Have you heard the words One Adam 12?   If not then you are little young to enjoy the "back to black" retro police cruiser. Back in the day all of the patrol cars where a black and white color scheme, hence the slang term "black and white".  In this month's Mayor's Newsletter Mayor Cary Bozeman writes about the "New Black and Whites on Bremerton Streets." In the 1970's departments started to do some changes with different colors and styles. Looks like Bremerton is jumping on the 2005 swing back to the traditional black and white.  There are 5 now with the entire fleet being replaced soon.  Studies have shown that cars with alternating light and dark colors are more visible in low light and high illumination. But, there are some experts that say reflective tape and using the fluorescent ... 11/28/2007

    Be sure to mark your calendar for these special events.  Santa Claus is in Bremerton and is coming to your favorite park! On Wednesday, December 19th the best known citizen of the North Pole will be visiting Evergreen Park between the hours of 10am - Noon. Bring your kiddos, your furry kiddos or just come to see all the fun.  Be sure to bring your camera or video camera to capture some Christmas memories.   If you can't make it to Evergreen Park in the morning you can meet up with the jolly old elf at Manette Playfield at 1pm until 3pm on the same day.    Thursday, December 20th you can catch the show at Lions Park in the morning and Harborside Plaza in the afternoon. 11/26/2007

During the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, I had an opportunity to hear Rich Barton, Chairman and CEO of Zillow.com, speak about Zillow's interactions and future plans for the real estate community.  He was an excellent speaker, very animated in his remarks, and actually very funny.  I had a chance to speak with him following his presentation.  The information was enlightening, and I feel much more prepared now to deal with another of technology's challenges.   In case you've been living under a rock for the last two years, Zestimates are the estimated values that Zillow places on homes.  Real estate agents around the country have been complaining about Zestimates since they were introduced to the public.  The argument was that homesellers tend to hold... 11/26/2007

Discount Tire 5034 State Highway 303 NE, Bremerton, WA 98311   When ever you relocate to a new area you always have to find new service businesses. Where to have your oil changed, who to use for dry cleaning, where to take your car for service, the list goes on and can be time consuming. I love to share my experiences for services when I find a business that is deserving.  I found "my tire store"!  After doing a ton of research on the Internet and making a couple of calls I decided to drive on over to Discount Tire at 5034 State Highway 303 NE in Bremerton.  The store is clean and bright and very comfortable.  The sales staff is very knowledgeable and very friendly. I did not feel pressured here.  The tire I chose wasn't available but I was offered another that really was probably bett... 11/26/2007

    "Back in the day" I received my real estate license in 1994.  Time sure has changed as I look back.  There was the internet but not really used as a tool. The multiple was just coming online and we were still receiving those huge "books".  The MLS took our pictures for us - digital cameras were not on "our scene" yet.  To prepare a CMA you would run around taking pictures of the comps and then run them over to the 1 hour photo so you could prepare your report to present that evening. Wow, has the listing presentation changed over the years. Today, I was thinking about the other side of the coin, the presenting of the offer. Today with fax machines and scanners and email we have lost the art of "presenting the offer". In doing so have we lost a commitment to our buyers? Our sellers ... 11/19/2007

 Why does a seller only have one Agent? Why would a buyer have more than one? When you drive around looking for a home to buy you will see several different "for sale" signs. You might see Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Windermere, Skyline and ReMax signs. Do you ever see a Windermere and a Skyline sign together on the same front lawn?  No, you don't because the seller only has one real estate agent. Why does the seller only have one real estate agent you ask, wouldn't it be better to have two or three?  The seller only has one real estate agent because they want the best possible service.  You do not get better service by having two or three agents.  One is not "the loneliest number" in the real estate business.  Do you think an agent would market a property to sell with as much time an... 11/19/2007

   Salmon Viewing!I was on the phone with my husband a few days ago and he asked if when he came home on leave would I like to go watch the salmon? At first I was a little confused because the only salmon "watching" I had done in the last few years was up in Anchorage, Alaska at Ship Creek in downtown, or on the Russian river on the Kenai Peninsula and it was always "me watching someone else catch one"!!!   Then I remembered back in the days before we were married and finding this creek in Bremerton, the Chico Creek and watching these gorgeous fish run up stream. I can watch them for hours. So I went to do some research.  The Kitsap Sun has a page online that shows where you can watch and gives you some tips on how to watch.  I am hoping that there is still some running this coming hol... 11/15/2007

