What areas do you specialize in?

I specialize in Kitsap & Pierce County, WA with a focus on luxury and high-end homes. I’m highly knowledgeable in waterfront and unique properties across Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bremerton, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, and North Tacoma.

How long have you been in real estate?

16+ years in real estate, including 12 years as a Managing Broker and 2 years leading my own team.

What makes your approach different?

Relentless negotiation skills, mastery of digital marketing and video, and a blunt, witty, fun voice—always professional and focused on results.

Do you only work with luxury clients?

No. I help clients at all price points. My focus is luxury, but I’m approachable for everyone. The goal is to give every client a high-end experience.

How do you market homes?

Professional photography and cinematic video tours, a strong social media and blog presence, and targeted luxury branding and storytelling tailored to your property.

What can I expect when working with you?

Clear communication with no fluff, data-driven market analysis, and a little humor backed by a lot of expertise—delivering a smooth process and real results.

How do we price my home so it doesn't sit, so I don't leave money on the table?

Price is a strategy, not a feeling. We analyze hyper-local comps (active, pending, sold), absorption rate, and buyer price bands, then model two pricing brackets (aspirational and market-magnet) to balance traffic and leverage. We time the launch for maximum velocity and align price with presentation so you net more with fewer days on market.

What should we fix vs leave “as-is” before we list?

Fix what buyers notice in the first 30 seconds or what could spook underwriting. High-ROI polish: paint, lighting, landscaping, deep clean, hardware refresh. Conditional repairs: roof/HVAC/moisture/safety items to avoid renegotiations. Nice-to-haves (counters/flooring) only if the comp set demands it. Pre-inspection can reduce surprises and support pricing.

Should I offer Buyer Broker Compensation? Is it required?

It isn’t required—it’s negotiable. You may offer it as a marketing incentive to widen the buyer pool and smooth negotiations, or opt not to. I’ll model both scenarios (net sheets, likely buyer behavior) so you can choose the path that maximizes your net with minimal friction.

What does the timeline look like from “let’s list” to closing?

Weeks 0–2: prep & media. Week 3: launch (brokers’ open + weekend opens + heavy digital). Days 5–10: offer window and strategy adjustments. Under contract: inspections, appraisal, title, lending (30–45 days typical). I project-manage each step to protect your leverage and keep closing on schedule.

What’s the real first step—tour homes or get pre-approved?

Meet to review WA Agency Law and the Buyer Brokerage Agreement, then get pre-approved before touring. Sellers value certainty; an underwritten pre-approval clarifies budget, sharpens the search, and makes your offer look like a sure thing. Knowing lender speed lets us tighten timelines and craft appraisal strategies.

How do Buyer Brokerage Agreements & compensation work?

You’ll likely sign a buyer representation agreement that outlines services and compensation. Options include payment by the buyer, by the seller as a marketing incentive, or another negotiated structure—always disclosed up front. My job is to deliver strategy and negotiation value that more than pays for itself in your net outcome.

What money do I need beyond the down payment?

Plan for earnest money (typically 1–3% of price, credited at closing), closing costs (roughly 2–4% depending on loan and rate), inspections (varies by size/scope), and move-in costs (utilities, immediate fixes, furnishings). We estimate these before offers so you’re never surprised.

How do we win in a competitive situation without doing something reckless?

We win with leverage and certainty, not risk. We tailor terms to the seller’s priorities, pair underwritten pre-approval with tight timelines and strong earnest money, use inspection and appraisal strategies that protect you, and keep a clean, complete offer. A smart backup offer can also position you to win without overpaying.

Stacia Whatley 11/6/25 Stacia Whatley 11/6/25

Interviewing a Listing Broker: The Job Interview You Shouldn’t Skip

In my latest YouTube video, Interviewing a Listing Broker, I break down why your home deserves more than just someone who can stick a sign in the yard and hope for the best. Because let’s face it, you’re not selling a lemonade stand. You’re selling one of your largest financial assets.

So before you hire the first broker who promises “top dollar,” grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger) and let’s talk about how to actually interview a listing broker, the right way.

