Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Gray Weather Covering Kitsap Again

Is the terrible Washington weather downing your spirits? Here a beautiful picture that may raise your spirits temporarily. Imagine yourself watching the sunset on this Hawaiian beach.


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Winter is about to hit Kitsap County! Are you ready?


We are barely getting above freezing today and there is a possiblity for snow at the end of the 10 days forecast. We finally need to admit it, winter is here. Depressing I know, but we homeowners need to be prepared.

Courtesy of About.com, here are some tips on how to properly winterize your home.

1) Furnace Inspection
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts.
Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

2) Get the Fireplace Ready
Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds.
If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote.
Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home.
Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. Check the mortar between bricks and tuckpoint, if necessary.

3) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows
Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
Use weatherstripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows.
Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.
If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

4) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home.
Replace worn roof shingles or tiles.
Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

5) Service Weather-Specific Equipment
Drain gas from lawnmowers.
Service or tune-up snow blowers.
Replace worn rakes and snow shovels.
Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment.
Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.

6) Check Foundations
Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation.
Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house.
Tuckpoint or seal foundation cracks.
Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime.
Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation. Secure crawlspace entrances.

7) Install Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Some cities require a smoke detector in every room. Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends.
Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work.
Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

8) Prevent Plumbing Freezes
Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
Drain all garden hoses. Insulate exposed plumbing pipes.
Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off.
If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.

9) Prepare Landscaping & Outdoor Surfaces
Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
Plant spring flower bulbs and lift bulbs that cannot winter over such as dahlias in areas where the ground freezes.
Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
Don't automatically remove dead vegetation from gardens as some provide attractive scenery in an otherwise dreary, snow-drenched yard.
Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.

10) Prepare an Emergency Kit
Buy indoor candles and matches / lighter for use during a power shortage.
Find the phone numbers for your utility companies and tape them near your phone or inside the phone book.
Buy a battery back-up to protect your computer and sensitive electronic equipment.
Store extra bottled water and non-perishable food supplies (including pet food, if you have a pet), blankets and a first-aid kit in a dry and easy-to-access location. Prepare an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Good News for Seniors in Central Kitsap


Here is a great way to save some money on property taxes!

Qualifying homeowners 62 and older in the Central Kitsap school district are eligible to participate in the CKSD Senior Tax Exchange Program. Seniors are able to volunteer their time and skills to the CK School District in exchange for reimbursement of the local school portion of their property tax.

For more information, call the CKSD Community Schools Office at (360) 662-1638.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

You know your from the Pacific Northwest if...

I know this has been floating around the internet forever but it is so true!

You know you are from the Pacific Northwest if:

You know the state flower is mildew.
You know the state motto: "Rain? What rain?"

You have a T-shirt that says, "200 Billion Slugs Can't Be Wrong!"

You use the term "sun break" and know what it means.

You open the windows in the summer to let the warm air in.

Your Early Girl tomatoes ripen in September.Names like Point No Point, Useless Bay, Deception Pass, Destruction Island and Friday Harbor don't faze you.

You feel guilty throwing out paper or aluminum cans.

To you, if it doesn't have snow or hasn't erupted recently, it is not a real mountain.

You know more people who own a boat than own an air conditioner.
You will stand on a deserted corner in the rain and wait for the "Walk" signal.

You feel overdressed if you wear a suit to a fancy restaurant.

You can order coffee 10 different ways.

You can taste the difference between Seattle's Best, Tully's and Starbucks.

To you, swimming is an indoor sport.

You never go camping without a poncho and waterproof matches.

You know the difference between Coho, Chinook, and Sockeye salmon.

You know how to pronounce Puyallup, Sequim, Sekiu, Yakima, Oregon, Wenatchee, Steilacoom, Quileute, Cle Elum and Willamette.

You know Forks is not a bunch of eating utensil but a town on the Olympic Peninsula.

You can tell the difference between Thai, Japanese and Chinese food.

You know that Boring is not a state of mind, but a town in Oregon.

You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.

You know that a forecast of "rain, changing to showers" means "constant drizzle changing to intermittent drizzle."

