During the month of January  there were 42 homes that sold in Bremerton.   [zip codes: 98310, 98311, 98312, 98314, 98337].   That is 40 homes less than December 2009. Not a good start to 2010!    These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I’s were dotted and the T’s crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner’s name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site. There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Bremerton Washington.

Let’s look at those 42 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

• $203,640 [$224,396 December]
• $130

Average Sold Price

• $201,166 [$218,171 December]
• $129

The average sq ft of these 42 Bremerton homes was 1623 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 94 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 98.83 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 98.83% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington. Prices are down, interest rates are at an all time low and with the incentives from the government you might want to look at what it means to you.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit – CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

It is finally official. The hombuyer’s tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010

What do these numbers mean? Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation. I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds. I am a fan of the NORMAL market – everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful.

So what is the absorption rate at this point in time?  Check here for the definition of absorption rates - Absorption Rates

Using the formula and only including active and contingent homes on the market the absorption rate for January would be 10 months - ouch! We had been down to 5 months in the last quarter of 2009.  Of course remember we are looking at a trend, so as we go through 2010 we will get a better picture.  Hopefully, low number of closings in January is not a trend.  If we included the pendings the absorption rate would jump to 13 months of inventory!

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 Kitsap County 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.

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

While sale numbers for 2009 were stronger than 2008 it is still too soon to say the market has bottomed out.  We still have an issue with the many short-sale properties on the market that may lead to more foreclosures. 

I think the market is trying to recover but with the number of short sales and foreclosures that are expected to grow in 2010 and 2011 it will be a struggle.  Unless we can get banks to price their properties at current market value they will continue to drag the market down. 

Currently in the Bremeton home market there are 59 short-sales and 36 foreclosed on homes for sale.  This represents 22% of the total inventory which is 425 homes on the market.

Here is a quick snap shot of the first two weeks of the new year - 2010.  These figures are for all addresses in Bremerton or zip codes 98310,98311,98312,98314 and 98337. 

 

Pending BU Requested (Seller has accepted an offer but is still looking at other offers to go into a Back Up position in case the first offer fails to close - used by agents in most Short Sale situations)

8 homes | 4 are Short Sales | Average List Price $216,294, 1760sq ft, 135 days on market.

Pending Inspection (Seller has accepted an offer which is subject to an inspection by the buyer.  Once the buyer preforms the inspection and both parties come to terms with the findings this property will then either go pending or bank on the market)

15 homes | 1 is a Short Sale and 5 are Bank Owned | Average List Price $236,186, 2213sq ft, 109 days on market.

Pending (Seller and buyer have agreed on all terms, have preformed all duties and are headed to the closing table)

14 homes | 1 is a Short Sale and 6 are Bank Owned | Average List Price $216,382, 1649sq ft, 147 days on market.

Sold (Yippee! These homes have went through the sales process and ownership has changed hands.  The sellers have received funds and the documents have been recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse.  The buyers have now become the new owners and received the keys to the property!)

17 homes | 5 were Bank Owned | Average List Price $199,871, 1715sq ft. Average Sale Price $199,629 with 78 days on market.

 

If you are in the market for a home in Bremeton I wouldn't obsess with trying to time the market and figure out when will be the best time to buy or if the market is at bottom.  Trying to anticipate the local Bremerton housing market is impossible and usually we only know when bottom hits is when prices will be on their way up. 

The best time to buy is when you find a house that fits your needs and you can afford it.  We all have to remember that a home purchase should be based on more than the "equity factor".  If you wait for the "perfect time", you will probably miss out.

 

 

 

During the month of September there were 82 homes that sold in Bremerton.  These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership.  Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages.  Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Market tough? Maybe. We do have several home owners in the Kitsap County area that may owe more than what they could sell their home for.  I have taken several phone calls over the last couple of weeks asking about seller closing costs. SELLER CLOSING COSTS?  Yes, sellers have closing costs.  If you are a first time seller this might be news to you. 

Of course you remember when you were a buyer that you had closing costs listed on your final closing statement.  Not being able to see the sellers side of the closing statement you probably didn't realize what the seller was paying. 

