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Fantastic Fall Events and Activities in Kitsap County
Celebrate the season with some fun, family-friendly fall events and activities here in Kitsap County. Here’s a list to get you started. From dress-up days to pumpkin patches and everything in between, we’re sure there’s something that will pique your interest.
Ongoing Fall Events
Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch at Pheasant Fields Farm in Silverdale
October 1 – November 1, 2022
When it comes to fall events and activities, you have to check out Kitsap’s oldest and tallest corn maze. Walk the paths to solve a riddle and you’ll be entered to win a harvest prize basket. You’ll also find one of the largest collections of pumpkins, including different colors and shapes. Most pumpkins are grown on-site, while some come from Sequim. Grab a fall beverage, shop the farm stand, and enjoy their many photo opportunities.
Cost: Corn Maze tickets $6 for youth 16 and under, $8 for adults, $1 off for active duty military with ID, and there’s a coupon available on their website. Pumpkins are sold separately.
Have a Hoot Hunt at Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island
October 1 – 31, 2022
Explore the grounds of the famous Bloedel Reserve and see if you can spot where the woodland owls hid the squash and pumpkins. There are close to 100 squash waiting to be found. And, place your guess on the weight of the largest pumpkin to be entered to win a prize. Timed tickets are required and must be booked in advance (no walk-ups permitted).
Cost: $5 – $20 per person depending on age. Children 4 and under are free.
Pumpkin Walk at Bainbridge Gardens
October 1 – 31, 2022 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nearing its third decade in operation, the Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk is a fall event you don’t want to miss. The Gardens’ historic Nature Trail is lined with hundreds of hand-painted and carved pumpkins as well as themed vignettes. There will be a straw maze for young children as well. Pumpkin submissions are being requested to add to the pathway, and are an integral part to complete the experience. Also, you can guess the weight of a large pumpkin, and delicious food trucks will be on-site on Saturdays.
Cost: Free to attend, and donations are accepted for Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club.
Harvest Fest at Miracle Ranch Camp in Port Orchard
October 21 – 23 and October 28 – 30, 2022 (times vary by day)
An extravaganza for the whole family, Harvest Fest includes classic activities like hay rides, face painting, crafts, apple pressing, a petting zoo, and a rodeo. Meals are available as well as sweet fall treats like candied apples, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Most activities are free. But if you want to take it up a notch, you can add on additional excursions like pony rides, a climbing wall, or even an overnight stay. Miracle Ranch is located south of downtown Port Orchard, near the small community of Purdy.
Cost: Free to attend. Extra activities and food available for purchase.
Fall Pumpkin Patches
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston
Out in the little community of Eglon, Fat Turnip Farms sells certified organic produce at their farm stand and has a u-pick pumpkin patch with tons of different options as well as late-season, u-pick flowers. Their setup offers many great places to take photos with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Be sure to check their Facebook page for details.
Hours until October 31st: Monday – Saturday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island
An Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow a large variety of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. Celebrate autumn, take photos, and find some colorful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram and/or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM & Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
One-Day Events
HOWL-O-WEEN at IslandWood on Bainbridge Island
October 23, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Don your Halloween costume and hit the trails! This family-friendly event at IslandWood is a wonderful walk through the woods with hot cider, warm cookies, and other fall treats. Naturalists will be on-site to teach about the “spooky” nature of nocturnal animals. Participants can enjoy a fall craft and bone yard investigation as well as a lecture about wildlife. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Cost: $2.50 for kids and $5 for adults. Financial assistance is available.
Boo Bash hosted by Port Orchard Bay Street Association
October 29, 2022 from Noon – 4:00 PM
Bring the family and enjoy downtown Port Orchard. Participate in the costume contest from noon to 2:00 PM and take the kids trick-or-treating at Bay Street businesses from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. And, this event wraps up with a pet costume contest at 4:00 PM. For more information, check the Bay Street Association’s Facebook page.
