Rich Jacobson aka KitsapAgent

The following is a brief overview and analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for February 2012, provided by Rich Jacobson of Keller Williams West Sound Realty, in Silverdale, WA.

• Properties currently active on the market:  1457
• Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1167
• Average Sales Price:  $ 269,892
• Average List Price:  $ 277,568
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
• Average Days on Market: 127
• Sales Pending this Week: 58

Poulsbo WA statistics separately: (Area 166)

• Properties currently Active on the market:  98
• Properties closed in last 180 days:  78
• Average Sales Price:  $301,102
• Average List Price:  $308,274
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 98%
• Average Days on Market: 141
• Sales Pending this week: 5

Though we are at our traditionally slow time of the year, there is a surprising amount of brisk Buyer activity throughout the area. Regardless of the current economic doldrums, there are always great opportunities for someone. Mortgage rates remain incredibly low and short sales/bank-owned properties offer some super affordable deals!

For all the latest mortgage rate quotes, go to The Mortgage Porter

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN KITSAP COUNTY WA NOW?

In his classic novella, ‘Of Mice and Men,’ Nobel prize winning author John Steinbeck immortalized the quote:

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

My brokerage, Keller Williams West Sound Realty, had just signed a 5-year lease for office space here in Silverdale WA. The tenant improvements were slated to begin on Monday January 9th. On the afternoon of January 8th, a fire broke out in a tanning bed at The Desert Sun Tanning Salon. Within just a few short hours, the entire building at Town Centre Plaza at the corner of Silverdale Way and Ridgetop Blvd.  lie in waste, including popular coffee hang-out Forza, and the space we had negotiated to lease next door!

Unlike many of the other tenants whose businesses were destroyed, we were simply inconvenienced/delayed for a short  period of time. Keller Williams West Sound is committed to establishing a presence here in Kitsap County WA. And as such, we currently plan to wait until a new building is constructed at the same location and re-negotiate a lease for space next to the new Forza’s. In the interim time frame, we will identify some temporary office space to use until the new building is complete. Stay tuned!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for June 2011
2. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for July 2011
3. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for May 2011

Welcome to 9009 Martin Avenue in Silverdale Washington

NWMLS #310096  ~  $439,950

This nearly 4000 square foot 4BR 4BTH home is situated on a near 1/2 acre lot in peaceful Silverdale Highlands and backs up to seasonal creek. The Main Level Open Great Room boasts a gourmet island kitchen with over 700 sq. ft. of granite counters, deep sink, breakfast bar, all stainless appliances including double convection oven, extensive custom cabinetry with pull-outs and built-ins; Formal Dining area with French Doors to BBQ deck; and a sunken Living Room with River Rock Wood Burning Fireplace.

A Large Upper Level BR could easily become a 2nd Master. The Lower Level Master Suite has French Doors leading out to your private deck. 3 of the 4 bathrooms have been recently remodeled with quality materials and workmanship. And if you need extra storage space, this is the home for you!

For the mechanically inclined, there is an 860 sq.ft. heated insulated shop space with full length workbench and saw that conveys.  Separate entries to both the shop and lower level. The home is heated by efficient Radiant heat. Cedar siding (painted in 2010), concrete tile roof, and Anderson windows and doors throughout are just some of the many features of this incredibly well-built custom home.

Silverdale Highlands is one of the older, more established neighborhoods in Silverdale WA. The home’s location offers quick and convenient access to award-winning Central Kitsap schools, area shopping, and local Navy bases.

For more information, go to my Keller Williams West Sound Contact Page Kitsap County WA Homes

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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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Another Quality Silverdale WA Home in desirable Crystal Creek
2. Fire in Silverdale WA destroys several popular local businesses

In my last post I shared my excitement at the prospects of Keller Williams West Sound opening a new office location here in Silverdale, next door to Forza Coffee Company, in the Towne Centre Plaza at the corner of Ridgetop and Silverdale Way.

Well, unfortunately, those plans ended rather abruptly yesterday afternoon when a fire broke out at The Desert Sun Tanning Salon located in the west end of the commercial complex that is shared with Forza and several other area businesses.

You can read all the details in the recent Kitsap Sun article:

Malfunction in tanning salon bed apparent cause of Silverdale fire

Other businesses lost to the flames besides Forza and The Desert Sun included Hearing Solutions, Cigar Land, Ed Wyse Beauty Supply, and Cruise Holidays.

Keller Williams West Sound, based in Gig Harbor, had recently signed a 5-year lease agreement with the building’s owner, and improvements were scheduled to begin this week.

Fortunately, no one was hurt or injured in the blaze, but the entire complex was completely razed by the fire.

