Celebrating Fall at Brandywine Estates in Central Kitsap

Tips from Teri - Winterizing

Now is the Time to Prepare for Winter

 Hello Everyone,

This week I thought I would prompt you to get outside and enjoy this weather while it’s still here!  I thought … why wait until weather turns to get out to prepare for the winter?  Get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Now is a good time to check these to avoid possible headaches down the road.

 

· CLEAN OUT YOUR GUTTERS   -  Avoid future roof  damage.  Clean those gutters now.  

· DRAIN FAUCETS AND SPRINKLER SYSTEMS  -  Water sitting in pipes can freeze and burst.  Drain lines and cover hose bibs with Styrofoam insulators.

· AS KARIN SUGGESTED, REPLACE FURNACE FILTER - Keep your furnace efficient this winter.  And, when was the last time you had it serviced?

· REPLACE BATTERIES IN SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

· CHECK AND/OR CLEAN CHIMNEY  -  Especially if you are using wood as one of your heat sources this winter.

If you have hints that you use to do any of the above or have suggestions of your own  -  share them with our other readers!

Til next time  ~  Teri

Tips from Teri - Staging

HOME STAGING TIPS TO GIVE YOU THE UPPER HAND 

WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS ON THE MARKET 

Staging your home well is incredibly important.  If done right it can make your home appear bigger, brighter,  and more appealing to buyers.  Staging is what you do after you've cleaned, decluttered, painted, made minor repairs; it's all about dressing the house for sale.  

Here are some easy ideas to get you started -
· Vases of fresh flowers anywhere in the house brightens the space.
· Fresh new pillows to add a pop of color to your couch.
· Style your dining room table. Setting your table as if its set for a dinner party adds pops of color and helps buyers envision the fun they can have in their new space.

 

 In your living room, arrange your furniture with good flow and easy conversations. Remove any extra pieces and personal photos. Repaint dingy walls, however, choose sophisticated neutral colors. Now is not the time to experiment with that "fun"-looking lime green. Rich mid tone neutrals like beige or gray create a sophisticated backdrop that makes everything look more pulled together. Bring in your pops of color with the accents.

 · Stage your master bedroom with crisp linens, perhaps a blanket folded at the end of the bed, and pretty pillows. Remove all personal items.
 · Keep toys picked up in kids’ rooms. Of course there will be families with children looking at your home, but just because they have kids too doesn't mean they want to see toys strewn around. When people are house hunting, they are imagining a fresh start. Show them there is room in your house to have beautifully organized kids rooms.
· If you have been using a spare bedroom as a dumping ground for odd pieces of furniture and boxes of junk, it's time to clean up your act. Each room should have a clearly defined purpose, so think about what potential buyers might like to see here. An office? A guest room? Another kids' room? Whether you buy inexpensive furnishings, rent them, or borrow some from friends, making a real room out of a junk room will have a big payoff.
· De-clutter bathrooms and add fresh towels. Give a spa feeling.
· Be careful of pet odors! If you have pets, (or you have dirty spots or odors), get all rugs steam cleaned and be extra vigilant about vacuuming Also be sure to keep any pet toys, kennels, or litter boxes hidden when tours are scheduled.

 · Stage outdoors too. Even if you only have a postage stamp size balcony, play it up with a cute café table and chairs, a cheerful tablecloth and even a little tray of dishes or a vase of flowers. When people look at this scene, they won't be thinking "small," they will be thinking, "What a charming spot to have breakfast!" Make sure your garden is in beautiful shape in the summer, and that any extra features you have, like a pool, firepit, or built in barbque area are cleaned and ready to go.
· Take advantage of the cozy vibe of the cooler months by building a fire in the fireplace and simmering hot apple cider on the stove or fresh cookies in the oven.

If you have any questions about selling your home or would like more information on how to get started, please contact Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653

2012 Kitsap County Fair is Almost Here!

The Kitsap County Fair and Stampede will begin tomorrow Wednesday, August 22nd and run through Sunday, August 26th.

The Xtreme Bull Riding Competition kicks off the fair on Wednesday night at 7 pm.  Click here for ticket information.     

Country star Jerrod Neimann will be performing Thursday night at 9 pm.  Tickets are sill available and can be purchase by clicking here.

