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What to Know Before You Sell
Whether a big life change or an opportunity has prompted you to sell your home, it’s important to carefully prepare for this process. Utilizing current, accurate information is the key to success, as is working with trusted local professionals. We’ve compiled a list of tips and resources to better equip you for putting your property on the market.
Understanding Your Local Real Estate Market
While the home-selling process does require getting your home ready for market, you’ll also want to learn about real estate in your area. As a starting point, check out these informative videos with Windermere’s Principal Economist, Jeff Tucker. Then, learn about your local real estate market and its trends. This can significantly impact your timeline and potential profit. And, you’ll be able to manage your expectations better by being well informed. Working with a real estate agent with local expertise is to your advantage. They can also provide a free Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to competitively and accurately price your home. You’ll avoid the costly mistake of overpricing your home. Additionally, you’ll be able to develop a clear strategy before you sell. If you aren’t in a hurry to sell, you may also want to discuss when it’s best to sell a home in your area. Your Broker will be able to provide data about market activity and seasonal demand. Generally, summer tends to be the busiest season, but that also means more competition. Here in Kitsap County, we’re seeing greater inventory so you really want to make sure your home shines. In fact, the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) 2025 Remodeling Impact Report revealed that 46% of home buyers are less willing to compromise on the condition of the home when purchasing.
Preparing Your Home for Sale
Curious about home improvements that pay off in terms of the resale value? When your real estate agent does a CMA with you, they will also recommend important repairs, upgrades, and potential renovations that can increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers. They’ll also know which are most popular in your local real estate market.
A few examples that recoup the majority of the cost nationally are:
- new steel front door (100%)
- closet renovation (83%)
- basement conversion to living area (71%)
- minor kitchen upgrade (60%)
Learn more in this article about the NAR’s top recommended remodeling projects. When constructing a budget for the home-selling process, it isn’t just about factoring in repairs and upgrades. You’ll also want to include home-selling costs. If you’re concerned about the costs, you may want to consider using the Windermere Ready program. We can provide up to $100,000 in assistance to properly prepare your home. Learn more by watching the video below.
Decluttering and staging are also key components as you get your home ready to list. This downsizing article has some great decluttering and organizational tips. While not required, staging can be very beneficial. In a 2023 study, 81% of buyers’ agents said that staging a home made it easier for their clients to see a property as their future home. Furthermore, staged homes tend to sell for more and in less time.
Navigating the Selling Process
While you may be eager to get started, the more you know beforehand, the better. Quickly listing your home could lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities. Before you sell, check out Windermere’s selling guide. And, if you’re wondering about contingencies, check out our Home Sellers’ FAQs.
After a CMA, repairs, strategic upgrades, properly pricing your home, and marketing it with high-quality staging, photography, and videography – all thanks to your great Broker – your home will go live on the NWMLS (assuming you’re in our area). All of your hard work will help make a lasting impression on buyers, both online and in person. So, be sure to depersonalize your home for open houses, make any last-minute touch-ups, ensure it’s so clean it sparkles, and do a smell check.
Next come offers, inspections, and negotiations. Remember, there’s more to an offer than the price. Important factors include your moving timeline, verifying the buyer’s financing and pre-approval, and contingencies.
Check out our free flipbook below to understand more about how our highly-rated Windermere Silverdale agents are ready to help you before you sell, during the process, and long after. We’re in the business of building strong relationships, and achieving our clients’ real estate goals.
Selling Your Home in Kitsap’s Current Market
If you’re planning to sell your home in Kitsap County, learning more about our current market will help you make data-driven decisions. Below, you’ll find the data and tips needed to help you get started.