I’ve also posted a gallery of photos of the fire’s aftermath on my Facebook profile

So, what’s the step? Rest assured that Keller Williams West Sound is committed to establishing a local office/presence here in Kitsap County. No doubt a new location will be identified or we will negotiate a similar space next to Forza if a new commercial building is constructed on the current site.

Stay tuned!

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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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Keller Williams Property Hub is coming to Kitsap County WA

There is great excitement in the real estate air here in Kitsap County WA!

Keller Williams West Sount Realty has recently signed a 5-year lease for space next door to Forza in the Town Centre Plaza in Silverdale WA. Tenant improvements are underway with a Grand Opening slated sometime in late February to early March.

The Keller Williams Real Estate Hub in Kitsap County WA will be a relatively new concept in retail real estate office space, offering a consumer-centric, technology-driven resource center for new & current area residents.

It will also provide an efficient wireless technology environment for agents/brokers to connect and quickly accomplish work-related tasks.

Roughly a third of the space will be dedicated to providing technology tools and resources for consumer clients. Everything relating to real estate and living life on the Kitsap Peninsula will be readily available, including information on area schools, local businesses, current events, recreational attractions, etc.

Discounts & coupons for products/services will be made regularly available through partnerships with local businesses.

A computer/monitor station will be available for visitors to perform their property searches and print out information from the Internet.

Another section of the space will offer high counter work stations where agents/brokers can plug in their laptops, tablets, or mobile devices, connect to the Internet Wi-fi, print up contracts, scan/email documents, etc..

A small private conference room will offer agents/brokers additional space to meet with their clients.

This location offers great visibility exposure and high traffic potential. Forza and the surrounding businesses in the Town Centre Plaza are very popular with area residents, including the new Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse and the new Blu-Berry Frozen Yogurt.

If you want more information on the new Keller Williams Property Hub, simply call (360) 440-4758.

Related posts:

1. Coming Full Circle – Life on the Kitsap Peninsula WA
2. ActiveRain’s RainCamp is coming to Seattle WA June 20 &21
3. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for June 2011

Developing Your Social Media Marketing Plan

As the New Year unfolds, it’s a good time for us to reflect upon and evaluate our past marketing activities, and determine some new strategies for improving our efforts for the future.

Clearly, engaging in various forms of social media (blogging, social networking) can result in some tremendous returns on our investment of time and resources. However, there is still a lot of misunderstanding and misconception when it comes to the proper use of social media to promote/grow our real estate business.

What is Social Media? // Social Media is a Conversation, not an Ad

First and foremost, remember that social media at its core is an ongoing series of engaging, interactive, connecting conversations. With the advent of Web 2.0, the Internet marketing paradigm shifted significantly. Gone are the days of incessant self-promotion, glamor shots, and annoying ‘interruption’ marketing (thanks goodness!). Consumers have learned to tune out the elevator noise of how great you are, how many designations you’ve earned, or which Million Dollar Club you belong to.

Today’s sophisticated, Internet-savvy consumers want good, consistent, relevant, practical, helpful, and qualified information. They want it served up fresh in formats and social media venues they frequent and use in the course of their daily lives, i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc..

At the turn of the century, townspeople congregated at the corner general store, sitting around the pot belly stove to hear all the local buzz. Later on, it was conversation around the water cooler at work. In today’s culture, people connect, share, and communicate through Internet-based platforms, applications, and mobile technologies.

In order to successfully grow your business through the Internet and make meaningful connections with potential clients, you have to go to where the conversations are taking place, and communicate in ways that contribute to the discussion, building trust/credibility, and adding value to whatever product(s)/services you are providing.

Unfortunately, as creatures of habit, we tend to drag the deeply ingrained baggage of our ‘old school’ marketing methods along with us and attempt to force them into the newer social media landscape. From shopping carts to refrigerator magnets, we’re told to plaster our contact info/website domain on every visible surface known to mankind. What typically results is annoying SPAM and more resembles a one-sided self-promoting advertisement than it does an attempt to impart valued information, or stir up meaningful dialog.

“Social Media is the new Water Cooler. It’s where People Connect, Interact, and Share”

Before we jump into the nuts and bolts of developing a social media strategy, I thought it would be best to understand the bigger picture of why you, as a real estate professional, should be using social media to grow and promote your business.

Here’s one of the best definitions I’ve come across for social media:

“Social Media is the collection of tools and online spaces available to help individuals and businesses to accelerate their information and communication needs.” – Axel Schultze -

If there’s one area that people in our business typically neglect, it’s taking the time to develop and implement a detailed/deliberate marketing plan. Most of the time, we simply mirror what others around us are doing. We fly by the seat of our pants, being reactionary instead of proactive. We get a website, send out postcards, hand out calenders, call on ‘expireds,’ join the Rotary Club, and then cross our fingers, hoping that new business will come our way as a result. Rarely are we intentional in our marketing efforts, nor do we take time to analyze and evaluate which methods are the most effective.

