Fun Weekend Getaways in the Pacific Northwest

In need of a fun getaway or a relaxing retreat? We’ve rounded up some of our favorites that are located in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. From romantic places to outdoor explorations, these Washington gems are sure to help you unwind and recharge.
Angeline Spa & Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish
Part of the Clearwater Casino Resort, the Angeline Spa offers traditional spa services, including facials and massages. A couple’s massage would be the perfect way to create a relaxing, romantic experience. Enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s six restaurants after your spa services. Resort amenities include a zero-entry pool with views of Agate Passage. Not only do you have the casino right there, but you also have the perfect jumping-off point to check out the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. We may be biased, but our area does have many popular beaches, hiking and biking trails, and cute towns to enjoy. Plus, there are many hidden gems to explore.
Rates: $109+ per night | Couple’s Massage from $220
La Conner Channel Lodge in La Conner
Halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. and minutes from the popular Skagit Valley tulips, lies the charming town of La Conner. A waterfront hotel, La Conner Channel Lodge provides a relaxing atmosphere and offers special add-ons for your room like rose petals or a Pacific Northwest basket. You can easily stroll through town to peruse art galleries, eateries, boutiques, and museums. There are also local spas, hiking trails, and golf courses nearby.
Rates: $139+ per night
Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park near Port Angeles
This turn-of-the-century resort is located on the shore of Lake Crescent. Built in 1915, the lodge is full of historic charm and character. You can book a room in the lodge or one of the free-standing cabins on the resort grounds. In the warmer months, rent a kayak or paddleboard or take a dip in the lake. Great for a day trip or a weekend getaway, this retreat deserves a spot on your to-do list.
Rates: $150+ per night | Kayak and Paddle Boards from $45
Port Ludlow Inn in Port Ludlow
This picturesque inn is tucked beside Ludlow Bay. Rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs, and the New England-inspired look of the resort makes you feel like you’re at a faraway beach. Enjoy meals at the Fireside Restaurant with changing offerings based on what’s in season from local farms. A perfect place for activities, Port Ludlow has biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, plus plenty of water activities. It’s a wonderful home base to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula.
Rates: $189+ per night | Golf: $23 + (9 & 18 hole options)
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort near Port Angeles
Open April through October, this rustic cabin resort nestled in the evergreens offers a variety of lodging options. There are three mineral hot spring pools, a freshwater pool, and lovely walking trails throughout, including the famous Lovers Lane Loop. It takes you to beautiful Sol Duc Falls.
Rates: $240+ per night | National Park Fee Charged Separately
There are many other excellent places in our region for weekend getaways. If you live in our area and want to take a day trip this spring or summer, here are some day trip ideas. Know of another hotel or spa that you’d like to see us promote? Contact us through our Facebook page: Windermere Sound Living.
Fourth Quarter Market Review for Kitsap County

Wondering how Kitsap County’s real estate market did during 2021’s fourth quarter? We’ve compiled key highlights and insights to keep you up to date.
Just as in previous years, our local market slowed down during the holiday season. There are still many eager buyers looking to make Kitsap County their home, but fewer homes were for sale during the fourth quarter of last year. With continued low inventory, our market still favors sellers.
News on Sold and Pending Homes
In the last five quarters outlined in the graph above, 2021’s real estate market started with the usual growth trend into the summer. Now, we’re seeing the seasonal downswing during colder months. However, home prices are still increasing due to persistent demand, and sold homes are still outpacing pending listings. The result is a strong seller’s market. In the 4th quarter of 2021, we had 1,291 closed sales, which is a 4.9% decrease, year over year.
Still a Strong Seller’s Market
Kitsap County’s real estate demand was very high during the fourth quarter of 2021. With the new era of remote work, many Seattle homebuyers are seeking the peaceful, connected lifestyle that Kitsap offers. If you want to learn more about our area, check out our free digital guide. If you’re interested in buying or selling, our local experts are here to help.
Listing Price vs. Sale Price
Although buyers continue to meet the pricing demands of sellers, there just aren’t enough homes available right now. As you can see in the graph above, the averages of listing and sale prices are starting to converge as demand pushes the cost of housing even further in favor of sellers. In our 4th quarter, we saw an 11.3% increase year over year in the average sale price in Kitsap County, putting it at $613,000. Affordability concerns have continued to be an important topic of discussion.
Insights from Our Chief Economist
Zooming out to look at the broader real estate market in our region, we have insights from Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. In his most recent Monday with Matthew, Gardner shared his market forecast for the coming year: “If everything goes according to my plan, you should expect to see the housing market start to move towards some sort of balance next year, but I am afraid that it will still remain out of equilibrium until at least 2023.” This is an important reminder that the transition back to a balanced market will be a gradual shift.
While Gardner ensures us that he “doesn’t see a housing bubble forming,” he is concerned about housing affordability. There is definite cause for concern among the millennial generation as they start to settle down more and more. Millennials are currently the largest group in the generational real estate market, so it will be interesting to see where affordability and demand intersect.
Gardner concluded by saying, “demand for ownership housing remains remarkably buoyant and, in fact, it is quite likely that demand may actually increase with the work from home paradigm that will start to gain momentum next year.” In light of this dependable demand, real estate continues to be an excellent investment.
Kitsap’s Indoor Fun: Great Places to Take Kids