Understand Kitsap’s Real Estate Market
In 2025, we saw a shift in Kitsap County’s market, moving from a very strong seller’s market to a more balanced state. Home prices are strong here, and prices have stabilized. We also saw an increase in inventory, giving buyers, on average, more negotiating power. Homes priced competitively and move-in ready are still selling quickly. In some high-demand areas, we’re still seeing multiple offer situations. Also, we’re seeing that when sellers start too high, they make quick price adjustments rather than letting their listings sit on the market. Looking at the data, Kitsap County’s 4th quarter saw an average sale price of $686,000, slightly up by 0.6% year-over-year. Right now, we’re in a seasonal slowdown, but it’s expected to pick up in spring and get busy again in the summer.
Real Estate Market Trends
It’s also important to look at the regional real estate market to get a sense of trends and the bigger picture. Below is a look at Western Washington’s real estate market with insights from Windermere’s Principal Economist, Jeff Tucker.
Tucker also has some 2026 market predictions. He expects a very modest climb in existing home sales and notes there’s more inventory than we’ve seen since 2019, and lower mortgage rates than we’ve seen since 2022. Therefore, he doesn’t expect huge gains in the year ahead. Tucker expects inventory to return to pre-pandemic levels nationally. Additionally, he says, “Sellers have shown they’re responsive to market conditions as the market swung in buyers’ favor. Many homeowners who didn’t get the offers they wanted simply delisted their homes while others decided not to list at all, helping to slow down the breakneck pace of inventory growth from early 2025.”
Preparing to Sell Your Home
Using regional and local market data can help you manage expectations and properly prepare when selling your home. You want to make sure your home will stand out amongst competing listings. It’s best to contact a local real estate agent. Real estate agents in Kitsap County should know the market well. Many of our Windermere agents have lived here for over a decade, or grew up here, and are constantly analyzing the data. Our Brokers also have many 5-star reviews from sellers, and a strong network of local vendors, including repair workers, home inspectors, and professional photographers.
When you meet with your Broker/Realtor, you can begin with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). Our Windermere Brokers offer CMAs for free, and will provide you with a detailed report, estimating your home’s current value and comparing it to others that have recently sold nearby. From there, you can discuss needed repairs and home improvement projects that return the most at resale. Along those lines, boosting curb appeal can help attract buyers and make your home more inviting. Staging your home can be quite advantageous as well. In fact, the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Profile of Home Staging reported that 49% of sellers’ agents stated home staging reduced the time homes spent on the market.
Discuss different options with your agent and together, you can create a clear plan of action.
Pricing Strategy
When it comes to selling your home, you may be tempted to list it for the highest possible number, but that’s where knowing Kitsap County’s market and its seasonal shifts comes into play. Having an experienced local expert will also save you from making costly mistakes. Competitive home pricing is key. You don’t want to drive away serious buyers due to an unreasonable asking price. To determine the asking price for a property, your real estate agent should be using a combination of market analysis, comparable sales data, property condition assessment, and local market trends. Assessing Kitsap’s current real estate market conditions, including supply and demand dynamics, interest rates, and economic factors can impact property values. Also, when looking at the property more in depth, it’s important to consider how size, location, amenities, and condition will impact the price. You’ll also want to factor in your timeline. If you can afford to wait, you may set a higher asking price than someone who needs to sell quickly. Someone needing to move for a job or a change in their family situation, may be focusing more on competitively pricing their home so they can try to stick to their desired timeline.
Marketing Your Home in Kitsap County
You may have a beautiful home that has been expertly maintained and updated, and is in an ideal location, but effectively marketing it still matters. Your home should be strategically marketed through digital and print marketing campaigns. It’s best features should be highlighted through top tier photography, videography, and/or through a 3D virtual tour. A well-connected agent in Kitsap County will know how to best position your home, knowing what buyers are currently looking for here, and the nuances of certain neighborhoods. They will also have strong relationships not only in the industry, but in the community. This will enhance their ability to attract serious buyers and their agents, so that you can successfully sell your home.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to one of our highly-rated Windermere real estate agents.