Cost: Free to attend
Drive-Thru Halloween Hunt hosted by the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce
October 29, 2022 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Back for the third year, this popular drive-thru trick-or-treat event weaves around Poulsbo to visit businesses handing out candy. The hunt begins at the Poulsbo Village Shopping Center where you’ll receive a map and a free tote bag (if you’re one of the first 800 participants). Then follow the route for candy and prizes! Non-perishable food and monetary donations will be accepted for Fishline Food Bank at the start of the event.
Cost: Free to attend, but non-perishable food donations are highly encouraged.
Pre-school Spooktacular by Poulsbo Parks and Rec
October 31, 2022 from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Geared toward younger kids, this fun event is a great way to kick off your Halloween festivities. With a superhero theme and lots of crafts and activities planned, it is sure to be a Marvel-ous time.
Cost: Free to attend for kids 5 and under. $1 for older children
Ghoulsbo Celebration in Downtown Poulsbo
October 31, 2022 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Enjoy the rare treat of walking right down the middle of Front Street! This Poulsbo trick-or-treat classic is back after a hiatus. Sponsored by the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association, merchants will be handing out candy in front of their shops. It is the most costumes you will ever see in one place in Poulsbo.
Cost: Free to attend
Halloween Walk in Downtown Winslow, Bainbridge Island
October 31, 2022 at 3:30 PM
This safe trick-or-treating event in Winslow invites participants to wear a costume, enjoy hot cider, and listen to spooky tunes from the Eagle Harbor Church’s bell tower. Hosted by the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, you’ll also get to cast your vote for the best merchant costume.
Cost: Free to attend
Real Estate Insights From Our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner
Once a month, Matthew Gardner, Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, provides insights on our housing market. We’ve listed some of his recent predictions, thoughts, and conclusions to give you the information you need to make well-informed real estate decisions. And, you can also watch Gardner’s full videos below to learn even more.
The Continued Decline of the Housing Market Index
The National Association of Home Builders released their Housing Market Index for August, and the data was “eye-opening” as Matthew Gardner says. Based on a survey of home builders, this index asks them to give their take on the single-family market. Builder confidence fell for the 8th straight month, dropping below the index level of 50. As Gardner explains, “More home builders currently rate sales conditions as poor than good…Builders have been reporting a spike in canceled contracts recently.” Additionally, all components of the Housing Market Index are at their lowest level since May of 2020. 69% say mortgage rates are the primary reason, and 19% of builders have reduced prices in an effort to increase sales. Gardner says he uses the Housing Market Index as a reliable indicator when it comes to single-family housing starts.
When it comes to new homes for sale, there’s a rise in listings of 32.1% year-over-year. Furthermore, of the homes currently for sale, 67% are under construction. 24% haven’t broken ground yet, and 9% are ready for new owners to occupy them. While it may seem like it isn’t that bad since only 9% are finished, Gardner points out that “builders incur costs every day that the home is not sold, even if that home has yet to be built.”
“With more homes for sale and lower transactions, it would now take more than 9 months to absorb all available homes using the current sales pace.” As a result, new home starts fell by 10.1% between June and July of this year. And, starts have dropped by 18.5% from a year ago.
Affordability is a key issue that Gardner highlights. He also points out how construction costs have impacted builders. And, that is magnified by the fact that they’re competing with rising inventory in the resale market. “Last month, the average price drop was 5% but this is very likely to increase as we move toward the fall.”
To learn more, watch the full video below.
Mortgage Rates and Inflation
In the beginning of 2022, 30-year conventional mortgage rates started at just over 3.1% but have skyrocketed to 6%. While economists like Matthew Gardner expected rates to trend higher this year, no one anticipated such a dramatic increase. That’s because no one could’ve factored in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that inflation would continue to climb for much longer than we expected. As a result, “when inflation is running hot, it limits demand for bonds,” Gardner explains. This then “forces the interest rate payable on those bonds to rise and this pushes mortgage rates higher.”
