Recharge with a Staycation or a Weekend Getaway

In need of a relaxing staycation or a fun getaway? We’ve rounded up some great places that are right here in our corner of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re looking for something exciting or romantic, these gems are sure to help you unwind and recharge.
Angeline Spa & Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish
Part of the Clearwater Casino Resort, the Angeline Spa offers traditional spa services, including facials and massages. A couple’s massage ($220) is the perfect way to create a relaxing, romantic experience. Enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s six restaurants after your spa services. Resort amenities include a zero-entry pool with views of Agate Passage. Not only do you have the casino right there, but you also have the perfect jumping-off point to check out the rest of the Kitsap Peninsula. We may be biased, but our area does have many popular beaches, hiking and biking trails, and cute towns to enjoy. Plus, there are other hidden gems you can explore all in the course of a weekend.
Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville
If you’re looking for a wonderful getaway, plan a trip to Chateau Ste. Michelle. It is just one of the 110+ wineries you can find in the Woodinville area. One of the most famous wineries in Washington state, its origin dates back to the repeal of prohibition. Their best-known wine is their Riesling, and they are the top producer of Reisling in North America. They’re open daily from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and on weekends until 7:00 PM. Be sure to check out events on their calendar. Tasting flights start at $15 and they have a full food menu. Virtual tastings from home are also available.
Float at Dogfish Moon Sanctuary in Poulsbo
Located on 77 acres within the farmlands of Big Valley Road in Poulsbo, this wellness sanctuary is the perfect place for a day of relaxation. The main attraction at Dogfish is their float services, with both indoor and outdoor options available. You can add to your experience by selecting a cedar sauna or massage. The supersaturation of Epsom salts provide a weightless floating experience. The cost is $71+ and services include access to the sanctuary’s beautiful grounds.
Kitsap Great Escape in Silverdale
Sometimes, in order to recharge, you need to break out of your usual routine and do something totally different. Grab a group of friends and head to Kitsap’s Great Escape. They have three immersive escape rooms and a party room. Find the relic, save the ship, or stop the train with your small group. It’s $40 and you can book online. After your great escape, there are many options for a bite to eat in downtown Silverdale. A few ideas include enjoying a meal and a craft beer at Silver City Restaurant & Ale House, experiencing authentic Thai food at Bahn Thai, or savoring a sweet treat at Bella Bella Bakery.
Port Ludlow Inn
This picturesque inn is tucked beside Ludlow Bay. Rooms have fireplaces and jetted tubs, and the New England-inspired look of the resort makes you feel like you’re at a faraway beach. Enjoy meals at the Fireside Restaurant with changing offerings based on what’s in season from local farms. Port Ludlow offers biking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and plenty of water activities. It’s a wonderful home base to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula. To golf, it’s $23+ (9 and 18 hole options), and to stay the night at the inn, it’s $189+ per night.
Port Townsend Day Trip
Just a hop, skip and a jump across the Hood Canal Bridge, Port Townsend offers so many dining and shopping options. Whether you are looking for a high tea, a fancy cocktail, or want to stroll through some art galleries, there’s something here for everyone. Book a sunset sail, a saltwater float, or explore the history of Fort Worden. If you want to extend your stay, there are plenty of charming lodging options available.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort near Port Angeles
Open April through October, this rustic cabin resort nestled in the evergreens offers a variety of lodging options ($240+ per night). You can easily visit the hot springs for the day and there are three mineral hot spring pools, a freshwater pool, and lovely walking trails throughout. There’s also the famous Lovers Lane Loop, which takes you to beautiful Sol Duc Falls. Please note that there is a national park fee.
New Agent Spotlight: Cameron Tappe