New Agent Spotlight: Jennifer C. Calvin Myers
Looking for a Broker/Realtor who is an exceptional listener and guide? Meet Jennifer C. Calvin Myers. She recently joined our Windermere Silverdale team. She’s passionate about helping people and is a skilled advisor with a background in social work. Learn more about her in our Q&A.
What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
As a licensed social worker, I helped older adults and their family caregivers for over 10 years in Kitsap County. I’ve learned to approach people and situations with an open mind to understand what’s important to each person. This helps me provide personalized, practical, and flexible service to each client. My experience in contract management ties in nicely to support clients through real estate offers in a straightforward and creative way, when needed. I’m also well-equipped to roll with the range of emotions people experience during the life changes that lead them to buy or sell real estate.
What drew you to real estate?
I find inspiration in all the ways real estate can improve people’s lives. Also, I enjoy being a sounding board, educator, guide, and advisor to help people feel good about their decisions. I like that real estate adds variety for the ways I can help people and that it’s not all about sales. It’s about getting to know people and having trusting relationships first, to truly know how I can help someone with their real estate needs. When clients find the right real estate firm and agent, I think real estate can make positive connections for life.
Which areas do you serve, and what do you love about the area?
I serve all of Kitsap County and into neighboring counties as well. The greater Puget Sound and Olympic areas have so much to appreciate. I love it all… water, forest, and mountain views, to quiet rural areas and active city areas. It’s so exciting to have options to match the lifestyle people are looking for! I also like that I can find an agent for someone, if they are looking to purchase or sell outside of the area I serve – even in other states.
How are you involved in the community?
For the last 3 years, I’ve contracted with Kitsap County Aging and Long Term Care to provide no-cost dementia social work consultations for individuals with memory issues and/or their family caregivers. I’m able to meet with people for preventative consultation or to talk about ways to meet their current needs and plan for the future.
I participate in local events that donate proceeds to the community, such as the Silverdale Rotary Turkey Trot, which helps fight hunger. The Poulsbo Beer Run is another event I enjoy. It benefits the Blue Star Banner Program, which honors and remembers local active duty military members.
To stay current in my area, I attend Central Kitsap Community Council meetings. In the future, I plan to check out the Port of Silverdale meetings.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Windermere has all-around integrity extending to the general community, buyers, sellers, and agents. I feel 110% supported by Windermere personally and professionally!
I appreciate that a portion of every commission is donated to the Windermere Foundation, dedicated to helping low-income and homeless families. And, I look forward to participating when the office closes for agents to volunteer on Community Service Day.
As a Windermere agent, I’m proud to offer an elevated level of service through exclusive services and optional loan programs, like the Windermere Bridge Loan and Windermere Ready.
Also, I really like that agents are supported through consistent, local training and have access to many other trainings from Windermere and other leading professional organizations.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I have two beloved, senior rescue cats, enjoy traveling, and being active outdoors. My husband and I have been fortunate to travel internationally and within the United States. I always enjoy seeing and learning about new places and trying new things. The photos below are from a wedding anniversary present for my husband, where we tried our hand at making beer with the help of Gallaghers’ Where U Brew in Edmonds. We also had fun relaxing in Cancun for a cousin’s family birthday party and exploring Sedona, AZ last year, while in the area to attend the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a PGA tour event.
If you want to learn more about Jennifer C. Calvin Myers, check out her website and her Facebook page. We know she will provide excellent service to buyers and sellers in Kitsap County and the surrounding area.
Kitsap County Real Estate: What to Know Before You Buy
Thinking of buying a home in our area? It’s important to learn as much as you can about Kitsap County real estate. Our current market remains strong, with a lean toward buyers. However, delving into the numbers and learning from local real estate experts will help you make informed decisions.
It’s a Good Time to Buy
“The balance of power has swung in buyers’ favor this year, thanks to higher inventory,” says Windermere Principal Economist, Jeff Tucker. “But it’s now clear that inventory passed an inflection point [nationally]…Buyers are still favored in many markets, but they can’t count on that pendulum to keep swinging further in their favor, especially because mortgage rates have fallen…I advise everyone to strike while the iron’s hot. If rates do fall further this winter, well, you could always refinance.”