Here is a quick list of these items

• Real Estate Commissions - for seller's agent and buyer's agent
• Escrow Closing Fee ( you as a buyer paid 1/2 of this fee0
• Title Insurance
• Courier  Fees
• Reconveyance Fee
• Recording Fees
• and the huge chunk of change the local City/County/State want from you - its called Excise Tax 1.78% of the sells price of your property
  

Here is a fictious net proceeds for a Ms Bremerton Home Seller....

 

 

If you have any questions on selling your home in this market just give me a call, or send an email, or text me with your questions!

 

During the month of June there were 78 homes that sold in Bremerton.  (That is 15 more sold homes than in May.)  These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership.  Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages.  Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Weekly Street Closure Report
For the Week of June 28, 2009

.

STREET: Warren Avenue
LIMITS: 11th Street to 13th Street
TIMES & DAYS: Wednesday, July 1; 6:30aM to 2:30PM
RESTRICTION: One lane closed intermittently
Work Scheduled: Street Survey

STREET: Washington Avenue
LIMITS: 4th Street to Burwell Street
TIMES & DAYS: Ongoing
RESTRICTION: Expect Delays
Work Scheduled: Fairfield Inn Construction

STREET: 4th Street
LIMITS: Washington Ave to Pacific Ave
TIMES & DAYS: Saturday, July 4; 6AM to 7PM
RESTRICTION: Closed to all traffic, vendors on street
Work Scheduled: Old Fashioned 4th of July Community Event

STREET: Washington Avenue
LIMITS: 4th Street to Burwell Street
TIMES & DAYS: Tuesday, June 30, 8AM to 3PM.
RESTRICTION: Closed to thru traffic
Work Scheduled: Water Main Installation

**BREMERTON TUNNEL PROJECT**
STREET: Burwell Street
LIMITS: Park Ave to Pacific Ave
TIMES & DAYS: Ongoing through July 6, 2009
RESTRICTION: Road Closed, Detour Signs
Work Scheduled: Bremerton Tunnel Project

STREET: Burwell Street
LIMITS: Warren Avenue to Park Avenue
TIMES & DAYS: Ongoing thru July 6, 2009
RESTRICTION: Road closed, eastbound; westbound lanes open: detour signs
Work Scheduled: Bremerton Tunnel Project

STREET: 1st Street
LIMITS: Pacific Avenue to Washington Avenue
TIMES & DAYS: Ongoing thru July 6, 2009
RESTRICTION: Road closed, use 2nd St detour
Work Scheduled: Bremerton Tunnel Project

STREET: Pacific Avenue
LIMITS: 1st Street to Burwell Street
TIMES & DAYS: Ongoing thru July 6, 2009
RESTRICTION: Expect delays due to lane closure
Work Scheduled: Bremerton Tunnel Project

All work is subject to weather conditions

Just for fun here is a video I took while driving downtown Bremerton last spring and didn't pay much attention to the street closures and ended up going the wrong way - lol!

I guess this sums it up .... "The Commission has discontinued the development of an additional Tax Credit Bridge Loan program."

 

Posted June 11, 2009 on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission www.WSHFC.org site:

 

 

 

 

I was so excited about what Washington was doing that I even started a specific blog for it www.taxcreditadvanceloanprogram.com. If you want more information about what went on you can click on over. I will probably post more information about the original tax credit plan and update it when ever any housing credit takes place.

Similar posts: 

• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Who is Eligible in Kitsap County
• It's Official - 1st Time Homebuyers Receive $8,000 Tax Credit Windfall!
• Bremerton First Time Home Buyer $8,000 Tax Credit | time is Running OUT
  

 

 

Bremerton Washington first time home buyer $8,000 Tax Credit.  Are you thinking of buying a home in the Bremerton area of Kitsap County?  Are you a first time home buyer or do you qualify as one under the IRS guidelines?  If you are, you might want to start thinking about putting both feet into the Bremerton housing market.  If you listen to some of the local multiple association directors the bottom just might be here and we just might be on the up side. 

