Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  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,...

Nestled in the heart of Tacoma, Washington, the Stadium District is a vibrant neighborhood that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern conveniences. Whether you’re relocating to Tacoma or already call the city home, the Stadium District offers a lifestyle that’s hard to resist. Here’s why this area has become a sought-after destination for both new residents and long-time locals. A Rich History One of the Stadium District’s most iconic landmarks is the Stadium High School, a breathtaking Gothic-style building that overlooks Commencement Bay. Built in the late 19th century, the school’s architecture and picturesque location have made it a favorite for filmmakers and photographers alike, featured in Ten Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger. Beyond the high school, the neighborhood boasts a variety of historic buildings and homes, giving it a timeless appeal that’s perfect for history buffs. Stunning Views and Outdoor Spaces The Stadium District is perched above Comme...

Sound Sound Spotlight - Gig Harbor Historical Background Gig Harbor, one of the Sound Sounds best kept secrets, dates back to 1840 when Captain Charles Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition named the harbor after using a gig (a small boat) to navigate the waters. Initially a fishing village, Gig Harbor evolved as European settlers arrived in the late 19th century, developing a robust economy based on fishing, boat building, and timber. Prior to these European settlements, modern day Puyallup people called Lushootseed settled at the mouth of the harbor and were there until they were relocated to a tribal reservation.  Geography and Climate Gig Harbor is situated on the southwestern shore of the Puget Sound, across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. The town’s waterfront, dotted with boats and marinas, reflects its maritime roots. The climate is typical of the Pacific Northwest, with mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The surrounding forests and waters provide a rich natu...

  Offer Strategies That Work - Part II In the world of buying real estate, knowing what to offer on a home can be, one of the most anxiety filled decisions of the process. Am I getting a deal?    Am I paying too much?    Will the seller be interested in my offer?    Are their other offers?    How much are the other offers?    What can I do to set my offer apart from other offers?  The number of questions swirling around your head as a buyer (and real estate agent) can be overwhelming, especially when you’re ready to buy a home.  If you’re in the market, everyone is looking for a deal. But if you’ve been paying attention over the last few years, sellers have held the upper hand in real estate because we don’t have enough homes to sell for various reasons. Limited inventory keeps prices elevated. Buyers who’ve chosen to wait out this cycle may wait a very long time. And because there’s pent up demand that has been building f...

 5 Must Do Things Before Buying A Home The prospect of buying a home, whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned veteran can be a daunting project. Especially if you’re new to the market, you’re filled with questions, confusion and possibly even dread, not knowing how to navigate a seemingly complicated housing market. I’m here to help you get the process started if you’re looking to buy a home in Tacoma or Gig Harbor or anywhere in Pierce County. And even if you’re looking elsewhere, these steps are applicable anywhere.   You want to get a handle on your credit score. There are lots of free services out there to access a free credit report. Ensuring you don’t have any derogatory marks against you in the form of late payments or worse, can help you get your score higher. Age of credit, amount of credit used, diversity of credit, on-time payments and other factors can play a sizable role in how your credit score is calculated. The reason it’s so important, is mortgage lend...

5 Reasons Why Tacoma's Point Defiance Park is a Destination   Most people not from the Pacific Northwest, or even Washington are aware of Point Defiance Park. As a 760-acre destination for locals and travelers alike, it’s one of the nations largest urban parks and provides the residents of Tacoma a sanctuary from frantic city life.    Point Defiance originally began as a military reservation in the 1840’s and and in 1888 President Grover Cleveland authorized its use as a public park for all to enjoy. The park includes a fully operational zoo and aquarium, the Rhododendron and Rose Garden, beaches, endless trails, a 5-mile loop for biking and walking and even a ferry launch for Vashon Island.  Also inside Point Defiance lies Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Fort Nisqually was a key fur trading post originally located in what is now Dupont Washington. The Granary along with the Factor’s House was relocated from Dupont to Point Defiance in the 1930’s. Unfortunately...

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) often generate mixed feelings among homeowners and would be homeowners. While some people appreciate the benefits HOA’s bring, others may find them restrictive or unnecessary. However, there are several compelling reasons why  HOAs are worth it  for many homeowners. Though I focus on buying homes in Tacoma and the greater South Sound, these benefits are found elsewhere as well and are likely consistent across multiple markets. Property Value Preservation: Consider a scenario where there is no HOA to regulate property upkeep. One homeowner might neglect their lawn, while another might paint their house an unsightly color, or even park their cars on the lawn. These individual choices could detract from the neighborhood's appeal, leading to a decline in property values for everyone. By implementing and enforcing rules, HOAs reduce and often eliminate such issues and create an environment where homeowners can feel confident that their property invest...

  What on Earth is an LID? As a community based solution to a neighborhood opportunity, there exists a framework often overlooked but immensely powerful in its ability to foster growth and development: Local Improvement Districts (LIDs). These entities, while varying in structure and function across different regions, share a common goal—to enhance the quality of life within their areas. Through targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts, LIDs serve as catalysts for positive change, driving progress from the grassroots level up.   Just recently, our Tacoma neighborhood agreed to a new LID for the install of sanitary sewer to replace outdated septic. Though some homeowners feel more empowered to manage their own wastewater needs through septic, sanitary sewer helps recapture lost water. The average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day. A pproximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors versus landscaping usage. At their core, LIDs are mechanis...

  How To Sell Your Home (Part II) This is a 7 step/two-part list of everything you’ll need to consider before selling your home. Please review my post earlier this week for steps 1-3. Whether you're selling your home in Tacoma or anywhere in the Puget Sound, these steps are invaluable to any homeowner looking to move. 4. When to Upgrade or Leave Alone One of the most common questions I get from homeowners who want to list their home for sale, is whether to address upgrades to increase the value of their home on the open market. I am generally never in favor of kitchen/bath remodels or installing wood flooring or spending thousands on vanity items  right before going to market . Oftentimes, the headache and cost of doing major projects can be more work than it’s worth. Will they make the home potentially more marketable? Yes, and you may increase the overall value of the home, but was the time and expense worth it? Here are some low-cost updates that matter.   Re...

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...