ owner of CJ’s Evergreen General Store. I also received the scoop on Luigi’s bakery and will have to pay a visit to their new location. They are new to the Bremerton area only being open for about 3 months.

The Bremerton Farmers Market is on the lookout for some musicians that would fit in with the Market’s atmosphere at the park. If you know of any have them call (360) 621-5934.

See you on Thursdays!!!

This last Thursday and today Saturday, June 14th, were great for getting out and about in the Bremerton area. We finally received some sun and even though the temperatures were only in the mid 60′s it was perfect!

I decided to visit some of my favorite places in Bremerton and shoot some video so you can see this gorgeous area. One of the reasons I chose to live in Bremerton was because of the water. I love being around water and if I can’t be on an ocean beach I will take any beach. This is why Evergreen Park is my favorite park in Bremerton. This must be a lot of “Bremertonites” favorite too!!

Evergreen Park is the city’s premier park with the highest use rates. The location is just amazing. I love just walking the trails and being able to just sit and watch people, birds and weather.

If you need a place for a family picnic this is the place. There are 5 shelters and 39 picnic tables. The park encompasses 10 acres and had 1900 feet of shoreline. And can you believe – A boat launch!

If you want to BBQ there are 4 located at Evergreen Park. If you want to have some games you could arrange to have a volleyball tourney with friends on the sand volleyball court. Or just shoot some hoops with your kiddos at the 2 ½ court basketball courts.

For the younger kids there is a huge play area with lots of climbing and imagination equipment. Plenty of parking (75 spaces) and if you need you can reserve a shelter by calling the Bremerton Park and Recreation department at (360) 473-5305.

Located at Bremerton’s Evergreen Park on the Port Washington Narrows is the Evergreen Park public boat launch. Here you can launch your vessel and park your vehicle and trailer in the reserved for vehicle with trailer parking spaces.

Evergreen Rotary Park :: 1400 Park Avenue
• 10 acres, • 1,900 feet of shoreline, • 1 group shelter, • 5 shelters, 39 picnic tables
• 4 BBQs, • 2 half-court basketball, • 1 boat launches, • 1 sand volleyball court, • 75 parking spaces

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The Puget Sound Military Guide has been out to the NEX, MCX, PX and well all the X’s over the last couple of weeks. I picked mine up at Naval Base Kitsap – Bremerton. Inside you will find a ton of information about all of the bases in the Puget Sound area which includes maps and local tourist type information.

Seattle Coast Guard, Fort Lewis, Madigan Army Medical Center, McChord AFB, Tacoma VA Hospital, Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton, NUWC Keyport, Naval Hospital Bremerton, Naval Station Everett, Smoky Point, Pacific Beach Resort, Whidbey Island, Jim Creek Recreation Area and Port Angeles Coast Guard Group Air Station all have sections.

This publication is loaded with all the highlights of our wonderful Washington State and has all the information you need to explore all over the state.

The publication is free to all military and their dependents. You can pick one up or if you are not in the area just give me a call and I will pick one up for you as long as you are a military member or dependent of one.

USS TURNER JOY (DD-951)

Whenever we transferred to a new location we turn into “tourists”. We call it our new “Navy” vacation. How many families get to live all over the country and “vacation” without leaving home?

The first year at a new duty station we spend most of our free time searching out the local area attractions. However, that isn’t the case with the USS Turner Joy; we visited the USS Turner Joy prior to leaving Bremerton the first time. In fact I think it was a “Saturday Date”.

I had never been around the Navy and so I was very excited to be going on a “ship”. I hope you have the time to head down to the Bremerton Boardwalk some day and visit this very unique historical Navy “museum”. Self tours are always the best in my opinion and that is how they have designed the tour of the USS Turner Joy.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

May 1^st to September 30^th
Open Daily 10:00-17:00
October 1^st to April 30^th
Open Friday thru Sunday
10:00 – 16:00

Call for the current admission prices.
360-792-2457

Admission
Adults: $8.00
Seniors 62+: $7.00
Children 5-12: $6.00
Under 5: Free
Active Military w/ID Free

(Verified 05/20/2008)

The USS Turner Joy is closed on Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

USS Turner Joy ==>>Visit the website ::click::

Directions:
The USS Turner Joy is located on the Bremerton Boardwalk – Downtown next to the ferry terminal.
From Tacoma: Follow Hwy 16 to SR-3. Proceed toward Bremerton. Follow SR-304 to the Seattle Ferry Terminal.
From Silverdale: From SR-3 take the SR-310 exit and follow SR-310 to the intersection with SR-304 and proceed to the Seattle Ferry Terminal.