Bremerton WA Real Estate Blog | Jo Soss

Bremerton Hot Spots | Second Park Lounge & Cafe'

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:29:52 -0500

Are you looking for some free Wi-Fi to have with your cup of joe? There's a new spot in town where you can enjoy espresso, lunch, dinner and yes free Wi-Fi right across the street from Evergreen Park! The Second Park Lounge & Cafe' opened a few weeks ago conveniently located just across from Evergreen Park, at 1223 McKenzie Street. Do you know where the Bremerton Farmer's Market is held? If you do then you know where Second park Lounge & Cafe' is - it's right next door.

A couple of weeks ago my friend Roberta Anderson and I met for lunch at Second Park to try the place out. I can say the service was excellent and with the awesome weather we were able to dine out doors! What a gorgeous setting they have there. The cafe' is currently open seven days a week at seven am. You can call ahead with your order if you would like.

Second Park is operated by Robert Gray who has an amazing vision for this new "hot spot". Currently you can enjoy awesome food, your favorite coffee or a glass of wine. There is also a classy lounge upstairs, where you can meet your friends for a relaxing evening. The possibilities are many for this new spot and with the expansion of the Bremerton Boardwalk connection to Evergreen Park in the near feature Second Park Lounge & Cafe' will be a destination for anyone on the Boardwalk.

A few items from the menu:

Pizzas: Four Cheese, Pepperoni, Specialty Pizza (this one is loaded!)
Wraps: Southwest Turkey Wrap, Cajun Wrap (mmm w/Frank's hot sauce)
Pastas: Tortellini, Creamy Alfredo, Spaghetti, Ravioli, Lasagna and Mac & Cheese! (these come with soup or salad and bread - (all $10.99 and under!)
Salads: Caesar, House, Chef, Cobb (this was good!), Cream pasta
Soups: French Onion, Chili, Split Pea, Calm Chowder, Italian Jambalaya (that sounds interesting)

Of course there are several cold and hot sandwiches and even an Appetizer menu. There are always some pastries and a variety of desserts!

Silverdale WA :: Out & About :: Video Series :: Silverdale Waterfront Park

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:38:45 -0500

Directions: 3337 NW Byron St, Silverdale Washington

Silverdale Waterfront Park is more than a county park, it is a community icon. Several activities throughout the year are located at this gorgeous 2.3 acre park on Dyes Inlet of Puget Sound. The park boasts saltwater beach access, a huge kids playground, convenient restrooms, an intimate gazebo, a large picnic shelter, and many picnic tables and other picnic areas. This park is so much more than your traditional park. You can walk the shoreline looking for sea glass, different types of rocks or maybe even crab. If you walk over to the Silverdale Port Marina Pier you can walk out and might be able to see some kind of sea life like an Orca. Remember not to park at the boat launch area, which is only for vehicles with trailers using the marina's launch. The use of flip-flops is helpful on the beach because it is so rocky. Keep an eye on little ones this is not a swimming type of area and there are no lifeguards on duty. The Silverdale Waterfront Park is a designation spot for Kitsap County activities. Here is a list of the upcoming events.

The 36th Annual Whaling Days - July 25th - 27th. Whaling Days in an official Seafair Event. For more information just click the link - WHALING DAYS

Silverdale Thunder - August 9th & 10th. “The Ultimate Hydro Fan's Boat Race". For more information just click the link - SILVERDALE THUNDER

Alzheimer's Memory Walk - September 20th. The Memory Walk is a non-competitive fundraising celebration to raise awareness and funds for the local community. For more information just click the link - MEMORY WALK

Here is a video I shot July 11th - a weekday with lots of people enjoying the great weather we have been having.

Turn your BAH into Home Ownership – Stop Renting (LOCALISM FEATURED)

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:04:48 -0500

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.

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?
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?

Being a military spouse and real estate professional it was still a decision that I wavered back and forth. After sitting down and writing out all the pros and cons my husband and I decided to purchase. My husband is in the Untied States Navy and at the time we decided to purchase we were looking at the second tour to Iraq, at living in southern California and at a PCS 30 days after his re-deployment. We didn't know where we were going, how long we would be there or how the finance industry would view our dreams.

