Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

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...

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,...

  Is it just me, or does it feel like we’re waiting for the other shoe to drop? Politics aside, the new administration has made bold moves across all levels of government to affect the change they desire. Markets love stability and predictability and this current housing market feels just downright different than anything we've felt in many years.  You've heard me say many times, real estate is hyperlocal. What's happening in Seattle may not be happening in Gig Harbor or Spokane. And sometimes even zip codes can buck the trend and perform differently than nearby neighborhoods.  What isn't hyperlocal is the affordability crisis across the country. And we're not just talking about housing. From food, to utilities to travel and healthcare, the cost to live has skyrocketed over the last several years, and nothing seems to be helping. Wages are not rising fast enough to keep up, and the middle class responsible for much of the real estate market's success is being...

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...

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...

Pacific Northwest Buying raw land in the Greater Seattle-Tacoma area can be an exciting and rewarding investment—whether you're dreaming of building a custom home, setting up a retreat, or investing for the future. But purchasing undeveloped land is a lot more complex than buying a move-in-ready house. From septic feasibility to water access and topography, there are some critical considerations to evaluate before you make an offer. As a local realtor who’s helped many clients navigate these decisions, I’m here to break down the essentials. 1. Septic System Feasibility Most raw land in rural parts of Pierce and King County won’t be connected to city sewer, which means you’ll need a septic system. Before purchasing, it's crucial to conduct a perc test (percolation test) to determine if the soil can absorb wastewater. If the land fails this test, it may not be buildable—or may require an expensive engineered system. Counties also have varying regulations and lot size minimum...