Gardner also looks at other inflation indicators, which point to the fact that slower spending acts as a headwind to further price increases. He also looks at the Producer Price Index, which measures at the wholesale level, not the retail level. “Even though the total rate rose as energy costs continue to impact the manufacturing sector, the core rate has been pulling back again for the past three months.”
Matthew Gardner concludes, “If the trends we’ve looked at continue, I still expect inflation to start slowly creeping lower, which will push bond prices higher, yields will start to, if not drop, then certainly pause. That will allow mortgage rates to hold at – or close to – their current levels for the time being. But we could actually see rates coming down a little.”
You can watch more of Gardner’s videos on Windermere’s YouTube channel. If you have any questions about the information we’ve shared, feel free to reach out to one of our local real estate experts. Our agents are highly knowledgeable and happy to assist you.
Fall Home Sales: Why Autumn is a Good Time to Sell Your Home
Are you thinking about selling your home, but worried since it isn’t spring or summer? Fall is actually a good time to sell your home and it comes with some unexpected perks. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of fall home sales.
Fall Ambiance
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves are turning, the air feels crisper, and the holidays are fast approaching. All these things can strengthen your home’s curb appeal. Take advantage of autumn’s allure by keeping your yard and home’s exterior pristine. Make time to rake the leaves and keep your gutters clear. By keeping things tidy, you are giving your home’s natural fall foliage a chance to shine. You can also add a touch of autumn ambiance to your home’s indoor spaces by decorating with fall colors. Staging your home with autumn accents gives it an extra cozy feel that draws in potential buyers.
Julie Bray-Larsen, Windermere Poulsbo Managing Broker
Less Competition
Since spring and summer are real estate’s busy seasons, in the fall there are fewer homes listed for sale. Generally, this means less competition for you and fewer options for buyers. With not as many houses on the market, your home has a greater chance to dazzle potential buyers. As Windermere Poulsbo Managing Broker, Julie Bray-Larsen explains, “Fall is a great time to list your home here in Kitsap County. Our weather is still beautiful, so the landscaping is still looking nice. Most importantly, there’s typically less competition in the market. Because there are always buyers out looking, your home will stand out more as a potentially great fit for buyers wanting to purchase and move in before the holidays.”
Serious Buyers
People looking for homes in the fall are serious about buying. Generally, they have a reason to move at that time whether it’s because they are relocating for a job, downsizing, first-time buyers, or service members. “Our large military community in Kitsap means those buyers need to move all months of the year, so that added demand is great for sellers,” says Bray-Larsen. Serious buyers also want to find a place and get settled in before the busy holiday season starts. This adds another level of urgency to finding a home, which can benefit sellers.
Faster Closing
Since there are usually fewer real estate deals during the fall, everyone involved in the transaction process tends to have greater availability. “Mortgage brokers and escrow officers are less busy after the summer rush, so financing is more quickly approved. Therefore, buyers will be ready to go,” explains Bray-Larsen. This greater flexibility also applies to real estate agents, home inspectors, and appraisers. As a result, it’s easier to schedule appointments, and everything moves faster, which is great for sellers.
Now that you can see why fall is an excellent time to sell, check out the Windermere Ready Program. Windermere can assist by investing in important home upgrades or repairs to help you sell for more and in less time. Contact one of our real estate agents for more information.
Revamp Your Home: Easy DIY Weekend Projects
If you’re feeling a bit tired of your current surroundings, now’s the time to spruce up your home with a few easy Do-It-Yourself (DIY) weekend projects. You can easily complete these projects in two days or less; they won’t feel overwhelming or stressful. Start something new with one or more of these home projects below.
Entrance: Paint Your Front Door
A great way to give your home a new look is by painting the front door. Your front door welcomes guests, and it’s something you see every day. It can really set the tone for how you feel about your house and how it’s perceived from the curb. Take time to consider what look you prefer: something stately, something eye-catching, or something more neutral. Also, take into consideration the overall color scheme of your home and whether you prefer a door with high contrast or a complementary shade. Better Homes & Gardens provides a great list of considerations when choosing a color.
