Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

Tacoma, Washington: A Haven for Beer Enthusiasts Nestled along the Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma, Washington, has become a rising star in the craft beer scene. What was once a port town known for its industrial roots has transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, art, and most notably, exceptional beer. For both locals and visitors, Tacoma’s beer culture offers a unique mix of innovation, community, and flavor. Whether summer or a rainy winter, Tacoman’s embrace beer and cider as the go-to beverage. As a top agent in Tacoma, it’s my job to educate and inform on the best aspects of Tacoma and what our amazing city has to offer.  A Growing Craft Beer Legacy Tacoma’s craft beer scene has deepened its roots over the past decade. Thanks to passionate brewers and a supportive community, the city has cultivated an environment where creativity thrives. Locals have embraced craft beer as a cultural staple, flocking to breweries that offer unique brews, live music, and a...

The Puget Sound, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures. If you’re planning a visit, here are 20 activities and attractions that will make your trip truly memorable. 1. Explore Pike Place Market Start your journey in Seattle at this iconic market, famous for fresh seafood, handmade goods, and the famous fish-throwing vendors. Whether you’re interested in the original Starbucks location or just gasping at all the fresh flower arrangements, it’s an unforgettable experience.  2. Take a Ferry Ride Experience breathtaking views of the Sound while traveling to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton aboard a Washington State Ferry. It’s one of the most iconic things to do while visiting! 3. Visit the Space Needle Soar to the top of this architectural marvel for panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and Mount Rainier. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it rises like a beacon above the skyline.  4. Whale W...

  The idea of “timing the market” often comes up when people are thinking about buying or selling real estate. The concept seems straightforward: wait for the perfect moment when prices are low, interest rates are favorable, or the market conditions seem just right. While this strategy might sound logical, it’s not practical—and often ends up costing you more than you think.  In my real estate life, I have purchased 5 homes in the last 20 years. I short sold my first two, during the Great Recession when my property value collapsed in front of me. My greatest regret is selling them, instead of renting them and waiting out the market. In the moment, it felt like catastrophe, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in a year. And yet, had I remained level-headed and focused on the long game, I would still have those two revenue generated assets today. Buying a home in Tacoma was one of my smartest investments I've made. Tacoma is a growing area with long term potential and a busi...

8 Seconds to Make a Good Impression - What Your Home Says About You In real estate, the first impression often makes the difference between a quick sale and a property languishing on the market. With prospective buyers forming opinions within the first eight seconds of seeing a property, it is crucial for sellers to ensure that their home shines from the moment it comes into view. This brief yet vital window of time can be influenced by three key factors: curb appeal, cleanliness & smell, and organization. Mastering these elements can significantly increase a property's attractiveness and sale potential. Here in the Pacific Northwest near Seattle, homeowners love setting the bar on incredible curb appeal.   Curb appeal is the exterior's first chance to captivate potential buyers. This is more than just a fresh coat of paint or a well-manicured lawn; it's about creating an inviting and visually appealing exterior that reflects the care and attention given to the entire p...

  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...

  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...