And so it is too with many who venture out into the social media waters. We create a Facebook page, makes some Tweets on Twitter, post a few articles on a blog, and cross our fingers that something happens.

What is needed is a better understanding of why social media is such a great way to grow & promote your real estate business, and how you can effectively implement/employ social media strategies into your existing marketing plan.

Why Social Media? // Expanding Your Digital Footprint

First and foremost, using the tools of social media allows us to expand/enhance our digital footprint. With more and more consumers accessing the Internet for their home buying and selling needs, one of our primary strategies should be to spread and enlarge our web presence. It’s not enough to simply maintain a website. Our end goal should be to dominate a specific geo-targeted area and maximize our ‘find-a-bility’ for select key search terms. In other words, when consumers enter particular key search terms into a search engine, terms that are relevant to your local market, some element of your digital footprint should show up in the search results, i.e. blog article, Facebook page, pod-cast, video, etc..

One of my former managing brokers always used the analogy, “The more hooks you put into the water, the greater your chances of catching the Fish!” An effective social media strategy will necessitate varying levels of participation on multiple platforms, networks, and applications. However, just a quick word of caution. Whatever you do in the social media realm, do it well and do it consistently.

Connecting with Your Sphere of Influence

Leveraging social media empowers you to make meaningful connections/interactions with your Sphere of Influence and potential clients. It enables meaningful ‘touches’ to occur faster, more efficiently than more traditional methods. That’s not to suggest that you should abandon your previous marketing efforts. Utilizing social media should simply augment, not replace the tasks you’ve been doing up to this point, especially ones that result in added business. Nothing will ever replace the value of personal, face-to-face contact. And some people just aren’t engaged in using the Internet on a regular basis. But what you’ll find is that social media can become one of the most cost-effective and results-oriented marketing methods you can use.

How to Engage in Social Media // Taking AIM

The foundational elements of your Social Media Plan and effective engagement can be found in the acrostic A-I-M:

Audience:     Who are you trying to reach?

Image:         What kind of image are you trying to project? What is your brand?

Message:      What information are you trying to communicate?

Your Audience: Who are You trying to Reach?

Identifying your target audience is critical because it determines the nature of your content/message and the particular platforms, tools, or applications you will choose to connect/communicate.

As a real estate professional, I have several target audiences I am attempting to reach/attract. First and foremost, I want to engage potential real estate clients, primarily Buyer clients since more than 95% of all Buyers are accessing the Internet in their home buying process. Much of my social media content is geared towards Buyers, but I also publish helpful information relating to Sellers as well.

Secondly, another audience I want to target is my Sphere of Influence (friends, acquaintances, and past clients in my database) and people in general within my geographic market area.

And lastly, I want to develop and maintain connections with other real estate agents, fostering potential referral relationships.

Your specific audience may vary depending on your particular market niche. The important thing is to deliberately identify that audience and tailor your social media content/engagement to reaching/attracting that audience.

Your Image: What is Your Image/Brand?

Much has been said lately about ‘branding.’ My sense is that many people make it out to be a lot more complicated than it really needs to be. No doubt the stakes are probably much higher for huge billion dollar conglomerates whose global success depends upon effective branding. But for smaller businesses and real estate agents, where our markets are significantly smaller, what exactly is crucial for effective branding to occur?

I think your primary goal in branding is for people to remember you. In the endless sea of real estate professionals, what sets you apart? What distinguishes you from all the rest? How does your branding differentiate you?

It can be a logo, an image, or a catch phrase. It simply establishes your uniqueness among the masses, and helps people to remember you.

Here on the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded by the waterways of the Puget Sound, a popular pastime is recreational crabbing. Ask anyone about my personal passions, and they’ll tell you that I love to catch and eat crab! So it only made sense to use a crab as my brand. Follow me on Twitter, and you follow the Crab. Read any of my articles on ActiveRain or SoundBiteBlog, and you’ll see the Crab. I even have a blog dedicated to the sport of crabbing!

Understand, that ultimately, your true brand is who you are (your character/integrity/expertise) and the level of service you provide to your clients.

Your Message: What do You want to Share?

Take a moment and read some of the more popular definitions of Social Media:

“Social media is content created by people using highly accessible and scalable publishing technologies”

“A category of sites that are based on user participation and user-generated content, and are centered on user interaction.”

“Social Media are primarily Internet and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings.”

