Community October 22, 2024

New Agent Spotlight: Linda Hilton

With decades of experience serving homebuyers and sellers, Linda Hilton possesses a wealth of knowledge. We’re so glad she returned to our Windermere team. Linda has fascinating stories about everything from real estate transactions to her experiences abroad. Learn more about her in our Q&A below.

What drew you to real estate?

Originally, it was the flexibility of the hours; I had a small child and wanted to be there for him. Before real estate, I was in the restaurant business. Now I love troubleshooting issues that come up, seeing the look of happiness when a buyer client sees their dream house in person, but especially visiting with clients from 20 years ago who STILL own their house and love it after all these years.

What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?

I’m well-traveled, and I’ve lived in many different environments. I understand different cultures, ideas, and ways of communicating.

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

Listening, patience, and a sense of humor.

Which areas do you serve?

Kitsap and Jefferson Counties, what’s not to love?! I love the water, the mountains, and the trees.

How long have you lived here, and what brought you here?

I’m on my 12th year. We moved from Alaska to be closer to family.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

I like Windermere’s philosophy. People and clients come first.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Honestly, I just love real estate. Putting deals together, helping people achieve their goals. I retired 3.5 years ago, and I found myself talking to everyone about real estate, so I’m back!

Thank you, Linda! If you want to learn more about Linda Hilton, visit her website or check out her Facebook page

Buyers July 14, 2022

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.

Community June 2, 2022

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.

marisa-robba

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.

 

We’re so glad you’ve joined us, Marisa! You can learn more about Marisa by visiting her website or her Facebook profile
Community November 22, 2021

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.

bryann-bingham-1

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.

 

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.

We are so happy to have BryAnn on our Windermere Poulsbo team. You can learn more about her through her website and her Facebook page
Community June 29, 2021

New Agent Spotlight: Will Storch

We’re excited to feature Will Storch, a newer agent who recently joined Windermere Poulsbo. As a lifelong local, Will is passionate about community and serving clients’ individual needs. He works with buyers and sellers on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County. Will brings a range of skills and experiences to the table, allowing him to connect with a variety of people, sharing real estate expertise and insider tips. Read on to find out more.

What drew you to real estate?

Community drew me to real estate. Growing up on Bainbridge Island, I know and understand the importance of surrounding oneself with an amazing community. I have used this motto in every community I have lived in and it really helps create a feeling of security, fun, and being able to give back to the community. I also love interacting with people and being able to provide something for them.

What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a realtor?

My background in retail and design enhances my abilities as a Realtor. I have a long history in the restaurant industry, which requires a lot of listening, multi-tasking, and delivering the highest quality product. I am also a trained interior designer and home stager. Being able to help a client stage their home to create the best environment helps them get top dollar. Also, being able to help a client look at a home and give ideas on how to make it their own home gives me an advantage.

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

Being a good listener and being able to communicate. Every client is different and it is so important to know what is important to each individual person, being a leader or mentor when needed. As an expert in the field, my opinion is based on experience and knowledge, and I am here to guide each client through the buying or selling process.

Which areas do you serve and what do you love about them?

I am based in Kitsap County with a primary focus on Bainbridge Island, where I currently live and was raised. I have also lived in Seattle for a number of years and consider myself knowledgeable about the different areas of Seattle and understand the market conditions in King County. All the areas surrounding Seattle and Kitsap County offer amazing opportunities from outdoor activities to cultural opportunities, and great restaurants and schools. I personally love living on Bainbridge Island with access to great beaches, parks, trails, and restaurants.

Note: Check out Will’s new website where he shares a wealth of information about our local communities.

Will Storch Point No Point Beach

How long have you lived here?

I grew up on Bainbridge Island, graduated high school at BHS, go Spartans! I returned to live here about 8 years ago. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science from Western Washington University, I decided to pursue careers in Portland, Oregon. I worked for one of the fastest-growing coffee roasters in the country. Then I decided to move to Seattle and open and manage two cafes and a roastery. This was a challenge coming into a new market. But after a short time, we established ourselves in the community. I was able to become a part of the bustling city life. After 6 years and studying interior design, I made the move back to Bainbridge Island and began working as a bartender, creating many relationships. I also built a strong home staging business.

How are you involved in the community?

I support our local schools, including the Island School, where I attended kindergarten through third grade. This school established my identity and gave me tools at a young age that I continue to use. I also formed relationships with friends that are still just as strong today. Our amazing parks department is something else I commit time to regularly. I would like to pursue more of a role in Human Rights, Race Relations, and the LGBTQ+ sector on the Island, and I hope to see these issues become more widely discussed and addressed on Bainbridge Island and across Kitsap County.
Will Storch Community Service Day

Volunteering during our annual Community Service Day.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

I have always been fascinated with Windermere’s branding and advertising. When I was younger, I used to pick up the copy of Windermere Living on the ferries and flip through and see the houses listed. Windermere always possesses a fierce focus on locality with a global network. After many years of home staging and getting to know agents at different firms, everyone at Windermere seemed to be happy, driven, and successful. Windermere also keeps the focus on each individual client.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am excited to continue to grow and expand my reach in each community that I serve. The beauty that surrounds us in the Pacific Northwest clearly speaks to many people. I believe the diversity of each area provides something for everyone.
We are thrilled to have Will Storch as a member of our Windermere family. He’s an excellent choice for buyers and sellers and you can connect with him on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website
Community February 8, 2021

New Agent Spotlight: Rebecca Olodort

We’re excited to feature new agent Rebecca Olodort. She knows how important it is to be a good listener, a strong advocate, and a trusted guide. Rebecca offers a wealth of information and experience and her love of home design and helping people shines through. Read on to find out more.