Once you’ve chosen and purchased a color, watch the weather and plan on painting during a weekend predicted to have sunny skies. You want to make sure your new paint job has plenty of time to dry, including the primer layer and the final coating. Start by finding a protected but airy space to prep and paint the door. Then follow these seven simple steps to complete your new look.
Bedroom: Add Floating Shelving
Infuse your bedroom’s decor with floating shelving. Adding shelves to your walls will free up clutter in other areas, give you new decorating options, and make the most of your vertical space. Floating shelves will give you more opportunities to display your favorite items and give the room greater overall appeal.
To begin, decide what floating shelving style is best for you and matches your bedroom. There are a variety of materials, sizes, colors, and thicknesses to choose from. Once you’ve found shelves you like, make sure you have all the other supplies you need to hang them, including a stud finder and level. Home Depot describes the six steps to successfully hang floating shelves. However, step six, “add flair” is entirely up to you!
Bathroom: Change the Cabinet Hardware
A very easy way to refresh the look of your bathroom is by changing the hardware on your cabinets. It also doesn’t require much time or money, a win-win! To get started, take a look at your sink and shower hardware and decide whether you would like to match or contrast those colors or simply focus on the cabinets themselves.
Next, remove some hardware from the cabinets to bring to the store to help you find matching-sized screws and fittings. Then it’s really up to you to find the hardware that has the look, style, and vibe you prefer. If you get started and suddenly feel compelled to start changing faucets and more, check out these tips on mixing and matching bathroom hardware.
Kitchen: Add a Backsplash
Adding a backsplash above the counter behind your sink is an excellent way to elevate your kitchen. Plus, this addition has many practical applications such as protecting your walls from food stains and watermarks. And, it’s much easier to clean than paint.
To start, choose a tile that matches your kitchen and adds to the overall look. Keep in mind that smaller mosaic tiles come in 12 by 12-inch sheets, so choosing this look won’t actually take longer in comparison to larger tiles. Once you’ve chosen a tile, measure the space to gauge how many tiles you’ll need and purchase all the supplies at the same time. The Family Handyman provides a thorough supply list for a tile backsplash and walks you through the process in five steps. These steps include information on how to cut tile to fit around electrical outlets and other small spaces. In one weekend, your kitchen will have a whole new feel!
Living Room: Revamp Your Coffee Table
Liven up your living room with a coffee table that’s both practical and sparks conversation. The living room is your home’s gathering place and deserves a focal point with artistic aspects and functional appeal (think storage and organization).
There are many options for DIY coffee tables that incorporate repurposed materials including windows, shutters, crates, and doors. Some go further by creating DIY coffee tables using more unique materials such as wine barrels, bottle caps, and even palettes. Just make sure to choose a style that best fits your budget and time constraints and energizes you to try something new.
Outdoor Area: Make a Compost Bin
Want to help the environment by composting? Compost bins can be expensive and some take up a ton of space. However, this DIY compost bin project is pretty simple and the bin is compact. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have your own composting setup, and your garden will really thank you. If you’re looking for other easy DIY projects to make your home more eco-friendly, here are six ideas to help you get started.
6 Tasty Summer Recipes Using Local Produce
Summer is the perfect time to try a new recipe using delicious, local produce and goods made right here in Kitsap County. We’re fortunate to live in a place with many wonderful local farms and farmers’ markets so why not take advantage? Enjoy tasty, healthy, locally-grown food by testing out these easy summer recipes below.
Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Puffs
These easy-to-make, tasty morsels combine savory smoked salmon and fresh asparagus. It’s the perfect appetizer for a summer dinner party or potluck. You can find fresh, local asparagus at the Poulsbo Farmers Market or order it online from Kitsap Fresh. Additionally, you can pick up smoked salmon from Crimson Cove in downtown Poulsbo or order it online through Kitsap Fresh.