While there are many wonderful outdoor gems across Kitsap County, here are some fun indoor places to enjoy on cold, rainy days. These family-friendly activities are great for kids of different ages and many are free or under $15.
Interesting Indoor Activities in the Bremerton Area
Ahoy Kitsap Playland in Bremerton
This indoor playground and virtual reality play place offers drop-in play, punch cards, and monthly memberships, plus birthday party options. The play space is designed for kids ages 2 – 12, and they offer options for younger toddlers as well. There is a snack bar and a bar for those 21 and older.
Cost: $10+ | Open: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday – Saturday; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday – Monday
Bug and Reptile Museum in Bremerton
This free museum has lots of creepy crawlies to check out, and it is a great educational opportunity for kids. There are numerous types of insects, live reptiles, and even an 8-foot ant farm. Don’t forget to visit their gift shop. It has fun toys and some are educational.
Cost: Free | Open: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
Cascade Elite Gymnastics West in Silverdale
This 16,000 sq. ft. facility features setups for gymnasts and tumblers of all ages starting at 6 months for parent/baby classes. Open gym, gymnastics classes, parkour, dance teams, and ninja school are some of the offerings available.
Cost: Varies, Monthly $59+ | Open: Varies by class/activity
Defy Trampoline Park in Silverdale
This indoor trampoline park is a great way to burn off energy with different areas for different ages and abilities. Timed entry helps to give everyone ample space to bounce. You can reserve time to host birthdays or events here. Special socks required (must be purchased on-site).
Cost: $13+, Kids under 2 free with Adult | Open: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Haselwood Family YMCA in Silverdale
From aquatics to group exercise classes, personal training to weights and cardio equipment, and even streaming classes, the Y has something for everyone! Summer camps are available as well as youth sports and swimming lessons.
Cost: Memberships $34+, Drop-in $20+
Open: Monday – Thursday 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Insight Climbing Rock Gym in Bremerton
In the newest location of this gym, you’ll find both day-use passes and monthly memberships available, and routes for different abilities as well as bouldering walls. They offer classes and the option for booking private parties.
Cost: $15+ | Open: Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday & Friday 1:00 – 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Puget Sound Navy Museum in Bremerton
One of 10 museums funded and operated by the U.S. Navy, this museum’s roots date back to the 1950s. There are permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones, and you can even find some exhibits online. It’s a great spot to visit when in downtown Bremerton or make a day trip out of it.
Cost: FREE | Open: Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, later on First Fridays
Valentinetti Puppet Museum in Bremerton
Learn about how puppets have changed over time and take a tour of the facility. There’s a children’s play area with monthly “make and take” activities, and a gift shop with a wide variety of books and different types of puppets.
Cost: $4 | Open: Thursday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Bainbridge Island Family Fun
Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center in Bainbridge Island
At the Don Nakata pool, you’ll find amenities for kids of all ages including a beach-entry pool, tot pool, water slide, lazy-river, and frog slide as well as lap swim and a sauna.
Cost: $7+ | Open: Varies by activity type. View their schedule.
Insight Climbing Rock Gym in Bainbridge Island
With both day-use passes and monthly memberships available, this 8,500 sq. ft. climbing gym has multiple routes for climbers of different abilities to enjoy as well as some auto-belay options. They offer classes and have the option for booking private parties or groups.
Cost: $15+ | Open: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (closed Wednesdays)
KiDiMu (Kids Discovery Museum)
Located next to the Bainbridge Island Art Museum, this children’s museum features exhibits and activities designed for kids aged 6 months to 8 years. KiDiMu also offers workshops and events. It’s a wonderful space that encourages imaginative play and exploration.
Cost: $3+ | Open: Monday & Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
During Bainbridge’s monthly First Friday Art Walk, KiDiMu is open and offers FREE activities.
North Kitsap’s Indoor Activities
Dancing Brush Studio in Poulsbo
Visit the studio for in-person painting, or choose a kit to paint at home and drop back off for firing. This Poulsbo staple is great for people of all ages and artistic abilities as well as group paint nights or birthday parties.
Cost: Varies | Open: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Kitsap Regional Library Classes & Events
Our local libraries across Kitsap County host a variety of virtual and in-person classes and events. This includes the branch in Kingston where the library is located within the Village Green Community Center. The Village Green is also home to the Boys & Girls Club, event spaces, meet-ups for local youth and adult groups, and more.
Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport
Learn all about the history of the Navy’s undersea operations and the exceptional people and technology that have made it possible. Look through a periscope, learn about torpedoes, or check out a replicated control room.
Cost: Free | Open: Wednesday – Monday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Sea & Shore Museum on the 2nd floor of Port Gamble General Store
Collected by a former Port Gamble resident, this is the second-largest private collection of seashells in the world. You’ll find many types of starfish, shells of all shapes and sizes, shark teeth, and more.
Cost: Free | Open: Sunday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Our Community Involvement in 2021

