Kitsap County WA Real Estate

Immaculate Quality-Built Sinclair Inlet View Home in Port Orchard WA

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:56:55 -0700

For the most discerning Home Buyer, consider this Immaculate Quality-Built Custom Home with Stunning Sinclair Inlet Views from nearly every room! They say the difference is in the details, and this home is no exception. Meticulously constructed using the highest quality materials, blended with superior craftsmanship! Extensive use of Hardwood Floors throughout the first floor. The expansive Master Suite is located on the Main Level with Dual Walk-in Closets, and an Oversized Zero Threshold Walk-In Shower. The Gourmet Island Kitchen boasts Granite Counters, High End Stainless Appliances, and Custom Hickory Cabinets with Roll-Outs. Take your pick of Two Office/Dens. A Family Rec Area on Lower Level, with 2 Junior Suite Bedrooms, one on either end, each with its own separate Full Bath. A Large unobstructed 3-Car Garage and Lower Level Shop Area with Roll-Up Door/Drive-Out. Wired CAT5 and Automatic Sprinkler. Professionally landscaped Yard and tons of storage space.

Located on a bluff above Bay Street in Port Orchard WA, this custom home at 243 Caseco Lane is situated towards the end cul-de-sac of other quality view homes. Available through Keller Williams Tacoma & Keller Williams West Sound for $570K. NWMLS #488949.

For more information or to schedule your own private showing, contact Rich Jacobson (360) 440-4758 or email KitsapAgent@gmail.com

A 'Thank You!' for a 'Thank You!'

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:25:25 -0700

When I arrived at my office today, there was a package here for me.

The note inside said: "Rich, Thank You for your continued support and love for AR. We appreciate you! Love, Activerain.

I'm one of those veteran members whose been around this platform since it's very beginning. I was a voluntary moderator, and actually had the good fortune of being a member of the paid staff at one time.

I love ActiveRain. Few things have had a more signficant positive impact on my business than my time and involvement here on AR. The friendships and connections I have forged here are some of the most valued and treasured in my life.

Thank 'YOU' ActiveRain!...

"Cease & Desist! You are in Violation of the Fair Housing Act!"

Mon, 13 May 2013 23:15:46 -0700

The other day, I was notified by our local MLS that a word I had used in the marketing remarks of a new listing was potentially offensive, and was in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The word was 'retirement.'

Here's the notice I received:

"Attached, please find a print out of a listing or listings from your office that NWMLS has found to contain one or more potentially offensive references that may violate the Fair Housing Act . The word(s) have been deleted from your listing(s).

The potentially offensive word(s) are noted on the print out for your information. NWMLS searches for the following terms which may, if used in a certain context, be considered in violation. (This list is for example only, to help you understand the types of potentially offensive words your agents should avoid)

Age, Amen, Arab, God, godly, Man, Men, Able bodied, Adult, African, Agile, AIDS ,alcoholic, American, Ancestry, Asian, Bachelor, Black, 'Blind, Board approval, Buddhist, Catholic, Caucasian, Chicana, Chicano, Child, Chinese, Christian, Church, Citizen, Colored, Congregation, Couple, Cripple, Deaf, Disability, Disabled, Drinkers, Elderly, Employed, Empty nesters, English, Ethnic, Exclusive, Executive, Families, Family, Female, Filipino, Foreign, Gay, Gender, Gentleman, Girl, Golden, Grandmas, Guy, Handicap, Healthy, Heterosexual, Hindu, Hispanic, HIV, Homosexual, Hungarian, Immigrant, Impaired, Independent, Indian, Integrated, Interracial, Irish, Italian, Jew, Job, Kid, Lady, Latina, Latino, Lesbian, Male, Marital status, Married, Mature, Membership, Mentally, Mexican, Migrant, Minority, Mormon, Mosque, Muslim, Nationality, Negro, Newlyweds, No children, No play area, Older person, One person, Oriental, Parish, Perfect for two, Physically fit, Polish, Prestigious, Private, Professional, Protestant, Public, assistance, Puerto Rican, Race, Religion, Religious, Restricted, Restriction, Retarded, Retired, Retirees, Saint, Seasonal Worker, Section 8, Senior, Sexual, Shrine, Single, Smoker, Social, Security, Spanish, Straight, Student, Synagogue, Temple, Traditional, Two people. Unemployed, Wheelchair, White, Woman, Women, Working, Young, Youth.

Our MLS still accepts and uses the term 'Family Room.' I'm surprised that hasn't been shot down yet as being highly offensive.

Master Suite is soon to be an extinct term, replaced by 'Owner's Suite.' Unless of course you're a renter/tenant, then you might find it offensive.

Some women have suggested 'Mistress Suite' is a good fall back. His and Hers is most definitely out, substituted by 'dual' or 'theirs and ours.'

It seems as though we're becoming too politically correct for our own good. Before too long, the only descriptive language will be allowed to use for promoting our listings is 'residential dwelling unit available for acquisition.'

A recent article over on Agent Genius expands this topic nicely.

How To Succeed on ActiveRain without Really Trying

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:05:57 -0700

How do you gauge your success here on ActiveRain?

How do you determine whether your time, energy, and resources spent participating on this platform have a reasonable return on your investment?

For many members, rising to the Top of the Point Scoring Heap is an obvious, measurable achievement. It's easy to get caught up in the competitive aspect of racking up points to achieve the top spot in your respective city, county, or State. We all like to be #1 and see our profile picture elevated above all the others.

Unfortunately, all too many within our ranks choose the 'Easy Button' to accomplish this end.

What do I mean when I say the 'Easy Button?'

It's posting an endless, mind-numbing array of countless listings.

It's sharing nothing but brief quotes from famous people, then copying & pasting a full novel of all your contact information, ad nauseum.

It's the inability to create any valuable content of your own, so you constantly plagiarize (copy & paste) other people's intellectual property, and pass it off as your own.

It's posting very little of substance, other than a bunch of photos, or jokes, or recipes, etc..

It's copying and pasting the same exact comment in other member's blog posts, and never reading a single word they wrote!

There was a day when such things were passionately policed here on ActiveRain. Serial offenders were warned and summarily booted from the network.

Unfortunately, with such large membership numbers, and less available AR staff, such measures are no longer employed nor are they practical.

Look at the Top Point Scorers in your respective State. The guilty 'Easy-Button' culprits are easily identifiable. Why should people be rewarded so much for contributing so little?

What should be done, if anything?

On our local MLS, we have a function (a little whistle icon) within every listing, where we can report an 'error' that we find within that listing.

On Facebook, with a click, you can report a member for posting/publishing inappropriate content.

Should ActiveRain consider something similar? Is it time that the collective membership was afforded greater control over the quality of the content being generated on this platform, and where flagrant offenders are put on notice?

What say ye?

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Keller Williams West Sound, providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com,SoundBiteBlog, Crabbing in the Hood.

Port Ludlow WA View & No-Bank Waterfront Access Home for Sale

Sun, 12 May 2013 16:01:17 -0700

Imagine living in picturesque Port Ludlow Washington, with views across Ludlow Bay and the Cascade Mountains....

Imagine having No-Bank Waterfront Access to launch your kayak or small motorboat, to drop your off your crab pots, or explore the beauty of the Puget Sound....

Imagine living just minutes from Port Ludlow Resort, Marina, and Golf Course....

Imagine a spacious 2700 square foot home with stunning Brazilian Koa Hardwood floors throughout the main level....

Imagine a Master Bedroom on the Main Level, complete with an expansive Master Bath complete with His & Hers separate entries, individual komodes, dual entry shower, and a over-sized tiled pedestal soaking tub!....