My husband left for Iraq and I knew that I wanted our next PCS to be a "door to door". I started to look at houses in the Bremerton, Washington area over the internet. Having my license but not practicing in the state of Washington I had to find a real estate agent too. I was lucky because I had several contacts from my days of selling homes in Washington. On a trip up to Washington I viewed a property and made an offer with my POA. My husband just so happen to call while I was in the process. I told him what I was doing and promised to email pictures when I arrived back home. I can tell you that it was not a totally smooth process, but I can also tell you that

I am writing this article in the home office of the house that we purchased so, all in all a happy ending. Well, almost. My husband didn't receive orders to the Bremerton area. He received orders to ALASKA!!! We are now building equity in a home we will retire to in several years. I live here and he lives there and we are Continental frequent flyers. What's that phrase "Semper Gumby"? Yes we are! I am back to the profession I love, he loves Alaska and we have the house we plan to retire in or so we think at the moment.

Do you own your home? Are you afraid of having to sell in 3, 4 or 5 years? If you are smart and do the right things then homeownership for a military member should not be scary!!!!

Be sure to contact me for my Military Rebate Program - there are huge discounts for buyers at closing. It's my way of giving back to those that have or are serving.

Just Like Vegas Baby! | Naval Base Kitsap | Reenlistment Bonus!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:15:56 -0500

With the lure of high salaries in the private sector the Pentagon had to do some "wheeling and dealing". The Pentagon has paid out more that $100 Million - yes I said MILLION in bonuses to veteran Green Bret and Navy SEALS alone. On every military chat board you see the post about bonuses. So what to do with all that money?

We have never had to answer that question in our household, we just say "CHOOSE YOUR RATE, CHOOSE YOUR FATE" and laugh a little. In my husbands 12 years he has never received one.

But for those that do what better an investment than

REAL ESTATE!!!

How much did you get for your bonus?
What was the tax rate withheld?
Is this your first bonus?
Did you receive an enlistment bonus too

This is like JACKPOT CITY - BABY!! Remember the bonus train will not continue to leave the station. You want to make sure that you have something of importance for all of your hard work and service. Contact a real estate expert NOW!! Find out what an investment in real estate can mean for your future.

Do you own your home? Are you afraid of having to sell in 3, 4 or 5 years? If you are smart and do the right things then homeownership for a military member should not be scary!!!!

I offer a huge military discount for both buyers and sellers. So contact me and I will send you the link to my Military Rebate section. It is my way of giving back.

Naval Base Kitsap | Saving for a Downpayment | DEPLOYMENT PAY!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:18 -0500

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE......

That's the song that I sing when my husband heads out on a deployment. Yep, he is in the Navy but I have never had the pleasure of being involved with a Navy command. We have spent all of our years together hanging out with the Marine Corps.

Deployment can be a very difficult time in a military family's life so; we have to find the positives. Saving all the deployment pay is one! The first tour to Iraq that my husband went on was my first deployment experience as a military spouse. I knew a little about the extra pays and was eager to learn more. I did pay attention at the Deployment Brief. I took all the pamphlets and brochures I could carry. I remember the LtCol standing at the front of the meeting room leaning on the overhead projector and emphasizing about our budgets. He had projected up on the screen the extra pays that our spouses were going to receive.

Hostile Fire Pay (HFP)/Imminent Danger Pay (IDP). $225.00 a month (HFP/IDP)
Family Separation Allowance $250.00 (FSH OR FSA)
Hardship Duty Pay-Location $100.00(HDP-L). Indicated as Save Pay on the Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Depending on the Command and the Branch of Service the service member usually gets to keep their BAS - Basic Allowance for Subsistence . $265.00

That is a TON of extra pay!! But the bottom line gets even better because all the pay while deployed out side the country in several tax free zones is just that TAX FREE!!!!!

Now that does add up. Depending on the length of deployment you could end up with a pretty nice chuck of change for the purchase of a house, condo or vacant land. Remember how important it is for Military members to own real estate!!

Upon return service members usually receive per diem pay too - that rounds around $3.50 per day and adds up too!!

So add this all together and you could be saving around $800,00 - $1000.00 per month. Multiply that buy the normal deployment of 7 months - oh except for the Army and IA's which is between 12-15 months and that is a huge amount to invest in your future.

Do you own your home? Are you afraid of having to sell in 3, 4 or 5 years? If you are smart and do the right things then homeownership for a military member should not be scary!!!!