You can view Jeff Tucker’s updates and insights in full in the video below. At the time of writing this, mortgage rates are in the neighborhood of 6.4% for a 30-year fixed.
When looking at Western Washington’s data, Tucker points out that buyers “have more inventory to choose from” with “listings that have lingered on the market, and mortgage rates that have dipped”. He also says, “For people in a position to buy, this fall is shaping up to be a sweet spot.”
Kitsap County Real Estate Data & Insights
Zooming into our local market here in Kitsap County, we’re seeing a shift as well. “The Kitsap County real estate market is moving toward a more balanced state, with stabilizing prices and increasing inventory,” explains Windermere Silverdale’s Branch Manager, Nancy Mackleit. “While some high-demand areas continue to see multiple offers, the overall pace of sales has slowed compared to previous peaks. Homes that are priced competitively and move-in ready are still selling quickly. With more listings available than in recent years, buyers now have a wider range of options and greater opportunity to find the right home.”
Looking at the data, Kitsap County experienced a strong third quarter, with an average sale price of $724,000, representing a 3.4% year-over-year increase. However, it’s important to note that the average sale price for the entire county includes homes with significantly higher price points. Those homes are often in North Kitsap as opposed to many homes in Central and South Kitsap. There were still several listings at a price below that average. As our Branch Manager, Nancy Mackleit, stated, if a home is in a popular area, competitively priced, and move-in ready, don’t be surprised if there are multiple offers to compete with.
Check out a brief snapshot below of the Kitsap County real estate market data for Q3.
Tips for Homebuyers
As the market experiences a seasonal slowdown in the colder months, use that to your advantage. Shop strategically and know that you can often negotiate closing costs or rate buydowns. This is especially true for listings that have been on the market for an extended period and/or need updates. In our third quarter, Kitsap County’s CDOM (Continuous Days On Market) was 38. That’s ten days more compared to the third quarter of 2024. (This is for single-family homes.) While some homes are selling at a slower pace, it’s still best to be prepared to act quickly, especially if you’re looking at newer homes that have been well-maintained and are located near ferries, military bases, downtown hubs, and other desirable areas. Additionally, with these homes, you often won’t have as much room to negotiate and may be competing with other serious buyers. Therefore, it’s best to have your finances in order and discuss your timeline and needs with your trusted local real estate agent beforehand. Have a plan in place and seize opportunities to tour homes as soon as possible. If you’re moving to Kitsap County and need to buy from afar, check out these FAQs for Buying a House Out of State.
If you have any questions, our top-rated Brokers are here to assist.
Why Staging Your Home Can Make a Huge Difference
When it comes to selling your home, a great first impression is everything. That’s where staging comes in. Even partially staging your home can lead to more favorable outcomes. Read on to find out why this step in the selling process can be so beneficial.
Enhanced Visual Appeal
The majority of home buyers first look at homes online when starting their search. While professional photography is part of that equation, so is the way your home is displayed. Staging optimizes your home’s appearance by decluttering, depersonalizing, and carefully arranging items and furniture to create a visually appealing space. It also creates a welcoming environment for potential homebuyers, allowing them to easily imagine living in your home. In a 2023 study, 81% of buyers’ agents stated that staging a home made it easier for their clients to see a property as their future home. Furthermore, when a home is staged, each room’s best features are strategically highlighted, making the strongest possible first impression. You want to showcase a move-in-ready appearance and create intentional spaces that evoke positive emotions.
More Favorable Outcomes
Staged homes tend to sell for more and in less time than homes that are not either partially or fully staged. According to the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 49% of sellers’ agents stated that home staging reduced the time homes spent on the market. Additionally, staged homes typically receive a 1% to 10% increase in the dollar value offered.