“Online technologies and practices that people use to share opinions, insights, experiences, and perspectives with each other.”

“Software tools that allow groups to generate content and engage in peer-to-peer conversations and exchange of content.”

Based on these definitions, allow me to recommend a few key elements about your message:

• Your message should be your own ‘unique‘ content, not copied and pasted from other sites
• Your message should engage the intended reader and stimulate participation/interaction
• Your message should share your knowledge, experience, opinions, and expertise

Put yourself in the shoes of your intended audience. What information can you share that would be most helpful and beneficial to them? Empower your readers by helping them to better understand your local real estate market and make informed decisions. But don’t forget to convey a sense of your unique personality, passions, and perspectives (The 3 Powerful P’s of Social Media). You’ll bore them to tears if your message is nothing more than an endless litany of market statistics and listings.

A good, effective social media plan begins with the understanding that it’s not about ‘me’ (agent-centric), but it’s all about engaging others (consumer-centric) and sharing information of value to them.

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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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

No related posts.

Imagine owning the consummate Pacific Northwest style home, a stunning Timber Frame design, situated on a private 5 acre parcel in Kingston WA that is registered by the National Wildlife Foundation as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Your Destination is 8220 NE Husky Lane, Kingston WA

Home Features

Built in 2003 // 3 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths // Custom Oversized Front Door // Formal Dining Area // Vaulted Great Room // 3rd Level Loft and Office Area // Main Floor Office/Den // 3757 Finished Square Footage // Unfinished 733 square feet above garage with plumbing/wiring (potential Mother-in-Law or 2nd Master Suite) // Radiant Floor Heat downstairs // Radiant Wall Registers on Upper Level // Radiant Floor in Master Bath & Shower area // Heated Towel racks in Master Bath // Wood Floors on Main Level are Quarter Sawn Oak // Wood Casement Windows throughout finished with Clear Fir Trim // River Rock Artisan Wood Burning Fireplace with Blower // Bosch Propane Cook Top // Jenn-Air Oven and Dishwasher // Sharp Convection Microwave // Custom Cabinetry // Granite Counters // Custom Organizers in Master Suite Walk-in Closet // Registered Backyard Wildlife Habitat by National Wildlife Foundation // Outdoor Speakers // Waterfall with Two Ponds // Garden includes Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Marion Berries, Boysenberries, Rhubarb, and Apples // Garden/Storage Shed // Playhouse and Swingset // Dog Run // Large Wrap-A-Round Aggregate Patio // Hot Tub // A Short Drive from the Kingston/Edmonds Ferry Terminal

To arrange a private showing, contact Rich Jacobson at (360) 440-4758

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Related posts:

1. Kingston WA (Area 162) Real Estate Market Report for October 2011
2. Kingston WA Weekly Real Estate Market Stats 07/17/11
3. Another Quality Silverdale WA Home in desirable Crystal Creek

Kingston WA Real Estate Market Report for October 2011

The following is the current real estate market statistics for Residential Properties Only in Kingston WA (Area 162) for the past 6 months

KINGSTON WA FEATURED PROPERTY FOR OCTOBER 2011

Situated in a secluded 5-acre registered wildlife preserve, this stunning Kingston WA Timber Frame Home is the perfect marriage of home and habitat. Timber Frame design uses time-honored artistry where tall support posts grow up from the floor and connect overhead in a soaring harmonious series of beams, rafters, and braces joined with glove-like precision. Superior quality design, materials, and craftsmanship flow seamlessly from one room to the next . Efficient radiant floors provide consistent heating throughout the entire main level and Master Bath. The wood-burning River Rock fireplace rises up dramatically full length to the vaulted wood ceilings. The Luxury Master Bath also boasts a heated towel rack, and a large custom tiled surround soaking bath/multiple head shower area. The expansive gourmet kitchen will help to nurture your inner Julia Child with expansive granite counters and custom cabinetry. Entertain all of your friends on the full length aggregate patio, overlooking plushly cultured gardens, or simply indulge yourself for a quiet evening’s dip in your private hot tub. Escape to the peaceful serenity of the scenic Kitsap Peninsula and Pacific Northwest living at its finest!

8220 NE Husky Lane, Kingston WA 98346

MLS #280841 / Now Available for $569,950

Full Listing Details  //  Virtual Tour

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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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Kingston WA Weekly Real Estate Market Stats 07/17/11
2. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for May 2011
3. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for July 2011

A lot is being said nowadays about the use of Facebook to grow and promote your business. Many people enter the social media fray with little or no experience/understanding on what constitutes acceptable or effective behavior/practices as it relates to social networking platforms like Facebook.

