Puget Sound Real Estate

Building Walks & Patios with a Walk Maker Mold.

For the next few weeks I will be writing about some very easy spring time 1^st impression projects.  These projects you can easily do in a weekend to prepare your home for that "Curb Appeal Wow". 

Many buyers have started their search on the internet and have seen the pictures of your home prior to actually visiting in person.  What you want to do in your photos online is have some "teaser" pictures so there is an urge for a prospective buyer to get in their car and get to your home. 

The cost of this project is very minimal.

So find a spot that needs some "jazz" and let's get started. 

The following tools and materials can be found at your local Lowe's. 

• Quikrete Walk Maker mold. Country Stone patter available in stock
• 80 lbs bags of pre-mix concrete. I use the basic pre-mix but you may want to use the crack resistant mix. 
• Wheelbarrow - or some mixing type barrel
• Shovel
• Trowel

You can find the directions where you purchase the products.  I mix my concrete in a huge plastic tub. I usually do it with my hands while I am wearing gloves.  Once I get to the consistency I want I am ready to pour into the mold.  Once in the mold I compact it and trowel the top.  After the cement is compact and level I remove the mold. Once the mold is removed I smooth the edges for the look I want. I usually have enough cement left over to do ½ of the next mold.  If I had a cement mixer I would mix up 3 or so bags at a time so that I could do several molds quickly. For me just out "piddling" in my yard this works fine.

Here are the before pictures - well almost before! This is the area cleared out. This yard hand had yard work done for 20 years (from what neighbors said) so there was a lot of "prep" work.

HERE ARE THE AFTER PICTURES.

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

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NAVAL HOSPITAL BREMERTON

1 Boone Rd, Bremerton WA 98312

Naval Hospital Bremerton has an amazing website where you can access any contact information you desire. Along with links to articles about the hospital and the personnel that server there. Naval Hospital has a very to point Mission Statement and an even more so Vision statement. I love the vision statement!!!

Our Mission  |   Naval Hospital Bremerton will improve the health of the people we serve through patient-centered care, provide Graduate Medical Education for Family Physicians, and execute our Readiness Mission.

Our Vision  |  Your Preferred Choice

My husband was stationed at Naval Hospital Bremerton in the Staff Education and Training Department form March 2001 until March of 2003. Not being a spouse I never utilized the services at the hospital until we moved back to the area in 2006.  I have always been given timely appointments and have on the whole received very good care.  I have used the Emergency services once and it was less stressful than a civilian ER. 

Naval Hospital Bremerton

Pharmacy Information

TriCare Information

Clinics and Services

If you receive orders to Naval Hospital Bremerton you can find your "check in" information here - Welcome Aboard

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

"HOME IS WHERE THE NAVY SENDS YOU"

Military Relocations can be complicated but that doesn't' mean they should be scary or filled with uncertainty.  A successful PCS move is not a matter of chance.  It is the result of planning, hard work and a network of personnel both at your current location and your new location. 

The members of ActiveRain want to help you make your next Military Relocation PCS a successfulone so we have come together linked by the ActiveRain Network with the new Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory. 

The Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory, designed and compiled by Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR with RE/MAX VISION brings together that connection link in the "out-bound/in-bound" process. 

We can use this directory to connect to the expert at the base you are being assigned to and you can have that "team approach" to your PCS.  The ActiveRain Network team approach!

How exciting to have at your fingertips - the expert Real Estate Professionals located at your new Duty Station. 

Navy PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory

Army PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory

Air Force PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory

Marine Corps PCS Relocation - Real Estate Directory (to be published soon)

If you are moving to the Naval Base Kitsap area and are looking to purchase a home rather than live in base housing I am the person you can contact for valuable relocation information.  Sign up here to receive your FREE Military PCS Relocation Packet.   It is never too early to start the planning process.  I am a Military PCS Relocation Specialists so make me one of your first contacts.  You will want this Free Military PCS Relocation packet early for a smooth move. 