Imagine no pesky, limiting CCR's (Covenant, Codes, & Restrictions) or costly HOA dues....

Now imagine paying only $299,950!....

You don't have to use your imagination, this great home is real and currently for sale! For more information on this and other quality home throughout the Western Puget Sound, contact Rich Jacobson at (360) 440-4758, or email at KitsapAgent@gmail.com

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Home & Property for Sale in Belfair WA

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:23:38 -0700

Manufactured homes many times seem to get a bad rap, but this one will most definitely change your mind!

This home has everything you need and more! The main home is a 2003 Karsten with 1620 square foot, 3 bedroom and 2 full baths. The Large Kitchen is the centerpiece to the Open Floor plan and offers generous amounts of cabinet space.

There is a 672 square foot ADU Studio next door with a full kitchen, full bath, & fireplace.

And, if that's not enough, there's a nice 3-car detached garage/shop, along with a boat/auto canopy, and two outbuildings!

All of this on a level 2.3 acres, and only minutes to the popular Hood Canal waterway, Twanoh State Park Public Boat Launch, clams, oysters, and crab!

For more information on this and other homes throughout the Western Puget Sound, contact Rich Jacobson at (360) 440-4758, or email KitsapAgent@gmail.com

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Central Kitsap Home for Sale with Over 3000 Square Feet!

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:53:54 -0700

Need More Room? Then this may be the home just for you! Located off of Olympic View Road in Silverdale WA, this partially remodeled home boasts 3295 square feet of living space with 5 bedrooms (4 bedroom septic) and 2.5 bathrooms. There is a large recreation room on the lower level with a 2nd kitchen. The newer oil burning furnace is complemented by an efficient wood-burning insert fireplace downstairs and a wood-burning fireplace upstairs.

There are two single-car garages on the lower level and a shop/craft room on the main level (floor is not load-bearing). The expansive rear deck looks out over a large rear yard with lawn and fruit trees. A 'commons area' consisting of a corral & stable on 1.8 acres is jointly owned along with two adjacent property owners.

The only thing bigger than this home is the potential it has for being a truly amazing home for you! Recently reduced for only $299K!

For more information on this and other homes throughout Kitsap County WA, contact Rich Jacobson at (360) 440-4758, or email KitsapAgent@gmail.com

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E-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com or call (360) 440-4758

Nature Retreat Home for Sale in Silverdale WA

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:22:20 -0700

Situated on nearly 2 private acres off Olympic View Road in Silverdale WA, this home located at 5563 NW Lause Way offers a quiet retreat from the hectic, stressful pace of life. Surrounded by nature trails and towering Pine & Cedar trees, you're enveloped in a calming sea of green flora & fauna. Step out of your Master Bedroom, onto your private deck, and take a soothing dip in your Gazebo covered hot tub! The Cedar Shake exterior, Metal Tab roof, and Trex decking ensures durability for years to come!

This 1980-built home has 2415 square feet of living space, has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Forced-Air electric heat, and an efficient free-standing wood burning stove.

This home is conveniently located just down the street from Cougar Valley Elementary, one of the award-winning Central Kitsap Schools, within minutes of the Bangor Sub Base South Gate, Kitsap Mall, and Highway 3. And yet you will be pleasantly surprised how peaceful and serene the setting is.

For more information on this and other homes available for sale throughout all of Kitsap County WA, contact Rich Jacobson of Keller Williams West Sound at (360) 440-4758, or email KitsapAgent@gmail.com

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E-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com or call (360) 440-4758

Playing Agent Hide & Seek

Thu, 09 May 2013 01:31:13 -0700

(Warning: The following is a rant. All characters mentioned in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance or similarities to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. However, if the shoe fits...)

Last Friday I received a phone call and referral from a Keller Williams agent in Salt Lake City. His Seller clients were relocating to our area here in Kitsap County and were in desperate need of assistance. They had come out for the weekend on a fast and furious house hunting expedition, but the agent they had been working with unfortunately didn't share their same sense of urgency. After looking at just a few homes that the Buyers themselves had found online, the agent abruptly deposited them back at the place where they were staying, and just before he drove away said, "Give me a call if you find anymore homes you want to go see!"

Shortly after talking to them on the phone, I was able to identify about a dozen or so potential candidates for us to go see.

The next morning, prior to us meeting, I determined the order of the homes we would visit.

I called the first listing's phone-to-show number to arrange a showing.

The number turned out to the be office number for the listing agent, and the line was busy. I called the office's 800 number, but it was disconnected.

I tried to find the listing agent's cell phone number. It wasn't listed on the MLS datasheet.

I looked on his website. But no direct phone number, just the office number. Which I called again. Still busy.

I called the owner and left a message.

I met with the Buyers and began taking them through the various homes I had scheduled. Numerous times I attempted to call the listing agent's office, but it remained busy.

Finally, we came to the end of our list of homes, and the last one to see was the home I hadn't been able to reach anyone to confirm the showing.

I normally don't like entering a home without a confirmed appointment, but these Buyers were desperately under the gun to find something. That easily trumped any concerns I had.

As I approached the door, I saw that there were dogs inside. Great! Just what I needed to compound the situation as it was!

I knocked on the door and rang the door bell, but no one answered. The dogs seemed fairly sedate, so I carefully opened the door.

Luckily, we were able to tour the home, and actually, it was the one my Buyers ended up liking the most.

So, my Buyers go have lunch, and I head back to my office to write up an offer. I tried calling the listing agent again, but his office number was still busy.

I finally called one of the neighboring offices of the same brokerage franchise in the next town over, and asked if they had the listing agent's cell number. They did and I called it.

There was no greeting to help identify exactly who I had called, but I left a message anyway.

"This is Rich Jacobson with Keller Williams West Sound. I have some Buyers who are considering putting in an offer on your listing, and I just had a few questions about the property before we draft our contract. Please call me back as soon as you receive this message. Thank you!"

3 hours later, I was still waiting to hear from the listing agent.

My Buyers and I went ahead and drafted the offer and submitted it to the listing agent by email. I called the agent and left a message, alerting him that an offer had been sent to him, and to his office as well.

In our offer, we stipulated a 24 hour response time from the Sellers. The next day, Sunday, we waited. And we waited. Finally, at around 6pm, I started calling the Listing Agent on his cell phone once every half hour, each time leaving a message for him to call me.

Finally, around 8:30pm, I spoke with the Listing Agent for the very first time in the entire process!

Lesson Learned

Ease of Accessibility is absolutely crucial to the success of today's agent/broker. Your direct line number should be easy to find on whatever platform or website you're engaged in or using to promote your business. Make yourself easy to reach. Don't play 'Hide & Seek' with clients or potential clients. If people can't find you easily, they'll quickly move on to look for someone they can find and connect with.

The Keller Williams Belief System

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 01:28:16 -0700

A mission statement defines what an organization is, why it exists, its reason for being.

A vision statement identifies what a company would like to achieve or accomplish.

Values are important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a company about what is good and desirable.

Perspective is one's "point of view" - the choice of expressed opinions, convictions, or beliefs.

One of things that has impressed me since joining Keller Williams West Sound here in Kitsap County WA is the way and manner in which the company communicates its core beliefs and guiding principles. What's even more amazing is that these beliefs are not simply well-intentioned eye candy posted on a few random posters in the office, but these are deeply embraced convictions that permeate the culture of the company, from the rank and file, to the corporate boardroom.

It's refreshing to experience a company that balances drive, success, and achievement with the priorities of God, family, and quality of life.

If you want to know more about the unique culture and distinctives that make Keller Williams the Largest Real Estate Company in the US by Agent Count, just give me a call (360) 440-4758, or email: rich.jacobson@kw.com

Inman's Agent Reboot Comes to Seattle WA on March 27th!