The City of Bremerton's web page is on my bookmark list.  I enjoy reading about the changes of this city that is growing and changing and becoming such a star on the map.  I hadn't been for a couple of weeks and there it was. A "City Cam". How exciting!! Until I see where it is and what it's for.  this Cam is installed on "Building 50" Which some will also know as "Bremerton Naval Museum".  This is a gorgeous building that was moved and revitalized - see my blog article "Bremerton Naval Museum"  The view will be {{{{drum roll please}}}} The Bremerton Tunnel Project!For the next 18 months the citizens of Bremerton and any one wanting information will get this gorgeous view of what? A CONSTRUCTION SITE!! OK, I haven't lived here long enough to have an opinion on the tunnel project and hav... 11/14/2007

        OK, IF you must. I really think that the right time is NOW. But I will try and understand your reasoning.  HOWEVER, there are things you MUST do now! "Do now?" you say?! YES. Spring is Spring. It will be here before we know it. Three short months. When you say you want to sell in the Spring that to me means Spring. Spring comes in MARCH - not April, not May, not when the weather gets nice. It comes in MARCH!! Whether there is snow on the ground or its rain and gloom doom!! There will be no excuses come Spring - no waiting for better weather, no waiting to "get the yard ready", no waiting to "paint that horrid blue wall", NO WAITING. So get crack-in!! If you want to sell in the Spring you must start NOW!!! THE LIST Get those bulbs in the ground. (This will start your "curb appea... 11/11/2007

   Buyer's START ASKING!! Shake it up!!Whether we want to call it a Buyer's market or not it is at the very least an equal market! The days of being afraid to offer less are long gone.  There are plenty of sellers out there that would just love to get to the negotiation process  and the only way that is going to happen is if BUYERS GET TOUGH!! Here's the Game planAsk for a lower price. (Oh! My!)Ask for a portion of closing costs. (shoot ask for them all!!)Ask to have the Seller pay for the home inspection. (WHAT!)Ask the Seller to pay for a Home Warranty Plan. (Your're kidding)Ask the Seller to give credit at closing for new carpet! (woo hoo) You get the idea - Let's start talking!!! Don't be afraid.  I remember a few years back it was all about the negotiation. Then we felt as profess... 11/10/2007

     Read General Conway's Marine Corps Birthday Message here - General Conway's MessageMy husband is not a Marine but has spent 10 years of his 12 in the Navy with the Marine Corps. He has been assigned to 2/2, 1st MLG and has served two tours to Iraq with EOD units from 1/7.  He is now stationed with Company Delta (-)Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Anchorage, Alaska (I&I). He is a FMF Corpsman (Fleet Marine Force). This weekend he will be attending the Marine Corps Ball. I am really disappointed I am missing this years Birthday Ball!! Talk about watching a patriotic ceremony!!! Anyway, Happy Birthday USMC!! OOH  RAH!!  11/09/2007

   WHEN:    Monday, November 12, 2007 (Veteran's Day Observed)                Doors Open at 9:00a.m.                Formal Ceremony at 10:30a.m.  WHERE:  Kitsap Sun Pavilion at the Kitsap Fairgrounds (1200 NW Fairgrounds Road, Bremerton)WHY:     "Honor All Who Serve"Over 30 veteran organizations worked together to plan this years Veterans Day Ceremony.  Beginning at 9:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m. there will be viewing of several different military displays.  A formal ceremony will start at 10:30 a.m.  Attendees to include Senator Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.  Rear Adm. James Symonds will introduce the guest speaker, John Lee.  The ceremony will conclude with a "Rifle Salute" by the United States Marine Corps.    11/09/2007

    Certain parts of the country probably have already had snow but for those of us in the Pacific Northwest we are still enjoying fall. In our area we rarely see snow early if at all. Last winter was my first winter back in Bremerton after spending 3 years in the dry warm desert of California and I wasn't prepared. So this weekend I am heading out to get a snow shovel and some kitty litter. Nope, I don't have a cat but I want to make sure what I use a de-icer  that  isn't hazardous to any of my neighbors pets or to any of the trees and shrubs in the area.  "Green" Winter Tip #1 Clay Kitty Litter can be used instead of commercial de-icer. 11/08/2007

