Kitsap County WA Real Estate Blog

Central Kitsap Cougars move on to State Semi-Finals against Issaquah!

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:38:28 -0600

The 2008 Central Kitsap High School Cougars Varsity Football team (7-3) handed the Rogers Puyallup Rams only their 2nd loss of the season last Saturday night at Silverdale Stadium amidst an ecstatic 4000+ capacity crowd. The 21 to 6 win sends Central Kitsap onto the State Semi-finals in the Tacoma Dome against the (8-2) Issaquah Eagles. The Eagles narrowly escaped with a victory against Bothell (31-28), the same team that knocked Central Kitsap off in the State playoffs last year.

Our son, Elliot, a Senior at Central Kitsap High knows many of the players, including one of his best friends #88 Allen Hewey, pictured above.

The Cougars began the 2008 season with high expectations, having a large number of returning players from last year's winning squad. However, with a rather lackluster 2-3 start, their confidence could have been shaken. But with tremendous determination and 7 consecutive wins under their belts, the Cougars seem poised make a bid on the 4A State championship!

(photo courtesy of the Kitsap Sun)

Kitsap County WA Market Report for November 2008

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:58:30 -0600

Real Estate Market Report/Conditions in Kitsap County WA for 11/17/2008

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for November 2008, provided by Rich Jacobson of Realty Executives Brio, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)

Properties currently active on the market: 2455
Properties closed in the last 180 days: 1357
Average Sales Price: $318,608
Average List Price: $329,358
Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
Average Days on Market: 102
Sales Pending this Week: 24

Current Market Conditions: Area 150 (East Central Kitsap) continues to be the selling ‘Hot Spot’ here in Kitsap County WA with 6 properties pending this week, and DOM (Days on Market) at 89. Port Orchard (Area 143) had the longest DOM at 152. The lowest Listing Price to Sales Price ratio was 92% for Area 161 (Hansville).

Bainbridge Island Stats separately: (Area 170)

Properties currently Active on the market: 338
Properties closed in last 180 days: 123
Average Sales Price: $671,303
Average List Price: $716,862
Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
Average Days on Market: 101
Sales Pending this week: 2

In a recent Kitsap Sun news article submitted by Rachel Pritchett, home values in Kitsap County WA have been estimated to have fallen 12 percent since the Spring of 2007, and are now back down at 2005 levels, according to Seattle-based company Zillow.com, which calculates its home values based on median price, tax assessments, physical characteristics of the house, and comparable sales.

For more additional information and resources concerning real estate in Kitsap County WA and the Western Puget Sound, access my website, Kitsap Life.

Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA October 2008

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:04:48 -0500

Real Estate Market Report for Kitsap County WA issued 10/07/2008

The following is a brief analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for October 2008, provided by Rich Jacobson of Realty Executives Brio, in Silverdale, WA (this includes data for Bainbridge Island WA)

Properties currently active on the market: 2599
Properties closed in the last 180 days: 1386
Average Sales Price: $327,432
Average List Price: $338,006
Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
Average Days on Market: 101
Sales Pending this Week: 13

Current Market Conditions: Area 150 (East Central Kitsap) and Area 166 (Poulsbo) share the highest ratio of List Price vs. Sale Price with 99%. The lowest ratio was 93% for Area 161 (Hansville). Shortest Days on Market (DOM) was Area 149 (East Bremerton) at 74, and Area 166 (Poulsbo) coming in 2nd with 79. Longest DOM goes to Area 168 (Indianola) with 150, followed by Area 167 (Suquamish) at 126.

Bainbridge Island Stats separately: (Area 170)

Properties currently Active on the market: 367
Properties closed in last 180 days: 137
Average Sales Price: $697,159
Average List Price: $738,505
Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
Average Days on Market: 105
Sales Pending this week: 0

According to a recent Kitsap Sun news article, home prices have dropped by 18% when compared to this time last year. However, pending sales experienced a very sharp 31% increase in the month of September, but don’t expect that to be as robust as we head into the Winter months.