If you’re thinking of partially staging your home, that same NAR report found that the most commonly staged rooms were:
- living room (91%)
- primary bedroom (83%)
- dining room (69%)
- kitchen (68%)
Which rooms were most important to buyers to be staged? The results were:
- living room (37%)
- primary bedroom (34%)
- kitchen (23%)
Expertly Showcasing Your Home’s Value
Staging Can Save You Money in the Long Run
Staging is an upfront investment. According to Home Advisor, the normal range for staging a home in Washington is $1,481 – $2,708. What factors into this cost? It includes professional staging fees, cleaning, repairs, the size of the home, and furnishings.
While this may seem like quite the price tag, it may help you in the long run if it sells faster because you’ll reduce the carrying costs associated with owning that home (mortgage payments, utilities, etc.). Staging can also help you avoid the need for price reductions.
Additional Info
For more information about how to successfully sell your home, check out our digital flipbook below. If you have any questions, reach out to one of our highly rated real estate agents at Windermere Silverdale.
4 Important Benefits of Working with a Local Lender
The home-buying process involves many decisions. One of them is choosing a mortgage lender. Some people may think all lenders are pretty much the same, but that’s not the case. You want to work with a trusted professional. Working with a local lender can significantly increase your chances of success. Read on to find out how.
1. Personalized Experience
Before exploring neighborhoods and open houses, you need to get pre-approved for a loan. While there are many options, including your current bank and various online providers, it’s hard to beat the personalized service of a great local lender. Buying a home is most likely the biggest purchase you will ever make. Whether you’re a first-time or third-time home buyer, feeling comfortable asking questions is important. Using a local lender gives you easy access to people who can answer your questions in person or on the phone. This is extra helpful if you have a unique or complex situation that requires a more nuanced and hands-on approach.
2. Great Track Record
Typically, local lenders live in the community and are dedicated to and enthusiastic about the area they serve. Since they’re a local resident, client feedback and their reputation is important to them. Do your research and choose a lender with a proven track record. Help your offer stand out by having a lender with a well-earned reputation for being responsive and getting loans closed on time. And remember, local lenders have a vested interest in making sure each loan closes smoothly and efficiently. They know that you may be bumping into them at the grocery store or chatting about your experience with neighbors.
3. Trusted Reputation
Overall, local lenders appeal to sellers and real estate agents because they have better reputations for closing on time. This can be especially important if you’re trying to win in a multiple offer situation. Sometimes sellers or agents have had bad past experiences with national banks or online lenders. If you have a trusted local lender, this could be the one thing that tips the scales in your favor. At Windermere, we’re proud to partner with Generations Home Loans.
“Generations Home Loans works hard to offer the best local financing options to Windermere clients,” explains Cherie Kesti, Generations Home Loans Mortgage Advisor. “The reputation of Generations as a local lender is instrumental in helping the Real Estate Brokers and their clients gain a sense of confidence that their transaction is going to close on time, with the best financing options available. I’ve known sellers who picked a Generations-approved buyer amongst other offers because they had a past positive experience with Generations and knew their transaction would close as agreed.”
4. Community Knowledge
Local lenders have a deep understanding of the community and the local housing market. This makes them a valuable asset. They have personal connections with everyone involved in the home buying process including real estate agents, appraisers, and underwriters. A local lender can serve as another knowledgeable guide.
For more information on the important benefits of working with a local lender, contact an experienced Windermere Real Estate Agent.
What to Know Before Moving to Central or South Kitsap County
If you’re looking to move somewhere with a little bit of everything: city amenities, suburban neighborhoods, beaches, forests, and even acres of land for sale, look no further than Central or South Kitsap County. This area includes Silverdale, Bremerton, and Port Orchard.
Windermere real estate agent Rebecca Johnson summarizes it perfectly, “Once you arrive in Kitsap County, you’ll never want to leave! From fantastic restaurants and small businesses to state-of-the-art medical care, top-notch beaches, and hiking, everything you need is within a 30-minute drive!”