West Bremerton Revitalization

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:16:24 -0500

West Bremerton Revitalization

It's not just downtown Bremerton that is going thru some "revitalization", West Bremerton is enjoying some as well. About a year ago the new Rite Aid on the corner of Kitsap Way and National Ave opened just in time for the Holiday season. The building was a huge improvement to the corner and area in general.

Rite Aid wasn't a new neighbor, just moved into the new building. Now of course where there is a Rite Aid there must be a Walgreens!! Right? I am not kidding. The property that is a vacant / abandoned used car dealership was purchased this spring by a developer out of Bellevue.

I have seen the plans for a Walgreens - and guess what else??? A Starbucks! With a drive thru!! This drab corner will be turned into a fun new neighbor. The plans are still in the prelim stage but I am sure that you will see the ground break sometime in 2008.

West Bremerton | There are some Great Homes Here!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:10:47 -0500

In the Bremerton area there are 691 homes on the market in the Price range of $69,900 - $1,499,000.00.

There are Craftsman, Craftsman Bungalows, Cape Cods, Cape Cod Bungalows, Ranch Style, Split -level and Split entry, New homes, Old homes, any style home you can dream of.

Here in this area we are blessed with "history" homes.

The Craftsman (1905-1930)

Wood, stone, and sometimes stucco siding

Low-pitched roof

Wide eaves

Exposed roof rafters

Porch with thick square or round columns

Some with stone porch supports

Exterior chimney made with stone

Open floor plans

Numerous windows

Some windows with stained or leaded glass

Beamed ceilings

Dark wood wainscoting and moldings

Built-in cabinets, shelves, and seating

Cape Cod (1600-1950):

Steep roof with side gables

Small roof overhang

1 or 1½ stories

Made of wood and covered in wide clapboard or shingles

Symmetrical appearance with door in center

Dormers for space, light, and ventilation

Multi-paned, double-hung windows

Shutters

Formal, center-hall floor plan

Hardwood floors

Little exterior ornamentation

Craftsman Bungalow (1905-1930)

One and a half stories

Most of the living spaces on the ground floor

Low-pitched roof and horizontal shape

Living room at the center

Connecting rooms without hallways

Built-in cabinets, shelves, and seats

Cape Cod Bungalow

Steep roof with side gables

Small roof overhang

1 or 1½ stories

Made of wood and covered in wide clapboard or shingles

Symmetrical appearance with door in center

Hardwood floors

Little exterior ornamentation

We have homes with style and character - with secret rooms with retro door knobs. Did you know that Art-Deco was the style of the 1940's? We have homes with big porches, stately overhangs, high pitched roofs and dormer windows. The list goes on and on and on - There are not many places in the Pacific Northwest that can boast such home detail and Bremerton is one of the areas where these homes are still affordable.

You need to be in a home. You need to have the stability and the financial security. The time is now! You might even be able to be in before the Holidays!! Wouldn't that be fun - a new home for all the gatherings?

Take the first step and let me know how I can help you!!

My home is a 1941 Cape Cod Bungalow built during the Art Deco era and I love it!! Join me in the joy of homeownership!!

Bremerton Attractions | Harborside District | BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:14:33 -0500

BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUM

The oldest building located on the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard site was relocated by the US Navy to Harborside Fountain Park to become the new home of the Naval Memorial Museum of the Pacific. The new location along with the opening of the museum was dedicated this past August.

This majestic 100 year old building is the perfect place to showcase moments of the Navy and the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Attached to the museum is the Harborside Fountain Room which overlooks the fountain park with a full glass wall. This room can also be scheduled for weddings, parties and special events.

While I was there someone was inquiring about a naval commissioning event to take place in the social room. I started into the museum, first to the gift shop and chatted briefly with the salesperson. The museum is free and staffed solely by volunteers so please if you can drop a donation in the jar in the hall. I decided I wanted to wait to view the museum with my husband when he comes home on leave so I left the museum and wondered around to the front of the building. Once the construction on the street is finished this will be an amazing attraction to drive by.

402 Pacific Avenue

West Bremerton | Was Your Home Built Prior to 1978?

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:53:16 -0500

Did you receive a pamphlet in the mail from the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority about the Lead Hazard Control Program? I did. My house was built in 1941. I don't qualify for the program but would really like to make sure the information reaches as many households as possible. Lead poisoning is a tragedy.

If you are eligible you may receive up to $7,000.00 in free repairs to correct the lead hazards in your home. This program is in partnership with Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency.

This program has a Maximum Income Limit.