We’re excited to feature Cameron Tappe, a new agent who recently joined Windermere Silverdale. He grew up here in the Pacific Northwest and is energetic, hardworking, and dedicated. Learn about his background, professional approach, and more in our Q&A.
What drew you to real estate?
It is so motivating to have the opportunity to help people achieve major milestones in their lives every single day. I get to meet and engage with the people in my community and this fuels my desire to grow both personally and professionally to provide the best real estate expertise possible to my clients.
What unique skills do you possess that enhance your abilities as a realtor?
Real estate transactions have a lot of moving pieces and they have to be put together like a puzzle. I am committed to my clients and resourceful in my problem-solving. Listening and interpreting your clients’ needs is a part of the communication I provide to my client. I am a go-getter and I make things happen in my life. I achieve goals and I am beyond excited to be able to make things happen for my clients.
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Growing up, I was able to watch my parents operate their own business and see the strong work ethic it takes to succeed. I have seen how to run a business with honesty and integrity. I think you have to be personable with your clients and have a good sense of humor. There are a lot of different situations we are put in every day and we have to work well under pressure and in a certain time frame. It’s very important to stay organized.
What area do you serve and what do you love about it?
My office is in Silverdale and I primarily work in the Kitsap County area. I love being in the scenic Pacific Northwest and spending time outdoors. Having easy access to great hiking trails, fun camping spots, and peaceful national parks is an amazing privilege I couldn’t live without!
How long have you lived here and what brought you here?
The Pacific Northwest has always been home. My partner and I live in Manette and enjoy the central location which allows us to conveniently access all that Kitsap County has to offer.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I love the long-standing relationship Windermere has with its community. I think it’s amazing Windermere has a partnership with the Seattle Seahawks to fight homelessness. Additionally, Windermere has a great mentorship program for new agents and a strong team of experienced agents willing to help out.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am incredibly excited to start this next chapter of my life with Windermere. I would love the opportunity to assist you in your next real estate endeavor!
We are so glad Cameron has joined our Windermere Silverdale team. His communicative nature, strong work ethic, and local expertise make him a great advocate for buyers and sellers. You can learn more about him through his website and his Facebook profile.
Delicious, New Places to Try in Kitsap

We’ve been highlighting great, new eateries that have opened during the pandemic through our Facebook page, Windermere Sound Living. Check out these great places that we’ve featured so far, and stay tuned for more!
Bigleaf Maple Bakery in Poulsbo

Photo by Leo Phillips.
What do you get when you mix an archeologist and a choir teacher? Apparently, amazing French pastries! Sarah and Wendi from Bigleaf Maple met three and a half years ago. They were both working at Pane D’Amore on Bainbridge and became “baking soulmates”.
“No matter where you think you’ll be, life puts you in different places,” they said of making radical career shifts and then starting a new business during a pandemic. They started Bigleaf Maple in the winter of 2019, producing wholesale items in early 2020, like macarons for Bon Bon and fresh treats for the Poulsbo Farmers Market.
The bakery started out in a rented commercial kitchen space. As their fan base grew, they offered items for sale via social media for delivery at the beginning of the pandemic. Eventually, they opened their storefront in the late spring of 2021. They both said they love being located in Historic Downtown Poulsbo, allowing them to collaborate and support all of the other local small businesses.
It’s a wonderful place to start your day. Or, pick up some incredible treats for a special occasion!
Ono Poke Too in Kingston

Photos by Leo Phillips.
Poke is a way of life in Hawaii, and Steven Ono is bringing his culture and a new fresh food option to Kitsap through Ono Poke Too in Kingston. Growing up on O’ahu, Steven would race home from school to meet his uncle’s fishing boat to help clean the catch of the day, and take it to auction.
Open since March 2021, Ono has faced challenges, but it has been well-received by the community. Being embedded in the community is very important to the Ono Poke brand, and at the end of each day, any leftover food is shared with community groups via the employees, as EVERY dish is made fresh each morning. They also proudly offer discounts to military and first-responders. A rooftop patio and surfboard storage are on the wish list for additions to the space.
Their sister restaurant in Edmonds has been open for five years and serves more than 100 lbs. of poke per day.
Just a couple of blocks up from the Kingston Ferry Terminal, Ono Poke Too is a delicious spot for lunch or dinner – check it out!
Parlor Shop in Poulsbo

Photos by Leo Phillips.
When the world opened back up in June 2020, Mike and Taylor were ready with their new restaurant: Parlor Shop in Poulsbo! Before opening, Mike and Taylor had been hard at work renovating and curating the space and pizza menu – complete with a full-service cocktail bar. Their hard work shows in the comfortable lounge atmosphere and elegant bar design.
Mike and Taylor hope to host a community space centered around great food, drink, and company. “Every single day is a new starting point, and we’re trying to fulfill what we had envisioned,” says Mike, now on his second restaurant. For Taylor, who also boasts years of restaurant experience, “enthusiastic guests and repeat customers” is especially rewarding to see.
Nothing comes closer to realizing their Parlor Shop vision than live music. With tunes, pies, and drinks flowing, the community atmosphere shines bright, a beacon for the future of this new addition to the vibrant Poulsbo restaurant scene. Next time you’re heading down Viking Way, make a stop at Parlor Shop. Pressed for time? You can easily order online for carry-out.
The Slab Pizza Co. in Suquamish