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:41:19 -0700

Inman's popular roadshow conference for real estate professionals, "Agent Reboot," is coming to Seattle next week! The Info-Packed event will be at the Seattle Convention Center. Here is a complete run-down on all the days activities, sessions, and speakers:

8:00am – 9:00am: Attendee Check-In & Breakfast

8:50am – 8:58am: Welcome to Seattle

Wendy Forsythe, EVP Global Operations, Atlantic & Pacific Real Estate @brandwendy

9:00am – 9:05am: Welcome/Introduction

Laura Monroe, Social Media Director, Inman News @LauraMonroe

9:07am – 9:27am: Digital Scent: How Does Your Marketing Smell?

The subconscious trail a consumer follows in marketing (postcard, to website, to landing page) creates a `scent' that can lead to bad or good user experiences. Find out the clues your marketing is leaving!

Jeff Bernheisel, Marketing Project Manager, 1000watt @jbern

9:30am – 9:50am: Foundation + Focus + Fun - Creating a Customer Experience that Ignites Your Brand

Build your business from a clear, solid foundation, then focus on your passion to see your brand message flourish! Spice it up with fun, and you'll have a personal brand that truly connects and a business you enjoy.

Debra Trappen, CEO/Founder, d11 Consulting, LLC @debra11

9:53am – 10:08am: The Secret Language of Internet Leads

Steve Pacinelli, Vice President, Real Estate Events, Move, Inc. @stevepacinelli

10:11am – 10:26am: How to Cultivate and Build Relationships on Social Media

Most real estate professionals haphazardly use social media to build relationships. They log onto Facebook or Twitter, check their feeds, comment on something interesting and then go off to do their day job. Learn how to cut through the noise of social media, and zero in on the most important people in your sphere you want to build a relationship with.

Katie Lance, Founder & CEO, Katie Lance Consulting @katielance

10:30am – 10:50am: Morning Break

10:50am – 11:10am: Mobile Marketing Essentials

Your digital and social footprint is being seen by your customers on a multitude of different mobile devices. Have you optimized for your mobile consumer? Find out some quick strategies to whip your digital marketing into shape for a screen of any size!

Laura Monroe, Social Media Director, Inman News @LauraMonroe

11:12pm – 11:32am: 3 Simple & Effective tactics for Online Lead Conversion

You have a name and email address, now what? They never seem to respond... You don't even know if you have a real email address... Converting a sign call is not the same as converting an online lead. Discover the new rules to lead conversion.

Darin Persinger, Founder, Productivity Junkies @darinpersinger

11:34am – 11:49am: Agent Knows Best

You can listen to the “Talking Heads” and the “gurus” all day long. But why not hear it straight from the source? Hear successful real estate agents share what works for them with regards to agent reviews, contact follow up and more.

Jay Thompson, Director of Industry Relations & Social Media, Zillow @phxREguy

11:50am – 12:00pm: AM Wrap-Up

Laura Monroe, Social Media Director, Inman News @LauraMonroe

12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch

1:00pm – 1:20pm: Main Street Has Moved: Building Websites That Matter

Your online strategy is your business strategy. Now, more than ever, being a specialist online allows you to provide personalization and localization in the way that consumers are demanding today.

Seth Price, Director of Sales & Client Care, Placester @sethstuff

1:22pm – 1:37pm: Working Smarter in 2013: Top Tech & Lending Tools for Agents

Learn from Katie Lance, CEO of Katie Lance Consulting, and Gene Tibon, region executive for PNC Mortgage, on how new tech-based tools will improve your personal productivity in 2013. Experience live demonstrations of some of the best new apps today. Plus, learn about PNC's Agent Alliance platform and ongoing educational events.

Katie Lance, Founder & CEO, Katie Lance Consulting @katielance
Gene Tibon, Region Executive, PNC Mortgage

1:39pm – 1:59pm: Big Data: How It's Revolutionizing the Home Search Process

OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate, the Pacific Northwest's largest real estate company, will discuss how "big data" is revolutionizing the home search process. He will provide an overview of one such technology, INRIX Drive Time, and demonstrate how the integration of this type of tool can enhance the consumer experience, the agent/client relationship, and ultimately, increase referrals.

OB Jacobi, President, Windermere Real Estate

2:01pm – 2:21pm: How to Create Effective Video

In this session, Matt will teach you what to film and what to say on camera to create your own powerful real estate videos. With lots of audience participation, it’s a fun way to get more confident using your smartphone or tablet to create not just video, but video that sells.

Matt Singer, CEO, Videolicious @MattBSinger

2:23pm – 2:38pm: New World | Reviews, Testimonials + the Next Generation Client

Kick-start your business with online reviews! Yelp, Google and tons of others, but you need a strategy. Find out how to use testimonials and reviews to be top of mind in Seattle!

Kim Colaprete, Team Diva Real Estate, @seattledivas

2:41pm – 2:56pm: Rock Your Open House in Less Then 5 Minutes

From initial announcement to getting an offer -- learn how to rock your open house attendance and move your listings quicker by using these simple social media tips! When done right, social media can help you market your broker open to the masses and find the right buyer faster!

Dana Shaut, VP Social Media Director, Guaranteed Rate @guaranteedrate

3:00pm – 3:10pm: Wrap-Up/Giveaways

Laura Monroe, Social Media Director, Inman News @LauraMonroe

This is going to be a great venue to network with other area real estate professionals and learn some very practical tactics/tools for improving your business success!

Click on this Link to Register for Inman's Agent Reboot Seattle

Reasons to Consider Keller Williams - The Cultural Difference

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:05:46 -0700

A year and a half ago, I shared here on ActiveRain about the decision I had made to switch brokerages and join the team at Keller Williams West Sound.

My Move to Keller Williams: Turning a New Page

Recently, I attended the Keller Williams Family Reunion, a huge annual conference that drew over 8,000 attendees to the Dallas/Ft. Worth TX area. Clearly, one of the highlights of this conference was the 'Inspirational Brunch' hosted by the KW Vice-Chair of the Board and undisputed Queen of KW Culture, Mo Anderson.

Held on the final day of the 5-day event, the brunch is an heart-warming experience where associates come together as a family, to share stories that embody the unique culture of the company, and to honor those KW Family Members who have overcome difficult challenges, hardships, or adversities, and who reflect the true spirit of the Keller Williams Company.

This year's brunch was no exception.

During the festivities, the staff, owners, and associates of the Des Moines Iowa Market Center were brought up onstage.

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past several years, you're probably well aware of the challenges the Keller Williams Des Moines Team has been experiencing trying to compete fairly within their market area. For a very long time, another statewide brokerage, Iowa Realty, has enjoyed a significant stronghold over the Des Moines market. Iowa Realty made the decision to withhold (not pay) commissions to any Keller Williams agent who sold one of their listings. This resulted in a lawsuit that was filed by Keller Williams. This was nothing new for Iowa Realty. They have demonstrated a track record of similar actions and tactics towards other competing companies over the years.

However, rather than do an obvious disservice to their Buyer clients, the KW Des Moines associates made the decision early on to take the high road, and continue showing/selling the Iowa Realty listings to their Buyers, regardless of whether a commision was paid or not.

The owners of the Des Moines Market Center decided that it was unfair for them to realize a profit while some of their associates were not getting paid, so they set-up a fund to help offset the loses to their associates for unpaid Iowa Realty commissions. In addition, the local Agent Leadership Council (ALC) voted to help as well by contributing 5% of every office commission to this fund.