For most of us real estate professionals, it’s been ingrained into our marketing minds very early on to blatantly self-promote ourselves at every opportunity, shamelessly plastering our glamor shots and website addresses on bus benches, shopping carts, refrigerator magnets, and every conceivable vertical surface known to man, ad-nauseam.

Thus, when we first attempt to ride the popular wave of social media marketing, our initial feeble efforts tend to be rather ‘spammy’ (see definition of SPAM) and somewhat annoying to those who encounter our ‘interruption marketing’ (See Seth Godin’s books ‘Unleashing the Idea Virus‘ and ‘Permission Marketing‘).

Here’s just a few practical tips I’ve learned along the way that may help you better navigate the social media waters and avoid making any painful or unsightly belly flops:

Jump In – The Waters’ Fine!

1.   Jump In, the Water’s Fine!

It continues to amaze me how many people I encounter who are reluctant to use sites like Facebook for business purposes or refuse to engage in any social media platforms in general. One of the most basic fundamental elements of a successful real estate practice is to develop and expand an active SOI (Sphere of Influence), and make meaningful ‘touches’ with the people within your sphere. Social media simply offers you one more way to make those ‘touches,’ through digital means, faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. Social media should never supplant your tried and true traditional marketing methods, but serve to augment/compliment what you’ve used successfully in the past.

Separation of Church and State

2.   The Separation of Church and State

There are some purists out there who believe you should keep all of your business dealings completely separate from your personal life when it comes to your social network involvements like Facebook. While using a personal profile to promote a business is against the Facebook Terms of Service (The powers that be on Facebook have been known to boot members who do so), I find it difficult and unrealistic to completely remove my Realtor^® hat just because I happen to be engaging people socially in a virtual setting. Now that doesn’t mean that I post my website URL into every comment that I make or that I publish endless listings to my wall. On the contrary, any real estate related content is the exception, rather than the norm on my personal page. But the point being is that real estate is a huge part of my life and a natural extension of who I am. There is always going to be a certain amount of business bleed-over onto my Facebook personal profile page.

A Page By Any Other Name…

3.   Create a Facebook Business Page

For the purists and non-purists alike, the Facebook Page allows you to publish and promote your business to your heart’s content without fear of any TOS repercussions. The real key to achieving solid readership/traffic (Likes) is consistently posting good consumer-valued content to your page. Most of the time, people create a Facebook Page that is agent/broker specific, like ‘Bill Smith – Harper County Real Estate.’ Consider instead of making a Facebook Page that highlights your specific market area. A perfect example of this would be Dale Chumbley’s ‘365 Things to Do in Vancouver WA.’ One of the tools you can use to help efficiently syndicate content to your Facebook Page is Roost.

Go To Where the Conversations Are!

4.   Connections and Communication

At the turn of the century, everyone congregated down at the General Store, sitting around the pot belly stove, sharing their lives. Later, it became the office and gossip around the water cooler. These days, people connect and communicate through the use of social media and mobile technology. Some clients like to text, others tweet or poke.

In one of my former employments, I was responsible for export sales to customers in Japan and made several trips there. I made the point of learning some basics of the Japanese language which made a huge difference in the degree of my success in forging relationships with my foreign clients. The importance of communication never changes, but the way in which we communicate does. We must learn the language that newer generations are speaking.

The power of social media is something we cannot afford to ignore, but need to effectively leverage in order to grow our sphere and expand our digital footprint.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

No related posts.

Even though there’s an abundance of attractively-priced short sale/foreclosure properties in Kitsap County WA, unfortunately, many of these properties are not available for FHA or VA financing. Add to that the challenges and typically excessive delays in waiting for bank approval, short sales and foreclosure properties are not always the best fit for 1st Time Home Buyers or VA Buyers.

Here in Kitsap County WA, we are a proud home to a very large military community comprised of Naval Base Kitsap, which includes Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bangor Subase, and the Undersea Warfare Systems Center in Keyport WA.

One residential area in Kitsap County WA that is very popular for our valued Active-Duty service members and their families is Lake Symington, out towards Seabeck WA.

Situated near Green Mountain (a popular destination for hikers and bikers), the peaceful Lake Symington WA area offers lake beach access, a community center, playground, basketball court, baseball diamond, and a salmon ladder.

The Lake Symington Community Club (LSCC) is the home owner’s association on the east side of Lake Symington. It is made up of Divisions 1 through 4 (Longhorn, Boundary, Holly, Redwing, Big Beef, Deerhorn, Elkhorn, Kellum, Canyon, Steelhead, This a Way and Overland) and Division 6. The association is responsible for upkeep on the dam, the fish ladder, the park on the east side, and the corral property. The association dues are only $40 per year, and are due June 1 each year. LSCC is an all-volunteer organization.

