Real Estate in North Kitsap County and North Tacoma

Closed transactions in Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Izland

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:49:52 -0600

North Kitsap Closings

Nov 16-30

The market is apparently heating up. All markets but Bainbridge showed strong activity, with Kingston and Silverdale leading. Pricing in Silverdale and Poulsbo suggest that the Tax Credit incentive for first-time homebuyers is having an effect.

If you would like details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, just email me.

Closed transactions in North Tacoma

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:53:23 -0600

North Tacoma Closings Nov 8-31

Compared to last year during this period, the market was very hot. I attribute this to the effect of the $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Now that the credit deadline has been pushed out to next April, expect action to continue

If you'd like details about the home that closed in your neighborhood, send me an email.

Homes sales in North Kitsap County (Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Island)

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:01:19 -0600

North Kitsap Closings: Nov 8-15

Market action continues at a slug's pace. The only Silverdale home to close took over 32 months from original listing date to selling date--and look at the selling price! Poulsbo improved from last year's week, Silverdale kept pace with last year. Bainbridge very slow.

If you would like the details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Home sales in Kitsap County

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:44:33 -0600

North Kitsap Closings: Nov 1-7

With the exception of Kingston, activity was up sharply this week over the same period last year. Expect more as pending sales close in time for the original tax credit deadline.

If you're interested in the details of the home that sold your neighborhood, email me.

How to prevent football injuries

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:08:20 -0600

Almost nothing annoys me more than the Fox NFL robot. It dehumanizes the players.

But I think it's doing more than that. I'm concerned with the increasing number of injuries, from Pop Warner football all the way through the NFL.

The most serious of these injuries are clearly the result of collisions. The collisions are encouraged by the increased sophistication of the equipment worn by these athletes. The more protection they are wearing, the more they believe they can play with "reckless abandon."

The recent controversy over Alzheimers and dementia resulting from concussions suffered up to forty years previous has brought a promise by organized football to improve the design of the helmets.

But let's consider another approach. Instead of improving the armor, let's take the armor away. Rugby and Australian football is every bit as exciting as American football, but the incidence of serious injury is far lower. If today's players were limited to high tech shoes and minimal protection (yes--leather helmets), I guarantee that there would be fewer concussions.

Nothing else would change (except the shapes of the players, which would appear more human and less Transformerish). The skills (blocking, tackling, running, throwing, catching) would still obtain. Oh, and their life expectancy might improve.

What do you think?

Home sales in North Tacoma

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:50:07 -0600

North Tacoma Closings October 22-31

The market is improving in North Tacoma! More homes closed in less time. The average selling price was less, but that is clearly the result of more realistic listing prices. Expect an increase in transactions this month as the deadline for the first-time homebuyers tax credit (November 30) approaches.

If you'd like details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Oct 22-31 closed transactions in Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Izland

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:40:33 -0600

Kitsap Closings October 22-31

The market is much more active than it was during the same period last year. Except for Bainbridge Island, the average sales price is higher. More homes sold in Kingston and particularly Bainbridge, with pending sales increasing as well.

If you'd like details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Recommendation: Fletcher Bay Insurance

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:36:57 -0500

I was chatting with Karl Buchmeier this week about insurance matters and asked him to share a story about why health insurance is valuable.

Last November Jim, a 42-year-old general contractor from Port Orchard, met with Karl to explore health insurance options. Jim had no coverage at all. He chose a high-deductible plan with a monthly premium of $160. In February, after suffering for several weeks with an intense headache, Jim went to the doctor. A series of tests revealed a large and growing brain tumor.
Jim immediately went into surgery but it did not go well. Another surgery was performed in March, and then again in June.

Finally in mid July, Jim learned that he was going to be okay. But the good news had some bad mixed in. Jim's medical bills exceeded $800,000 dollars, of which all but $80,000 was covered.

Jim called to complain about the uncovered amount. Karl advised him to plead hardship. He did, and the remaining bills were written off.

For $540 in premiums, Jim received $800,000 in benefits and kept his business and his home.

This is not a typical case, of course. but you never know what might happen. I know Karl and recommend his services.

STEAL this house now! Motivated seller

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:32:55 -0500

Paul Pival | Coldwell Banker Bain | 206.595.9502

N 27th, Tacoma, WA

Great location, great price! You've found a motivated seller: make
a reasonable offer.

2BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $350,000

Year Built	1906
Sq Footage	1,668
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	6,000 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

OLD TOWN location sets this home above other North End properties. Neighborhood of fine homes with great schools and restaurants. Just blocks from the waterfront.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Fireplace	- Walk-in closet	- Family room
- Living room	- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven
- Basement	- Washer	- Dryer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- fruit trees, flowering shrubs, Koi pond, arbors

- high ceilings, ceiling fans, paned windows, french doors

- classic, deep kitchen cupboards

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Welcome home!	Living Room
Family Room	Upstairs Bath
Yard with Koi pond	Entertain in the Spring/S

Contact info:

Paul Pival

Coldwell Banker Bain

206.595.9502

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 23, 2009, 11:13am PDT

Closed transactions in North TAcoma

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:20:05 -0500

North Tacoma Closings Oct 15-21

No change in the number of closings from the same time period last year, but the average selling price is higher. Look for the numbers to increase in the next five weeks cue to the first-time homebuyers tax credit. If you are curious about the details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Recommendation: Proctor Chiropractic

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:57:23 -0500

I have a close friend who passionately declares that all chiropractors are quacks. I'm writing this to tell you he's wrong--at least in one instance.

From time to time I hope to recommend Tacoma professionals, restaurants, films, etc. I'm recommending a health care professional--George ("Dr. George") Keogh at Proctor Chiropractic. I've been seeing Dr. Geogh for three months now--he's removed my chronic back pain and taught me a great deal about causes and remedies.

Dr. George is a well-educated, caring professional who goes beyond the expected manipulation. He cares about the whole person, not just about the spine.

I'm putting my own reputation on the line here by recommending him so highly. When the need arises, please make an appointment for a consultation. I think you'll be as pleased as I am.

Closed transactions in Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Izland

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:16:57 -0500

Kitsap Closings October 15-21

Market activity very slow, with fewer homes closed this week than last year's comparable period. If you are interested in the sellling details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Rumors that Realtors are leaving the profession in droves to take salaried positions, thus leaving homeowners at the mercy of legal sharks, are completely unfounded. We continue in our optimism that, as in the past, the market will turn around.

Old Town (Tacoma) Craftsman

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:16:24 -0500

Well-maintained homes in the Old Town Tacoma neighborhood are rare, even in this market. This Craftsman home is located just blocks from the waterfront in a neighborhood of fine homes. Great schools and restaurants. Two bedroom, two bath, and a potential Man Cave or office in the basement. Nice back yard with a patio and Koi pond for springsummerfall entertaining. Must see!

Home sales in Kitsap County

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:35:40 -0500

Kitsap Closings October 8-14

No transactions in Silverdale and 3 fewer in Poulsbo than last year at this time. Average selling prices significantly lower. There are a number of homes pending (awaiting funds before closing), so this week might be an anomaly. If you would like the details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Oct 1-7 closed transactions in Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Izland

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:02:06 -0500

Slowly we turn, inch by inch . . . . Activity this week was less than last week, but ahead of this time last year. Average selling prices were higher. I expect activity to increase in the coming weeks as the deadline for first-time homebuyers approaches. If you are interested in the details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Back on the market and move-in ready!

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:51:45 -0500

Bainbridge Island is not known for its affordable housing, so when something affordable comes on the market it's worth a look. This conveniently located rambler just came back on because the buyers lost their employment and couldn't follow through. If you are a first-time homebuyer (or know one), you can gain by their loss. Make your offer and take advantage of the $8000 tax credit!

Sept 22-30 closed transactions in Silverdale, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Bainbridge Izland

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:13:01 -0500

Prices were down compared to last year, but with the exception of Bainbridge Island, homes are selling much more quickly. Given the average sale price, this activity might be a result of the impending expiration of the first-time homebuyer tax credit.

If you are interested in the details of the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Sept 15-21 closings in Silverdale, Kingston, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:40:20 -0500

low, slow, slow--as slow as last year at this time.

If you'd like details about the home that sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Sept 8-14 closings in Silverdale, Kingston, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:51:28 -0500

Activity about the same this year as last. The 2008 time to sell mumbers for Poulsbo are skewed because 5 of 6 transactions were presales. 2008 Kingston selling prices show an unusually large number because one property sold for just under $1M.

If you are curious about the details of the home that just sold in your neighborhood, email me.

Socialized Medicine? It's already here!

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:24:01 -0500

This is an issue that goes beyond our area and goes beyond real estate. But because it involves people, it has everything to do with our area and everything to do with our real estate market.