Click for Pamphlet Here.

Lead poisoning is a very serious concern and can cause severe health problems in all ages. If you or anyone in your home suffers from headaches, stomachaches, nausea or irritability it could be a sign of lead poisoning. Only a doctor's exam can be conclusive.

See the pamphlet or Contact Mary Barton at 360-535-6131

Main Sources of Lead in Homes

Pealing or chipping paint (if lead based)

Dust from sanding old paint

Contaminated soil

East Bremerton | Service Recommendations | Discount Tire

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:40:58 -0500

Discount Tire
5034 State Highway 303 NE, Bremerton, WA 98311

When ever you relocate to a new area you always have to find new service businesses. Where to have your oil changed, who to use for dry cleaning, where to take your car for service, the list goes on and can be time consuming. I love to share my experiences for services when I find a business that is deserving.

I found "my tire store"! After doing a ton of research on the Internet and making a couple of calls I decided to drive on over to Discount Tire at 5034 State Highway 303 NE in Bremerton.

The store is clean and bright and very comfortable. The sales staff is very knowledgeable and very friendly. I did not feel pressured here. The tire I chose wasn't available but I was offered another that really was probably better than my choice and in the same price range.

I now know during our time here in this area I have a "my tire store". I hope that if you need to purchase tires you will give this great crew a shot - You will not be disappointed.

Bremerton | Harborside District | Uptown Mike's

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:25:20 -0500

NY Hot Dogs with Attitude!

On my travels on the Boardwalk I came across what I could see as the only "on the Boardwalk" eatery. There are those that overlook the Boardwalk but only one that is "on" the Boardwalk. Uptown Mike's, NY Hot Dogs with Attitude! First I thought to myself, "Is there a Mike?" and "Is Mike from New York?" So the nosey person that I am I walked into the small little building. (Later I learned it was the old harbormaster's office on the boardwalk).

There was a young man at the counter so I asked. "Is there really a Mike?" - Answer, "Sure is", I asked, "Is he really from New York?" - Answer, "Yes he is" and he proceeded to tell me a little about Mike.

Then the phone rang. I stood pleasantly by and then I could hear the young man telling someone that I was there with some questions. Yep, it was Mike. The young man handed me the phone and I was able to ask my questions to the real Mike!

Mike Lipson is the owner of Uptown Mike's and yes he is from New York - via California. He now calls the Kitsap Peninsula home. His little stand opened this last summer.

So when down on the Boardwalk, stop on by for a dog and you probably will also get to talk with Mike! Welcome to Bremerton Mike!

Posted to a neighborhood - EMBRACING LOCALISM

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:55:02 -0500

I know that this has been a tough couple of days for everyone and I do appreciate all of the back and forth. I have been out in the blogoshpere reading all the top real estate blogs which have written articles about A|R and the Localism roll out. I have listened to Bob Stewart's interview on the RealEstateRadioUSA's show.

I have gone into Localism as a contributor and as a "neighbor" - I love this term "neighbor"!

See I live in a 1940 neighborhood and I have a neighbor that has lived here since the late 1950's and we are buds. We are the "borrow a cup of sugar" type of neighbors. She makes me fusia baskets and I buy her Mason jar lids - just because. She brings me dinner since I live alone and don't cook. She calls to check on me and even though we are 25 years apart in age we have a blast as neighbors!

Oh crap I digress - but that is why I love the term neighbors!

Back to my thoughts - Bob is the one that made it clear to me. Listening to him talk I forgot about the City of Bremerton. I told myself that I would never "farm" the whole City of Bremerton so stop trying to figure out a way to get that coveted static spot. I realized that I am going to market and write for neighborhoods and with all the content that I publish I will always be on that first page - there will always be my picture as a neighbor and those new neighbors that we are going to ask to join us in REAL LIVE CONVERSTAION (our community) and not just via comments but via ACUTAL PARTICIPATION they will know - KNOW that I am the LOCAL EXPERT! There will be no doubt - like there was no doubt with the old Localism.

I went through a couple of post that would not have been included in the upload (A|R went back 6 months) and did a re-write and did a submit to: This is my new updated post for the Harborside neighborhood

Bremerton Revitalization | The Lone Sailor | Bremerton Marina

WASHINGTON

KITSAP COUNTY

BREMERTON

HARBORSIDE (this is a neighborhood)

Doing this gave me some needed enthusiasm and I am now on a roll!! Come and Join me !! And you know what - I COULD CARELESS WHO BUYS BREMERTON BECAUSE THAT TOWN IS MINE!! I HAVE THE ARTICLES AND THE READERS TO PROVE IT!!

