Blog

Stay informed on the latest

Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Every Bainbridge Island Seller Worries About Missing the Market. Here's What Actually Matters.

If you're thinking about selling your home on Bainbridge Island, you've probably wondered:

"Should I sell now, or wait?"

It's one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners.

Many sellers worry about missing the market. They want to list when prices are at their highest, buyers are competing, and homes are selling quickly. While that sounds ideal, the reality is that there isn't a single "perfect" moment to sell.

The Bainbridge Island real estate market is constantly changing. The sellers who make the strongest decisions aren't the ones trying to predict the future—they're the ones who understand what's happening in the market today.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

How to Spend Independence Day on Bainbridge Island, WA (2026 Local Guide)

There is something special about spending the Fourth of July on Bainbridge Island.

Maybe it’s the small-town feel, the waterfront views, or the fact that you can enjoy a full day of summer activities without ever leaving the island. Whether you're a longtime local, visiting for the weekend, or thinking about making Bainbridge Island home, Independence Day is one of the best times of year to experience the community.

Here are some of my favorite ways to spend the holiday on Bainbridge Island.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Why Empty Nesters Are Choosing Bainbridge Island, WA

For many homeowners, there comes a point when the house feels a little quieter.

The kids have moved out. The guest rooms sit empty most of the year. The daily schedules that once revolved around school pickups, sports practices, and family dinners begin to change.

And with that change often comes a question:

"Where do we want this next chapter of life to happen?"

For many empty nesters throughout the Seattle area, the answer is Bainbridge Island.

While Bainbridge Island is often known for its natural beauty, waterfront homes, and easy ferry access to Seattle, it's also become one of the most desirable places in the Pacific Northwest for those looking to simplify without sacrificing quality of life.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Bainbridge Island Neighborhoods Where Buying the “Worst House on the Block” Still Makes Sense

When people start searching for homes on Bainbridge Island, it is easy to focus on square footage, finishes, or whether a kitchen feels updated enough.

But one of the most important things I tell buyers is this:

You can renovate a house.
You cannot recreate the neighborhood.

You cannot manufacture walkability, water access, quiet streets, sunset views, or the feeling of living in a place people genuinely love being part of.

And on Bainbridge Island, location and lifestyle matter more than almost anywhere else.

That is why buying the “worst house on the block” can actually be one of the smartest long term decisions a buyer makes here.

The right neighborhood often outweighs cosmetic imperfections because the value of Bainbridge Island living goes far beyond what is inside the walls of a home.

Here are four Bainbridge Island neighborhoods I always encourage buyers to pay attention to before starting their home search.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Where to Live on Bainbridge Island: A Local Neighborhood Guide for 2026

If you’re thinking about moving to Bainbridge Island, one of the biggest questions is usually:

“Which part of the island would fit us best?”

And honestly, that’s an important question to ask.

Even though Bainbridge Island isn’t huge geographically, each area has its own personality, lifestyle, scenery, and pace. Some neighborhoods are walkable and close to the ferry. Others feel quiet, wooded, and tucked away from everything. Some are known for waterfront homes and sunset views, while others are loved for their community feel and larger lots.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Spring Sellers Have an Edge. Here’s Why.

Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three.

So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this season so powerful for sellers.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year

Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there's a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now.

But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it.

And this is why they’re thankful they went ahead and took the plunge already. Life doesn't wait for better market conditions. So, your decision shouldn't be about trying to time the market perfectly. It should be about moving when the time is right for you and what you need – and it’s different for everyone.

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)

Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. And according to a national survey, a lot of people believe big investors are to blame.

Even though data shows that’s not true, nearly half of Americans surveyed (48%) think investors are the top reason housing feels so expensive (see graph below):

Read More
Kristi Nelson Kristi Nelson

Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

You want mortgage rates to fall – and they've started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go?

Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here's why.

Read More