Rich Jacobson aka KitsapAgent

The good folks over at KCM Blog have recently published this graphic which shows the Nationwide State-by-State comparison of the percentage of short sales to overall sales.

Nice to see that Washington State is under the 10% mark. From my perspective as a local real estate broker, it sure seems like the percentage of short sale properties are much higher than that. But I’ll trust RealtyTrac for their accuracy. It would appear that the number of short sales and foreclosures are slowly decreasing in our market. Since our shadow inventory is considerably less than other States, we should hopefully start to see our overall home valuations starting to improve slightly (1% to 2% over the next year).

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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.

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

Related posts:

1. Shadow Housing Inventory in Washington State

Okay, so I got your attention, right?

Amazing the things some real estate folks will say to allure, intice, and otherwise cajole you into taking some kind of action.

How about this one:

“Now is a great time to buy a home in Silverdale WA!”

Heard that one before? I bet you have. Is it any wonder that my industry suffers from a lack of trust and credibility?

Oh, you’re a Seller? No problem.

“Now is a great time to sell a home in Silverdale WA!”

Ever see the movie “Liar, Liar” with Jim Carrey? He plays the part of a lawyer (yet another profession with reputation issues!) who can’t lie for 24 hours because of a magical birthday wish his son makes.

Imagine if real estate agents couldn’t lie, or embellish, or bend the truth ever so slightly…

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years as a licensed real estate professional here in Kitsap County WA, it’s the importance and value of telling my clients, or prospective clients, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.

This doesn’t mean that I abandon all sense of professional decorum and tact when I explain to a prospective Seller that their cherished palatial estate out in Seabeck WA is hopelessly caught up in a 70′s retro time warp. Or that I will willingly agree that your home over in Tracyton is worth more than the Hearst Castle, when in reality, I know it would be a miracle just to sell it at a price remotely close to the County appraised value.

As real estate professionals, we have an obligation and duty to tell people the truth, not what they want to hear, but what they need to hear. In order for them to make wise, informed decisions, we owe them solid, reliable market data. Not some ‘spin’ or embellished version of what we wished the market was like. But a strong dose of reality.

“Is now a great time to buy a home in Poulsbo WA?”

Quite possibly. It just depends. There are always opportunities out there for someone, regardless of the particular market dynamics we’re experiencing at the time.

“Is now a great time to sell my Port Orchard WA home?”

It could be. It depends on a number of important factors, one being what is best for your own unique situation.

“Have home prices hit bottom yet?”

So what’s your story? Are you a First-Time Home Buyer sitting on the fence, waiting for home prices to drop even further? Reaching retirement and wanting to downsize? Wondering if you should invest a portion of your portfolio in rental properties?

Related posts:

1. VA Home Loan Buyers in Kitsap County WA

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

• Properties currently active on the market:  1439
• Properties closed in the last 180 days:  1100
• Average Sales Price:  $ 262,473
• Average List Price:  $ 272,436
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 96%
• Average Days on Market: 133
• Sales Pending this Week: 84

Seabeck/Holly WA statistics separately: (Area 145 )

• Properties currently Active on the market:  82
• Properties closed in last 180 days:  51
• Average Sales Price:  $272,896
• Average List Price:  $289,530
• Ratio of List Price to Sales Price: 94%
• Average Days on Market: 150
• Sales Pending this week: 1

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE KITSAP COUNTY WA REAL ESTATE MARKET RIGHT NOW?

As is typical for this time of year, activity is picking up throughout the West Puget Sound region. This is clearly evidenced  in the Pending Sales this past week (84). Many brokers/agents are reporting multiple offer situations, causing some to pronounce a shift to more of a Seller’s market. Personally, I don’t find any substantive indication/basis for such claims. If a Seller prices a home aggressively and prepares it well for market, it should naturally attract a number of viable Buyers.

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

UPDATE ON KELLER WILLIAMS WEST SOUND OFFICE

As you may recall from last month’s market report, our plans to open the Keller Williams West Sound Property Hub here in Silverdale were delayed due to the unfortunate fire that gutted the Forza building and displaced numerous local businesses.  While our long-term goal is still to lease space next door to Forza when the new building is constructed, we have committed to a great location over in Old Town on the Northeast corner of Byron & Pacific (map link). We had our first official meeting there yesterday and established a game plan for furnishings/improvements. Look for our launch in the coming weeks!