Bremerton | One Adam 12 ---One Adam 12

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:02:36 -0500

Police Officers go RETRO

Have you heard the words One Adam 12? If not then you are little young to enjoy the "back to black" retro police cruiser. Back in the day all of the patrol cars where a black and white color scheme, hence the slang term "black and white". In this month's Mayor's Newsletter Mayor Cary Bozeman writes about the "New Black and Whites on Bremerton Streets."

In the 1970's departments started to do some changes with different colors and styles. Looks like Bremerton is jumping on the 2005 swing back to the traditional black and white. There are 5 now with the entire fleet being replaced soon.

Studies have shown that cars with alternating light and dark colors are more visible in low light and high illumination. But, there are some experts that say reflective tape and using the fluorescent lime green paint similar to some fire trucks is a better solution when it comes to the visibility factor.

I say this is a cool move on the city's part and agree this will make the Officers more visible in a variety of situations. What driver won't know there is a Police Officer behind them when seeing the "black and white" in the rear view mirror?

I also think it is a morale boost for the department.

As a Mother of a Washington State Police Officer I say - way to go Bremerton!!

Bremerton Revitalization | The Lone Sailor | Bremerton Marina

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:47:10 -0500

The "Lone Sailor Project" is over halfway funded and the casting has begun thanks to the support of the local community. It has been reported that all those donations under $100 are what has given the fund-raising project the boost to be able to boast over $210,000 in donations on the way to the $300,000 goal. The casting has now begun....

I had no idea of the plans to bring a replica of "The Lone Sailor"here to the Bremerton Marina! How exciting!! I was browsing the local newspaper The Kitsap Sun and came across the article, ‘Lone Sailor' Bound for Bremerton Marina. The title intrigued me because I am the spouse of a USN sailor. As soon as I opened the link I knew what this was about. I have been to the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. I have stood next to this "Lone Sailor"! The "Lone Sailor" is one of the many focal points at the U.S. Navy Memorial that opened 20 years ago.

The Bremerton statue will be the 11^thduplicate of the original in D.C. The Navy League will be planning the dedication ceremony so you will want to bookmarke their site for the most current updates ==> Navy League of the US | Bremerton - Olympic Chapter. How exciting to have a "National Monument" here in Bremerton. The Navy League is asking for citizen input as to which direction the "Lone Sailor" should face so please go and VOTE. I voted for location number 1.

Have a fine Navy Day!!

Here I am in Washington D.C. August 2003 with the "Lone Sailor"

Kitsap County : Market Information - WOW 6 Months Down!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:44:36 -0500

Following is information for the first six months of the 2008 local Kitsap County Real Estate Market. This information is the Average Days on Market (DOM) along with the Average % of List Price received on Solds all listed by Market Time.

Silverdale

	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	20	15	8	6	29
Breakdown %	25.64	19.23	10.26	7.69	37.18
Avg % SP/LP	99.63	97.01	96.82	95.95	93.30

Bremerton

	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	124	74	54	40	94
Breakdown %	32.12	19.17	13.99	10.36	24.35
Avg % SP/LP	99.16	97.70	97.31	98.26	97.69

Kitsap County

	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	344	209	167	121	369
Breakdown %	28.43	17.27	13.80	10.00	30.50
Avg % SP/LP	99.40	96.70	96.82	96.89	95.46

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

Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | June 2008

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:04:26 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

IF YOU CAN'T READ THE CHARTS BECAUSE THE SIZE IS TOO SMALL - HEAD OVER HERE FOR THE LARGE VERSION BREMERTON MARKET REPORTS.

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

An absorption rate is the mathematical relationship of supply and demand. The absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire inventory of homes in the Bremerton area of Kitsap County if the pace were to stay constant.

My definition breaks down like this...

Normal Market - Between 5 and 6 months of inventory.

Seller's Market - Between 1 and 4 months of inventory.

Buyer's Market - 7 months and higher.

IF YOU CAN'T READ THE CHARTS BECAUSE THE SIZE IS TOO SMALL - HEAD OVER HERE FOR THE LARGE VERSION BREMERTON MARKET REPORTS.

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.

