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Sellers • December 8, 2020

4 Reasons to Sell Your Home in the Winter

by Windermere Poulsbo
house for sale winter windermere sign

Not sure if winter is the time to sell your home? Although the real estate market tends to slow down as it gets colder, you can actually use this season to your advantage. Here are some points to consider.

1. Supply is Low and Demand is High

According to Realtor.com’s Monthly Housing Trends Report, national inventory has dropped 39% since last year. Though this may seem discouraging, the key takeaway is that fewer people are selling their homes, which means less competition. While many buyers like to look for homes when there’s nice weather, serious buyers will still be looking in the winter.

There are many anxious buyers in our area right now. Our region has seen a significant increase in demand. 2020’s 3rd quarter pending sales went up by 29% compared to Q2 and the median sale price was up 9% year-over-year at $508K for North Kitsap. Additionally, many families are able to work from home so they have the flexibility to relocate. Kitsap County is attracting many buyers since we’re just a ferry ride away from Seattle, and it’s still very much a seller’s market.

2. Interest Rates Are Low

Mortgage rates hit all-time lows a dozen times during 2020. As of December 3, 2020, Freddie Mac reported that rates on a 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) have dropped to 2.7% and 2.3%, respectively. These low-interest rates offer enormous incentives for home buyers. 

3. Home Prices Are Up

Since there aren’t enough houses on the market to meet the current demand, prices have gone up. So, you can potentially sell your house for top dollar. In fact, we’ve recently seen quite an increase in multiple offer situations across Kitsap County. If you’ve properly prepared your home and your agent is marketing it effectively, you may also experience a multiple offer situation. 

4. Cost of Living is Rising in Cities

Many residents continue to get priced out of cities like Seattle, and buyers are looking for more affordable places to call home. Kitsap Peninsula offers easy access to the city while maintaining a close distance to the profound natural beauty of the PNW. The prospect of getting more for your money appeals to many first-time buyers as well as those looking for luxury homes. Our area offers buyers more space, a home with a yard, and easy access to beaches, hiking trails, and the Olympic National Forest.

With the real estate market in constant flux due to the pandemic, it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest local market information and to consider all your options when putting your house on the market. A good agent will also provide you with helpful insights, serving as your knowledgeable advocate and guide – whether you decide to sell in winter or down the road. 

Community • November 23, 2020

S’Klallam: Evergreen Strong

by Windermere Poulsbo
S'Klallam Totem Pole

As beautiful and adaptable as the evergreen, The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe has been a hallmark of the Kitsap Peninsula for over 10,000 years.

Ancient Landscape

The S’Klallams thrived through a seasonal connection to the changing climates. In the warm summer months, they roamed semi-nomadically and re-visited fishing holes and hunting/gathering sites. During the cold winter rains, they congregated in plank and pole longhouses to practice religious ceremonies and spend time with loved ones.  

SKlallam Map

The purple region indicates the S’Klallam area. Source: Klallam Library

The S’Klallam footprint, though environmentally small, was a massive territory. S’Klallams were historically around 15 tribes that enjoyed friendly relations between themselves and neighboring Salish Tribes, like the Twana Tribe. They even shared natural resources, like the coveted Hood Canal fishing sites.

 

Culture, Traditions, and Conflict

The Port Gamble S’Klallams enjoyed a rich life. They ate delicious foods like smoked salmon and baked clams, created an evolving yet distinct artistic style, and a language that was once “forced to be forgotten.”  These traditions continued for generations – until the first contact with Europeans. 

Illness ravaged the Tribe. The Hudson Bay Company initially reported some 1,500 S’Klallams in 1845. But after diseases such as smallpox had run their course, estimates dwindled to only 400.  Yet, sturdy as the evergreen, S’Klallams survived.

However, the problems from European contact were far from over.  Next, disputes between Settlers and S’Klallams began drawing blood and sparking violence over resources and land. In November of 1853, the S’Klallams lost 438,430 acres of ancestral lands in The Treaty of Point No Point. It contained confusing language, inconsistencies in the agreements, and western private property concepts not understood by the communal S’Klallam. They also forced the Tribe to relocate to the Skokomish Reservation, 100 to 180 miles away from home along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Hood Canal. 