Manila Clams in Garlic and Beer
This easy recipe is for the seafood lovers in your life and only takes 30 minutes. Stop by Suquamish Seafoods (open Wednesday – Sunday) for excellent local clams. And, you can even buy the olive oil, basil, garlic, red onions, and beer that this recipe calls for right here in Kitsap County, making it a truly locally sourced meal. Pair this with some crusty bread and you’ll be all set. We recommend picking up delicious homemade bread from Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston, Sluys Poulsbo Bakery, or Pane d’Amore Artisan Bakery on Bainbridge Island.
Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken
Flavorful and juicy, this chicken entree is sure to be a family favorite. This recipe calls garlic, but we suggest using Spiva Cooking’s wonderful Garlic Herb Rub. It combines an interesting mix of flavors, which will enhance the prosciutto and the chicken. We recommend using local chicken breasts for this recipe. Walker Meadow Farm in Poulsbo sells chicken breasts and their chickens are pasture-raised with no GMOs, corn, or soy.
Summer Salad with Blackberries
What better way to celebrate summer in the PNW than with a salad that uses blackberries? They’re found all over. Medulla Farms in Bremerton offers a nice selection of microgreens. They are available at Kitsap Fresh, Kitsap Community Food Co-Op or they can be delivered through their website.
Carrot and Kohlrabi Slaw
Move over traditional coleslaw, this slaw recipe features the “cabbage cousin” kohlrabi. You can find kohlrabi and carrots at many local farms across the Kitsap Peninsula. Visit the Poulsbo Farmers Market or order them online from Kitsap Fresh. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this slaw would be a nice compliment to the chicken recipe above.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Crumble Bars
This summer recipes list wouldn’t be complete without something sweet. With just fifteen minutes to prep and 40 minutes of baking time, these dessert bars are easier to make than a pie and a satisfying summer treat. You can find wonderful, local strawberries and rhubarb at our local farmers’ markets. Or, you can order them online from Kitsap Fresh, which currently features rhubarb from Persephone Farm in Indianola.
Managing Expectations When Buying a Home
While having an idea of what you want in a new home is important, managing expectations is also crucial to a smooth home buying experience and long-term purchase satisfaction. Knowing more about the local market and what’s available in your price range will empower you as you begin searching for the perfect place. The following tips and insights from some of our Windermere Poulsbo agents will help you get started.
Buyers, Keep Your Head Up: Be Prepared
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will make. As with all important purchases, the more you know the better. Being prepared will help you have a realistic outlook in a competitive market. Thankfully, you don’t have to prepare on your own. A great real estate agent will help guide you through the process. “Your realtor should have extensive knowledge of the local market, and should share current market data so you have a solid understanding of trends and patterns,” explains Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba. For more insights on how to prepare, watch Marisa’s video below.
Aging and Your Forever Home: Consider Downsizing
As you think about buying a home, also think about the future. If your children are grown or you don’t need as much space, this might be a good time to downsize. Or as what Broker/Realtor Forrest Arnold likes to call right-sizing. Moving into a smaller place can help manage your expectations by simplifying your buying options and financial obligations. Also, as you think about getting older, it’s important to consider finding a place that you imagine living in for a long time, your forever home. A house where you can age in place safely. “The key here is realistic advanced planning for your peace of mind, and the peace of mind for your family,” Forrest explains. Watch Forrest’s video to learn more about finding the right place for both your present and future self.
Buying Land: Do Your Research
If you would prefer to move into a brand new home and know exactly what you want, then buying land might be the best option for you. In Kitsap County, there is undeveloped land available to build your dream home. This is an exciting option that allows you to customize a home to suit your lifestyle. But before you dive in, make sure you know what to look for. Simply looking at the local plat map isn’t enough, buying land is a complex process. Broker/Realtor Annita Baze Hansen recommends walking the land to discover whether there are “steep slopes, wetlands, or streams. Setbacks will limit the building site for building a home.” Watch Annita’s video to learn other great tips for buying land.