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

LOCALISM FEATURED: Washington State Ferry System :: Largest in the Nation :: More than Transportation

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:57:00 -0500

Can you WiFi on your commute? Can you read a book or knit a scarf on your commute? Many people that live in the Bremerton / Silverdale area of the West Sound do. How do they do that you ask? They work in Seattle and commute on the ferry. The Washington State Ferry System is the largest in the United States and the 3^rd largest in the world! Of the 24 million annual ferry riders in the Puget Sound area 50% of those are commuters. Why commute you ask? The housing in Bremerton / Silverdale area on the Kitsap Peninsula has been more affordable than the housing in the Seattle and surrounding areas of Puget Sound for several years. People realized that you could commute an hour into Seattle from many directions but not one that offered a slower pace of life and more home for your housing dollar as the Bremerton / Silverdale area.

The Ferry is also a huge tourist attraction in Washington State, so even if you don't commute on the ferry you will enjoy the beauty of Puget Sound on a ferry ride from Bremerton to Seattle. The first time I rode a ferry was while on vacation to the west side of the state from eastern Washington. Once I relocated to Bremerton the ferry became a great weekend "out & about". We would pack a picnic and off we would go. Yes, I have ridden the ferry just to ride the ferry. The sights and sounds of the Puget Sound are amazing.

Bremerton WA :: Downtown :: Ferry Watching from Jo Soss on Vimeo.

Bremerton / Seattle :: Summer 2008 Schedule

This schedule is effective June 22 through September 27, 2008 The approximately crossing time is 60 minutes. You don't need a reservation.

Click Here for Schedule ==>

You will be sailing on the M/V Kitsap or the M/V Kaleetan. The State of Washington runs the largest ferry system in the United States and has an amazing website with more information than you will ever need. Go here ==>

Did you know that you can purchase your ferry tickets online? You can purchase and print very similar to an online airline check in. You just want to make sure you have at least 30 minutes prior to heading to the ferry terminal in downtown Bremerton because the email verification can take up to 30 minutes.

So make sure to check out the "Wave 2 Go" section. Go here ==>

If you are using the ferry system to commute to employment in Seattle you can purchase a monthly passenger use only pass for the Seattle/Bremerton run for $85.80 which will save you approximately $48.00 per month.

Here are some interesting facts about the Washington State Ferry System

Carries 24 million riders annually.
11 million vehicles ride the 200 miles of marine highway
Commuters comprise 50% of the rider ship
There are 10 ferry routes with almost 500 sailings per day.
Very critical link between the urban areas of the east Puget Sound area to the growing communities on the Kitsap Peninsula
For the last 50 years West Sound residents have used the ferries to commute to the Seattle area
Critical link for the more affordable housing on the West Sound with key employment centers on the east side of Puget Sound.
There are 28 vessels and 20 Ferry terminals in the Puget Sound System

God Bless the USA

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:31:40 -0500

This is a very nice video produced by Godaddy.com - there is permission to post the link on the site - thought I would share with everyone. Happy 4th of July!!

Happy Independence Day from GoDaddy.com

Happy 4th of July!

Bremerton WA :: Out & About :: Video Series :: Bremerton : 4th Street Market : Arts, Antiques & FUN!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:13:55 -0500

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

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

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

Bremerton : The 4th Street Market : Arts, Antiques and FUN! from Jo Soss on Vimeo.

I'll SHOW you MINE if you show me YOURS !!

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:36:45 -0500

I just want to see your NEW ACTIVERAIN OUTSIDE BLOG!

On Wednesday, when I saw Brad Andersohn 's blog announcement ActiveRain Launches Outside Blogs - How Do You Get Yours? hit the roll I am sure I let out a scream - I am a pretty excitable person. After reading through Brad's awesome detailed post with the "how to's" I was off to make my own!!

The set up was easy and I was done except for loading my header graphic because of some glitch but I knew that if I watched my blog roll someone from AR would be making some type of post to let me know what was going on. I just needed to be patient.

