Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  The Key Differences You Need To Know Between Home Inspections and Home Appraisals When stepping into the world of Washington real estate, navigating through the intricacies of inspections and appraisals can feel like venturing into uncharted territory. Both are critical components of the home buying process, yet they serve distinct purposes that are often misunderstood. Let’s delve into the fundamental disparities between a home inspection and a home appraisal, and why each are just as important as the other, but for completely different reasons. A home inspection is like a thorough medical check-up for a property. It involves a comprehensive review of the structural, mechanical, and electrical components of a home, conducted by a licensed inspector. Think of it as peeling back the layers to reveal any hidden issues that could potentially impact the safety, functionality, or value of the property. From the roof to the basement, every nook and cranny is scrutinized to identify e...

  How To Sell Your Home (Part II) This is a 7 step/two-part list of everything you’ll need to consider before selling your home. Please review my post earlier this week for steps 1-3. Whether you're selling your home in Tacoma or anywhere in the Puget Sound, these steps are invaluable to any homeowner looking to move. 4. When to Upgrade or Leave Alone One of the most common questions I get from homeowners who want to list their home for sale, is whether to address upgrades to increase the value of their home on the open market. I am generally never in favor of kitchen/bath remodels or installing wood flooring or spending thousands on vanity items  right before going to market . Oftentimes, the headache and cost of doing major projects can be more work than it’s worth. Will they make the home potentially more marketable? Yes, and you may increase the overall value of the home, but was the time and expense worth it? Here are some low-cost updates that matter.   Re...

  How To Sell Your Home (Part I)   This is a 7 step/two-part list of everything you’ll need to consider before selling your home. And since there’s so much information to unpack, I’ll post Part II later this week.  Most people who make the decision to sell have only gone through the process a couple times or sometimes not at all. It’s a journey, and if you’re anything like me, having a bullet pointed list of items to review makes life a lot easier.  Regardless of why you’re selling, you’ll be in good hands following along. And whether you're in Tacoma, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Puyallup or even Seattle, this information will clear up misconceptions about selling your home. Choose a Trusted Real Estate Professional   This seems self-serving as the first item to consider before selling your home, but when you really think about it, so much of the process falls on your broker/Realtor®. Marketing, pricing, photography, market knowledge, relationships, contract l...

Relocating to Washington From Las Vegas - Part I   Moving from Las Vegas to Washington State more than 5 years ago, was a monumental task that I didn’t fully anticipate being as challenging as it was. On top of the move, COVID-19 began raging shortly after I relocated and created layers of complications beyond just social distancing.    As a full-time licensed real estate broker, connecting with people and generating business from conversations is a primary source of lead generation. Coming from Las Vegas where I had lived the majority of my life, the adjustment to a new city, culture and geography took time. I didn’t know my way around. I didn’t know anyone and the pandemic ensured it would be even a bigger mountain to climb than I’d anticipated. As a newcomer from the desert southwest, I’ll share some of my key learnings and how I have navigated the change from Nevada to Washington. And for the record, I’m so glad I made the move, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t things...

  If you’re anything like me, I love the opportunity to eat out a couple nights per week. Even though inflation the last couple years has made the prospect of dining away from home, more expensive than ever, it’s important to go out and support local when you can.  As a Tacoma local, there are many places I love to go, and since I live closer to downtown, I find myself drawn there for convenience. If you haven’t spent much time in downtown Tacoma, here are five restaurants I recommend for vastly different reasons.  En Rama A boutique cocktail and tapas bar located in the historic Courthouse Square building in downtown Tacoma. They serve up classic cocktails like Old Fashioned, Capiriniha, Negroni and various Amaro’s with many other custom coattails for a quirky and sophisticated taste. They also serve Spanish small plates and house made pastas. It’s a cozy escape after work or for a date night bathed in indirect accent lighting. Though they cater to carnivores, more than ...

4 Key Considerations for Homebuyers Looking at Resale Homes When considering buying a home in Washington, choosing the right neighborhood is a crucial decision. It’s not just about the house itself; it's about the community and environment you'll be living in. Here are four key areas to focus on to determine if you're in the right neighborhood whether you’re here in the Puget Sound or not: 1. Is the Area Safe? Safety is paramount when selecting a neighborhood. Start by researching crime rates in the area. Tacoma, like many cities has websites, local police departments, and community forums that can provide valuable insights. Additionally, take a stroll around the neighborhood during different times of the day to gauge the atmosphere, because walkability is an important factor too. Look for well-lit streets, maintained sidewalks, and a general sense of security. Neighborhood watch programs and active community involvement in crime prevention are also positive indicators o...