During the Inspirational Brunch, it was shared that KW Des Moines associates had been denied commissions by Iowa Realty in the amount of over $100K for 2012.

Mo Anderson told the crowded banquet hall, “A home is where the heart is, and this company is the biggest heart I’ve ever known,” She went on to say, “These Keller Williams associates have been unfairly denied approximately $100,000 in commissions they rightfully earned for helping their clients move into the homes of their dreams. Now is the time to make our brothers and sisters whole!”

And with that challenge, bags at each table were filled with money and pledges from those attending the brunch. Over $107K was collected, and over $36K more was pledged!

Where do you find that kind of care and support from within a company? I have to tell you, in my 30+ years of corporate experience, I've never seen anything like this! A company that fosters a culture that truly cares, from the top all the way down.

This is what attracted me to Keller Williams in the first place - a fun, nurturing, and empowering environment where everyone is valued!

Are you thinking that maybe it's time for you to Turn a New Page too? Allow me to help you make an informed decision that will lead to a more successful business and more satisfying life!

"Farewell, Our Native Son" - the Passing of Stan Nielson

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:50:21 -0800

This past weekend I received a call with the sad news that my Step-Father, Stan Nielson, had passed away early Saturday monrning.

Stan was one of the most significant positive influences in my life, especially during my turbulent teen years.

My Mom and Dad divorced when I was 8. To help make ends meet, my Mom got a job at the local hospital. For much of the next 4 years, I was under the 'loving' supervision of my two older sisters. As a result, the 3 of us kids became rather undisciplined, much to the frustration of our hard-working Mother.

Enter Stan Nielson.

Stan was the consummate 'Man's Man.' He was the guy you'd expect to see on the cover of 'Outdoor Living' posing next to his most recent kill. He was a hard-living, hard-working, beer-drinking, prune-picking, redneck from Merced CA. Picture a young Clint Eastwood, that was Stan. He was a very organized, disciplined type who had been living alone in a cabin up in the Santa Cruz mountains for several years without electricity or a telephone.

And now here he is, instantly inheriting a new wife and 3 incredibly lazy, irresponsible teenagers! It took him several years just to get us to turn off the lights in the house. And I'm pretty sure he was the one who originally coined the phrase "Born in a Barn?!?" We learned rather quickly to only be asked 'once' to do something. After several requests for me to clean my room, I came home from school one day to find everything in my room had been thrown out through the window onto the side of the house and into the rain!

Stan was the one who taught me how to hunt, fish, and ski. He had every conceivable power tool known to man and showed me how to use them. We build a first-class go-cart together and fashioned a killer baseball bat on his lathe. But more importantly, by example, he demonstrated generosity to others, and the value of a hard day's work.

One of my favorite memories was going frog gigging. The best time to go was when the moon was at its smallest crescent. On the way out of town, we'd stop by the neighborhood liquor store and pick-up a six-pack of Oly beer, a can of Mug root beer, and some pepperoni sticks. Then head out to Dr. Cohen's pond with our long 12 ft. aluminum poles with a 3-barbed pitch fork on the end. We would slowly walk the edge of the pond with our flashlights aimed out onto the water, until the light reflected back from the frog's eyes. Slowly inching the pole out towards the frog, a quick jabbing motion, and the frog was ours! To this day, whenever I see a full moon, I can hear Stan say "Full moon,...a bad night for frog gigging!"

Unfortunately, like many of us, Stan had his faults. His worst demon though was alcohol. Over the years, his beer drinking escalated into hard stuff. After I graduated high school and joined the Navy, things progressively got worse. Stan got a DUI and eventually was let go at his work. As a family, we confronted him through a planned intervention. Luckily, he agreed to seek help and was admitted to the hospital for detox. Surprisingly, the doctors found Stan to be in relatively good health, in spite of his many years of alcohol abuse. Much to our disappointment, Stan took that as sign that he didn't need to change his lifestyle, and the drinking continued. Eventually, he was asked to move out of the house.

When my wife and I had our first child in 1987, our daughter Emily, we took her to meet her grandpa Stan.

Over the next 15 years, we lived in the Midwest. Whenever we would come back to California to visit, I would try to find out where Stan was living. I would leave him notes with my phone number to call collect and that "I love you!"

The next time I saw Stan was the Summer of 2011, 24 years later. He was in an adult care facility in Reno NV. We had traveled to Twain Harte, just outside of Sonora, to see my wife's parents. My two younger sons, Elliot and Luke, went with me for the long drive up to Reno.

Seeing Stan again after all those years was an extremely emotional moment. The minute I turned the corner into his room, the tears began to flow. I embraced him and sobbed uncontrollably. Stan was a shell of his former self, his body frail and weak. But his eyes were alert and his mind extremely sharp. We talked, laughed, and cried for several hours. I showed him pictures on my laptop of my family, trying to bridge the gap over all the lost years.

As I sit here collecting my thoughts, even though I am deeply saddened by all the years of lost contact, the missed opportunities for my family to know Stan as I knew him, and the painful ravages and effects of alcoholism, I am greatly thankful for the treasured memories I have and the invaluable contributions Stan made in helping me become the man I am today.

"Are You Working with an Agent?" - Lessons Learned...Again!

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:32:36 -0800

After nearly 15 years in real estate, you'd think I'd learn by now!

What's one of the first questions you're supposed to ask potential clients?

"Are you currently working with a real estate agent?"

That simple question dispels any doubts and quickly establishes your role with the prospective client.

But let's face it, most consumers are clueless when it comes to the formalities of agency relationship. Many times, they don't understand its benefit or the value that a licensed real estate professional representing their interests provides.

So what's the fall-out from neglecting to pose this question? Well, that's actually the inspiration behind this post. My lesson learned,...again!

One of the many things I am enjoying about my move to Keller Williams is their lead management platform - eEdge. It's an effective system for capturing leads and seamlessly engrafting them into an efficient follow-up/touch process.

The other day I received the following lead through my website:

"Hi, Rich! I'm looking at MLS# 391138. My price point is around $144K using my VA eligibility. If I buy a house and get transferred a few years down the road, can I legally rent the property? Are there any monthly HOA dues?

Even after all the years in this business, I still get excited when someone contacts me and asks for my help. I guess that's one of the reasons why real estate is such a good fit for me. I love helping people! I derive great satisfaction from helping them achieve their home buying or selling goals. So my natural response to such inquiries is to immediately jump into the fray, full speed ahead!

A property search and a half-dozen emails later, the prospective client kindly informs me:

"I am working with an agent already, but just wanted to get an idea of what my options were for your area."

Fortunately, I hadn't expended an inordinate amount of time assisting this client, but the well-needed reminder was made.

As licensed real estate professionals, we can't always assume that consumers appreciate our value proposition or understand that our time is money. We owe it to them and to ourselves to "Ask the Question!"

What about you? Have you ever had any similar 'lesson learned' experiences?

(UPDATE: I neglected to address an equally obvious issue - where was this person's agent? Based on his email, one might assume that his agent was not located in my area, and therefore not familiar with my market. Regardless, this person obviously felt the need to seek information from someone other than his chosen agent. It makes me wonder, did the agent not establish himself/herself as an area expert? Did he/she not convey his/her expertise or value well enough as to cause their client to seek advice elsewhere? Or perhaps consumers are just fickle these days).

Buyers Agency Commitment - 1st Time Home Buyers Guide Kitsap County WA

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:38:22 -0800

Buyer's Agency Agreement-Committing to Each Other-1st Time Home Buyers Guide Kitsap County WA

This is the fourth installment in an on-going series of helpful articles designed to effectively guide 1st Time Home Buyers through a successful home-buying process. We have been identifying and discussing, in chronological order, the key events that occur.

