Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

If you own a home in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in the greater Puget Sound region, it’s worth investigating whether your property might have an old home heating oil tank buried underground. Commonly used before the rise of natural gas and electric heating, these tanks are often forgotten over time—until they become a problem. Here's what you need to know and how to deal with them responsibly. How to Tell If Your Property Has a Heating Oil Tank Homes built before the 1970s, especially those that haven't undergone major heating system upgrades, are more likely to have had oil heat at some point. While many tanks have been removed or decommissioned, some remain buried and unregistered and generally have a 50 year life span. Here are some ways to investigate: Look for clues inside and outside your home. Indoors, you might find old copper fuel lines in the basement or garage. Outdoors, a vent pipe sticking out of the ground or next to the foundation could be a sign. Check p...

If you’re considering buying property in Washington State, you’ve likely encountered the term “wetlands.” These unique ecosystems are an integral part of the state’s landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges for landowners. Whether you're envisioning your dream home or investing in raw land, understanding wetlands is essential to making informed decisions. As a top Tacoma real estate agent, my job is to help inform and educate on topics often not well understood in real estate.  What is a Wetland? A wetland is defined as an area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. This water saturation creates unique soil conditions and supports vegetation adapted to wet environments. Wetlands can include marshes, swamps, bogs, and even some areas that may appear dry during parts of the year. In Washington, wetlands are found across the state—from coastal estuaries to inland basins. They serve as a transition zone between land and water, creating ...

The recently approved *Home in Tacoma* initiative represents a landmark step for the city, addressing pressing housing challenges by introducing sweeping changes to zoning and urban density. This initiative, unanimously approved by the Tacoma City Council, aims to create more affordable housing, increase density, and promote sustainable urban development. Key Features of Home in Tacoma 1. Zoning Reforms for Diversity and Affordability    The initiative introduces three new Urban Residential zones, replacing traditional single-family zoning in many areas. These zones allow for a broader mix of housing types, including duplexes, townhomes, multi-family dwellings, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This change aims to tackle housing scarcity by making efficient use of existing urban spaces. 2. Balancing Density with Environmental Considerations    New developments are required to integrate tree planting and preservation efforts to maintain Tacoma’s green spac...