Photos by Leo Phillips.
The Slab Pizza Company in Suquamish may be small, but it’s certainly mighty. Originally, “the slab” was a large cement basketball court known as a hangout for local youth, and one of the “spots to be” for fireworks. Having lived in the area since the 1990s, owner Drew Bateman chose the name to pay homage to the part of town that had the same name when he was growing up.
The interior of the shop is painted in rainbow colors, not just “because rainbows are cool,” but to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Drew hopes the shop can be a welcoming place for anyone who is from an underrepresented demographic. Being in Suquamish, and being on Native land is really special, and he is proud to be able to serve the community this way.
The Slab, which offers to-go only, opened in mid-June 2021, but the building was obtained in November of 2020. This is Drew’s second pizza restaurant – the first being Bene Pizza on Bainbridge Island. His background in restaurants began at Agate Pass Cafe, which was located across the street from the Slab, and he has been working with the same crew for almost a decade. He loves working with his great crew, which he says feels just like family. Plus, his daughter Chloe, who has been working with him in restaurants since she was 14, can be found behind the counter most days. Order online or stop by for a slice and an interesting soda!
Yoko Yoko Ramen in Bremerton

Photos by Leo Phillips.
Great ramen starts with a passion for authentic cultural traditions, and James Johnson, the owner of Yoko Yoko Ramen, gained that from his time in Japan. While stationed there for the Navy, he attended the International Ramen School as a hobby, learning everything about ramen, including how to make all of the traditional ingredients, and how to open a restaurant. It wasn’t until he ended up in Kitsap that he put this knowledge to work.
The restaurant opened in April of 2021, with a bar expansion in June. Liz, the bar manager, also spent five years in Japan, and is thrilled to be able to create custom cocktails and bring Japanese ingredients to life in beautiful ways.
Johnson’s vision was to bring something to Kitsap that would fill a void for folks who have lived or spent time in Japan, a place for nostalgia and reminiscing, while also serving those interested in trying authentic dishes.
More recently, they are hoping to bring some of the “San Diego vibe” to Bremerton, to welcome families recently relocated to Kitsap with the arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt. Future plans include a traditional-style karaoke lounge, available for private events. They offer gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, so grab your friends and family for a great lunch, dinner, or Happy Hour meet-up.
If you know of a delicious, new place here in Kitsap County, please let us know through our Facebook page and we might feature it.
Celebrate Fall at these Kitsap Pumpkin Patches

Crisp air and crunchy leaves mean that pumpkin season has arrived! Here are some of our favorite local pumpkin patches that offer pumpkins and produce for sale, as well as fun, fall experiences.
Creek House Farm in Port Orchard

Photo by Creek House Farm.
Book 90 minutes of fun on this family farm in the Manchester area of Port Orchard. Admission is $7.50 per person (ages 2 and up) and it includes time to feed farm animals, launch water balloons at wooden pumpkins, solve a pumpkin puzzle in the forest, and go on the super slide or the pumpkin barrel train. Also, their farm has 20 types of heirloom and hybrid pumpkins and squashes to purchase and enjoy.
Opens October 1st
Hours: By appointment only through their online ticketing system.
Fat Turnip Farms in Kingston

Photo by Bittina Erickson.
Out in the little community of Eglon, Fat Turnip Farms sells certified organic produce at their farm stand and has a u-pick pumpkin patch with tons of different options as well as late-season, u-pick flowers. Their setup offers many great places to take photos with friends or little ones, and they periodically offer events. Be sure to check their Facebook page for details!
Opened Friday, September 17th
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pheasant Fields Farm in Silverdale

Photo by Pheasant Fields Farm.
Tucked away on Clear Creek Road, this farm has a robust offering of activities for family fun.
They have the first living corn maze in Kitsap where you can solve a riddle for a chance to win a gift basket. Walk through the pumpkin patch to choose from a variety of pumpkin types or enjoy a self-guided tour around the farm to check out their animals. It’s free to visit the farm and the corn maze costs $5 for children under 16, $7 for adults, and there’s a military discount ($1 off admission). For the most up-to-date offerings, check out their Facebook page.
Opens Friday, October 1st
Hours: Mondays – Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sundays Noon – 6:00 PM
Scandia Patch in Poulsbo

