Escrow Explained Like You’re 5 (Because We All Feel That Way Sometimes)
By The Olsen Team
Let’s be honest — escrow sounds like something you’d hear in a pirate movie or a complicated board game. But if you're buying or selling a home, it's a big deal. And yes, it can be confusing. So let’s break it down in a way that makes sense — even if you’ve had too much coffee and not enough sleep.
So… What Is Escrow?
Imagine you’re trading your peanut butter sandwich for your friend’s chocolate chip cookie. But neither of you fully trusts the other to go first. So, you give your items to the teacher, who holds them until both of you are ready. Once the trade is fair and everyone agrees, she hands over the goods.
That teacher? That’s escrow.
In real estate, escrow is a neutral third party (often a title company or attorney) that holds money and important documents until the buyer and seller have done everything they promis) ...

Confessions of a Real Estate Agent: What Buyers Really Think During Showings
By The Olsen Team
If you’ve ever wondered what’s going through a buyer’s head during a home showing, buckle up — because we’re about to spill the (somewhat awkward, occasionally hilarious) truth. As seasoned Kitsap County real estate agents, we’ve walked through hundreds of homes with clients. From the moment they step through the front door, buyers are forming opinions — faster than you can say “popcorn ceiling.”
Here’s what buyers are really thinking during showings… and what it means for you as a seller.

?? "Wow, This Place Smells Like… Something"
Buyers notice smells immediately — pet odors, strong cooking aromas, mildew, or an overuse of air fresheners. A neutral, clean scent makes a better first impression than a lavender tsunami.
?? "What’s Behind That Door?"
Closets and storage spaces matter. Buyers will pe? ...

By The Olsen Team
When you're house hunting, open houses can be both exciting and overwhelming. They offer a chance to explore potential homes in a low-pressure environment, but they can also hide red flags if you’re not paying attention. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — can save you time, money, and heartache.
What to Look For at an Open House
1. Overall Condition
Pay close attention to the home's overall upkeep. Look beyond the fresh paint and staged furniture. Are there cracks in the ceiling? Uneven floors? Water stains or signs of mold? These could indicate costly issues like foundation problems or roof leaks.
2. Layout and Flow
Is the layout functional for your lifestyle? Picture how you’d use each space. Are the bedrooms a good distance from noisy areas? Is there enough storage? Natural flow is hard to change without major renovations, so be honest about whether the setu! ...

Spring is here, and with it comes one of the hottest seasons for real estate! Longer days, blooming flowers, and motivated buyers make spring the perfect time to sell your home. But to get top dollar, you need to ensure your home is market-ready. At The Olsen Team, Kitsap’s premier real estate professionals, we know exactly what it takes to make your home stand out. Follow these expert tips to maximize your home’s value and attract the right buyers this spring.

1. Enhance Your Curb Appeal
First impressions matter! Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home’s exterior. Consider these simple yet effective upgrades:

Power wash your driveway, sidewalks, and siding to remove winter grime.
Add pops of color with fresh flowers, potted plants, or a new welcome mat.
Repaint the front door to give your home a vibrant and inviting look.
Keep the lawn tidy by mowing, edging, and fertilizing for lush green grass.

A well-maintained exterior signals to buyers ! ...

Being self-employed doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach. While the process might look slightly different from someone with a traditional W-2 income, self-employed individuals can absolutely secure a loan for their dream home in Kitsap County, WA. Here’s what you need to know to start the process and make your homeownership dreams a reality.

Where to Begin

The first step to buying a home as a self-employed individual is preparation. Lenders want to see stability and a clear picture of your finances. Follow these steps to get started:


Organize Your Financial Documents: Gather at least two years of personal and business tax returns, profit and loss statements, and bank statements.



Check Your Credit Score: A good credit score improves your chances of loan approval and better interest rates.



Estimate Your Budget: Use online mortgage calculators or speak with a lender to determine how much home you can afford.



Research Lenders: Not all! ...