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Real estate market to rebound —
but not too soon |
| The 400 condominiums in downtown Bremerton went for auction at the end of April, some starting at nearly half their price. Washington Mutual has closed its loan processing center in Silverdale. The number of foreclosures in Kitsap is up. Everywhere, there are signs of the real estate market in apparent trouble... (Full Article) |
State Realtors group announces
endorsements in 8 statewide races |
| The Washington Association of Realtors’ political action committee announced endorsements in six statewide races... (Full Article) |
UBuildIt – Poulsbo adds
new Planning Consultant |
| The Poulsbo office of UBuildIt recently announced that Rich Clayton has joined its team. Clayton will be assisting new clients in getting started with their projects, and helping them throughout both the planning and construction phases... (Full Article) |
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Gov. Gregoire approves change to license law |
| Kitsap County Association of Realtors Executive Mike Eliason joined officials from the Department of Licensing at a bill signing ceremony in which Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed SHB 2778 into law... (Full Article) |
Pacific Northwest Title names
senior title officer |
| Pacific Northwest Title recently announced that Dan Kirk, senior title officer, has relocated to the Bainbridge Island Office at 921 Hildebrand Lane. Kirk has been with Pacific Northwest, in Silverdale, since its opening in June of 1990.
Julie Hohenstein, LPO/escrow closer, Mary Devlin, LPO/escrow closer and Rachel Snelson, escrow assistant complete the branch team. Tamara Linder will remain as the area sales representative.
Reach the Bainbridge Island staff at (206) 842-2082 or (800) 884-7636.
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Casteel joins National Pacific Mortgage |
| National Pacific Mortgage, located at 3888 Randall Way NW Suite 203 in Silverdale, recently announced that Shirley Casteel has joined the firm as a mortgage broker.
Casteel brings over 20 years in the mortgage banking business to the position. She has experience in all areas of mortgage lending including conventional, government, spec. and custom construction loans.
Reach Casteel at (360) 271-0560.
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Windermere’s Port Orchard Office
adds two new associates |
| Windermere Real Estate recently announced the addition of the following associates to its Port Orchard office.
Cyndi Wilson has years of real estate experience and knowledge of the Gig Harbor area. She was formerly an agent with Windermere Gig Harbor for five years and the sales manager with Windermere Key Realty. Wilson is now the Managing Broker at the Windermere Port Orchard office.
Leann Knight has spent several years in multi-family property management, residential and commercial real estate sales. Knight has specialized in new construction since 2001. She has earned the Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation as well as the At Home with Diversity Certification (AHWD).
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Drury Construction promotes intern
to full time position |
| Drury Construction has recently welcomed Jake Hanes to its staff. Hanes came to Drury Construction as an intern from Brigham Young University in January. He is currently assisting project managers with estimating and on-site work.
The skills acquired in his new role with the Poulsbo general contractor will allow him to manage projects of his own in the future upon completion of his college education.
Hanes plans to attend Olympic Community College to finish his prerequisites before transferring to the University of Washington’s Construction Management program. Drury will support Hanes with a flexible schedule while he obtains his bachelor degree in construction management.
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Waterfront condos going on auction block |
| Twenty-eight brand new condominiums on the Bremerton waterfront will go on the auction block this month — with the starting bid for the cheapest unit reduced in price by a whopping 58 percent... (Full Article) |
BIAW renews $100K reward offer
for capture of Eco-Terrorists |
| In 2005 the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to offer a $100,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of Earth Liberation Front (ELF) terrorists burning down homes in Washington State. After the devastating arsons claimed by ELF in Snohomish County, BIAW has renewed the $100,000 reward... (Full Article) |
Mason County has plan to sewer
all of Belfair UGA |
| Mason County has developed a plan that will bring sewer to all properties in the Belfair Urban Growth Area (UGA). The County has obtained funding for a wastewater reclamation plant and associated sewer lines to serve the core of Belfair. However, the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board is not allowing the release of those funds until the County comes into compliance with the Growth Management Act... (Full Article) |
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Angel to host media event for first ever Women Build |
| Kitsap County Commissioner and 26th District legislative candidate Jan Angel will host the media event kicking off Habitat for Humanity’s first ever Women Build in Kitsap County. The project designed to teach women construction skills and empower them to build a complete home... (Full Article) |
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Americans own more of their homes |
| Americans may own a larger share of their homes than is suggested by a recent Federal Reserve report, according to a new nationwide survey. In its quarterly report released recently, the Federal Reserve said that in 2007, Americans’ percentage of equity in their homes fell below 50 percent for the first time since 1945... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor selects new public works director |
| The City of Gig Harbor has announced that David Stubchaer will become the new public works director beginning in May. Last fall the City began an extensive search for a public works director following a reorganization of the City’s Community Development Department... (Full Article) |
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Frame one of top lenders for seventh consecutive year |
| Bainbridge Island-based CFA Northwest Mortgage Professionals announced that Carolyn Frame, CFA’s president, was named by Mortgage Originator Magazine as one of the top 200 individual loan originators in the nation for the year 2007. This is Frame’s seventh consecutive year on the list, which is the industry’s most comprehensive review of individual performers... (Full Article) |
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Coldwell Banker Park Shore honors its own |
| Coldwell Banker Park Shore Real Estate recently honored its 2007 top producers and other award recipients at its annual banquet. This year’s banquet was held at Trophy Lake Golf & Casting Club in Port Orchard... (Full Article) |
Molly Ells attends real estate
Sell-a-bration 2008 in Hawaii |
| Realtor, Molly Ells attended Sell-a-bration 2008 along with nearly 1,000 of the nation’s top residential real estate specialists. The Council of Residential Specialists’ (CRS) annual three-day education and networking event for residential Realtors was held in Honolulu this year.