It is still a buyers market in Bremerton with approximately 7.5 months of inventory but with the absortpion rate I use 5-6 months is a normal market we are getting to normal! I am a fan of the normal market.  Of course there are home in Bremerton (all addresses with the "city" listed as Bremerton) that are a seller's market. There have been some "hot" properties out there this spring - some with multiple offers and bidding "wars". Really! You don't often hear of that in the mainstream media.

 

Take a look at this article. US News and World Report released this pass week about the Bremerton/Silverdale housing market.  US News and World Report names Bremerton/Silverdale number 1 in the top 10 housing markets for the next 10 years.

 

I have several Bremerton first time home buyers at the moment and we have all been talking about the new First-Time Home buyer Credit.  This is the new 2009 First-Time Home buyer Credit.  The $8,000. tax credit that is a credit and NOT a loan.  This credit DOES NOT have to be paid back and as everything there are exceptions.  The exceptions are...  

• Must use the home as a principle residence for at least three years or face recapture of the tax credit amount. Certain exceptions apply. Ask your tax adviser or read Form 5405
  

So back to the "Who is Eligible?".  You can claim the tax credit if you are a first-time home buyer.  Have you ever purchased a home?  If the answer is YES you STILL MIGHT BE ELIGIBLE.   The first-time home buyer must be able to state you did not own any other home during the past 3 year period that would end on the date of your new purchase.  So see you may be a first-time home buyer even if you have owned a home.  It is home-buying "do-overs"!

1. You must have purchased your home after January 1, 2009 and before December 31, 2009 to claim the tax credit.
2. Sometimes it is easier to decide eligibility if you know who CANNOT clam the credit
3. Your modified adjusted gross income is over $95,000 or $170,000 if married filing a joint return.
4. You are a nonresident alien.
5. You acquired your home by gift or you inherited it.
6. You purchased your home from a person you are related to.

There are other exceptions but for your local Kitsap area they don't mean much.  You can find them on Form 5405.

Looks like there will be lots of Bremerton first-time home buyers out this spring which in turn will help move that "move-up" market in Kitsap County.  Of course you will want to verify all of this with a tax consultant or go to the IRS web site and look for IRS Form 5405.

I have some ideas about this credit for local buyers so if you are interested please send me an email for more discussion!

 

Several of my first time home buyers have asked me the question

If I buy my home now do I have to wait till I file my 2009 taxes or can I have it now? 

So the question is, "Can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?"  "What if I have already filed my 2008 taxes?"

Doing some research I have found the answer is IRS Form 5405.  Check out Part I, section C. 

 

You can choose to claim the credit on your 2008 Form 1040 for a main home purchased after December 31, 2008 and before December 1, 2009.  If you make this choice, check the box.

If you have already filed your 2008 taxes you would have to file an amended return. See the IRS web site and look for form 1040-X and form 843. If you don't understand the directions then consult a tax attorney or your CPA.

 

Similar Posts

• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Who is Eligible in Kitsap County
• It's Official - 1st Time Homebuyers Receive $8,000 Tax Credit Windfall!
  

Check out my new blog that will only address the Washington State Tax Credit Advance Loan Program. www.TaxCreditAdvanceLoanProgram.com - be sure to bookmark it so that you can access it for more information as it becomes available with the rapid changing $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Program.

 

I love Google Alerts! It is amazing what you can find out by setting up your key phrases targeted to your market area. This evening this US News & World Report article came through.  This is an exciting piece of news. Of course it doesn't surprise me, we are an unique area.

We are insulated somewhat from the tough economic times because of the huge military presence. We have two large Navy bases here - Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton and Naval Base Kitsap Bangor, along with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Naval Hospital Bremerton. These are steady paychecks that help our local economy. Read the article for more facts on our local economy and real estate market. If you are looking to invest in real estate Bremerton - Silverdale just might be a place to look at.