Photo by Scandia Patch.
A Poulsbo favorite since 1966, this farm sits on 5 acres in Scandia. They have pumpkins and seasonal produce, herbs, and flowers. You can stroll through their beautiful fields and visit with their animals. For current offerings, visit their Facebook page.
Open: Ongoing
Hours: Times vary; check their Facebook page for the latest information.
Suyematsu Farms on Bainbridge Island

Photo by Suyematsu Farms.
An Island favorite for u-pick, Suyematsu Farms is back at it this year with their wonderful pumpkin patch. They grow a large variety of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins. It’s a fun place to celebrate autumn, take photos, and find some beautiful, delicious fall decor. Check their Instagram or their Facebook page to find out about special happenings.
Opened Saturday, September 25th
Hours: Weekdays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM and Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
First Glimpse of Fall
As a little bonus, we’re including this snapshot of fall’s beginnings here in Kitsap County, WA. We loved seeing the first signs of fall’s colors at Poulsbo’s Fish Park.
Community Spotlight: Silverdale Rotary Club

Every summer, a wave of rubber ducks make their way across Dyes Inlet to raise tens of thousands of dollars. Known as the Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time to plan and prepare this fun, one-of-a-kind fundraiser. The rules are simple. Community members who “buy” a duck will be entered into a competition to win a prize. During Whaling Days, the rubber ducks are all released and race to the finish line. Whoever’s duck reaches the finish line the soonest will win one of many prizes. Most recently, the Grand Prize of the 2019 Rotary Duck Race was a Nissan truck or $16,000 cash. This race has raised over $1.6 million, which goes directly back to the community through a variety of programs and initiatives.
Silverdale Rotary Club’s Impact Here and Abroad
The Silverdale Rotary Club works diligently year-round, recruiting volunteers and planning dozens of fundraisers and events to help the community. “The Silverdale Rotary Club provides grants to nonprofits across Kitsap,” says Steven Boe, Rotary Silverdale Chapter President and Windermere Real Estate Agent. Some of these include Backpacks for Kids, CK Food Bank, and The Coffee Oasis. They also support homeless and environmental programs and provide dictionaries for elementary school kids. “We provide scholarships for graduating high school students, military service members of the quarter, and many more,” Steven explains.
“It is really fun to volunteer for events like the Duck Race and Turkey Trot which help fundraise to provide community grants and services. Rotary service clubs and partners even offer support for different phases of disaster relief which people may not be aware of,” says Julie Wurden Jablonski, Silverdale Rotary member and Windermere Broker.
In addition to their work in our community, Silverdale Rotary Club also supports global Rotary projects since it’s an international organization. In fact, there are 35,000 clubs around the world. A couple of global Rotary projects that Silverdale Rotary has supported include the eradication of Polio #EndPolioNow, and microloans for women in undeveloped countries.
Upcoming Projects and Fundraisers
Unfortunately, the Silverdale Rotary Club had to cancel last summer’s Duck Race due to COVID-19. However, cash sponsors had the opportunity to pick their favorite nonprofit to receive cash grants directly. The organizations picked were The Coffee Oasis, Central Kitsap Medic One Foundation (CKM1F), and Bremerton Backpack Brigade.
The Silverdale Rotary Club has a lot in store for 2021, including welcoming a new chapter president, Jennifer Strong. They’re excited about the return of the annual Silverdale Rotary Duck Race, and a food bagging project that supports children and their families.
“Volunteers will be bagging food and supplies the week before spring break,” Steven says. “It usually supports kids of all ages, as well as their families. During the break, the school typically doesn’t supply meals. For some, these bags may be the only food they eat. We utilize the school to help distribute the bags.”
How You Can Get Involved
The Silverdale Rotary Club welcomes community support and there are many ways that you can get involved. In addition to participating in food bagging projects and buying a rubber duck for the Duck Race, you can become a member or donate! 100% of all donations go directly to help those in need. Getting involved, even in some small way, will undoubtedly help you feel more connected to our wonderful community.
Silverdale & Bremerton: Strong Communities, Convenience and Charm