Find an Agent: Work With an Expert
Buying a home is much more complicated than your average purchase. You will have to navigate competing with other buyers, negotiating with the seller, acquiring a loan, etc. Agents have the education and experience in real estate to help manage your expectations and guide you through this complex and sometimes stressful process. Real estate agents know all the tricks of the trade and will represent your best interests during the purchase. Plus, as Broker/Realtor Brystal Narte points out, agents “have access to off-market listings that would otherwise be unavailable” to buyers. Watch Brystal’s video to learn more about why working with an expert is best.
Choose a Local Agent: Build a Relationship
Working with a local real estate agent is the best way to start building a relationship with your new community. Not only are they experts on the local market, but they also have deep knowledge of various neighborhoods, community perks, and local schools. Additionally, they live and work in the community and are a fabulous resource to answer any and all questions you may have. As Brokers/Realtors Kimmel & Young share “it’s not so much transactional as it is relational.” Learn more from the Kimmel & Young team on the benefits of working with local agents.
If this is your first time buying a home, our first-time home buying checklist and our home inspection checklist are also great resources to help you get started.
New Agent Spotlight: Marisa Robba
A sincere advocate with a wealth of knowledge, Managing Broker/Realtor Marisa Robba is a wonderful recent addition to our Windermere Poulsbo office. She’s been helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals for seven years and possesses a unique skill set and a sincere love for Kitsap County. Read our Q&A to learn more.
What drew you to real estate?
I have been involved in real estate since my early twenties, from purchasing my first condo to investing in rental properties. I am genuinely curious about the future of land and resources and the aesthetics of various properties and structures.
I have found that switching careers from teaching middle school to being a real estate agent has a lot of cross-over.
My natural tendency is to notice and convey details, set expectations, and build relationships. I listen and work hard to understand people and what they value. I have a long history of advocating for people’s best interests – children, parents, staff, and now, for the past 7 years, my clients!
What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
Anticipating clients’ needs and trouble-shooting obstacles before they become problems are strengths of mine.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
A calm, communicative demeanor with a whole heck of a lot of integrity can get you far in this business. Sprinkle a little grit in there too!
Which areas do you serve?
I live in Poulsbo now, after 13 years on Bainbridge Island. I will travel just about anywhere in the state if I feel I can benefit my clients. But generally, I work in Kitsap County.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I’ve been up here for 15 years now. I came here for the Olympic Mountains, the waterways, the proximity to my folks, and the slower pace of life, and I have never looked back.
How are you involved in the community?
I am a strong believer in giving back to the community – whether through food bank donations, One Call For All gives, trail-building in many of our county parks, or through PTSA and school-related volunteering.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Over the past 7 years in real estate, I have had the best interactions with other Windermere agents! Their level of professionalism and dedication to their clients is second to none. Once I talked to the Designated Broker, I was 100% in.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
There is a real estate agent out there for everyone. Nothing in this business is cookie-cutter. As home transactions are some of the biggest decisions one can make, be sure you have someone on your side that you are comfortable with and who will go to bat for you.
Windermere Ready Program: Sell Your Home for More
To get the best offer for your home, making a great first impression is key. In fact, our belief in the importance of first impressions is so strong that we developed the Windermere Ready program to support sellers. With professional advice from local experts, our program prepares your home to wow potential buyers. Also, we’re ready to provide financial assistance if necessary.
Sell For More Faster
Typically, sellers who invest in making repairs and upgrades sell their homes faster and for more money, sometimes even above the asking price. By taking action to make sure your home makes a great first impression, you set yourself up for success. After all, you only have one chance to transform a buyer’s interest into excitement.
To help make this possible, the Windermere Ready program provides:
- A personal consultation
- Customized home plan
- High impact updates
- Professional staging
Many buyers prefer stylish, turnkey homes, but some are also looking for specific features and amenities. This makes it challenging to know which repairs and upgrades will lead to the best offer. The Windermere Ready program takes the guesswork out of preparing your home with an individualized assessment. Based on your timeline and needs, one of our Windermere Poulsbo agents will work with you to identify your home’s most important improvement priorities.
