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 10/30/25 Stacia Whatley 10/30/25

Interviewing a Buyer Broker: The Real Estate First Date You Don’t Want to Skip

In my latest YouTube video, Interviewing a Buyer Broker, I talk about why this step is the one most buyers skip and why that’s a massive mistake. If you haven’t watched it yet, go hit play when you’re done here. But for now, let’s dive into the why, the how, and the red flags to look out for when you’re picking the person who’ll help you make one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Stacia Whatley 6/2/25 Stacia Whatley 6/2/25

June 2025 Kitsap Housing Market Update: Sizzling Stats & Sweet Spots for Buyers and Sellers Alike!

Well hello, June! The days are longer, the grass is greener, and the Kitsap County housing market? Oh, it's definitely heating up — and not just because I’m constantly running around in Chucks to get buyers into homes before they’re gone in a flash.

Let’s dig into the latest stats without boring you to death. Because real estate should be a little fun, right?

Stacia Whatley 4/4/25 Stacia Whatley 4/4/25

6 Things You Didn’t Know About Bremerton (Unless You’re a Navy Buff or My Mom)

Hi, I’m Stacia Whatley — Kitsap County native, real estate wizard, glam-ma of two, and passionate truth-teller when it comes to all things Peninsula life. If you’ve been sleeping on Bremerton, WA, grab a cup of ferry-grade coffee and settle in. We’re about to unpack six surprising facts about this Navy-soaked, tunnel-hiding, almost-capital kind of town. And no, this isn’t your average history lesson. This is Bremerton