The weather should be nice through out the week so get out there and enjoy some classic Americana and hand-dipped corn dogs.

Tips from Teri - Home Interior Suggestions

HOME INTERIOR TIPS TO GIVE YOU THE UPPER HAND

WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS ON THE MARKET

Keeping the interior of your home in the best shape possible is incredibly important.  You want your home to always looks it best for every potential buyer that comes through.

Keep your house sparkling clean and decluttered.   From shining floors and gleaming windows to clean counters and scrubbed grout, every surface should sparkle during the entire listing process.  This is the easiest (well, maybe not easiest, but certainly the cheapest) way to help your home put its best foot forward.   This step is really important!   All clutter must go.  It may require moving items to offsite storage temporarily, but it is well worth the trouble. Clean, clear surfaces, floors, cupboards and closets equal more space in the eyes of potential buyers, so purge anything unnecessary or unsightly.

Here is a check list for the inside:

· Remember to keep bathrooms clean, toilet seats down.  Freshen up with new towels

· All surfaces in kitchen, cleaned and decluttered.   Remove most items from counters.  Remember to remove all things from fridge door. 

· Bedrooms—Remember to always keep beds made.  Refresh with new bedding if you can.

· Living room– Remove extra pieces of furniture if needed to open up flow and help room feel spacious.  Remove knick-knacks and all personal photos. 

· Closets– organize and pack away all items not being used.  Remember, you are moving

· Make sure rooms are used as their true purpose.  Dining rooms should not be toy rooms.   Bedrooms should always used as bedrooms.  (If you are selling a 3 bedroom home, show 3)

· Also keep in mind, not everyone likes the same style as you.   Even if you have an awesome vintage-chic look going on, rein it in for the sake of appealing to the most number of people. You can bring your personal style back into play in your new home.

Next week I will go over how to stage your homes to show it's best attributes.

If you have any questions about selling your home or would like more information on how to get started, please contact Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653

Introducing Tips from Teri - Part One

HOME EXTERIOR TIPS TO GIVE YOU THE UPPER HAND

WHEN YOUR HOUSE IS ON THE MARKET

If you are planning on putting your house on the market to take advantage of the increased amount of buyers during the summer, time is of the essence.  I am sure you are hoping to sell your home as quickly as possible, which means your home must stand out above the rest.    Here are some ideas to set the stage for success.   I’ve included tips for styling and upgrading your home to aid you in fast results. 

This is Part One of a three part series.  In this first entry, I am focusing on the exterior of the home.  Next week will be interior tips, and lastly, this importance of staging.

Boost curb appeal.

Many buyers will do a quick drive-by first.   If they aren’t attracted to your home from the outside, often they won’t even ask to see the inside.   

Here is a check list of items to perk up your home and draw buyers in:

· Plant blooming flowers to add pops of color

· Keep lawn mowed, watered, and edged

· Wash windows

· Make sure there are no toys or extra objects in yard, including extra vehicles

· Check for peeling paint.  Paint or touch up, as needed

· Power wash driveway and house if needed

Welcome buyers with an inviting porch.   

Even if you have only a tiny porch, make it say "welcome" with a new doormat, and potted plants in bloom. If you have room add one or two pieces of porch furniture. Remember to keep your porch lights on in the evenings, in case potential buyers drive by.

If you have any questions about selling your home or would like more information on how to get started, please contact Karin Kay Properties at 360-479-7653

Home of the Week in North Kitsap

This "trophy" of a home can be found at 26657 Trophy Lane in Kingston.  Surrounded by 2.65 wooded acres, you'll feel like your living in a park!  Listed at $370,000, this home has 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms within it's 2,253 square feet.

Well-kept inside and out! Quality siding and well maintained roof.  Enjoy quiet afternoons on the back deck.

A bright kitchen, with recessed lighting (that extends into the family room as well) and a bumped out garden window (not shown) features plenty of cabinets (including additional pantry area). Sliding glass doors make this room even more sun-filled and lead to your private backyard.

 

The river-rock, propane, fireplace is the focal point of the living room. An oversized, wood-wrapped window (with built in seat) - may be all the lighting you'll ever use.