For Buyers: While current market conditions obviously favor Buyers, obtaining loan approval can have its challenges. Meet with an experienced local Loan Officer first, to verify that buying a home is within your budget, and ensure that you qualify.

For Sellers: Sellers must be prepared to ‘pull out all the stops’ to be successful in selling their homes. You must be priced aggressively and prepare the house to show well. Consider incentives, like a Buyers Home Warranty plan. Consult with your Listing Agent to determine ways to make your home stand out from the crowd.

For more additional information and resources concerning real estate in Kitsap County WA and the Western Puget Sound, access my website, Kitsap Life.

"Is the Seabeck WA Marina Project Doomed?"

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:36:30 -0500

This coming Friday could be Doomsday for the long awaited and much-anticipated Olympic View Marina Project out in Seabeck.

How this has remained under my radar, I have no idea. Tonight, while taking a walk with my wife, I ran across fellow RE agent, Nick Blickhan (Nick and I had worked together at the Windermere office here in Silverdale).

As a waterfront resident of Seabeck WA, Nick has been keeping close tabs on the progress, or lack thereof, of the Olympic View LLC Marina Project. Four partners purchased the fledging property a few years ago, and put together a very detailed development plan. At considerable expense, they effectively jumped through each and every hoop that the County and State required, and in most instances, went way beyond what was necessary. From every indication, it appeared that things were moving forward, and the much needed marina would become a reality.

Unfortunately, due in large part to one lone, dissenting squeaky wheel, the ear of the WA Department of Ecology has been effectively bent, and it appears that the project is headed to a devastating demise. Evidently, the neighborhood squeaky wheel is one of these types who defines/measures ‘Smart’ growth by how far you can bury your head in the sand.

Nevermind that the dire needs of the many clearly outweighs the preferences of the few, or, in this case, the one.

Nevermind that the partners paid exceptionally close attention to detail in their plans towards maintaining and even enhancing the existing environmental integrity of the areas impacted by the proposed marina development.

Nevermind that the marina would have a very positive impact on the financial stability of existing Seabeck merchants/businesses, and long-term residential property values.

Nevermind that area boat owners would finally have badly needed basic marina services and mooring space available. The closest marina is Pleasant Harbor, over on the western side of Hood Canal, just south of Brinnon. You can moor your boat there, but it takes nearly an hour by car to get there.

The Olympic View Marina Project should make complete sense - ecologically, or otherwise. While it could be argued that some commercial developments are not necessarily environmental-friendly, this project clearly fulfills the demand for highest and best use. Although Kitsap County Commissioner, Josh Brown, has voiced his full support for this project, but his influence may not be enough to affect the outcome.

The WA State Department of Ecology is issuing their final verdict on the project this Friday. In my humble opinion, the Dept needs to step up and display some backbone. Rather than buckling under the incessant whining of one solitary voice, the project should be measured and approved on the merits of the significant positive impact it will have on the environment/habitat, and the true value that quality marina services will offer to our community.

World's Best Teacher! - My wife, Janice Jacobson

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:57:36 -0500

As many of you may know, my wife, Janice, is a 5th grade teacher at Brownsville Elementary School in the Central Kitsap School District here in scenic Kitsap County WA.

She received a phone call today from her Principal, who informed her that the WASL scores (WA Assessment of Student Learning) had come in. Evidently, in years past, the Science scores for her school haven't been all that good. One school within the district in particular, Emerald Heights, has historically held the highest scores for her grade level.

Well, according to the new score results my wife's class this past year had the highest science scores, and not just for her school, but for the entire district!

I am so proud of my wife! She is always so hard on herself, and never gives herself the credit she is due. She is one of the most gifted and dedicated teachers I have ever known. Her kids love her and obviously learn a lot from her!

"Day in the Life"

Mon, 26 May 2008 01:48:42 -0500

I thought it would be fun, just to mix things up a bit, to share small snapshots into my life. Nothing major or heavy. Just kinda light-hearted and fun. I think we all need more of that, don't you?