Recognition and Resilience

Over 80 years later, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe successfully petitioned the federal government to officially recognize their independent tribal status. In 1936, “the United States government purchased the 1,231-acre Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation.”

Despite this, settler dissent led to acts of violence: “In 1939, gasoline was poured on some of the houses at Point Julia and the village was burned to the ground. Some of the older people didn’t want to leave the spit, having lived there most of their lives. One tribal member recalls an elder who had to be forced out of her home. She sat in an old chair while they were packing her stuff out. She was sitting there crying and talking to herself and singing in Indian. It was pitiful to watch. Under pressure from the federal government, the S’Klallams relocated on the bluff above Point Julia.”

As the Tribe states, “From the time of white settlement, until their treaty rights were recognized by a court decision in the 1970s, the S’Klallam Nation faced fundamental challenges to its existence.”

S’Klallams Today

Continued fishing disputes couldn’t shake the S’Klallams, who began to develop economically into the success the Tribe now enjoys. Today, Port Gamble S’Klallam commerce thrives: Tribe owned businesses like the Point Casino, Heronswood Botanical Garden, Gliding Eagle Market demonstrate their adaptability and perseverance. 

Photos by Leo Phillips.

S’Klallams harvest resources in many of the same ways as their ancestors. The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Headquarters sits on the Sound,  just south of Point Julia.  Here, S’Klallams find community, regulate Tribal business, govern, and provide social services.  The Headquarters houses a vast digital library of information and traditions to preserve the community and culture for generations to come, passing on the resilience of a people akin to the evergreen trees that surround.

orca S'Klallam totem

S’Klallam Orca at Sunset. Photo by Leo Phillips.

Community • November 17, 2020

Shop Local: Unique Holiday Gifts Found Across North Kitsap

by Windermere Poulsbo

What better way to support our wonderful local businesses than to “shop local” this holiday season? There are so many unique, thoughtful holiday gifts you can buy right here. While it’s challenging to put together a complete list of all of the wonderful options across North Kitsap, we’ve created a collection that provides a range of ideas, many of which were recommended by locals and even some of our agents and staff.

Artistic Gifts

Arists’ Edge in Poulsbo: For over 28 years, this local business has specialized in custom framing, art products, and supplies. They also offer gift cards, military, student, and business discounts, and they have products available through their online store.

Fern Street Pottery: Local artist Meredith Chernick thoughtfully crafts gorgeous yet functional items like handmade, customizable mugs, serving bowls, and hanging planter pots. You can order online and she’ll ship your gifts for you or you can choose free pickup at checkout.

Mak. W Designs:  This artist collective in Kingston supports the work of 23 different artists and features stunning jewelry. Their online ordering makes it easy to buy for the holidays.

Verksted Gallery: Support local artists by visiting one of the oldest cooperative art galleries in Washington state. They have a range of treasures in Poulsbo and some artwork is available for purchase online.

Gifts to Make Them Grin

Clever Gift Shop: From funny socks to retro toys, this Kingston shop has a range of items that will brighten someone’s holiday season. Check out their online store for more info.

The Curious Child: This Poulsbo shop has all kinds of fun gifts: kids’ musical instruments and toys, puzzles for teens and adults, games and much more. You can order online and they offer free local delivery, curbside pickup, and free gift wrapping.

Liberty Bay Books: Who doesn’t love a good book? This beloved local bookstore offers all kinds of literary treasures for kids and adults: bestsellers, cookbooks, poetry, picture books, graphic novels, PNW guidebooks, and much, much more. You can order online and have your books shipped or you can choose curbside pickup at checkout.

Thistle Floral and Home: While this Kingston-based shop is known for its beautiful floral arrangements, it also has a range of gifts, often made by locals. Their gifts are sure to make the recipient smile, like this new year gift that comes with a “Kiss 2020 Goodbye” lip balm, a funny pin, and a smudge stick.

thistle floral home 2020 gift

Help a friend celebrate the end of 2020 with this clever gift from Kingston’s Thistle Floral and Home.

Presents for Pampering

Away with Words: This sister-owned bath and bookshop in Poulsbo has a range of gifts. Many rave about their bath bombs and they also have creative self-care gift boxes, some of which include their popular bath bombs with fun book pairings while others feature loose leaf tea and/or locally made goat’s milk soap.