 

The Top 10 Housing Markets for the Next 10 Years

Home prices in these 10 cities will appreciate handsomely over the next decade

 

1. Bremerton-Silverdale, Wash.: 5.22 percent
2. Glens Falls, N.Y: 4.71 percent
3. Fort Collins-Loveland, Colo.: 4.06 percent
4. Corvallis, Ore.: 3.95 percent
5. Anchorage, Alaska: 3.8 percent
6. Duluth, Minn.: 3.74 percent
7. Sandusky, Ohio: 3.66 percent
8. Santa Fe, N.M: 3.57 percent
9. Pittsfield, Mass.: 3.51 percent
10. Decatur, Ill.: 3.44 percent

 

During the month of April there were 61 homes that sold in Bremerton.  (That is 8 less sold homes than in March.)  These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership.  Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages.  Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

 

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Who is Eligible in Kitsap County
• It's Official - 1st Time Homebuyers Receive $8,000 Tax Credit Windfall!
• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Want your money Now?

 

Check out some of Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data here - Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data FYI

What do these numbers mean?  Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation.  I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds.  I am a fan of the NORMAL market - everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful. 

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 Kitsap County 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.

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

• Bremerton Real Estate | February Homes SOLD
  

Similar Posts

• Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Bremerton Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Silverdale Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Port Orchard Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008

During the month of March there were 69 homes that sold in Bremerton.  (That is 15 more sold homes than in February.)  These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership.  Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages.  Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site.  There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Bremerton Washington.

Let's look at those 69 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

• $215,907
• $128 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $209,088
• $125 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 69 Bremerton homes was 1732 sq ft.  These homes spent an average of 172 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 96.84 percent.  What that meas is that buyers offered 96.84% of what the seller requested. 

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Who is Eligible in Kitsap County
• It's Official - 1st Time Homebuyers Receive $8,000 Tax Credit Windfall!
• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Want your money Now?

 

Check out some of Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data here - Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data FYI

What do these numbers mean?  Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation.  I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds.  I am a fan of the NORMAL market - everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful. 

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 Kitsap County 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.

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

• Bremerton Real Estate | February Homes SOLD
  

Similar Posts

• Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Bremerton Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Silverdale Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Port Orchard Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
  

 

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

 

During the month of February there were 54 homes that sold in Bremerton.  These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership.  Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages.  Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

If you want to learn more about how we transfer property in Washington State a really great site to visit is the Escrow Association of Washington site.  There you can find definitions and explanations of the home buying process for Bremerton Washington.

Let's look at those 54 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

• $213,592
• $136 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

• $206,516
• $132 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 54 Bremerton homes was 1592 sq ft.  These homes spent an average of 174 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 96.69 percent.  What that meas is that buyers offered 96.69% of what the seller requested.  So the average list price home of $213,592 would have received an offer from a buyer of $206,516.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Bremerton, Washington.  In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Who is Eligible in Kitsap County
• It's Official - 1st Time Homebuyers Receive $8,000 Tax Credit Windfall!
• $8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit | Want your money Now?

 

Check out some of Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data here - Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data FYI

What do these numbers mean?  Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation.  I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds.  I am a fan of the NORMAL market - everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful. 

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 Kitsap County 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

• Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Bremerton Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Silverdale Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Port Orchard Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
  

 

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

 

 

Be sure to make plans next weekend for the 2009 Peninsula Home and Garden Expo.  After the St Patrick's Parade downtown Bremerton on March 14th, why not head out to the Kitsap County Fairgrounds to see the biggest home show west of Seattle. 

Presented by the Home Builders Association of Kitsap County along with the The KitsapSun and co-sponsored by Parker Lumber, Wave Broadband, Costco and the Kitsap Federal Credit Union there will be several other vendors available to talk with you about building green, your next remodel project and how to get your garden and yard in shape for spring. 

 

March 13^th, March 14^th and March 16^th. Click here for times and a discount coupon.

 

 

 

 

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If you have any questions about real estate in Kitsap County 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.

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You know there are times that we are just ON OUR GAME! There are times that you jump through those hoops and are just so proud and beaming that you can make things happen for your customers that you just want to shout to the world. I ROCK!

I had those moments this past week and I thought - Why not write about it? 

You see my business has always been built on service.  When I write a purchase and sale contract I get that over-whelming feeling that I must preform to the highest expectations of my customers, who ever those customers are. 