Kitsap County is a large geographic area in Western Washington that borders Puget Sound. Due to the expansive area, portions of the county are referred to as North, Central, or South Kitsap. We’ve compiled some helpful information focusing on what Central and South Kitsap provide.
The real estate market is strong and varied
In Central and South Kitsap County, you’ll find many single-family homes for sale, as well as condos, waterfront properties, manufactured homes, and more. There are also many new builds, and we’ve seen a steady increase in people moving here from the Seattle area. Our Windermere Silverdale office has a team of experts ready to help you navigate the market. As the spring market heats up, we expect to see more multiple offer situations. So, if you’re thinking of buying this spring or summer, we recommend speaking to a local Realtor right away. Because our area has a range of properties, you want to work with someone who knows our market well, and can speak to the history and nuances of certain neighborhoods.
The cost of living is lower
The cost of living in Central or South Kitsap County is generally more affordable than surrounding areas. Check out the most recent quarterly market data to learn about home sales in Kitsap County. Also, while the property tax rate for Port Orchard, Bremerton and Silverdale vary by city, they all have rates at or below the state’s median property tax rate of 0.88%.
Enjoy the ferries to Seattle
There is a ferry to Seattle from Bremerton and the crossing time is 60 minutes. Another option is the Kitsap Fast Ferry. This is a passenger-only ferry (vs. the large WA State Ferries, which you can drive onto). The Fast Ferry gets Bremerton commuters to Seattle in 30 minutes or less. Additionally, the Port Orchard Fast Ferry takes passengers to Bremerton in 12 minutes.
Be sure to check all ferry schedules for updates. You can download the WSDOT app (or follow them on social media). Additionally, you can subscribe to Fast Ferry alerts. Ferries can be impacted by weather, maintenance, and unforeseen circumstances so it’s important to stay in the loop if you plan on using them to get to work.
We have a strong military presence
Naval Base Kitsap greatly contributes to our community’s military presence. Encompassing over 12,000 acres across the Kitsap Peninsula between two sites, it houses the country’s third largest fleet concentration. Their presence means there is a strong civilian and military workforce, as well as military-related resources.
If you or your spouse are in the military and are going to be stationed here soon, check out our Military Resources page. You’ll find everything from in-depth school information to VA loan resources.
We have many great schools
Central Kitsap School District primarily serves students and families in Silverdale and portions of Bremerton. South Kitsap School District primarily serves students in Port Orchard, as well as some portions of Bremerton. Both school districts serve students from elementary to high school and offer a wide variety of services.
There are also private school options in all three cities, as well as different preschools and daycares.
There are many fun things to do here
Compared to North Kitsap County, Central and South Kitsap County tend to have a more active nightlife. These areas are also relatively close to other towns such as Gig Harbor and Tacoma, and the ferry makes Seattle just a boat-ride away from big concerts, Seahawks games, and more. We have big box stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Target. There are also large shopping centers with well-known retailers in the Kitsap Mall and The Trails at Silverdale.
Bremerton and Port Orchard also have downtown waterfronts to explore. The Port Orchard waterfront has restaurants, playgrounds, and small shops. They also host a series of annual events downtown, such as the upcoming Ladies Night Out on April 25th.
Downtown Bremerton and its waterfront is also expanding. The city has a strong arts scene, with special event venues like the Admiral Theatre and the Roxy Theatre. There is also a wealth of information on the city’s website to explore local activities, including an events calendar. The annual Blackberry Festival is a huge event every summer that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Windermere Broker/Realtor Mark Plastina has lived here since he was fourteen and raves about the proximity to different activities. “The location is centralized to anything I need…If I feel the need for a relaxing afternoon, I go to Poulsbo. If I feel that need to see friends and play softball, I go to west Bremerton or Port Orchard. It doesn’t take a lot of time to get to places.”