Being the proud spouse of a US Navy Sailor (HM1 (FMF/SW/AW) you can believe that I know the demands of a Military Permanent Change of Duty Station(PCS).  I am familiar with what needs to be done to schedule a cross country move or one that is only a few blocks down the street.   I have moved cross country several times in the last few years, so I know the importance of the internet for those that need to relocate on a tight schedule.

I am proud to serve the Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Hospital Bremerton area.  Please click the links for a list of all my blog articles about military relocation to the area we call Naval Base Kitsap.

 Naval Base Kitsap | Military PCS Relocation

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

The Mayor of Bremerton, Carry Bozeman has published his 2008 Priorities for Bremerton. 

Over 30 years ago a long-time City Official Fred Schoneman had a vision of a Boardwalk that was grand.  This is my favorite Bremerton Revitalization Project!  I love what is going on downtown and have written on the projects extensively, but this is the one project I want to write on. This is the project I want to see start! This project really gets us "on that water".

Bremerton Boardwalk, Park & Sewer Project

The Boardwalk

• 3,200 of Boardwalk over the water
• Connect Harborside to Evergreen Park
• Sewer access

The Park

• Expansion of Evergreen park

The Sewer

• Combined Sewer Overflows reduction
• Protect the Sound

Comments are Welcome

If you click on the above link you will be directed to the City of Bremerton's Boardwalk, Park and Sewer Project public comment form. Take a few minutes to fill it out and submit so that the city knows your views.

Here are some other articles of interest about the Bremerton Downtown area and the revitalization that is taking place. Stop back ofter for more.

Bremerton | Metropolitan Center of the West Puget Sound

Bremerton Marina | Have your Slip?

Resourceful, Strong, Courageous. | The Lone Sailor | Bremerton Marina

City of Bremerton ~ City Cam ~ What a sight (as in construction site)

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | HARBORSIDE FOUNTAIN PARK

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | BREMERTON BOARDWALK

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | USS TURNER JOY

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

Look at your new BAH rate for 2008 with Dependants the rate is $1207.00 per month tax fee! Is that enough to purchase a home in the Naval Base Kitsap area in Kitsap County? I say yes it is.  Right now rates are low! If you can use your VA eligibility you can still qualify for a Zero Down home loan.  Today the VA rates were at 5.5%. Please follow this link for questions on the VA Loan Program. 

Today, in Bremerton there are 41 homes in the price range of $180,000 to $200,000 and that includes two brand-new, never been lived in homes!!

Homeownership has some great advantages

• Build Equity
• Income Tax Incentives
• Stability and Security
• Ability to "do what you want"

CHECK OUT SOME OF MY OTHER ARTICLES ON MILITARY HOMEOWNERSHIP

Turn your BAH into Home Ownership - Stop Renting.

Saving for a Down Payment - hmm - Deployment Pay!!

New 2008 BAH Rates Released | Bremerton WA Real Estate

Is this Legal? Receiving Tax Breaks with Tax Free Money?

Naval Base Kitsap | BAH - Tax Breaks - HomeOwnership

Currently in Bremerton there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. See for yourself here.  Search Bremerton 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

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

Woo Hoo!! In less than 10 days my husband will be home on leave!!! I am counting counting, counting!!! I haven't seen him since Thanksgiving weekend.  Oh, yeah right this is a review on a great restaurant chain here in Washington State.    

Anthony's Restaurants are a special place for my husband and me.  The first birthday dinner I surprised him with was at an Anthony's.  We drove down to Anthony's Homeport in Olympia for an amazing evening. So when he is home we have planned dinner out a couple of nights and they will be at Anthony's!  All Anthony's Restaurants are on the water and there are several, in fact there are 24 waterfront restaurants in 19 locations through out the Pacific Northwest. (18 in WA and 1 on OR)

When we moved back to Bremerton in 2006 Anthony's was to be one of our first nights out.  We were so excited.  I went to Anthony's Restaurants website to make sure we knew where we were going and found a NEW LOCATION!! BREMERTON!! On the water!!!! The new Anthony's at Bremerton is about 5 minutes from our house!!