You are not fazed by the weather forecast, "Today: Showers followed by rain. Tomorrow: Rain followed by showers."

You rejoice at a forecast of "rain with sun breaks."

You know what "The mountain is out" means.

When the temperature gets above 50, you put on your shorts (If you're warm blooded, that is. If you're cold blooded, you wear a sweatshirt all summer.)

You can point out at least two volcanoes, even if you can't see through the cloud cover.

You think people who use umbrellas are either tourists or wimps (or both).

You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.

You knew immediately that the view out of Frazier's window was fake.

You use a down comforter and wear flannel pajamas in the summer.

Your kid's Halloween costumes fit under a raincoat.

You know all the seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer), Deer and Elk season (Fall).

Every year you have to buy new sunglasses because you can't find the old ones after such a long time.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the lovely Pacific Northwest, give Karin Kay Properties a call at 360-479-7653. We are based in Bremerton but do business just about any where in Washington State.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Thanks Our Veterans

Today is Veteran’s Day and I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has served and defended this wonderful country. I really don’t think they get the credit they deserve nor do I think it is possible to thank these men and women enough.

Karin Kay Properties is proud to house two veterans of different wars, Rob Rieder and his son Packy Rieder. Rob served in Vietnam and Packy served in Iraq.

I hope they, and all other Veterans, feel appreciated today. It is too bad we only dedicate one day a year to these individuals. They should be thanked 365 days a year.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Great Way to Save Money!

I don't know about you but I always throw away the informational pamphlets that I recieve with my gas and power bills. Luckily this month I got a glimpse of one before it made it into the waste basket.

Many older homes in Kitsap County lack proper insulation (including mine!)and some have no insulation at all. This of course leads to higher heating bills in the colder months. Cascade Natural Gas is offering monetary incentives to customers who will increase their insulation levels in their floors, walls, and ceilings/attics.

If you are interested in the program visit:
http://www.cngc.com/conservation

To learn more about Federal tax credits for energy efficiency visit:
http://www.energystar.gov/

Monday, November 2, 2009

Featured Listing in Manchester

port orchard kitsap county manchester real estate karin kay properties This week's featured listing brings us to Port Orchard. This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is located on 2307 California Avenue East. Listed at $289,900 this nearly 2000 square foot beautiful home is priced to sell quickly!

port orchard kitsap county manchester real estate karin kay propertiesCheck out this marvelous view from the master suite. Imagine watching the New Year's fireworks from the comfort of your own home.

port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties kitsap countyThis bright kitchen is great for entertaining with it's breakfast bar and dining room area. Included are tall ceilings, recessed lighting, lovely cabinets, and a pantry.

port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties kitsap county The spacious living room is very cozy with this cherry wood and marble propane fireplace serving as the focal point of the room. The vaulted ceilings and many windows keep this room bright in the gloomiest days of winter.


port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties kitsap county The covered back deck allows you to barbecue in the rain or sunshine. Check out the spacious picnic area practically begging you to use it. This will be a frequented spot during the summer.

port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties
port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties kitsap county
port orchard manchester real estate karin kay properties kitsap county The fenced in backyard is wonderfully landscaped and features a well established garden. The garden is a gardeners delight! Just bring your green thumb! Think of all the fresh vegetables and fruits you could grow in the warmer months.

For more information on this home, please called Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 or send an email to officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Feeling Under the Weather in Bremerton

The flu season is here and making the rounds in Bremerton. It's only a matter of time before it hits our office.

The big concern this season is the swine flu. Some times it is hard to determine whether you have a cold or the flu. Luckily I came upon this little quiz that can help you discern between the two. Click here to take it.

