Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  3 Things That Will Ruin Your Scheduled Home Closing Closing on a home is an exciting milestone, but it can quickly become a nightmare if certain pitfalls are not avoided. To ensure a smooth and timely closing, you should be aware of these three critical issues that can derail the process: depositing closing funds at the last minute, missing a bank wire deadline, and accepting fraudulent instructions. 1. Depositing Closing Funds Last Minute One of the most significant mistakes you can make is waiting until the last minute to deposit or transfer your closing funds. Closing funds typically include the down payment and other associated costs, and these funds need to be cleared and verified by the bank before the closing can proceed. Oftentimes, people will leave funds in an investment account or 401K, and not do the appropriate homework on when and how those funds can be transferred and released. Why It Matters:  Banks often have specific hold times for large deposits, especiall...

Relocating to Puyallup, Washington: The Hidden Gem of the Pacific Northwest Nestled in the heart of Pierce County, Puyallup (pew-AL-ep), Washington, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The city's name comes from the Puyallup Tribe of Native Americans and means "the generous people." If you’re considering a move to the Pacific Northwest, Puyallup stands out as an ideal destination for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Located just 10 miles southeast of Tacoma, here’s why Puyallup is a fantastic place to relocate to. Proximity to Mount Rainier One of Puyallup’s most alluring features is its proximity to the majestic Mount Rainier. Just a short drive away, this iconic mountain provides breathtaking views and a plethora of outdoor activities. You can gaze at the majestic mountain from endless areas around Puyallup. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying nature, Mount Rainier offers cou...

Sound Sound Spotlight - Gig Harbor Historical Background Gig Harbor, one of the Sound Sounds best kept secrets, dates back to 1840 when Captain Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition named the harbor after using a gig (a small boat) to navigate the waters. Initially a fishing village, Gig Harbor evolved as European settlers arrived in the late 19th century, developing a robust economy based on fishing, boat building, and timber. Prior to these European settlements, modern day Puyallup people called Lushootseed settled at the mouth of the harbor and were there until they were relocated to a tribal reservation.  Geography and Climate Gig Harbor is situated on the southwestern shore of the Puget Sound, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. The town’s waterfront, dotted with boats and marinas, reflects its maritime roots. The climate is typical of the Pacific Northwest, with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The surrounding forests and waters provide a rich natu...

  5 Home Features Buyers Are Looking For Right Now Homebuyers and especially Gen Z buyers who are moving into the market are looking for things that most people didn’t have on their radar just 5 years ago. Home trends are changing and with homes becoming more expensive, buyers tastes are more specific. Here are five things to consider adding to your home to give it more value and marketability over the years ahead.   1. Electric Car Chargers - These have become more and more popular as electric cars increase market share and buyers need a place to charge them, A Level 2 (240-volt) home charging station allows you to plug your car in, during the evening and have a full charge by morning. Depending on your power panel at home and space, you should be able to add that feature to give your home a leg up against the competition.    2. Tankless Water Heaters - Hot Water Tanks in markets where the water is hard and full of sediment wreak havoc on hot water tanks that aren’t...

  When Buying A Home…What Makes A Good Offer: When it comes to buying a home in Washington, making a compelling offer is crucial. In a competitive real estate market, it’s important to understand that a good offer is not solely about the highest price or being the first to make an offer. There are multiple factors that can influence the seller's decision. Here are three key aspects to consider when crafting a strong offer: 1. It’s More Than Price While offering a competitive price is very important, it’s not the only factor that sellers consider. As buyers agents, it’s incumbent upon us to ask the listing agent/owner, what’s important to them. It could be flexible timeline. It could be trying to offload existing furniture to ease the move. It could be wanting to find someone to care after a specific thing the property has like gardens or historical architecture. Other key items could be: Contingencies: Contingencies are conditions that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common c...