This is Ells’ second time attending Sell-a-bration. She attended educational sessions led by the industry’s top speakers that focused on topics such as negotiating, investment, lead conversion and marketing strategies.
Ells can be reached at the Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc. office in Silverdale at (360) 692-6102 or mollyells@windermere.com.
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Narrows Bridge considered
for engineering award |
| The Tacoma Narrows Bridge was among five finalists for American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2008 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award. THE ASCE will make the announcement of the winner on April 30 at a special ceremony in Arlington, VA. The award recognizes U.S. projects based on their contribution to the well-being of people and communities, resourcefulness in planning and design challenges, and the innovation of materials and techniques used. The bridge is the largest twin suspension bridge in the world. The new bridge was designed to withstand two levels of seismic hazard, a 100-year earthquake and an extreme 2,500-year quake. |
BHA implements Small Works Roster
with MRSC |
| The Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton (BHA) has recently implemented the use of a Small Works Roster with Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) of Washington for projects under $100,000. Contractors and/or consultants interested in soliciting bids with BHA will need to register with MRSC for placement on the roster. Solicitations for BHA’s current projects may be reviewed at www.bremertonhousing.org/display.php?id=694.
For additional information, visit www.mrscrosters.org or contact Kurt Wiest at (360) 479-3694.
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MacDermid joins Karin Kay Properties |
| Rob MacDermid has recently joined Karin Kay Properties, in Bremerton, as an Associate Broker. He boasts 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to joining Karin Kay Properties, he has been an associate broker with John L. Scott Real Estate in Silverdale and Lighthouse Cove Property Management.
He has been a real estate attorney for over 25 years and was president and managing director of the Silverdale law firm of MacDermid, Liebert & Morgan, P.S. MacDermid continues to serve as a Kitsap County Superior Court arbitrator and as a Kitsap County District Court judge pro tempore. He is a member of the Real Estate section of the Washington State Bar Association. Reach MacDermid at (360) 710-9785.
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BHA receives HUD grants
for Family Self Sufficiency |
| The Housing Authority of the City of Bremerton (BHA) recently announced that that it has been awarded Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Program grants to help the Low Income Public Housing (LIPH) and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV – also known as Section 8) recipients work toward self sufficiency. BHA received over $86,000 for BHA’s programs and over $37,000 for the program it manages for the Housing Authority of Jefferson County.
BHA has 50 slots to help residents and clients with a special program that allows them to accumulate money in an escrow account to help them go back to school, start a business or purchase a home. These participants receive one-on-one counseling as well as attend classes to achieve their goals over a 5 year period.
This year, BHA expects to issue “Housing Choice Vouchers” to assist low-income and disabled families to enjoy the “American Dream” of homeownership.
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UW study says state regs
add $200,000 to home prices
Study cites GMA as the leading problemimpacting negative housing affordability |
| An article written by Seattle Times business reporter Elizabeth Rhodes claims that Washington State rules and regulations add a staggering $200,000 to the price of a home in the Seattle Metropolitant Area. In the article, a University of Washington economics professor argues that home prices have been driven skyward — perhaps inadvertantly — by good intentions... (Full Article) |
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Akerman named Managing Broker at Silverdale RE/MAX office |
| RE/MAX Platinum Services has named longtime local Realtor Linda Akerman as the new Managing Broker of its Silverdale office. Akerman has been a licensed Realtor in Kitsap County since 1980, spending many years with John L. Scott... (Full Article) |
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Kitsap Mall names new property manager |
| René Morris has been named as the new senior property manager for Kitsap Mall. She will oversee all operations at the center and lead the property team to ensure Kitsap Mall remains a safe and pleasant shopping environment... (Full Article) |
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Countrywide adds to local mortgage team |
| Countrywide Home Loans has added to its Gig Harbor area staff with the recent appointment of Diana Ambauen-Meade as home loan consultant. Ambauen-Meade provides qualified borrowers with viable mortgage solutions from Countrywide’s wide array of home financing options... (Full Article) |
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Gig Harbor announces construction schedule |
| The City of Gig Harbor will be undertaking a major construction project to upgrade its wastewater treatment system beginning in early spring. Based on input from residents and business owners in the North Harborview area, the City of Gig Harbor has made the following decision regarding a construction schedule for this project... (Full Article) |
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HBA of Kitsap County has a grip on safety |
| The Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County (HBA) does more than construct safe buildings; its members also help to build a safer community through its various partnerships... (Full Article) |
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Joe Gates Construction launches new website |
| A brand new website, www.joegates.com, has been launched for Joe Gates Construction, Inc. which showcases the firm’s projects in both remodeling and custom homes.
