Bremerton | Port Orchard | Silverdale | Poulsbo WA Real Estate Blog | Jo Soss

Bremerton Photos | Hyper Local Pictures | Bremerton Blackberry Festival

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:01:24 -0600

Every area has their "trademark" festival and Bremerton is no different. Every Labor Day Weekend you will find everyone DOWNTOWN – HARBORSIDE! The Annual Blackberry Festival is held down on the Bremerton Boardwalk.

There are always over 100 booths with everything from arts & crafts to you guessed it "FOOD"! You know what kind of food I am talking about! Hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken burgers, BBQ ribs, chicken and beef brisket, corn on the cob and oh man dare I say more!?

You will also find tons of amazing ethnic foods like teriyaki, shrimp on a stick, spring rolls, gyros, crepes and tacos! Don't forget the Blackberry delights!! Blackberry slugs, scones, pie and that amazing Blackberry shortcake!! After all it is the Blackberry Festival.

I don't know why I love it so – I sure hate those pesky bushes creeping up in my flower beds!! But on this weekend they are my friend!!

About the Author...

Jo began her real estate career back in 1994 and soon found out that she loved selling real estate and that she was really good at it! Lots of people sell real estate, but not everyone is good at it. Jo brings to her clients the commitment to work hard and have fun along the way. As Jo continues to learn the technology of today to be on the cutting edge of multimedia she takes pride in her ability to keep her trademark "old-fashioned" customer service alive. If you are looking to sell or purchase a home in Kitsap County call her office today. You can also find out more about the area by visiting her blog www.WestSoundLive.com or her web sites www.HomeFrontRealtyOnline.com

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Bremerton Photos | Hyper Local Pictures | Evergreen Park

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:20:42 -0600

Thre is nothing more interesting than seeing photos of an area you may live in or are thinking of living in. Below you will find some photos that I took at the most popular park in Bremerton, Evergreen Park. If you would like to read the information or watch a video you can click the links which will open in a new window so you can really capture the newest area attraction - Evergreen Park

Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | Evergreen Park

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Bremerton Photos | Hyper Local Pictures | PSNS Memorial Plaza

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:59:21 -0600

Thre is nothing more interesting than seeing photos of an area you may live in or are thinking of living in. Below you will find some photos that I took at the new Bremerton attraction PSNS Memorial Plaza. If you would like to read the information or watch a video you can click the links which will open in a new window so you can really capture the newest area attraction - Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza.

Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | PSNS Memorial Plaza

Bremerton Attraction : Terrorist Blockade to PSNS Memorial Plaza

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Bremerton Neighborhoods | Hyper Local Video | Blueberry Meadows

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:30:55 -0600

Blueberry Meadows in East Bremerton is located off of Pine Road just down from Pine Crest Elementary. Kitsap County shows final plat approval in 1998 with the first homes being completed in 2000. Blueberry Meadows was built by several reputable builders including Capstone Homes, Premier Homes and Camp Corp.

Built in several phases over a few years, the community is comprised of approximately 176 home sites. With an active Homeowners Association and a community that takes pride in their neighborhood, home values are solid. The Blueberry Meadows community offers several private amenities, such as a neighborhood park, monument entrances and RV/Boat storage area.

The neighborhood park has a basketball court, tot play area and a covered picnic spot, all backing to a wood gorgeous greenbelt type area.

SEARCH ALL BREMERTON HOMES HERE...

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Bremerton Neighborhoods | Hyper Local Video | Manette

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:48:15 -0600

Manette is just across from downtown Bremerton via the Manette bridge, and is considered one of the most desirable living communities in Bremerton.

The community has been branded as the "Sausalito of the Northwest" by former Bremerton Mayor Cary Bozeman and Congressman Norm Dicks. Manette is the cool - quirky area where you can find several different types of homes and retail outlets. You can see Ferries taking travelers through Rich Passage from many of the view decks in this community.