Surrounded by Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, Silverdale and Bremerton boast a range of businesses and entertainment as well as a strong military presence.
From Settlers to City
On a beautiful, cloudy day, the Silverdale waterfront gleams with a silver glow. On shore, a bustling city center houses the most expansive shopping experience on the Kitsap Peninsula. There are local favorites like Purpose Boutique, Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio, and Silverdale Antiques. And, you can find everything you need by visiting Kitsap Mall, Trader Joe’s, and Costco. Great stops for a bite to eat include popular places like Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Cafe, Jo:a Japanese Restaurant and Yacht Club Broiler.
While it’s a strong center for economic development today, Silverdale actually started in a modest fashion. First formed in 1920 as an unincorporated port to serve the logging industry, Silverdale transitioned to a farming town. This gave way to Scandinavian immigrants who became the first permanent settlers in Silverdale.
- Aerial view, Port of Silverdale, 1952
- Visitors at the old dock in Silverdale on Dyes Inlet, Kitsap County
In the decades that followed, the introduction to the ‘Bremerton-to-Poulsbo Highway’ changed Silverdale into Kitsap’s busy commercial center. Over time, Silverdale began adding amenities like the popular Silverdale Waterfront Park to honor the proud Old Town port of its early days.
Bremerton’s Beginnings
Founded by the vision of Real Estate businessman, William Bremer, and platted in 1891, Bremerton houses the largest Naval Shipyard on the West Coast. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard survived both World Wars and was even expanded during the Great Depression.
Points of Pride
Today, Bremerton is the largest city in Kitsap County. It has a population of over 41,000. By ferry, Bremerton residents reach Seattle within an hour to enjoy the larger city life across Puget Sound. While the military defined early Bremerton and still shapes it today, business development paved the way, specifically within the arts. The now-famous Admiral Theatre has housed some of the greatest names in music and entertainment. It sets the stage for an Art Deco-inspired downtown, complete with art galleries and Historic Roxy Theatre.
And, fun fact: music legend Quincy Jones grew up in Bremerton. The city dedicated an entire square downtown to honor his legacy as the most famous hometown artist. Hysterically, Quincy recalled his Bremerton youth on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, saying, “What happened was … we wanted to be baby gangsters and like, rule Bremerton.”
Bremerton also offers fabulous eateries like La Fermata, voted this year’s Best Romantic Dinner in Central Kitsap and Bremerton, and Silver City Brewery, bottling wonderful craft ales alongside gourmet pub food. Axe & Arrow Gastropub offers delicious options as well, and Chef Tabura was the winner of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” in 2013.
Wonderful Events and Outdoor Escapes
Silverdale and Bremerton are popular shopping and dining destinations with distinct features. Additionally, they offer a strong sense of community through many local organizations and events. Fun annual festivals include the Blackberry Festival, Armed Forces Day Parade, Wayzgoose Arts Festival, and Whaling Days.
These charming cities harbor many larger city conveniences yet they are surrounded by nature. Nestled beside the epic Olympic Mountains, Silverdale and Bremerton offer a variety of nature trails and parks to get away from it all. Here’s a starter pack of places to explore: Illahee State Park, Manchester State Park, Newberry Hill Heritage Park, Wildcat Lake County Park, and Old Mill Park. From functional to robust, Silverdale and Bremerton have blossomed into truly unique cities with offerings for all.
- Lions Park by Leo Phillips
- Silverdale Sunset by Leo Phillips
The Rich History of the Suquamish Tribe