In my life before real estate I worked in the Aerospace profession and embraced the TQM (Total Quality Management) philosophy that was the buzz in the early 90's.  What it taught me was that you must strive to reach the expectations of your customers and there are many customers. Internal and external. So, that is what I do when I have pending contracts. 

I see all of the parties involved as my customers. Escrow, title, listing/selling agent, my office transaction coordinator, office manager, inspector, etc. and of course the buyer or seller. 

I can tell you that I turn in a package to all involved that is not missing anything.  I make sure that deadlines are met and that any communication with all parties follows the PSA. I receive that "shock and awe" from people working in escrow. I receive that "shock and awe" from lenders.  To me it is just doing my job and meeting their expectations.  I know they appreciate that I take the time to make sure their part of the process flows.

This week I had a day where nothing seemed to be going right for a deal that was to close on Friday.  This was a simple deal - a cash deal.  Cash deals should be simple.  I see them as "karma" deals. For all the tough deals you have done and done well here is your reward - a cash deal.  It was pretty simple except we had a very aggressive close date. 

So the day I was to meet my buyers at their soon to be new home so that the appliance company could deliver the new washer and dryer I received permission from the seller to have installed prior to closing I was feeling pretty on top of everything.  The inspection items were complete or scheduled and I myself had signed the buyer's documents with them the day before. (Yes, I volunteered). 

I opened the door with my keypad and first thing I did was run up the stairs to see if there was hot water in the bathtub (inspection item). I was told it was fixed and complete.  I turn the faucet and you guessed it - NO hot water! Hmmm

I went into the garage and saw the three yard signs left by the agents that had the house listing 2 agents back still in the garage.

We had snow that morning so I knew that the listing agent was going to be unable to drive to the home and remove her staging items - hey no fault of hers weather happens.

I stood in the living room thinking about how I could get things fixed and get my buyers early occupancy so they could stay in the home for a couple of days before their big move. 

I called the listing agent who was very easy to work with and told her there was no hot water. She started her job to get that done.

I carried the yard arms out of the garage and laid them at the side of the house and called the name on the sign rider.  The agent was now retired and wanted me to load them up and take them down a couple of miles to an office. I told her no and that if they were not picked up by Friday I would dispose of them. Funny how she had a different plan and said someone would be there today.

I kept thinking about how I could get the staging materials out of the house. I thought I would "make a deal". I called the listing agent and told her I would pack up her things and remove her keybox and her yard sign for her if my buyers could have the key right then. DEAL!  She was thrilled. ( we were both out of area agents) So I started to load all the staging materials into my coupe - yep coupe! She said I must have an SUV - I said no but I have a huge trunk! It all fit and is in my garage. Next week I will meet her in Bellevue somewhere to exchange!

Staging materials/key box/construction key ::check::

I looked out the drive and a plumbing truck pulled up.  I really let out a scream and I am sure I "jumped".  I am sure the plumber thought I was a crazy lady because I was so excited to see him I talked his ear off while he was there.

Plumbing ::check::

As the plumber was putting on the final touches of caulking I saw a pickup truck back up into the driveway. I went outside and asked the man if he was the husband that was picking up the signs - yes he was!

Yard-Arms/Signs ::check::

I was on a high!  My buyers pulled up and I was able to explain all the things that had happened and handed them the key to their new home and let them wait for the washer and dryer on their own. I needed to get back to town and work some magic on some other transaction.

Last night I picked my buyers up to take them to the pick-up spot for the airporter prior to their flight out. They took me to dinner and gave me a gift. It was so very nice. On the card of the gift was the phrase

 

Hey that rhymes! Maybe it will be my new tag line!  Some of my colleagues may think this post is a bit over the top to brag about myself to others, and well if they do I really don't care. It is an insight to my business and who I am - and yes there are days that I ROCK!

 

I had an appointment with a buyer couple I have been working with this past week on Thursday night at the Shari's off of Sedgwick.  I grabbed their binder ( I keep all my clients in individual binders) grabbed my keys off the table and shut my door. 

OOPS!

