Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

If you’re considering relocating, Washington State should be on your radar. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and dynamic cities, it’s also home to one of the most diverse and resilient economies in the United States. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, top-notch education, or access to incredible natural resources, Washington has a little something for everyone. Here are four great reasons to consider relocating beyond no state income tax. 1. A Thriving Job Market with Opportunities Galore Washington’s economy isn’t just about Seattle and tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon (though they’re a big part of it). The state boasts a broad range of industries, offering plenty of career opportunities, no matter your field. Tech and Innovation : With companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing headquartered here, Washington is a hub for technology, aerospace, and innovation. Numerous startups are also thriving, thanks to a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem...

  5 Home Features Buyers Are Looking For Right Now Homebuyers and especially Gen Z buyers who are moving into the market are looking for things that most people didn’t have on their radar just 5 years ago. Home trends are changing and with homes becoming more expensive, buyers tastes are more specific. Here are five things to consider adding to your home to give it more value and marketability over the years ahead.   1. Electric Car Chargers - These have become more and more popular as electric cars increase market share and buyers need a place to charge them, A Level 2 (240-volt) home charging station allows you to plug your car in, during the evening and have a full charge by morning. Depending on your power panel at home and space, you should be able to add that feature to give your home a leg up against the competition.    2. Tankless Water Heaters - Hot Water Tanks in markets where the water is hard and full of sediment wreak havoc on hot water tanks that aren’t...

  When Enough is Enough - The Moneypit Home Being invited into a homeowners living room to talk about listing their home is a common activity for most real estate agents. Selling your home in Washington can oftentimes mean timing the market to maximize your return after years of sweat equity and real expense. As a homeowner you’ve often replaced many systems, made repairs and upgrades during your time owning the home, and you’re looking for some return on your investment. But how much spend is too much? Recently in Federal Way, I had the opportunity to meet with homeowners who had spent years touching every corner of their property, making upgrades to flooring, stairwell railings, paint, appliances, room additions, landscaping and more. They showed me their new water heater, new power panel, water filtration system, new furnace, extra storage in the garage. On and on they went, pointing out the amazing work they’d done to their home. And it truly was great work. And now they wa...

  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...

  You know, I've never really pinned myself down as a " Gay Realtor " just because it's part of who I am. But truth be told, my passion lies in helping my LGBTQ+ community find that perfect, safe haven they can truly call home. It's funny how shared cultural identities can draw folks together, isn't it? Well, the same goes for us LGBTQ+ folks - we understand each other's needs and dreams when it comes to finding the ideal home and neighborhood. So, here in Washington State, particularly around the Puget Sound, we attract all sorts of folks from the gay community for a whole bunch of reasons. Like many places, politics and cultural vibes in Washington swing from liberal in the bustling cities to more conservative in the rural areas. Heck, even from city to city, the vibe can change drastically for someone making the move here. People often hit me up with questions like: "How cool are people around here with gays and lesbians?" or "Are there s...