Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

  When you think about what drives the heart of Pierce County, Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) stands as one of the most influential institutions in our region. More than just a military installation, JBLM is deeply woven into the fabric of our communities—providing employment, economic vitality, and a sense of pride that spans generations. A Brief History of JBLM JBLM’s roots trace back to 1917, when the U.S. Army established Camp Lewis during World War I on land donated by Pierce County citizens. This bold gesture was one of the largest community contributions to national defense in U.S. history. Over time, Camp Lewis grew and evolved, merging with McChord Air Force Base in 2010 to form what we now know as Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Today, JBLM is one of the most prominent military installations on the West Coast, covering over 90,000 acres and serving as home to critical Army and Air Force units. Its presence ensures both strategic readiness and regional stability. JBLM’s...

In today’s real estate market, it's easy to assume that all brokers offer a similar experience. But just like homes, no two brokers are alike—and the difference between average and exceptional can significantly impact your buying or selling outcome. Great brokers aren’t just about sales volume; they’re about strategy, insight, communication, and commitment to client success. They’re committed to you! Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or hoping to find the perfect one, aligning with a top-tier broker can make the process smoother, faster, and ultimately more rewarding. Here are five standout qualities every buyer or seller should look for when choosing a real estate professional. 1. Market Expertise & Local Knowledge A great broker lives and breathes their local market. They know which neighborhoods are trending, which ones offer hidden value, and what buyers are really looking for. Whether it’s a seller’s market or a buyer’s advantage, a seasoned broker has the pul...

  Choosing the right countertop is more than a design decision—it’s about function, durability, and long-term value. Whether you're remodeling a kitchen or upgrading a bathroom, understanding the difference between granite, quartz, quartzite, soapstone, and butcher block will help you make a smart, stylish choice. Here in the Greater Seattle-Tacoma market, I see all these options nearly weekly, so it’s a very personal choice. Let’s take a look at the most common options. Granite Countertops A 100% natural stone that is mined, cut into slabs, and polished. Granite features unique veining and color variations that make each piece one-of-a-kind. Pros: Natural beauty and uniqueness Extremely heat- and scratch-resistant Adds value to your home Cons: Needs regular sealing to prevent stains Can chip at corners if impacted Can be expensive depending on the rarity of the slab Quartz Countertops An engineered stone made from crushed natural quartz mixed with resins and pig...

  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...

  How To Sell Your Home (Part I)   This is a 7 step/two-part list of everything you’ll need to consider before selling your home. And since there’s so much information to unpack, I’ll post Part II later this week.  Most people who make the decision to sell have only gone through the process a couple times or sometimes not at all. It’s a journey, and if you’re anything like me, having a bullet pointed list of items to review makes life a lot easier.  Regardless of why you’re selling, you’ll be in good hands following along. And whether you're in Tacoma, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Puyallup or even Seattle, this information will clear up misconceptions about selling your home. Choose a Trusted Real Estate Professional   This seems self-serving as the first item to consider before selling your home, but when you really think about it, so much of the process falls on your broker/Realtor®. Marketing, pricing, photography, market knowledge, relationships, contract l...