So far in this series, we've identified the Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent (Part One) (Part Two) and Choosing Your Mortgage Lender.

This time, we’ll talk about the importance of executing a Buyer's Agency Agreement.

Buyer's Agency Agreement - The Contract of Mutual Commitment

One of the most important and fundamental first steps in meeting with your Real Estate Agent should be to discuss and sign a Buyer’s Agency Agreement. This is a contract that accomplishes several purposes:

It empowers your Agent to represent you legally in the course of the real estate transaction.
It demonstrates your commitment to your Agent and the value you place on the services they will provide.
It equally conveys Your Agent’s commitment to you; to professionally serve your best interests; and to fulfill all the duties, obligations, and responsibilities of a licensed real estate professional.

Make sure that your agent provides you with a copy of the Buyer’s Agency Agreement and explains it completely. You may not feel comfortable signing this agreement during your very first meeting with your agent, but you should make it a goal to sign it as early on in the process as possible.

Each agent is different. I know some who refuse to show any properties, let alone even begin the process, without having their clients first sign a Buyer's Agency Agreement. Personally, I almost never ask my Buyers to sign one so early in the process. I feel it's important to develop a certain measure of trust and rapport before asking them to commit to me

Your agent should also provide you with a copy of “The Law of Real Estate Agency.” This pamphlet will share the various relationships that can exist in a real estate transaction, and explains the various duties/responsibilities licensed agents are obligated to perform in each of those relationships. Here in Washington State, these duties/responsibilities are statutory in nature. They are a required by law.

Great agents take agency relationships and agency laws very seriously. Their primary focus is to ensure that the Buyer's best interests are being fully represented and served throughout the entire home buying process.

In our next article, we'll answer the common question that many 1st Time Home Buyers have Do I need $$$ to Buy a House?

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

E-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com or call (360) 440-4758

Choosing Your Lender - 1st Time Home Buyers Guide for Kitsap County WA

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:56:55 -0800

Choosing Your Mortgage Lender - 1st Time Home Buyer's Guide for Kitsap County WA

This is the 3rd installment in a 10-part series of articles focused on equipping 1st Time Home Buyers to successfully achieve their home purchasing goals. This guide will take the reader on a journey through the entire home-buying process, from start to finish, and discuss, in chronological order, the key events/elements in the home buying process.

Today’s topic: Choosing Your Mortgage Lender

The next step in your home-buying adventure should be to find an experienced local mortgage loan specialist.

Notice I used the term 'local.' While there may be some viable lending institutions here online, I believe there is significant value in being able to work with someone located within your specific market area. It's extremely helpful, in the event of any issues or challenges that may arise during the transaction, to have someone you can meet with face-to-face to get things resolved quickly.

I typically recommend mortgage brokers to my Buyer clients, rather than bank loan officers. Mortgage brokers have a larger variety of loan products to choose from. Whereas banks, credit unions, or savings & loan institutions have a very limited number of loans to offer.

Before you start the home-search process, you need to know if you’re financially in a position to purchase a house, and at what price. A seasoned mortgage professional will be able to review your current financial status and determine if buying a house is a realistic and prudent goal for you.

Sometimes, people need to pay-off some outstanding debts first, or repair a past credit problem. A qualified loan specialist can help you to formulate a game plan for working through these issues.

Once your mortagage specialist has reviewed and verified all of your financial information, and helped you to select a particular loan product that helps you best reach your goals, they can then determine a suggested price range to fit within your budget. This price range will serve to drive your home searching efforts.

At some point in the process, they will draft a loan pre-approval letter that can be submitted along with your contract offer, helping to better portray you as a strong, qualified Buyer.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

Obtain reliable recommendations from your real estate agent/broker or trusted friends.
Use a local lender. It makes sense to work with someone who knows the nuances of your particular market and can respond quickly to any issues that may arise. It’s also easier for area agents and title/escrow offices to coordinate the transaction with local lenders.
Don’t shop for lenders based solely on the interest rates they quote. Just because someone offers you the lowest rate doesn’t always make them the best choice.

Rhonda Porter, a well-known and respected mortgage broker here in the Seattle WA area offers some additional advice on How to Select Your Mortgage Broker.

Having a knowledgeable mortgage specialist as part of your team will help you to successfully achieve your home-buying adventure!

Previous Articles in This Series:

Top 10 Traits of a Great Agent, Part One

Top 10 Traits of a Great Agent, Part Two

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

E-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com or call (360) 440-4758

Should You Quit Social Media in 2013?

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:51:31 -0800

I think it's very important to be constantly evaluating/measuring the effectiveness of your marketing efforts, old school or new school. I believe the real key to success in the RE Biz is striking a working balance between high tech and high touch. Maureen poses some good questions in her articles, ones we would all do well to ask ourselves at this time of year!

Via Maureen McCabe Columbus Ohio real estate (HER Realtors):

Could you quit social media in 2013? Should you? Why?

Should you close your Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn*, Foursquare, YouTube, Yelp etc. accounts in 2013? Should you stop blogging? Shutter your blog?

J. Maureen Henderson, a contributor to Forbes wrote;

'3 Reasons You Should Quit Social Media In 2013' The article was posted on Forbes on December 29, 2012. Her article on Forbes outlines her method first quitting Twitter, then Facebook and then shuttering her blog. Could you do that?

Henderson wrote "As an experiment, I quit the internet in September."

Should you? Could you quit social media? Stop blogging on ActiveRain or a WordPress.org real estate blog? Is that good career advice for 2013 for anyone in the real estate industry? While she is not talking to our industry, she is talking to all women... where the article is on Forbes.com? Or is Henderson only talking to those early in their careers? Henderson says "I write about early career issues. Pithily" on Forbes.com. I probably should note I am NOT a big fan of Forbes.com. I try my darnedest NOT to read their content. Great headlines.

Henderson's three reasons you should quit social media in 2013 are:

"It harms your self-esteem

Your blood pressure will thank you

Online is no substitute for offline"

"It harms your self-esteem" Social media harms your self-esteem? Yes, I saw the study last fall too. It's as good as any excuse if you need one.

There is no way to argue the third one, is there? But go read Henderson's article about how social media hurts your self-esteem, raises your blood pressure. '3 Reasons You Should Quit Social Media In 2013'

Quitting Social Media vs. quitting the Internet

Henderson did not quit the Internet though... she quit social media. She is a writer. She has a presence on the Internet. J. Maureen Henderson wrote:

"I didn’t stop freelancing or responding to emails, but I dropped social media and my participation in it like a hot potato and I haven’t looked back."

Her "I quit the internet in September" is an exaggeration if her post is on Forbes.com on New Years Eve isn't it? That .com is a hint she's still on the Internet at the end of 2012. Isn't it?

Does quitting social media mean a static real estate website is OK for your health (mental and physical) and relationships? Just stop using websites that allow you to update quickly (blogs.)

Could you quit social media in 2013

Could you quit social media in 2013? On Forbes.com J. Maureen Henderson says "I write about early career issues. Pithily."

Early career? Perhaps starting out in any career it is better to not try to juggle Twitter, Facebook, a blog, other social media along with real life employment issues... She has info in the Forbes article about how few jobs are posted online. Did she quit LinkedIn* too? I find no trace of her on LinkedIn. The end of her brief, brief post with a great title talks about job postings and she is writing about early career issues.

The site her Work with Me link on Forbes links to is a blog... she does NOT have a blog on the site but it is a content management system "J. Maureen Henderson | Site designed by Make My Blog Pretty" It linked to a blog that she stopped posting to abruptly in September 2012.