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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. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report February 2012
2. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for July 2011
3. Kitsap County WA Real Estate Market Report for June 2011

Move over, Midas! Make Way, Meineke! The Hands-Down Leader for Muffler Repair in Kitsap County WA is Mike’s Kitsap Muffler!

Now with 3 convenient locations to better serve customers throughout Kitsap County WA, Mike’s Kitsap Muffler offers fast and friendly service. From tail pipes and towing packages, to brakes and radiators, Mike’s Kitsap Muffler’s menu of accomplished repair and welding fabrication services is truly impressive!

These guys are the REAL DEAL! They offer superior service, perform excellent work, and all at prices that will make your wallet very happy!…

I recently took my Ford Expedition in for a new tailpipe. I drove up without an appointment and they waited on me immediately! In less than 20 minutes I was back on the road, a new custom-fabricated tailpipe in place, and at half the cost the other guys quoted me!

So the next time your car, truck, motorhome or RV needs a tune-up, oil change, radiator repair, winch installation, exhaust/muffler repair, brakes, hitches, trailer wiring, bike racks, car carrier/luggage rack installation, welding or metal fabrication, call on the awesome folks at Mike’s Kitsap Muffler – Brakes -Welding Automotive Electrical Center!

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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.

Yet another recent Kitsap Sun article pronounces doom and gloom on the local housing market.

According to statistics provided by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), home prices here in Kitsap County continued to fall in February, down 11 percent from a year ago, and close to where home prices were in 2005.

The median closing price  for single-family homes and condominiums combined was estimated at $225,400, according to the NWMLS. In 2005, it averaged $233,700.

The steep price dive was felt more severe for condos. February’s price of $215,550 was a 39 percent drop-off from February of 2011.

For single-family residential homes, the price fell 10 percent to $225,900.

However, pending sales in Kitsap County were up 13 percent from last year, meaning that we’re experiencing increased sales activity compared to this time last year.

The current level of active inventory — the number of homes that are available for sale — decreased by 8 percent in February (1,397 homes were for sale).

Home sales activity in Kitsap County WA was the strongest on Bainbridge Island, with 23 recorded sales that closed last month. Second place went to West Bremerton, with 18 sales. And the eastern section of Central Kitsap was third, with 15 completed sales.

In the article, Frank Wilson, Managing Broker at John L. Scott in Poulsbo stated that the decreasing amount of inventory has effectively created a “Seller’s Market.”

“We continue to see more multiple offer situations on homes that come on the market correctly priced,” quoted Mr. Wilson

He went on to predict that “local home prices would stabilize and even reverse as we move further into 2012.”

While there seems to be increased sales activity, and in fact, numerous multiple offer situations, this by no means indicates a shift to a “Seller’s Market” by any stretch of the imagination.

Will home prices stabilize anytime soon? One would certainly hope. Will home valuations start to increase in 2012? I think that’s being just a tad bit overly optimistic, Mr. Wilson!

But I suppose if we spread enough pie-in-the-sky optimism, eventually we’ll get someone to believe us.

Noted real estate rebel, Redfin, has already announced that we’ve effectively reached the bottom to our current housing slump!

Redfin Calls the Bottom!

Funny thing about hitting the low end of the real estate cycle. Typically, when we finally figure we’ve hit bottom, it’s already happened months and months ago!

So where is the real accuracy in all this? Truth is, there are always opportunities in every market. Some better than others. And then there are also a fair share of challenges associated with every market dynamic.

Right now, if you’re a financially solvent 1st Time Home Buyer, you have an excellent chance of finding a great bargain, both on your first home, and in obtaining some of the lowest mortgage interest rates ever! Market savvy investors are buying up foreclosure/short properties and converting them into rental properties.

In order to effectively compete with distressed properties, successful Kitsap County WA Sellers are pulling out all the stops by pricing their homes aggressively and working hard to get their homes prepared for market.

Need help buying or selling real estate in the Western Puget Sound? Call or text me at 360.440.4758

No related posts.

Here is a recent graphic created by the good folks at The KCM Blog showing the estimated months supply of Shadow Inventory throughout the United States:

Here is a good working definition of what constitutes ‘Shadow Inventory:’

from Investopedia:

A term that refers to real estate properties that are either in foreclosure and have not yet been sold or homes that owners are delaying putting on the market until prices improve. Shadow inventory can create uncertainty about the best time to sell (for owners) and when a local market can expect full recovery. Also, shadow inventory typically causes reported data on housing inventory to understate the actual number of inventory in the market.