 

Upstairs you will find the master suite with a double door entrance, large walk-in closet, and five piece master bath.

Don't miss the bonus room above the garage.  Full of light, this room would be perfect for a media room, office, hobby room or anything else you can dream up!

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

Kitsap Harbor Festival This Weekend!

If you are sticking around this holiday weekend, make time to visit the Kitsap Harbor Festival which starts this Saturday and runs through Monday.

There will be great family friendly events on both sides of Sinclair Inlet.

Hope to see you there!

Here is a run down of the events from their website-

Saturday, May 26, 2012
The Bremerton - Port Orchard foot ferry will operate every thirty minutes from 8:30 AM (departs Port Orchard) until 7:45 PM (departs Bremerton)
Fare is $2.00 Each Way
Bremerton Events
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM Bremerton Central Lions Club Pancake Breakfast on the Boardwalk
8:00 AM   Amina’s Recovery Run
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM  Kitsap Arts & Antique Show/4th Street Market
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Kitsap Car Cruz
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM  Kitsap Harbor Regatta
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Murder Mystery Weekend
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Bremerton Boardwalk Festivities
Craft/ Merchant/Food Booths
Beer Garden
Live Entertainment
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Historic Military Vehicle Display
Port Orchard Events
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Farmers Market
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Murder Mystery Weekend
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Bay Street Merchant’s Beer Garden/Separate Kid’s Root Beer Garden

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The Bremerton - Port Orchard foot ferry will operate every thirty minutes from 8:00 AM (departs Port Orchard) until 7:45 PM (departs Bremerton)
Fare is $2.00 Each Way
Bremerton Events
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Kitsap Motorcycle Cruz-In
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Kitsap Harbor Regatta
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Murder Mystery Weekend
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Historic Military Vehicle Display
TBD (Afternoon)  Motorcycle Demonstration
10:00 AM –6:00 PM Bremerton Boardwalk Festivities
Craft/ Merchant/Food Booths
Beer Garden
Live Entertainment
Special:  US Navy Band Northwest – Puget
Sound Machine 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Port Orchard Events
8:00 AM – 10:00AM Pancake Breakfast at Amy’s On the Bay benefiting the South Kitsap Helpline
8:00 AM   Amateur “Seagull” Wings Cook-Off - Contestant Ck-In
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM  Farmers Market
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Murder Mystery Weekend
10:45 AM   Commercial “Seagull” Wings Cook-Off – Check-In
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Bay Street Merchant’s Beer Garden/Separate Kid’s Root Beer Garden
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM “Seagull” Wings Cook-Off (judging  11:00 AM/distribution of wings 12:00 PM)
1:00 PM – 3:00PM 24th Annual Seagull Calling Contest (Registration 1:00 pm, calling at 2:00PM)

Monday, May 28, 2012

Bremerton Events
TBD   Memorial Day Service onboard USS Turner Joy (DD 951)

Home of the Week in Bremerton

Located at 6302 Hamma Hamma Lane, this Home of the Week is ready to move into!  Listed at $229,900, this home has 4 bedrooms and 2.25 bathrooms within it's 1,582 square feet.  

The front door leads into the living area.  A gas fireplace will keep you cozy in the winter.

The large kitchen has plenty of cabinets and a convenient breakfast bar.

The bedrooms upstairs are all a good size.  One of them even has built in speakers!  Three bedrooms share a full bathroom and the master bathroom has a 3/4 bath.

 The backyard is fully fenced.  Lots of space to barbeque or play!

 

There is also a great community park in the neighborhood.

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

Happy Easter from Karin Kay Properties

The Easter Bunny came by Karin Kay Properties for an early visit today!

All of us at Karin Kay Properties would like to wish you a Happy Easter! 

Easter Egg Hunts in Kitsap County

Easter arrives this weekend.  Here is a list by region of free local Easter egg hunts.  Happy Easter to all!

BREMERTON

Annual Elks Easter Egg Hunt - Sunday at 1:30 pm
The Elks Club - 4131 Pine Rd NE

Open for the age groups of 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-10 years. Sheriff Boyer will start the hunt at 1:30 pm. We suggest you arrive early. There will be an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny as the 6000 eggs that he has hidden are hunted.