The new site allows a glimpse of many projects as well as background information about the company and its services. Joe Gates Construction, Inc. recently received four REX Awards, for Excellence in Remodeling given by the Kitsap County Homebuilders Association.
The Gates have been in business since 1989, and along with turn key remodeling projects, offer full service custom homebuilding.
Reach Joe Gates Construction at (360) 697-3284 or visit the new website at www.joegates.com.
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Downtown P.O. building demolition complete |
| The demolition of a downtown Port Orchard building at 731 Bay Street is complete. As part of maintaining public safety downtown, the abatement, demolition, and removal of the asbestos from the unstable building has been a two year effort to resolve the outstanding issues with the boarded up structure. Considerable efforts have been expended by City staff in cooperation with the building owner since November of 2005 to provide a safe downtown environment on Bay Street while the dangerous entryway and sidewalk collapse were resolved.
Additionally, the adjacent marquee repairs next to the building ensured that facade was not further compromised.
Questions should be directed to the Public Works or Planning Department at (360) 876-4991.
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WestSound Engineering, Inc. team advances |
| WestSound Engineering, Inc. recently announced that Alan Biggs has successfully passed the Professional Engineering exam and is now a registered Civil Engineer. Also, Toby Bauer and Kevin Biggs successfully passed the Fundamentals of Surveying exam and are now registered Land Surveyors in Training.
For more information call (360) 876-3770 or visit www.wsengineering.com.
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Karin Kay Properties welcomes Goffin |
| Karin Kay Properties, located at 237 Sixth Street in Bremerton, recently welcomed Laurie Goffin, who has transferred her real estate license to join the Bremerton based real estate firm. Prior to becoming an agent, Goffin established the Lighthouse Wine Bar in Old Town Silverdale.
Reach Goffin at (360)479-7653 or Laurie@KarinAboutYou.com.
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Ted Benson to speak at NARPM luncheon |
| The Kitsap County chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) will meet on Thursday, Mar. 27 at the Yacht Club Broiler in Silverdale at 11: 30 a.m.
Speaker Ted Benson will discuss septic systems including information on the new ordinance and how that will affect owners and property managers. Benson is the senior account manager for LandAmerica Transnation Title Insurance Company in Kitsap County.
For more information contact Janice Beam at Realty Station (360) 377-5699.
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Central Kitsap Fire Station 51
receives makeover |
| Drury Construction of Poulsbo recently completed a remodel of the Central Kitsap Fire Station 51, located on Silverdale Way. The station, which was originally built in 1979, needed to have facilities upgraded to accommodate additional firefighters. The 1360 square foot makeover included enlarging the kitchen and lounge area, updating appliances, installation of solid surface countertops and new cabinets. The project included structural work and a data systems upgrade.
Drury recycled 100 percent of the demolition materials from the project.
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Chaffey debuts new plats |
Chaffey Homes recently announced the availability of new home sites in two areas:
- Clear Creek Estates is a five acre gated community located just minutes from Poulsbo and Silverdale. Home sites are available for custom presales, and currently offers three new homes to choose from.
- Hawkstone Homes with an active adult community in McCormick Woods, offers 32 home sites with golf course and lush greenbelt view. A fully furnished model will be available for viewing this month.
Contact Mike or Sheri Loughlin at (360) 509-7212 or visit www.chaffeyhomes.com for information.
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Condo prices take a dive |
| Kitsap’s condominium prices saw a significant decrease in the last year, according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The average closing price was $346,980 in January 2008, according to NMLS — about $87,000 less than the year before. In January, the median closing price for condos in Kitsap was just under $300,000, $135,000 less compared to last year. The number of condo sales has also decreased significantly. By comparison, prices of single-family homes have been relatively steady, but still saw a decline in median closing prices and a big increase in inventory. |
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