“Over the years, we’ve done a fantastic job for our clients, but this is a personal decision as much as a business decision. I’ve been in real estate for 27 years and I just want to go back to working with customers on a one-on-one basis. That’s what I truly enjoy.” Those were the words of Mary Ellen Hooks, owner of All Points Properties in Bremerton, describing why she decided to merge with Windermere Real Estate/West Sound Inc. The merger was effective Oct. 1.

Hooks and “Mac” McKenzie opened All Points in July 1981, after working for a number of years with the Silverdale office of Spot Realty. The firm has long enjoyed a solid reputation as one of the best real estate firms in the county to do business with and is known in the local industry for the high levels of professional education attained by its associates — most hold several professional designations — and it’s high ethical standards.

Hooks said the firm has debated over the years about whether or not to affiliate with a franchise or remain independent. “We wanted to step up to the next level while continuing to provide our clients with the finest technology and customer service available, but we also wanted to be able to maintain a local identity, she commented. “We felt Windermere offered us the best of both worlds. The offices all have local ownership and through the Windermere Foundation, they work hard to maintain a positive image in their local community. That was very important to us.”

Joining the Bremerton Windermere office will be Hooks, Ed Bergeson, Vern Young, Trenna Otis and Stan Marks, with Mac McKenzie joining Windermere’s referral program. Bev Herr and Frank Croswaithe will retire, and Dick Cook, who also plans to retire in March of next year, will join his brother-in-law’s firm, Manchester Realty until then. Hank and Linda Carmen have joined RE/Max Platinum Services in Silverdale and Roger Williams, Mike Kerr and Skip Butcher have joined the Silverdale office of Reid Real Estate.

“We’re very excited about this,” said Hooks. “We’ve always gotten along well with the Windermere people.”

She added, with a note of wistfulness in her voice, “The people here have all worked very hard over the years to build a great organization and to constantly improve their knowledge of the industry and of customer service. I’m very proud of each and every one of them.”.