Northwest Sparks: These eco-friendly 100% soy candles are hand-poured in Washington by an environmental biologist and you can get little stocking stuffers , PNW-themed candles, and more.

Willow and Daisies Apothecary: From bath salts to shower steamers, these handcrafted bath products are sure to delight. This store is located in Suquamish and has an online Etsy shop.

The Gift of a Great Meal

Have a family member or friend with a favorite local restaurant? Consider treating them to a nice meal or giving them a gift card. Many restaurants have wonderful takeout menus with options for curbside pickup. Windermere Realtor Elaine Tanner highly recommends Kachai Thai Kitchen in Poulsbo. Tizley’s EuroPub is another local favorite. “The food on the menu is a delicious array of European traditional family dishes that enhance the experience of visiting Poulsbo!” says Penrith Home Loans’ Branch Manager, Cherie Kesti. Also in Poulsbo, Vietnamese restaurant Phó T & N has practically doubled in size. “It speaks to how popular it is,” says Realtor Bill Touchette, who highly recommends them. Punjab Indian Cuisine is another local favorite and recommended by Audrey Newell. “It’s owned by a local family and they make terrific South Indian food,” says Newell.

Other local favorites include the delightful Butcher & Baker Provisions in Port Gamble, which was voted Best Dessert in this year’s Best of North Kitsap contest. Kingston’s Mossback is another local gem. Our Director of Digital Marketing, Kara Wyman, says Mossback is “the ultimate farm-to-table experience.” They don’t offer takeout but they do offer gift cards.

We hope you have a healthy, joyful holiday season!

Real Estate Market • October 22, 2020

North Kitsap’s Market: Third Quarter Review and Forecast

by Windermere Poulsbo
North Kitsap market graph

North Kitsap’s market had a very strong third quarter. We’ve compiled key stats below to provide a comprehensive review of our market, as well as insights and predictions from Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.

Our Strong Seller’s Market

It’s a strong seller’s market here in North Kitsap. Inventory remains low while demand is high. In our third quarter, the median sale price was up 9% year-over-year at $508K. Buyers should be aware that multiple offer situations have become more common in our area. Our Brokers have seen an increase in situations where some buyers are outbid either by price or by an all-cash buyer. 

sold pending graph north kitsap county

inventory graph north kitsap county

north kitsap real estate stats

Market Predictions

Although mortgage rates remain historically low and demand is high, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, has some concerns about how this may impact real estate down the road. “We may be heading towards a period where we see houses turn over at a far slower pace as we stay in our homes for longer than ever…this could be a problem as it leads to persistently low levels of inventory for sale, which itself could lead to prices continuing to rise at above-average rates and that would further hit affordability.” As for mortgage rates, Gardner does not expect them to rise significantly any time soon. However, he says, “We should all be aware that there could be consequences to very low rates”.

Western Washington Review

Let’s zoom out a bit and look at our area. Below are highlights from The Western Washington Gardner Report provided by Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.

WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME SALES

  • Total Sales: 11.6% increase from Q3/2019, and 45.9% higher than Q2/2020
  • Homes for Sale: 41.7% lower than Q3/2019, but up 1.6% from Q2/2020
  • Pending Sales: up 29% from Q2/2020

WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME PRICES

  • Average: $611,793 (up 17.1% from Q3/2019). Low mortgage rates and limited inventory are clearly pushing prices up.
  • Prices will continue to increase as long as mortgage rates and inventory levels stay low. If this continues to be the case, affordability issues will become more apparent in many markets.

DAYS ON MARKET, WESTERN WASHINGTON

  • Average: 36 days (an average of 4 fewer days than in Q2/2020 and 2 fewer days than in Q3/2019)
  • In Kitsap County, average days on market: 20

Conclusion

In Gardner’s Western Washington Report, he states that, although we have a strong seller’s market that is very buoyant, he’s “starting to see affordability issues increase in many areas—not just in the central Puget Sound region—and this is concerning. Perhaps the winter will act to cool the market, but something is telling me we shouldn’t count on it.”

Community • October 13, 2020

Visit Poulsbo for Culture and Charm

by Windermere Poulsbo
Windermere Poulsbo

Smithsonian Magazine suggests, “instead of Norway, visit Poulsbo.” Culture runs deep in the town known as the “Little Norway on the Fjord.” Poulsbo blends Norwegian immigrant influence with indigenous Suquamish roots, making a beautifully unique Pacific Northwest community.

