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 9/8/25 Stacia Whatley 9/8/25

Kitsap County Weekly Housing Market Update: Sep 1-7, 2025

Welcome back to this week’s Kitsap Housing Market Update, your go-to guide for staying in the know about what’s really happening in our local real estate world. Each week, I break down how Kitsap stacks up so you don’t have to sort through endless charts or stale headlines. And while this week didn’t bring any wild swings or dramatic plot twists, we did get a little piece of good news worth celebrating: interest rates are starting to come down (even if just slightly). A small shift, but in real estate, even small changes can feel like a breath of fresh air.

March Madness in Kitsap: Housing Trends, Pet Food Drives, and Dining Deals!

Spring is nearly upon us, and though March can be a bit tricky (I mean, we’re still dodging the random snowflakes), it’s also the perfect time to jump into the Kitsap real estate scene. Whether you're thinking of buying, selling, or just curious about what's happening around town, I’ve got the lowdown on the latest housing trends and some fun local happenings. So, grab your favorite beverage (coffee, tea, or wine—no judgment) and let’s dive into what you need to know this month!

Kitsap County Housing Update – February 2025

Welcome to your Kitsap County Housing Update for February 2025! As we move further into the year, the market is showing signs of continued activity, with shifts in different price points and opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Let's dive into the latest stats and happenings around our beloved Kitsap County.