You will never be disappointed when you dine at any of these fine restaurants because the quality and service are very consistent.  The reason the seafood is so good is because they own their own seafood company!! Their seafood company exists just for their restaurants!! How cool is that!?

We have eaten at 4 of the dinner houses and at one of the casual dining bars. Guess we should start a "collection" and do a dining tour. Use a menu and have employees at each restaurant sign it. How fun would that be!!  The Anthony's Washington Tour 2008!!

Check out all the Menus!

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

I am sure as a military member you have heard this phrase about a million times in the last several years.  Interest rates have been so low for so long that home ownership has been easier than ever before for anyone and this especially includes the military population, who until recently didn't feel like they could or should purchase properties.  Never before has the military population owned a higher percentage of homes.

The days of base living has changed drastically. With most installations switching over to PPV the climate has changed.  The thought of waiting until retirement to purchase a home has become a scary thought with the way housing prices in most areas have skyrocketed.

Now could be the perfect time in the Naval Base Kitsap area to purchase a home since the market has really changed to a buyer's market you can capitalize on the lower interest rates along with some lower prices and motivated sellers. 

Just think buying a home with your BAH money is a real tax advantage. Read more about how you can receive tax breaks with this tax free money. 

Is this Legal? Receiving Tax Breaks with Tax Free Money?

So as a military member do you purchase a home?

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

•·        Do I have upfront money to buy a home?

•·        Can I get financing? (Don't forget you are most likely eligible for a VA loan)

•·        Is my tour of duty going to be longer than 2 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 recourses?

•·        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?                                        

So after you have considered all the possibilities, searched the internet for information and asked around your shop. Are you ready to buy? 

Take a look at: New 2008 BAH Rates Released | Bremerton WA Real Estate  and see the possibilities.

Currently in Bremerton there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. Today in Bremerton there are 80 homes between the price ranges of $150,000 - $200,000.  See for yourself here.  Search Bremerton Now .  Or send me an email and I will email you that very list. Or just fill out my Contact Form. 

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

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

When you are a military spouse you count things, lots of things.You count how many days until he leaves, you count how many days until he comes home, you count how many days until the next PCS, you count how many days until he leaves again.  You have to count most of these days in private. You have to be careful about Operational Security or OPSEC.

I think it was in 2003 when some soldier or Marine who was stationed in Iraq decided to compose what was and is to this day called "The Donut of Misery".This donut has been emailed and passed along to military families all over the world. My first donut was given to me in 2004 when my husband was in Iraq for the first time.  I was so excited to tell him about it. When he finally called it was the first thing I said and you know what? He had one too.

There are donuts all over the computer of Iraq and Afghanistan. It isn't just a "spouse" thing. The one I am posting isn't a OPSEC violation - it is the length of my husbands tour at his current duty station in Anchorage, Alaska. The colors of these donuts are diverse, this is my version of bold and bright, I am sure when I first received it there was no hot pink or electric lime green. You make your donut yours and someone else makes it theirs.

So if you know someone that needs a donut just email me with their email address or yours and I will send it off. You need to have Microsoft Excel to set it up. This is just one of the "quirky" things those of us do to pass the time our loved ones are away.

The Donut comes with some crazy sayings when you hit mile stones.  Some people have changed them to fit their personality but mine still has the originals.

Still a long way to go... 

So...how many steps does it take to get to the latrines?

Are we there yet?

Congratulations you're over the hump!

You are single digit veritcaly challenged

Hello Mayor!

Leaving on a Jet Plane!

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

 - Expired Dump?