We are proud to live and work in Kitsap County, and community involvement is a key component of the way we do business. So, we thought we would take a moment to share the many ways in which our Windermere Poulsbo office has supported and invested in Kitsap this year. By doing so, we hope it spreads awareness about these great events and non-profits.
Annual Support
We love the Poulsbo Farmers Market and we are the primary sponsor. The market operates from April to December on Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. It takes place, rain or shine, in the parking lot of the Gateway Fellowship Church. Our wonderful local vendors offer delicious, fresh produce and beautiful goods. It’s a fun way to connect with our community while supporting local farmers and artisans and keeping your dollars in Kitsap County.
North Kitsap Soroptimist helps local women and girls through educational grants, scholarships, empowerment programs, and career support. Our owners, Carter and Tori Dotson, have been generous donors and sponsors of several events over the years including Fashion and Philanthropy and the Poulsbopoly fundraiser.
Another great nonprofit that we’re proud to support is The Coffee Oasis. We were one of their first corporate buyers. They provide mentorship, job training, shelter, and crisis intervention for local youth. We purchase their coffee for our office and support them with lunch purchases for Agent Advisory meetings. Additionally, we have sponsored kids there during the holidays, and we’ve done a Community Service Day project there in the past. Rebecca Gore-Clark has also mentored a student going through their program.
Every year, we participate in Pacific Northwest Title’s annual food drive. This year marked their 17th year. There are many in need in our community, and a food drive is an easy way to give back. In fact, in Kitsap County, approximately one third of adults are food insecure and over a third of local children are in need of free and reduced lunch. Local food banks serve about 48,000 residents per year.
One of our great local food banks is Fishline Food Bank, which is one of the oldest food banks in the United States. Fishline has been serving North Kitsap for 54 years. Some of our agents volunteer at Fishline, and we donate to them as an office each year. In addition to The Healthy Foods Market, Fishline offers comprehensive services including mental health services, dental care, resources for veterans, housing assistance and more.
Our Community Events
Every year, all Windermere offices close for Community Service Day. This year, we worked with the Poulsbo Historical Society, which manages three museums: the Maritime Museum on Front Street, the Heritage Museum at City Hall, and Martinson Cabin on Viking Way. So, some of us helped organize and clean at the Archives, others painted, pruned, and planted at the Heritage Museum, and a third group cleaned up the area surrounding the Martinson Cabin. Everyone enjoyed helping out and learning more about these fascinating places that enrich our community.
Another fun event we look forward to each year is Shred Fest. It’s a free event where you can safely and securely shred old documents and recycle old electronics. We love to host this event because it helps many get organized while recycling, and we get to see friends, clients, and neighbors.
Holiday Giving
North Kitsap High School’s Season of Giving Program provides gifts to about 90 North Kitsap High School students in need during the holiday season. Our office donated $1,750 to support their efforts. If you would like to find out how to get involved or to donate to Season of Giving please email gbamoak@gmail.com.
This year we are supporting a Giving Tree in conjunction with North Kitsap Soroptimist to support in-need kids that are part of the GEMS program, which empowers young girls. We will be receiving gift tags shortly and will purchase and wrap gifts.
While we recognize that there are many different ways to give back, we’re proud of what we’ve done so far. We hope this will spark some ideas for how you can get involved if you aren’t already. We should note that our agents also support various charities of their choice, individually. So this only reflects our office-wide community involvement.
Creative Holiday Decorating Ideas

