Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

The housing market in the U.S. continues to experience notable shifts as we head into the final months of 2024. One of the most striking developments in recent weeks is the drop in the median listing price of homes while the price per square foot rises. This paradox may seem puzzling, but it speaks to broader changes in buyer preferences, housing supply, and market dynamics. The Drop in Median List Price In September 2024, the national median list price of homes fell by approximately $5,000 , from $429,990 in August to $425,000. This drop aligns with the typical seasonal cooling in the housing market as summer ends, but it also represents a more significant shift compared to the same time last year. With interest rates remaining high, many potential buyers have found themselves priced out of the market, leading to a softening in demand, especially for larger and more expensive properties. As a result, sellers have been increasingly willing to adjust their prices. In September, 1...

  Investing in Real Estate & Why Passive Income Has Never Been More Important Investing in real estate has long been considered a prudent strategy for building wealth and generating passive income. Among the many locations available, Washington stands out as an exceptional choice for property investment. From our robust economy and favorable market conditions to our high quality of life, there are numerous reasons why buying investment property in Washington is a valuable tool for securing passive income. Below are five of the most important from my perspective.  1. Strong and Diverse Economy One of the primary reasons Washington is an excellent place for real estate investment is its strong and diverse economy. The state is home to several major industries, including technology, aerospace, healthcare, and retail. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks have their headquarters in Washington, attracting a highly skilled workforce. This economic diversity not...

Relocating to a new state, is not for the faint of heart. It takes patience, tenacity, ingenuity and resourcefulness to make a long distance move happen. There are so many factors that come into play when you’ve finally decided to take that dive into the deep end. I manage a lot of people moving to Washington from places like Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago and elsewhere. Because the Puget Sound is a tech hub, with quality education options up and down the state, it’s hard to disagree with the sentiment that Washington is a great place to move to. If you love outdoor recreation, moving to Washington state makes a lot of sense. Like any state, Washington is vastly different north to south , but even more so, east to west. The Cascade Mountains separate the western side from the eastern side, and the climates are vastly different. From Bellingham to Seattle, Tacoma and down to Vancouver, Western Washington gets a lot of gray days, with ample precipitation, though not as much as people...

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...

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...

4 Key Considerations for Homebuyers Looking at Resale Homes When considering buying a home in Washington, choosing the right neighborhood is a crucial decision. It’s not just about the house itself; it's about the community and environment you'll be living in. Here are four key areas to focus on to determine if you're in the right neighborhood whether you’re here in the Puget Sound or not: 1. Is the Area Safe? Safety is paramount when selecting a neighborhood. Start by researching crime rates in the area. Tacoma, like many cities has websites, local police departments, and community forums that can provide valuable insights. Additionally, take a stroll around the neighborhood during different times of the day to gauge the atmosphere, because walkability is an important factor too. Look for well-lit streets, maintained sidewalks, and a general sense of security. Neighborhood watch programs and active community involvement in crime prevention are also positive indicators o...