When most people think of selling their home, they picture spring flowers blooming or summer sunshine gleaming off freshly painted fences. But if you're waiting until April to list your Kitsap County home, you might be missing a golden opportunity—one that smells faintly of pumpkin spice and twinkling lights.
Here’s the truth: the end of the year can actually be one of the best times to sell your house, and if you’re serious about making a move, now is the time to take action. Let’s break down why.
1. Less Competition = More Attention for Your Home
In areas like Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, and Bainbridge Island, most sellers aim for spring. That means by listing in late fall or early winter, your home is likely to stand out more—simply because there are fewer listings on the market.
Fewer homes mean less competition and more visibility for your listing. Buyers scrolling through online listings in December are going to see your home&mdash ...

 
That Pumpkin Spice Latte Smell Could Be Killing Your Home Sale
It’s fall. The leaves are turning, scarves are back in rotation, and yes—pumpkin spice lattes are in full swing. But while you may love that cozy cinnamon-nutmeg-clove aroma wafting through your home, potential buyers might not feel the same. In fact, that PSL-scented candle could be sabotaging your sale.
Let’s talk about why scent matters in real estate—and how the wrong one (even if you love it) can leave a bad impression.
Smells Are Personal
Scent is strongly tied to memory and emotion. Your pumpkin spice candle may remind you of cozy holidays and apple picking—but to a buyer, it might evoke flashbacks of an ex-roommate’s bad potpourri habit. Rose-scented plug-ins, heavy cologne, carpet fresheners, or even fresh-baked cookies can be off-putting if they’re too strong or artificial.
When selling your home, neutral is better. Aim for “clean and fresh,” not ...

What to Do When Your House Won’t Sell (Besides Panic)
So your house has been on the market for weeks—or maybe even longer—and it still hasn’t sold. No offers. Few showings. Meanwhile, other homes in the neighborhood are getting snatched up. It’s frustrating, but don’t panic. You’re not out of options, and with the right adjustments, you can turn things around.
Here’s what to do next:
1. Reevaluate the Price
The asking price is one of the most common reasons a home doesn’t sell. Even in a hot market, buyers will pass over homes they feel are overpriced. Review comparable recent sales in your area with your real estate agent to see if a price adjustment could help generate more interest. Sometimes a small drop in price is all it takes to bring in serious buyers.

2. Boost Your Curb Appeal
Buyers often decide whether they like a house within the first few seconds of seeing it. If your landscaping is overgrown or the front of you. ...

By The Olsen Team
When it comes to buying or selling a home, negotiation is where the magic (and money) happens. While the idea of haggling over price, repairs, or timelines might make you sweat, don’t worry — with the right mindset, a solid strategy, and an Olsen Team Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), you can walk away with a deal that feels like a win.
Let’s break down what it really means to be negotiation-ready in real estate — and how to keep your cool (and your goals) intact.
Know What Matters Most
Before you ever make or accept an offer, take a moment to define your priorities. Are you focused on getting top dollar? A quick closing? Minimal repairs? For buyers, is it about price, or would you trade that for seller concessions or closing costs?
Knowing your “non-negotiables” vs. your “nice-to-haves” will help you stay grounded when the counteroffers start flying. Don’t get so caught up in “winning” that . ...

By The Olsen Team
Let’s be honest: we’ve all binged HGTV. You know the formula — a charming couple tours three gorgeous homes, gasps at every backsplash, and somehow makes a life-changing decision before the next commercial break. There's dramatic music, a perfectly timed emotional moment, and of course… throw pillows everywhere.
But here’s the truth: real house hunting is not like HGTV. At all.
Sorry, Chip and Joanna.
The Realities of Real Estate (and Real Emotions)
In the real world, house hunting can involve:
Googling "What's that smell?" in a basement

Arguing about the difference between "cozy" and "tiny"

Wondering why someone painted a kitchen entirely mauve

Visiting a home you love, only to find it already has 12 offers (and one buyer who brought cupcakes to bribe the seller)
Yes, it can be exciting. Yes, there are moments of joy. But unlike TV, it also includes paperwork, negotiations, budgets, and decisions that don't come with c. ...