All media courtesy of the Suquamish Museum.
Nothing embodies perseverance quite like the Suquamish Tribe. Thriving with tradition and culture, the Suquamish Tribe has lived in tandem with the land, now Kitsap County, for centuries. The Suquamish lived communally in permanent villages along the shore near rivers and streams of the Puget Sound during the winter. They had winter villages in places like Suquamish, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Port Madison, and Battle Point. During the other seasons, many left their residences in family canoes to travel to temporary camps at fishing, hunting, and gathering grounds.
The Suquamish people’s indigenous language is Lushootseed, a linguistic member of the Coast Salish language group spoken by first peoples throughout the Pacific Northwest. Due to federal assimilation policies, their language was almost lost. But they’ve fought hard to preserve it. They established a Traditional Learning Program that teaches Lushootseed to children and community members.
Historical Attractions
Part of the Port Madison Indian Reservation, the Suquamish village has magnificent ocean and mountain views. Native and non-native residents live there. The waterfront is adorned by restaurants, local businesses, and cultural attractions. One of the most notable and must-visit places is Chief Seattle’s Gravesite. This monument honors the legendary leader of the Suquamish Tribe. Chief Seattle was known for his ideas around ethics, spirituality, and environmentalism.
Learn more about Chief Seattle from Suquamish Elder Marilyn Wandrey who shares important historical details in the video below, courtesy of the Suquamish Museum.
The House of Awakened Culture stands tall by the waterfront. The House and surrounding outdoor area hosts many events that teach and celebrate the Suquamish culture. Programs include basket weaving, Lushootseed language lessons, Youth Canoe Journey Trainings, and traditional Suquamish ceremonies.
Old Man House Park is the site of the largest Suquamish winter village located on the shore of Agate Passage. The home of Chief Seattle and Chief Kitsap once stood there before the U.S. government destroyed it in 1870.
- Canoe in Suquamish/Agate Pass, circa 1930’s. Photograph by Bertelson
- Beach seiners on Agate Pass, Emmanuel Alfred, Justin Alfred of the Suquamish Tribe
- Basketmaker Tennessee at her home on Bainbridge island
- Race canoe built by Jack Adams: Seabreeze
Photographs courtesy of the Suquamish Museum
The Suquamish Tribe Today
In the face of European colonization, the Suquamish Tribe has persevered. Thanks to the selfless acts of Chief Seattle and Chief Kitsap working to protect their people, the Suquamish continue to rebuild their community and thrive. Through self-determination, the Suquamish spent decades building government relationships with federal, state, and local agencies. Much of the Tribe has fought to preserve hunting and fishing traditions for future Suquamish generations.
Today, the Suquamish Tribe devotes resources and time to instilling Suquamish pride in the current generation. The Tribe’s history and traditions are celebrated throughout the year and are shared through cultural and educational activities. Additionally, Chief Kitsap Academy (CKA) is one of the first tribal compact schools in Washington. Serving grades 6 – 12, CKA’s vision is that “every graduate is a confident, courageous, thoughtful, and respectful member of our community”. CKA also expects students to “pursue additional training and/or education and take on leadership roles in the Suquamish Tribe, the local area, and our global community”.
As their neighbors, we are proud to highlight the Suquamish Tribe’s history, culture, and traditions, recognizing that they lived here long before us. Today, the beautiful Suquamish Museum and their Tribe’s website provide a wealth of information to honor their heritage and educate locals and tourists alike.
Central Kitsap’s Market: Third Quarter Review and Forecast

Central Kitsap’s market had a very strong third quarter. We’ve compiled key stats below to provide a comprehensive review of our market, as well as insights and predictions from Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.
Our Strong Seller’s Market
It’s a strong seller’s market here in Central Kitsap. Inventory remains low while demand is high. In our third quarter, the median sale price was up 11.5% year-over-year at $379K. Buyers should be aware that multiple offer situations have become more common in our area.
Market Predictions
Although mortgage rates remain historically low and demand is high, our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, has some concerns about how this may impact real estate down the road. “We may be heading towards a period where we see houses turn over at a far slower pace as we stay in our homes for longer than ever…this could be a problem as it leads to persistently low levels of inventory for sale, which itself could lead to prices continuing to rise at above-average rates and that would further hit affordability.” As for mortgage rates, Gardner does not expect them to rise significantly any time soon. However, he says, “We should all be aware that there could be consequences to very low rates”.
Western Washington Review
Let’s zoom out a bit and look at our area. Below are highlights from The Western Washington Gardner Report provided by Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner.
WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME SALES
- Total Sales: 11.6% increase from Q3/2019, and 45.9% higher than Q2/2020
- Homes for Sale: 41.7% lower than Q3/2019, but up 1.6% from Q2/2020
- Pending Sales: up 29% from Q2/2020
WESTERN WASHINGTON HOME PRICES
- Average: $611,793 (up 17.1% from Q3/2019). Low mortgage rates and limited inventory are clearly pushing prices up.
- Prices will continue to increase as long as mortgage rates and inventory levels stay low. If this continues to be the case, affordability issues will become more apparent in many markets.
DAYS ON MARKET, WESTERN WASHINGTON
- Average: 36 days (an average of 4 fewer days than in Q2/2020 and 2 fewer days than in Q3/2019)
- In Kitsap County, average days on market: 20
Conclusion
In Gardner’s Western Washington Report, he states that, although we have a strong seller’s market that is very buoyant, he’s “starting to see affordability issues increase in many areas—not just in the central Puget Sound region—and this is concerning. Perhaps the winter will act to cool the market, but something is telling me we shouldn’t count on it.”