Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

When you’re preparing to sell, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks—cleaning, staging, paperwork, and deciding where you’ll go next. But if you ask a local Realtor like me, what the single most important thing to do before listing your home is, the answer usually comes down to this: shift your mindset from “living” in your home to “selling” your home. This shift lays the groundwork for all the other important steps—depersonalizing, neutralizing without going bland, and keeping a clear record of updates. Here’s what that looks like in practice. Living vs. Selling: Why the Mindset Matters When you’re living in your home, every room is designed for your comfort and daily routine. You might have bold paint colors, family photos lining the walls, or furniture arranged in a way that works for you. But once you decide to sell, the house becomes a product on the market. Buyers need to picture themselves—and their lives—within those walls. Making the mental shift from home...

If you’ve ever browsed homes online, chances are you’ve seen a Zillow “Zestimate” attached to the property’s listing. It’s tempting to take that number as gospel — after all, it’s right there in black and white. But here’s the truth: while Zestimates can be a fun starting point, they often miss the mark when it comes to what a home in the Tacoma–Seattle market will actually sell for. What a Zestimate Really Is A Zestimate is Zillow’s automated valuation tool. It pulls data from public records, tax assessments, and recent sales in your area, then runs it through an algorithm to guess your home’s value. The keyword here is guess . Zillow doesn’t walk through your home, peek at your new kitchen remodel, or see that gorgeous water view you enjoy every morning. In my opinion, a Zestimate sounds like a clock, that’s only accurate twice per day.  Why Zestimates Can Be Off in Our Market The Tacoma–Seattle market is full of unique homes, custom renovations, and diverse neighborhoods. ...

If you’ve spent any time around Tacoma or Gig Harbor, you already know the water is a big deal here. The Puget Sound isn’t just something you drive by—it’s part of everyday life. From sailing and kayaking to paddle boarding and fishing, there’s always a way to get out and enjoy it. And honestly, it’s one of the biggest reasons people pack up and move here, just I like I did years ago. Sailing the Sound For many locals, sailing is more than a weekend hobby—it’s part of their identity. The calm bays and open stretches of the Sound are perfect whether you’re still learning or have years of experience behind the wheel. You’ll find friendly communities at places like the Tacoma Yacht Club and Gig Harbor Yacht Club, where people swap stories, plan races, and set off for day trips. Picture this: cruising past evergreen-covered shorelines, spotting seals or even orcas in the water, and dropping anchor in a quiet cove for lunch. Not a bad Saturday from my perspective. Kayaking Up Close Kaya...

Gig Harbor Summer  - Video Tucked along the shores of the Puget Sound, Gig Harbor is one of those rare places that seems to have it all—rich history, stunning yet quaint scenery, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Known as the “Maritime City,” it has grown from a sleepy fishing village into one of the most desirable communities in the Pacific Northwest… all while holding onto its small-town charm. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Gig Harbor, let’s jump into why it’s a great idea. A Little History of Gig Harbor Gig Harbor’s story started back in 1841 when a small crew from the U.S. Exploring Expedition took shelter here during a storm. They named the harbor after the captain’s “gig,” a small boat, and the name stuck. Not long after, Scandinavian and Croatian immigrants settled here, bringing fishing and boatbuilding traditions that still shape the town’s personality today. For decades, Gig Harbor was a hardworking fishing town. Everything changed with the arrival of the T...

  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...

  Nestled in the heart of Puget Sound, Vashon Island is one of Washington State’s best-kept secrets. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming small-town vibe, it’s the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or an art lover, Vashon Island has something for everyone, and it’s only a stones throw away from Tacoma.   A Brief History of Vashon Island Vashon Island, named after British explorer George Vancouver’s friend James Vashon, has a deep and diverse history. The island, on 37 square miles, was originally inhabited by the Coast Salish people, who lived off the land and sea for thousands of years. In the late 18th century, European explorers arrived, and by the 19th century, settlers began to establish farms and industries, including logging and fishing. During World War II, Vashon was home to a significant Japanese-American community, many of whom were forcibly...

When preparing clients to sell their home, one of the most critical factors that can influence its appraised value—and ultimately its marketability—is the condition of the roof. Appraisers assess various aspects of your property to determine its worth, and the roof plays a significant role in that evaluation. A well-maintained roof can add value to your home, while an aging or deteriorating roof can negatively impact its appraisal and even hinder a buyer’s ability to obtain financing or competitive homeowners insurance. As a top Tacoma Realtor, part of my job is to help my clients understand how their roof and other critical components affect marketability and salability. What Do Appraisers Look for in a Roof? Home appraisers conduct a thorough examination of the property, and the roof is one of the primary structural components they evaluate. Three key factors influence their assessment: 1. Age of the Roof The age of your roof is one of the first things an appraiser will consider....

  Building Your Dream Home: Part II - The Architects This is part two of our three-part series on building your dream home.  In our first part, we discussed the importance of finding the right piece of land to build on. That means many different things, to different people. A secluded cabin in the woods could be the perfect getaway, or maybe it’s an old home tear-down in a great neighborhood. The importance of finding the right land and location cannot be understated.  What wasn’t mentioned was diving deeper into what owning that property will mean long term. Do you anticipate the property remaining stable for years to come?  Are their nearby development plans that would change the reason you’re buying the land?  Do you like the neighborhood, character and location?  Is the area appreciating or depreciating?  Is their proper ingress and egress to and from the property?  Looking at the property from a neutral perspective, is there any reason y...