Once critical repairs and priority upgrades are identified, your Windermere agent will create a custom action plan and work schedule to keep your timeline on track. To ease implementation, they will recommend local service providers and coordinate access to your home as needed.
High Impact Improvements
Great first impressions sometimes come from simple updates and small changes. A new coat of paint and a bold, colorful door gives your home a fresh look and curb appeal. Additionally, small interior upgrades such as adding new light fixtures or cabinet hardware provide stylish, eye-catching details. These enhancements capture a buyer’s attention and help make a house feel like home.
Exterior items that we focus on:
- Painting
- Window Washing
- Landscaping
- Lighting
- Entrance Detail
- Power Washing
- Decorative Window Features
Interior items that we focus on:
- Painting
- Carpet Cleaning/Replacement
- Floor Repair/Refinishing
- Fixture Repair or Replacement
- Cosmetic Updates
- Decluttering
- Professional Deep Cleaning
Staging Your Home Provides an Important Final Touch
After making repairs and updates, we recommend one more final touch—staging your home. Professional stagers help your home make the ultimate first impression by highlighting the best features of each room. A staged home improves your chance of receiving the best offer by helping buyers visualize themselves living there. According to Forbes, staged homes sell 87% faster and for 17% more than non-staged homes.
We’re Invested in Your Success
To help prepare your home for success, we can provide up to a $100,000 loan to assist with expenses if needed. The loan term is six months and there are no upfront costs and no monthly payments due during that time. When your home is sold, the loan is paid off in one lump sum. For more information about the Windermere Ready Loan and how it works, please contact us.
Get Started
Finally, to get started, contact a Windermere Poulsbo agent for a Comparative Market Analysis to see what your home is worth. A Comparative Market Analysis is more in-depth than an online home estimate and from there, an agent can discuss what possible home repairs and upgrades could increase your home’s value. The Windermere Ready program will help prepare your home to make the best first impression and help you sell your home for more.
Why a Local Lender Can Make a Huge Difference
Looking to buy a home but worried about this competitive seller’s market? There are many steps to take that can set you apart from the competition. One of those can be using a local lender. A great local lender can be very advantageous. We’ll explain why with insights from some of our real estate experts.
A Personalized Approach
Before going to a bunch of open houses, you need to get pre-approved for your loan. While your existing bank is an option, along with many online providers, a good local lender offers personalized service. Buying a home can be a stressful process and it will likely be the biggest purchase you ever make. So, you want to work with people who can easily answer your questions on the phone or in person. This is especially helpful if you have a complicated situation or if you’re a first-time homebuyer.
Their Reputation Matters
A local lender lives in the community where you’d like to buy a home. So, their clients’ feedback and their reputation mean a great deal to them. Do your research and choose your lender carefully. “Buyers need a strong reputable lender in their corner more than ever!” says Audrey Newell, Broker/Realtor. “To make your offer stand out, make sure your lender has a well-earned reputation for being responsive and getting loans closed. Local lenders make all the difference. I encourage ALL of my Buyer clients to choose their lender with great care.”
Build Trust and Confidence
A local lender is appealing to sellers and to their real estate agent because everyone wants the process to go smoothly. Local lenders have better reputations when it comes to closing on time. Therefore, using a local lender builds trust. This is especially important if you’re trying to win in a multiple offer situation. While there are many factors, a trusted local lender could be the difference between getting the house or not. The sellers or their agent may be put off by a national bank or online lender if they’ve had a bad experience with them in the past. Managing Broker Amy Allen says, “I always encourage buyers to work with a local lender for various reasons. Most importantly, I want their offer to stand out in this competitive market! In our small community, listing agents have had experience working with one of our fantastic local lenders, and they can be assured that we’ll get closed on time!”
“Penrith Home Loans works hard to offer the best local financing options to Windermere clients,” explains Cherie Kesti, Penrith Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant. “The long reputation of Penrith as a local lender is instrumental in helping the Real Estate Brokers and their clients gain a sense of confidence that their transaction is going to close on time, with the best financing options available, the highest level of communication, integrity, and ease. I’ve known sellers who picked a Penrith-approved buyer amongst a myriad of offers because they had a past positive experience with Penrith and knew their transaction would close as agreed.”