  Did you receive a pamphlet in the mail from the Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority about the Lead Hazard Control Program?  I did. My house was built in 1941.  I don't qualify for the program but would really like to make sure the information reaches as many households as possible.  Lead poisoning is a tragedy. If you are eligible you may receive up to $7,000.00 in free repairs to correct the lead hazards in your home.  This program is in partnership with Washington State Community Trade and Economic Development in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency.  This program has a Maximum Income Limit.         Click for Pamphlet Here.   Lead poisoning is a very serious concern and can cause severe health problems in all ages.  If you or anyone in your home suffers from ... 11/07/2007

  In the Bremerton area there are 691 homes on the market in the Price range of $69,900 - $1,499,000.00. There are Craftsman, Craftsman Bungalows, Cape Cods, Cape Cod Bungalows, Ranch Style, Split -level and Split entry, New homes, Old homes, any style home you can dream of. Here in this area we are blessed with "history" homes. The Craftsman (1905-1930) Wood, stone, and sometimes stucco siding Low-pitched roof Wide eaves Exposed roof rafters Porch with thick square or round columns Some with stone porch supports Exterior chimney made with stone Open floor plans Numerous windows Some windows with stained or leaded glass Beamed ceilings Dark wood wainscoting and moldings Built-in cabinets, shelves, and seating Cape Cod (1600-1950): Steep roof with side gables Small roof overhang 1 or 1½ ... 11/07/2007

West Bremerton Revitalization It's not just downtown Bremerton that is going thru some "revitalization", West Bremerton is enjoying some as well. About a year ago the new Rite Aid on the corner of Kitsap Way and National Ave opened just in time for the Holiday season. The building was a huge improvement to the corner and area in general. Rite Aid wasn't a new neighbor, just moved into the new building. Now of course where there is a Rite Aid there must be a Walgreens!! Right? I am not kidding. The property that is a vacant / abandoned used car dealership was purchased this spring by a developer out of Bellevue. I have seen the plans for a Walgreens - and guess what else??? A Starbucks! With a drive thru!! This drab corner will be turned into a fun new neighbor. The plans are still in th... 11/05/2007

  NY Hot Dogs with Attitude! On my travels on the Boardwalk I came across what I could see as the only "on the Boardwalk" eatery.  There are those that overlook the Boardwalk but only one that is "on" the Boardwalk.  Uptown Mike's, NY Hot Dogs with Attitude! First I thought to myself, "Is there a Mike?" and "Is Mike from New York?"  So the nosey person that I am I walked into the small little building. (Later I learned it was the old harbormaster's office on the boardwalk). There was a young man at the counter so I asked. "Is there really a Mike?" - Answer, "Sure is", I asked, "Is he really from New York?" - Answer, "Yes he is" and he proceeded to tell me a little about Mike. Then the phone rang.  I stood pleasantly by and then I could hear the young man telling someone that I was there... 11/03/2007

So your neighbor's home is on the market - for sale - sign in the yard and everything!!  So how do you feel?Are you glad they are moving? Are you sad they are leaving? Are you jealous and maybe want to "sabotage" the process a little?          I think it is only human nature to feel weird about houses in our neighborhoods that are for sale. You might think - - "Why isn't my neighborhood good enough to live in?" All the while having that little green devil sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear the way you could cause the neighbor trouble.  You might be thinking - - "I would love to move, and can't, why should they get to?"  You might think they picked the wrong company - the wrong agent and of course you will have an opinion on the price!!  I know you just can't wait for the "O... 11/03/2007

  BREMERTON NAVAL MUSEUMThe oldest building located on the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard site was relocated by the US Navy to  Harborside Fountain Park to become the new home of the Naval Memorial Museum of the Pacific.  The new location along with the opening of the museum was dedicated this past August.  This majestic 100 year old building is the perfect place to showcase  moments of the Navy and the history of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.  Attached to the museum is the Harborside Fountain Room which overlooks the fountain park with a full glass wall.  This room can also be scheduled for weddings, parties and special events.   While I was there someone was inquiring about a naval commissioning event to take place in the social room.  I started into the museum, first to the gift shop a... 11/01/2007

HARBORSIDE FOUNTAIN PARK  Bremerton's newest park addition - and all I can say is WOW!!  I had read a little about the park which opened in May of this year but had yet to visit.  What is called "Harborside" is at the other side of the Boardwalk.  I was able to walk up the stairs to the ferry terminal and cross over. I stood up above and looked down at this amazing park. The vegetation, the stone sculptures and the copper fountains - AMAZING!!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 i... 10/31/2007