I was doing some market research today and decided to really look and look hard at expired listings in my market area. I know the blah; blah; blah...if it isn't priced right it won't sell. I started to look at homes and really thought the price was right or in a range that with a little negotiation there would or should have been a buyer. So why didn't some of these homes sale. I will tell you - BECAUSE THEIR AGENTS WERE LAZY!!! Now, that might sound strong and maybe not sound professional but it is the truth!! 

In my market area the NWMLS allows us to upload 15 photos. You can also write a short description that for each photo. I did research on 42 homes in the West Bremerton area and there were only 5 listings with a total of 15 photos. Of those listings with 15 photos only 3 had descriptions entered. THAT JUST AIN'T RIGHT! The average for the 42 homes was 7 pictures.

Isn't the NWMLS your FIRST IMPRESSION!  Unless a person sees the home while driving by, then yes it is.  The listing in the multiple usually is the first time most agents and most buyers see what your home looks like when you put it on the market. Wouldn't it be best to have as many pictures as allowed with descriptions?

So Mr. / Ms Seller, did you see what your home looked like online?  Did you like what you saw? If you didn't did you have a conversation with your agent? What did they say?

The real estate market in the Bremerton area is off to a great 2008, so if you want to SELL your house this year and not just LIST it - Call me! I use all 15 pictures and they will be good pictures because I will not allow you to have your home on the market in sub par condition. I will make your home's FIRST IMPRESSION one the real estate community and the buyers in the area will remember.

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

I do a ton of research daily watching the trends in the Bremerton Real Estate market.  Sometimes it is hard to decided what is good news and what is bad news - and well you know like the saying goes - No news is good news.  Seriously, all of the numbers really only point to one thing.  If you price your home properly for the market it will sell.  I purchased a home in 2006. The property was probably priced below what the market would allow so there were several offers in the first 48 hours it was on the market.  I had lost out on 2 other homes in "bidding" wars.  Yes, even with all of my knowledge, I lost out. Sometimes you just have to know when to stop and luckily I did.  This 3rd home was really the home we wanted and as the saying goes " if it is meant to be it will happen" it did.  I am a true believer in this saying!  Yes, I did have to pay $2500.00 over the asking price but knowing the house was under-priced to begin with I wasn't concerned.  So after the fast pace of 2006 I was really interested to see how 2007 stacked up. 

Days on market didn't climb much.  Percent between list price and sell price was pretty even.  Average list price and Average sales price weren't out of wack. So why were there only 995 homes sold in 2007 vs 1338 sold in 2006? Why were there only 532 homes taken off the market for some reason or another in 2006 compared to the huge amount of 867 in 2007?  Yes, 2007 was a little slower.  I really believe that the market here in Bremerton is on a very positive track.  Prices will be adjusted to match the local wage and economy. Prices sometimes just get out of hand and there needs to be a correction. I think this is one of those times. We are lucky in this area because the correction is just a couple thousand vs several thousand in other market areas.  I have the feeling that you will see a strong and stable market in 2008.

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.

If you would like to purchase a home in the Bremerton WA Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

Jo Soss
Real Estate Sales Professional since 1994
Skyline Properties, Inc.
cell: (360) 990-1433 fax: (206) 350-3128
E-mail: jo614@comcast.net
Web site: PugetSoundRealEstateToday
Visit my Blog: BloggingBremerton

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

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

Over the last several months I have written many articles about the City of Bremerton's revitalization plans and progress.  I chose to live in Bremerton based on its Comprehensive Plan.  I enjoy living in an area that values the quality of a Downtown Core Area. 

So please take a look at the Mayor's 2007 Harborside District Report and read how much progress has been made on the waterfront now called the Harborside District. 

This is the reason that Bremerton has been given the name "Metropolitan Center of the West Puget Sound". The best part is there are still some amazing projects to come.

Bremerton Boardwalk, Park & Sewer Project

Downtown Regional Center Sub Area

East Park Project

West Park Project

Check Out My Most Recent Blogs about Bremerton Revitalization.