The holiday season is upon us! Add some spice to your holiday decorations with these creative ideas. We’ve even included local shops around Kitsap where holiday items can be purchased. And, some of these ideas can be turned into fun DIY projects with your family.
Children’s Book Display or Advent Calendar
The easiest way to add some holiday spirit to your home is by using your children’s favorite holiday books as decorations. That way, they’ll act as decor and be within easy reach to read. Poulsbo’s The Curious Child is a fun place to look for holiday books and you may want to pick up a new toy or two. Looking for a more interactive decoration? Liberty Bay Books, also in Poulsbo, has a Disney-themed advent calendar that is perfect for the kiddos. They also have an excellent assortment of books and gifts for everyone on your list.

Photo from Liberty Bay Books.
Holiday Card Wreath
Every year, our mailboxes pile up with holiday cards from relatives. Rather than stuffing them into a drawer, put them on display for the whole family to enjoy. We love this idea from Design Improvised for a hula hoop cardholder. Even better, you can grab some fresh garland and line the hula hoop for a more festive feel.

Photo by Design Improvised.
Fresh, Local Wreaths
A fresh wreath is such a nice touch for your front door. Consider purchasing a locally made wreath from Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home. You’ll find 24-inch Christmas wreaths made from pine, cedar, and other fresh greens. If you’re looking for a specific color palette, Thistle Floral and Home has the option of adding customizable water-resistant bells to your wreath. These wreaths can be delivered and also make lovely gifts.

Photo by Thistle Floral and Home.
Christmas Lanterns
Brighten your windowsill or porch with these fun DIY lanterns. You simply need mason jars, blue spray paint, and a paint marker. Follow these step-by-step instructions from Adventure in a Box and you’ll have a beautiful display to enjoy every evening.

Photo by Adventure in a Box.
Festive, Cozy Throw Blankets and Maileg Toys
A throw blanket is perfect during cold winter nights. Incorporate them into your holiday decor by draping one over your sofa. We especially like this one from Better-2-Gether in Poulsbo. You can even start a DIY project and knit your own. Another cute, cozy addition: Maileg toys. They’re Danish-designed toys that bring the whimsy of the holiday season to your home. Check out these fun ones from Dana’s Showhouse on Bainbridge Island.

Photo by Dana’s Showhouse.
Holiday Candle Rings and Gnomes
Candle rings are an easy way to upgrade your decor. There are many different options and they will make your dinner table stand out. You can find some beautiful candle rings at Nordiska in Poulsbo. To really have fun with it, add a few of these cute gnomes, also from Nordiska.

