Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  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...

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...

  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....

Relocating to Washington From Las Vegas - Part I   Moving from Las Vegas to Washington State more than 5 years ago, was a monumental task that I didn’t fully anticipate being as challenging as it was. On top of the move, COVID-19 began raging shortly after I relocated and created layers of complications beyond just social distancing.    As a full-time licensed real estate broker, connecting with people and generating business from conversations is a primary source of lead generation. Coming from Las Vegas where I had lived the majority of my life, the adjustment to a new city, culture and geography took time. I didn’t know my way around. I didn’t know anyone and the pandemic ensured it would be even a bigger mountain to climb than I’d anticipated. As a newcomer from the desert southwest, I’ll share some of my key learnings and how I have navigated the change from Nevada to Washington. And for the record, I’m so glad I made the move, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t things...

  Why Buying Real Estate Today Still Makes Sense Real estate has been a topic of conversation on most people’s minds the last several years. From the Great Recession of 2009, through the years of post-recession stagnation and the decreasing volume of new construction, to the pandemic and seismic shift in real estate, causing prices to skyrocket, we have seen many markets in a relatively short period of time. Without those previous markets, we would not be where we are today. Supply Shortages Driving Price Appreciation : Many regions are facing a shortage of available housing units relative to the growing demand for housing. Rapid population growth, urbanization trends, and limited land availability exacerbate this supply shortage. As a result, property prices are on an upward trajectory, presenting opportunities for investors to capitalize on potential capital appreciation. As homeowners committed to historically low interest rates through the end of 2021, even through the extremes...

Tacoma, Washington, often referred to as the City of Destiny, has been undergoing a cultural renaissance in recent years. What was once primarily known for its industrial history and proximity to Seattle has now emerged as a vibrant cultural hub in its own right. From its burgeoning arts district to its diverse culinary scene, Tacoma has become a destination for artists, foodies, and cultural enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, I'll delve into five key reasons why Tacoma's cultural scene is thriving and why I believe it will continue to grow in the coming years. 1. Rich Artistic Heritage Tacoma has a rich artistic heritage that dates back over a century. The city's roots in the arts can be traced back to the early 20th century when it served as a gathering place for artists and creatives seeking inspiration from its natural beauty and unique urban landscapes. Today, Tacoma continues to build upon this legacy with its thriving arts community.  One of the cornerstones of...