Stacia Whatley 10/20/25 Stacia Whatley 10/20/25

Thinking of Selling? Let’s Get Real About Timing in Kitsap County’s 2025 Market

You’ve been eyeing the market and wondering:
“Should I sell my home now… or wait until the stars, the economy, and the interest rates align?”

Well, let’s just say. the timing question isn’t as simple as your horoscope makes it sound.
And no, Mercury isn’t the one making your Zestimate act up. Hi, I’m Stacia Whatley, your Kitsap real estate broker and professional truth-teller (who occasionally drops a little sarcasm between market stats).

Today, we’re breaking down the real talk behind timing your home sale, why it matters, what’s actually happening in Kitsap right now, and how to sell smart in a market where buyers are saying, “We love your home… but have you seen interest rates?”

Stacia Whatley 10/1/25 Stacia Whatley 10/1/25

Gig Harbor Home Sale Success Story | Sold Above List Price in 2 Days

Every sale has a story, and some of my favorite ones are the “full circle” moments. Eleven years ago, I sold this very home to my client and his wife. Back then, it was the house where they planned to build their future, create memories, and enjoy the comfort of homeownership. Fast forward more than a decade later, and life was shifting again. His wife had passed, he was looking forward to retirement, and Montana was calling his name.

Stacia Whatley 3/17/25 Stacia Whatley 3/17/25

7 Things You Should Remove Before Selling Your Home (Unless You Want Buyers to Run!)

So, you’re selling your home. Congrats! Time to cash in on your investment, move on to your next adventure, and say goodbye to that quirky neighbor who insists on mowing their lawn at 6 a.m. on Saturdays. But before you pop the bubbly and stick a "For Sale" sign in the yard, we need to have a little chat. Because nothing kills a sale faster than a home that screams, "I’m not ready!" And trust me, buyers can smell desperation, clutter, and weird vibes from a mile away. Let’s talk about the 7 things you absolutely MUST remove before selling your home if you want buyers to stop scrolling Zillow and start making offers. This list isn’t just about staging—it’s about strategy, psychology, and yes, a little common sense.

Stacia Whatley 2/20/25 Stacia Whatley 2/20/25

Ready, Set, Sell: The Ultimate Guide to Legal, Tax, and Financial Considerations for Home Sellers

Selling your home is a bit like deciding to jump off a diving board at a water park: you’re excited, a tad nervous, and you might even second-guess whether that splash will be graceful or a belly flop. But before you cannonball into the selling process, it’s important to know what’s lurking in the deep end. Today, we’re going to dive into the essential (and often overlooked) legal, tax, and financial considerations that every home seller—especially those in the legendary Kitsap County—needs to know before taking the plunge.

Grab your floaties (or a cup of coffee) because we’re about to make this as fun as a day at the beach while delivering some seriously important insights. So, let’s break it down into manageable chunks: disclosure requirements, tax implications, and the closing process. By the end of this post, you’ll be more than ready to sell your home without getting caught off guard by pesky details that could cost you more than just a few water wings.

Stacia Whatley 2/15/25 Stacia Whatley 2/15/25

The Ultimate Guide to Professional Real Estate Photography & Broker Q&A for Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a lot like going on a first date: you want to put your best foot forward, charm the heck out of potential buyers, and avoid any awkward mishaps that might leave a bad impression. And while you might think that snapping a few photos with your smartphone is enough, there’s a secret sauce that every savvy seller needs in their arsenal: professional photography and the right questions to ask your real estate broker.

In this in-depth guide, we’re diving headfirst into the magical world of real estate marketing. We’ll explore why professional photography is more than just having pretty pictures and how asking the right questions to your broker can make the difference between a “SOLD!” sign and a “For Sale” sign that never goes up. Whether your home is luxury or non-luxury, the industry standards may differ, but the fundamentals remain the same. Plus, let’s be honest—you should really hire me to help you navigate this crazy process. So buckle up, grab your favorite beverage, and let’s get to work on making your home the star of the real estate show!