Lake Symington is only minutes from the scenic beauty and recreational benefits of The Hood Canal, including well-known Scenic Beach State Park and the Miami Beach public boat launch. Nearby Seabeck Marina is undergoing a complete rennovation and is slated for completion by November of 2012.

Here is this month’s FEATURED PROPERTY for the Lake Symington area:

To view this photo slideshow you need to have Flash Player 9 or newer installed and JavaScript enabled. PhotoSnack is a photo slideshow maker that allows you to create high-quality photo slideshows in minutes.

For additional information on 3425 That A Way Road NW in Bremerton WA, go HERE

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. Home Inspections in Kitsap County WA – Advice for 1st Time Home Buyers
2. Advice for Kitsap County WA 1st Time Buyers
3. Seabeck WA Weekly Real Estate Stats 07/17/11

The following is a brief overview of the combined single-family home & condo market within Silverdale, Washington (NWMLS Area 147) for the week of July 17, 2011, provided by Rich Jacobson of Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, WA.

• Properties currently active on the market:  109
• Properties closed in the last 180 days:  58
• Average Sales Price:  $ 298,255
• Average List Price:  $ 306,205
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 97%
• Average Days on Market: 90
• Sales Pending this Week: 7

To view a map of Northwest MLS Area 147 (Silverdale), go HERE.

4354 NW Hosman Circle, Silverdale WA 98383 / NWMLS #203772 / $379,950 

 This quality well-maintained home is situated on a quiet near acre lot in the highly desirable Crystal Creek neighborhood in Silverdale WA. Though just minutes from top rated Central Kitsap schools, the Bangor Subase (South Trigger Avenue gate), and the popular Kitsap Mall. This 2300+ square foot 4 Bedroom 2.5 bath home offers Pacific Northwest rural living at its finest.

For more information on this home, go to 4354 NW Hosman Circle, Silverdale WA 98383

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional with Windermere Real Estate, 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, ActiveRain, and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

Related posts:

1. East Central Kitsap WA Weekly Real Estate Market Stats 07/17/11
2. Chico WA Weekly Real Estate Market Stats 07/17/11
3. Kingston WA Weekly Real Estate Market Stats 07/17/11

Just thought I would share a link to a recipe I came across recently for Razor Clam Fritters. As you know, I have a HUGE fan of Razor Clams. In spite of all the time and energy necessary to harvest, clean, and cook these delectable diggers, it’s most definitely worth all the effort. They have a taste that is truly unique among shellfish!

Landed Gently Blog – Razor Clam Fry and Fritters

And FYI, the next tentative dig is scheduled for the evenings of Friday, January 20th and Saturday, January 21st. For more information, go to the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife website.

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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, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

Last year, I shared the post Hood Canal WA Deadliest Catch, another installment of my never-ending series ‘Stupid Human Boat Tricks‘ by sharing the near-death escapades I experienced with my Mom out on the Hood Canal. I was recently reminded by one of my readers that I neglected to finish the story, hence Part Deux.

And so, the saga continues….

When last we left our hero, he was perilously close to the brink of an icy grave….

Even in the late Summer, the waters of the Hood Canal are surprisingly cold. And in this instance, bone-chilling cold! Perhaps it’s because there’s still run-off from snow that’s melting on the Olympic Mountains? Or that the Hood Canal is over 500 feet deep in some areas, and is part of the Puget Sound waterways, leading to the Pacific Ocean?

Regardless, there I was, treading water for what seemed like an eternity, faithfully holding onto my lost crab pot buoy, patiently awaiting my Mom’s rescue.

I forced my head above the waves and scanned the surface for my trusted C-Dory. Off on the horizon, I could see my Mother hitting the 9hp kicker with a wooden oar.

Gee, that was a comforting sight! Obviously, she hadn’t yet figured out how to operate the motor or vary the rate of speed (as you may recall from my previous installment, my Mom’s first attempt at saving me ended rather abruptly as she passed me at full throttle!).

It was late afternoon by this time, with the water becoming increasingly choppy. The tide was coming in too, and rather rapidly at that. I held on relentlessly to my crab pot buoy and the $150 investment it represented, stubbornly refusing to let go. About every third wave or so, the tension on the submerged buoy & crab line would pull my head underwater.

As my head resurfaced, I looked up just in time to see the bow of my C-Dory heading straight for me! I was on a collison course with my own boat!

I could hear my Mom yelling and cursing as she continued in her valiant attempts to whack the kicker motor into obedience.

Just before the final moment of impact, I heard the Johnson Kicker die, and the trusty C-Dory finally slowed. I reached up, grabbed the bowline eyelet, and straddled the bow with my legs.

