Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

Affectionately known as Grit City and Originally The City of Destiny, Tacoma, Washington offers an interesting blend of modern conveniences while still keeping much of its historical charm. The cultural energy, access to incredible nature and waterways, scenic beauty, and easy access to the mountains and ocean give Tacoma a wonderful personality. And if you’re looking to relocate, Tacoma is far and away less expensive than Seattle, and only 40 minutes South.  Culture and Arts Though not specifically a cultural hub of the Northwest, the heart of Tacoma’s downtown Museum District bursts with world-class attractions—including the Museum of Glass (with the iconic Chihuly Bridge of Glass), Tacoma Art Museum (home to the premier collection of Northwest and Chihuly glass artworks), and the Washington State History Museum. Tacoma Arts Month and monthly public art initiatives keep creativity alive city‑wide.  Tacoma has an incredible number of arts organizations from painting, t...

Seattle’s troll fever isn't just folklore—it’s modern art magic on a huge scale. Here’s what you need to know about the beloved trolls making chatter around the Greater Seattle area: 🧌 What Are the Trolls? Seattle’s original icon, the Fremont Troll , is an 18‑foot concrete sculpture clutching a VW Beetle under the Aurora (George Washington Memorial) Bridge. Created in 1990 to limit loitering under the bridge, it has since become a cultural emblem created by artists Steve Badanes, Will Martin, Donna Walter, and Ross Whitehead. In 2023, Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo and a team of about 200 volunteers brought a new wave of trolls to the Puget Sound region as part of the “Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King” project—a fun, sustainable installation built entirely from recycled wood and drift materials. Why Are They There? Fremont Troll : Commissioned by the Fremont Arts Council to transform a neglected under‑bridge area into creative public art, discourage litt...

Perched above Commencement Bay in North Tacoma, the iconic Gray Mansion is a rare blend of historic grandeur & refined modern living. With sweeping water views this distinguished residence showcases impeccable updates while honoring its 1906 heritage.  The grand 40x18 living room has custom built-ins, wood burning fireplace & adjacent dining room is stunning. Modern kitchen & butler pantry with newer cabinets, granite, Subzero fridge, and a showstopping La Cornue range framed by 18th-century stained-glass windows. 2nd floor has 3 beds/2 baths/laundry & 3rd floor has bedroom/living/bath with 360º views.  Rentable & refreshed ADU with 2 beds/1 bath, kitchen & laundry w/separate entrance for income. Geothermal HVAC, Tankless WH & huge basement w/workshop.

Not everything that adds value to a home can be measured with a calculator or found on an appraisal form. While square footage, recent renovations, and upgrades can be quantified, there are several more nuanced aspects that can influence a buyer’s perception—and therefore their willingness to pay top dollar. These subjective qualities don’t have fixed dollar amounts, but they can dramatically elevate your home’s desirability in a competitive market. Below are six such factors every homeowner or seller should understand. 1. Location “Location, location, location” isn’t just a cliché—it’s a powerful truth in real estate. Homes in highly walkable neighborhoods, near thriving downtowns or close to excellent schools often demand a premium. Whether it’s a spot near the water in Gig Harbor, a vibrant urban village in South Lake Union, or a quiet suburban enclave in Tacoma, the perceived convenience and lifestyle that comes with a great location can significantly influence how much buyers a...

One of the best parts about living in Washington State is the incredible access to world-class hiking trails just a short drive from home. From dramatic alpine views and glacier-fed lakes to wildflower-strewn meadows and rugged ridge lines, the Evergreen State offers a hiking experience for every kind of adventurer. Whether you're relocating here for work, lifestyle, or just the love of the outdoors, these ten hikes capture the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest and remind us why living here is a dream for nature lovers. 1. Goat Lake Loop / Snowgrass Flats – Goat Rocks Wilderness Tucked between Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, this alpine loop winds through flower-filled meadows with epic views of Goat Rocks and jagged peaks. Snowgrass Flats glows in summer with a rainbow of wildflowers, while Goat Lake offers an icy-blue reward at the top. Ideal for overnight backpackers or ambitious day hikers, it’s a must for scenery chasers. 2. Ptarmigan Ridge – Mount Baker Wilderness This ...

When buying or owning a home in the Pacific Northwest, there’s a lot to love—towering evergreens, crisp coastal air, and charming historic homes. But nestled in this lush environment in Tacoma, Olympia or Seattle can also be some unwelcome guests: pests. From subterranean termites to wood-boring beetles and invasive rodents, these hidden invaders can cause serious and costly damage if not addressed early. Whether you're a homeowner or homebuyer, staying informed about common pests, their impact, and how to prevent them can save you thousands down the road. Subterranean Termites: The Silent Destroyers These tiny, pale insects live underground and feast on wood from the inside out, often undetected until significant damage has occurred. Termites are particularly threatening because they operate in colonies and can consume structural wood, subflooring, and framing silently over months or even years. Tell-tale signs include mud tubes along foundation walls, soft wood that sounds holl...

Buying a home in today’s real estate climate takes strategy—especially when it comes to financing. With interest rates fluctuating, savvy buyers are increasingly turning to 2/1 buy‑down mortgages and adjustable‑rate mortgages (ARMs) . Both provide flexibility and potential savings—if used thoughtfully. Let’s explore each option, do a quick numbers breakdown, and see why they could make financial sense right now. 🔍 What Is a 2/1 Buy‑Down? A 2/1 buy‑down temporarily reduces your interest rate by 2% in the first year and 1% in the second year. After that, it adjusts to the original “note rate” for the remaining life of the loan. The seller—or a third party—typically funds the cost of this discount up front. 💡 Example Calculation Loan amount : $500,000 Note rate (30‑year fixed): 6.5% Monthly P&I payment at note rate : approximately $3,160 Year 1 (6.5% – 2% = 4.5%): Payment: ~$2,533/month Monthly savings: $3,160 – $2,533 = $627 Year 2 (6.5% – 1% = 5.5%): Paymen...