When the time comes to list a property, there are certain strategies that can guarantee a listing’s success. From appropriately pricing the home, beautifully staging it, and making repairs, there are steps sellers can take that make a world of difference when it comes time to attract sellers. Additionally, a strategy that cannot be overlooked is photography. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and enlisting a professional’s help in taking high-quality photos of your property ensures that when buyers come across your listing, they’re seeing the very best version of it.

Whether you’re looking to purchase real estate as an investment or in need of a place you can escape to when the day-to-day gets to be too much, buying a second property can provide amazing benefits to your lifestyle and your wallet. As with any big purchase, you should go in with a clear idea of exactly what you are looking to achieve, particularly in the long run. Read on for some important factors to consider and some of the big perks that accompany owning a vacation home.

Whether you’re looking for a break from the city and want to take a nearby day trip or you’re considering purchasing a home in a new neighborhood, a visit to Kitsap County is a must. For those located in Seattle, the Kitsap Transit operates an hourly ferry from Pier 50 Seattle Dock to Bremerton—offering people an easy 30-minute journey for tickets from $2 to $12. If you’re feeling called to Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, or Bremerton, there’s plenty of fun to be had exploring the dynamic, beautiful county.

The importance of choosing a home in an area that suits your needs cannot be understated. As significant as the home itself is the neighborhood surrounding it is just as vital. Being in close proximity to restaurants, shopping, and nature is at the top of the list for many homebuyers today, but for those with children, access to quality schools can make or break where they choose to buy. Luckily, for Bainbridge Island residents the island is home to an amazing educational system. Check out our breakdown of some of the area’s best schools below.

In today’s market, it’s crucial to go into your homebuying journey prepared. Certain steps, like understanding the local market you’re searching in and identifying your unique goals and needs with a real estate advisor, are important to take before jumping into the market and beginning your search. But when you’re ready to get serious about purchasing a home, and you want sellers to recognize that you’re committed to making a purchase, a mortgage preapproval is an invaluable tool to have under your belt.

As we move towards the end of the year and prepare to enter the holiday season, it’s a wonderful time to appreciate the community we live in and think of ways we can give back. Of course, we should be continuously contributing to the well-being of our fellow citizens year-round, but we always find that the end of the year is a great time to rouse our efforts! In this month’s blog, we’re highlighting one of our favorite local food banks, Bainbridge Island’s Fishline, a 55-year-old organization (and one of the oldest food banks in the country).

Leaves are changing and golden hues are emerging, the weather is cooling, and shorter days mean cozy nights in with a good book or popcorn movie night. But when you do decide to leave your comfy home and venture out, pumpkin spice latte in hand, Bainbridge Island has plenty of festive fall events on the calendar this season. From pumpkin scavenger hunts to wine tasting suggestions, we’re covering the best ways to really get into the spirit this autumn, all within our own beloved community.

Is golf course living your ideal lifestyle? Whether you are an avid golfer or enjoy the sense of nature surrounding your home or even the idea of having a well-manicured landscape in your backyard, homes on the course have lasting property values.