Okay, so today I'm outside, enjoying an incredibly beautiful Pacific Northwest sunny day, washing the Jacobson fleet of cars (my gas-guzzling Expedition; the wife's 'Benz, and the kids beat-up Mazda Protege).

Since it's so warm out, and I'm using the hose rather liberally, I opt to go shirt-less.

About this time, we usually hear one of the neighbor kids yell, "Thar She blows!"

We even occasionally get the SPCA Emergency Response Team to show up from reports of a 'beached' whale.

So I'm out washing our cars, when my youngest son, Luke (you know, the one who should be out here helping me, but is too busy watching TV), yells at me from the upstairs window:

"Hey, Dad! Some of my buddies are coming over in a few minutes. Can you put your shirt back on?"

Alright, so where is that Richard Simmon's "Sweatin' to the Oldies" CD?

"Last Call for Clams!" - Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:05:54 -0500

This coming weekend is the final opportunity for you to dig up the ever illusive, yet delectable, Razor Clam!

If you've never ventured out to the coast to try your hand at capturing these evasive shellfish, you're in for quite a treat! Not only are they fun to catch, but you'll find them incredibly delicious as well.

For all the details on the upcoming dig - including times, beaches, tides, how-to-dig, how-to-clean, how-to-cook....simply click on thru to SOUNDBITEBLOG.

brought to you by the Blog Frog and his friends, Sparky & Buckwheat

"Expand Your Horizons!" on Horizon Lane in Port Orchard WA

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:27:09 -0500

"Expand Your Horizons!" on Horizon Lane in Port Orchard WA

Location: View West

A Truly RARE find! Your Dream Home and Garden Paradise await You! Situated on expansive full-acre corner lot in rural Port Orchard! Conveniently located to nearby Hwy. 16, this 4-BR home offers you more for your HomeBuying buck! Extensive genuine Hardwoods throughout. Updated Island Kitchen w/ newer appliances (Jenn-Air Range); Efficient Heat Pump and Lopi Wood-Burning Insert; Entertain to Your Heart's content with Hot Tub, Wet Bar, Gazebo, Huge Custom Decks, Tribal Counsel Fire Pit area. Your Green Thumb will be busy with loads of Raised Beds and fruit trees, including Fig, Apples, Plums, Blueberries, and much more! 24X42 Detached Shop/Living Space w/ 220volt service on seperate meter (possible MIL); new Vinyl Windows and Natural Cedar casings. New Gutters & Soffits. Recent Home Inspection performed, and ready for You to make it Your Home!

Information

Contact Information

Rich Jacobson

rich@briorealty.com

360.440.4758

Pricing

Asking Price: $389,950

Additional Pricing Information: Cash-out, Conventional, VA, FHA

Property Location

10201 Horizon Lane SE
Port Orchard, WA 98366

Links

ActiveRain

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Parking: 2-Car

Year Built: 1976

Subdivision: Quiet Country Setting off Mullenix & Hwy. 16

Lot Size: 1.03 acre

Garage Size: Detached

School District: South Kitsap

Square Footage: 2844

Agent Name: Rich Jacobson

Broker: Brio Realty, Inc.

MLS #: 28056591

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Dishwasher

Jenn Air Range

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Wet Bar

Kitchen Island

Lopi Wood Burning Insert

Ceiling Fans

Wired for Generator

New Vinyl Windows

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Jacuzzi

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Tool Shed

Heat Pump

Gazebo

Custom Decks

Raised Beds

Extensive Garden Area

Greenhouse

Outbuildings

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1593190

Photo Gallery

Formal Living Room

Formal Dining Area

Island Kitchen

Newer Stainless Appliances

Great Gourmet Kitchen

Solarium Window

Wetbar

Family Room with Lopi Insert

Main Floor 1/2 Bath

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Custom Shower Surround

Shared Upper Bath

Hot Tub

Arbors and Decks Galore!

Your Retreat awaits!