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Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | Driving the Manette Bridge

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:17:08 -0600

Why is WSDOT replacing the Manette Bridge? The Manette Bridge, which was built in 1930, is structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.

Here are some up-to-date facts concerning the new bridge and its design per the WSDOT website -

November 2009

The project team is currently finalizing design of the bridge. Advertises for bids in March 2010. Construction begins in summer 2010.

Roundabout on Manette side At the request of the City of Bremerton, the intersection on the Manette side of the new bridge will be configured as a roundabout.

More information on the frequently asked questions page. View a video of the proposed roundabout design.

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Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | Evergreen Park

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:43:41 -0600

Evergreen Rotary Park - 1400 Park Avenue Bremerton - Evergreen District

10 acre
1,900 feet of shoreline
1 group shelter
6 shelters
39 picnic tables
4 BBQs
2 half-court basketball
Boat launches
Sand volleyball court
75 parking spaces

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

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

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

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

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Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | Bremerton Harborside Fountain Park

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:27:31 -0600

Harborside Fountain Park - 251 1st Street Bremerton - Downtown - Harborside District

5 fountains
Granite Sculptures
Naval History Museum
Waterfront Views
Restrooms
Tables and Benches

There are these five copper fountains that "burst" water into the air at different times and different intervals. I had no idea. I was just watching the water fall down the sides when all of a sudden "burst" and with this loud swishing water sound out came this large stream of water. I was so caught off guard that I screamed!! I was the only one in the park so that made me laugh!!

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Bremerton Attractions | Hyper Local Video | PSNS Memorial Plaza

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:14:18 -0600

After the September 11 attacks security for military installations around the country implemented new security measures, and bases in Kitsap County followed suit. The Navy proceeded to purchase land in downtown Bremerton adjacent to the Bremerton Puget Sound Naval Shipyard entrance for a security buffer. Instead of looking at some jersey barriers along the sidewalk the City of Bremerton had a vision that would lead to the creation of PSNS Memorial Plaza.

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Bremerton WA Real Estate |October Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Bremerton WA 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:50:39 -0600

During the month of October there were 68 homes that sold in Bremerton. That is 14 homes less than in September. Seems odd since the NWMLS has reported such a surge in October Puget Sound wide due to the then planned end date of the first time home buyer tax credit. These Bremerton homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

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

Let's look at those 68 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

$203,933
$132 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

$202,524
$132 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 68 Bremerton homes was 1570 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 115 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 99.31 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 99.31% of what the seller requested.

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

It is finally official. The homebuyers' tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010.

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

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

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

If you would like to purchase a home in the Kitsap County Real Estate Area please give me a call or contact me via email. We can discuss your future plans and I can set you up on an email campaign to receive the hot new listings quicker than YOU can find them.

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Wordless Wednesday - Veteran's Day

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:08:03 -0600

Memorial Service in Al Asad, Iraq for CLB7, my husbands unit during his second tour to Iraq.

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So what can $6,500 really do? Incentive for “step-up” buyers will begin on December 1 of this year.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:52:58 -0600

As a first time home buyer $8,000 can be a lot of money. Depending on your location and what the typical first time home buyer is in your area $8,000 can be a HUGE incentive or one that just barely makes a dent in any type of scenario.

I don't sell in California and in fact I don't sell in Seattle where the prices for first time home buyers is considerably more than what a first time home buyer can purchase here in Kitsap County. It is true that with the real estate correction over the last 3 years we do have homes in the area that are in the low $100,000 range.

Our income levels are lower here and so the first time home buyer here was being helped tremendously with the $8,000 tax credit. We have a large percentage of military personnel and a large percentage of military personnel marry younger and start families younger. This sometimes has impacted their buying power. They have steady, good paying jobs with benefits but might have over the last several years incurred some debt that can be washed out with this incentive.

Who Qualifies - $6,500 Extended Credit

Current home owners going under contract to purchase a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010 (closing on or before June 30, 2010), who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. (I am sure more detailed information will be forth coming) IRS publications I am sure to be released. Speak with your Tax Adviser prior to filling.

