Puget Sound Properties & Lifestyle

Erik Molzen - Gig Harbor, WA   5 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A New Build You’re in the market for a home, and you decide you’re not into fixing someone’s else’s problems and head straight for the homebuilder communities you saw advertised online. It’s shiny and new and has all the latest efficiencies and styles you’ve been wanting. Besides, who wants to hire a contractor to fix an existing kitchen or bath when you can buy one brand new?  Yet, most people who buy new, often are distracted by form and ignore function. We’re going to talk about five problems new construction buyers often don’t think about before signing.  Here in Tacoma and Washington state, rain is a constant concern from November through May. Having a well-built home with good joint seals, well-painted siding and operable gutter system is really critical to keeping the elements out. But what happens to the water once it leaves your downspouts?  Builders are required to submit drainage plans ...

  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...

  Have you noticed how the whole game of homeowners insurance seems to be changing lately and faster than ever? It's like we're all caught in this whirlwind (bad pun) of rising costs and  unpredictable disasters , and it's hitting homeowners harder than ever before. Let's dive into what's going on. Natural disasters used to be these rare, headline-grabbing events, but now, it feels like we can't go a year (or even a couple months) without hearing about some major hurricane, wildfire, flood, or tornado tearing through communities due to climate change. And guess who's left footing the bill? Yep, you guessed it – homeowners like you and me. And we don’t often live in places where these events occur, but we’re still  footing the bill , because that’s how the homeowner’s insurance pool works. Here in Washington state, we skew closer to the average for annual homeowners insurance costs, but as the Pacific Northwest temperatures rise, do we face some of the same c...

  Why Buying Real Estate Today Still Makes Sense Real estate has been a topic of conversation on most people’s minds the last several years. From the Great Recession of 2009, through the years of post-recession stagnation and the decreasing volume of new construction, to the pandemic and seismic shift in real estate, causing prices to skyrocket, we have seen many markets in a relatively short period of time. Without those previous markets, we would not be where we are today. Supply Shortages Driving Price Appreciation : Many regions are facing a shortage of available housing units relative to the growing demand for housing. Rapid population growth, urbanization trends, and limited land availability exacerbate this supply shortage. As a result, property prices are on an upward trajectory, presenting opportunities for investors to capitalize on potential capital appreciation. As homeowners committed to historically low interest rates through the end of 2021, even through the extremes...

Tacoma, Washington, often referred to as the City of Destiny, has been undergoing a cultural renaissance in recent years. What was once primarily known for its industrial history and proximity to Seattle has now emerged as a vibrant cultural hub in its own right. From its burgeoning arts district to its diverse culinary scene, Tacoma has become a destination for artists, foodies, and cultural enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, I'll delve into five key reasons why Tacoma's cultural scene is thriving and why I believe it will continue to grow in the coming years. 1. Rich Artistic Heritage Tacoma has a rich artistic heritage that dates back over a century. The city's roots in the arts can be traced back to the early 20th century when it served as a gathering place for artists and creatives seeking inspiration from its natural beauty and unique urban landscapes. Today, Tacoma continues to build upon this legacy with its thriving arts community.  One of the cornerstones of...

  3 Simple Takeaways You Should Know…from the National Association of Realtors Settlement I have been a full-time broker for more than 15 years, and though my primary role is facilitating the sale of real estate, I also educate consumers on best practice and updates that affect you. Though the information below is relevant to all states, I’m specifically speaking to my home state of Washington.   The Association (NAR) has reached a proposed settlement with the plaintiffs in the case brought against NAR, but it is not yet finalized and could change. For consumers, the settlement creates added transparency around brokerage compensation and how brokerages are paid. Traditionally, in real estate, the seller has the responsibility to compensate both the listing and the buyers brokerage. The buyers financial responsibility traditionally has been downpayment, closing costs and appraisals and inspections. That could now change.   The first change, which was already signed into la...