While sale numbers for 2009 were stronger than 2008 it is still too soon to say the market has bottomed out.  We still have an issue with the many short-sale properties on the market that may lead to more foreclosures.  I think the market is trying to recover but with the number of short sales and foreclosures that are expected to grow in 2010 and 2011 it will be a struggle.  Unless we can get banks to price their properties at current market value they will continue to drag the market down.  Currently in the Bremeton home market there are 59 short-sales and 36 foreclosed on homes for sale.  This represents 22% of the total inventory which is 425 homes on the market. Here is a quick snap shot of the first two weeks of the new year - 2010.  These figures are for all addresses in Bremerto... 01/21/2010

Bremerton Real Estate | Homes Sold Past 2006-2007-2008-2009 Home prices in Bremerton continue to adjust to the changing market in Kitsap County.  The median selling price of a Bremerton home in December was $206,000 and in 2007 the median home price was $242,950.  While sell numbers for the year were stronger than 2008 it is still too soon to say the market has bottomed out.  We still have an issue with the many short-sale properties on the market that may lead to more foreclosures.  I think the market is trying to recover but with the number of short sales and foreclosures that are expected to grow in 2010 and 2011 it will be a struggle.  Unless we can get banks to price their properties at current market value they will continue to drag the market down.  Currently in the Bremeton home... 01/19/2010

This coming weekend is the 2nd Annual Bremerton Boat Show down at the new Bremerton Marina.  If you haven't been down to the new Bremerton Marina this would be a great weekend to check it out.  I love going down to the marina and just hanging out. JANUARY 22ND - 24TH AT THE "NEW" BREMERTON MARINA  FRIDAY Noon to 4pm     SATURDAY 10am to 4pm     SUNDAY 10am to 4pm You can ride the ferry and walk off and you will be right at the show or you could drive downtown where there is plenty of parking right at the marina.  You could also cruise on over and enjoy one of 50 guest morrage slips available.   If you have never visited the new Bremerton Marina - take a look at the video.  There is so much to do down on the Bremerton waterfront these days! 01/17/2010

Statistics are for the Bremerton downtown core and west to Kitsap Lake. The market for other parts of Bremerton and its suburbs should be similar. Bremerton homes were selling for a month end median price of $153,150 at the end of December, about 2% higher than a year ago and down 4% from last month. The more stable 3 month moving average was 22% lower than a year ago. The Kitsap County 3 month moving average median price is just about the same as it was a year ago. Bremerton's 3 month moving average for number of closed sales is up 13% from a year ago. The 3 month moving average of closed sales is up 39% Countywide from a year ago.  The 3 month moving average number of Bremerton pending sales is up 13% from last year. Recall this number includes pending short sales that may not close. ... 01/11/2010

Will the new $6,500 tax credit get you to sell your current residence and buy another property? I have been thinking about this new home buyer/seller tax credit since it was approved in November.  I wrote a quick article about it in November.  Here is just a bit of that article. 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... 01/03/2010

  During the month of November there were 84  homes that sold in Bremerton. That is 16 homes more than in October. I am sure this surge is partially due to the first time home buyer tax credit deadline. Even thought the tax credit was extended there were a large amount of home buyers that couldn't wait for the government to make up their mind.  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 ... 12/30/2009

Statistics are for the Bremerton downtown core and west to Kitsap Lake. The market for other parts of Bremerton and its suburbs should be similar. Bremerton homes were selling for a month end median price of $164,975 at the end of November, about 24% lower than a year ago and about 3% higher than last month. The more stable 3 month moving average was 22% lower than a year ago.  The Kitsap County 3 month moving average median price has fallen 4% over the past year.  Bremerton's 3 month moving average for number of closed sales is up 24% from a year ago. The number of closed sales is up 22% Countywide from a year ago. The 3 month moving average number of Bremerton pending sales is up 17% from last year, but recall this number includes pending short sales that may not close. The number of ... 12/16/2009

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... 11/21/2009

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   11/21/2009

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     11/21/2009

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 t... 11/21/2009

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. 11/21/2009

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. 11/21/2009

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 volleyb... 11/21/2009

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!! 11/21/2009

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. 11/21/2009

  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 Washingto... 11/12/2009

Statistics are for the Bremerton downtown core and west to Kitsap Lake. The market for other parts of Bremerton and its suburbs should be similar. Bremerton homes were selling for a month end median price of $160,000 at the end of October, about 23% lower than a year ago and about the same as last month. The more stable 3 month moving average was 18% lower than a year ago.  The Kitsap County 3 month moving average median price has fallen 6% over the past year.  Bremerton's 3 month moving average for number of closed sales is up 14% from a year ago. The number of closed sales is up 8% Countywide from a year ago. The 3 month moving average number of Bremerton pending sales is up 15% from last year, but recall this number includes pending short sales that may not close. The number of Breme... 11/10/2009

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 ... 11/06/2009

  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 ... 10/23/2009