Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

Selling your Seattle area home isn’t just about putting up a “For Sale” sign — it’s about strategy, timing, and preparation. The most successful sellers take the time to evaluate four critical areas: the market, financial considerations, home condition, and their own readiness as sellers. If you’re looking at homes for sale in Tacoma or nearby markets, these are strategies sellers often consider.  1. The Market Market Type Matters In a seller’s market (low inventory, high demand), homes often sell quickly and for strong prices — sometimes even with multiple offers, especially buyers looking for homes in Seattle. In a buyer’s market (higher inventory, less demand), buyers hold more negotiating power, and homes may stay on the market longer. Knowing which market you’re entering helps you set expectations. Location Advantages Desirable neighborhoods, school districts, and amenities play a huge role in value. Even in a slower market, well-located homes tend to sell more q...

Taxes are a very real expense to consider when moving to Washington state. The lack of a state income tax is an enormous benefit, but the state certainly makes up for that revenue by taxes residents in other ways. As you consider moving to Tacoma or relocating to Seattle or another town, it's important to take taxes into account. Below are the 2025 rates you should note.  🌲 Thinking about buying or selling in Pierce, King, Thurston, or Kitsap County ? Here’s a quick snapshot of 2025 property & sales tax rates across the Puget Sound: 📍 Pierce County Sales Tax: 8.1% Property Tax: ~ 1.0% (Tacoma closer to 1.05%) 📍 King County Sales Tax: 8.8% Property Tax: ~ 0.85% 📍 Thurston County Sales Tax: 8.3% (up to 9.8% in Olympia & Tumwater) Property Tax: ~ 0.94% 📍 Kitsap County Sales Tax: 9.2% Property Tax: ~ 0.86% 💡 Note: Sales tax can be higher inside certain cities depending on local add-ons. Property tax rates shown are effective averages (wh...

The Washington real estate market never stands still—and 2025 is no exception. Buying a home in Tacoma or selling a home in Seattle has changed. Across the Pacific Northwest, both buyers and sellers are adjusting to a new landscape shaped by changing preferences, evolving economic factors, and the appeal of our region’s location. Whether you’re planning to buy your first home, relocate for a job, or sell a long-time family property, understanding these shifts is crucial to navigating today’s market with confidence. Below are three notable changes in home-buying behavior this year and what they mean for both sides of the transaction, along with strategies sellers can’t afford to overlook. 1. Longer Days on Market One of the most significant changes in 2025 is that homes in many Northwest markets—Tacoma, Seattle, and surrounding communities—are staying on the market longer. Gone are the days of buyers waiving contingencies after a single weekend of showings. Instead, buyers are taki...

So, you’ve been thinking about moving to Tacoma or the South Puget Sound, but you don’t know much about the area other than it’s really green, it looks like it rains a lot, and Seattle seems to get all the attention. While most of that is true, like any place, there’s always room for deeper conversation. I relocated from Las Vegas years ago, after living along the Washington coast during my teens, right before Nirvana became the center of the music scene. What I didn’t know then was that microclimates exist, and not everywhere is as drab as the coast. I wasn’t sure what to expect moving to Tacoma, but I knew it wasn’t going to be 294 days of sunshine like Las Vegas. Having built a successful real estate business for years before moving, I knew I was transitioning into a completely different market. I define it as moving from a transactional market into a generational market—where people move less often and stay in Tacoma much longer. My home in the West End was built in 1951, and I ...

  When you think about what drives the heart of Pierce County, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) stands as one of the most influential institutions in our region. More than just a military installation, JBLM is deeply woven into the fabric of our communities—providing employment, economic vitality, and a sense of pride that spans generations. A Brief History of JBLM JBLM’s roots trace back to 1917, when the U.S. Army established Camp Lewis during World War I on land donated by Pierce County citizens. This bold gesture was one of the largest community contributions to national defense in U.S. history. Over time, Camp Lewis grew and evolved, merging with McChord Air Force Base in 2010 to form what we now know as Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Today, JBLM is one of the most prominent military installations on the West Coast, covering over 90,000 acres and serving as home to critical Army and Air Force units. Its presence ensures both strategic readiness and regional stability. JBLM’s...

Video - South Lake Union South Lake Union—known by locals as SLU—has quickly become one of Seattle’s most desirable neighborhoods. What was once an industrial district is now a cool mix of big-name businesses, trendy spots to eat and drink, and some of the most desirable real estate in the city. For anyone looking to combine work, play, and home all in one place, SLU is hard to beat. A Hub for Business and Innovation If you’ve heard of South Lake Union, chances are it’s because of Amazon. The company planted its headquarters here, and since then the area has exploded with growth. You’ll also spot offices for Google, Meta, Apple, and other major players, not to mention institutions like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. But SLU isn’t just about corporate life. The neighborhood is alive with energy thanks to its buzzing restaurants, cafés, breweries, and boutique shops. Whether you’re grabbing coffee before work, happy hour drinks on a rooftop,...

If you’ve ever browsed homes online, chances are you’ve seen a Zillow “Zestimate” attached to the property’s listing. It’s tempting to take that number as gospel — after all, it’s right there in black and white. But here’s the truth: while Zestimates can be a fun starting point, they often miss the mark when it comes to what a home in the Tacoma–Seattle market will actually sell for. What a Zestimate Really Is A Zestimate is Zillow’s automated valuation tool. It pulls data from public records, tax assessments, and recent sales in your area, then runs it through an algorithm to guess your home’s value. The keyword here is guess . Zillow doesn’t walk through your home, peek at your new kitchen remodel, or see that gorgeous water view you enjoy every morning. In my opinion, a Zestimate sounds like a clock, that’s only accurate twice per day.  Why Zestimates Can Be Off in Our Market The Tacoma–Seattle market is full of unique homes, custom renovations, and diverse neighborhoods. ...