I am pretty simple and I really do trust the team at ActiveRain when it comes to helping us reach that SEO trophy. I then saw Bob Stewart address the on going question of Duplicate Content and Outside Blogs so off I went to read. Now I am not literate in most of this type of computer/seo/google language, but guess what? The way Bob explained it - I GOT IT!! With the conversation that followed I learned more and now I know that Google just wants to know the originator and that is all I need to know - pretty simple and I would like to thank Bob - even though he didn't win his 3rd Grade Spelling Bee he is still a pretty smart guy!! :)

Then up on my blog roll came Jonathan Washburn's blog Outside Blogs - Known Issues List I knew I was going to see some updated information here and sure enough I did. Now I knew when I would be able to get my blog finished on my end. For some reason I couldn't load my header on FireFox and so I thought I would wait until this morning after the 11pm fixes were complete. Sure enough I have my graphic header with just a couple of clicks!! Awesome!!

I know there are more issues that are in the works - I think there is a Domain issue after reading some others and so in 3 days if my new Domain doesn't show up I will see what is going on. I went and purchased a special Domain just for this blog because I know that will be the best way to get some great Google Juice - my new Domain is www.BeyondBremertonRealEstate.com but since you can't check there yet here is the sub-domain link BeyondBremertonRealEstate

I know that there are still some issues with the "About Jo" page which I am sure is in the process of being addressed and I will just be patient. I trust AR totally!

Remember Picnik is a great tool to use to re-size your photo and your banner to acheive the specified sizes - if you need help or want one completed for you just send me an email with your banner photo and I will re-size it and email it back to you. Email :: jo@westsoundlive.com. I mean that!

So - here is my BRAND NEW OUT OF THE BOX ACTIVERAIN OUTSIDE BLOG!!

Now post a link to yours!!! We want to see - or take a screen shot and post in the comments!!

PS - I used spell check right here in the AR editor!! woo hoo - thanks Jorgen Hahn

CJ's Evergreen General Store :: Memories Made :: Bremerton WA : Video Series

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:08:16 -0500

Do you remember the "little store" in your neighborhood growing up? Finding a nickel on the sidewalk meant you could run down and buy a handful of candy. If you are my age you can remember penny candy, bottled soda and hand scooped ice cream cones. When my boys were growing up there was a "little store" in the neighborhood were we would stop after a day of work, school and daycare. The sought after items had changed from penny candy to Captain Crunch ice cream bars or Big League shredded baseball gum in the pouch ( yes I know that probably isn't PC now days - nothing fun is) but the memories are the same.

In Bremerton there is a hidden treasure - a "little store", located in the Evergreen Park neighborhood that is providing this generation of Bremerton kiddos those kinds of childhood memories. CJ's Evergreen General Store is located across the street from Evergreen Rotary Park at 1417 Park Avenue. I have had the privilege of meeting the owner CJ at the Bremerton Farmer's Market one Thursday BBQ'ing up some burgers for the market's crowd. I had been asked in a blog to write an article on CJ's Evergreen General Store and so I thought since it was located by the Bremerton Farmer's Market location I would stop by the market and then head on off to the store. To my surprise there CJ and her crew at the Farmer's Market holding one of their many BBQ events. I had a quick chat with CJ between all those wanting those awesome smelling burgers and then headed off down the street to CJ's Evergreen General Store to meet her manager Lisa and take a tour. Little did I know that CJ's husband would be the one giving me the tour and that I would also get to meet her darling girls! CJ's Evergreen General Store is truly a passion for this family. CJ is the one that has the vision and the amazing energy and her family gives her all their support!!

Walk inside and you are going to hear "Welcome to CJ's" cheerfully called out from the counter. To the left you can see the fresh ice cream and espresso area, straight ahead you will see the coolers and to the right the true to the theme of all general stores the counter with the candy! There aren't many isles and so it is amazing that you can shop for dinner, pick up some fishing tackle and buy your lottery tickets all in one stop! CJ is so accommodating that if you need a "special order" item you can bet she will try and find it and will usually carry it for you.

This place is totally one of the neighbors. CJ's Evergreen General Store is more than just the local neighborhood market, it is a place for neighbors to meet and socialize. You can sit outside on the walk and enjoy Dillanos Coffee and Ootopia Espresso from the deli. On a rainy day you could sit inside at the tables right by the deli. CJ's deli has a very unique list of weekly specials, if you wear your pajamas on Friday you can receive a free drip coffee! How fun is that! Always available to help you with your fundraiser, family gathering or neighborhood BBQ CJ's can do the cooking for you. Give them a call for deli sandwiches, homemade chili, clam chowder and chicken noodle soup. Order your "home baked" cookies, brownies and double crust fruit pies and for the holidays you can special order holiday cookies, cheesecake and of course those awesome pies.