Image credit: 'iPhone' is part of of William Hooks' Flickr photostream and licensed with a Creative Commons license which allow commercial use and "to Remix — to adapt the work" and I did.

Could you quit Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, ActiveRain, other real estate social media in 2013? Could you quit cold turkey? Should You Quit Social Media in 2013?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This post provided by Maureen McCabe HER Realtors*

Contact Maureen McCabe of HER Realtors* - 614.388.8249

HER Realtors Maureen McCabe

Search Columbus mls

email: MaureenatMaureenMcCabe.com at = @

*Real Living HER

Information is deemed to be accurate but should be verified to your satisfaction. Information provided herein is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. Opinions expressed are solely those of Maureen McCabe.

Hustle, Not Muscle: The Key to Lifelong Success

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:41:57 -0800

AR CEO Nikesh Parekh shares his experienced opinion on what it takes to succeed and excel in today's challenging & competitive market. He claims it all boils down to 'Hustle' (and we're not talking about some sweet disco moves either!)

Via Nikesh Parekh (CEO of ActiveRain) (ActiveRain):

Has anyone with true hustle ever failed? Have ever you met or known anyone who hustled and did not achieve their goals? Me neither.

I was recently asked to speak on a panel to MBA's from the University of Utah talking about Seattle, technology and entrepreneurship. We had a GREAT panel of speakers: Kevin Nakao of MeritShare, WhitePages, RealNetworks; Will O'Brien from Big Fish Games & TrialPay; Edward Yim from ClassifiedAds and Blue Moon Ventures, and Meredith Turner from PitchBook and WhitePages.

Much of the panel was the standard stuff - how did you end up in Seattle, how does Seattle compare to Silicon Valley, and what is the hiring environment like? Inevitably you get down to the question of: what advice do you have for finding a job or for life in general?

Down the line, every panelist gave the same answer: HUSTLE.

It is very rare to put five people on a panel and they all agree that pure and simple hustle and effort are the keys to success. Kevin gave an example of how he broke into the music industry by showing up in LA, knocking on doors and working for free, until someone gave him a job. Will talked about how he managed to open up the "London" office for his former consulting company by cold calling companies in the UK until one of them listened to his pitch. He landed a $15m engagement from this UK company, which ended up being the largest consulting project for his employer. Edward talked about raising a search fund out of business school by asking people he did not know for money to go buy a company. Hustle is at the heart of every example.

When I think about my own career, I would say hustle and fear are a powerful combination. Throw in serendipity or luck and you have a recipe for success. As the CTO of my former company Bio Architecture Lab Yasuo Yoshikuni would say, "The more shots on goal you have, the more you score." When I was CEO of Bio Architecture Lab, we were commercializing a technology to convert seaweed into low cost biofuels and chemicals. I started with the company in March of 2008. Shortly thereafter oil prices peaked at $140 per barrel and then crashed below $60 per barrel, making it that much harder to commercialize new clean technologies at a price competitive with oil. Simultaneously, Lehman Brothers failed and the financial crisis ensued, taking the entire financial system with it, making it even harder to raise financing for a speculative cleantech venture with unproven technology.

The fear of not raising money and having Bio Architecture Lab fail pushed me to be more aggressive in seeking out financing. Though it wasn't pretty, we threw immense amounts of spaghetti against the wall to see what would stick. We continued to speak with venture capitalists. Additionally, we sought out commercial partnerships and government grants. AND we looked internationally when things looked bleak in the US. In the end, we ended up raising $8m in venture capital from Norway, Chile and the US, we raised $12m in government grants from the US and Chile, AND we raised $15m in a commercial partnerships with Statoil & DuPont. All in all, we raised $35m in financing (only $8m of which was dilutive from venture capital), in the WORST financial market in history.

Though luck played a big role, hustle was our muse and fear was our motivator. We spoke with 120 venture capital firms to get three yes's. Similarly, we spoke with any oil or chemicals company willing to speak with us and applied for every government grant possible, even in Chile.

In the title of the blog, I talk about "Hustle, Not Muscle." Many times, we get very used to resting on our laurels or the success of our last job or education. Every now and again, each one of us has a moment, generally when interacting with someone younger than us, when crudely we think, "Do you know who I am?"

Just like lifting weights, we can become really good or skilled at a very narrow competency or skill set. We can become blind to competition or major changes happening in the industry. That young, inexperienced person who has no idea who you are is going to want it more than you and they are going to OUT-HUSTLE you to the prize.

Yes, you may be a twenty year veteran of the industry, but times are a changing my friends. There will always be someone who wants it more and is willing to work harder to get it.

At the same time, behind every success is a successful person with HUSTLE.

Work hard. Throw lots of spaghetti against the wall. A few strands will stick. Those few strands can make all the difference in life and a career.

(I was hiking in Lynn Canyon outside of Vancouver and came across this memorial bench to Philippa Ellaway who said, "Running is the greatest metaphor for life: you get out of it, what you put into it." So true, so true. I had to Google Philippa Ellaway when I got home. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.)

Add Me on Google+, Follow Me on Twitter, Connect with Me on LinkedIn:

Follow @nparekh00

Top Ten Traits for Agents: 1st-Time Home Buyers Guide Kitsap County WA

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:33:34 -0800

This is the second installment in an on-going series of posts dedicated to helping 1st-Time Home Buyers successfully achieve their home purchasing goals. We have been identifying and discussing, in chronological order, key events in the home buying process. In the first post, we began to identify the Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent. We had discussed the first 5 traits: Advocate; Knowledgeable; Ethical; Accessible; and Communicator.

Here then, are the remaining 5 traits:

Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent, Part 2

Highly Recommended: They say that you’re only as good as your last transaction. As you interview prospective agents, ask them to provide you with recent testimonials from past clients, including the client’s contact phone numbers or e-mail address. Great agents will always have lots of great clients who say great things about them!

Empathetic: A great agent is genuinely sensitive to your needs. They are patient and understanding. They recognize the emotions, fears, and anxieties that usually accompany a first-time home purchase. Their constant and confident assurances provide a much-needed calming anchor throughout the entire transaction.

Willing to educate: As a professional real estate agent, you can never share too much information. This is especially true with 1st Time Home Buyers. The first time you meet with your chosen agent; have them walk you through the entire home-buying transaction, step-by-step. This will help to ensure that there are no surprises along the way and you can anticipate the various events as they occur.

Tech Savvy: Great agents stay current with emerging technologies, and willingly adapt them to better improve their business and services. Does your prospective agent have a smart phone, and implement mobile technology/apps? Do they utilize a digital signature program like DocuSign? Does their website or blog provide current, up-to-date information on their market, and tools to easily search for area listings?

Continuing Education: A great agent has never “arrived,” but is committed to constantly learning new things. They are consistently engaged in on-going education and training opportunities. Many top agents have earned numerous designations such as ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), GRI (Graduate of Realtors Institute), or CRS (Certified Residential Specialist). These designations often indicate further study, more experience, and greater degrees of knowledge.

So there’s your Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent.

Selecting a Great Real Estate Agent is the first important step in successfully achieving your home buying goals. With the amount of information that is available today on the Internet, you can learn a lot about potential agent candidates before ever meeting them face-to-face. Most real estate agents have their own website, publish their own blogs, or actively participate on social media platforms, allowing for greater transparency regarding their work ethics, practices, and personality.

Next time, we’ll discuss the next vital step in the 1st-Time Home Buying process, "Choosing Your Mortgage Lender."

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

E-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com or call (360) 440-4758

Traits of a Great Agent - 1st Time Home Buyer's Guide Kitsap County WA

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:41:54 -0800

Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent/Broker in Kitsap County WA - 1st Time Home Buyer's Guide

This is the first installment in a 10-Part series of blog articles designed at helping 1st Time Home Buyers successfully achieve their home purchasing goals. In this series, I will identify and discuss, in chronological order, key events in the home buying process.