I felt like a lamprey, contently attached to a large fish. The boat was still moving, but the drag on my clutched crab line was bringing us to a halt.

However, I guess my Mom was still pretty wigged out though. For I soon heard a blood-curdling scream up above me.

“I’ve killed my son, I’ve killed my son!” she cried out!

I was satisfied just to remain still and quiet from my perch there on the bow, but I couldn’t allow my Mom to think that she had caused my early demise. So I yelled up to her that I was okay, and worked my way around the side of the boat, back to the transom, where I handed her the crab buoy and line intact.

After I climbed back in, we pulled up the pot. I can’t recall if there were any keepers. I don’t think it really mattered much.

As we made our way back to Miami Beach, I think we were both just happy to be alive!

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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,ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

Okay, so the good news first…

The crabbing season has been extended from October 8th until December 31st (Hooray!)

Now the bad news…

That doesn’t include Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) or Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) (Boo Hiss!)

If it’s any consolation, most of the people I’ve talked to reported as having a rather fruitful catch this year.

Of course, I wouldn’t know, seeing that my 40hp Johnson suffered from a severe case of bi-polar schizophrenia, and couldn’t decide if it wanted to work or not.

On a more positive note, my upper body strength has improved tremendously as a result of rowing across Hood Canal for 4 hours. But I’ll save that for a future installment of ‘Stupid Human Boat Tricks.’

So, if you have the good fortune of living anywhere remotely close to any of the other Marine Areas that the WDFW so generously left open to crab fishing (Neah Bay, Sekiu, e.Strait of Juan de Fuca, the San Juans, Deception Pass, Hope Island, Skagit Bay, Port Susan, Port Gardner, portions of Admiralty Inlet, or Tacoma-Vashon and South Puget Sound opening Nov. 21st), then by all means, knock your socks off!

Or, to borrow a line from one of my favorite movies, Shawshank Redemption:

“Get Busy Crabbing, or get busy dying!”

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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, SoundBiteBlog, and ActiveRain, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

The front page headlines in this morning’s Kitsap Sun, Agreement Reached on Seabeck Marina, evoked a welcomed ‘Hallelujah!’ response.

After a long history of setbacks, work stoppage, and bureaucratic red-tape, the long anticipated Olympic View Marina project in Seabeck WA Marina is finally back on track.

The latest hurdle (renewing the lease agreement between DNR – Dept. of Natural Resources – and the Developers) has been drafted and is awaiting final signature.

Construction is slated to restart within another month or so, with a project completion date of November 2012.

I have to say that I am greatly relieved that this project is finally moving forward. The need for marina services and moorage on the west side of Hood Canal has been a huge unfilled void for much too long. And Seabeck WA is the natural and best candidate to satisfy such a pronounced need.

The Olympic View Marina has the potential for being one of the most positive commercial developments to happen here in Kitsap County WA in a long time. Once completed, I envision other complementary developments, bringing additional business/services to the Seabeck area.

Congratulations to developers Boyer Halverson and Wil Clark, and big thanks to the folks at the DNR for putting common sense before bureaucracy.

Okay, so here’s the latest scoop on where to score all of your crabbing gear here on the Kitsap Peninsula.

Oh for the days when the Pawn Shop in Poulsbo was still open! Those guys were amazing, and they had everything a crabbing enthusiast would want! Unfortunately, they closed a few years ago, and no one has stepped up to the plate to take their place.

Here’s what I’ve found:

Outdoor Outfitters aka Wholesale Sports in Silverdale – they may have boatloads of good stuff for hunters and hikers, but a week before crabbing season opens, this place totally sucks. About the only good thing I can say is that they have leaded line in bulk that they can cut to size. They’re the only ones who offer this. Aside from that, they’re pretty much worthless, unless you want to pay $80+ for a crab pot.

Wally World aka Wal-Mart – You can always count on Wal-Mart to stock the basics during the season. They don’t have everything you need, but they attempt to carry most of it. And, as typical, the prices are pretty reasonable. The basic Danielson crab pot is $23 and change.

Fred Meyer – These guys win the award for best overall stock and prices. The basic Danielson crab pot was just under $20. They stock the buoys separately, and actually have bait cages, stainless clips, etc.. Be aware, they have two places they keep their inventory – in the aisle, and a center standing display.

As far as bait is concerned, I am totally bummed that Silverdale Red Apple Market closed their doors. The butcher there always hooked me up with some slammin’ prices on salmon guts. My back-up is Central Market over in Poulsbo. You can get salmon guts for $1.99 per pound.

So there ya go! Gear up and go get ‘em!….