What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?

I am a detail-oriented, practical, strategic problem-solver who ran a 50M fashion business for many years. Critical to being able to do this was: listening to all involved parties.

What drew you to real estate?

A passion for helping people combined with a love of home design.

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

It is critical that a Realtor be trustworthy, determined and a good listener. The ability to see all sides of a situation gives me the unique opportunity to create a smooth and seamless real estate transaction.   

Which areas do you serve and what do you love about those areas?

I serve King, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam Counties.  We have the best of all worlds in hiking, boating, and access to downtown Seattle via ferry. I love hiking the many local trails. There are really too many to mention but I highly recommend Fort Lawton Trail, Lake Crescent, and North Kitsap Heritage Park. Our favorite restaurants in North Kitsap are Kingston Ale House, Streamliner Diner, and Burrata Bistro. Another fun day for us is taking the ferry to Seattle, visiting one of the many museums (especially the Seattle Art Museum), and having a bite to eat and a lovely glass of wine at Purple Café.

Rebecca Olodort Open House Windermere

How long have you lived here?

I was born in Kansas, raised in southern California, and I’ve been living in the Pacific Northwest for over 10 years. We were looking for an area with a small town feel and access to a major city with an international airport. We moved to Kingston in 2016 to design and build our forever home.  Simply said, we have the best of all worlds.    

How are you involved in the community?

I’m a White Horse Golf Community Board Member and their Design Review Chair. Also, I’m a volunteer for Meals on Wheels of Kitsap.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

After working for major corporations such as Estée Lauder, Swarovski, and Fossil Group, it was an organic decision to work with the most professional and successful real estate brokerage in the Pacific Northwest.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I enjoy shopping at Central Market and the local Farmers Market to select ingredients for preparing healthy meals for my husband and 96-year-old mother. In 2019, we adopted our Maltipoo, Sadie, from the Kitsap Humane Society and she is a 10-pound bundle of joy!

Rebecca Olodort family Christmas 2020

We are so glad to have Rebecca Olodort as a new member of our Windermere team. She’s a sincere pleasure to work with and you can connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, or visit her website

Community December 17, 2020

New Agent Spotlight: Angela Winks

We are proud to feature Angela Winks in our new Q&A spotlight series. With a diverse set of skills and experiences, Angela offers buyers and sellers a focused, personalized approach with an emphasis on clear communication, positivity, and a sincere appreciation for the areas and clients she serves.  Read on to find out about Angela’s background, what she loves about real estate, and more.

What drew you to real estate?

What drew me to real estate was my passion for all things “home” and my deep desire to help others.  I also have always had the desire to have and manage my own business. As a business owner, personal growth and a positive mindset are a vital part of every day and I absolutely love being in an industry that constantly requires me to learn and be more so that I can give more to my family, friends, clients, and community.

What unique professional experiences or skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a Realtor?

My years of experience in the health and fitness field helped me sharpen my skills as a strong communicator and leader. As an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Director of a post-physical therapy exercise program, I had the opportunity to help clients and patients set and achieve their goals, not only safely and effectively, but in a welcoming and fun environment.

As a Realtor, I enjoy the same opportunities. Whether my clients need to sell or buy real estate, it’s important to have clear communication and a great plan. And, of course, it is always my pleasure to make the whole process as enjoyable as possible for my clients!

What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?

Realtors should possess exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship skills as well as the ability to stay open-minded, focused, organized, and creative.

Which areas do you serve and what do you love about those areas?

I happily serve Kitsap, Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King counties. I believe we are incredibly fortunate to live in this part of the country and Washington state. The natural beauty is astounding and the support for the communities and their wonderfully unique local businesses is second to none.

How long have you lived here?

I have lived in Kitsap County for 7 1/2 years. I came here after college because I had family scattered around the area and fell in love with the natural beauty.

What made you decide to work with Windermere?

I decided to work with Windermere because of their special focus on building and nurturing relationships as well as their strong presence in the community. This is a company that truly cares about people and that is extremely important to me! They also provide the latest technology and education for their agents so we can always keep adding tools to our real estate toolbelts and serving our clients at our highest level.

We are delighted that Angela Winks has joined us. We know she will be a sincere pleasure for buyers and sellers to work with here on the Kitsap Peninsula and in Pierce, Mason, Jefferson, and King County. You can connect with Angela through her website