Today’s topic is entitled "Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent - Part One"

One of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of my career in real estate is helping people successfully achieve their home buying goals. This is especially true with 1st Time Home Buyers. There are few things better in life than helping someone, for the first time, realize their dreams of home ownership.

Before we begin though, let me first stress to you the importance of contracting with a licensed real estate professional to represent you in the home buying process, particularly if you are a 1st Time Buyer. As we will discuss further, you owe it to yourself to have someone who is dedicated solely to being your advocate, and representing your best interests.

Here are some common questions 1st Time Home Buyers often ask:

How do I choose a real estate agent?
Why is it so important to have an agent represent me in a home purchase?
What qualities or traits should I look for when interviewing agents/brokers?

With that said, the following is a basic list of traits to consider when selecting your agent/broker:

Top Ten Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent

1. Advocate: Hopefully, as you begin your house buying adventure, you will hear a lot about real estate agency law. Professional agents/brokers take agency representation very seriously. There are very specific duties, responsibilities, and obligations that a licensed agent/broker is mandated by State law to fulfill to their clients. Listing Agents are under contract with the Sellers. They only represent the Sellers best interests, not the Buyers. A Buyer’s Agent owes their fiduciary or statutory duties and obligations solely to the Buyer. When you meet with a prospective agent, ask them to explain agency law. Ask them whom they would represent in the purchase transaction. A great agent is passionate about working for their Buyer’s best interests.

2. Knowledgeable: A great agent is a knowledgeable agent. They understand local, State, and Federal laws concerning real estate. They are proficient with all types of purchase & sale contracts, and can explain all the various forms and addendums to you. They know the local market they serve intimately, inside and out, and can provide you with valued counsel based on their experience and local market expertise.

3. Ethical: Licensed real estate professionals are held to a very high standard, The NAR Code of Ethics. While there may be the occasional bad apple, most agents genuinely strive to maintain these ethical practices in their daily business. They don’t just talk about being ethical, it’s a foundational element of who and what they are.

4. Accessible: Great agents will make themselves easily accessible and available to their clients. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have no life and you can call them 24/7 with your questions. But it does mean that they will make you feel as though you’re their only client! If they aren’t available to take your call, they’ll actually return your messages promptly and on the same day! (gee, what a concept!) Great agents also know how to leverage new technologies to provide greater accessibility for their clients.

5. Communicator: A great agent creates and maintain constant and effective lines of communication with their clients. Part of that process is determining what the clients preferred form of communication is, and simply accomodating that preference. Good, clear communication is especially critical for 1st Time Buyers. They can never have too much information.

That completes Part One. Look for the remaining 5 Traits of a Great Real Estate Agent, Part Two, in my next article in the 1st Time Home Buyer's Guide.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Port Ludlow WA No-Bank Waterfront View Home

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:35:10 -0800

Port Ludlow WA No-Bank Waterfront View Home

Here's one of those rare opportunities to own an affordable quality-built home with no-bank waterfront access on Ludlow Bay, with the potential to build your own private boat ramp or deep water dock!

Built in 1991, this 2700 sq. ft. view home is situated just west across Ludlow Bay from popular Port Ludlow Resort & Marina, and just minutes from Port Ludlow Golf Course and South Bay Community Club.

The front door opens to reveal an extensive use of dark Brazilian Koa Hardwood floors throughout the entire main level.

The Jenn-Air Island Kitchen is surrounded by quality custom cabinetry and high end stainless steel appliances, including a Bosch Oven, Kitchen Aid Dishwasher, Sharp Convection Microwave, and LG Refrigerator.

High-Efficiency Wood Burning Inserts by County Comfort have been installed in both the Main and Lower Level Fireplaces.

The Master Suite is on the Main Level, with a slider out to the Wrap-A-Round Deck. On clear days, Mount Baker can be seen off on the horizon. The opulent Master Bath has His & Hers entrances with separate commodes, Dual-Entry Walk-in Shower with Dual Heads, Dual Sink Vanity, Dual Sliding Closets, and an over-sized soaking tub on a raised tiled pedestal.

The Lower Level consists of a Family Room, Wet Bar, 3/4 bath, and 2nd Bedroom.

The exterior features wood siding, tile roof, and RV parking.

A shared easement grants you access to 14 feet of no-bank waterfront on Ludlow Bay, with the right to build a boat ramp or dock.

Just imagine launching your kayak out onto the protected waters of Ludlow Bay. You could enjoy the best of Pacific Northwest Living for only $364,000!

For a private showing, contact Listing Broker Rich Jacobson at 360.440.4758

Port Ludlow WA is a well-known retirement community, just a few miles from the Hood Canal Bridge (which connects the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas).

Voted the Best Marina by Evening Magazine, the Port Ludlow Marina has over 300 slips and can accommodate ships up to 200 feet in length.

The 18-hole championship course at Port Ludlow Golf Course is one of the premier golf destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

The Inn At Port Ludlow Resort offers a great variety of first-class guest accommodations, including waterfront guest rooms, private condominiums, and their renowned Pintail House and Loft.

For more information about the Port Ludlow Resort.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

Why You Should Write Localism Posts – Their Purpose and The Advantages to You!

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:56:07 -0800

Jeff reminds us about the importance for publishing quality, hyper-local content to your blog. Put yourself in the shoes of your intended audience - what information can you share about your particular market area that would be of the most benefit and help to them?

Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360 (Solutions Real Estate (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)):

Why You Should Write Localism Posts – Their Purpose and The Advantages to You!

Localism posts are a “must do” in your blogging repertoire, in my not so humble opinion.

I have found, and no doubt you have as well, that people like to read about restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping, dining venues, parks, local events, places to visit, neighborhoods, business services, interesting local architecture, historical sites and similar topics.

This is especially so for those who are relocating to an area and are unfamiliar with it.

We all know that buyers are looking for a neighborhood, not just a house.

Localism posts also appeal to residents as well, since your topics may be about things they are not aware of and want to learn more about.

Localism posts serve a variety of purposes:

Educate others about places and goings-on in the local community

Spread the word via the Internet about venues, events and services which can lead to new business for the business owner – it’s free advertising!

Enhance your writing skills as you become a community reporter

Improve your photography and videography skills – what’s a localism post without photos or a video, or both

Enhance relationships with other local merchants as you get to know them through your visits and interviews – after all, you are a small business owner, too

Establish you as a person who is knowledgeable about, and participates, in the local community

Provide new content for your blog, which Google loves

With the right keywords, your posts will end up high on the 1st page of the SERPs, leading to more traffic

Here are some more reasons to write Localism posts:

Buyers and sellers will get to know you and want to work with you as a trusted member of the community

Encourage you to become more knowledgeable through research and on-site visits and, thus, a more valuable REALTOR for buyers

Enhance your personal life in your community through exposure to events and places you were not familiar with – there IS life beyond the computer and real estate

Create a referral potential business from restaurants, shop owners and others you meet

Potentially garner you local publicity in the paper or enable you to become a local columnist

Lest you forget, the points on AR for each post are a terrific benefit.

As you move up in the rankings in your area you become more visible to consumers and to your fellow bloggers.

Other good reasons to write Localism posts? Please share.