I've been trying to encourage everyone at Karin Kay Properties to get a flu shots for both the seasonal and swine flu. It's a cheap (or even free!) way to help slow down the spread of illness.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Help Free Jammahl Sims!

jammahl sims karin kay propertiesJammahl Sims of Karin Kay Properties is going to "locked up for good" today by the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

He will be arrested this afternoon at our office by local firefighters and whisked off to the Outback Steak House in Bremerton to do his time. His goal is to raise $1600. To donate, check out this link:
https://www.joinmda.org/09bremerton/jammahlsims

The funds raised go directly to research, health care services and education to help those battling this neuromuscular disease.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Check Out this Featured Listing in Kitsap!

bremerton real estateLooking for a newer home in Central Kitsap? Then check out this beautiful 3 bedroom/3 bath home located on 944 Yoder Ln NE in Bremerton priced at $335,999. This 2384 square foot home sits on .32 acre off a private road.

bremerton real estatethe kitchen is full of upgrades. Check out the granite counter tops, hardwood floors, island, and stainless steel appliances.

bremerton real estatebremerton real estateThe five piece master bath features dual sinks and large corner tub. No more fighting over bathroom space!

bremerton real estatebremerton real estateThe backyard is fully fenced and perfect for dogs. There is also a batting cage that stays!

If you would like more information about this listing or similar homes in the area, please give Karin Kay Properties a call at 360-479-7653 or send an email to officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com.

Friday, October 2, 2009

What We Love About Kitsap: Part I

My new goal for this blog is to write once a week about something in Kitsap County that makes our community special and unique. Kitsap is a very diverse area and there are many things (some not as well known as others) that makes this a great place to live and work.

My first installment of this series is a place very near and dear to my heart, Central Market. Looking for an obscure food item or the best bulk candy selection in the county, Central Market is the place to go.

They literally have anything and everything you could ever want when it comes to food. The section I have come to love and appreciate is ethnic foods. I have always been fascinated by the Asian culture and have immensely enjoyed trying the various foods and sauces available. Right now I am addicted to this sweet chili sauce suggested to us by an employee. It is great on everything from tofu to french fries!

Their pre-made and deli foods are also awesome. Too tired to cook dinner? Pick up a wholesome meal at the deli. They also have the most delicious tortillas that are made right in front of you.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Congratulations from Karin Kay Properties


We at Karin Kay Properties would like to take a moment to congratulate two people in our office. Packy Rieder and Heidi Hartman have joined the ranks of Kitsap Business Journal's Top 40 Under Forty of 2009.

They and the other 38, represent the next generation of business and community leaders in the area who will help influence and contribute to the future of Kitsap County.

Here are the mini-biographies written up by the Kitsap Business Journal-


Heidi Hartman
Director of Property Management, Details Property Management/Karin Kay Properties
Age: 39

After graduating from the University of Washington in 1992, Heidi started a journey that has lead her into establishing her own business, Detail Property Management. Heidi held various jobs in the real estate industry such as bookkeeper, licensed assistant and property management consultant, before taking a leap of faith to create what is now a prominent property management company serving in the Kitsap County area. “I am proud that I was willing to take the risk and start a management company from nothing,” Heidi says. She has grown a company that is now managing over 125 units from its humble start in the summer of 2005. Outside of work, Heidi is actively involved with her church and church leadership. She helped establish a branch campus for a youth group that was eventually chartered a church. As a proud mother of three, Heidi draws strength from the support of her family.


Packy Rieder
Real Estate Salesman, Karin Kay Properties
Age: 30

Working with a boutique real estate firm fits Patrick “Packy” Rieder perfectly, appreciating the family atmosphere at Karin Kay Properties. He doesn’t believe a national logo on a sign sells a home. Making clients believe they’re more than just a number, and feel like they’re part of the family is his goal. Patrick understands that in business, goals are paramount, believing if there’s nothing to strive for, it’s easy to become complacent. The day he received his real estate license, he set his goal to become the firm’s Top Producer - and he has attained that goal four years running! It’s doing it with integrity that makes him the most proud. Patrick believes pride in your work is mandatory, and from that, your business will prosper. Most people would be surprised to learn he’s a Disabled Veteran, having fought with the Washington Army National Guard in Operation Iraqi Freedom 1 (‘03-‘05).


If you would like to congratulate them directly, give Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653.

Friday, September 25, 2009

One More Day of the A-Mazing Food Drive!