Photo by Nordiska.
New Agent Spotlight: BryAnn Bingham

We’re excited to feature BryAnn Bingham, a new agent who recently joined Windermere Poulsbo. She’s dedicated, hardworking, and has excellent interpersonal skills. Her interesting background, community involvement, and passion for our area make her a great choice for buyers and sellers. Read on to find out more.
What drew you to real estate?
I have always been drawn to real estate but for most of my working life, I worked in the dance world, my first love. Working in sync with a purpose was so fulfilling and rewarding, but change is inevitable. In 2017, I went on what turned out to be a really great 4-year mini-retirement. During this time I realized that, as much as I was enjoying my life, I deeply missed connecting with others and helping them envision and achieve their dreams.
My love of architecture, design, landscape design, gardening, and connecting with people kept bringing a career in real estate to mind. Helping people with the all-important task of finding a perfect home aligns my work with purpose. I’m so excited to say that in the short time I’ve been part of Windermere I have made connections that are feeding my soul and I’ve been able to help others in at least some small ways thus far, with much more to come.
What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
Having worked with hundreds of personalities, it has been wonderful to find ways to positively connect with almost anyone. Along with sharing the joys of others, there have been many challenging experiences that required calm and care, and the ability to adjust as situations revealed themselves. I feel I have a high level of emotional intelligence and can sense a person’s needs at any given moment. This allows me to inspire hope, defuse tension, teach perspective and offer well-tailored support as needed. I am also great at holding a positive vision and making sure others do too! Also, it’s important to me to approach all things in life with a sense of fun, and I believe my clients will appreciate this aspect of working with me.
In a practical sense, I have an artful eye and solid experience in assessing construction quality, materials, layout, and other elements that denote a desirable home. My husband and I have worked on numerous redesign and remodel projects on our own homes, and these experiences give me a great sense of the potential a less-than-ideal home might hold.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
There are so many personality traits that are critical to being a great agent but I think integrity, passion, and tenacity are critical. Being client-centric, compassionate and honest would also be near the top of the list. I am confident I have these traits in my basket.
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
I was born and raised in Utah but the ocean had always called to me. My husband and I moved to LA shortly after marrying. Four years and one baby later, we moved to Seattle and then landed on Bainbridge Island 28 years ago. We raised our family on Bainbridge and the opportunities it offered were a springboard to a life well-lived. During this time, I spent many years teaching at Bainbridge Dance Center. I also served as Associate Director and Director.
In 2017 my husband and I ventured north to amazing Hansville, where we realized our ultimate goal of living with west-facing water and Olympic Mountain views. Owning our dream view has created happiness that was beyond our imagination and being immersed in ever-changing and stunning vistas is both energizing and meditative. We absolutely love being North Kitsap locals and have discovered so many fabulous new nooks and crannies. I believe there could be no better place to live than the amazing West Puget Sound region.
Which areas do you serve and what do you love about the area?
I want to be fully immersed in my community so I’m focused on Hansville, Kingston, Indianola, and Poulsbo. The incredible views and beaches make North Kitsap my dream come true. The array of nature and outdoor activities is unmatched elsewhere. Of course, Bainbridge is such an amazing place to live and it will always feel like home too. I still love spending time there, and I hope to get the opportunity to work with some of my favorite people that were part of my island fabric.
How are you involved in the community?
I connect with my community by teaching adult modern dance classes at the Eglon School (when Covid isn’t surging) and at our beautiful sandy beach in Driftwood Key when tides and weather permit. I enjoy serving as a member of Hansville Helping Hands, for which I chaired the 2018 and 2019 Hansville Garden Tours. I’m also a proud participant of the Flotsam & Jetsam Garden Club of Hansville. I serve on the scholarship committee and the art show committee.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Windermere was, without doubt, the brokerage I had my sights set on when I envisioned working in real estate. And, when I came upon the “All In, For You” line on the Windermere website, I immediately identified with this stance. I am fiercely dedicated to the people and projects to which I commit.
I began my career with Nordstrom and their customer care ethic is part of who I am. When we moved to Seattle I quickly identified Windermere as the Nordstrom real estate equivalent. When we bought our first home on Bainbridge we had wonderful experiences with Windermere agents Carolyn Leigh and Beverly Green. They taught us so much along the way and they displayed the commitment and professionalism that I hope to convey.
More recently, through my time at Bainbridge Dance Center, I had the pleasure of knowing Tori and Carter Dotson, and their wonderful daughter. Their warmth and devotion were evident. I knew working for Windermere/West Sound, Inc. would place me in a brokerage of high ethics, mutual respect, and genuine care that would feel like family. I am so grateful to be here among all of you. Thank you for the supportive welcome.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m very excited to share that I have been working on an incredible land preservation opportunity for the last few months. It is now moving forward with rapid progress. Many months ago, two of my neighbors boldly approached Bob Disney about purchasing the remaining 142 acres he owns in Hansville. He indicated a willingness and at that time, Great Peninsula Conservancy, the Hansville Greenway Association, and about five neighbors were brought on board to do quiet pledge raising and organizing. This enabled us to be ready to complete the fundraising effort in short order, upon obtaining a signed agreement.

