Puget Sound Real Estate

HAHAHA!

I am kidding of course but did want to share with all of my relocation clients what is in store for them!

Again, hahaha!

This is more snow than I have seen since moving to the Puget Sound are in 1989.  I am just shocked at how much snow we received overnight!  I shoveled snow for 6 hours on Thursday, 2 hours on Friday, 4 hours on Saturday and 2 hours so far today. Yes, I am a crazy lady!

But I do live on a very steep hill in a home that was built in 1941 so there is no "drive-way" and my garage is under my home in back of my fully enclosed carport area.  Cars were smaller than and well, I have a tough time went there is sunshine getting in and out. So you can imagine how it is with snow!

 

Yesterday, I walked down to the NAPA auto parts store on Kitsap Way to purchase chains so that I can drive to Kent over on the other side of the water on Christmas Eve to pick up one of my boys for the Christmas Holiday.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - and remember this is an amazing place to live and most people will refer to it as "God's Country"!

See you all soon - spring is the time for most of you! I promise it will be sunshine and 70!

Yes, it has been an amazing few days here in Kitsap County! The weather has been EXTREME! to say the least!  I have shoveled snow for 14 hours over a 3 day period and I am getting ready to go out again. Oh the fun of living on a steep hill!

I also have to drive to Kent, Wa on December 24th to pick up my Christmas guest (my oldest son). There will just be the two of us for Christmas this year and I am NOT going to let snow stand in my way!  Any way I have been tracking the weather, reading all the news reports from KIRO, KING and of course Northwest Cable News. 

I have subscribed to the Washington DOT on Twitter ( @wdot) to receive any type of updates.  On my search for weather / road information I found this amazing site that has a ton of web cams listed for actual site of travel!

Weather Bonk is my new best friend!

WEATHER BONK - LIVE WEATHER, FORECASTS, WEBCAMS, AND MORE ON A GOOGLE MAP

 

 

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Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

ETA: Military.com has made an early release - follow the link to see the new rates.  I will be putting together a Naval Base Kitsap article soon.

2009 Basic Allowance for Housing Rates

 

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!

 

 

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• Naval Base Kitsap :: Use Your VA Guaranteed Home Loan for ZERO DOWN

 

 

Photo Credit:

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

 

Jo Soss-Olson · WestSoundLive · Copyright © 2008 · All Rights Reserved

 

Are you sitting on the fence? Have you read the many horror stories across the nation? Well, remember real estate is local and here in the Kitsap County area we are in an amazing buyer’s market. It just might be the perfect time for you to purchase a home if you are a First-Time Home Buyer.

 

Here is a nudge to get you into the housing market. On July 30^th President Bush signed into law House Bill 3221 (H.R. 3221: Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008) which included a special tax incentive for First-Time Home Buyers (Sec.3001). This bill provides a tax credit up to $7,500 for homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008, which the First-Time Home Buyer will repay over 15 years following the purchase. This is not a down-payment assistance program, but rather a ZERO INTEREST LOAN that has some amazing features.

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

 

Holiday Caroling Competition
When: December 13th Starts at 2:00 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Front Street.

Mark your calendar! Saturday, December 13th is the date for this years Holiday Caroling Competition in Poulsbo.

The competition will begin on Front Street in historic downtown Poulsbo.  You will be able to vote for your favorite group and after the event you are invied to the mass sing-a-long.

Join your Poulsbo neighbors for the great family fun event and help support your local food bank.

For more information: Carol 779-7219

 

 

 

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• Navy Band Northwest’s Wind Ensemble | Holiday Concert

 

 

Jo Soss-Olson · WestSoundLive · Copyright © 2008 · All Rights Reserved

Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

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


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

As always admission is FREE

 

 

 

December 11, 2008 - Thursday, 7:00 p.m.

Holiday Concert

Bremerton High School, Bremerton, WA

Navy Band Northwest's Wind Ensemble

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

Jo Soss-Olson · WestSoundLive · Copyright © 2008 · All Rights Reserved

 

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 this past week.

 

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.

 

 

 

This issue offers a Pacific Beach Contest you can enter to win a 2 night stay in a 3-bedroom oceanside cottage at Pacific Beach Resort & Conference Center!

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. (I can send it to you via USPS)

---

Authored By: Jo Soss : WestSoundLive.com

 

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

On November 30th there were 591 homes for sale with 6 of those homes listed as a contingent sale and 58 homes listed as Pending Inspection (new NWMLS term STI was replaced) which means there is a contract that has been presented and accepted by the seller with the condition of the home inspection or a feasibility study.

Once the home inspection has taken place these 58 homes will either go back on the market or be listed as pending. These homes are not available for public view and will not show in the active section of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. (NWMLS) - this will be changing in December.  You will be able to go to broker websites and see the status. Ie:

 

 

Public Display of Pending Listings

In response to the request from the membership, effective Monday, December 15^th, listings in the Pending, Pending Inspection, Pending Feasibility, and Pending BU Requested status will be available for public display on broker websites.    