So what does this new "expansion" to the extended tax credit mean to local Kitsap County home sellers or "step-up" buyers? You know what cost are associated with selling your home. Check out this post I wrote a couple weeks ago to refresh your memory.

Kitsap County Real Estate - Sellers Closing Costs - WHAT

Your $6,500 tax credit could help you with the following charges when you sell your home

Real Estate Fees - remember these are always negotiable but in our market area the average range is between 3 and 6 percent of the sales price.
Excise Tax - currently you will be paying 1.78% of the sales price to the state for selling your home.
Settlement charges like title policy fees and escrow closing costs.

This new incentive just might be what you are looking for to help you to that next dream home. Remember how fun it was to be a first time home buyer? Well, I can tell you that to make a move up is just as fun and almost more exciting because your possibilities are usually more. The move-up home is usually one that enables you to have the items that you only could dream about in your first home.

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

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It is finally official. The homebuyers' tax credit has been extended to April 30, 2010.

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:43:44 -0600

I am sure lots of area home-buyers have thought this was approved a couple of weeks ago, however the President just signed the Bill this afternoon. The original 1st time home-buyer credit was extended and there was a new provision inserted to allow for higher income and for home-buyers who would like to be move-up buyers to receive a credit of $6,500 with certain restrictions. This next week I will be posting more in-depth about this bill but wanted to give an update and some quick facts.

Home-buyers must sign a contract before April 30 and close by June 30.
Single buyers can now earn up to $125,000 and still get the full credit while a married couple can earn $225,000.
First-time buyers -- those who have not owned a home in the past three years -- still qualify for an $8,000 rebate.
Those who have owned and occupied a residence for at least five years out of the past eight can claim a $6,500 tax credit if they close on a purchase by the end of June.

There are several news articles you can read for more information

BREAKING NEWS: President Obama Signs Bill Expanding Homebuyer Tax Credit

$8,000 homebuyers tax credit extended

First-time home buyer credit, jobless benefits both extended

Obama signs homebuyer, jobless bill assistance

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Silverdale WA Real Estate | October Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:34:25 -0600

Silverdale WA Real Estate | October Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

During the month of October there were 10 homes that sold in Silverdale. These Silverdale homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Let's look at those 10 Silverdale homes that sold in September -

Average List Price

$311,865
$147 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

$307,150
$148 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these Silverdale homes was 2173 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 156 days on the market (DOM). DOM longer than previous month.

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 98.49 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 98.49% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Silverdale, Washington. In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan!

Over the next couple of days we should know if the $8,000 tax credit will be extented and if it will include other buyers. Check out the information and bookmark so once I can post the information you will get it quick.

Read the information I have written about the program here

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

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

Silverdale Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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$8,000 Tax Credit Extension - Looks Like a Done Deal - President Obama to sign this week.

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:42:26 -0600

Rhonda Porter over on Facebook published the link to the CBS MoneyWatch.com site so I thought I would share the news. Of course we still need President Obama to sign the extension so contracts pending in escrow still need to be processed with the November 30th deadline until he signs it this week. This should take some pressure off a couple of escrows I have that are set to close by November 30th. With all of the days the county is closed and the Thanksgiving Holiday, November closings were getting a little stressful.

$8,000/$6,500 Tax Credits Are A Done Deal. What’s Next? - CBS MoneyWatch.com

Source: moneywatch.bnet.com

With the Thanksgiving Recess just three weeks away, Senators burned the midnight oil last night to clear the way for the $8,000/$6,500 tax credit extension

Senate Clears Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension to Pass This Week | RealEstateEconomyWatch.com

Source: www.realestateeconomywatch.com

The Senate last night cleared the way to pass a seven month extension and expansion of the tax credit for home-buyers, making it virtually certain that the legislation will reach President Obama for his signature this week.