Map from Hansville Greenway West Campaign.
We finally received an option agreement to purchase 100 acres for $2 million dollars. Public fundraising began November 10, 2021. We had secured $1.5 million in pledges prior to going public and in the first week secured another $300k in pledges. This put us in the position to begin collecting actual donations, with only $350k left to raise! I’m hoping that by the time you read this much more has come in. I’m so thrilled to be part of creating this ‘Forever Forest’. If you’re interested in pledging or finding out more details, you can visit the Hansville Greenway West Campaign.
Great Places to Pre-Order Your Thanksgiving Pies

If baking pies isn’t your favorite thing on your Thanksgiving to-do list, these wonderful local bakeries have got you covered. Just make sure to order ahead so you can get your favorites before they sell out!
Bigleaf Maple Bakery in Poulsbo
Not only can you order Thanksgiving desserts from this new Poulsbo bakery, but you can also pre-order a quiche to take one more thing off of your to-do list. Offerings for Thanksgiving will include a variety of sweet treats, including gingersnap pumpkin pie and 3-inch butter tartlets. Orders must be placed by November 14th. You can pick up your order on Wednesday, Nov. 24th from 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. To learn more about this new bakery, check out our recent interview with them.
Borrowed Kitchen Bakery in Kingston
This year, Borrowed Kitchen Bakery will be offering apple and pumpkin pies, which are the mainstays of most Thanksgiving tables. You can also pre-order Thanksgiving dinner for 2 and other delicious items. Ordering starts after Monday, November 1st, and the deadline to place your order is Saturday, November 20th. They also offer a delicious citrus orange cranberry sauce, a perfect condiment for your turkey meal. Order can be picked up on Wednesday, November 24th from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
McGavin’s Bakery in Bremerton
This Bremerton staple not only has sweets for your Thanksgiving meal, but it is also offering pre-orders for dinner rolls, and cheddar rolls as well. Their menu for pre-orders includes pies such as pumpkin, apple, and pecan, as well as their signature pumpkin cheesecake. Orders must be placed no later than 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 20th.
Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe in Silverdale
This Silverdale favorite offers pre-order pies year-round in a variety of flavors. Apple, pumpkin, berry, cherry, and other seasonal flavors are available. Give them a call to order. For Thanksgiving orders, plan to call about two weeks in advance, but non-peak times require only 48-hours notice. They are also happy to work with custom orders and can make other flavors upon request.
Sluys Poulsbo Bakery in Poulsbo
This Poulsbo spot might be known best for their donuts, but they offer a wide variety of other baked goods as well. Pies for Thanksgiving can be pre-ordered until Monday, November 22nd. Flavors available are apple, blackberry, cherry, strawberry, strawberry-rhubarb, raspberry, pecan, pumpkin, and dutch apple. Each pie weighs in at close to 3 lbs. They will have lots of pies on hand for walk-in service as well. However, if you have a specific flavor in mind, it’s best to place your order in advance.
Sweet Life Cakery in Kingston
This cute little shop is a few blocks from the Kingston ferry terminal and offers a wide variety of sweet treats and cute decor. Their Thanksgiving pre-order menu includes classics like apple and pumpkin as well as local favorites like salted caramel apple and whiskey pecan. They offer gluten-free, vegan pie crust for an extra $8 as well as regular crust. Their vegan pie options include mixed berry, sour cherry, and classic apple. You can order whole 9-inch pies and/or cute 4-inch “pielets”. For the chocolate lovers in your family, add their signature Sweet Blisses to your order. All Thanksgiving orders must be placed by Wednesday, November 17th by 5:00 PM. Thanksgiving pickup is available on Tuesday, November 23rd, or Wednesday, November 24th.
Why You May Need a Comparative Market Analysis

