Embarking on a home renovation is exciting, but choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes. In my latest guide, I outline seven common pitfalls to avoid when hiring a contractor, including skipping research, choosing based solely on price, and neglecting to verify credentials. Avoiding these mistakes will help ensure your renovation stays on track and within budget. Remember, your home is one of your biggest investments, and taking the time to hire the right contractor is essential for a successful project. Ready to get started? Reach out today for trusted referrals and a free consultation!
So, you’re looking for some ideas to really ring that Summer bell before it ends, right? Here are some places I recommend.
With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting—even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers' experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you.
For most homeowners, comprehensive home insurance coverage is crucial for financial security—but massive rate increases can turn a once-affordable home into a financial burden. They can also pose a serious challenge for sellers. A home insurance policy is typically required to get a mortgage, and, in some hard-hit regions, we’re seeing sales fall through or homes sit on the market because insurance policies are unattainable or too expensive.5,6
It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.
According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging
As we move into the Fall season, the combination of rising interest rates and the traditional winter slowdown is limiting the number of homes for sale. When compared to the same month last year, October 2023 experienced a -23% change in active property listings in Washington counties covered by the Northwest MLS. Across King County, active listings were down 30% compared to this time last year.
As a real estate agent, I spend a lot of time driving around our fine city, and I run across a lot of beautiful spots that inspire and transport me.
Now that fall is here, I’m spending the next few weeks on home maintenance.
I've put together a helpful maintenance checklist and sharing this helpful resource with you. By taking care of these items now, it will ensure plenty of free time to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest fall.
If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club.
Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census data.
Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year.
Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home.
Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.
So what impact is this reduced demand and low supply environment having on home values? And what can we expect from the real estate market in the coming months and years? Here are several key indicators that help to paint a picture of the current market and where it’s likely headed.
“We can’t recommend Tara enough! Tara was so patient, knowledgeable, attentive, thoughtful, & kind. As first time home buyers we didn’t know anything, Tara always invested the time we needed into whatever we asked of her. I would highly recommend you working with Tara on buying or selling. Thank you Tara for being our team mate.”
- Leah
If you are struggling to afford homeownership, here are some workarounds to consider as your plot your first home purchase.
Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores - let alone larger seasonal tasks.
Created after the birth of her daughter, Nicole Leitner has built a business around herbs, skincare and healing.
It's hard to know what’s going in the real estate market right now. News, both national and local, are reporting a mixed bag. On a local level, since the start of the new year, we're seeing renewed buyer interest with open houses heavily attended. We're also seeing multiple offers on great hom es in key locations. The good I'm seeing is a return to normalcy.
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