Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

What Buyers and Sellers Should Know Before, During, and After an Offer In the competitive world of real estate, understanding the home inspection process can make or break a deal—especially in high-demand markets like Tacoma, Seattle, and Gig Harbor. Whether you're a buyer trying to protect your investment or a seller looking to streamline a sale, knowing your inspection options is critical. What Is a Home Inspection? A home inspection is a thorough, non-invasive evaluation of a property’s condition, typically performed by a licensed inspector. It covers systems such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, foundation, sewer, and more. Your goal? To identify any underlying issues that could affect the value, safety or livability of the home. Seller Pre-Inspections: Getting Ahead of the Game In Washington, sellers have the option to offer a pre-inspection report before any offers are made. This is a valuable tool, particularly in competitive markets where buyers are submitting ...

By Erik Molzen, Managing Broker – Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate When most people think about buying or selling a home, they picture open houses, inspections, and negotiations over price. But the truth is, a real estate transaction is so much more than that—it’s a personal journey, an emotional investment, and a major life transition. And at the heart of every successful transaction is a skilled real estate professional who acts not just as a guide, but as an extension of the client themselves. As a full-time Managing Broker with over 16 years of experience helping clients across Tacoma, Seattle, Gig Harbor, and beyond, I’ve learned that what really matters in real estate is not just the property—it’s the people. My job isn’t just to help you buy or sell a home, it’s to understand your goals, anticipate your needs, and deliver solutions with empathy, strategy, and precision. There’s a reason behind every move, and my job is to make that transition a positive on...

  Choosing the right countertop is more than a design decision—it’s about function, durability, and long-term value. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or upgrading a bathroom, understanding the difference between granite, quartz, quartzite, soapstone, and butcher block will help you make a smart, stylish choice. Here in the Greater Seattle-Tacoma market, I see all these options nearly weekly, so it’s a very personal choice. Let’s take a look at the most common options. Granite Countertops A 100% natural stone that is mined, cut into slabs, and polished. Granite features unique veining and color variations that make each piece one-of-a-kind. Pros: Natural beauty and uniqueness Extremely heat- and scratch-resistant Adds value to your home Cons: Needs regular sealing to prevent stains Can chip at corners if impacted Can be expensive depending on the rarity of the slab Quartz Countertops An engineered stone made from crushed natural quartz mixed with resins and pig...

In today’s ever-evolving real estate market, buyers and sellers across the Puget Sound—stretching from Seattle to Tacoma and beyond—are experiencing a unique moment. While the national conversation often centers around fluctuating mortgage rates and economic tariff uncertainty, locally we’re seeing relatively stable interest rates and strong spring activity. Even so, understanding how to navigate volatility when it does occur—and preparing for it—is essential to long-term success whether you're buying or selling. Here’s how you can adapt to market volatility in today’s climate and prepare for what's ahead. For Buyers: Stay Agile, Informed, and Ready 1. Get Pre-Approved and Lock In Rates Early Even though rates are currently stable, they can shift without much warning. Buyers should get pre-approved with a trusted lender and consider locking in a rate if they’re actively shopping. This secures your buying power and shields you from sudden increases that can affect affordabi...

If you own a home in the Pacific Northwest—especially in areas like Tacoma, Seattle, or Portland—there’s a chance your electrical panel could be a hidden fire hazard. Many homes built between the 1950s and 1980s still rely on outdated panels that have been linked to electrical failures, overheating, and even house fires. Below, we’ll explore four of the most notorious panels still found in homes today, explain why they’re dangerous, and show you what to look for. 1. Zinsco (Also Labeled GTE-Sylvania or Zinsco-Sylvania) Zinsco panels were widely installed in homes from the 1960s through the 1970s. While they may look fine on the surface, their internal components often fail silently. The unique bus bar design can deteriorate over time, causing breakers to lose contact or weld themselves to the panel. This means a breaker may appear "off" but still conduct electricity, posing a serious fire risk. Testing has shown that up to 32% of Zinsco breakers fail to trip under overload...