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional 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, HomesByHarbors, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK,  Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com

With July 1st is just around the corner, most Marine Areas in the Puget Sound will officially open to recreational crabbing!

To find the official start dates/times and regulations for WA State, go to WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

The biggest and best change to the regulations this year is the days that are allowed for crabbing. Previously, you could only drop your pots off on Wednesday through Saturday. This put a huge crimp in your weekend crabbing style. Now, the new regulations permit crabbing Thursday through Monday! Catch quantity limits are still remain five (5) male Dungeness and six (6) Rock crab (either sex) per day.

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional 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, HomesByHarbors, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

I recently received an email from a reader in Spokane WA who asked if I knew of any places along Hood Canal WA that offered boat rentals.

Back in the day, crab populations around Puget Sound were such that you could easily find your dinner faire by simply walking out during a good minus tide. Nowadays, without a boat, you’re hard-pressed to have any measure of success.

About the only place I know on Hood Canal where you can rent small outboard boats is Hood Canal Adventures.

Another source on the Kitsap Peninsula is Northwest Boat Rentals in Poulsbo WA.

If any of my readers know of any additional resources, please feel free to contact me or leave information in the comments section of this post. Thanks!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional 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, HomesByHarbors, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

One of my most favorite things in life is to sit down to a big kettle of steamed clams freshly dug up from along the beaches of the Hood Canal here in Washington State.

A popular clam digging location, Point Whitney Tidelands and Lagoon is opening for a short season, starting March 15th. The Lagoon will be open from March 1st through March 31st, and the Tidelands will be open from March 15th until April 30th.

You’ll need to have your WA State Fishing or Shellfishing License with you (last years 2010 license is still good through March 31st.

Remember the legal limit you can dig each day is only forty (40) of all species combined, i.e. native littlenecks, manilas, and butter clams.

Jake’s Steamed Heaven

Soak your clams in fresh water for an hour or so to allow the to spit out their grit. Scrub and rinse your clams. Discard any that are cracked or open.

In a large kettle, I like to saute some freshly chopped onion and garlic in butter, add in some parsley, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and a 1/4 cup of white wine. Then add in the clams and pour in water until it’s just about an inch below the top of the clams. Cover and bring to boil. Shortly after it reaches boiling, the clams should all be opened up. Turn off the heat and cover for 5 minutes.

I always try to serve steamed clams with a tossed Romaine salad, generous amounts of sourdough french bread dripping with garlic butter,  and a nice chilled glass of Pinot Grigio.

Can You Dig It?

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional 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, HomesByHarbors, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

I don’t normally mix business with pleasure here on my ‘CrabbingIntheHood’ blog, but I wanted to let my readers know about a really awesome property that I’ve recently listed over in the Chico area, just off Seabeck Highway.

The house is located at 5578 NW Millglade Lane, Bremerton WA. It’s a 2003 quality-built home situated on a secluded 1.33 acre parcel on a dead end cul-de-sac in Central Kitsap County.

You can access the virtual tour by going to this link:

http://www.realestateshows.com/553858

and the virtual flyer is at this link:

http://kitsaplife.vflyer.com/home/flyer/home/4103302

and lastly, as the home shows up on the Windermere Website:

http://www.windermere.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=listing.SearchLanding&searchConstraintType=mls&ln=183246

If you know of anyone who is in the market for a great home, just send them my phone number or email address:

Rich Jacobson, Broker

cell phone:   360.440.4758   email:  rich@windermere.com

If you fall into one of the following 3 categories, this article is for you:

1.  You believe the current recreational crabbing season in Puget Sound is too short.

2.  You will do ANYTHING to catch Dungeness Crab and you’re not afraid of cold weather.

3.  Your boat motor held you hostage for most of the season and you’re still playing catch-up.

Four marine areas of the Puget Sound will reopen to recreational crab fishing starting Nov. 15th, based on summer catch assessments by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) that show more crab are available for harvest.

At 8 a.m. on Nov. 15, Marine Areas 6 (Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 9 (Admiralty Inlet), 10 (Seattle/Bremerton) and 12 (Hood Canal) will reopen for sport crabbing seven days a week through Jan. 2, 2011

Crab fishing will also remain open seven days a week through Jan. 2 in marine areas 4 (Neah Bay), 5 (Sekiu), and 13 (South Puget Sound), where the fishery has continued uninterrupted since June 18.

The following Marine Areas remained closed: 7 (San Juan Islands), 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island and Skagit Bay), 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) and 11 (Tacoma/Vashon Island),

And don’t forget to report your catch on the Winter Catch Cards!

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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional 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, HomesByHarbors, SOUNDBITEBLOG, ActiveRain, Everyday CK, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com