Today is the last day of our A-Mazing Food Drive. It has been a great week and I will be sorry to see it end. Here are some pictures from the last few days:

sunflower bremerton minder farms




The weather this week has been so incredible. Perfect weather for running through a corn maze! I think I will be trying that out today for the first time. Hopefully I won't get lost!

If you plan on coming by we will be at Minder Farms from 3 pm to 5 pm this evening. The Central Kitsap Food Bank is picking up their truck at 5 pm so please bring your food donations before then.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Do Something to Benefit the Silverdale/Bremerton Area!

Check out the Central Kitsap Food Bank truck sitting there, waiting to be filled!

Yesterday was the first day of the A-Mazing Food Drive at Minder Farms. After spending some time setting up, we were treated to a few food and cash donations to our cause. We hope to double the number of donations this afternoon!

The rest of the week we will be at Minder Farms from 3 pm till dusk. Come hang out, get lost in the maze, and munch on a freshly grilled ear of corn. I can attest to how delicious they are!

Minder Farms is located off Highway 303. Look for our signs!

Remember You Will Receive $1 Off Admission to the
Corn Maze With A Canned Food Donation.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Gears Up for Lots of Donations

The A-Mazing Food Drive is just around the corner. I just finished making the donation jar. Hopefully we will be able to fill it with many gracious donations!

Don't forget it all begins September 21st at 3 pm at Minder Farms off Highway 303 near East Bremerton!

The weather for next week looks like it is going to be warm (dare I say, hot!) and sunny. What better weather could you ask for at the end of September? Why not enjoy it by navigating a corn maze for an hour or two?

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

The A-Mazing Food Drive!

The A-Mazing Food Drive
September 21st - 25th
3 pm to Dusk
Minder Farms on Waaga Way
1000 Gluds Pond RD NE

The excitement at Karin Kay Properties continues to grow as we get closer and closer to next week and the beginning of the A-Mazing Food Drive.

This event is a good excuse to enjoy the mild fall weather and help the community at the same time. This is a family event so don't forget to bring the kids! They'll love running around the maze and trying to find the checkpoints.

The Central Kitsap Food Bank will have their donation truck parked near the maze during this week so we will be prepared for the large amounts of food we hope to collect.

Remember You Will Receive $1 Off Admission to the
Corn Maze With A Canned Food Donation.
We Will Also Be Accepting Monetary Donations!

Friday, September 11, 2009

First Official Announcement from Karin Kay Properties

The A-Mazing Food Drive
To Benefit the Local Kitsap Food Banks
September 21 - 25

3 pm to Dusk

Bring a Canned Food Donation to Receive $1 off Admission to the Corn Maze.
A portion of the ticket sales will be donated by Minder Farms.

Sponsored by Karin Kay Properties and Minder Farms


More Information Coming Next Week!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Karin Kay Properties is Enjoying the Weather

Fall is nearing and I think this weekend will be the last gorgeous weekend of the year. I just want to encourage everyone to go out and enjoy it before the leaves begin to fall and frost covers the ground on chilly mornings.

I try to use these warm days and weekends the best I can. I will definitely do some trekking in some Kitsap County parks. My current favorite is Green Mountain near Wildcat Lake. For as close as it is to Bremerton, it is a very peaceful place.

The view from the top is great. You can see the surrounding cities of Bremerton and Silverdale as well as across the Puget Sound to Seattle and beyond. Perhaps if you look real close you can see the Karin Kay Properties building.

Monday, September 7, 2009

A Favorite of Karin Kay Properties

I hope everyone had as much fun as I did at the Blackberry Festival in Bremerton this long weekend. I braved the rain yesterday morning to check out all the booths. I picked up some blackberry wine and kettle corn. Yummy!

Since my last post probably made all my readers hungry for blackberries, here is a great and easy blackberry cobbler recipe!