Did you know that the term "socialized medicine" was coined in 1947 by a PR firm to attack then-President Harry Truman's plan to reform America's health care system? 1947! Nobody knew what the term meant in 1947--it sounded like communism, though, and 1947 was the height of the Cold War. Sixty-two years later the term is still meaningless, but it's still being thrown up as an objection to universal health care. I've heard it from some of you readers--you know who you are.

If "socialized medicine" means a system controlled and administered by the government, we already have it: VA, for example, and Medicare, are controlled and administered by the government. And nobody complains about either.

According to J.R. Reid, a journalist for The Washington Post, "In terms of results, almost all advanced countries have better national health statistics than the United States does. In terms of finance, we force 700,000 Americans into bankruptcy each year because of medical bills. In France, the number of medical bankruptcies is zero. Britain: zero. Japan: zero. Germany: zero."

Not to put too fine a point on it, the American healthcare system is the worst in the civilized world.The worst!

Please read the following article carefully. Sixteen percent of all Americans are denied health care (you know who you are, too). They deserve care. You deserve care. The models already exist--they're outlined in this article. They're successful. We can institute them easily once we take away the profit from insurance companies. Other countries have already done it, and all parties are very happy with the results!

Please comment. Unless you do, I have no idea whether you've read this.

Five Myths About Health Care Around the World

Sept 1-7 closings in Silverdale, Kingston, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:12:30 -0500

A 3-day weekend during this period, but activity still much slower than last year during these dates. Both Poulsbo and Silverdale had shown brisk activity until now. Bainbridge Island is relatively steady, with homes in the $400,000-$600,000 range selling far more quickly than in the higher ranges.

If you are curious about the selling details of the home that closed in your neighborhood, just email me.

Why Market Trend Reports Are Useless

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:16:29 -0500

Our profession loves to use Market Trend Reports.

I'll raise my hand to confess I've been as guilty as anyone in presenting my carefully researched Demand Ratios. 6.5 and higher indicates a Buyers' Market, 2.5 or lower a Sellers' Market, etc., etc . But in the few days I realized that such ratios have no relationship to trends. All they do is give a very rough indicator of what's happened up to today. So many houses on the market, so many under contract. Period.

So-called trend reports tell us almost nothing. What we need to know as professionals is not how many homes are on the market--anyone with access to the Internet can figure that out. What we need to know is how many qualified buyers are looking at all these wonderful, cute, adorable, handyman-special-beautifully-sited properties. Until we know how many buyers are out there, it does us no good at all to know how many sellers are out there.

How about it? Do you know how many buyers are in your marketplace? Is it even possible to find out?

Reality Check: Selling in a Buyers' Market

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:07:51 -0500

Here's what we see in a buyer's market, but to try to look at it objectively, let's get the discussion away from housing for a moment and think about apples. Let's say there's one store in town, and let's say that all it sells is apples. Red, yellow, green, Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, just apples.

Now group the red Delicious together, the Granny Smiths, the yellows. Put prices on individual apples. Stick with the reds for now: all the apples look more or less the same, but the price on each apple is different. $1.25, $1.05, .88, .49. Which apple would you buy, all other things being equal? So someone else buys the 49c apple and suddenly the price on the $1.25 apple (which is withering a little) is changed to $1.10. Will it sell next? (No.)

Replace the prices and apples with prices and homes. The principle is the same. If you want to sell your home without having to wait for all the other homes to sell first, price it properly. And price it right from the beginning. Consult with a professional and remember that the current market will ultimately dictate the selling price.

Book Review. Sort of.

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:47:22 -0500

I haven't read this yet, but if The Barista Diary is as much fun as its author, my friend Michelle Murphy, you'll enjoy it. I want to plug it because Michelle is one of the classiest people in my life.

If you read it, please leave a comment. I'll pass it along to Michelle.

Cost Cutting: Save on gas

Paul Pival (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:43:07 -0500

Increase mileage without buying a hybrid!

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You stop at the pump and fill your tank for about a third of your monthly car payment. You can't afford a more efficient vehicle. You get a headache every time you pay the gas bill. And then at the office you hear (for about the fifth time this month) all about carbon footprints and global warming. What's a mother to do?

Here's a way to cut your annual fuel costs AND help the planet! This is a rare win-win solution if you put a lot of miles on your vehicle. No, you don't have to buy a hybrid, but you can get hybrid mileage for about the price of two car payments.