Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

As housing affordability challenges persist in the Seattle-Tacoma region, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have emerged as a practical solution for homeowners seeking to maximize their property's potential. These self-contained living spaces, either attached (ADUs) or detached (DADUs), offer flexibility, additional income, and contribute to the region's housing diversity.  Understanding ADUs: Definitions and Types An ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. They come in two primary forms: Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (AADUs): These are integrated within the primary residence, such as basement or attic conversions.  Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs): Also known as backyard cottages, these are standalone structures separate from the main house.  Both types must include essential living facilities like a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. Recent Legislative Changes Favoring ADU Development King and Pierce County and Washin...

When you start the exciting journey of purchasing a home here in Seattle, Tacoma or Gig Harbor Washington, understanding the financing process is crucial. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, knowing how different loan types work — and what happens behind the scenes during underwriting and appraisal — can make a major difference in your confidence and success. Let’s break it down: Loan Types: FHA, Conventional, and VA Loans FHA Loans : Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers. They typically require lower down payments (as low as 3.5%) and have more flexible credit score requirements. However, they come with mandatory mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which add to your monthly payment. Conventional Loans : These are not government-backed and often require higher credit scores and down payments (usually 5–20%). The big advantage? If you put down at least 20%, you can avoid paying Private Mortgage ...

  Tacoma Homeowners: Choosing the Right Flooring—Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood vs. LVP vs. Laminate When it comes to home design, flooring sets the tone. Whether you're preparing to sell your Tacoma home, updating your Seattle forever place, or renovating an investment property in Federal Way, choosing the right flooring is a decision that impacts resale value, aesthetic, and function. Let’s break down four popular flooring types— hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and laminate —with a focus on price, durability, longevity, variety, and maintenance. Hardwood Flooring Real hardwoods are the most beautiful yet require the most maintenance.  Price: Hardwood is the most premium option, ranging from $8 to $15+ per square foot for materials alone. Installation costs can push the total to $12–$20 per square foot. Durability: Very durable, but sensitive to moisture. Dents and scratches can occur in high-traffic areas or homes with pets. Longevity: With pr...

If you own a home in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in the greater Puget Sound region, it’s worth investigating whether your property might have an old home heating oil tank buried underground. Commonly used before the rise of natural gas and electric heating, these tanks are often forgotten over time—until they become a problem. Here's what you need to know and how to deal with them responsibly. How to Tell If Your Property Has a Heating Oil Tank Homes built before the 1970s, especially those that haven't undergone major heating system upgrades, are more likely to have had oil heat at some point. While many tanks have been removed or decommissioned, some remain buried and unregistered and generally have a 50 year life span. Here are some ways to investigate: Look for clues inside and outside your home. Indoors, you might find old copper fuel lines in the basement or garage. Outdoors, a vent pipe sticking out of the ground or next to the foundation could be a sign. Check p...

  Homeowners across the greater Tacoma-Seattle area are reimagining their outdoor spaces in ways that go far beyond traditional lawns and flowerbeds. As cities like Tacoma, Gig Harbor and Bonney Lake continue to grow, the Pacific Northwest’s deep appreciation for nature is influencing a new wave of landscaping trends focused on sustainability, functionality, and environmental harmony. If you're looking to boost your property’s curb appeal—or simply create a personal outdoor retreat—here are four key landscaping trends worth considering. 1. Sustainable Landscaping: Less Waste, More Impact Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle for homeowners who want their outdoor spaces to support the environment rather than stress it. In the Pacific Northwest, this means using materials that are locally sourced, repurposed, or recyclable, and designing landscapes that require fewer chemical treatments and less water. Techniques like xeriscaping, rain gardens,...

  If you’ve been in the real estate game for a while, chances are you’ve heard about a 1031 exchange—but maybe it still sounds like some complicated tax loophole. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The truth is, a 1031 exchange is one of the smartest (and completely legal) tools available to investors who want to grow their portfolio without getting crushed by capital gains taxes. Whether you’re thinking about selling a rental or stepping up to a bigger investment, here’s what you need to know about how a 1031 works, what the benefits are, where the challenges pop up, and why this could be an incredible opportunity if you’re ready to re-invest. So… What Is a 1031 Exchange, Exactly? At its core, a 1031 exchange lets you sell one investment property and roll the profits into another— without paying capital gains taxes right away. Instead, you defer them, which frees up more cash to reinvest. The catch? The new property has to be “like-kind,” but that’s not as limiting as it sounds....