BLACK BERRY COBBLER

1 c. sugar1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 c. water
3 c. fresh blackberries (or frozen)
Cinnamon, if desired
Sugar (as required according to sweetness of berries)
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. shortening
1/2 c. milk

Mix first 3 ingredients, in saucepan, bring to boil - boil 1 minute and add berries. Pour into baking dish - 10 x 6 x 2 inches. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon - dot with butter. Mix remaining ingredients together, drop by spoonfuls into fruit. Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Give that a try at let me know how it turns out! Call me anytime at Karin Kay Properties, 360-479-7653 or reach me by email, officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com

Friday, September 4, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Heads to the Black Berry Festival


This time of year is so busy in Kitsap County. First we started with Whaling Days at the end of July. We then had the Kitsap County Fair last month and now we have the Blackberry Festival this weekend in downtown Bremerton.

I for one love blackberries. But this love isn't an easy one to maintain. Picking blackberries is no easy task. Every year it gets harder and harder to find blackberries not contaminated with herbicides or road pollution. Whenever I ask people where they go to pick, they usually give me non-descript answers. No one wants to give up the location of their secret berry batch. I can hardly blame them but since they developed Old Mill Park in Silverdale, I have a hard time finding select berries.

Finding that perfect berry patch is only the beginning of the stuggle for the delicious berries. These bushes are heavily guarded fortresses. Every vine is covered in sharp thorns. You practically have to dance around each vine to avoid getting caught. I pay a high price if I get scratched by the thorns. My skin will swell up and itch for hours.

Luckily I and everyone else at Karin Kay Properties can avoid all this and just purchase blackberries and blackberry products at this years festival!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Will Enjoy the Kitsap County Fair!

The Kitsap County Fair started yesterday and will continue through out this weekend. There will be plenty to do for everyone including extreme bull riding, performances by Bucky Covington (a must for American idol fans) and Eddie Money, carnival rides, and of course plenty of greasy fair food.

We here at Karin Kay Properties enjoy a good time so I will definitely be heading there this weekend. I love checking out the craft booths, the 4-H animals, and munching on a fresh corn dog.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Listing of the Week!

This will be the first installment of Karin Kay Properties Listing of the Week. Every week we will feature a new listing from around the Kitsap County area.

This week we would like to highlight a listing in Bremerton. It is located at 8844 Towne Court NE in the one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the Central Kitsap area, Cantershire.

This fully remodeled home contains 3 bedrooms and 2.25 baths and is .87 heavily forested acres! The thick forest provides privacy from neighbors. Think of what you could do with all that land!

Check out the brand new kitchen that features a vaulted ceiling with sky light, beautiful cabinets, new appliances, and an inviting breakfast bar.

Imagine inviting friends and neighbors for great barbecues and parties on these two expansive decks. These decks over look an old growth forest full of native birds to serenade you.

The living room features one (of two) grand floor to ceiling fireplaces. New vinyl windows let in lots of light. Check out the plush new carpet!

If you would like to learn more about this listing, please contact Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 or by email at officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Joins Twitter!

Want to keep updated with all the newest news in Bremerton real estate? Add Karin Kay Properties on Twitter!
https://twitter.com/According2Karin

There aren't too many tweets at the moment but that will change quickly. I will be sure to keep it updated with our new real estate listings and company news.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Great News for Karin Kay Properties and Home Buyers

Even though real estate news around the United States has been mixed at best, the markets in Bremerton and Silverdale are shining.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the cities of Bremerton and Silverdale are one of the top 10 housing market for the next 10 years. These areas didn't just make the list, they are at number one.

Homes prices in these areas are expected to grow by over 5% annually. While many housing markets in the US are suffering, Kitsap County real estate is on track to appreciate greatly! This is great news for home buyers because it means their investments will grow more quickly.

If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about homes in these areas feel free to contact Karin Kay Properties anytime. We can be reached by phone at 360-479-7653 or email at officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Karin Kay Properties Joins Blogger!

I would like to welcome you to this new blog that will chronicle the adventures of Karin Kay Properties as well as community news, Kitsap County real estate information, and new office listings.

Although the website for Karin Kay Properties has been up for years, we have decided to reach out to our past, present, and future clients through this internet-medium, the blog. We hope the community will continue to embrace and communicate with us through this new adventure into blogging.

"Blogging" is a new term spreading like wild fire through this office. One of our agents, Rob Rieder, already has created his own called Notes from the Narrows. I am sure I will be linking to many more by the end of the month.