Southern Side of Lot

More and more Deck Space!

Gazebo

One of several Outbulidings

Bring Your Toys!

Your Own Greenhouse!

Seperate Gated Entry

View from the Backyard

Raised Beds and Garden

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1593190

Dotted White Line

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:16:38 -0500

I find it rather comforting. Strangely soothing. Driving down a long stretch of road, the dotted white line mesmerising, nearly hypnotic.

My peripheral is blurred, out of focus. There are no other concerns. The incessant noise is filtered out. All is Quiet on the Western Front of my Life. For now...

I do my best thinking (or lack thereof) when I drive. The rest of the world, all the worries, all the concerns of life, temporarily abated. Silenced by the good engineers at Ford.

I wish I didn't have a destitnation. That, in and of itself, tells me that there will be an eventual end to my momentary solace of solitude. Those spontaneous "I have no idea where I'm going!" kind of trips are usually the best. But I don't have that luxury today.

If only I could just keep on driving today....and never concern myself with having to actually 'arrive' somewhere. Whenever you 'arrive' at a destination, reality always sets in.

Maybe I should buy a Harley?

The later part of this video is rather applicable....

Kansas Jayhawks earn #1 Seed in NCAA Tournament

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:33:14 -0500

As a result of yesterday's cliff hanging victory against the Texas Longhorns, the Kansas Jayhawks secured a #1 seed in the upcoming 2008 NCAA Tournament.

The brackets for this year's 'Dance' were released yesterday afternoon. The first round opponent the Crimson & Blue will face are the Vikings of Portland State, a 16 seed out of Oregon. The game will take place this Thursday March 20th at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Tip-off time is 12:25pm EDT.

I have KU going all the way to the Final Four and winning this year's NCAA Tournament. Rounding out my Final Four predictions are North Carolina, Memphis, and UCLA.

Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. GO KU!

Blogging for Business Breakfast every Thursday Morning at Global Bean

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:50:38 -0500

Sparky and Buckwheat (aka Rich Jacobson and Mark Flanders), the dynamic blogging duo of SOUNDBITEBLOG, meet every Thursday morning at 8AM for coffee at The Global Bean in Silverdale WA.

We invite all area real estate professionals to join us for an informal discussion on all things Web 2.0 worthy, and to share our lives and experiences together.

For information on The Global Bean and directions, go HERE.

Hope to see you there!

Kansas wins Big 12 Conference 3-Peat, and Possible #1 NCAA Tourney Seed

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:23:58 -0500

The Kansas Jayhawks Basketball team defeated a very skilled Texas Longhorn team today in the final game of the Big 12 Conference Championship.

This win will most likely ensure a #1 top seed position for Kansas in the upcoming 2008 NCAA Tournament. The brackets will be officially announced later today.

In the 16 years that my family and I have been following Kansas basketball (we lived in Lawrence for 10 years), I don't believe they've ever had a better opportunity of going to the Final Four and possibly winning the whole enchilada.

Look for an amazing match-up between Roy and boys at Chapel Hill, and Bill Self and the UnSelfish Jayhawks!

"The Global Bean" - Local Business in Kitsap County WA

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:53:20 -0500

Living in the Pacific Northwest, and being a stone's throw across the Sound from Seattle, we are literally inundated with coffee shops & espresso stands on nearly every corner. From the major players like Starbuck's, Tully's, and Seattle's Best, to the smaller venues like "Natte Latte," we have a wealth of choices to get our caffeine quick fix.

In his book "The Purple Cow," Marketing Guru Seth Godin states that Starbucks was ‘remarkable' a few years ago. Now, he says, they're boring.

Well, I wouldn't necessarily call them ‘boring.' Just recently, they intentionally closed all of their stores early so they could conduct training sessions for their employees. Supposedly it was to send a message to us consumers that Starbucks truly cares about improving their products/services. I watched a video clip on MSNBC where they were interviewing regular Starbucks customers outside one of the ‘closed' stores. Boy, were they ever upset! Most of them simply headed down the street to the nearby Dunkin' Donuts store! .....But I digress....

