Mortgage Rates Are Above 7% (7.4% APR). So Why Might This Be a Good Time to Buy?

Introduction Rates are up, buyers are frustrated, and some people have paused their home search. Yet in the same month rates crossed 7% (7.4% APR), buyers in the Greater Seattle area gained something they have not had in more than a decade: choices. Inventory is at a 12 year high, and that changes t

Thinking About Downsizing in Greater Seattle? 8 Things to Consider Before Selling

Introduction A smaller home sounds simpler. Fewer rooms to clean, less yard work, and maybe lower expenses. However, a move that looks straightforward on paper can bring unexpected costs, emotional decisions, and practical challenges, especially if you have lived in your home for many years. Downsiz

Your Home's Value Dropped. So Why Are Your Property Taxes Higher?

Introduction You hear that home prices are cooling, and then your property tax bill arrives. Somehow, you are paying more. Washington's property tax system works differently than most homeowners expect, and understanding it can help you spot an error or find an exemption. This article explains the s

You've Owned Your Home for 20 Years. How Much of Your Profit Will You Actually Keep?

Introduction Your home may be worth two or three times what you paid for it. That is wonderful news, especially if you are thinking about downsizing. Before you plan around that equity, there is a federal tax rule every longtime homeowner should understand. This article explains the home sale exclus