 

During the Month of November  96 homes were new to the Bremerton area Real Estate Market.

During the Month of November 58 homes went under contract and were removed from the active Bremerton homes data base. The median price for Bremerton area homes was $199,725 with a market time of 111 days (median).

During the Month of November 44 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 94 days (median) and sold for a median price of $225,500.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

The Absorption rate in the Bremerton area is 58.22 weeks or approximately 13.43 months of inventory if the current conditions remain unchanged. These figures have increased.Wow! This figure sure jumped - with only 44 homes sold that is the reason.  Remember absorption rates track trends. Hope this trend reverses it's self!

Using absorption rates can help you define markets.  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
.

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.

 

Similar Posts

 

• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | January 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | February 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | March 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | April 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | May 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | June 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | July 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | August 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | September 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | October 2008
• Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | November 2008

 

 

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

 

 

Jo Soss-Olson · WestSoundLive · Copyright © 2008 · All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

What a fun idea! I remember making gingerbread houses for the holidays as a little girl.  I remember my sister's kids making them for everyone one Christmas season. I love the smell of gingerbread and of course I am one of those that loves gingerbread hmmmmmmmm.

Doing some "out and about" research for the Kitsap Couny area I ran across this amazing event, you better hurry because the these book fast!  This is an extra addition to the season calender because of such high demand.

 

New Date Added December 20 ~ 10am - 12noon 

Gingerbread House Parties at the Farm Kitchen in Poulsbo

www.farmkitchen.com

 

Leaving Anchorage Alaska in September (oops those are words! lol)

 

 

Just a little reminder - Don't forget to give to Toys for Tots.

 Toys for Tots is a Marine Corps Reserve community service project.  You will see Marines in their dress blues at malls, shops and local businesses soliciting donations. If you see one of their barrels please make sure you drop something in.  On the Toys for Tots official websiteyou can find a drop location, or take your donation to any ToysRus. Toys for Tots is very special to many families in our great country.  The toys collected will be given to families in need in many areas. 

 

My husband who is in the Navy is stationed with a Marine Corps unit in Anchorage, Alaska is gearing up to go out "on remote delivery" for Toys for Tots. The Alaska Marines do this every year prior to Christmas.  This year there are two teams. Team #1 will fly into Galena  and deliver via snowmobile toys to the school in Ruby.  Usually they travel to Koyukuk and Nulato too, but due to the warm weather up in Alaska and the late icing the toys for Koyukuk and Nulato will have to be flown in.  The native guide they use has told them it is too dangerous to ride the snowmobiles over the water right now.  There will be toys delivered to about 550 children and teens in the remote city/villages of Ruby, Koyukuk and Nulato.  Team #2 will be flying into McGrath and delivering to Nikolai. There is a high school there that offers a trade school so they will be delivering to these teens. It is nice to know an organization that realizes older children are just as important. 

For some of these kids these will be the only gifts they receive. For some these are the only toys they receive for a year. Until the next remote delivery arrives. 

I know my husband enjoys this part of his job tremendously - the adventure of the Alaska wilderness on snowmobiles in minus 10, 20 or 30 degree weather and the look on the kids faces when they bring in the toys - and yep one of the Marines dresses up as Santa.   

 

 

REMOTE DELIVERY 2008

Delta(-)Company Anti-Terrorism Battalion

Anchorage Alaska

 

This is how Santa loads his sleigh to go remote. (Santa's sleigh is a C130)

 Here is the gorgeous view flying over Mt McKinley area!

 

This is how Santa travels over the vast wilderness of the Alaska Bush -(with native guide Fred)

HO HO HO !! This is the first time some of these children have seen Santa or received a Toy

Fishing with Alaska Native Guide Fred

 

Just looking at these photos gave me a chill. My husband loves to do this.  He has learned so much about the Native Alaskan life and has made some real fascinating connections.  He was so amazed at how people with so little would feed them and give them jams, jellies, jerky and what ever they had to say thanks.

 

A couple of months back I received a contact from Ron Finney of NorthWoods Productions requesting permission to use a photo I had taken and uploaded to Google Images.  This photo uploaded to Google led him to my web site where the photo is used.  You see Ron was in the process of putting together the Visitor's Video for the Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce and must have been researching for local area photos. Of course I said yes and have been checking for the video on-line every so often.

Well, today I was reading the blogs over at the Kitsap Sun - the local newspaper and found the information on Chris Henry's blog Speaking of South Kitsap about the release of Ron's video. 

 

“Ferries, Bridges and Boats: The Adventure Begins with the Journey”

 

 

 

 

If you look real quick at 9:33 on the time line there is a picture I took of the Naval Museum in Bremerton. How exciting to be a part of the local area!  Thanks Ron for including me in the video and you did an amazing job! I love it and will be sending the link to those relocating to the area!