Visit Poulsbo Windermere

Charming Poulsbo © Leo Phillips

Enjoy Poulsbo’s Landscape

A treasure of Kitsap County, Poulsbo hosts a delightful downtown that charms locals and visitors alike. Many colorful shops offer unique finds and delicious treats. Additionally, beautiful Liberty Bay offers both serenity and adventure throughout the year. Windermere Broker, Elaine Tanner, shares that “life in Poulsbo is gentle. Residents give everyone the opportunity to be who they are without judgment. I love it!”

Similarly, Windermere Branch Manager, Julie Bray-Larsen, adds, “Poulsbo is a gem in my opinion! Its beauty combined with great shops, wonderful schools, and marina create a high quality of life.”

In addition to charm and beauty, Poulsbo offers strong public schools. Teachers in North Kitsap School District have an average experience of 14 years, with 70% holding master’s degrees. Suquamish Tribal Education Department includes the first tribal compact schools in Washington State. Its Chief Kitsap Academy ranks third in Poulsbo by GreatSchools.org.

Windermere

Learn About Poulsbo’s Rich Heritage

The Suquamish People first referred to the surrounding area as Tcutcu Lats, meaning maple grove. Its European-given name was meant to be a tribute to the Norway area of Paulsbo. Legend tells us it was misspelled when establishing its first U.S. Post Office, and Poulsbo came to be! Poulsbo’s many museums share more depth of its stories and diverse heritage. Museum staff and councils work passionately to connect with the community, even amidst the distancing challenges of 2020.

For example, The Poulsbo Historical Society and Museums bring history to life in many ways. Its Maritime Museum, Heritage Museum, and Martinson Cabin each offer unique experiences. Be sure to check current hours before visiting. Its online program, PHS Aweigh!, encourages “exploring history from home” with activities for all ages.

Additionally, the nearby Suquamish Museum in Suquamish, illustrates the area’s rich, indigenous history and culture. It now hosts valuable workshops and readings online. Also, it recently opened an online version of its distinguished Leota Anthony Museum Store. The shop celebrates indigenous design with products from Native-owned companies and those who responsibly represent Native Artists.

Windermere Poulsbo

Visit Poulsbo this Season

As we settle into autumn, local favorite sites include pumpkin patches throughout the county.  Also, it’s the perfect time for treats like the Maple Doughboy from local sweet spot, Sluys Poulsbo Bakery. (Just think: a donut shaped like a gingerbread man, rich with maple goodness!) The Poulsbo Farmers Market supports local farms and crafts every Saturday through December, rain or shine. And, new this year: Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce’s first annual Halloween Hunt! This fun event is designed to offer safe, drive-through trick-or-treating, featuring local businesses. It all kicks off with a food drive to support the local food bank, North Kitsap Fishline.

We invite you to explore Poulsbo!

We Love Poulsbo

Community • September 23, 2020

The Seahawks and Windermere Team Up Again to Tackle Homelessness

by Windermere Poulsbo
TackleHomelessness

As the “Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks,” all of us at Windermere are proud to kick off our fifth season of partnering with the Seahawks to tackle homelessness.

Windermere Seahawks TacklehomelessnessOur Tackle Homelessness Campaign

For every defensive tackle made at a Seahawks home game this season, Windermere will donate $100 to Mary’s Place in support of their mission to provide safe, inclusive shelter and services that support women, children, and families on their journey out of homelessness. Mary’s Place has provided resources, housing, and employment services to the homeless in the greater Seattle area since 1999.

Thanks to the Seahawks’ defensive efforts last year, we were able to donate $30,000 to Mary’s Place, bringing our grand total to $128,200 raised over the past four seasons. We look forward to raising even more this year!

The History of Our Foundation

Our partnership with Mary’s Place is aligned with the mission of the Windermere Foundation—to support low-income and homeless families in the communities we serve.

Since 1989, the Windermere Foundation has been raising funds for those in need. A portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold using a Windermere agent supports low-income and homeless families in our communities. And,  in 2019 we reached a new milestone by raising nearly $3 million, bringing the grand total to over $40 million in donations raised over the past 31 years.

We are excited to continue our partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and you can follow our progress this season on our social media pages. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates. Go Hawks!

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