**************************************









ALL ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA RELOCATION DUDE

If I can provide more information about Carlsbad homes and real estate for sale and surrounding areas, the housing market in general (or locally), or otherwise assist you, friends or family in a home search or sale, please contact my mobile office or text me at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JeffDowlerSolutions@gmail.com

Serving Carlsbad (including Aviara, La Costa & Carlsbad Village), Encinitas (including Leucadia & Olivenhain), Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos (including San Elijo Hills), Oceanside, Carmel Valley, Escondido, and San Diego

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All content ©Copyright by Jeff Dowler. All rights reserved.

"Have Kitsap County WA Home Prices Hit Bottom Yet?"

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 23:09:49 -0800

A recent article published on Forbes.com lists 25 Cities Where Home Prices are Still Tumbling.

Included in this list is our State Capital, Olympia; Tacoma, and Bremerton/Silverdale.

I am feeling somewhat vindicated. I've been arguing with several area agents/brokers here in Kitsap County WA for nearly a year now as to whether or not our local real estate market has finally hit bottom. I have been the lone dissenting opinion that home prices have not fully tanked. I think we're close, but definitely not there just yet.

While certainly there are isolated pockets or niche markets within Kitsap County WA that have enjoyed improved valuations over the past year or so, I think that most areas are still experiencing price drops or stagnant flatline values at best.

Predicting the bottom of the real estate curve is a very difficult thing to do. Typically, by the time you see actual signs of improvement, it's been on the rebound for several months already.

This article from Forbes.com illustrates once again that real estate is truly local. All the more reason to rely upon the knowledge and expertise of a local licensed real estate professional to successfully achieve your home buying or selling goals.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

"If You Know You're Wrong, Admit It!" - Life Lessons in Real Estate

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:59:47 -0800

The Late Dr. J. Vernon McGee, popular radio pastor/teacher, had a great success formula for marriage:

"My Beloved, if you know you're wrong, admit it. If you know you're right, keep your mouth shut!"

The other day, I contacted a local plumber (someone I didn't know and who had been recommended to me) to help out with a time-sensitive job. The VA underwriter has flagged a funding condition for my Buyer. We needed someone to verify that a basement drain was working properly. I asked the pllumber to go out, snake the drain, if necessary, verify proper function, and document his findings, so I could pass them onto the underwriter.

I called him first thing in the morning, detailed the tasks that needed to be accomplished. He assured me that he would go out to the property that day or early the next, and send over the invoice immediately thereafter.

Later in the day, when I hadn't heard back from him, I texted him a few times, just to follow up.

No response.

When I got home from the office, I emailed him.

No response.

By this time, I was getting a little concerned and slightly miffed.

Didn't he realize we were under a time constraint? We have to have the VA appraiser go back out to the property and re-inspect! Then his invoice has to be sent to underwriting so they can approve the loan!

Just before I went to bed, I sent one more email. I told the plumber that if he couldn't perform the job, then I needed to find someone else who could.

Early the next morning, there was an email waiting for me:

"Rich, sorry, but I never received any of your text messages. And I was out working at a job for a friend until almost Midnight. I will head over to your job first thing in the morning, and get the invoice to you right after."

Okay, so I'm feeling like an idiot. I had been texting to another number.

I called the plumber and apologized. My bad.

Life Lesson Learned? When communication fails, don't always assume it's someone else's fault!

VA Appraisals - "Be Prepared!" VA Home Loans in Kitsap County WA

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:52:44 -0800

The Boy Scout Motto is "Be Prepared!" According to Baden Powell, Founder of The Boy Scouts, this meant "being ready in mind and body for any struggles, and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges might lie ahead."

For Home Buyers utilizing VA financing, being 'prepared' is a very important aspect of the Home Buying process, especially as it relates to one's mental preparation.

Originally enacted by Congress back in the mid-40's, the VA Home Loan was created to offer government-guaranteed home loans to active-duty members and veterans. With such a large military community here in Kitsap County WA, many of our residential properties are purchased using VA mortgage loans.

When meeting with my Buyer clients, especially 1st Time Home Buyers, who have chosen to use VA financing for their home purchase, I make a point of spending some concerted time discussing the unique nuances associated with VA financing versus other forms of mortgage financing, and the potential challenges that can occur with the VA appraisal process.

One of the main distinctives of VA Loans is the VA appraisal process. Normally, with other types of financing, the appraiser is only concerned with determing if the home's current market value coincides with the sales price agreed to in the sales contract between the Buyers and Sellers.

Shortly after the Buyer's home inspection is completed, their lender orders up the appraisal. This involves the appraiser going out to tour the property, conducting an analysis of comparable properties that have recently sold, then determining fair market value for the home. This is done to ensure that the price being paid for the home is consistent with the values of other similar properties that have recently sold in the area.

For the VA appraisal, however, there is an added element to the appraisal. Not only are VA appraisers concerned with determining fair market value, but they've required to evaluate/inspect the property for any potential issues or conditions dealing with primary systems (roof, foundation, siding, etc.), and particularly, as they relate to safety (decks, handrails, etc.).

Since the guidelines provided by the VA tend to be rather broad-based and general, they leave a great deal of room for individual/subjective interpretation by the appraiser. As a result, each and every appraisal can vary significantly. Unfortunately, this can create and inject a certain degree of uncertainty/challenge into an otherwise uneventful real estate transaction.

Case in point: Recently, a Buyer of mine went under contract on a nicely remodeled bungalow over in West Bremerton. We navigated the home inspection without much difficulty, and the Seller was willing to remedy/repair most of our requested items.

Shortly thereafter, the appraiser went out to the property. A week or so later, we received the results. The appraisal came in at value, but there were a couple of 'conditions' that were called out. Some electrical junction boxes required covers (safety), and there was some standing water in the basement.

I don't know about you, but when someone uses the term 'standing water,' I normally think of at least an inch or two of water, at a minimum. In this instance, the 'standing water' consisted of a very small puddle, about 12 inches in width, and approximately an 1/8 of an inch depth. And just a couple of feet away from this puddle was a fully functioning sump pump.

Now for those of you not familiar with my market area, I live on the scenic Kitsap Peninsula, here on the western side of the Evergreen State, Washington. Now there's a reason why it's called the Evergreen State. It rains here. A lot! And just recently, we've experienced a significantly higher amount of rainfall than usual. As a result, there's quite a sizeable amount of 'standing water' everywhere! And naturally, even in the basement of this cute little remodeled house in West Bremerton.

Well, the Listing Agent and I put our heads together and took some corrective measures to help prevent additional water from collecting on the basement floor. We had the appraiser come back out and re-inspect our efforts.

A week later (the week we are supposed to close), the VA underwriter determined that additional work still needed to be done in order for them to feel all warm and cozy about approving the loan. They required that a licensed plumber go out and verify that the drain outside the basement door was draining properly, and for a rubber strip to be installed at the bottom of the door to prevent any further water intrusion.

Welcome to VA Appraisal Hoop Jumping 101!...

Fortunately, in this particular instance, these were things that could be easily resolved without too much difficulty and drama, but did incur added stress and delay to the process.

My point in all of this is to educate and warn people about the uncertain, unpredictable variables that may exist in a VA loan transaction. Many times, just knowing that the potential for these issues to occur is enough (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure). It's being blind-sided without warning that so often causes unnecessary grief and worry.

Also, please understand that I am not being critical of VA Home Loans, per se. VA financing is a valid, popular loan option for many home buyers. And the majority of times, things go fairly smooth, and close without difficulties.

If you're planning on using a VA Loan to purchase your next home, just remember - "The Fat Lady doesn't Sing, til Your Loan Docs are In!" In other words, even after you negotiate your way through the home inspection, the VA appraiser may find additional conditions that will have to be resolved before your loan can be funded and closed. Once your appraisal has been completed, comes in at value, and with no conditions, then your loan docs can be sent into escrow, and you can close on the purchase of your home!

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