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Port Orchard WA Real Estate | October Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Port Orchard WA 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:53:37 -0600

During the month of October there were 68 homes that sold in Port Orchard. This is 8 more homes than in September. These Port Orchard homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Let's look at those 68 Port Orchard homes -

Average List Price

$250,706
$136 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

$245,556
$133 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 68 Port Orchard homes was 1921 sq ft. These homes spent an average of138 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 97.95 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 97.95% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Port Orchard, Washington. The market is still under correction and there are several homes listed under $200,000. Over the next couple of days we should know if the $8,000 tax credit will be extented and if it will include other buyers. Check out the information and bookmark so once I can post the information you will get it quick. In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

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

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

Port Orchard Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Remember to FALL BACK this Sunday - Daylight Saving Time - Fact or Fiction

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:47:56 -0500

It's that time of the year again; time to set our clocks back an hour, return to standard time, and "gain" an extra hour. That means this Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time officially ends until its return on the second Sunday in March, 2010.

Do you know why over the last few years we have had all of this adjustment to the new Daylight Saving Time process? Remember the Energy Policy Act of 2005? The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set out a schedule to increase the Daylight Saving Time by four weeks in an attempt to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day.

This year was the longest and the last year of the change. I have tried to find some statistics on what the actual energy savings has been, if any as a result of the longer Daylight Saving Time schedule, but have only been able to get a "difficult to determine actual energy savings" from the Department of Energy. Hmmm - how surprising!

I am not a fan of Daylight Saving Time - never have been. So on Sunday remember to "FALL BACK". I am up in Anchorage, Alaska and this will make a huge difference. The sun isn't coming up until almost 10 am and now it will be down around 4 pm. Can't wait to get back to Bremerton in a week!

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Bremerton Homes Sold | Real Estate Market Talk

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:06:42 -0500

I can get lost in stats. They aren't much fun and they really are boring to write about but they still fascinate me. I can spend hours doing different types of searches on the NWMLS (NorthWest Mulitple Listing Service) site that us agents use to track and compare homes in the area. I search by price, by square footage, by area and find it fascinating to compare years or areas.

In our area of Bremerton we have seen some huge changes in price over the last couple of years. Yes, Bremerton home owners have lost a significant amount of equity and in some circumstances we probably have neighbors that owe more on their home than what they can sell it for. Of course this is a cycle and as cycles go we haven't been hit as hard as other areas of the country. Some statisticians have said there will be areas of the housing market that will totally recover by 2014 and some not until 2034.

I think those areas that hit the ultimate highs will have a longer recovery period. In the Bremerton area we of course had some good years but remain an area that has solid employment and where home-ownership still was reachable by the younger generation. In some areas of King County a first-time home-buyer price was in the high $300,000's.

I have sold several homes to first-time home-buyers this year who qualified for the $8,000 first-time home-buyer tax credit.

According to the Puget Sound Business Journal on September 17th, the Internal Revenue Service reports that 26,000 residents of Washington state have taken advantage of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer’s credit offered by the federal government.

Here are some stats - just because

Bremerton Homes Sold August and September 2009
Average List Price: $227,490
Average Sales Price: $221,220
The average square footage of the property was 1756 and the average Days on Market - or the amount of time it took to sell the property was 123

Bremerton Homes Sold August and September 2008
Average List Price: $256,277
Average Sales Price: $250,570
The average square footage of the property was 1733 and the average Days on Market was 126

Bremerton Homes Sold August and September 2007
Average List Price: $278,129
Average Sales Price: $277,099
The average square footage of the property was 1760 and the average Days on Market was 78

Bremerton Homes Sold August and September 2006
Average List Price: $277,908
Average Sales Price: $277,099
The average square footage of the property was 1812 and the average Days on Market was 67

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VA Mortgage FAQ's Tacoma Fort Lewis & McChord AFB

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:14:34 -0500

Kevin Tinsley gives great advice on the VA Mortgage. He would be able to help any Naval Base Kitsap area families too. Thanks Kevin for the VA Mortgage information!