I had grabbed my office keys which are never on my table and look just like my car keys.  You see I hate carrying keys so I have two key chains. Bad move on my part.  Of course I have a spare house key in my car - oops locked.  Of course my boys have keys to my house - oops they live 60 miles away. Of course my husband has a key - oops he lives in Alaska.  Of course I made one for my good neighbor June - oops keep forgetting to give it to her!  So I was locked out!

I called my buyer couple and explained the situation and of course they were very understanding and offered to drive to my house to help if I needed.  I called June and told her I would need to come over to her house and use her phone book so I could call a locksmith. Oh joy!

I received very quick service by Mike Forbragd of Anytime Lock & Safe (after all it was after hours).  I really didn't want to pay the $85 but knew that it was probably the going rate.  After speaking with Mike as I handed him my card I knew he was right to not find the cheapest but go with the bonded, professional CML that he is.  So if you are ever in need of a locksmith in Bremerton or the surrounding Kitsap County - give Mike a call!

 

 

 

 

The next day at my re-scheduled appointment with my buyer couple they presented me with a Lowe's shopping bag and inside was a very fancy dancy safe storage device for your spare keys called the Master Lock.  It is like having your own personal key box with a combination code installed on the exterior of your house so that you have access to your spare key - HOW COOL!! I have the coolest buyer couples!

 

What was the market like when you bought your current home? Was it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? Most “move-up buyers” have lived in their current residence for about 5-7 years. Think of what the market was like 5-7 years ago. Here are some statistics to remind you.

If you bought in a buyer’s market you’re in an excellent position to sell in a buyers' market. Not only are you in a position to still turn a profit on the sell of your current residence, but most likely you can undercut your competition that is already sitting on the market.

Remember, you will be buying in a buyer’s market so you will be able to look at homes that you might not have been able to a year or so ago because they were out of your price range. You will also be able to have control in your buying process, gone are the days of multiple offers and buyers having to settle when it comes to negotiation and terms.

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 Kitsap County 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.

 

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No, I am not a Loan Officer but I do answer a variety of home loan questions.  I always make sure that my buyers are connected to a reputable Loan Officer but I also do some loan education as questions arise.  Many buyers need help with closing costs and so the subject of closing costs always comes up from time to time.  Here is some information that might come in handy in your quest to purchase a Kitsap County area home.

There is a limit on what a seller can contribute towards your closing costs.  This is dictated by the loan program that you apply for.

For conventional home loans with less than 10% down the maximum a seller may contribute is 3% of the purchase price.  If you are going to put between 10% and 25% down the seller can contribute up to 6% of your closing costs.  Putting down more than 25% the sellers can contribute 9%. 

If you are going to be applying for a FHA loan the maximum seller contribution is 6% of the purchase price. 

If you are using your VA Eligibility for a VA home loan the sellers contribution is a maximum of 4% of the purchase price, unless the seller agrees to contribute towards discount points. 

In a buyer's market a buyer usually will be able to negotiate some closing cost contribution from the seller.  Seller's in Kitsap County are slowly coming around to the fact that they must be willing to contribute if they want to sell there home. 

If you need assistance with more home buying loan information just give me a call and I would be more than happy to share with you my team of local lenders.

 

Below are some market statistics for Kitsap County for the month of January 2009.  Currently there are 1830 homes available for sale in Kitsap County.  During the month of January 417 new listings became active in the NWMLS data base.  There were 197 homes that received offers and the seller and buyer came to terms and those homes are now headed to closing.  During January 114 homes that had been listed as pending closed and change of ownership was recorded at the Kitsap County Courthouse.  We do have a lot of inventory in Kitsap County.

What do these numbers mean?  Is it a good time to buy? Is it a good time to sell. It all depends on your individual situation.  I would rather buy in a buyers market and I would rather sell in a buyers market if I have to buy another home with the proceeds.  I am a fan of the NORMAL market - everyone can feel more comfortable and real estate transactions are not as stressful. 

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 Kitsap County 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

• Kitsap County Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Bremerton Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Silverdale Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
• Port Orchard Real Estate Market Data 2007 vs 2008
  

 

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