Bremerton | Metropolitan Center of the West Puget Sound

Bremerton Marina | Have your Slip?

Resourceful, Strong, Courageous. | The Lone Sailor | Bremerton Marina

City of Bremerton ~ City Cam ~ What a sight (as in construction site)

Uptown Mike's

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | HARBORSIDE FOUNTAIN PARK

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | BREMERTON BOARDWALK

Military Relocation | Out & About | Bremerton WA Area Attractions | USS TURNER JOY

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

RTTUZYUW RUCCBWFO805 1580027-UUUU-RHMCSUU.
ZNR UUUUU
R 061321Z JUN 06 ZYB
FM COMNAVPERSCOM ENLISTED ORDERS MILLINGTON TN//PERS404/PERS466//
TO CSSD TWELVE
PERSUPP DET EVERETT WA//JJJ//
FIRST MARDIV HQ DET
PERSUPP DET BANGOR WA//JJJ//
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UNCLAS //N21426//
MSGID/GENADMIN/COMNAVPERSCOM//
SUBJ/BUPERS ORDER//

Look familiar? If so you are on your way to a Military PCS Relocation. 

Baby, We Have Orders!

Welcome to Kitsap County on the Beautiful Kitsap Peninsulabetween the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges in Washington State.  The Kitsap Peninsula area belongs to Navy Region Northwest with Naval Base Kitsapwhich includes Bremerton, Bangor and Keyport.  Naval Hospital Bremerton of Navy Region Northwest is also located in the region. 

If this is the first time you have been stationed in the Puget Soundarea, 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.  I always say I can be to the beach or the mountains in under an hour!

Now the fun begins.  Once you have hard copy orders in hand all the questions about housing, schools and your new area might lead to some stress and even sleepless nights. 

Military Relocations can be complicated but that doesn't' mean they should be scary or filled with uncertainty.  A successful PCS move is not a matter of chance.  It is the result of planning, hard work and a network of personnel both at your current location and your new location. 

If you are moving to the area and are looking to purchase a home rather than live in base housing I am the person you can contact for valuable relocation information and to receive your FREE Military PCS Relocation Packet.   It is never too early to start the planning process.  I am a Military PCS Relocation Specialists so make me one of your first contacts.  You will want this Free Military PCS Relocation packet early for a smooth move. 

I am the proud spouse of a US Navy Sailor (HM1 (FMF/SW/AW).  You can believe that I know the demands of a Military Permanent Change of Duty Station(PCS).  I am familiar with what needs to be done to schedule a cross country move or one that is only a few blocks down the street.   I have moved cross country several times in the last few years, so I know the importance of the internet for those that need to relocate on a tight schedule.

I am proud to serve the Naval Base Kitsap and Naval Hospital Bremerton area.  Please click the links for a list of all my blog articles about military relocation to the area we call Naval Base Kitsap.

Here are some links you might want to bookmark

Go Northwest - A travel Guide

Navy Life Pacific Northwest

City of Bremerton

Silverdale, WA

Kitsap Peninsula Visitor and Convention Bureau

Bremerton School District

Central Kitsap School District

North Kitsap School District

Military Home Front

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.

Click here for my ONLINE RELOCATION PACKAGE, but make sure to click here to register for the mailed out RELOCATION PACKAGE,  which includes the Washington State Visitor's Guide (143 pages of information including maps), the 2007-2008 Seattle Visitor's Guide (113 pages), several other brochures and maps of the area. This RELOCATION PACKAGE is jam packed with over 2lbs of outstanding material! Free to you just for the asking!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

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OH THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS FRIGHTFUL!!

Where the heck do I live?!! I had no idea that living here in Bremerton would be so filled with snow days!! This is the 3^rd YES, the 3^rd snow fall of the winter season!!! I live on a very steep hill so when it snows I am out with my boots and mittens on shoveling away! I shovel my whole street. Yes, I am that crazy lady who plows by hand.