We have a new ‘player' here in Kitsap County WA - The Global Bean. They occupy 1st floor space in the Cavalon Place II Office Building, part of the new Highland Business Park on Myhre Road in Silverdale.

As a long time Starbucks customer, I initally thought this venture was headed for a tough go. I mean, who can compete with Starbucks? During my first visit, it took entirely way too long to get just a simple tall brewed coffee with an add shot. I had become spoiled by the Howard Schultz java assembly-line.

As I was waiting, I met one of the partners, Joel Skellie. Great guy, very personable, down to earth. He said straight up,...

"We're never going to be fast. We're not going to compete against Starbucks, or any of the others. This is a place to slow down and connect. And we've got live local musicians three nights a week - from Celtic to Bluegrass, Jazz or Acoustic. Our vision is to be a place where our community ‘happens" and becomes more intimate."

Wow! Stop the Press! ‘Slow down' and ‘Connect?" Gee, what a concept!

So, I've been back. A lot. My wife and I go just about every week for coffee and a friendly game of Scrabble over Jazz. My blogging buddy, Buckwheat (aka Mark Flanders) and I meet there every Thursday morning at 8am with other area blog enthusiasts. We met some friends of ours there a couple of Sundays ago, and enjoyed wonderful conversation and great eats. As we were talking, we noticed that the place was empty except for us. We asked the barrista why there weren't more customers, and he said that they had closed 2 hours ago! We were mortified! But they had been so busy cleaning up and had simply allowed us to continue our conversations!

The Global Bean is the vision and reality of partners Joel Skellie and Lance Gilbert. Joel has been a Kitsap County resident for over 19 years, served as a worship pastor for nearly as long, and is heavily involved in community music. Lance moved here in 1995 bringing a very successful software company along with him from Southern California. He is also involved in area music and theatre, enjoys graphic arts, music & video production, software design, and consulting.

Okay, so maybe when you're in a hurry, you can do one of those ‘other' drive-thru assembly line places. But as crazy and hectic as life is these days, it sure is a nice change of pace to 'slow down' and ‘connect' every once in a while!

The Global Bean... "Where Community and Coffee Connect!"

2021 NW Myhre Road, Suite 101 ~ Silverdale, WA ~ 360.892.9582

Hours: M-Th 7am-10pm ~ Fri 8am-Midnight ~ Sat 9am-Midnight ~ Sun 8am-7pm

Sparky & Buckwheat make the Kitsap Business Journal

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:49:11 -0600

Yours Truly is quoted in this month's issue (March 2008) of the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal. I was contacted several weeks ago by one of their contributing writers, and was interviewed for an article in their Technology Section about business blogging.

In the article, I mention my involvement here on ActiveRain, and the local blog, SOUNDBITEBLOG, that I co-author with fellow Rainer, Mark Flanders.

For anyone in the West Sound area interested in discussing/networking with other business professionals about blogging, Mark and I meet every Thursday morning at 8AM at the Global Bean in Silverdale WA.

Desirable Deer Run Development in Little Norway - Poulsbo WA

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:32:34 -0600

Photo Gallery

Nicely landscaped but low maintenance

Well Functioning Eat-in Kitchen w/pantry and refrigerator stays

Living Room w/gas fireplace

One of 3 Bedrooms

Private Backyard patio

Home backs up to wooded area

Vaulted Ceilings, Built-ins, and Landings

Eat-in Kitchen w/slider to backyard

Laminate Entry

Master Bedroom w/walk-in closet

Master Bath w/double vanity and Oversized Shower

Remodeled 3/4 off Family Room

One Half of Family/Rec Room

Other Half of Family/Rec Room

Description

Great 2000-built Home situated in highly sought after Deer Run development. Walk to schools, short drive to downtown, pictueresque marina, and ferries. Newly painted exterior and nicely landscaped low maintenance yard. Open Floor Plan boasts vaulted ceilings, built-ins, plant landings. Eat-in Kitchen w/ slider to private backyard patio. Formal Dining area, Living Room w/efficient gas fireplace. Lower level Family/Rec Room w/ 3/4 bath (could be 4th BR). Spacious 2-car garage. Ready to close and move-in quickly!