If you’re thinking of selling or wondering what your home is worth, a real estate agent can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Not sure if you really need one? Read on to find out more.
Comparative Market Analysis
A CMA is an informative report with data that compares your property to similar properties in your local real estate market. In order to provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis, an agent will need to inspect your property. This doesn’t mean you need to hire professional cleaners as if you’re about to host an open house. You simply need to make sure your home is in good condition so that they can properly assess its condition and worth. It’s also a great time to let your agent know if you’re planning to make any changes before selling. If you don’t have an agent, our agents can provide a free analysis.
After an agent assesses your home, they will do some research to obtain data on similar properties in your area and examine regional market trends. While you can find this data through the Multiple Listing Service, a qualified, local agent will know much more, providing their local market expertise. For example, they may be familiar with the nuances of your area, recent transactions that went well or fell through there, and why. As a result, you will get a much more accurate picture than an online search would provide.
Your agent will be able to tell you how much your property is worth given the current market. Their analysis will account for all of the factors that go into pricing a home such as market conditions, location, and seasonality. They’ll discuss comparable homes or “comps” – properties with similar characteristics such as the same property size, condition, and square footage.
CMA vs. Appraisal
It’s important to note that a CMA is not an appraisal. An appraisal must be done by a licensed appraiser and is required by mortgage lenders. A bank appraiser does not have a vested interest in the sale of the home. They are there to determine your home’s fair market value. Their focus is on ensuring the bank isn’t lending the buyer more money than needed.
How a CMA Could Benefit You
If you really want to know what your home could potentially sell for right now, we highly recommend a Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA can help manage expectations and help you make informed decisions. A CMA can ensure accurate home pricing, keeping it competitive in the current market. You’ll know what homes in your area are selling for, how long they were on the market and the difference between their listing price and their sold price. You’ll be able to examine a low, medium, and high selling price for your property. Also, if you are upgrading or remodeling your home, a CMA could help you see if the changes you’re planning to make will really improve your property, setting it apart from others in your neighborhood.
Third Quarter Market Review for North Kitsap

Our North Kitsap real estate market has been even more competitive for buyers. Read on for key highlights from our strong third quarter and insights from Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.
Our Competitive Market
North Kitsap’s inventory is now lower than last year while the demand remains high. Remote working culture seems here to stay, opening doors to the greener pastures of Kitsap living. These eager buyers outnumber sellers, which is reflected in the lower volume of closed sales when compared to this same time last year. Our Brokers continue to experience situations where some buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash offer. But if you’re looking to buy, don’t let that discourage you. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, our local experts are here to guide you through this competitive market.
Market Data
Looking at the last five quarters in the graph below, there is a noticeable plateau for this year’s third quarter when compared to 2020’s third quarter. But home prices are still increasing, and the amount of sold homes still outpace pending listings as a result of the increased demand. As we enter the slower season and inventory wanes further, prices may level, which will start to balance out the market. Or, it will at least start a shift in that direction.
Sale prices in North Kitsap remain strong. And, as you can see below, the listing and sale price divergence went through a slight correction in the second quarter of 2021, but it’s now back on track. Our agents are still sharing experiences with many eager buyers and many happy sellers due to the continuing demand and our strong seller’s market.
Home Purchase Sentiment Index: Insights from Matthew Gardner
In his most recent Monday with Matthew video, our Chief Economist delivered a comprehensive analysis of the most recent Home Purchase Sentiment Index figures put out by Fannie Mae. The data comes from a survey containing approximately 100 questions on housing-related topics. Fannie Mae collected 1,000 consumer responses from across the country. As Matthew Gardner says, “It’s the only national, monthly survey that’s focused primarily on housing.”
The survey shows that many Americans continue to think it is not a good time to buy because of the low supply and rapidly rising prices. However, many feel it is a good time to sell as consumers predict home prices and mortgage rates will go down. As Gardner explains, “most consumers continue to report that it’s a good time to sell a home, but a bad time to buy. They most frequently cite high home prices and a lack of supply as their primary rationale…However, the good time to buy component did tick up for the first time since March.” While this is a recipe to shift towards a buyer’s market, we’ll see how things unfold in the coming months.
Gardner sums it up nicely: “The takeaways for me so far are that consumers tempered both their recent pessimism about home buying conditions and their upward expectations of home price growth.” So again, we are seeing the potential for a shift toward a more balanced market.