Via Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert - Kevin Tinsley :

Q: How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?

A: You can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. At some point, you will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the lender that you are eligible for a VA loan.

Q: How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

A: Complete a VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility: You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880, Request For A Certificate of Eligibility For Home Loan Benefits, to the Winston-Salem Eligibility Center, along with proof of military service. In some cases it may be possible for VA to establish eligibility without your proof of service. However, to avoid any possible delays, it's best to provide such evidence.

Q: Can my lender get my Certificate of Eligibility for me?

A: Yes, it's called Web LGY. Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This Internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY - only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records. However, veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.

Q: What is acceptable proof of military service?

A: If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number, and provides your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from regular active duty after January 1, 1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If you were discharged after October 1, 1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included. A PHOTOCOPY OF DD214 WILL SUFFICE.....DO NOT SUBMIT AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.

If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which shows your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include copies of adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or it's equivalent. If you were discharged from the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual points statement and evidence of honorable service. Unfortunately, there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD Form 214. It is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service.

If you are still serving in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing the length of time that you have been a member of the Selected Reserves. Again, at least 6 years of honorable service must be documented.

Q: How can I obtain proof of military service?

A: Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether you served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. This request form is NOT processed by VA. Rather, Standard Form 180 is completed and mailed to the appropriate custodian of military service records. Instructions are provided on the reverse of the form to assist in determining the correct forwarding address.

Q: I have already obtained one VA loan. Can I get another one?

A: Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property, you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the property. In either case, to obtain restoration of eligibility, the veteran must send a completed VA Form 26-1880 to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. To prevent delays in processing, it is also advisable to include evidence that the prior loan has been paid in full and, if applicable, the property disposed of. This evidence can be in the form of a paid-in-full statement from the former lender, or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement completed in connection with a sale of the property or refinance of the prior loan.

Q: I sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on an assumption. Can I get my eligibility restored to use for a new loan?

A: In this case the veteran's eligibility can be restored only if the qualified assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute his or her available eligibility for that of the original veteran. Otherwise, the original veteran cannot have eligibility restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

Q: My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the lender. VA said it wasn't my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but I am told that my used eligibility can not be restored. Why?

Or,

Q: My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the VA paid a compromise (partial) claim. Although I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived, I am told that I cannot have my used eligibility restored. Why?

A: In either case, although the veteran's debt was waived by VA, the Government still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit the used portion of the veteran's eligibility to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.

Q: Only a portion of my eligibility is available at this time because my prior loan has not been paid in full even though I don't own the property anymore. Can I still obtain a VA guaranteed home loan?

A: Yes, depending on the circumstances. If a veteran has already used a portion of his or her eligibility and the used portion cannot yet be restored, any partial remaining eligibility would be available for use. The veteran would have to discuss with a lender whether the remaining balance would be sufficient for the loan amount sought and whether any down payment would be required.

Q: Is the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. If you wish to make application for the home loan benefit as a surviving spouse, contact our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. In addition, a surviving spouse who obtained a VA home loan with the veteran prior to his or her death (regardless of the cause of death), may obtain a VA guaranteed interest rate reduction refinance loan. For more information, contact our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center.

[NOTE: Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit. However, a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must apply no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 16, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.]

Q: Are the children of a living or deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: No, the children of an eligible veteran are not eligible for the home loan benefit.

for more information on VA Mortgage & Home Loans call the VA Mortgage Experts at (253) 472-1500 Locally based in the Northwest serving homeowners since 1986 - Kevin Tinsley - All Tech Mortgage Inc. http://www.alltechmortgage.com
Kevin Tinsley
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Port Orchard WA Real Estate | September Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Port Orchard WA 2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:09:20 -0500

During the month of September there were 60 homes that sold in Port Orchard. These Port Orchard homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Let's look at those 60 Port Orchard homes -

Average List Price

$243,127
$155 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

$236,000
$149 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 60 Port Orchard homes was 1804 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 97 days on the market (DOM).