Features

Bedrooms:	3
Bathrooms:	2.75
Parking:	Attached
Year Built:	2000
Subdivision:	Deer Run
Lot Size:	0.210 acre
Garage Size:	2
School District:	North Kitsap #400
Square Footage:	2070
Agent Name:	Rich Jacobson
Broker:	Brio Realty
MLS #:	28035758

Location

1895 Miss Ellis Loop NE Poulsbo WA 98370

vFlyerId: 1527171

"Is Your MLS on the Endangered Species List?"

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 22:36:27 -0600

Earlier last month, Reuters News Service announced that three of the largest online aggregators of residential home listings, Yahoo! Real Estate, Zillow, and Trulia had all agreed to adopt a standard format for the collection and distribution of real estate listing data. This will allow the flow of critical information from real estate franchisors, Brokers, and MLS agencies to move more quickly and efficiently to consumers.

In his highly prophetical "Lions over the Hill" speech delivered to the NAR membership in 1993, then president, Bill Chee, predicted that the predatory 'lions' of technology would one day prey upon the clueless, complacent, and unsuspecting gatekeepers of the Listing Stronghold, the MLS.

Is Your local MLS facing extinction? To find out more, simply click on through to SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens up into a seperate window for ease of viewing)

another quality article from SPARKY

"Taprock Restaurant" - Local Business in Kitsap County WA

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:51:04 -0600

In the early morning hours of May 30, 2006, a very popular local eating establishment in Poulsbo WA was gutted by fire. When the landmark restaurant, Mitzel's, went up in smoke, area residents lost a dining tradition they have enjoyed for over 20 years.

Fast forward to 2008, and the grand opening of "Taprock Northwest Grill."

Recently, I offered my son, Ben, and his friend, Josh, a lunchtime reprieve from their house-building efforts, and treated them both to a meal at the new Taprock Northwest Grill.

As is usually typical of newly opened restaurants, the place was packed with plenty of local business people and assorted patron patiently awaiting a seat.

The hired help was extremely friendly and gracious throughout our meal. On several occasions, the Manager, Steve Hancock, came up and personally greeted us, and inquired about our meal/service.

Yours Truly enjoyed a plate of Pan-Fried Totten Bay Oysters, while both Ben and Josh manhandled the Mountain High Tillamook Cheddar & Bacon Burger.

Trust me when I say that "Mountain High' is an adequate description!

The food was very tasty, the service prompt and attentive, and the prices kind to your wallet/purse.

The decor was classic Pacific Northwest, appointed with generous use of wood and stone, giving you the sense of an upscale hunting lodge or ski resort, but only next to a strip mall. It wasn't too high-end. Ben and Josh felt right at home in their work boots and bibs.

Overall, a very pleasant experience, and one that will no doubt more than adequately fill the shoes left behind by Mitzel's.

Located at 760 NE Liberty Road, Poulsbo, WA 98370 * Phone: 360.697.2215

Hours of Operation
Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 10pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am - 11pm

Ethos Builders - New Construction in North Kitsap County WA

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 01:12:26 -0600

So much has been happening in my life lately, it makes me dizzy just thinking about it!

My oldest son, Ben, proposed to his girlfriend over the Christmas Holidays, and the wedding is planned for June 14th.

Ben recently started a new job in construction. Along with his good friend, Josh, they're building a house up in North Kitsap, off Gunderson Road. The house is for Josh's Dad, a local commercial builder.

I thought it would be fun to chronicle their progress through a series of articles.

So, without further adieu, the Ben and Josh Story!

Laying a Good Foundation..... .....Here's Ben the Builder!

....and here's Josh on the Job!

.....Men at Work!

Boys like playing with Big Trucks!