Hey, today I was out shoveling and I was up at the intersection and along come one of the city's snow plows, not the large ones but the ones on the big pick-up trucks. The guy in the truck looks at me and off he goes. I think I might have said a word right there!  It would have taken him about 25 seconds to go down my street and turn around and go back up. I know there are only 5 houses on the dead-end part of the road, but dang it we pay taxes too. We pay a larger tax per house than any of the houses down the street that get the plow!! 

I was then on a mission - the mission to completely rid the street of snow from the end of my property all the way up to the intersection. I did - and I do have to say my plowing is a lot prettier than the city's!!

Sure was a great cardio work-out too!! I sent pictures to my husband in Anchorage, Alaska and he said they only have a foot of snow - so on the whole "sliding snow scale" I call Bremerton the winner!!!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful, 
But the fire is so delightful,
and since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of Pausing,
and I've bought some corn for popping,
the lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
But as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Sammy Cahn and the composer Jule Styne in 1945

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

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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 take 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 2008 BAH Rates Released | Bremerton WA Real Estate  and see the possibilities.

Currently in Bremerton there are many homes that are still in a very affordable price range. See for yourself here.  Search Bremerton 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

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

I lost  my crystal ball!! No, really I did!!! I have been looking for it all over! I look several times a day. In fact I look for it every time my phone rings.    

A client will call with those "real estate questions", you know the ones. "When will it be a Seller's market again?", "Are interest rates going to go down?", "If I buy now can I still sell without having to  wait years and years and still make a profit?"  Every time I hear these questions I politely ask If I can put them on hold explaining that I need to go get my crystal ball.  I run around my office, looking everywhere and then once again I realize, oh that's right - I Don't HAVE A CRYSTAL BALL!!!  I pick the phone back up and start talking Sense Real Estate 101!

Some days I can be a little sassy with my answers.  Here is the deal.  If you want to sell your house let's just go over the numbers, let's look at where you should price your home and see if that will enable you to make all your dreams come true.  You might have to change and/or rearrange a couple of your dreams but yes I do think you can sell your house, and sell it for a profit and a nice size one with the right price and marketing plan. Is it a Seller's market? - no I don't think so, but that doesn't mean you as a Seller can't sell your house and follow your dreams!

Interest Rates - oh there is a phrase I stay way away from at dinner parties, baseball games and especially Sunday family dinners!!! Everyone knows all there is to know about interest rates. How do they know this? What makes them the expert? I will tell you - THEY HAVE THE LOWEST RATE OF ANYONE! Yep, they are now the expert because they were so smart to make a lock in at 5.65%.  Some days when I am in a mood and the talk of rates comes up at a dinner party I demand to see the note!!! Show me your NOTE!!!  Here is the deal -

1. You found a house you love
2. You qualify for a loan
3. You can afford the payment
4. Is the rate the lowest of everyone you know - NO - and guess what? YOU SHOULDN'T CARE!!!

PROFIT | PROFIT | PROFIT - In the area I like to call the PacNorWest of the country we have had a long good run at the profit game. We have played extra-innings when it comes to home price escalation, home appreciation, home value acceleration - what ever you want to call it. We have used it to finance boats, motor homes, college educations - you name it and we bought it while we enjoyed the ever escalating PacNorWest real estate market.  But guess what?  We will not be able to continually make a profit like we have over the last several years. We have to be reasonable right now. Can we sell our homes for a profit - sure we can! Will we be able to upgrade in to a larger home? Yes we can - but we won't be able to buy the next new toy at the same time. Only one boat per house please!!!

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

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Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

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As I am sure we all suspected when Puget Sound Energy released its "merge" information - Puget Energy Signs Merger Agreement with Consortium of North American Infrastructure Investors it wouldn't be too long before we would see a request for a rate increase.  We were all right! Puget Sound Energy in a press release December 3rd has started the process for an increase.  Infrastructure investments, higher costs prompt Puget Sound Energy to request general rate increase for late 2008.