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 97.07 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 97.07% of what the seller requested.

Not a bad time to purchase a home in Port Orchard, Washington. The market is still under correction and there are several homes listed under $200,000. In fact it is a great time if you are a 1st time home buyer and qualify for the $8,000 tax credit - CREDIT! NOT loan! Read the information I have written about the program here

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

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

Port Orchard Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Bremerton WA Real Estate |September Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Bremerton WA 2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:08:48 -0500

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

Let's look at those 82 Bremerton homes -

Average List Price

$235,309
$136 per sq ft

Average Sold Price

$228,774
$132 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these 82 Bremerton homes was 1804 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 125 days on the market (DOM). Down 75 days from August!

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 97.22 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 97.22% of what the seller requested.

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

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

Bremerton Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Silverdale WA Real Estate | September Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:08:22 -0500

Silverdale WA Real Estate | September Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

During the month of September there were 12 homes that sold in Silverdale. These Silverdale homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Let's look at those 12 Silverdale homes that sold in September -

Average List Price

$280,636
$140 per sq ft

Average Sold Price (Prices continue to fall)

$273,429
$136 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these Silverdale homes was 2071 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 133 days on the market (DOM). DOM longer than previous month.

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 97.53 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 97.53% of what the seller requested.

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

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

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

Silverdale Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Silverdale WA Real Estate | August Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:07:28 -0500

Silverdale WA Real Estate | August Homes Sold | Homes Sold in Silverdale WA 2009

During the month of August there were 16 homes that sold in Silverdale. These Silverdale homes actually had a transfer of home ownership. Contracts complete and Lender funds available the home buyer and seller signed all of their documents as escrow prepared the closing packages. Once all the I's were dotted and the T's crossed there where deeds recorded at the Kitsap County courthouse that transferred the property into the new home owner's name!

Let's look at those 16 Silverdale homes that sold in August -

Average List Price

$285,872
$152 per sq ft

Average Sold Price (Prices continue to fall)

$277,062
$148 per sq ft

The average sq ft of these Silverdale homes was 1929 sq ft. These homes spent an average of 89 days on the market (DOM). DOM lower than previous month.

The list to sale ratio for these homes was 96.92 percent. What that meas is that buyers offered 96.92% of what the seller requested.

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

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

Silverdale Real Estate 2009 Market Reports

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

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Extending the First Time Home Buyers Credit for Military Families

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:49:19 -0500

Cindy, Thanks so much for writing this up!

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):

The US House of Representatives overwhelming voted to extend the first time home buyers credit for an additional 12 months to anyone in the military who has served overseas for three months in 2009. In a vote of 416 to zero the bill now has to go the US Senate and the President for final approval.

This extension could give up to 350,000 military families currently deployed overseas unitl November 2010 to take advantage of the current tax credit. In addition the IRS "recapture" rules will be waived for any service member who is deployed and must sell or rent their home.

Known as the Service Members Home Owners Tax Act this bill also contains the provision to waive the income tax liability currently in the expanded Department of Defense Homeowners Assistance Program.

The next step for this bill (HR 3590) is for the Senate Finance Committee to review the bill and hopefully move it to a vote in the full Senate.

This seems to be one time that the US Congress, Senate and President should be able to agree. Extending the tax credit for our military is the right thing to do no matter what your political beliefs.

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ActiveRain- RainCamp - Thanks the Behind the Scenes AR Crew

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:45:54 -0500

I can't believe I am still up! I had to catch the 0620 ferry from Bremerton to Seattle for RainCamp today and so I should be exhausted but I'm not. I have already went over my notes to make sure I have them in order. There was some amazing topics and ideas given out today. Brad, Bob and Benn did an outstanding job. Benn really can get to the punch with what you need to do in your online business! Here is a video I took when all the fantastic staff was called up on stage to be thanked. They did an amazing job! Another fine product by AR!

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