CJ's Evergreen General Store is also a very welcome participant to many of the local Markets, Fairs and happenings. You will find the BBQ at the Poulsbo's Farmer's Market, BUGS May Fest, Bremerton's Farmer's Market, Simply Renewed 4^th Street Market, and of course at Concerts in the Park. CJ's Evergreen General Store is an amazing place and a business that is very excited about the Bremerton community. Stop in and say Hi, have a Moxie, Nesbitts or Bubble UP and if you don't know what those are then have a Faygo instead! All I can say is I wish I was within walking distance!! The Evergreen Park neighborhood is very lucky! Memories are going to be made!

Bremerton WA :: CJ's Evergreen General Store from Jo Soss on Vimeo.

Just one last thing....CJ's is an amazing supporter of Local Vendors - here is a partial list

Dungeness Valley Creamery (Whole raw Jersey Milk)

Fog Woman Coffee Roaster ( fair Trade, Locally roasted Beans)

Rainhaven Farmstead Microdairy (Grade A Raw Goats Milk)

Hummingbird Hill (Locally Brewed Sodas)

Kim's Gardens (Fresh Flowers & Plants)

Orca Beverages (Nostalgic Sodas)

Pheasant Fields Farm (Free Range & Cage Free Eggs)

Paul Gregory Farms (Fresh Fruits & Vegetables)

Sequim Valley (Flavored Jams & Syrups)

Stedman's Bee Supplies (Honey)

Smith Brother's Milk

Create a Free Slideshow

CJ's Evergreen General Store :: Across from Evergreen Rotary Park, 1417 Park Avenue, Bremerton WA 98337 :: 360-479-2708 :: cj@cjgeneralstore.com :: Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Weekends.

Bremerton WA Real Estate Market Report Recap | May 2008

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:37:54 -0500

Please, forgive me for being so late with the Month of May's activity, sometimes business gets in the way, which is a very good thing in this market! Here is the Real Estate Market Activity for January - May 2008. Check back each month to see the monthly 2008 trend for Bremerton WA.

This is the Market report for the Bremerton area of Kitsap County which includes the NWML areas of 146,148,149,150 which are areas that all have Bremerton as the city for address purposes.

There are currently 644 homes for sale with 6 of those homes listed as a contingent sale and 44 of those listed as STI (subject to inspection) which means there is a contract that has been presented and excepted by the seller with the condition of the home inspection. Once the home inspection has taken place these 44 homes will either go back on the market or be listed as pending and will not show in the active section of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. (NWMLS) For all calculation purposes all 694 homes are seen as still being "on the market" because in all reality they are.

During the Month of May 124 homes were new to the Bremerton area Real Estate Market with a median price of $263,975.

During the Month of May 30 homes went under contract and were removed from the active Bremerton homes data base. The median price for Bremerton area homes was $249,450 with a market time of 91 days (median).

During the Month of May 65 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 71 days (median) and sold for a median price of $220,000.

The Absorption rate in the Bremerton area is 46.27 weeks or approximately 11.57 months of inventory if the current conditions remain unchanged.

An absorption rate is the mathematical relationship of supply and demand. The absorption rate is the number of months it would take to sell the entire inventory of homes in the Bremerton area of Kitsap County if the pace were to stay constant.

My definition breaks down like this...

Normal Market - Between 5 and 6 months of inventory.

Seller's Market - Between 1 and 4 months of inventory.

Buyer's Market - 7 months and higher.

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

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

Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series |WWI Memorial

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:26:05 -0500

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

Evergreen Park WWI Memorial from Jo Soss on Vimeo.

Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series |Farmer's Market

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 21:25:18 -0500

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

It's Market Time!!

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

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

Farmer's Markets can be such a great way to meet others in your community while sharing a passion for organic gardening, beaded jewelry making, compost tweaking and several other homemade type products. I found this too be true when I had a nice visit with "Made in Manette", Lisa of Lisa's Leafs and with CJ owner of CJ's Evergreen General Store. I also received the scoop on Luigi's bakery and will have to pay a visit to their new location. They are new to the Bremerton area only being open for about 3 months.

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

See you on Thursdays!!!

Bremerton WA :: Out & About | Video Series |Evergreen Park

Jo Soss | Bremerton WA Real Estate (Skyline Properties, Inc.) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:44:39 -0500

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bremerton WA :: Evergreen Park from Jo Soss on Vimeo.