This could result in an average increase of approximately 9.5% for electric and 5.3 for gas.  With this kind of information you better start thinking about adding some more energy saving plans to your up and coming home projects. 

Let's start by discussing five easy ways to reduce your home heating bill NOW!  Why wait for higher rates! Let's get some relieve this year.  It has been cold around here lately!! The average low temp for the Bremerton area for the month of December was a chilly 35 degrees!! With the average high only being 45 degrees.

My average heating bill in the winter last year was around $300.  I cringe when I open my PSE account!!  I live in a home that has plaster walls and all hardwood floors with lots of windows.  Even though I have a brand new furnace nice newer windows and lots of insulation I was losing heat from my full ½ daylight basement. The basement hasn't been touched since 1941 when it comes to windows and insulation. This last summer my husband and I installed insulation in the ceiling/floor joists. When I received the first bill for November it was $150 less than the year before!!  I am sure it is because of our hard work - and let me tell you it was hard!!

So here are my five easy ways to start saving now.

1. Install door sweeps to all doors leading to an unheated area. You might not think that the door from the kitchen to the basement down stairs needs one - but it does!  If you can't afford to purchase products us a towel or an area rug up against the door.
2. Install weather stripping to all your doors. Inspect all your doors and see it there are any "leaks".  There are several products on the market that can really help and are very easy to install.  I like a real small round foam product you can purchase at Lowe's.
3. Rope caulk is a product I have used as a temporary fix until I can caulk in the spring around any windows or sliding patio doors. It feels like clay and looks like a rope.  It is usually gray and reminds me of "peeling licorice"! It does not harden so is very easy to remove or can be "stuffed" in and caulked over. I love this product and yes you can buy it at Lowe's. However, the staff there might look at you funny when you ask for it. I did find one employee that knew what I was talking about but couldn't find it. I went to the weather-strip section and just looked and looked. It is down by the floor to your left looking at the shelves.
4. If you have single paned windows you must insulated them if you can't afford to replace them.  You can use plastic and of course there are several commercial products.  If you have a couple of rooms that aren't used you might just try hanging a blanket over the window. You can take your staple gun and staple the blanket to the side of the molding without doing much damage.  Just don't press the gun so the staples become flush, let them stick out.  You can purchase a cheap blanket at a discount store for under $6 and then in the summer donate it to a local charity because you are going to try and have new windows for next winter.
5. Create a warm room.  You need to turn your thermostat down to save the most on your monthly bill.  You might be doing that when you aren't home or when you retire for the night, but you can also do it during home hours.  If you have central heat then you will need to set yours to around 62. That is all mine is set for.  What I do is move a portable heater to the areas of the house I will be using. There is no need to heat space we don't need to. If you have baseboard heaters you can regulate your energy easier.  I also make sure the drapes on my large windows are drawn on really cold days. Drapes are a good insulator.

Just remember Spring is on its way!!!

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.

 

Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---

If you would like to purchase a home in the Bremerton WA Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

Jo Soss
Real Estate Sales Professional since 1994
Skyline Properties, Inc.
cell: (360) 990-1433 fax: (206) 350-3128
E-mail: jo614@comcast.net
Web site: PugetSoundRealEstateToday
Visit my Blog: BloggingBremerton

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

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Author:Jo Soss

Jo Soss is the designated Broker and the owner of Homefront Realty in Bremerton Washington. Selling real estate in the greater Puget Sound area since 1994 she has vast knowledge in all aspects of a real estate transaction. Using today's technology with her signature personal service allows her to achieve complete customer satisfaction.

View all posts by Jo Soss →

Subscribe

Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Homefront Realty

Washington State Required Disclosures

"Equal Housing Opportunity"

---