Karin Kay Properties Testimonial by the Cutting Family

Lisa and Craig Cutting talk about their recent positive experience buying their new home with Karin Kay Properties.

If you'd like to experience our Karin' About You attitude please give Karin Kay Properties a call at 360-479-7653 or email officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com

Kitsap Oktoberfest 2010 this Weekend!

It may not be October yet, but if your looking to do something fun this Saturday visit the Kitsap Oktoberfest at the Kitsap Mall. 

The beer will start flowing at 11 am and the festivities will last until 9 pm.  There will be live music, a Bratwurst eating contest, great food, and much more.  To see a full list of the activities please visit www.kitsapoktoberfest.com.

This event is being held to benefit the Central Kitsap Food Bank.  They ask that you bring non-perishable food donations to help pass the merriment through out the community.

Home of the Week in Twanoh

This extremely well kept A-Frame is located at 341 Canyon View Road in Twanoh Beach Club community south of Belfair.  This 1,248 square foot home contains 3 bedrooms and a 3/4 bath.  It is listed for $149,900.

Large windows keeps this home bright and cheerful.

Look at this cozy brick fireplace!  Between this and the walls of windows, you'll be able to pass the cold and gray of winter in comfort.

Updated kitchen contains everything needed to make memorable occasions.

Master bedroom features a wall of windows.

Enjoy all the amenities the Twanoh Beach Club has to offer!  There is a large pier, 400 feet of beach, and plenty of room to play!

If you would like to schedule a showing to see this home or would like to just learn more about this fantastic property, please contact Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 or send an email to officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com.

Tax Credits are still available in Washington!

The Federal Housing Tax Credit may have expired but there are still other options available for home buyers.

One of these options is called the Mortgage Credit Certificate program from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. This program aimed at middle to upper-income prospective buyers offers a tax credit equal to 20 percent of the yearly interest paid or accrued on a mortgage. The credit remains applied through out the life of the loan.

There are some rules (you can't make over a certain amount of money) and possible drawbacks ($650 fee, must live in home and etc.) To see the whole list of benefits, regulations, and whether you qualify, please visit the Washington State Housing Finance Commission website.

And as always, we'd love to help you find the home of your dreams.  Please call Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 or send an email to officemanagerkkp@yahoo.com.

Poulsbo Restaurant Review: Mor Mor Bistro

Poulsbo has something for everyone.  There are art galleries, antique shops, and lots of restaurants to choose from.  One of the better ones on main street is the Mor Mor Bistro.

I have stopped in for lunch or dinner several times and have enjoyed every meal.  They pride themselves on freshness and use locally sourced food as much as possible.  The most recent was for lunch during the last heat wave in August (they've got AC!).  I ordered a delectable cheese panini and even though it was 90 degrees out, a person at our table ordered the clam chowder because it is so darn good.  

The atmosphere is great, cool and intimate.  They also have a fun little bar (shown above) which I have yet to sit at.

If you find yourself hungry in North Kitsap, this is defintely worth checking out.

How to Prepare a Home for Fall in Kitsap County

As much as we don't want to admit, Fall is just about here.  Children are headed back to school and the leaves are beginning to fall off the trees in my backyard.  It's time to push the denial about the colder months coming aside and prepare your home for the Fall.

Here are some great tips to get you started:

1.  Climb your ladder to see what's in your gutters. Check your gutters for leaves and debris that have collected over the past few months. You should do this job periodically throughout the fall season, since now is the time when all your beautiful trees are shedding their leaves.

2.  Replace your screens. With the weather becoming cooler, you need to remove your screens from all windows and doors and replace them with storm windows. By taking the time to do this simple job, you cut your heating costs significantly by preventing cool breezes and cold drafts from entering your home.

3.  Call out the heating professionals. It may not seem necessary to you because your heating system is working well, but every year, a heating professional should check your furnace. By taking this preventative measure and making minor fixes now, you can avoid expensive repair jobs in the future.

4.  Change the furnace filter. This very important job helps maximize the efficiency with which your furnace runs. You can do this periodically throughout the year as well.

5.  Schedule an appointment with the chimney sweep. If you're in the habit of taking advantage of cozy fires during the winter, you need to have your chimney cleaned by a certified professional every year. Not having your chimney clean before winter use increases the chance of chimney fires due to the buildup of creosote and soot.

6.  Add weather stripping where necessary. After you install all of your storm windows, do your own inspection of all windows and doors to check for problem areas. Repair any damage and apply weather stripping or caulk to seal up any gaps.

7.  Pest-proof your house. Take the time to thoroughly check the outside of your house for any areas that provide entry for mice, raccoons and the like. These little guys are looking for a warm place to bunk this winter, and unless you plan on charging them rent, you don't want them in your house.

These great tips were provided by eHow.

If you'd have a home to maintain, now is a great time to buy in Kitsap County.  Please call Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653 so we start finding the perfect home for you to weather all the seasons in.