Outdoor activities are endless
No matter which part of Kitsap County you are in, you are able to do all kinds of outdoor activities. Popular hiking trails include the Illahee Preserve and Dickerson Creek Falls in Bremerton. Banner Forest Heritage Park in Port Orchard is also wonderful and Clear Creek Trail in Silverdale offers over 7 miles of trails – a beautiful break from the city.
Golfers can enjoy places like Gold Mountain Golf Club in Bremerton or Trophy Lake Golf & Casting in Port Orchard. Mountain bikers and horseback riders can share the trails at Ueland Tree Farm and Newberry Hill Heritage Park. The opportunities are truly endless.
If you prefer to be on the water, grab a kayak or paddle board and follow the Kitsap Peninsula National Water Trails map for scenic views. There are also local boat rentals out of the Bremerton and Port Orchard marinas for sightseeing or fishing. Additionally, we have local lakes scattered around Central and South Kitsap that are good for fishing, swimming or picnicking in the summertime.
If you’re looking for an overall lower cost of living while still staying near big-city amenities, then Port Orchard, Bremerton and Silverdale are great options. Though we may be biased, we invite you to explore our area. We think you’ll discover it’s an incredible place to live.
New Agent Spotlight: Nate Wallen
Proud of his Kitsap roots, Nate Wallen grew up here and offers his clients local expertise and a strong resource network. He’s highly involved in the community and has a background in operations management. Learn about Nate’s approach to real estate, his hobbies, and more in our Q&A below.
What drew you to real estate?
What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
What personality traits do you think are important in this profession?
Which areas do you serve, and what do you love about the area?
I serve the entire peninsula and Tacoma.
How long have you lived here?
Silverdale born and raised. I left town for college and to play baseball. I graduated in 2011 from Central Washington University and hung up my cleats. Feeling homesick, I moved back to Kitsap County and started coaching baseball. This truly is an amazing community to grow up in and exactly where I wanted to start my family.
How are you involved in the community?
I have been the Assistant Varsity HS Baseball Coach at Central Kitsap for the past 5 years, and I coached at Kingston and Bremerton High School before that. When the opportunity to coach at my alma mater came, I couldn’t pass it up. My wife and I are also active community members of the West Sound Disc Golf Association, where we maintain all the local courses and help run fundraising and tournament events. We also have three children (2 boys and a girl), and they play ALL the sports.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
Nancy Mackleit and the new agent program offered here are unmatched for beginning agents. Also, my mother worked at Windermere for years and had an incredible experience.
If you want to learn more about Nate Wallen, check out his website. We know he will continue to provide excellent service to his clients.
New Agent Spotlight: Nolan Reynolds
With a background in real estate videography, home remodeling, and real estate investment, Nolan Reynolds offers home buyers and sellers a wealth of information. He’s also lived in Kitsap County for decades. Nolan recently joined Windermere Silverdale, and we’re so glad he’s on our team. Read on to find out about his background, interests, and more.
What drew you to real estate?
What unique professional experiences enhance your abilities as a Realtor?
Which areas do you serve, and what do you love about the area?
I serve Kitsap County, Mason County, and the greater Tacoma area. I love the natural beauty we have here. In particular, I think our little corner of the Pacific Northwest is even more beautiful because we have so many incredible mountain and shoreline views.
How are you involved in the community?
Through my video business over the past 10+ years, I have gotten to work with all kinds of great organizations in the community, including North Mason Regional Fire Authority, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Kitsap Strong.
What made you decide to work with Windermere?
I appreciated all of the in-depth training that we receive at Windermere. Multiple days each week we get to sit with our managing broker and dive into all of the real estate paperwork possibilities. Although it can sometimes be challenging, I value the opportunity to learn as much as possible so that I can be as valuable as possible to my clients.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In addition to real estate, photography, and videography, I enjoy traveling to new places. My wife and I recently went to Turkey. My best bud got married in Istanbul, where his wife is from. We were lucky to have the chance to attend the wedding and spend a few weeks in Turkey. The night before their wedding, her family had us over for a traditional homemade Turkish dinner. It was a really special experience to have them take us all into their home and make us an incredible meal. The picture below is from that night.