Here at Windermere, we’re proud of our partnership with Penrith Home Loans. Real estate agents like Bonnie Chandler can attest to Penrith’s benefits. “I have referred many of my clients to Cherie Kesti of Penrith for many years. They are so appreciative of her knowledge in lending and her wonderful attention to them in providing excellent service.”
Local Expertise
A local lender knows our real estate market very well. And, Forrest Arnold, Broker/Realtor, points out, “A nearby lender is familiar with the area. They may well provide the best rates and a smoother appraisal/loan process than a distant national bank. And, many loan sources will have their local specialty (such as land loans, construction financing, or VA loans). So, we at Windermere help our clients to find the local lender that will be the best match for their needs.”
For more home buying tips, check out our First-Time Home Buyer Checklist and our article “What I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Home”.
Kitsap’s Market: First Quarter, 2022
Kitsap County’s real estate market is picking up and had a solid first quarter. In 2021, we saw high demand and low inventory, and that is still the case. It’s still a seller’s market; homes continue to sell above the asking price. Read on for key highlights and market trends below. And, if you’re looking for the connected life that Kitsap offers, our local experts are here to help.
News on Sold and Pending Homes
2022’s first quarter is rising like the first quarter of 2021. You can see it reflected in the market volume graph outlined above. This follows the usual real estate market trend of a cooler first quarter and then a shift as the market heats up in warmer months. As usual in a seller’s market, sold homes still outpace pending listings and home prices are still increasing due to demand. From January through March, 994 homes were sold. That is a 10.7% increase when compared to 2021’s first quarter, showing more movement as the pandemic wanes.
Kitsap’s Market Still Favors Sellers
As supply remains low in relation to pre-Covid times, sellers can list with confidence. Buyers will need to be prepared for a competitive real estate journey. We expect more homes to come on the market as we hopefully put Covid-19 behind us.
Listing Price vs. Sale Price
Kitsap’s market is still seeing many eager buyers and often competitive, multiple-offer situations. We saw a 10.8% increase in home prices year-over-year. They are expected to continue to rise as Kitsap’s market has many buyers who will continue to meet the pricing demands of sellers. However, we are continuing to see increasing affordability issues for others. The average sale price in Kitsap County is currently $606,000.
Insights from Our Chief Economist
Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist, shared his Top 10 Predictions for 2022 in one of his recent Monday with Matthew videos. Here’s what Gardner predicts for 2022:
- Prices will continue to rise, though the pace of appreciation will slow. Gardner thinks it will be about 6% in 2022 versus the massive 16% rise of 2021.
- Spring will be busier than expected. This will increase buyer demand, as buyers get more clarity in their new hybrid model combining remote and office work.
- The rise of the suburbs will also result from this work hybrid model. Many buyers are moving within the same area they already lived in.
- New construction jumps since the cost to build has come down.
- Zoning issues will be addressed.
- Climate change will impact where buyers live. People will focus more on how safe a location is in relation to natural disasters.
- Urban markets will bounce back after the demand drop from Covid.
- A resurgence in foreign investors will return since the travel bans were lifted last November. The demand will rise as long as our borders remain open.
- First-time buyers will be an even bigger factor in 2022. This year, 4.8 million millennials will turn 30, the median age of first-time buyers in the U.S. First-time buyers will be looking for cheaper markets.
- Forbearance will come to an end and that will be okay. It was well thought out, and as Gardner says, “as of recording this video, there are now fewer than 900,000 owners still in the program.” Hopefully, this continues to drop.
Additional Information
You can learn more from Matthew Gardner by reading his Market Update by region or watching his Monday with Matthew video series.
If you’re new to our area, check out our free Guide to Kitsap. If you’re interested in buying or selling, our local experts are here to help.