POULSBO

City of Poulsbo Easter Candy Hunt - Saturday at 1 pm

Raab Park - 18349 Caldart Avenue NE

Join the fun at Poulsbo's Raab Park 

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday at 10 am
Olympic Evangelical Free Church - 14861 Silverdale Way
For children under 12 years old.  Everyone welcome.

Community Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday at 11 am
2365 Rude Road
There will be eggs, candy, and free drawings for Easter baskets.  For ages toddlers to 6th grade.

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

Flashlight Egg Hunt - Friday at 9 pm
Bainbridge Island Teen Center - 9332 Northeast High School Road
Teenagers ages 13 - 18 can grab a flashlight and a container and search for eggs to redeemed for prizes.  


Geo Egg Hunt - Saturday at 9 am
Geo-aching coordinates will be posted at 9 am on the Park District website at www.biparks.org

PORT ORCHARD

Manchester Annual Bunny Hop - Saturday at 12 pm
Manchester Library - 8067 E Main Street
Meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, play games and make crafts.  Participate in the spring spirit by decorating pots and planting a flower.

Children's Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday at 11 am
South Kitsap Regional Park - Jackson Street Entrance
Egg hunting open to children 10 and under with responsible adult.

GIG HARBOR

Spring Egg Hunt - Saturday at 12 pm
Sehmel Homestead Park - 10123 78th Street NE
Bring the kids for a guaranteed chance to find eggs and receive prizes.

Welcome to Karin Kay Properties, Klaus!

Karin Kay is happy to announce that broker Klaus Golombek has joined Karin Kay Properties.

Klaus has been involved in real estate industry for over 45 years and is a welcome addition to our team.  Whether you are looking for a starter home or a dream home, he's ready to help you meet your real estate goals! 

You can welcome him by stopping in at Karin Kay Properties 237 6th Street, Bremerton, or by calling him at (360) 479- 7653.

Home of the Week Returns to Bremerton

A large corner lot (.28 acre!) with circular driveway leads you to a home loaded with potential at 1902 NW Corbet Drive in Bremerton.  Within it's 1,538 finished square feet, 3 bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms can be found.  An unfinished basement adds more value.  It is listed at $149,900.

This vintage fireplace gives the living room a cozy feeling.  Notice the hardwood floors that are found through out the home.

 The dining room is large enough for any party you'd like to have.  Notice the coved ceilings.  Such charm!

The kitchen has plenty of storage space and gas stove.

Out the back door of the kitchen is the private patio.  There is even a pond ready to be stocked with fish!

 

The unfinished basement has 640 square feet of space for all your projects.  There is already a work bench in place.

 

There is even a partial water view from the front porch.


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

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Bremerton

If you are looking for a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, come to downtown Bremerton's 21st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.  The festivities starts at 10 am.

Family fun activities include: taking your picture as a leprechaun, kissing the Brem-Blarney Stone for good luck, and green cotton candy tasting.  There will also be music provided by the Tacoma Scots Bagpipe Band.

The only thing that would make this event better is a sunny day.  Maybe we'll be blessed with a bit of Irish luck and the clouds will part for the day!

Fabulous Home of the Week in Port Orchard

Nestled down a long winding driveway, past a gated entrance, lies a welcoming traditionally styled home at 3634 SE Engledow Lane in Port Orchard. You will immediately notice the attention to quality and pride of ownership.  Listed at $474,950, the home has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths within its 2,904 square feet.

Walk through the entry and you will arrive in the gourmet kitchen.  Granite counters sit atop cherry stained cabinets.  There is a breakfast bar and even a special spot to store your wine glasses and bottles.

Past the kitchen is a gigantic recreation room.  There is room for a dining area, a media center, and even billiards!  Windows abound keeping this room very bright with natural light.

A formal living room can also be found downstairs.  A propane fireplace gives this room a warm feel.

 Upstairs are all 4 bedrooms including the master suite with a jetted soaking tub and walk-in closet.

Trex decking wraps around the outside of the entire house.  There is even a spot for a hot tub! 

 

There is also an additional out building with a loft and office space.

The surrounding 2.51 acres that the home sits on is spectacular no matter what the season.  Enjoy taking a walk through your own woods on already constructed trails.

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.