If you want to learn more about Nolan Reynolds, you can check out his website, which contains more info about him and helpful local resources. Watch his interesting local videos (from the beautiful to the funny) on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Delicious New Places to Try in Central & South Kitsap
Whether you’re a longtime local or a recent Kitsap transplant, keeping track of the local restaurant scene can be hard. Here are some new and expanded restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops in Central and South Kitsap that we hope you’ll check out. We also included some tasty recommendations. With so many great locally-owned places to choose from, this list is definitely just a start.
Lives Up to the Hype
There has been quite a buzz surrounding Restaurant Lola since it opened in Bremerton last fall, and for good reason. Chef John Hall creates a memorable dining experience with locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the owners recently announced a catering offering.
The Windermere team recommends making a reservation here for your next special occasion! Their menu often changes, but check out their sample menu. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Great Burritos & Much More
The Daily Reggae Cafe & Lounge, located in the heart of the Charleston Business District on Callow Avenue in Bremerton, is already known for its burritos. It also offers a variety of fruit and salad bowls, avocado toast, waffles, sandwiches, and a full coffee bar. Aside from its regular hours, it has a range of special events, including live music and crafts classes, which can be found on its Facebook page. Vegan and gluten-free options are available.
The Windermere team recommends their Greek Breakfast Burrito or Waffle Mania
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM + Special Events (as posted on Facebook)
New Owners, Same Splendid Sweets
Sugar Studios Cafe in Old Town Silverdale recently reopened under new ownership. Great news for previous customers: they are bringing back their beloved crepes. Even better news: their new menu includes bubble teas as well as poke bowls. We are excited to watch them roll out all of their new offerings. Considered a sister location to Bubz Cafe in Bremerton, these folks are on track to be boba pros.
The Windermere team recommends crepes, of course, plus new items as they are added.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (subject to change after the soft-opening phase)
Cute & Creative Coffee Drive-thru
Candyland Cafe is not your average coffee drive-thru. Located off Silverdale Way near the turn for Island Lake Park, this adorable spot is just as sweet as it looks. Decked out in bright pastel colors, you’ll find decadent flavor combinations like Chocolate Chip Cookie White Coffee, Fruity Pebbles Matcha, and Pink Flamingo Redbull, just to name a few. You will also find all of the usual coffee staples as well as breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and muffins.
The Windermere team recommends adding their soft-top cream to your favorite coffee – so good!
Hours: Monday – Friday, 5:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday, 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Sunday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Excellent Expansions & New Locations in South Kitsap
Khao Soi Thai recently opened a second location on Bay Street in Port Orchard. A local favorite in Manette, this second location features a much larger seating area. Serving a variety of noodle dishes and curries as well as appetizers and soups, be sure to visit the next time you’re in Bremerton or Port Orchard. Vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options are available.
The Windermere team recommends Pad See Ew and Thai Iced Tea.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Peninsula BrewHouse is the expansion of Peninsula BevCo. This Silverdale Waterfront restaurant and brewery has an expansive tap list and signature craft cocktails. Their menu offerings include unique twists on classics like tacos, pizzas, and burgers. Vegetarian/vegan options and gluten-free options are available.
The Windermere team recommends Bahn Mi Tacos, Sweet Potato Tots, and the Blackberry Bramble cocktail.
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
At its original location, Ristretto Stone became known for its coffee flight offerings. With its recent move to Wheaton Way, it has expanded its menu from beverages and snacks only to include daily fresh-baked goods, sandwiches, and in-house coffee roasting. A coffee flight is a perfect option for a social outing, and flavor options change monthly.
The Windermere team recommends the French Toast Sandwich & the Weekly Coffee Special
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