Fortunately for us here in Washington State, as you can see from the graphic, our Shadow Inventory is one of the lowest in the entire US. What this means is that traditional Home Sellers will have less distressed homes (foreclosures and short sales) to compete against, and that home prices should stabilize more quickly than in other areas across the country.

Here are a couple of recent articles that help to further explain the impact that Shadow Inventory has on the current residential housing market:

CNN Money - Shadow Inventory improves but still threatens housing recovery

Time Business – How ‘Shadow Inventory’ is killing the Housing Market

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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.

Poulsbo Place is the award winning, master-planned community in the heart of the famed waterfront village of Poulsbo, Washington.

Designed in traditional Craftsman style, the architecture compliments the picturesque community of ‘Little Norway’ with its rich Scandinavian heritage.

Poulsbo Place is situated near the waters of Liberty Bay, a popular destination for area boaters and tourists, and is only a short walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants, bakeries, antique shops, clothing boutiques, book stores and gift shops.

As a licensed professional real estate broker, I view a lot of properties throughout Kitsap County, and into portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties, as well. Every once in a while, you come across a home that really stands out from the rest – one where location, condition, and price all combine together to achieve a truly amazing value.

Such is the case with this charming home in popular Poulsbo Place:

148 NE Sugar Maple Place, Poulsbo, WA 98370 

NWMLS #203093 provided courtesy of Teri Hewson of John L. Scott

The homes in Poulsbo Place aren’t for everyone. They appeal to a very select group of highly discerning Buyers. Though the lots are small, and the homes packed in closely together, nonetheless the close walking distance proximity to Front Street in Poulsbo and the Marina on Liberty Bay, makes this exclusive community highly desirable among Buyers, both old and young.

Senior residents like the professional yard and lawn maintenance provided through the Poulsbo Place Homeowners Association dues. Young urban professionals appreciate the cool, hip environment, and convenient accessibility to the Bainbridge Island ferry.

For more information about homes for sale in Poulsbo Place or other residential properties in Kitsap County WA, contact Rich Jacobson, Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Professional.

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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.

Here on the scenic Kitsap County WA peninsula, we are fortunate to have a very large military community comprised of Naval Base Kitsap, including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bangor Subase, and the Keyport Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

As such, many of the active-duty, active reserve, and retired service members buy homes here in Kitsap County WA using VA Home Loan financing. This is a very popular loan product of choice mainly because it doesn’t require that the Buyer contribute a down payment.

VA Home Loan rates are usually fairly competitive compared with conventional loan rates. The current VA Home Loan rate is hovering around 3.75% to 4% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, and at 3.0 to 3.25% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. The maximum loan limits here in Kitsap County WA are presently set at $417,000. However, if a Veteran elects to purchase a home with a sales price higher than the loan limit, a down payment is then required which is 25% of the difference between the loan amount and the sales price.

Here in Kitsap County WA, it is fairly common for the VA Buyer to ask the Seller to contribute towards paying a portion or all of their closing costs (typically up to 3% of the sales price).

One of the distinctions of using VA financing to purchase your home is the VA appraisal process. Not only does the VA appraiser analyze comparable market data to determine current valuation, but they also inspect the home to determine if any conditions need to be remedied/resolved prior to closing. These typically involve primary home systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating, or structural issues, like roof, siding, crawlspace, or foundation. They also look for any concerns relating to safety like steps, handrails, and decks.

So even though you conduct a full home inspection and negotiate any needed repairs with the Seller, the VA appraiser may call out additional conditions that will need to be resolved prior to closing. Just understanding and knowing about the VA appraisal helps VA Buyers to anticipate potential issues or delays to the home buying process.

For more information on the VA Home Loan process, go to the Overview of the VA Home Loan Program.

The first part of the VA home buying process is to connect with a knowledgeable mortgage lender to determine your eligibility and budget price range. I highly recommend Rhonda Porter with Mortgage Masters. You can connect with her through her popular blog, The Mortgage Porter.

If you’re a 1st Time VA Home Buyer, or even a repeat VA Buyer, give me a call @ 360.440.4758 or email at KitsapAgent@gmail.com, and I would be honored to assist you in your VA Home Buying Adventure!

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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. Affordable Lake Symington WA Area Home for 1st-Time and VA Buyers

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 Weekly Real Estate Market Stats – 06/26/2011

Welcome to 9009 Martin Avenue in Silverdale Washington

NWMLS #310096  ~  $429,950

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. Fire in Silverdale WA destroys several popular local businesses

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